Like, really good songs I can't stop listening to

These past couple of weeks I've found myself listening to some -radicool- new music and slowly (very slowly) trying to get through the long list of albums I need to listen to. Amongst all of this exciting stuff are some real gems.

Parquet Courts - He's Seeing Paths
He's Seeing Paths is the final track on Parquet Courts' brand new EP, Tally All The Things That You Broke. In true Parquet Courts style, it's weird. About seven minutes of cow bell and intercom buzzer kind of weird. But it's good weird. After listening to so many songs under two minutes my tolerance for long songs has dropped significantly. Although this is pretty much the same all the way through, it sure doesn't feel like it. And it's a real headbopper. And a good walking speed. What more could you want?

Kanye West - Bound 2
I went to see Spector a couple of weeks ago and this was the track they walked out to. I haven't managed to give Yeezus a full listen so this was the first track from it I heard, when Kanye performed on Later Live with Jools Holland. I like it, like, a lot. I'd say it was in my top five Kanye tracks and I can't quite put my finger on why.

Cults - So Far
A slice of Cults' new album Static (which is out now how exciting!!) that retains the 60's girl group ballady quality that featured on their debut. Potentially my favourite from the album. (It was also one of the tracks that was in the album trailer)

Icona Pop - All Night
I'll be the first to admit that while I don't like the majority of "chart music," Blurred Lines is a catchy song and Icona Pop are really good. Let's face it, I Love It is a strong contender for best song of the year. The Swedish duo have a real talent in creating the most infectious, singalong pop music. All Night is almost too catchy to hate. I reckon Icona Pop's album is gonna be a real game changer.

SKATERS - Deadbolt
Keeping with this New York theme (see Parquet Courts, Cults) Skaters' new track is worth a listen. They aren't half good at putting together a chorus that you want to shout at people in the street (won't you give me one more try / or kiss my friends goodbye, I wanna dance but I don't know how) and if this track is anything to go by their debut album will be something special. And the laugh at the end followed by "no problem" Skaters' 'slogan' if you like, just makes it.

MONEY - Bluebell Fields
I've heard a bit about Money and I thought I'd give them a listen because I really like the artwork for their album Shadow Of Heaven (okay that is not the main reason but merely a key factor - I was curious to see what they sounded like because the word money capitalised just screams obscene rap, doesn't it?) and when I got to Bluebell Fields I had to hit repeat. No obscene rap here, just hauntingly pretty, dreamy echoes. 

The way we were before

Out of all of the amazing album releases to get excited about this year (Palma Violets' debut 180, White Lies' Big TV, I could go on) I think I'd say I was most excited about this one. The second release from New York based Cults. The band released an incredible 60's girl-bandy debut in mid 2011, and have been pretty quiet ever since. I Can Hardly Make You Mine surfaced in the summer and hinted at what the duo had been up to. Madeline and Brian may no longer be dating, but their music certainly hasn't lost the chilling charm that made people interested in the first place. 

I think it's fair to say that Static is somewhat darker than the self titled first offering, whilst retaining twirly, dreamy sounds and Madeline's glorious unique vocals; one of the key factors in distinguishing Cults from just about every other band on the planet. On the first few listens it's a bit tough to pick out individual tracks. For a lot of bands I find this pretty annoying and in some cases quite off-putting, but in the case of Cults I think it works. It makes listening to Static more of a journey than a collection of tracks.
I'm a sucker for a good debut album and it's rare that my favourite album by an artist isn't their first. So while nothing can top Cults for me, Static is a fantastic album nonetheless. It definitely fulfilled my expectations and I'd stick it in my top five favourites of the year in a heartbeat.

My favourite tracks are I Can Hardly Make You Mine, So Far, We've Got It and No Hope.

PS I love what they've done with the artwork and how it kind of looks like the first. It's like it's showing a continuation or something like that  

I don't live my life like you do

Ever since Frenchkiss records tweeted about the prospect of some exciting Drowners related news, I've been keeping an extra close eye on everything from Instagram to Twitter (at one point I did think about having notifications sent to my phone, but that's another story). When I got back on Wednesday I was greeted by a Facebook post with a link to a studio version of Luv, Hold Me Down. (queue shaking, hyperventilating) To coincide with this new single, there was news of Drowners' self titled debut album, set for release in late January. I'm so excited. Like, SO excited. I might do a countdown. After playing debut EP Between Us Girls to death it was refreshing yet strange to hear something new from Drowners. I had high expectations, and I wasn't let down. Luv, Hold Me Down is sweet, catchy and is, in true Drowners fashion, under three minutes long. I've racked up over 100 plays already in less than 24 hours. In the words of Icona Pop, "I don't care, I love (luv?) it."
It's even a free download on their website. I love free downloads nearly as much as I love Drowners.