Carly Rae Jepsen, you can’t shake this bitch. Her mega pop hit ‘Call Me Maybe’ continues to reign on the Australian and UK singles chart, beating down heavyweights like Delta Goodrem and Florence + The Machine.
New albums by Kate Miller-Heidke, Jason Mraz and Monica blow up the Australian, UK and US charts.
We trace the first imprints of The Voice Australia‘s impact on our ARIA Top 100 and look ahead to new releases from Reece Mastin, Maroon 5 and Alexandra Burke.
The new it kids of indie pop are doing alright.
Here we got Mark Foster (Foster The People), A-Trak (DJ/producer who has remixed for the likes of Robyn) and Kimbra (Kiwi songbird best known for that Gotye smash) teaming up to write and produce a track exclusively for Journeys/Converse‘s latest “Three Artists. One Song” campaign.
It would’ve been so easy for them to have just gone into the studio and covered a song like so many artists have done for top-dollar commercials.
These three could’ve come out with some predictable indie remake of ‘We Will Rock You’, and it still would’ve sounded adequate. But the point with ‘Warrior’ is to have a completely unique and fresh collaboration that falls in line with Converse‘s youthful, creative and hip appeal.
There’s a small debt to 80s dance pop here, albeit reappropriated for today’s hipster chic ears. The buzzing fluorescent synths, the crisp drum beats, and stylish reverb on the vocals is thoroughly indicative of the kind of indie electro hybrid that’s in fashion these days.
You can also pick up Kimbra‘s artistic contribution to the project here. Apart from obviously taking lead vocals, there’s also her signature, overlapping layer of harmonies that’s present in the breakdown.
Simply put, ‘Warrior’ is arguably the best song ever created for a commercial since Mary J. Blige‘s career-defining ‘What’s In The Chicken Wrap?’ smash for Burger King.
Watch the rather OTT music video for ‘Warrior’:
Footnotes:
Here’s where you can download ‘Warrior’ for free.
The last “Three Artists. One Song” campaign saw Gorillaz, Andre 3000 and James Murphy collaborate on a track called ‘DoYaThing’
It’s just past midnight and I’ve been compiling this post for the past four hours non-stop. It’s somewhat understandable that I want to just drop dead now to the sound of Madonna‘s ‘Gang Bang’ on repeat and never wake up again.
This week’s Chart Feed is one for the history books – especially if you’re the world’s biggest boyband of the moment: One Direction. Their legendary storming of the US Billboard charts makes them the first ever British band to have their first album go #1 in the States.
Elsewhere, Katy Perry blasts to #1 on the UK charts and we also look ahead to new releases by The Saturdays, Scissor Sisters and Calvin Harris.
There is cause for much celebration in our Chart Feed this week.
Nicki Minaj is cockblocked from the #1 spot again, Jason Donovan is back in the Top 40 and there’s a new girl storming the charts and she goes by the name of Carly Rae Jepsen. Who?
Find out more in this week’s Chart Feed.
Indie pop’s it girl Kimbra may be on the road to State-side fame but she’s giving away some free ‘Two Way Street’ action for her home crowd first. [Editor's note: terrible pun, please don't quit your day job.]
‘Two Way Street’ – produced by Francois Tetaz, the man behind Gotye’s records – has been announced as the fourth single from Kimbra‘s flawless album Vows. In true Kimbra style, this single is once again on a whole different wave length from its predecessors, showcasing a different side to the budding artiste’s music.
‘Two Way Street’ is definitely one of the more subtle highlights on the album. Fans of her diverse-sounding singles ‘Settle Down’, ‘Cameo Lover’ and ‘Good Intent’ would appreciate the more graceful and cinematic air this song brings to the mix.
While her smash with Gotye - ’Somebody That I Used To Know’ – start making waves in the US and UK charts, those looking ahead can enjoy a sensible follow up in ‘Two Way Street’, complete with two free killer remixes.
Listen to ‘Two Way Streeet (PatrickReza Dubstep Remix):
Listen to ‘Two Way Street (Beni Remix):
Read my interview with Kimbra where she talks about working with Gotye on that surprise hit and producer Francois Tetaz, who helped her achieve the lush, cinematic sound on tracks like ‘Two Way Street’.
Footnotes:
Grab your free download of ‘Two Way Street’ – PatrickReza Dubstep Remix and Beni Remix.
Hat tip to my friend Matt at SameSame for the heads up.
Damn, honey gurl. The line up change around here has been swifter and colder than a Sugababes reshuffle.
Basically, within half an hour of me posting the pixelated teaser on Facebook/Twitter, I’ve already changed my mind and switched four albums around. Have I made the right decision? Absolutely. *claps* Silence! Now, bring me my gurls.
The Feed Limmy Albums of 2011 (#20 – #11) category gave me a lot to think about in terms of how I rate my enjoyment versus the overall quality of the album. How do you guys work out your “albums of the year”? I know for some folks it’s down to how much they listen to the album and for others, it’s awarded on what they see as “artistic excellence”. It’s really hard when you have a persuasion for low-rent trashy pop like me. But fuck it, I’m not here to do what Popjustice does. This is what mattered in 2011 according to Feed Limmy. And I’m glad you – appreciator of quality, fun and emotionally relevant pop – and I can share this. Let the games begin.
Check out Feed Limmy’s Albums of 2011 (#20 – #11):
Let me guess, you’re checking to see if I’ve slotted Sugababes‘ ‘Freedom’ or Natalie Bassingthwaighte‘s ‘All We Have’ in the Top 20 Songs of 2011.
So sorry to disappoint but this isn’t the It’s Not Right But It’s Okay list. This is the premium VIP lounge, y’guys. That velvet rope don’t go up for any basic bitch peddling a half decent tune sung with fuck all conviction.
I am looking for songs that have not only connected with me on an emotional level but also earned snaps for interesting musical execution. These ten tracks have all reached out and broken me down with either a killer melody and fierce production, or soul-touching lyrics.
The sonic soundscape represented in the #20 – #11 list varies from Brunswick-style indie to ferocious K-pop and even a touch of gospel. Variety is the spice of life, children. And I’m here for quality pop of all musical persuasions.
Check out Feed Limmy’s Songs of 2011: #20 – #11:
