Capital Cities - Safe And Sound

"I could lift you up"

This song is killing it right now in Germany. At the time of this writing, it's number one on the singles chart. I mention this only because it surprises me, particularly since the song's been around for years (it must be part of some advertisement or something). I've known about it for quite some time myself, but looking at the itunes chart caused me to re-investigate. And really, it's a song worth a second look. The band seems to think so, too, as they've released a new music video and reignited conversation and buzz around their music. The song itself kind of reminds me of a more accessible Empire of the Sun. It's got that airy, organic dance sound that's perfect for a lazy Summer afternoon. We're not quite to Summer yet, but at least it brings to mind warm weather and long nights.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the song here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Annie - Tube Stops And Lonely Hearts

"Can't stop, I'm about to begin"

My musical relationship with Norway's Annie has been a bit rocky. I wanted to like her music so badly but it didn't hit me instantly. However, I knew it was something that would grow on me, so I worked at liking it, and eventually I came around. That might sound like the music's unapproachable or self-indulgent or something. It's really not. I think the thing that put me off initially was her unique, airy style of singing. I remember thinking that there wasn't a lot of presence (or any grit) in her voice, and for some reason that bothered me and stopped me from fully embracing her cool brand of pop. Whatever. I'm over it now, and I love all her stuff. This new track took no effort to like, from its instantly catchy verses to the breezy, cooler-than-cool production. I'm happy to have her back, and this time I promise I'll embrace the new music without a lot of fuss!



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the last album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Shinee - Why So Serious?

I told you I would write about Shinee's new single as soon as it was released! I was immensely impressed with their first album of the year and its accompanying single, Dream Girl. Why So Serious doesn't sound like either, but that's no bad thing. I love the track's rock-elements, which are taken to an almost cheesy level of bombast. The verses are a bit of a mess, but that chorus is clear as a bell. I love how the melody lifts in unexpected directions, speeding up and slowing down. It's a real interesting choice for a lead single. I haven't listened to the entirety of the new album yet, but what I've heard so far isn't hitting me as strongly as the last one. I'll give it time to grow, but so far it sounds slower and less interesting overall. We'll see. Many are claiming that this track is the worst on the album. At this point, I'd say the exact opposite.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Albums I'm Anticipating this Spring

April

Shinee - Why So Serious? – The Misconceptions of Me
The first half of their double-EP experiment was completely brilliant, so I have high hopes for the follow-up. Expect an Alienhits feature on the new single as soon as it's released.

May

Isac Elliot - Wake Up World
I never thought I could be so addicted to a song by a tween artist, but New Way Home has quickly become one of 2013's absolute highlights. I hope the album's as good.

Amelia Lily - Be A Fighter
She's already had a string of excellent singles, so I have faith in the album (if it's ever released).

June

Studio Killers
I am SO thrilled that, after years of intermittent singles, they're releasing an album. This can't come soon enough. I have sky high hopes for this.

July and Beyond...

Exo-K
My favorite K-Pop debut from last year, and they're way overdue for a comeback.
G-Dragon
Will this be the rumoured Japanese debut or another Korean EP? Or both?
Diviney
He's starting work on his debut EP. I hope it sounds a lot like You're So Cool.
Nicole Saboune
I know nothing about when (or if) a full length album will be released, but I have my fingers crossed.
Haim
Due for a Summer release, this is the only American band that I'm excited about this year.

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Nervo - Hold On

"I just wanna hold on"

I've had my eye on Nervo for awhile now. Over the past few years, the Australian duo has released dance track after dance track. They've all been good, but this is the first one that's really caught my attention. I love the lush, dreamy production and the simple (if spare) melody. It's a different feel from the straight-up club tracks they've released in the past. I'd say it's from the With Every Heartbeat mold of electronic music--a slow build with a focus on one highly melodic, repetitive hook. At three minutes, the track's over before you know it. I'm not usually the biggest fan of extended mixes, but I'd be interested in hearing the one for this.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the track here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Union J - Carry You

"You've been running for hours and can't catch your breath"

X-Factor UK sure knows how to churn them out. Although we're still waiting for the Amelia Lily album (being delayed as often as it has is not a great sign), we've now got the first official single from last year's competition. Union J were a cobbled together boyband (One Direction style) that ended up finishing fourth. They were one of two boybands in the competition and were honestly the less interesting of the two, but the one with more commercial appeal. The single's sort of the same. I like it, but I'm not wowed by it. It's very much in the style of fellow Brit boyband The Wanted. Polished, mid-tempo and kind of adult-contemporary. I'm curious to see where they go from here. They could either go on to be the next Westlife or the next One True Voice. I hate to say I'm concerned that they're leaning toward the latter, but I wish them well and I hope this song is successful for them!



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the track here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Wildstylez - Year Of Summer (ft. Niels Geusebroek)

"Set your mind free, it's the year of Summer"

Sometimes you just want it to be Summer. And if you live in the Pacific Northwest like I do, Summer often needs a little push to get going. This brilliant dance track was actually released last year, but it's riding high on the itunes charts in the Netherlands now. I can totally see why. The beat is massive, like a jackhammer capable of crumbling buildings. But more than that, the melody and lyrics are pure joy. I can't imagine anybody listening to this and not finding something to love. I'm honestly surprised this hasn't hit somewhere outside of the Netherlands yet. It seems primed to do so. Maybe this Summer will change that?



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the track here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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