Alice In Videoland - Something New

"I want something different"

My god, how did this happen? Alice In Videoland released their newest album nearly three months ago and I'm just now discovering this news! Of course, it was a digital only release, but that's still no excuse. I'm behind the curve on this one. Alice In Videoland was one of the very first bands I featured on this blog (with their brilliant track, Emily -- still my favorite). They've remained remarkably consistent throughout their career and, though I haven't had a chance to give the new album the full attention it deserves, it sounds very promising. Something New is the early standout for me, mostly because the chugging melody is so addictive. The band has always been at their best when they focus on songwriting over production (Red, from their debut, is an excellent example of this) and this is yet another perfect pop gem from the group.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Troy This - Happy (ft. Robyn)

"Give me some time to just breathe"

Here's a newly re-swizzled version of an old favorite. Popstar Troy This first came to the attention of several of us bloggers back in 2009 with his AMAZING track Back That Up and after that he kind of faded away. But from as much as I can tell, he's still at it, and I think he deserves much more attention than he's getting. This track, a duet of sorts with Robyn (yes, that Robyn) has one of the most indelible, laid back melodies of the past few years. It existed a couple years ago in a slightly rougher version, but I recently came across this new version and it totally reminded me about how much I love this artist. Happy, in particular, has an incredible mid-80's Prince feel to it, even down to the dual-voiced vocals (Robyn mostly sings along, rather than taking her own verses). And if that isn't quite enough Robyn for you, Troy also recorded a cover version of her song, Bum Like You.

Troy This - Happy (ft. Robyn) by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Listen to more here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Le Kid - Mr. Brightside

"Destiny is calling me"

I'm still catching up with some of the post-Christmas tracks I've wanted to blog about. And, even though this has been covered elsewhere, it's still on my to-post list because I wanna make sure you guys don't miss it. Who would have thought the Killers' Mr. Brightside needed to be covered as an Abba-esque, Europop dance number? Well, it needed to be, and Le Kid are the perfect group to do it. They've been sneaking up on the pop landscape for the past year or so, releasing a pair of brilliant singles as tasters of what's yet to come. I predict that they'll break out after their participation in this year's Melodifestivalen, but for now they're setting the stage and gaining fans. This fun freebie definitely accomplishes both goals. A synth-laden bubblegum sweet confection of a song, they've taken a great track and turned it on its head. It could easily be too saccharine (and for some, it might), but it walks the line perfectly and ends up being pretty epic.

Le Kid - Mr. Brightside by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Download the song for free here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Jessie & The Toy Boys - We Own The Night

"That's when we all turn into stars"

This is going to be huge in 2011. I predict that Jessie & the Toy Boys will be a name everybody will know by December. Jessie Malakouti (her "boys" in question are little more than mannequins) has been around for awhile--a songwriter for famed production house Xenomania who's made an attempt or two at solo fame. This song could really do it for her. It's already been used in a marketing campaign for TV network the CW and I predict that it'll trump the equally impressive Push It as her lead, breakout single. Jessie's got a sound that's perfect for this year. Poppy, fun, a little sleazy (without being Ke$ha-sleazy... or Ke$ha-annoying). Her voice is reminiscent of artists like Kylie, Madonna, Paula Abdul, and Lene from Aqua depending on the song. We Own The Night is anthemic radio pop at its best--I Gotta Feeling mixed with Tik Tok. I don't usually get this excited about songs this trendy and commercial, but I really think this is something special. And the promising thing is, it's only one of many fantastic tracks from Jessie.

Jessie & The Toy Boys - We Own The Night by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Become a facebook fan here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.