Woo hoo! Guess who’s back!! This has been a crazy week for me (literally, 5 tests for school!), but I have made it intact through all of it, and I wanted to celebrate a nice weekend by kicking it off with some great music; especially since it’s been a couple of weeks since the last 5SF. So let’s do this.
Sara Bareilles – King of Anything
What can I say about Sara that I haven’t already said a thousand times? She’s an amazing singer, incredibly talented performer, exquisite singer, and a brilliant song writer. Her debut turned out to be one of my favorite albums of the last decade, and with this new single from her hotly anticipated forthcoming album, Kaleidoscope Heart, she has proven that she still has a lot more amazing pop music to offer us. The song is a cleverly written “fuck you” song, and brilliantly fits within her previous work, and serves as the perfect set up for an exciting new release this fall. I for one cannot wait for her new album, as I have been a huge fan of hers ever since I saw her perform live, and if it is anything like I have come to expect from her in the past, I know that it will probably be one of the best albums of 2010; and if this song is only a testament to that, it’s bound to be! Glad to see that you’re back, and in top form Ms. Bareilles!
Aqualung (feat. Sara Bareilles) – Remember Us
I honestly thought I had posted about this song already; so let me say, what an egregious error I have made by not doing so sooner! This is from the recently released album Magnetic North, from the always quite amazing Aqualung, and I thought it appropriate to post this one today (since I hadn’t already), not only because it’s my favorite track from the album, but also because it is incredibly beautiful (well, that and it allows me to keep the Sara Bareilles love rolling on). I remember seeing Aqualung a few years along with Sara Bareilles, and I never thought that their meeting would turn into a beautiful musical relationship like this. Matt really has proven to be a beautiful song writer, and this collaboration just sends it over the edge; this song is definitely one of his best.
Kylie Minogue – All The Lovers
“Dance, it’s all I wanna do, so won’t you dance? I’m standing here with you, why won’t you move?” Well, since you asked so nicely, Ms. Minogue, I will oblige!! While I don’t consider myself to be a Kylie super-fan, I do enjoy a lot of her music, and her previous release X was probably my favorite of hers thus far. After enjoying that release so much, I was excited to see she would be releasing a new album this summer, and given how much I like the lead single, I think it may be another one I can count amongst my favorites. My favorite part in this song is when she delicately sings that line above at about 2:10 in; beautiful!!
Robyn – Dancing On My Own
This is my, “unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should have heard this amazing, brilliant, pop masterpiece by now, but since I am sure some people haven’t (crazy?!), I have to post it” song. Seriously, Robyn, is a pop GODDESS. I was extremely excited when Fembot came out a few months ago, and the promise of THREE new albums was made for release this year, and so far, all I can do is stop typing, clap my hands in raucous applause, and scream bravo to Robyn. Her previous self-titled release, showed the world of pop music exactly how high the bar could be set, and with these new releases this year, it appears that only Robyn can reach the dizzying heights where she herself placed that very bar. I can’t wait to see how this whole situation plays out this year, because as I predicted even before hearing Body Talk, Part 1, I tentatively called this year musically going to Robyn; and it looks like my prediction is even closer to reality. This song is brilliant music-making people. Take it in!
Sleigh Bells – A/B Machines
Before I even knew who Sleigh Bells were, I got to see them in concert; they opened for Major Lazer a few months ago, and I was at the show early enough that I got to see their set. While I didn’t know who they were when they took the stage, I can definitely say I wanted to know who they were by the time they were done. They were incredible live, and their debut album Treats (which is pretty amazing as well), just came out last month. Overall, this is probably my favorite song from the album, and as I said elsewhere before, it is a song that, if I were a fashion designer, I would send my collection down the runway to. This song is power, raw and unabashed, and it demands attention. I love the well placed scream towards the end of the song that makes me just want to dance all night. I love when I find bands that I have never heard of, and they turn out to be amazing; lucky for me, Sleigh Bells is definitely one of those bands.
I hope you enjoyed today’s 5SF, and as always, let me know what you thought of the picks. Have a great weekend everyone!
