Watch Friendly Fires' "Hurting"

What can Ed of Friendly Fires still do when he has an electronic cube for a head and can't be touched by the stretchy love of his life? Dance his ass off. Watch below!



Also, I still want Ed's shirt, for those of you who have seen him wear it before. If anyone could tell me where I can grab one for myself, I'd be forever in your debt. Seriously.

Listen to These Covers: Friendly Fires + Washed Out + Ryan Adams + Robyn

My favourite British trio, Friendly Fires, recorded a cover of Lady Gaga's summer anthem “Edge of Glory” for BBC Radio 1. They don't necessarily fill out the track like Gaga does, but they do a great job in making it sound more like a Friendly Fires song. Watch them perform it below.

Chillwave top dog, Washed Out, recently recorded a cover of Chris Issak's sexy slow jam, “Wicked Game.” He updated it with a slight synthy twist and some female backup vocals. I find it almost as addictive as the original.

Washed Out: "Wicked Game" (Chris Isaak Original)


Next up: Ryan Adams' cover of Vampire Weekend's “A-Punk.” This one I found particularly interesting, not only because the original is one of my favourite songs (also my ringtone, so I hear it numerous times a day), but mostly because I never thought I would come across a cover of it by alternative crooner Ryan Adams. It's sweet and he completely makes it his own. He also covered “Mansard Roof” and “Oxford Comma.”



Robyn, everyone's beloved Swedish electropop sensation, stopped by the Radio 1 Live Lounge to perform her latest single “Call Your Girlfriend,” as well as a cover of Coldplay's most recent radioplay, “Every Tear Drop Is A Waterfall.” It's a downtempo good time that sounds like a Robyn song, listen below!

Robyn: "Every Tear Drop Is A Waterfall" (Coldplay Original)

Watch Friendly Fire's "Hawaiian Air"

Friendly Fires have released the video for their energetic track "Hawaiian Air." The first half of the clip shows frontman Ed Macfarlane on a plane, having the unfortunate luck of being seated with lovebirds, an annoying hyperactive child, and a shoulder-sleeper among others. But then he arrives in Maui and life is good.

It takes me back to when I was on a plane just last month and had to deal with ill-mannered children. I feel for you Ed. 

In other news, I wish I was in Hawaii.

Listen to New Singles from Drake & Beirut + Watch Friendly Fires on Kimmel

It's been announced that Drake's next record Take Care will be released on October 24 (which is also his birthday!). “Marvin's Room” is somewhat of a gloomy track set to a slower pace, but don't let that mislead you. I think I've listened to it about five times in a row now. Drake has reportedly been in the studio with fellow Toronto rapper The Weeknd, which makes sense because this single is heavily influenced by him. So far, it sounds like Take Care is on the right track. Visit Pitchfork to give it a listen.

Beirut, everyone's favouorite Balkan folk group, will be returning with their third record The Rip Tide, due out August 30. The album, including single “East Harlem,” will be released on frontman Zach Condon's own label, Pomepeii Records. Listen to the track below!



Last night, dance-punk trio Friendly Fires stopped by for a live performance of “Blue Cassette” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! They were awesome, of course, which is why I thought I'd share it. Also, Ed's shirt brings a smile to my face. I love that he has a tropical-themed shirt on while singing a song off a tropical-themed album. Consistency, I like it!

Listen to Friendly Fires' Pala

Friendly Fires will be releasing their second effort Pala, on May 24. However, you can get a full taste of the record right here. As a huge fan of their debut, I was quite apprehensive about listening to their new work. Yet, I can truthfully say I am not disappointed in the least. I'm currently loving “Running Away” and the previously released “Hawaiian Air.” Listen below!

Song Pick of the Week!

Friendly Fires - "Hawaiian Air"

Sorry I've been MIA. Thursday was my birthday (YEAH!) and I've been busy partying and recovering. 

