Johnny Stimson - Here We Go Again

"I'm never satisfied"

I've been stalking Johnny Stimson's soundcloud page for awhile now. He specializes in that 70's/80's nu-disco sound that's enjoyed a resurgence this year with artists like Robin Thicke and Daft Punk. I love that he operates out of Texas and couldn't sound any less stereotypically "Texan." I think Here We Go Again is my favorite track by him so far. It's a laidback, synth-drenched pop track, but it also has real grit and build to it. The production's especially excellent. My only complaint is that (through my computer speakers, at least), it's hard to discern the lyrics -- which made the little quote above a bit tricky. Luckily, the fact that the song's up for free download more than makes up for that!



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Listen to more here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Avicii - Hey Brother

"What if I'm far from home?"

For most of the new Avicii album, I can really take it or leave it. I was an early fan of Wake Me Up, the song that quickly took over radio worldwide, but my love for it dimmed a little when it was suddenly everywhere. Even so, I love that country/EDM hybrid sound. So it's not surprising that the other highlight of the album for me is Hey Brother, which goes even further into country territory with twangy vocals from Dan Tyminski. Now, I'm not generally a fan of country music, but this just works spectacularly. The melody is totally anthemic and the instrumental that comes after has the same sense of euphoria that the very best of this genre delivers. The song's been number one on Swedish Itunes for awhile, suggesting that it'd do well as a single. Personally, I'd love an entire album of this style.



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

The Vamps - Can We Dance

"Skip the small talk and romance"

There's one thing that annoys me about this song, and I'll get it out of the way first. Why oh why have the word "shit" featured prominently in the chorus, only to "shhh" it out? It just sounds stupid. Beyond that, though, this is a really addictive pop/rock track from a new UK band poised to become pretty huge. They've earned a lot of comparisons with Mcfly and One Direction, and their current sound is perched between the two, but I had high hopes that their musicality will pave the way for an interesting debut album early next year. The song's lodged itself in the UK Itunes top ten since it was released on Monday... promising news for their future. They deserve it. Despite not being initially amazing, the track quickly works its way into your head until you can't stop humming it.



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

Ola - Jackie Kennedy

"Now where's my Jackie?"

Continuing my catch-up from the weeks I missed while I was on vacation, I've got Ola Svensson's must-hear new single, Jackie Kennedy. This guy's doing amazing things right now. I keep hearing this upcoming album of his being called his "most important" work yet, and to be honest, it sounds like it's going to be amazing. According to his website, the album will open with an overture before carrying on to songs written in collaboration with Sweden's absolute best. The names Klas Åhlund and Patrik Berger stand out initially, but of special interest to me (and fans of this blog) is the name Kristofer Östergren. That's Kristofer from Melody Club! I can't wait to hear what the two of them have come up with. This album can't come quickly enough. I've already worn out Maybe, and I'm on the way to doing the same with this track.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the single here (if you happen to live in Italy). Follow me on twitter and facebook.