M.I.A's Really Back...

With a garage-rock track called Born Free. It’s a departure for the Sri-Lankan-born-London-raised-New-York-based singer but is also essentially nothing special. It's certainly not as strong as any other single she's released.

The video on the other hand (Directed by Romain Gavras) is pretty bloody brilliant. It’s brutal, looks cool and of course has political meaning. What more do you want?

WATCH IT HERE AT MIAUK
WARNING: NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED

Then look at the tracklisting for her third album, which was released on Twitter today.

I Feel Better

So while I was away this appears to be big video that came out. It's directed by comedian Peter Serafinowicz. I love this track and really like the JLS pastiche and the girls faces when their idols get fucked up. Less keen about the sci-fi elements.

Some people at the office suggested it's better than GaGa's Telephone. I'm not having that but it's definitely an above average promo.


Hot Chip - I Feel Better

Hot Chip | MySpace Music Videos

New Rihanna Video

Well first this incredible (and somewhat puzzling) picture



This promo below is great as long as we all realise that it is a massive rip off of at least two M.I.A videos- Galang and Jimmy.

Cinnamon Chasers- Luv Deluxe

Shows the opposite end of the music video scale to Lady GaGa's Bad Romance. It's just as good though and the tune is not bad either.

New Lady G video

In early Jan I had a phone interview with Lady GaGa. She referenced Andy Warhol and made all sorts of outlandish claims. Watching this eleven months later I'm ashamed I ever doubted she would be the biggest popstar in the world.

Vid by this guy. Interview (for day job) here if you fancy a read

Guess Who's Back? Back Again?

So here it is the proper single from Relapse with a video we've come to expect from Slim Shady. Here's my opinion for what it's worth- Eminem has three types of flows, three voices and therefore three distinct types of song.

He's angry, hard-done-by white trash (Lose Yourself/ White America/ Mosh/ Stan). In medium mode he's calm, thoughtful and self aware (Hailie's Song/ Toy Soldiers). Then as on We Made You (plus Just Lose It, Without Me and Real Slim Shady) Marshall is funny, bitchy and often offensive.

I like Dre's production and particularly the chorus on this new song. I also find the lyrics mostly witty and of course they're a good excuse for the ridiculous video. The only problem is when he raps in this high pitched voice it sometimes turns into a whine. I've said this before but I can't wait to hear Relapse which will hopefully be returning to the form of The Eminem Show and Marshall Mathers.

Have Chromeo Sold Out?

Actually I don't care much about the question of the title. They haven't sold that many copies of their two really funky and fun albums so fair play to them.

It's just a bit of shame that only big brands (in this case Kickers) can still afford to put decent money into music videos. I'm all about the song though. I always dig CSS remixes- they reversioned Kylie, Keane, Bloc Party and Lykke Li in 2008.

Just a shame it's so short but then I guess that's because it's essentially an advert.

Jamie T Returns

I remember arguing with someone at the end of 2007 that Panic Prevention wasn't one of the albums of the year. But it was. I just hadn't realised yet. The disc was slow-burning but rewarded repeated listens and I seem to listen to Ike and Tina once a week.

Fire Fire is the first taste of his new album. It's noticeabley heavier and quite rough and ready. I'm feeling the bassline. Although this track might be polished more on the album I like that Jamie is still DIY and hasn't called in Paul Epworth, Jacknife Lee or some other indie super-producer.

Get a low-fi demo of the track at his Myspace

A thing for you (and me)

Metronomy are definitely a band i've slept on. I've got a lot of their remixes but never explored the bands' own stuff. This new single is great though. For me it's very Human League and also sounds a lot like the long forgotten Zoot Woman.

It's cold and electronic but the crisp vocals still have heart. The no-budget video is probably the best i've seen in ages too.