The Useless Critic 2.0

So a little while ago, I posted about my friend Emma (Indigo) and her new single . Well, here's the video of said single - which you must listen to if you haven't yet:

That title doesn't really mince any words, does it? But from the instant the song starts, I Break Horse's "I'll Be the Death of You" builds a fuzzy yet warm atmosphere, teetering somewhere between dreampop and synthpop. Honestly, this song sounds to me as if Beach House took Xanax.  The Swedish band's newest album, "Warnings," is slated for an early May release. And it's already my most anticipated album of the year (that is, unless Fiona Apple drops something to honor the new decade upon us.) 

Indigo is a lovely up-and-coming singer-songwriter out of New Zealand who just dropped her latest single, "Running Wild." It's a strong, well-produced pop track; at times it feels more interesting than what you'd normally find on Top 40 radio without alienating the listener. You can have a listen here .  The video for this will be coming out Friday - stand by for that, I'll post it later this week. 😎

Hey all, Sorry I haven't been more active on here. Am hoping to be a bit more on the ball in February - work and the stuff I'm doing with the New Times has eaten up a lot of my time, plus I had family visiting for most of this month. Will be in touch soon.  Hoping "Norman Fucking Rockwell" wins a Grammy, Britt

Remember Klaxons? They had a beautiful moment in the hubbub of mid-00s alt rock, enjoying their zenith of fame at the same time as bands like Arctic Monkeys were jumping on to the scene. They were really a fun, high-energy band. Check out "Golden Skans" if you haven't listened to it in like a decade.  Anyway, James Righton is about to release a solo record as we entered a new decade. And it's right chill - a departure from his work with the Klaxons, but not so much that it is unrecognizable. You can have a listen on the Soundcloud embed below: His debut solo album "The Performer" will be out this March 20th. Shortly thereafter, he's expected to play a live show (the 25th) at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club in London.  Also, this is my last post of the decade. 😎 See you in the New Year with the rest of my best of the decade list. (P.S. "Norman Fucking Rockwell" rules) 

Hello again - I hope you're enjoying this list. Or rather, I'm pretty ambivalent, because to quote Jenny and Johnny (RIP) - I'm having fun now.  I will start with the same sort of preamble as before: I am not writing this as a definitive guide, this is the list of albums I found most influential/noteworthy of the past decade. It's one person's opinion, so please don't swear by this. And if you disagree with me, I encourage you to write your own list instead of arguing with me, because you probably aren't changing my mind.  But for real, the last decade before the Earth melts into some Bisquick mix shit was full of good music. I can tell I am getting old because I am REALLY starting to abhor top 40 music (with the exception of Shawn Mendes, that kid is talented. Oh yes, and DNCE, which I realize now dates me a smidge. O.o)  48.) "When the Night" - St. Lucia  It's hard for me to conjure up a debut album by an indie pop act this decad...

I don't trust a soul who does not like Glass Animals. They are certainly one of the more interesting mainstream indie acts to emerge this decade. And this fun duet with the rapper Denzel Curry (who is also on a recent track w/ Flying Lotus) keeps their nearly immaculate track record alive. Also, this video is delightful for anyone who grew up playing games like "Street Fighter," which I surprisingly did.