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    Lily Allen Will Be Your Fag Hag


    2009 - 01.30

    Posted in Lily Allen | 1 Comment »

    lilyallen

    Songs continue to leak from Lily Allen’s forthcoming (and highly anticipated) sophomore release, It’s Not Me, It’s You. One in particular will be of interest to her gay fans — a cheeky bonus track called “Fag Hag.”

    Ms. Allen has most definitely played the part of a fairy princess (as a friend of mine prefers to be called!), and since she emerged a few years ago she has frequently voiced her support for the gay community. Sure, the lyrics in “Fag Hag” might pander to stereotypes. Lily comments on the things she has in common with her gay: shopping for furniture, pretending to like art galleries, reading the travel section, and my personal favorite — “we’re both in our element when we’re on our knees, whatever the weather.” Haha!

    Regardless, it’s meant in good humor with a healthy dose of affection. I’m guessing the only people who might have a problem with it are the women who hate being labeled with the term Lily is propagating.

    It’s Not Me, It’s You drops Feb. 9 in the U.K. and the following day in the U.S.

    White Lies Tops U.K. Album Chart


    2009 - 01.28

    Posted in General | No Comments »

    white-lies-to-lose-my-lifeIt’s not often that a psuedo-goth band comes straight out of the gate with a chart-topping debut disc, but that’s just what London-based act White Lies did this past weekend in Britain.

    The band’s latest single, title track “To Lose My Life,” almost seems like an homage to the many macabre bands that laid the groundwork for this type of success — think The Smiths, Joy Division, Echo & The Bunnymen, etc. Other than frontman Harry McVeigh’s baritone vocals, you’ll find further proof in the almost comically dark chorus: “Let’s grow old together / And die at the same time.” Need I say more? To say it fits the stereotype is an understatement, but at the same time it is polished enough to ensure broad appeal. Hence the No. 1 chart position.

    The creepy video is pretty much what you’d expect. It isn’t terribly over-the-top, but there is a room filled with dolls and a hooded man who is likely up to no good. And wild coyotes! Mustn’t forget them.

    Honestly, I actually like this type of shit from time to time! Now if you’ll excuse me, I feel the sudden urge to break out my black nail polish.

    Royksopp Prep New Single, Album


    2009 - 01.27

    Posted in General | No Comments »

    royksopp

    Norwegian electronic duo Royksopp has managed to fly under the radar in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean you’ve never heard the group’s futuristic synth-pop. Tracks like “Remind Me” and “Eple” were prominently used in ad campaigns and video games. As is often the case, those licensing deals never translated into major name recognition.

    Their latest bid for mainstream popularity comes in the form of their forthcoming disc, Junior, and its sublime first single, “Happy Up Here.” With its effortless groove, the immediately likable song blurs the lines of the traditional verse-chorus structure. Not sure how — perhaps its success lies in its brevity — but it actually works! Check it out:

    Honestly, I’m not sure U.S. radio would embrace something so glaringly European (and I mean that as a compliment). But it’s still a treat for more globally-conscious music lovers like myself. One thing’s for certain, you’ll definitely hear Royksopp’s latest in a cell phone or computer commercial…

    “Happy Up Here” is released digitally in the U.K. on March 9. Junior follows shortly on March 23. And the States?? Your guess is as good as mine.

    Sugababes Satisfy Fanbase in Latest Video


    2009 - 01.26

    Posted in Sugababes | No Comments »

    The last two posts were a little bit butch, so I thought it was a good time to balance that out with the latest Sugababes video! Enjoy the clip for “No Can Do,” an-actually-quite-good single that could have been recorded in the golden era of ’60s girl groups — though it somehow seems altogether modern at the same time.

    The video features the trio vamping it up amongst a gaggle of mostly-naked men in several interesting positions (haha, it’s not at dirty as it sounds). Yes, the ‘babes definitely know how to please their fans. And of course that primarily consists of gay men and saucy straight women.

    The clip opens with Amelle lying amongst several of the hunks, shot from above. I’m not complaining — I think it’s an entertaining video — but when I look at that first bit I can’t help but think Kylie did it better.

    If the video above becomes unavailable, watch it here.

    sugababes09

    I Predict a Ra Ra Riot


    2009 - 01.24

    Posted in Indie | No Comments »

    rarariot

    Syracuse indie rockers Ra Ra Riot are following in the strings-drenched footsteps of fellow New Yorkers Vampire Weekend, with perhaps a dash of Arcade Fire bombast thrown in for good measure. The group’s lovely new U.K. single is a fitting choice considering Valentine’s Day is on the horizon. “Can You Tell” relays an achingly accurate tale of longing with lyrics that hit close to home for many.

    > Stream: “Can You Tell”

    “I think about you nightly / Can you tell I’m losing sleep / What am I supposed to do / It’s hard to stay cool / Oh when you smile at me / And I get nervous every time you speak / My bed’s too big for just me”

    If the Gossip Girl music coordinators are doing their homework, we’ll be hearing this the next time Dan and Serena break up (who knows, maybe we already have?). And let’s hope they film a video for “Can You Tell,” because the one they did for previous single “Dying Is Fine” was absolutely glorious (watch it below).

    It’s odd that Ra Ra Riot hasn’t been embraced by mainstream media outlets. SNL put Fleet Foxes on instead of these guys? I don’t get it. At least Rolling Stone was smart enough to name the band’s latest effort The Rhumb Line among the best of 2008.

    Insanely Incredible Indie Band Alert: Elle Macho


    2009 - 01.22

    Posted in Indie | 1 Comment »

    ellemacho

    Comprised of Nashville-based singer-songwriters David Mead, Butterfly Boucher (perhaps best known for solo single “Another White Dash”) and drummer Lindsey Jamieson, Elle Macho is more abrasive than the previous, more low-key efforts of its members. With a sound reminiscent of Elastica and harmonies similar to The Raveonettes, the post-punk outfit tops it off with killer style and plenty of attitude.

    I’m not sure how long the trio has been together — there’s not much information about them on the internet — but I saw them blow the crowd away last weekend at the Mercy Lounge 6th Anniversary bash alongside The Features and Brenn. I was immediately hooked.

    Head over to myspace to check them out. If you enter the email addresses of 5 friends, you can download their three-song EP, Lakefever Sessions, for free. I wouldn’t be suprised if Elle Macho completely exploded in the near future, because they have the potential to be the next big thing out of Nashville.

    I’ll be at The Basement, front and center, on Jan 30 when they perform — if you’re in town, come along! You can say you saw them before they were famous.

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