I’ll be honest, I didn’t like this song the first time I heard it. I don’t know why, because now, I LOVE IT. This song practically begs to be danced to. Perhaps it was because it was kind of different in the way that the chorus really assaults you, and switches up the melody of the song that initially put me off, but regardless of whatever it was, I am completely over it now; this song is truly a floor filler and I am ready to shake my booty to the rhythm. It is hard to sit still when this song is on, because again, it is just such a dance ready song. Toni should be getting some major love for this new single, because it deserves a warm welcome for her coming back to the music scene. 
The first time I heard this, I was bound to be critical of it, because of how much I loved the Pipettes’ debut album, We Are The Pipettes!. There were a few line up changes, which led to nearly 3 years of delays for new music from them, and the fact that they are pretty much an entirely new band now (one original Pipette remains), had me worried that the Pipettes that I knew and loved would be able to revive the spunk and joy they brought on their wonderful debut album a few years ago. After a couple of listens, I am happy to report that the Pipettes are very much alive, and still have that wonderful something that I fell in love with to begin with. If this is just a taste of what we can expect from their hotly anticipated sophomore album, I can say with certainty, that I really cannot wait for more from the Pipettes! Don’t make me wait much longer ladies!
What can I say? Melissa Etheridge is a tried and true musician who has an amazing knack for writing powerful, evocative love songs, and her newest release, Fearless Love, is chock full of great tracks. I have been listening to the entire album ever since it came out last week, and I already think it’s going to make my year end best of list. I’m glad that Melissa still clearly has the gift of making music, and continues putting out excellent albums like she has with this new one. Sometimes, you just need some feel good rock and roll, and Melissa proves that she’s still a staple that you can turn to when that’s just what you crave. 
I absolutely love this girl. The first time I heard this song, I couldn’t deny the clear similarity to JoJo, but I have to say, Charice and her producers were brilliant in their using this song as a single; they reel you in with the familiarity of JoJo, and blow you away with Charice’s vocal talent. The song itself is just different enough, that it stands on its own as something fresh, and the song is undeniably, completely radio-ready. The part that really won me over is around 2:49 in the song where she completely wails, and her amazing vocals give me chills each time I listen to this song. This girl can sing, and she has made herself a wonderful single that should (with any justice) be burning up the charts in the coming months. Hopefully the inclusion of Iyaz (while it is completely unnecessary for the song) will give it some “reputable” traction, and get this gem on the radio!
What would you get if you blended the Darkness, Queen, and threw in a dash of Mika? Why, you’d have the exuberance of Foxy Shazam. I love the blended melodies, and the way they have used so many different musical elements (piano, guitar, horns, drums, oh my!) on this track, and I especially love how lead vocalist carries this song right over the top (but in a good way!). The lead singer’s swagger certainly reminds me a lot of Freddie Mercury, which makes that Queen reference even more relevant. This is certainly a fun song, and one that is best listened to loudly, and I have been enjoying it more and more in the recent weeks. Also be sure to check out 
I have this strange relationship with Keane; most of their stuff falls under my radar, but every once and while, they release a MAJOR single that completely captures my attention. Last time that happened was when they released the massive Spiralling, and I literally couldn’t get enough of that song. Now, they have done it again with this insanely catchy track, which has one of the best choruses of any song on the radio right now. While I’m not super hype on the rap portion of the song, the massive chorus won me over instantly, and has me playing this song on major repeat right now. This is definitely one to roll the windows down and blast as you ride around enjoying the beautiful spring weather we are having right now. 
While I will openly admit that this one took a while to grow on me, it has managed to take me completely by storm over the past couple of weeks. The more I hear this song, the more I love it. The beat begs to be danced to, and I like how fresh and different it is from most of the other stuff circling the airwaves out there right now. While Bossy will probably (see definitely) always be my favorite of Kelis’ songs, this one certainly highlights the fact that Kelis is not a shot in the pan; she has changed her style and done something brilliant in every endeavor she has taken musically. I can’t wait to see what her upcoming release, Flesh Tone (out July 6) has in store for us. 
