Big Data in, and it's Dangerous

Now I like a band who effortlessly insert social commentary in their songs, but awesome pop duo Big Data have crafted a song around the whole idea of the creepy activities that most of us are guilty of, when we enter the wonderful world wide web. And oh so catchy they do it to. 'Dangerous' is the lead single from Big Data's forthcoming Ep, "1.0" (Out on September 24 in the U.S., dunno about Aus), and it's instantly danceable and uncontrollably likeable (that bass line!). 'Dangerous' is available now on Aussie iTunes so smash it!

Plug-it in and listen below:

Tich-ed Up!

This is Tich. She's a twenty year old Brit who released my favourite EP of last year in "Candelight". It was filled with four brilliant songs showcasing her incredibly involving voice. You have to listen to 'Dust'. Anyway, she moved on from that EP to release singles proper and the first official one was earlier this year in the pop gem 'Dumb'. Built around a fantastic chorus, 'Dumb' is just the right, clever song to launch a career, but obviously it was ignored here in Aus. She moved on from single #1, naturally, to single #2 in 'Obsession', which was released to iTunes through the week. It's not as strong as 'Dumb', but it's certainly just as infectious. There's something just so natural about her, and she's got a great voice for pop. All of her stuff is available on Aussie iTunes. Check her out for yourself.

Plug-it in, watch and listen below:

'Dumb'


'Obsession'

The Plug It In or Plug It Out sessions: #4

This is my quick roundup of the album releases of note throughout the week. It is the quickest review you're probably ever gonna see. 

Week commencing August 23

The ratings:

Plug it in, now! = 5 stars

Jacked up = 4 stars

I really want to listen to the next thing, but this will do for now = 3 stars

I can't quite find the jack = 2 stars

Plug it out! = 1 star

Ellie Goulding 'Halcyon Days'

I really want to listen to the next thing, but this will do for now

Note: Massive re-release of an already disappointing album (the deluxe version is insane!). The added tracks are of varying quality.

Album highlight: Still the ace 'Anything Could Happen', 'Goodness Gracious' is the best of the newies.

Franz Ferdinand 'Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action'

I can't quite find the jack

Note: More of the same from them, which is wearing a bit thin. It's lacking something as a whole. They've done this much better before.

Album highlight: 'Right Action'

Jacob Butler 'Reason'

I can't quite find the jack

Note: It's an album with an identity crisis. Non-coherent clutter that's littered with very average songs.

Album highlight: 'Come My Way'

John Mayer 'Paradise Valley'

I really want to listen to the next thing, but this will do for now

Note: A bit more country influenced than usual and it suits him well. It's pleasant enough, with a handful of really good tracks surrounded by mediocre ones.

Album highlight: Undoubtedly 'Paper Doll'

Kopps this!

Just try and get the chorus line "Don't you wanna dance real strange boy?" out of your head once you've heard this brilliant little pop number from NYC dance duo Kopps. It's called 'Strange Boy' and it is incredibly infectious. That aforementioned chorus is just the icing on the cake on an otherwise slickly produced dance floor stomper. This is not the first time Kopps have appeared on my radar. I won't say anymore because its better to be surprised by their brilliance, just google them and get ready to get addicted (and they give free music away on their facebook page too!). 'Strange Boy' however, is not free but is available from iTunes now. Go and get it!

Plug-it in and listen below:

Seasons Changing for Two Door Cinema Club

Taking a more poppier route from the sounds of things, Two Door Cinema Club are getting ready to release a new EP (containing 3 tracks) featuring this, their new single 'Changing Of The Seasons'. I instantly like this tune. It's unashamedly pop. Sure it's nothing groundbreaking, but unlike certain other artists, TDCC (as I've abbreviated them as) haven't publicly declared that they will be breaking any ground. The EP of the same name is out on September 30 in the UK. Not sure about Aus, but I imagine it wouldn't be far off.

Plug-it in and listen below:

Pluggin' Brilliant Sunday Round-Up

So we're gonna do a new music of the week round-up on Sunday's I've decided. This list will be compiled of songs that have grabbed my attention throughout the week, with a sample of a few. Here goes:

Birdy ‘Wings’

Cloud Control ‘Dream Cave’

Drake ft. Majid Jordan ‘Hold On We’re Going Home’

Haim ‘The Wire’

Jessie J 'It's My Party'

Kari Kimmel ‘Fourteen Minutes’

Katy Perry 'Roar'

Lady GaGa 'Applause'

Le Youth 'Cool'

Mark Wilkinson ‘Middle Ground’

Panic! At The Disco 'This Is Gospel'

Satin Jackets ‘You Make Me Feel Good’

VV Brown ‘The Apple’

Vydamo ‘Bare Feet’

ASTR 'Razor'

Cloud Control 'Scar'

Little Comets 'Worry'

Soon To Be Plugged In Albums.

My most anticipated and confirmed upcoming releases. All releases are in Aussie dates. Bar a few.

Franz Ferdinand	Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions	August 23rd
John Mayer	Paradise Valley	August 23rd
Icona Pop	This Is…	August 27th
Caged Animals	In The Land Of Giants	August 30th
Naughty Boy	Hotel Cabana	August 30th
The Paper Kites	States	August 30th
Natalia Kills	Trouble	September 6th
The 1975	The 1975	September 6th
Arctic Monkeys	AM	September 6th
Goldfrapp	Tales Of Us	September 6th
London Grammar	If You Wait	September 6th
Neko Case	The Worse Things Get…	September 6th
Diana Vickers	Music To Make The Boys Cry	September 9th
Avicii	TRUE	September 13th
Elton John	The Diving Board	September 13th
Lissie	Back To Forever	September 13th
The Naked And Famous	In Rolling Waves	September 13th
Placebo	Loud Like Love	September 13th
Keep Shelley In Athens	At Home	September 17th
MGMT	MGMT	September 17th
Chvrches	The Bones Of What You Believe	September 20th
Grouplove	Spreading Rumours	September 20th
Icona Pop	This Is…	September 20th
Jason Derulo	Tattoos	September 20th
Kings Of Leon	Mechanical Bull	September 20th
Krewella	Get Wet	September 20th
Avril Lavigne	Avril Lavigne	September 24th
Haim	Days Are Gone	September 27th
Justin Timberlake	The 20/20 Experience: Part 2	September 27th
Lorde	Pure Heroine	September 27th
St. Lucia	When The Night	October 4th
Panic! At The Disco	Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die	October 8th
Loon Lake	Gloamer	October 11th
James Blunt	Moon Landing	October 18th
Katy Perry	Prism	October 22nd
Gabriella Cilmi	The Sting	October 28th
Lady GaGa	ARTPOP	November 11th

Avicii's Previews

Hot on the heels of Jessie J's album announcement, comes superstar Avicii's album details. Complete with previews! The awesome 'Wake Me Up' is one of the finest offerings of the year so it'll be interesting to see what else he's got up his sleeve. Another simple album cover, but simple is better IMO.

"True" is out on September 13 in Aus.

Plug-it in and listen to snippets below:

J's Alive

This is a strikingly simple cover right? Jessie J has just unveiled the album cover and name for her sophomore album at yesterday's V Festival, which is already home to singles, the better-with-repeated-listens 'Wild' and the Katy-Perry sounding reject 'It's My Party'. I was a fan of her first album so I'm anticipating this one, despite the lukewarm opening two offerings from it. The album is just Jessie staring intently at the camera with her new bold, bald haircut. And the album name, "Alive"? Well I'm not sure what that represents but it's a nice effort overall. Certainly better than some out there. Are you listening Jason Derulo?

"Alive" is out in the UK on September 23. So it's not confirmed, but Aussies might get it on Friday, September 20.

The Natalia Kills Post

I just thought I'd pour out some love for this pop unknown, who I think should be a big star rather than relegated to cult status like she is now. I can fully understand why she's not big commercially (very dark themes littered throughout her work and at times borders on too experimental), however she has  big pop numbers that could slip right in to commercial radio which is the other side of the argument. I think she's got what pop needs right now, a different point of view. Constantly (and mainly unfairly) compared to GaGa doesn't help, but she stands as her own individual self who is fascinating enough to sustain the listener's attention span. Her debut album "Perfectionist" was my favourite album of 2011, and still stands as one of my favourites of all time. She's getting ready to release her second album, titled "Trouble" and it goes without saying that it's another album I'm anticipating heavily. Her latest single 'Saturday Night' is very dark indeed, detailing domestic abuse and how fucked up it makes people involved, whether directly or indirectly. It's got a huge chorus of course and I just can't believe that it's not bigger than what it is.
"Perfectionist" contained gems such as singles 'Mirrors', 'Wonderland', 'Free' (featuring a non-sucky Will.i.am.) and 'Kill My Boyfriend'. But also packed with excellent album tracks 'Not In Love', 'Break You Hard', 'Zombie', 'Broke' and 'Acid Annie'. It was a shining example of dark pop that was cleverly orchestrated. Give her a listen if you haven't already, I'm sure you will find something you like.

"Trouble" is out September 6 in Aus

Plug-it in and listen below:

The Plug It In or Plug It Out sessions: #3

This is my quick roundup of the album releases of note throughout the week. It is the quickest review you're probably ever gonna see. Week commencing August 16.

The ratings:

Plug it in, now! = 5 stars

Jacked up = 4 stars

I really want to listen to the next thing, but this will do for now = 3 stars

I can't quite find the jack = 2 stars

Plug it out! = 1 star

Boy & Bear 'Harlequin Dream'

I can't quite find the jack

Note: More of the same, in which I was already underwhelmed with on the first album. There is no instant hit like 'Feeding Line' here either.

Album highlight: 'Bridges'

Fossil Collective 'Tell Where I Lie'

Plug it out!

Note: Certainly not to my music taste. Too minimal and instantly forgettable.

Album highlight: Ummm... 'Boy With Blackbird Kite'

Parachute 'Overnight'

I can't quite find the jack

Note: Some nice moments here and there. But ultimately this is nothing new. Pop we've heard so many times before.

Album highlight: 'Hurricane'

Travis 'Where I Stand'

I really want to listen to the next thing, but this will do for now
Note: Very soft rock from the veteran Scottish band. Some nice moments but it just coasts along without any real standouts.

Album highlight: 'On My Wall'

Ty Segall 'Sleeper'

I can't quite find the jack

Note: More music I'm not too keen on. This is pleasant indie stuff though.

Album highlight: 'Sleeper'

VV likes Apples. I like Apples.

Ha, who would've thought with the new releases of two of pop's biggest names that a little tune such as this would grab the title of the best new song of the week (although 'Roar' is starting to really grow on me)? I'm not gonna lie, I've never heard any of VV Brown's songs before until I stumbled across this and I instantly took to it. This is dark, fizzy electropop done right. It's apparently the second single from her recently announced sophomore album "Samson and Delilah" and it's created with the regular collaborator of Kylie and Kiwi Ladyhawke. This is more what GaGa should have gone with IMO. 'The Apple' is available on Aus iTunes August 25.

Plug-it in and listen below:

This is Free. TODDZERO 'Kid Heart'

I'll start off this post by saying that this won't be to everyones' taste, but then, what music is? That's why music is so incredible. His name is TODDZERO (all capital letters FYI) and his website says "Los-Angeles, California-based indie artist TODDZERO writes songs that explore expansive arrangements, soaring radio-friendly hooks, eclectic sonic textures and storytelling themes of hope, love, loss and redemption". Pretty good description I thought. His latest album is titled "Kid Heart" and deals with all of the above and more. Sounding both commercial and indie at the same time, often inserting big moments into the songs almost to try and make them seem more epic (see 'We Will Win' and 'You Really Love Me' to name a few). It works for me, as it's one of the better albums of 2013. Instantly enjoyable for me, but it will be interesting to see what you guys think. (I'm also digging the visual art style of the whole campaign too).

He's giving away "Kid Heart" for free! Yes free! On his website, so give it a crack and grab it here.

But before you do, plug-it in and listen to the entire album below:

The Golden Turd of 2013 Nomination: Finatticz 'Don't Drop That Thun Thun'

The search and subsequent award for the most terrible thing to hit music continues...

