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:

Sophie - "Bipp"

Words can't describe how much I am loving this song.

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?).

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."

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. 

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.

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."

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!

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.

Girls Aloud Return To Music With "Something New"

I know the video dropped a few weeks back. I know I'm beyond late to this game. And I know this is the Girls Aloud's world and I'm just lucky enough to live in it.

That being said, I just need to comment on the latest from the Almighty Aloud. The quintet have announced their 10th anniversary tour and greatest hits CD, featuring four freshly-crafted new tunes to help fans last another decade. The production will be left to the spectacular Brian Higgins and his team over at Xenomania, who have been responsible for so many of the Girls' previous hits. Their latest release is no different.

"Something New" is a fantastic blend of old Girls Aloud mixed with the new blend of pop currently dominating the airwaves. It's got a little bit of "Something Kinda Ooooh" with the off-kilter "Sexy! No No No..." to round it out. It's everything I love about the Girls mixed with everything I could ever want. It's a good thing The Saturday's have got their new American reality show on E! premiering in January, because they've just been majorly shown up.


It's been two weeks and I still can't handle it.

The Best Cut From '18 Months'

Dj-Songwriter-Extraordinaire Calvin Harris' third album 18 Months has been released to an array of opinions, ranging from the praiseful to the, well, less-appreciative. All that aside, I really just need to take a moment to share one of my favorite and most-listened to cuts of the album.*

I know we've all had our obsessions with Kelis' return to glory with "Bounce" and the unstoppable Florence Welch's spectacular feature on "Sweet Nothing," but neither of these is the true banger. That award rests with the Dillon Francis-produced "Here 2 China (feat. Dizzee Rascall)." Full of the club-sized beats Harris is known for, layered with Francis' bouncing production, the track nails down it's success with Dizzee's best feature since "Heavy" with Chase & Status. I said it.

I mean, how can we ignore the brilliance of the track? When a song talks about Dizzee's ability to literally get it in accross the world, it's a sure sign that the hip-hop star has really arrived. Joking aside, I really hope the track gets Dizzee the attention he so deserves. In the battle of the Brit rappers, Tinie has seemingly taken the US by storm, stupid nasal grunts and all, while Dizzee has been waiting in the back for his chance to shine. Take a listen to "Here 2 China" and try and convince me that it's not fantastic.

*The other best track on the album would have to be the almost-perfect "I Need Your Love (feat. Ellie Goulding)." Shocking, I know.

Adele - "Skyfall"

This one took me a little while. It's a beautifully arranged piece of music that co-producer and 21 collaborator Paul Epworth crafted specifically for his chanteuse Adele, but something felt off at first listen. We all know Adele has those huge vocals and powerfully restrained talent, but I can't help feeling like she is a bit too restrained. Granted, every song she will ever release can't be a huge number like "Rolling In The Deep" or have the same emotion as the heartbreaking "Someone Like You," but I would just hope for a little more from her. That being said, this is one of the best James Bond themes that I've heard in years and I think the entire production team did a splendid job. I am just a bit conflicted about the blasé attitude Adele seems to have embodied on the track. What do you think? Take a listen to "Skyfall" below.

I'm Completely Unprepared For New Lana Del Rey

The fantastically controversial Lana Del Rey is rereleasing her debut album Born To Die this November and the new album, title Born To Die: The Paradise Edition, features ten new tracks that were left from the original release. That includes Lana's latest release, "Blue Velvet" and the absolutely breathtaking "Ride." It's traditional Del Rey in style and delivery and I am obsessed with it. Born To Die is certainly one of the best albums I've heard all year and I'm sure The Paradise Edition will take the material to a whole new level. Take a listen to "Ride" below!

Ke$ha is Still Alive?

After what felt like an eternal hiatus from the music scene, glitterpop diva Ke$ha is back with another new single, titled "Die Young." The track serves as the first single off her upcoming third album Warrior, due out Dec. 4. "Die Young" was produced by Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and Benny Blanco and features Ke$ha singing about what she does best: partying. The track is full of bright energy and after a few listens makes me just want to go crazy and dance around in my underwear.

Along with the track Ke$ha has released a lyric video for the song, featuring some '80s-inspired clips superimposed atop the singer's face. I like the 8-bit feel of it quite a bit and it definitely reflects the bouncy feel of the track. Take a look!

"I Know You Care" - Ellie Goulding

My all-time favorite folktronica electropop singer-songwriter extraordinaire Ellie Goulding is on the brink of greatness with the upcoming release of her sophomore album Halcyon (Oct. 9). After the release of killer lead single "Anything Could Happen," Ellie has released another track off the album, "I Know You Care." The song is featured in the Brit film Now Is Good, starring American darling Dakota Fanning as a terminally ill cancer patient. Sad yet?

The video features clips of the video features clips of the film, including an eager Dakota obviously gunning for that Oscar nom, interspersed with shots of Ellie. It's equally heartbreaking and thrilling, as I literally can't wait for the release of this album.

Take a listen to "I Know You Care" below and keep your eyes peeled for new leaks off the new album!

I'm Back...No Really

It's finally Fall album season and I'm finally back and trying to make a real effort again to get this place updated. Now, on to the main events...

I Can Now Admit I Like Taylor Swift

It took me a few weeks, but after sitting with Taylor Swift's music video for her latest single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," I can now comfortably admit that I like both the song and the video. While she still painfully markets herself as a "Country" musician, I'm willing to look past that strictly because of the catchiness of the new track. The accompanying video took me a little while to cling on to, but now I can comment on it and give it the consideration it deserves. The Declan Whitebloom-directed video was shot in one continuous take, featuring Taylor doing a number of quick changes while we are distracted by her furry band. It's a cute video, with the singer treading lightly on being a pseudo-hipster (really? cable-knit walls?) but it's really cute and pretty darn creative. Check it out and watch out for Taylor's new album Red which is due out on October 22!