Remember earlier when I said that there was some stuff that would be a little “out there” this week? Well, here it is. This ethereal track is from the recently released solo album, Go, from the lead singer of the Icelandic rock band, Sigur Rós. While I really can’t understand most of what he is singing in this song, I absolutely love the beautiful vocals and the accompanying airy and fanciful music. The first time I heard this, I had a bit of a WTF moment, but I will admit that I was instantly turned around, and was kicking myself for my doubt by the end of the song; this song is awesome. There’s definitely some strange stuff going on in Iceland, as evidenced by this, and the type of music fellow Icelander Björk makes. However, after hearing this, I honestly think that the Icelandic strange is the kind of strange that I am pretty sure that I love; after all, I love a lot of Björk’s music, and I find myself really loving this as well. Side note: apparently, he’s openly gay, so that’s a bonus to be featuring an out artist today!
Sia managed to fly under my radar for almost a year, only to take me by storm with her previous release, Some People Have Real Problems. As such, I was pretty excited to see that her next release, We Are Born will be released very soon (June 7th to be exact). Subsequently, when I heard this song, which is the lead single from the upcoming album, I was a bit on the fence; I didn’t love it instantly. However, Sia has proven to be a grower for me, and that is exactly what happened with this one; it has really grown on me, and I am loving it more with each listen. This one is definitely more upbeat for her, but it works, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the new album has in store. 
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The only “new” original track from their most recent release, a cover album/tribute to Hall and Oates, The Bird and The Bee harness their delightful quirkiness effortlessly on this wonderful airy hit. While the rest of the album is a guilty pleasure for sure, there is nothing to feel guilty about while listening to, and loving this song; it is sweet, warm, and perfect for a spring time drive. I have been a fan of The Bird and The Bee from day one, and this is yet another amazing song that I can add to my list of favorites by them. Be sure to check out the rest of the album as well, because they do Hall and Oates covers like no one else; they add a whole new level of fun!
The album Sigh No More is one of those albums that I only wish I would have discovered sooner; it is an amazing album from beginning to end. I love the weathered, raspy vocals, and the light speed guitar and banjo strumming on this song, factors which are also present on many of the other tremendous folk-rock songs on the album. This is one of those songs that you hear and realize you have stumbled onto something amazing, and in my case, it is then that I get excited about sharing it with others. If you haven’t heard of Mumford & Sons before today, consider yourself educated about a truly amazing and talented band, and if you love this song, you will adore the rest of their most recent release, Sigh No More; I know I do. 
I will admit that I was a bit hard on Vampire Weekend when they started putting out singles from their most recent album, Contra. The first, Horchata, didn’t blow me away, and the second, Cousins, took me a while to warm up to. However, when I saw them on SNL a few weeks ago, and they performed this song, it was then that I saw and heard the Vampire Weekend that I fell so deeply in love with when they released their debut back in 2008. Low and behold, they’ve since released this as the third single from Contra, and I have been loving this track (and the rest of the album) more and more with each listen. I’m glad this amazing song got me back on track, and back to loving the Vampire Weekend that I was missing. Also, be sure to check out the
What do you get when Danger Mouse and the lead singer of The Shins collaborate? Something pretty awesome, as far as I am concerned. This is my favorite song from their recent collaborative effort, the self-titled debut from Broken Bells. This song truly highlights both of their musical sensibilities, and makes for a wonderful listening experience; this is definitely the best song on the album for me. I fully expect to see this on a lot of best of lists for 2010, because when you have someone as consistently talented as Danger Mouse collaborating with someone as downright amazing as James Mercer of The Shins, it’s bound to get attention; and it certainly has captured mine. 
Ever since Robyn posted this new song on her website, I have been getting more and more excited about a new release from her; so it’s a good thing there’s going to be THREE new albums from this Swedish pop-goddess in 2010. That’s right ladies and gents, 2010 looks like it’s gonna be a huge year for Robyn, who has proven that she has still got it with this extremely catchy pop gem. If this is any taste of what we can expect in the following three releases this year, it seems that Robyn is hell bent on becoming the true, all reigning queen of pop; and if it’s anything like her previous self-titled release, she’s certainly going to get my vote. Rumor is, that the first of three albums comes our way in June; I for one cannot wait. 
