Frank Ocean, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon & Diplo - Hero

Every once in a while, Converse likes to release a new installment to their "Three Artists, One Song" series.  It's exactly what the title suggests; three artists collaborate on a song and then it's released as a free download by Converse.  For reference, this collaboration between Kimbra, Mark Foster, and A-Trak was pretty amazing.

"Hero" technically features four artists this time around, although the legendary Mick Jones and Paul Simonon have that Clash thing in common.  Frank Ocean takes on vocal duties, with assistance from the West Los Angeles Children's Choir, and Diplo handles the production bits.  Honestly, anything that involves members of The Clash is worth a listen.

Lykke Li - Love Me Like I'm Not Made Of Stone

Perhaps some of the best news we've heard this year, Lykke Li is releasing her third album I Never Learn this May.  Our first real taste of the album is "Love Me Like I'm Not Made Of Stone", a raw and stripped song that reminds me of when she covered Carole King a few years back.  According to Lykke, the new record is full of "power ballads" and every track is "a slow burner".  If the entire album is in the style of this single, then give me a box of tissues and count me in.  Watch the beautifully heartbreaking "Love Me Like I'm Not Made Of Stone" below.  I Never Learn is out May 5.

Son Lux & Lorde - Easy (Switch Screens)

Son Lux has teamed up with Lorde for an updated version of "Easy", from last year's Lanterns record.  It's appropriately haunting and this re-worked version, titled "Easy (Switch Screens)", adds some heavier percussion to the mix.  The track is part of Alternate Worlds, Son Lux's new EP which "reimagines" four songs from Lanterns.  You can listen to "Easy (Switch Screens)" below and purchase of copy of the EP on colored vinyl here.

HAIM - If I Could Change Your Mind

 

Just when I thought HAIM couldn't get any more perfect, they go and do this.  Directed by Warren Fu and choreographed by Fatima Robinson, the music video for "If I Could Change Your Mind" is one the best things I've witnessed in recent memory.  The Haim sisters actually perform dance sequences in front of a giant illuminated sign that reads "HAIM".  It's like a seventies variety show hosted by your favorite nineties girl group.

Days Are Gone is out now on Columbia and you can grab a copy here.

Small Black - Lines Of Latitude (Feat. Frankie Rose)

Small Black have a new EP on the way.  Real People is the follow up to last year's Limits Of Desire, an album that completely took me by surprise and swept me off my feet.  Seriously, if you still haven't heard their last record then I highly suggest you take a moment and let it soak in.  Back on the topic of Real People, the lead single from this new EP is called "Lines Of Latitude" and it features Frankie Rose.  "Lines Of Latitude" continues the dreamy mellow "drifting into bliss" vibe that Limits Of Desire toted.



Real People is out April 1, via Jagjaguwar.  You can pre-order the EP here and check out Small Black's tour dates here.