Youtube has the Music Video for this listed as being added in 2011, iTunes Aus has it as April 2012 but it's just started (unbelievably) to enter the iTunes Top 100. I say unbelievably because.... Oh my God this song is turgid in every sense of the word. And if a song that is over two years old and as bad as this can have a (hopefully) brief life inside the Top 100 songs of the moment than something is not right with the listening public. And just as music was beginning to change to a more positive level of goodness. After a nice little stretch of no novelty songs impacting over the past 3 or 4 months, I was expecting one to come along soon, but not this, definitely not this. Who are these people anyway? Finatticz? Who puts a 'Z' instead of an 'S' these days? Two T's? And Thun? What? Ugh. I...I just can't go on. So this is another nomination for 'The Golden Turd of 2013', Finaticz 'Don't Drop That Thun Thun'.

Don't Plug-it in and listen below:

A round of 'Applause'? Um....

Hear that? No applause. Sigh. The second biggest thing to happen in pop this month is the release of Lady GaGa's new single 'Applause'. Originally (and very publicly) slated for an August 19 release, the single has been rush-released to iTunes in the US (with Australia to soon follow) and rushed to radio worldwide because of those pesky internet hackers who smashed those plans to smithereens by leaking the track well ahead of time. GaGa herself tweeted "POP MUSIC EMERGENCY" before taking action and explaining the situation, sneakily adding links to download the track on iTunes. Ardent and dedicated fans tried their best to squash the leak but to no avail. As for the track, it doesn't feel like a lead single. 'Just Dance' and 'Bad Romance' (still my second favourite song of all time) were brilliant lead singles from albums and re-releases, but this reeks of the same underwhelming sound of when 'Born This Way' came out as the first taste of her otherwise very good same titled album. There is a lot going on sonically and the lyrics seem disjointed and a bit off to me. It almost feels like a rush job. It's just a bit underwhelming from a hype machine that promised so much (deja vu from my last post regarding Katy Perry). In fairness, a lot of her songs grow on me over time so we will see whether this does to, but fingers crossed and a round of applause for single number two being a cracker! 'Applause' is out soon is Aus. "ARTPOP" is available worldwide November 11.

Plug-it in and listen for yourself below:

Kitty goes 'Roar'

So the first of two huge pop events this month  (new singles from two pop heavyweights) have happened, as it turns out, only a day apart. Katy Perry's new single was released according to schedule, whilst GaGa's new single 'Applause' was meant to come a week after. However, as it seems to be more increasingly the norm with big releases, it didn't go to plan. More on the Lady GaGa debacle shortly. However this post we are focusing on Katy's 'Roar'. After a few listens of the tune now, my opinion can be summed up in a word: Meh. Yes. Meh. I saw on a random post somewhere that 'Roar' sounded like Sara Bareilles' latest song 'Brave', and that is a spot-on description, only, Sara's song is just a touch better. She promised big things (like GaGa did) and quite frankly couldn't live up to the promise. Maybe her album "Prism", in which from the side photo, she seems to have pulled out all the stops to promote, will fare better. She does generally deliver on albums. Who knows, maybe I will end up liking it better but for now, it's a meh for me. 'Roar' is available at Aus iTunes now. "Prism" has a worldwide release on October 22.

Plug-it in, watch and listen below:

Fall Out... I mean, new Panic! At The Disco

The current line-up of Panic! At The Disco (they are a duo for now) have revealed the second track off of their fourth album, brilliantly titled "Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die". The track in question is called 'This Is Gospel' and it too has a Fall Out Boy feel to it. Much like catchy lead single 'Miss Jackson', it's darker than their stuff of old. This whole Fall Out Boy soundalike thing is striking to say the least, striking as their current sound is so obviously influenced by FOB that its close to plagiarism. Don't get me wrong, Panic! At The Disco are one of my favourite bands (and both tracks so far have been quite good), but I still yearn for the 'I Write Sins' quirkiness of their early stuff. Anyway, they have revealed the cover for the album and the film clip (which is simple and effective) to 'This Is Gospel'. "Too Weird To Love, Too Rare To Die" is out in Aus on October 4. 'This Is Gospel' is available now. This album is one of my most anticipated of the year.

Plug-it in, watch and listen below:

Cagey Animals.

Most awesome album artwork of the year?

