Data - Cuckooland

"We're going into cuckooland"

I usually don't post older music, but every once and awhile something will come along (usually very randomly) that demands to be spread to you great readers. I stumbled upon an 80's German band called Data this week (for those of you who may know Sailor -of "Glass of Champagne" fame- this band sprung out of its ashes) and listened to their first album. It was one of those things that just sparked immediately. It's an incredible, long lost gem. The band is synthpop, definitely, but has so many elements of my favorite groups and genres in it... even a touch of Abba in the poppy melodies and harmonies. Every song is a winner, and since the album (fittingly called Opera Electronica) is out of print, I have no qualms about posting a link where you can download the whole thing. For starters, though, check out Cuckooland, a brilliant single and the opening track. It is so freaking catchy. Also, I recommend watching this suitably (and hilariously) dramatic video to another one of their singles, Fallout. Let me know what you guys think of this band. I am officially obsessed.

Data - Cuckooland (zshare)

Tokio - National Radio

"We gonna be on national radio"

We'll stay in Denmark today, since that seems to be where a lot of the action is happening right now. Tokio are one of my favorite unsigned bands out today and I'm hoping that they'll wind up being a big force in 2008. They've got everything going for them, the tunes, the image, the sound. And, quite nicely, they've allowed all of their songs to be downloaded for free off of their myspace. Grab them while you can, folks! The band recently posted three new songs, National Radio being my favorite (though they're all of pretty much the same quality). If you like bright, colorful pop music you need to get on board with these guys.

Tokio - National Radio (zshare)

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Download more here!)

Fake - 1.2.3.4 (Remix Version)

"1, 2, 3, 4, I can't take it any more"

Would this not be the perfect song for one of those hyperactive itunes commercials? It's got that extremely catchy, extremely addictive sound to it that's tailor made to grab your attention immediately. Fake, if you were wondering, are a Scandinavian dance/production duo that I have yet to find a picture of. This makes them somewhat mysterious, which is actually kind of exciting. A full length is expected later in the year and it should be amazing given the quality of this track and their first single, a cover of Lou Reed's I'm Waiting For The Man, which, needless to say, is quite different than the original.

Fake - 1.2.3.4 (Remix Version) (zshare)

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Download more here!)

Video Premiere: Janet Jackson - Feedback

Wow, this is probably the best video Janet's done since All For You. When I first got into music it was all about Janet, and I'm glad to see her finally doing something interesting again.

Hey, did you know that the new single by the Alpine is out today (finally)? The album, There's Only So Much You Can Do, is out on April 2nd, but the lead single Youniverse is streaming on myspace now. Didn't love it the first time, liked it a lot better the second time. This could be very good...

Okay, so I don't directly advertise music to buy on this blog very often, but I've got to let you know that one of my favorite up and coming bands has just made their new ep available for download.

If you download nothing else this month you've got to check out Hotel Motel, especially the track Long Distance. I won't be posting any of their stuff but it has my highest recommendation. If you like good pop music check out the Road Songs EP. You won't be disappointed.

Listen to all four songs here.

Buy the EP here.

Moto Boy - Young Love

"Young love, burning a hole in my heart"

I was all prepared to post something completely different today and then I was sent the mp3 of the new Moto Boy single today. Moto Boy, of course, is part of the Malmo music scene in Sweden that I'm pretty much ga ga over, so of course I've got to post Young Love. As with his other stuff, the song is absolutely gorgeous. At this rate, he's really giving Rufus a run for his money. His voice is just jaw-dropping. The song's not quite as instant as the stunning Blue Motorbike, but its dreamy, slow-burning quality has merits all its own. The album is out on the 16th of this month and I am anxiously awaiting it.

Moto Boy - Young Love (zshare)

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Download more here!)