While I fell deeply in love with Goldfrapp’s previous, very subdued album, I will admit that the gay boy inside me squealed with delight when I heard this first single of of their upcoming album, Head First (out March 22). EVERYTHING about this song is massive. It is a balls to the wall dance track that has me tapping my toes as I sit and write this. This song is another shining example of the true artistry and innovative nature of Goldfrapp; they are unexpected, and always come to the table with their A game. If this is any indication of what the rest of the album will sound like, it is going to be like Goldfrapp have proven themselves to be time and time again; massive. I seriously cannot hear this song enough right now; it is on major repeat!!
While I was extremely excited to see that my beloved Kate Nash has a new album coming out next month (My Best Friend Is You, April 19), I will admit that I didn’t LOVE this first single the first time I heard it. Kate came to my attention back in 2007, when her debut album ended up nabbing the number 3 spot on my year end countdown, with its quirky and downright amazing songs. I managed to see Kate in concert, and my love for her only grew, so naturally, to say that was anxious about her next move is a bit of an understatement. Now, as I said before, I didn’t love this track instantly, perhaps because it is a bit different from her previous stuff, but after a few listens, I can definitely hear the Kate that I fell so deeply in love in there. Each new listen has me more and more excited about her upcoming release, which I am sure will show just as much growth and energy as this track; which by the way, I now definitely love. 
It is with extreme joy and jubilation that I can say that the much talked about (at least by me last year) Swedish pop phenom, Erik Hassle FINALLY sees a proper release of his debut (now titled Pieces) this week. This album is PACKED to the brim with single-worthy tracks, and I was more than pleased to see this “hidden track” surface as a “real” track on this go-round. This is definitely an album that you will hear about this year folks, because all of the hype surrounding this guy last year was the real deal, and now that he has a proper album released to back it up, I expect more and more Erik in all of our lives. (You’ll most likely see it amongst my albums of the year as well, just a heads up). 
This is one song that came and slapped me right across the face and demanded that I pay attention to it. I discovered Amy a while back, and even featured one of her songs on the 5SF in the past, but for some reason, I never really gelled with her music other than a couple of songs. Well, I noticed that she had a new CD coming out this week, and I thought I would at least see what she was up to this time around, and I am more than glad that I did; this song is EPIC!! If there is any justice for this BEAUTIFUL Scottish lass, this sophomore album will catapult her to even more fame, because this single is amazing, and should get lots of radio play. I’m sorry I ignored you in the past, Amy, I am all ears now; and I promise not to tell you that it’s over, because you are right, it has only just begun!!
JLS is also one of those bands that I have posted about on the 5SF in the past, when I discovered their amazing single (and now starting to make waves in the US!) Everybody In Love on BBC Radio 1. Well, I have the BBC to thank again for playing this track, because this new single is just as amazing; these guys are definitely doing something right. This is the type of feel good pop that really deserves to be blasted on the radio, and just enjoyed for what it is; really well-produced pop music. It’s funny that this song is called One Shot, because it certainly got a second chance from me, and has me thinking that I need to keep my eyes (and ears) out for more goodness from JLS. 
I’ve written many times before that I am not that big of a country music fan, but I am a sucker for great music; whether it is country or not. Before the Grammy’s, I had heard of Zac Brown Band, but I hadn’t heard any of their music. After seeing them perform live on the Grammy’s, and after getting chills by their amazing performance, I decided it was time to check these boys out; and I am glad that I did. While most of their songs are a bit too blue-grass twinged for me, this song instantly stood out and has since taken me completely over. I cannot get enough of this evocative song, filled to the brim with emotive lyrics and sweet sincerity in the vocals. Add to that the truly moving fiddle, and the wonderful arrangement, and you have an amazing song, and Jolene is just that; a truly amazing song. While I may not love it all, I can definitely say that Jolene has definitely made me a fan of the Zac Brown Band. 
I first heard this one on BBC Radio 1, and it is yet another reminder of why BBC Radio 1 is such a great place to hear great music I probably wouldn’t have heard anywhere else. This Mancunian band has taken me by storm for the past few weeks with this insanely catchy song. While the Courteeners share similarities with other great British bands like White Lies and Kaiser Chiefs, these guys are certainly contributing their own welcome addition to the British alternative pop-rock scene with this great new single. I found it funny, that after they played this that first time I heard it on BBC Radio 1, that people were texting in asking if it was called “You Own a Denim Dog”, because that is what it sounds like he is singing in the chorus. I love misheard lyrics, and that one is actually pretty spot on!