Yesterday, my favourite British trio, Friendly Fires released their newest single off their forthcoming album Pala. "Hawaiian Air" is a gorgeous synth-heavy track with somewhat of a tribal vibe. It's incredibly catchy and makes me even more excited for the release of the record (May 24th). Enjoy!

In the News: Metronomy Release Vid + New Friendly Fires

Yesterday was a pretty exciting day for me in terms of music. Firstly, I learned that Metronomy released their video for “The Look.” It's the second single off their upcoming record, The English Riviera, out April 12, which I absolutely cannot wait for. Seriously, I think about it often. Since discovering them a few years ago, I've been hooked on their sensationally catchy songs and quirky videos. I personally feel they can do no wrong, which is why I wasn't surprised that I loved their newest video.



Secondly, my favourite British dance-rock trio, Friendly Fires, have released “Live Those Days Tonight.” It's our first taste of their upcoming album, Pala which is said to be available this May. Being a huge fan of their debut self-titled record, I noticed a little change in their sound; fancier production work, tighter beats, etc. Yet, I'm still loving it. I can picture frontman Ed Macfarlane and his spastic dance moves being really into this song. Another record to look forward to!

Update: Watch the boys perform the track on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. It's pretty awesome, complete with Ed's fantastic dancing and African drummers. I love them so much!

Bat For Lashes Covers Depeche Mode for Gucci

Indie pop songstress Natasha Khan, better known as Bat For Lashes, has covered Depeche Mode's stellar 1987 single “Strangelove.” The track is being released as a promotional piece for the new Gucci fragrance, Guilty. Click here for a free download. 

Bat For Lashes - "Strangelove"

 
I also came across another cover she performed live last year; Radiohead's “All I Need.” Simply amazing vocals and an amazing song; I'm in awe. Watch below.

“Strangelove” was also covered by English trio Friendly Fires for a previous Gucci ad. I can't figure out which of the two I like best. 

Friendly Fires - "Strangelove" 

 

In the News: Friendly Fires Return, Jay-Z Produces, Glee and KOL Still Fighting + New Sleigh Bells Video!

Friendly Fires, the alternative-dance trio of St Albans, England have confirmed the title of their second album which they plan to release this spring. The record is entitled, Pala, after the fictitious, Buddhist sanctuary in Aldous Huxley's 1962 novel, Island. Personally, I'm pretty excited about this. Friendly Fires are by far one of the most awesome bands I've come across in the last few years. Not to mention, they put on a great live show and live up to their name; they're actually really friendly! I met frontman Ed Macfarlane two years ago at Lee's Palace. We talked about restaurants in Toronto and how cheese makes you gassy, especially before going on stage. Can't wait for this album! It was co-produced by Paul Epworth, so we should expect greatness.

According to Spin, hip hop giant, Jay-Z, has confirmed that he will be co-producing a remake of Annie, staring Willow Smith. I hate remakes which I guess makes me completely biased in thinking this is going to be a sinking ship. But, seriously? Just because she's a “Smith” and her brother cut it in The Karate Kid, doesn't mean she needs to reinvent the original Carrot Top.

The gloves are still not off between Glee's Ryan Murphy and Kings of Leon. According to Rolling Stone, Murphy sent an email to Perez Hilton (of all people) accusing drummer, Nathan Followill of being a homophobe (read Followill's tweet in the post below). The Glee creator continued to say that the cast loves KOL's music, but “cannot condone or even laugh at their clear disdain of gay people.” Followill replied through a tweet which read: “I'm sorry for anyone that misconstrued my comments as homophobic or misogynistic. I'm so not that kind of person. I really do apologize.” Will the madness ever end? Why can't we all just get along?

Today the Brooklyn electro-dance-punk duo, Sleigh Bells, released the music video for their latest single, “Rill Rill,” which you can find on their loud debut, Treats. Singer Alexis Krauss plays the role of a murderous schoolgirl, abandoning her beaten bandmate, guitarist Derek Miller, after throwing him out of her car while in the desert. Then she's off to school. Check it out! It's a good track, I promise.