Lana Del Rey - Video Games/Blue Jeans

Lana Del Rey is the newest artist that you need to know.  Her music ranges from an elegant breeze in "Video Games" to the out of control danger of "Kinda Outta Luck".  Her image is part Hollywood trendy and part retro glam.  After posting a series of videos made up of, among other things, old film clips, dolled-up webcam footage, and American scenery, she's set to release the double A-side single of "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans".

Lana Del Rey used to go by Lizzy Grant.  After an image and name change, she has a fresh slate to work with.  "Video Games" is comparable to contemporaries such as Sia or Florence + The Machine.  The song has a blown up sound with harp and strings twisted around it.  Lana's voice is rich with a classic melody.

"Blue Jeans" shows us a different side of Lana Del Rey's voice.  The extra space tightens up as she pushes through an almost smokey hum.  The song also has a chorus to die for.  "I will love you 'til the end of time", she howls.  Each track is worthy of equal praise and addictive to the point of a broken repeat button.

You can pre-order the limited edition 7" picture disc of "Video Games/Blue Jeans" here.  The vinyl is due to be released on October 17th and if you hurry, you may still be able to get a signed copy.  Keep reading for the accompanying "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans" videos...

Florence + The Machine - What The Water Gave Me

With the release of their debut album in 2009, Florence + The Machine surged onto playlists across the globe.  "Dog Days Are Over" became the hit song that everyone knew, "Oooh, that harp!".  Lungs as a full record was covered in orchestral arrangements, pounding drums, and most notably, Florence Welch's soaring vocals.  As a new name on the music scene, Florence had made her mark.

Now, to prep for the release of album number two, the band has unveiled a new single.  "What The Water Gave Me" still has the Florence sound that you've grown to love.  However, a sense of maturity is found when compared to older singles, such as "Kiss With A Fist".  The chorus is stadium sized with a choir-like howl and the buildup is amazing.  "What The Water Gave Me" is an exciting preview of the currently untitled follow-up to Lungs, which has a release date of November seventh in the UK.

You can watch the music video for "What The Water Gave Me" below.  If you would like to download the single, you can do so here.

Mr. Dream - Moneybags

Mr. Dream's debut album, Trash Hit, came out back in March.  Since then, they've garnered the attention of music lovers and critics across the US. They were heard up the east coast when the band snatched an opening slot on tour with CSS and Sleigh Bells last spring.  Now they're back with a new track just in time for that final blast of summer.

"Moneybags" is Mr. Dream's first venture into the always interesting sophomore album phase.  While this track isn't a confirmed piece of a future album, I certainly wouldn't be disappointed if this is a sign of what's to come from the band.

Mr. Dream knows how to mix the big pop melodies with gritty and punky guitar rock, but something about "Moneybags" brings another element to the table.  This one makes you want to skip the headbanging and actually move. There's an underlying groove, particularly in the bass driven breakdown that triggers a grinning "awwww yeah" reaction.

You can stream and download "Moneybags" here.  For more music and info on Mr. Dream you can head this way.

Willy Moon - I Wanna Be Your Man

You know that wonderful feeling you get when you discover a new artist? The rush of finding something fresh that you can't wait to share with everyone, unless you want future hipster kitty rights on your private gem. Learning more about them and especially finding more of their music to the borderline of obsession becomes your hobby.  Not long ago, I stumbled upon the music video for Willy Moon's "I Wanna Be Your Man" by pure chance.  The song is only one minute and fifty seconds long.  It ends before you can realize what you just watched, but those one hundred and twenty seconds are so good.

There's not much info online that really explains who this Willy Moon character is and where he came from.  Apparently, he's originally from New Zealand, but currently resides in London.  "I Wanna Be Your Man" is the only track of his that's available for listening and he's always wearing a polished suit.  The lack of details along with his black and white stylistic image creates an odd mystery around Willy Moon.  Musically, "I Wanna Be Your Man" is a bizarre mix of a vintage 50's sound and noise-pop percussion.  It's all incredibly addictive.  The video only adds even more to the package and I can't wait to hear more from this newcomer with a throwback vibe.

Watch the video for "I Wanna Be Your Man" below...

DJ White Shadow - I'm Killing Me

DJ White Shadow, also known as Paul Blair, just released his first official EP of original work.  At just over thirty minutes long, I'm Killing Me is a beat driven blast of energy.  You may know White Shadow from his collaboration with Lady Gaga on her third album Born This Way, where he took the role of writer and producer on one of the year's biggest albums.  You can hear his distinct elements on both projects, but this album touches new areas that weren't seen with Gaga.  While he already had a reputation for putting on a massive DJ set, I'm Killing Me shows the mainstream music world what DJ White Shadow is capable of.

I'm Killing Me is available as a free download over on DJ White Shadow's website.  If you want to hear more of DJWS' work, you can check out some of his mixtapes and remixes here.