Speaking of insanely catchy songs, after seeing the cute video for this song (and clapping along at the appropriate sections), I immediately made a note to go and download this great track. Lead singer Tyler Green has a similar tonal quality to his voice as Rufus Wainwright, which I find surprisingly refreshing, as this is definitely more upbeat and energetic than most of Wainwright’s (also amazing) work. Overall, this is a perfect song to get ready for the warmer months, and is a welcome early addition to my soundtrack for spring. This is also one of those songs that really grabs you initially, but doesn’t stop there; it continually digs in and only grows on you more and more with each listen. 
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I heard this while watching (500) Days of Summer a couple of weeks ago, and while I wasn’t blown away by the movie, I did love this song, and made a note to download it after the movie was over. I will say about the film (and all films/tv shows/etc for that matter), that I absolutely love when a director (or music editor? well, whoever picks the songs, anyway) knows how to incorporate the perfect backing music for a scene; and in this case, they totally hit the nail on the head. This song beautifully framed the scenes it was used in, and obviously, captivated my attention enough for me to download it after seeing the movie. I almost hate to say it but this song would be a perfect commercial song, because of how well it flows as background music; but with that being said, that doesn’t in any way speak to the quality of this song. It is a great song that I am glad to have stumbled upon; even if it was just playing in the background.
First up today, is the new single Hollywood from Marina and the Diamonds. I fell instantly in love with Marina back in 2009 with her MASSIVE single, I Am Not A Robot, which I still play over and over. I have been waiting for Marina to release a proper full length album, and it seems my wishes will be fulfilled later this month. With Hollywood being the first taste of what to expect, my guess is Marina’s upcoming debut, The Family Jewels, will find itself amongst my favorite albums of 2010. This song is on constant repeat in my car, and it really does seem that I cannot get enough of Marina and the Diamonds. Living in the movie scene/puking American dreams; YES!!
If this song comes on, and I am on the dance floor, my advice to you is to back the fuck up, because I am about to break this motherfucker down. Seriously, I first heard this track after my buddy Stu turned me on to it, and now it is a MUST request every time we go dancing at Mary’s. This jam has such a fresh and infectious dance groove, and it really gets me moving, and makes me want to dance my legs off. This is one of those songs that I have been enjoying for a little while now, and I have been antsy waiting to get the word out to all of you; finally, the Kid Sister love is out there!! I want to go out, stack money, and drink all night with this bad ass lady!
From their upcoming (?) album, The Spell, this track is one of those songs that is such a wonderful reminder of the great dance pop of the 90s. Just like the Kid Sister track above, this song is one of those songs that every single time it comes on, I find myself dancing like a maniac, and loving every second of it. I love everything about this song, and it is one that I have definitely been playing on repeat. Note: that while the player does say that this song is called Hole In My Heart, it is definitely mislabelled, because the song that plays in the above player is definitely DJ. To me, this is the best song Alphabeat has made to date!
This song kind of came out of nowhere for me; and I loved it the first time I heard it. The power riffs, killer vocals, and the well-written kiss off lyrics are just too good to ignore. While the Guitar Hero-esque video is a bit weird, I have to say, that it is refreshing to see a girl that can really wail on the guitar like Orianthi can, and I love the way she melds the metal guitar with pure, unadulterated pop music. This song should be getting a lot of radio play very soon as more and more people catch on to this infectious little song. 
While I was sad that Ellipse didn’t resonate with me in the way that her previous album did, I re-discovered this amazing track when I heard it in the background on one of my regular shows (I think it was Chuck). After hearing it again, I went back and spent some more time with this song, and I have to say, that I completely love it, and I am glad that I was able to re-discover its brilliance. I love the song’s inherent sweetness, and the multi-layered melodies that Imogen is so good at weaving together. Sometimes, I find songs on albums that I put down too soon, and this is a wonderful example of that happening.