Passion Pit | Cry Like A Ghost

Passion Pit are on FIRE lately with their videos. Their last clip for “Carried Away” was a wonderful little story with shades of Eternal Sunshine, and this latest for “Cry Like A Ghost” is just as awesome, though quite a bit darker. There’s a lot of technical wizardry going on here, but beyond that it’s another example of a pretty powerful story being told through the music video format. 

And do yourself a favor and pick up Passion Pit’s sophomore album Gossamer. It’s good stuff. 

The 1975 | Chocolate

I posted the 1975’s blazing new tune “Chocolate” yesterday, unaware they had already released a clip to go along with it. The video is another simple b&w affair (oddly enough, there is more naked flesh here than in the video for previous stellar single “Sex”) that lets the music remain the star. 

“Chocolate” will be available as part of the upcoming Music for Cars EP, out March 4th. 

The 1975 | Chocolate

New music from The 1975 is as delicious as chocolate, if not more, and I’m having a hard time deciding which I like better: “Sex” or “Chocolate”. Hell, no reason choosing when you can have both! 

“Chocolate” is from the upcoming March Music For Cars EP. In the meantime check out their previously released EPs here and here

Source: SoundCloud / the1975

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If 2012 had indeed been the very last year of our earth, at least it showered us with all sorts of good tune-age (and you can check out my favorites HERE). But the world did not stop spinning and with 2013 fully begun, I’ve set my sights on what’s ahead in the wonderful world of music, and there’s a lot to be amped about. Here are just a few of the albums I’m personally most looking forward to. 

The Joy Formidable - Wolf’s Law (January 22) The very pretty single “Wolf’s Law” from the new album, releasing in a number of days now, is hopefully a sign of a beautiful new record from these Welsh rockers.

Tegan & Sara - Hearthrob (January 29) With ear-catching singles “Closer” and “I Was A Fool”, Tegan & Sara have unveiled a synthier, poppier sound that I personally like a lot, though some worry their new direction has them tossing in with every other synth-pop act out there these days. Maybe just because I love the genre, but I don’t really care.

Local Natives - Hummingbird (January 29) The follow-up to their 2009 debut Gorilla Manor is nearly here, and if their first single “Breakers” Is any indication, it’lll be another good one. The band built a new studio to record their sophomore album and had help from The National’s Aaron Dessner. 

Frightened Rabbit - Pedestrian Verse (February 2) Scottish crooner Scott Hutchison’s soulfelt and epic rock outfit Frightened Rabbit have 2 super-solid albums under their belt. They also released an EP in 2011, which was the first collection of songs from the band that didn’t wow me, and I’m hoping it’s not too much an indication of where they’ve headed in Pedestrian Verse. 

Foals - Holy Fire (February 11) These Oxford boys have really evolved from their debut Antidotes. 2009’s Total Life Forever was a great step forward for the band, and Holy Fire’s first single “Inhaler” sounds like the band is continuing to grow in exciting ways. 

Azealia Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste (February 12) Bank’s 1991 EP was hopefully a taste of great things to come from this 21 year old Harlem rapper. With a title I kind of love, Banks has released a cut titled “BBD” to be included on the album.

Phoenix - Bankrupt! (April) While only the title has been recently revealed, after their last stellar release I’m fully confidant this is going to be a good one.

Arcade Fire (TBA) The band has said they are working full-time on the new album (title yet unknown) with help from James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem).

Lady Gaga - ARTPOP (TBA) Like her or not, Gaga does have talent, works really, really hard at her craft and she is a mega-force in the industry. So her 3rd album, ARTPOP, is going to make waves in 2013. She’s said that she’s written over 50 songs for the new record, though obviously only a fraction of those will end up in the final cut.

Missy Elliott - Class Dismissed (TBA) It’s been 8 years since Missy’s last album, but she’s making a comeback in 2013. With aid from Timbaland, Elliott has been recording a record she labels as “theatrical hip-hop”. Whatever that means, it sounds like fun.

James Blake (TBA) I know nothing about this album other than it’s coming at some point this year.

Neko Case (TBA) NPR went into the studio with Neko Case as she set about recording her follow-up to 2009’s Middle Cyclone, which should be out at some point this year. 

The National (TBA) According to Wiki:

On December 9, 2012, they debuted three new songs “Lola”, “Sullivan”, and “Prime” at the All Tomorrow’s Parties event in Camber Sands, United Kingdom. Their latest LP is expected to be released in 2013.

