Die Antwoord - Pitbull Terrier

"Big dog in the place to be"

I am so entrenched in international pop music. It's like a drug, and I need increasingly off-the-wall sounds to stimulate my senses. I'd heard of Die Antwoord before -- something about them being "trailer trash chic" or whatever -- but I didn't know that they were from South Africa, and I didn't know they were so damn weird. I mean, their music and videos, taken in tandem, are among the strangest things I've seen in the big-budget music scene. They're twisted, funny, offensive, needlessly aggressive, frightening and completely arresting. Reading some interviews with the band members eased my concerns a little bit. I mean, I'm certainly not a fan of gratuitous violence, homophobia or overly assaulting language, but it seems as if their is a reason, often positive, behind the group's shenanigans. I still worry about how potentially disturbed listeners may take in music like this, but that's an argument for another time. For now, I can say that I'm completely smitten with this group, particularly the incredibly charismatic female rapper, Yolandi. She is stunning to look at and to listen to, and I can't get enough of her weirdly high-pitched tone. At first, her vocals put me off, but it didn't take long to become addicted. To me, the band's instant classic is I Fink U Freeky, from their second album. Amazing stuff. From their brand new release, though, I want to spotlight the ravey, funny Pitbull Terrier, and particularly the bizarre horror-show of a music video. It's really stunningly weird, and bound to put off just as many fans as it attracts. If you're easily offended by language or violence, I'd recommend skipping this altogether.



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

The Madden Brothers - We Are Done

"Every voice reach out and carry"

Musical surprises are coming from all sides lately, and I love it! And when all is said and done, this may just end up being the sweetest. Now, I have a fond memory of pop/punk band Good Charlotte, despite not really liking many of their songs. But lucky for me, the Madden Brothers (the last name of twins Joel and Benji) have a new sound, and it's brilliant with a capital B. I mean, you will be floored by the transformation. This is quirky, Californian summer pop at its best. The chorus, in particular, is a catchy triumph of layered vocals and kaleidoscopic production. Honestly, it's probably one of the strongest choruses we'll hear all year in a pop song. It's a very specific sound that takes me straight to the beach on a hot summer day and, frankly, that's exactly where I want to be. I can't wait for the album, but I wish it was coming out in time for summer.



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

Architecture In Helsinki - I Might Survive

"I'd rather be with you"

Where did this come from? God, this is such a throwback. When I first saw the colorful video for I Might Survive, the first thing I thought was that I couldn't believe this kind of pop music was still being made. Now, Architecture In Helsinki has always been an off-kilter pop band, and one that I've wanted to enjoy much more than I have. I think their new album will change that, if it's anywhere as addictive as this track. The song sounds a little like Alphabeat, mixed with some neo-disco early 90's track mixed with some late 90's Swedish teen pop. How's that for a combo? It has a timeless feel to it that is VERY refreshing when compared to all the big dance beats ruling the airwaves right now. It's just a catchy, jolly summer pop song. Simple as that! If you like a little cheese in your music, this will be your jam.



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

Taeyang - Stay With Me (with G-Dragon)

YG Entertainment never disappoints. They might not release albums quite as frequently as I'd like, but their roster of artists is simply the best, most consistent in K-Pop. I feel like they know each artists' strengths and run with it, so while many share the same collaborators and general vibe, there are a wide range of sounds present on their roster. Their last release, Akdong Musician's Play, will likely be known as this year's breakout, and rightly so. Big Bang member Taeyang's new album veers toward the r&b side of things, which is a 360 from Akdong's brand of quirky folk pop. And, like a lot of YG's releases, the first time I heard the album I was a little underwhelmed, but all it took was another listen and I was hooked. It helps that my favorite Korean artist, G-Dragon, features on this track. In fact, I'd go so far as say Stay With Me is more of a G-Dragon track featuring Taeyang, and I'm just fine with that. But the song would be nothing without that smooth, surging, melodic hook. It's like late 90's r&b all over again. It's a shame that the song hasn't been selected as one of the album's singles, because I'm sure it would do amazingly well.



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