Marina And The Diamonds - Electra Heart

Exactly two years ago, Marina And The Diamonds uploaded a video titled "Part 1: Fear & Loathing".  That was the first taste of her second album and would also serve as the start to her Electra Heart persona.  Since then, she's released the album and toured for it, all while continuing to post each part of the Electra Heart story.  Today she closed the era with "Part 11: Electra Heart".

Prior to this video, the self-titled song had been an unreleased track.  It's a huge dance number filled with bass dropping dubstep breakdowns.  The music video features a blend of her past ten videos, including "Primadonna", "How To Be A Heartbreaker", and "Radioactive".  It actually feels quite impressive.  I wasn't completely aware of how properly planned and connected the persona idea really was until now.  You can watch the final video below.  Farewell, Electra Heart!

Download: Marina And The Diamonds - "Electra Heart"

Porcelain Raft - The Way Out

Porcelain Raft's upcoming sophomore album, Permanent Signal, is shaping up to be one of the year's most anticipated albums.  The lead single just received a video treatment today and is accompanied by the simple summary line, "a strip club patron violates the "no hands" policy".  Directed by Michael Lawrence, the single shot video is a cinematic and dark glimpse into confrontation.  Watch "The Way Out" below.

Permanent Signal will be released on August 20, via Secretly Canadian.  Go this way to pre-order a copy.

Friday I'm In Love - 2/8/13

Friday I'm In Love is a weekly feature.

Includes highlights of what I loved over the past week.

Week = Friday to Friday.

May include things of a non-musical variety.

1. Lady Gaga's "Applause" artwork

"Applause" is the first single from Gaga's upcoming album, ARTPOP. Earlier this week she tweeted out the artwork to go along with the highly anticipated song, which is due on August 19.  It's a completely different direction from her Born This Way image, which sat on the edge of tacky at times.  I'm officially ready for whatever she has planned.

2. The Virgin Mobile FreeFest line-up

Last year's Virgin Mobile FreeFest was beyond incredible, featuring a variety of artists such as M83, Santigold, Alabama Shakes, and Zedd. This year looks equally stunning, with Vampire Weekend, Icona Pop, and Sky Ferreira joining the line-up.  Tickets go "on sale" August 9 and the festival takes place on September 21.  I'll see you there.

3. Andy Warhol's Brillo Box Pouf by Quinze & Milan

I was lucky enough to be selected to receive an Andy Warhol Brillo Box Pouf created by Quinze & Milan in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation and Fab.  Honestly, it's the most amazing thing ever.  I never knew how much my life needed an oversized Brillo Box until now.  The screen-printed box can technically be used as a chair or table if you wish, but I'll just be hugging displaying it proudly.

4. The Wolverine

The Wolverine has been out for a little while now, but I just got around to seeing it on Wednesday.  Despite the somewhat underwhelming box office performance, I think it's quite possibly the best Marvel film to date.  James Mangold did such a great job when it comes to capturing the essence of the comics.  Hugh Jackman doesn't just play the character, he is Wolverine. The climax towards the end of the film leans on the cheesy side a little more than desired, but it still manages to surpass every other X-related film.  Go see it!

Friday I'm In Love - 26/7/13

Friday I'm In Love is a weekly feature.

Includes highlights of what I loved over the past week.

Week = Friday to Friday.

May include things of a non-musical variety.

"Falling In Love" by 2NE1

I tend to watch Korean television every so often and the best time to tune in is when the channel plays a block of K-Pop videos.  K-Pop videos are almost guaranteed to be more spectacular in every sense when compared to your average American pop video.  2NE1's latest video for "Falling In Love" has actually been out for a few weeks, but I'm still hooked on the song.  It's amazing.  I just wish Spotify would add it to their library so I could play it on repeat.

Pre-"Licensed To Ill" Beastie Boys

I'm not the biggest expert on anything Beastie Boys related, but as I was browsing tumblr the other day, I learned that the Beastie Boys used to play hardcore punk before their rap-rock career took off.  Naturally, I had to take a listen.  It proved to be highly enjoyable.  If you're interested in checking it out, their early material has been collected on the '94 compilation album, Some Old Bullshit.

The new self-titled album from Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros

This album release seemed to come out of nowhere.  The date had been announced long ago and there was a pre-release stream, but I still almost managed to let it slip by.  I guess that means I'm falling behind on my music calendar.  Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros have always been consistent through each of their records and this self-titled album reminds me of their debut wonder.  There's also a somewhat hard to describe new sound that the band seems to be dabbling in.  I highly recommend you go check it out.  If only one could join the always growing line-up of The Magnetic Zeros for just a day.

David Bowie - Valentine's Day

Can the return of David Bowie get any better?  I mean, The Next Day was more than anyone could've ever asked for, but now he continues to create a steady stream of music videos and vinyl releases.  The most recent to get this treatment would be "Valentine's Day".  The video to go along with single number four is a change of pace.  Sadly, there are no appearances by Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, or Tilda Swinton this time.  Directed by Indrani and Markus Klinko, we have a much more immediate video focused only on Bowie.  Excuse me while I go wait and weep for a tour announcement.

The "Valentine's Day" picture disc will feature the instrumental bonus track "Plan" on the b-side.  Look for it on August 19, via ISO/Columbia.