M.I.A. is gearing up for her big return this summer, and giving us a pretty nice taste of what's to come. New track, 'There's Space For Ol' Dat I See' is essentially 'M.I.A. Sings the Songs of Tricky' and is accordingly brilliant.
The video, however, is pretty much just a screensaver but not one of the cool new ones, and in sum it ends up as "NYU Student Union in association with the Soho Art Installation Project Present: 'M.I.A. Sings The Songs of Tricky to Windows 97 (c) Starry Night." You can almost smell the hipster swarm.
Music elitists: You have a new band to promote and go on and on about until people start listening to you, they become popular, and you are forced to hate them for "selling out."
The duo Hurts have been making some waves recently, and 'the blogs' continue to buzz about them even though they're not exactly the most mainstream sounding band vying for listeners' attention at the moment. This video for non-single-but-sort-of-single 'Blood, Tears and Gold,' however, proves that given a chance (we're looking at you, Radio 2) the guys just might break through. By 'break through,' of course, we mean score a number 33 also-ran and top the Belgian iTunes Electro-Alternative Synth EP chart for a couple hours on a Sunday, but it is what it is.
Anyhow, readers, if you're looking for an early week pick-me-up, go watch Gabriella Cilmi's new video again. But if you're in the market for a moody and surprisingly touching synth ballad, we've got just the clip for you.
Just today we were talking about how great Gabriella Cilmi's prospects seem to be for the new year, and then by some stroke of fate, look what landed in our inbox. The video for 'On A Mission' is a bit Little Boots, a bit Euro and a lot great. The video (and presumably album/radio) version of the song is all synths and stomps and comes off a little 'Van Halen at the Disco,' and despite as grotesque as that sounds, it is actually a very very good thing.
18 year-old Gabriella Cilmi, the Australian Amy Winehouse - Taylor Dayne hybrid (Amor Daynhouse just doesn't work does it :( ), burst onto the scene last year with her slow burning jam 'Sweet About Me.' While the follow up singles didn't really light the charts on fire, the album was a decent hit, peaking at 8 in the UK and scraping the lower reaches of the US top 20. But now, judging from the reaction in the 'blogosphere' (ugh), her new album is poised to propel her into the realm of full-on superstardom. Let's look at the evidence:
1. She's working with Xenomania
2. She's working with Xenomania
3. She's working with Xenomania
Yes, things are looking very good indeed.
The album is said to have a 70's/80's feel, influenced by Blondie. With production help from the likes of Greg Kurstin (of Kylie and Little Boots fame), this record is shaping up to be a corker. Here's the debut single 'Woman on a Mission,' remixed by the ever-dependable Wideboys.
The single is in buzz mode now, to hit radio soon, and the album will follow in early 2010
Rihanna is in about the same place now as Goldfrapp was on their last album. Both did something unexpected and met with tepid sales. After the successes of their previous packages, however, it was unrealistic to expect that level of success to continue straight through. Sometimes it's a good idea for an artist or band to take a step back, have a lower profile, and then they can stage an epic comeback as the underdog. It's what Kelly Clarkson just did with the whole 'My December' thing. While Rihanna is in the midst of her rebuilding album, about to release a third single 'Rude Boy,' Goldfrapp are ready to emerge bigger and better with their next project 'Headfirst.'
The artwork for each just premiered, and they're both interesting in their own way.
Yes. Very interesting.
No let's hope after this single Rihanna gets back in the studio for her big triumphant comeback. Because we're still waiting for 'SOS' Mk II.
A while ago (on December first, actually) we posted this, a Marina and the Diamonds video for sort-of-but-not-really-single 'Hollywood.' Well that clearly went SUPER because now a new video has been made of Marina standing in a room and singing to a stripped down version of the song. That's really about all there is to say about it. Here it is.
Alphabeat's BIG COMEBACK SONG 'The Spell' didn't really set the charts afire, despite being very very good, so prior to the launch of the full album (also called 'The Spell') they are releasing another single. It is just as 90's-pop but less accessible and at first listen far less commercial than 'The Spell,' and truth be told screams "BAD SINGLE CHOICE" at a very loud volume. But still, the guy is quite hot in the video and there are some pretty colors to keep us busy.
The single is out the 22nd of February while the album hits on March 1
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