I think so. Yes. Now that's out of the way, Caged Animals have returned with new music after their great debut album "Eat Their Own" (home to the incredible 'Teflon Heart') with follow-up "In The Land Of Giants" (Out in Aus on August 30). 'Cindy+Me' was the first cab off the rank and it was deliciously twisted, and now we have follow-up single 'Too Much Dark', a moody, very personal look that as always juxtaposes the bands sunny exterior. The film clip is odd, but somewhat fitting for the dark lyrics. Both singles have been amazing and I can't wait for the album.

Plug-it in and listen below:

Satin Jackets think you make them feel good.

Well it's the opposite. You make us feel good Satin Jackets. This is a song that has more than one moment of 'Latch' type goodness throughout. It actually has more in common with Chris Malinchak's brilliant 'So Good To Me'. I instantly taken with this song, it's effortlessly cool with it's synth beats and really slick production. It is a song that wouldn't sound out of place at anytime you were listening to it, about to go out? Good jam. Taking a midnight drive? Good jam. Sunbaking? Good jam. Sitting on the toilet? Good jam. It's available on the Aussie iTunes store now so go and grab a copy.

Plug-it in and listen below:
   

Introducing Saint Raymond

This young man, hailing from the UK, has been compared to the atrocious Jake Bugg. This is not an accurate comparison as Saint Raymond has a lot more appeal IMO. His "Escapade" EP is home to the brilliant 'Fall At Your Feet', but the EP has three other tracks that are all quite nice in their own right. He sounds very pommy throughout his songs, however these days that ain't a bad thing. 'Fall At Your Feet' is a neat little indie-sounding tune that carries on at a rollicking pace, the song at times makes me think this is what Ed Sheeran would sound like with a bit more of a pulse.

The "Escapade" EP is available on Aussie iTunes now.

Plug-it in, listen and watch below:

Le Youth is 'Cool'

American musician and DJ Le Youth has brought out this altogether funky little number as his first official release. It's titled 'C O O L' and it is just that, cool. With danceable electronic beats pulsating throughout the discotastic tune, it's one that will get you moving for sure. He's subsequently released the "C O O L" EP to Aussie iTunes with the original version and three nice remixes. I like this one and he is certainly one to watch.


Plug-it in and listen below:

The Plug It In or Plug It Out sessions: #2

This is my quick roundup of the album releases of note throughout the week. It is the quickest review you're probably ever gonna see.

The ratings:

Plug it in, now! = 5 stars

Jacked up = 4 stars

I really want to listen to the next thing, but this will do for now = 3 stars

I can't quite find the jack = 2 stars

Plug it out! = 1 star

Christina Grimmie 'With Love'

I really want to listen to the next thing, but this will do for now

Note: Pleasant pop. More of a jazz feel than I was expecting too...

Album highlight: 'Absolutely Final Goodbye'

Cloud Control 'Dream Cave'

Jacked up

Note: Really solid sophomore effort full of effective dream pop. The title track is especially brilliant.
Album highlight: 'Dream Cave'

Dead Letter Circus 'The Catalyst Fire'

I can't quite find the jack
Note: Don't like this type of music and this album admirably gets by trying to convince me otherwise. It fails.
Album highlight: 'The Cure'

Kris Angelis 'The Left Atrium'

 I really want to listen to the next thing, but this will do for now

Note: Effective country-tinged alternative folk. Mumford and Sons-like at times, only female.
Album highlight: 'Nothing You Can Say'

RUFUS 'Atlas'

I can't quite find the jack
Note: Not sure what all the hype is about. A couple of decent songs, disappointing overall.
Album highlight: 'Take Me'

Swim Deep 'Where The Heaven Are We'

I really want to listen to the next thing, but this will do for now
Note: I had hopes for this album but it seems it settles in middle-of-the-road mediocrity. Been done better before elsewhere.
Album highlight: 'Make My Sun Shine'

White Lies 'Big TV'

Jacked Up
Note: Unashamedly and brilliantly big, brash and uncompromising.
Album highlight: 'Be Your Man'

It's Jessie's Party And She'll Do What She Wants

For better or worse that is. Jessie J follows OK lead single 'Wild', from her untitled sophomore album with second single 'It's My Party'. I'm just gonna say it, it sounds like something Katy Perry would've cooked up last album era. A bad thing? I think I need to hear it a bit more first to really call it. Now I'm a fan of Jessie's and I'm generally excited for her second album cos I liked the first one, but to me, right off the bat, it seems like 'It's My Party' has a smell of been there, done that all before. And the film clip is pleasant if uninspiring.

