Sunday, August 11, 2013

Regina Spektor - "You've Got Time"

Really, though, who hasn't seen Netflix's new dramedy Orange Is The New Black? For those of you who have yet to experience it's greatness, I'll just give a quick rundown:


A woman named Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) goes to a women's penitentiary after being convicted to 15 months in prison for transporting drug money 10 years earlier. While in prison, Chapman meets a variety of interesting women, each with their own bit of hilarity. 

Orange Is The New Black was created by Jenji Kohan, the same woman who created Showtime's Weeds, and I watched the first season in 16 hours. It's that good. 

What's even better is the theme song Kohan asked Regina Spektor to pen for the show's title theme. "You've Got Time" is different from the traditionally more aloof tempo of Spektor, with a more grunge-rock vibe and definitely more grit. 

The tearing, pulling feel of the chorus is really what gets me hooked on the song, and I love the message of stopping to realize the small details around you. Orange Is The New Black is a show about stepping back and seeing what's going on around you, which the song illustrates perfectly. 


In typical Regina Spektor fashion, "You've Got Time" is a really great kistch-y blend of grunge-rock and pop, and her range is nothing short of spectacular, as usual. Take a listen! 

Summer Jams: Noosa - "Walk On By"

Having released their self-titled debut album last June, Noosa have been laying relatively low on the scene. However, this past weekend I was in Chicago visiting some friends and I re-stumbled across it and fell in love all over again. 

While it was released in the EP last year, "Walk On By" is the perfect slow-moving summer jam that we all need and love. Yeah, it's kind of sappy and stuff, but it's also just a beautifully slow-melting piece of alt-pop that just keeps me swaying all night. 

Back to Noosa in general, they're a duo composed of Sky Barbarick on vocals backed by Matt Buszko's intensely beautiful instrumentals. I love these two, and their EP is spectacular. 



"Walk On By" is everything I need this summer, and I love how similar Barbarick's voice sounds to Lana Del Rey's; the two could be sisters, for all I know. Regardless, "Walk On By" is basically this years "Summertime Sadness" and I'm completely okay with it. Take a listen!



And just for fun, here is the amazing Sound Remedy remix:


Saturday, July 27, 2013

Paul Oakenfold: "Venus (ft. Azealia Banks) (Ibiza Edition)"

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with Azealia Banks. The Harlem rapper has been on my radar since way back when she was featured on the Scissor Sister's "Shady Love" early last year. She's since gone on to release a fantastic mixtape (Fantasea) and a really good EP (1991). While we're still waiting on an actual release of her debut album, Broke With Expensive Taste, she's still given us some nice treats (ahem, "YUNG RAPUNXEL"anyone?).

Friday, July 26, 2013

London Grammar - "Strong"

British alt-rock trio London Grammar are currently hyping their upcoming debut album, If You Wait, which is due out September 9th via the groups' own label, Metal & Dust Recordings. To prepare for the launch of their new CD, London Grammar has premiered a new music video, along with a new cut from the album, "Strong."

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Monsieur Adi - "What's Going On (feat. A*M*E)"

The French producer Monsieur Adi, who has lately gained notoriety for his remixes of Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding and Beyonce, has just released a brand new track titled "What's Going On?" and featuring British up-and-comer A*M*E. 

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Beyonce - "Standing on the Sun (REMIX)"

I don't even know how to compose myself right now. This is just too much.

After a series of unconfirmed leaked demos, plays in her H&M commercials, and live performances, it seems Queen Bey's unreleased "Standing on the Sun" has been remixed and re-leaked. The song has been given a Reggae treatment, boasting a bouncy new beat and Beyonce chant-singing (about a third of the way through). There's also a new hype man at the beginning and the rap section has been added, which was previously absent in the demo version.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Zendaya - "Replay" + The Remixes

Meet Zendaya. You might know her as the Disney star that wowed judges and fans on Dancing With The Stars this past season, ultimately coming in second place. Or maybe you know her from her gig on the Disney show Shake It Up. No, I didn't either.

Icona Pop - "All Night"

I'm back! It's only been, oh, six months, but I've returned from the abyss and I'm back to deliver the latest and greatest in P.P.P. (Pure Pop Perfection). Now, on to the important stuff...


Icona Pop have released a brand-spanking-new single, "All Night," and it's everything I need to get past the infectious (and sometimes over-whelmingly over-played) "I Love It."

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Video: Justin Timberlake - "Suit & Tie (feat. Jay-Z)

After a six-year absence from his still-fresh sophomore album FutureSex/LoveSounds, Justin Timberlake has finally released a new song. The track, titled "Suit & Tie" is cut from his upcoming third studio album, which he has promised will be released this year.

Justin worked with Timbaland and Jay-Z on the track, which features the latter's signature vocals. While the song isn't the Jay-Z/Kanye/Beyonce team-up we were all hoping for, it's still a solid release. It may not be exactly the comeback single he needs, but it's sure to generate buzz about his upcoming album.

Check out "Suit & Tie" below and let me know what you think!

The Saturdays - "What About Us"

Quite possibly my favorite girl group of all time (sorry Spice Girls), The Saturdays are finally on the brink of fame in America. Their new reality show "Chasing The Saturdays" premiere's Sunday on E! and they've finally released the music video for their lead U.S. single "What About Us."

The single also serves as the name for their upcoming EP, which is out January 29th via Mercury/Polydor. While the song isn't quite the huge release we've been used to from the group (see: "All Fired Up," "Forever Is Over," etc.), it's definitely promising of their release in the U.S.

I'm really digging the video as well, which is basically the girls looking fierce and rolling around Los Angeles. Nothing more, nothing less. My prediction is the ladies are saving themselves for a full album release and this is just scratching the surface. They do have five seasons on E!, after all.

Check out the video below for "What About Us" and keep your eyes peeled for the Sats on TV! They've already hit Chelsea Lately, Leno and Today!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Azealia Banks - "No Problems"

Starting 2013 off with a bang is the one and only Azealia Banks, who has recently released not one but two killer cuts from her upcoming debut album Broke With Expensive Taste, which drops in February. The first, "BBD (Bad Bitches Do It)" is absolutely amazing on it's own and features Banks' signature flow and killer beat. I'm still hung up on the drum kit that is just so unbelievably fresh.


The other stems from a bit more controversy: after igniting a feud with Angel Haze over god knows what, Azealia released "NO PROBLEMS," which is a bit more downtempo from "BBD" and reminds me a little more of "1991" from her EP 1991. It's a classic diss track that has the superstar rapper firing back at Haze with some great lines. "You mad bitch/You average"might still be my subtle favorite.

I think I'm a bigger fan of Azealia pissed off at someone than just her throwing down in a box. I can't wait for the fire she brings at Perez Hilton after their Twitter war earlier this morning. Ahhh, Happy New Year.