Donkeyboy - Triggerfinger

"Ashes turn to ember"

I was initially taken aback that Donkeyboy (still terrible band name, btw) made their return with a slower song. That skepticism lasted about halfway through the first listen, because after that I was absolutely in love with the sound of Triggerfinger. The band's last album, Silver Moon, was a ridiculously underrated pop masterpiece, which makes me so excited for the next one. A lot of the excitement comes down to singer Cato Sundberg's vocals, which are so unique and interesting. He, along with guest vocalist Kiesza, steal this track. In particular, Cato reminds me of Darren Hayes when he was still in Savage Garden. This would fit right in on the second half of SG's Affirmation. And that is a very good thing.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Drake - Hold On, We're Going Home (ft. Majid Jordan)

"You're a good girl and you know it"

I would have never anticipated posting a song by Drake on here. Nothing against the guy, but it's extremely rare that a track by a North American hip-hop artist gets me even marginally excited. Of course, this isn't really hip-hop. In fact, if I were to listen to it without any information, I'd think it had been performed by some 80's-worshipping indie band. From start to finish, it's chilled out, wonderfully melodic 80's soul. I love the little blips and flourishes in the production, brightening up what is otherwise a pretty spare arrangement. I doubt that Drake is moving full tilt into this genre, but I'd really like to hear more from him like this. It's certainly a nice surprise.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball

"I will always want you"

Oh, Miley. What a mess. But, you know, at least she's something. By the way people are going on about last night's VMA performance, you'd think she'd sacrificed a baby onstage. Yeah, she's a bit desperate in her need to shock and sexualize her image, but her new music's damned exciting. It's got that kind of charismatic spark to it that most modern pop just can't seem to grasp. We Can't Stop is undoubtedly one of the most exciting American pop songs of the year, and now we've got its more melodic, mature follow-up, Wrecking Ball. The chorus of this is suitably massive, and fully cements Cyrus's ability to pour something extra into a pop song. I can't wait for the album. (And if you're looking for something a bit boppier, listen to this amazing remix)



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.