The Useless Critic 2.0

I didn't really know what to make of this song at first - I worried it would be one of those overly quirky songs that I always find offputting - but honestly, "hello I am" (our official introduction to this artist) by somegirlnamedanna has a very weird charm to it. It's kind of the antidote to the faceless pop music we're inundated with at the moment. It ... has a lot of potential. I'm curious to see where somegirlnamedanna takes us next. I am trying to compare her to other artists, but the only one who comes to mind is Regina Spektor, and even that is something of a stretch. Have a listen: I'll post more about her as I find out more about her. Hope you're all doing well out there. 

Danish singer-songwriter is here with the song for these quarantining times right now. Listening to Oh Land reminds me of a more innocent time in my life, and if you have been keeping tabs on the Instagram live shows that various musicians and celebrities have been doing, add her streams to your list.  This is heartfelt without being saccharine - give it a listen. I think a lot of us can relate right now.  Take care of yourself right now. 

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)