TURN IT UP
Kate Nash certainly doesn’t waste any time! Snappy new single “Doo Wah Doo” just leaked a few days ago and already the quirky video has emerged. It’s got a retro airplane steward theme, with in-flight instructions doubling as dance moves. Brilliant! It certainly joins the ranks of memorable airborne clips, both silly (Foo Fighters’ “Learning to Fly”) and sexy (Britney’s “Toxic”). Looks like this one could be a hit after all.
I’ll never forget cruising around with my fag hags while I was in high school blasting Hole’s Live Through This and screaming along to “Violet.” Precious memories. Things sure have changed since the glory days of Ms. Love’s then-acclaimed band. No questions there.
But let’s fast forward to 2010. Courtney is shifting the focus from her brilliant Twitter career to tour the U.K. and actually put out some new music. I’m not sure if new single “Skinny Bitch” is technically released by Hole or some band she’s started called Nobody’s Daughter, but you can download it for free TODAY ONLY (3/4) after entering a few personal details (ie selling your soul).
The verdict? Not as wonderful as “Olympia” but not as terrible as Love’s solo material. In other words, I’m ambivalent. Apparently there’s an LP in the works — considering Ms. Unpredictable’s track record, there’s no telling how long that’ll take to come to fruition.
UPDATED MARCH 6: Download the track here if you missed it on Wednesday!
One of the great things about live shows is that you’re often exposed to talent you might not come across otherwise. Sure, it can be difficult to endure if it’s not your cup of tea or the artist on stage is unbelievably terrible — but if you’re lucky you might be treated to something new and wonderful.
That was the case for me when I took in the Tegan and Sara show at Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse earlier this week. Thankfully I made it in time to catch the phenomenal Holly Miranda. Her indie-pop tunes are a bit more low-key than what I’m normally drawn to, but her powerful range and beautiful delivery had me completely captivated from the moment I entered the venue.
Listen to the dreamy “Waves” below and if you like what you hear, you’ll probably adore her brand new disc, The Magician’s Private Library. And you must see her live! You can’t beat the one-two punch of her and those cutie-pie twins in concert — they’re on tour together for the next few months.
Sorry Kate Nash, you have been replaced.*
Ok, perhaps not. But in her hiatus fresh-faced newcomer Eliza Doolittle is poised to take over as the U.K.’s resident chirpy bird.
Case in point: Debut single “Skinny Genes” is a clever and slightly rude comment on relationships, not terribly unlike the sublime “Foundations” (though I’d say the former is decidedly breezy and whimsical in comparison). Also like Nash the 21-year-old composes her own songs. Many of which would sound right at home in adverts if this whole pop star business doesn’t work out.
Give the clip below a whirl and decide for yourself. What do you make of the whistly bit??
The single is out in the U.K. on March 29. I’m guessing it will turn up in an episode of Gossip Girl before it garners any sort of audience in the States. Pity.
*It appears that Kate Nash is here to stay. For a limited time you can download a new track called “I Just Love You More.” (Once that expires, listen here.) Though I wouldn’t call it single material, it is definitely makes a Courtney Love-type riot grrrl statement. She’s not going down without a fight, this one!
Who knew some folks from Provo, Utah, could have such skills?
Meet Neon Trees, a peppy pop-rock act with a killer debut single. “Animal” has all the right ingredients — the bass-driven track forces you to dance, the chorus is simple, catchy yet massive, and there are hand claps. I’m a sucker for those. Lead singer Tyler Glenn also has a mohawk, too. I know some of you think that’s lame, but for me it’s totally the clincher.
So check out the video below, and prepare to be blown away. The band’s major-label debut, Habits, is due in March. I can’t wait to hear more.
Here’s a bonus — 2 very different remixes of “Animal.” Download here:
“Animal (Yes Giantess Remix)”
“Animal (Tyler Glenn Remix)”
Fun facts about Manchester’s The Courteeners: As you can see in the image above, these serious lads do not prefer smiling in press photographs. Also, Morrissey considers himself a big fan. Go figure.
The band is set to release sophomore effort Falcon in the U.K. on Feb 22, with lead single “You Overdid It Doll” out next week. The catchy mid-tempo track tells the cautionary tale of an out-of-control party girl, and it’s easily their best song to date. Incidentally, frontman Liam Fray is on the cover of this week’s NME looking not entirely sullen.
On a side note, the title of “You Overdid It Doll” could be used to describe yours truly on the occasional Saturday evening! Download/listen below:
The Courteeners – “You Overdid It Doll”