_TV On The Radio – “Will Do”

When TV On The Radio announced a hiatus in 2008, I expected one to last around 5 years. I was pleasantly shocked once I heard that they’re coming back with a new song “Will Do” from their fifth album, Nine Types of Light. A hiatus usually is more than 2-3  years, which is how long an average break between albums take. Whatever, I’m glad they’re back.

The track starts out very mellow and calming before breaking into the true TVOTR spirit we all are familiar with. “Will Do” is not amazing or horrendous, but rather just a chill, breezy track. If the album is as consistent as this I might be raping my repeat button, but for now it’s not as memorable or catchy enough to be a solid, lasting comeback single (who even knows if this is one?).

_Stream Lykke Li’s “Wounded Rhymes”

When I first saw Lykke Li’s album cover for ‘Wounded Rhymes’, it reminded me of something but I didn’t know what. Listening to her album (which is superb so far), this picture of my friend that I took popped up in my mind, which is what I was thinking of before but couldn’t place my finger on it. Even though they’re both different photographs, the image itself shares a strikingly similar idea (covered face, b&w). Obviously Li’s is more developed.

Anyways, stream the album (HypeMachine exclusive) below the cut on Soundcloud. ‘Wounded Rhymes’ is available on March 1st worldwide. (more…)

_Bat For Lashes – “Strangelove” (Depeche Mode cover)

It seems like it’s been a while since I’ve mentioned or heard of Bat For Lashes. The most recent release she had was her contribution to the Twilight soundtrack, which wasn’t too long ago (but seems like it). Maybe her release of a Depeche Mode cover “Strangelove” (which is being used for a Gucci campaign) is hinting that she’s back on the scene with a new album or EP release.

I don’t know much of Depeche Mode’s music, and to be honest, I wouldn’t have known that this was a cover if no one mentioned it. Natasha Khan completely transformed it to not sound too disco-y. What’s funny is that when I listened to the original after hearing this, I noticed a striking similarity even though the styles are a bit different.

Bat For Lashes – “Strangelove” (Depeche Mode cover) by vinylandvodka

_Beth Ditto – “I Wrote The Book” (Music Video)

Another video has been made for a track from Beth Ditto’s debut solo EP in collaboration with Simian Mobile Disco, this time called “I Wrote The Book”. If the scenes/vibe/cinematography seems familiar, it’s because she’s paying an homage to Madonna. Work it sister.

_Cut Copy – “Need You Now” (Music Video)

Cut Copy – “Need You Now” from stereogum on Vimeo.

Cut Copy have recently released the video to “Need You Now“, their first single from their LP Zonoscope. The video is hilarious, I don’t really understand why there are athletes in it. Have hipsters moved on from cats, making athletes the new trend? Haha.

_Jamie xx – “Beat For”

Looking at what he’s been doing lately, it seems as if Jamie xx’s life is pretty hectic exhausting. Every month or so he releases a new original track; a new remix every couple of weeks. His remake/mix of Gil Scott Heron’s album is also received quite the press. Other than that, he also might (hopefully) be working on The xx’s sophomore album. If his new track “Beat For” was an animal, it would be a chameleon. The mood of the song constantly changes every 20 or so seconds, but that doesn’t mean the song is all over the place. He uses a couple of sample lyrics from an unknown source, but one with Jamaican sounding voice heavily reminds me of Major Lazer.

Jamie xx – “Beat For” by vinylandvodka

_Yeasayer – “I Remember” (Music Video)

Yeasayer has released a music video to their new single “I Remember”. They are not uncommonly known for their weird music videos, this one not being an exception. Also, you can download a free EP with 2 remixes as well. (There’s a button on the video)

_LADY GAGA – “BORN THIS WAY”

I’m speechless. I just want to say I am exhausted as fuck and I need sleep, but after listening to this on repeat for the past hour that’s probably not going to happen. This may or may not be a biased, rushed opinion.

Lady Gaga explores a whole new level with “Born This Way“. After hearing her singing the chorus at the MTV VMA’s last year, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. It’s fast, it’s fun, and definitely a track that will be buzzed about for a long time. Instead of her usual ‘fierce’ songs (Bad Romance, Alejandro, Dance in the Dark), she expresses a happier and whimsical song that will make the atmosphere in any club, party, or gay sleepover a lively, spirited environment.

I can’t wait for her Grammy performance. Listen to it below and a download will only be up for the next couple hours so you can feed your Gaga cravings until the official release: (more…)