Plug-it in and listen below:

This is Free. ASTR 'Operate'

This is an awesome song. I've been meaning to feature it, and with its inclusion on this week's Aussie iTunes 'Songs To Watch' feature, now is a great time. NYC duo ASTR's music is, as they say themselves, indie-electro. Who am I to disagree? Oh did I mention that this song is awesome? Amazingly, you can still snag it for free over on their soundcloud page in which you can click on below this post. It's an earworm of a song, getting lodged in your brain with its over arching lyrics, irresistibly slick production and incredibly catchy chorus. Bottom line, it's addictive. This is one of my fav tracks of 2013, maybe I should review my Top 50 half yearly actually...

Plug-it in, listen and download below:

Lissie Forever

American singer/songwriter Lissie should be bigger than what she is IMO. Her 2010 debut album "Catching A Tiger" is still one of my favourite albums of the past five years, it was home to brilliant singles 'When I'm Alone' and 'Cuckoo', and equally brilliant album tracks 'Little Lovin' and 'Oh Mississippi' to name a few. Well she disappeared for a bit and returned in May with the lead single from her as-of-then untitled new album, 'Shameless'. I loved 'Shameless', it sounded both old and new for her and struck the right mix between alt rock and pop with lyrics about selling out in order to be famous. It naturally didn't sell and she's moving on to single number 2, the awfully named 'Further Away (Romance Police)'. It's a rollicking, poppier Lissie reminiscent of 'When I'm Alone', it's quite good. Anyway, she's broken cover for the second album entitled "Back To Forever" which you can view below, it will be available in Aus on September 13. Can't wait!

Plug-it in and listen to 'Shameless' below:

Haim Ready

Well here's something that's altogether mounthwatering. It's the cover and release date for Haim's long awaited debut album. These girls have been tantalisingly teasing us with solid song after solid song (including their triumphant feature on 'Red Eye', the standout track on Kid Cudi's latest album) for a while now and finally, we have confirmation for this album. Definately one of my most anticipated albums of the year, "Days Are Gone" will be released in Aus on September 27. It contains 11 tracks (dunno about any bonus material or deluxe editions just yet), including 'Forever', 'Don't Save Me', 'Falling' and ace new single 'The Wire' (listen to it below), which went out to radio this week in Australia. Yay!

Note: I'm pissed I missed them at Splendour In The Grass. In fact, I'm pissed I missed Splendour altogether.

Plug-it in and listen:



Definately a standout track of 2013!

Derulo's Tattoos Makes It's Mark

So I might not be a huge fan of Derulo's latest stuff (especially from this era), but he has in the past delivered some solid album tracks from his first two LP's (hello 'Love Hangover', 'Pick Up The Pieces' and ace bonus track 'Queen Of Hearts'). So the man himself breaking the cover of said third album "Tattoos" gives me all feelings of excitement, trepidation and pessimism. Below is the official cover posted shortly ago. "Tattoos" is out in Aus on September 20. And that feeling of trepidation? I don't like the cover much, it reminds me of something perpetual douchebag Chris Brown would create. Hmmmm....

A Little Bit Of Sunshine

Jesper Nohrstedt is a 19 year old (even though he looks about 10) Danish lad who's latest single 'Sunshine' is an infectious slice of indie pop that would slip nicely in between dumb Pitbull and Guetta songs on radio don't you reckon? Of course that's not going to happen, but in all seriousness this is a lightweight, fluffy and harmless song that will put a smile on your face. It's available on the Aussie iTunes store right now for your purchasing pleasure.

Plug-it in and listen below:

Rewind Time. This is Big Bro....

