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.

Goldfrapp - Drew

It's been a few years since Goldfrapp's 2010 retro synth-pop album, Head First.  Alison Goldfrapp has been less than generous while discussing that record, even going so far to say "I didn’t like the last album very much.  I’m not very proud of that one."  While some may agree with her, I find it to be quite enjoyable every now and then.  It can be a bit overwhelming in the ABBA sense if you're not in the mood for it, but there really are some great moments.

This September, the duo will release the follow-up to Head First.  Tales Of Us is shaping up to be a highly anticipated return to form.  I say that because they've just released a video for the record's lead single "Drew" and it sounds like signature Goldfrapp, sans 80's revival tunes.  The video was directed by Lisa Gunning and features Alison in a black and white clip. There's a bit of nudity, but it's handled in a classy way.  The song is actually alarmingly beautiful and we can only hope that the full album is equally stunning.  Check out the video and look for Tales Of Us on September 9, via Mute Records.

Pre-Order: Goldfrapp - "Tales Of Us"

Lorde - The Love Club / Tennis Court

Last week, I finally sat down and searched "Lorde" on Youtube.  Prior to this search, I had no knowledge of who or what Lorde was.  It was simply a name that had been floating around my Twitter stream at an above average rate.  The first results that I watched were the music video for "Royals", followed by the "Tennis Court" video.  A few days have gone by since I watched those videos and now I can't stop listening to Lorde.

It turns out that Lorde is the stage name of Ella Yelich-O'Connor.  She's from New Zealand and happens to be sixteen years old.  I have to say it was pretty shocking to discover that she's so young.  Age aside, her first release was an EP called The Love Club.  It was posted online last year and saw an official release just a few months ago.  The lead single "Royals" went to number one in New Zealand and her next single "Tennis Court" followed the same pattern.

I find it amazing that, as a new artist, she's managed to find such a distinct sound.  Lorde is creating music with a mature production style while still capturing something youthful.  She might be sixteen, but the songs sound like someone who takes their art seriously.  You know what I mean?

To wrap things up, Lorde is a stunning discovery and I'm so glad that I took the time to check out her music.  You should definitely give her a listen and maybe even download an album or two, if you feel like it.  Just don't be surprised when Lorde becomes the next big thing to take over the US.

M.I.A. - Bring The Noize

I'm pretty sure you've heard this by now, but I just had to post it.  M.I.A. has a new single!  I remember writing a piece back in 2010, completely destroying her hit or miss single "Steppin' Up".  Seems like that was just yesterday. While I'm still not fond of that drilling assault of the ears, I do love some M.I.A..  Within the last month, Kala has seen a random revival on my headphones as a favorite record.  Her new single, "Bring The Noize" is interesting, maybe not what I expected, but it brings the noize.  Her verses remind me of Arular material with a "Bamboo Banga" beat.  It's definitely an exciting sample of the always-delayed Matangi.  Let's just hope the album's not too positive.

UPDATE: There's now a video to go with it! Check it out...

Robyn - U Should Know Better (Feat. Snoop Dogg)

Remember Robyn's near flawless Body Talk trilogy from a couple years ago?  I still put all three albums into pop rotation every now and then.  On Body Talk Pt. 2, there was a collaboration with Snoop Dogg called "U Should Know Better".  It was Robyn fronting her nastiest attitude, think "Konichiwa Bitches", and reached maximum potential due to its somewhat humorous placement directly in front of the acoustic "Indestructible".

Now out of seemingly nowhere, Robyn has released a music video for the single.  It features a female equivalent to Snoop Dogg and the boy child reincarnation of Robyn.  Seriously, that kid has every signature Robyn dance move perfected.  His room is also decorated with a timeline of her career and personality.  It's the ideal treat to hold us over until Robyn releases some new material.

Keep reading to check out the pleasant surprise of a video...