Sun Kil Moon and The Album Lead - Perils From the Sea (May 14) WHAT?!? …was my reaction to finding out that two of my favorites have a collaboration in the pipeline, and though I had never, ever thought about the two sounds together, now that I have it really fits perfectly. Here’s the somewhat lengthy press release:

‘Perils From The Sea’ is the debut collaboration by The Album Leaf’s multi-instrumentalist Jimmy LaValle and Sun Kil Moon singer Mark Kozelek. The project began on Sept 11, 2011, when Kozelek, a fan and acquaintance of LaValle, asked Jimmy to co-write a song. LaValle, a long time admirer of Kozelek’s work, said yes, and the track ‘What Happened To My Brother’ came together quickly. Pleased with the results, the two agreed to record an entire album. Kozelek and LaValle continued to work together over the following year, until ‘Perils From The Sea’ was completed. For the album LaValle chose a more minimalist approach to the music than The Album Leaf’s large sonic soundscapes. The lyrics to the song, ‘You Missed My Heart’, Kozelek says were inspired by a nightmare he had in an Ontario hotel room. Kozelek’s story-telling narratives playing against LaValle’s hypnotic synth sounds and drums beats should come as a pleasant surprise to fans, and should serve as a great introduction to those previously unacquainted with these prolific and acclaimed artists. “Sun Kil Moon & The Album Leaf” will play their debut concert at UE Festival, Dordecht, Holland May 11, and an additional show at Shepard’s Bush Empire, London, May

Owen Pallett - In Conflict (TBA) Thanks to a friend for pointing this one out to me, which I missed originally. Just announced last November, the new album will drop some time in the spring, apparently. Pallett has answered some questions about the new record, saying:

“The next record will really revolve around being more rhythmically orientated. I think my last record had more of a rhythm without employing a drummer, which was done by pushing the tempo into the stratosphere… [it] will be fairly autobiographical, and that’s new to me. I’ve never been particularly interested in writing songs that deal with myself and my life, mostly because I don’t think I live a very interesting life… The new album will probably address the manic mind. I have struggled with some mental problems, and instead of being scared and instead of seeking professional help, I have let it become a source of inspiration. I have exploited myself in many ways. But even if it lyrically is something new, you will probably hear that it is me who created the music. The songs will probably not break out in salsa parts, to put it that way, but it will probably be both grandiose, dark and at times dissonant.”

2012 was a great year for music I felt. Maybe just because I was more tuned in than ever, posting almost a new video per day on my blog, I had an even harder time than last year in narrowing down my top picks from the last 12 months. I’m only one person with a specific taste in music (though my tastes are quite varied) so these upcoming “Best of” lists are simply what I enjoyed the most. 

Today’s post is all about those little short, but sweet bite-sized-albums—my favorite EPs of 2012

School of Seven Bells - Put Your Sad Down

1975 - Facedown

Astronauts, etc. - Supermelodic Pulp

Icona Pop - Iconic

Azealia Banks -1991

The 1975 | Sex

Well I am properly obsessed with these boys from Manchester. After having their recent Facedown EP on repeat I was more than pleasantly surprised to see they have another EP dropping November 16. This one is simply titled Sex, as is the single from it. It’s got more of the band’s signature drum bets and that instant grab-you-by-the-collar catchiness that’s made every song from The 1975 such a treat. 

Also, bug bonus cool points to these guys for prominently featuring a Sigur Ros poster in the background of the video (along with what I assume are countless other sources of inspiration for the band) 

Marina and the Diamonds | How To Be A Heartbreaker

Well, Marina is certainly giving fans some eye candy (and not her own) in this skin-tastic new video for the smash “How To Be A Heartbreaker”, a special addition to the US release of her album Electra Heart.

Frank Ocean | Pyramids

There’s finally a video for Frank Ocean’s epic “Pyramids” (my personal favorite song from Channel Orange) and it’s preeetttty NSFW (yarr, there be nudity). 

BUT if the video’s not your thing, you really do owe it to yourself to at least listen to the song. 

Blood Diamonds | Phone Sex (Feat Grimes)

I find Grimes ethereal fairy quality more easily digestible here, and the cover art for this track is pretty awesome, like a weird niche Japanese video game that never existed (but easily could). 

Rhye | Open

NSFW 

Damn, this is some sexy music. So is the video, an artfully erotic journey of love making. But, ya know, don’t watch this one at work. 

p.s. Anyone else reminded of Sade with this tune? 

Usher | Climax

I’ve never minded Usher, but I’m surprised how good this song is. 

Asobi Seksu (AKA Playful Sex) - Perfectly Crystal

How about a little sexy Asian infused shoegaze for ya. Her voice just sweeps me off my feet, somewhere into an elemental purple sky. 

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