Big Brovaz - Nu Flow

For no other reason but it's awesomesess, I've decided to revisit this classic from 2002. It's Big Brovaz' 'Nu Flow', a song that was at the time, unlike anything that was out there. I remember it was my favourite song for a very long time back in 2002-2003, I bought the single and the accompanying album of a band I thought would be a lasting thing for many years to come, sadly at my 14 year old stage, I was terribly optimistic. It's a bouncing ball of pure pop laced with R&B influences, accompanied by a kick ass chorus and equally catchy verses from each of the band members who cheekily introduced themselves. They followed up with a few other songs but never came close to topping this hit. And it was a hit, reaching #3 in Australia with the Kiwi's even making it their  #1. The film clip is great too. Still one of my favourites with the setting almost perfect for the song. 'Nu Flow' the album, faltered and ultimately so did the band. Splitting up then reforming a few times it seems after trimming some fat. However the UK have a new show where old bands are reuniting and Big Brovaz are one of those bands taking part. Could be interesting, but ultimately in the following 11 years since this song impacted on me, my music tastes have changed dramatically, so unfortunately if they decide to release some new material I'm not going to go out of my way. Unless its Nu Flow part 2. That would be awesome!

Kings' Mechanical Development

Things have moved along for Kings Of Leon and their new campaign for 6th album 'Mechanical Bull'. iTunes have a pre-order up for it, with a first look at the album cover (pictured above) and new song titled 'Wait For Me', ready to download. 'Wait For Me' is terrific. It's better than 'Supersoaker', but both are really quite good. It's a slower song with lead singer Caleb's voice yearning over a light guitar effect that is highly affecting. It's actually quite reminiscent of something off of their 'Only By The Night' era. I'm excited for this new album which is out in Aus on September 20. It has 13 new tracks on it and if the samples of the fist two cuts are anything to go by, it will be one of 2013's best.

Plug-it in and listen below:

Music To Make The Boys Cry. Finally.

If anyone has followed my ramblings about this song over the last year and a half, they would understand how enamoured I am with it. On this very blog, in it's first incarnation last year, I ranked it as my second favourite tune of 2012 (behind only 'Little Talks') in just it's demo form. Now the beautiful Diana Vickers has gone and released it proper as a single with a (admittedly mediocre) film clip. The thing with demos sometimes is that they sound better than the actual final version and in this song's case it's a very close race. She's largely kept it untouched save for a noticeably added-in back vocal during the chorus' "I want to make music to make the boys cry" lyric. The demo I have runs 3:38 whilst the final version clocks in at 3:30, you might not think that's much but it does sound like she gets on with things a bit quicker in the latest version, there seems to be a bit more rgency within the song this time around. I am passionate about this song because it sounds both fresh and refreshing, it's effortlessly old-school cool and the lyrics are cleverly woven amongst the layers of synth and relentlessly stylistic beats. I don't know what it is about it, but its one of those rare cases that make the leap from long-time demo brilliance to final version brilliance as well. It still remains one of the best pop moments of the past 5 years IMO and I want you all to drink it in and finally sit up and take notice of it. She is a star-in-waiting and with some luck, this song should make her no longer in-waiting. Also, hottest album cover of 2013? Yes. Oh Yes.

Plug-it in, listen and watch below:

A killer Studio Killers track.

Studio Killers are an animated (a-la Gorillaz) electro-pop band (a-la not Gorillaz) with big tunes that have both feet in the club ready to go. They have just released their self-titled debut album to iTunes (Australia included. Yay!) and it is stacked with really good songs. The best? That would be 'Jenny'. It's a thumping tune about unrequited. unrelenting love laced with heartfelt lyrics and a constant, addicting beat. Is that accordion you hear? Yes it is. I really like these guys. With names in the band like Chubby Cherry and Bipolar Bear, how could you not? Check out 'Ode To The Bouncer' too, another standout.

Plug-it in and listen to a clip below:

Patrik Jean 'Cut And Run'

This man right here is Swedish singer/songwriter Patrik Jean, who has released this infectious tune with a dark undertone. This, his second single ‘Cut And Run’, is an unapologetically pop focused jam that focuses on being in an “unhealthy relationship unable to leave”. It’s bouncy, earwormingly catchy and I’m sure the lyrics will ring true to many people. I quite like it. Go Sweden!

Plug-in and listen below: