Sweet-ie

Annie's back with "Don't Stop", and though the record sort of snuck up on me, it comes as an extremely pleasant surprise. Girl has not missed a step since 2005's classic, "Anniemal". It's definitely all still here - well, "Annie" is, anyway. Bubblegum-ish pop that pleases but never patronizes; the main complaint I have is just that the entire thing doesn't have the same uniform solidity as the last record. That being said, while she doesn't break any new "musical ground", the new record is a definite, though slight, step out of the box for Annie as an artist. The result is a mostly solid record that shines brighter than the high points of "Anniemal", but that also contains a few throw-aways - I'd say the tradeoff is more than worth it. If you want me to get really picky, it could just be that I've got a promo copy, but the production seems very tinny on this one. "Anniemal" was more comfortable to listen to - it was most certainly not dull sounding. This one feels like it could be another possible casualty of the loudness wars, and it can be a bit fatiguing to listen to for extended periods. (FYI - this hasn't stopped me from doing so). I know the blogosphere has already had a disgusting amount of time to digest Songs Remind Me Of You/I've already posted it before, but it's seriously the best cut off the record, so you're gonna have to deal. Sweet isn't anything to complain about either...

Annie - "Sweet"
Annie - "Songs Remind Me Of You




This one is courtesy of anti-blog-heroes HRO. Not gonna lie; if Alice Glass was Beth Ditto, my interest in the group probably wouldn't be as developed such that it has. Yes - I'm extremely shallow like that. That's a bad comparison though - Crystal Castles merit more consideration than I originally gave them credit for. (Gossip doesn't). Anywho, back to the track. It's a fairly straightforward reinterpretation of a White Lies song "Death", but the vocal hook they've lifted is absolute brilliance. Seriously, I had this one going on repeat over the weekend just for the beginning and ending - got to love a tease with a little delayed-gratifaction. If you'll check out the White Lies' myspace and listen through the original song, the quality of their lift/reinterpretation really becomes apparent. (Though I'm not for sure, this is most likely the exclusive work of Ethan Kath - Ms. Glass just gets to look pretty in the lab).
White Lies - "Death" (Crystal Castles Remix)
Crystal Castles - "Vanished"

Crystal Castles - "Crimewave" (Crystal Castles vs. HEALTH)

Crystal Castles - Crimewave (Crystal Castles VS. Health)
Lifted from HRO too - so shameless today.

It's fairly important that you be aware of this. Don't say I've never done anything for you.


What You've Missed

Hey Champ - Face Control (MP3)
The Kills - Black Balloon (Vega Remix) (MP3)
Mightyfools - Hey Babe (Electric Soulside Remix) (MP3)
Santogold - Lights Out (David Rubato Remix) (MP3)
EPMD - Run It (Duke Dumont Mix) (MP3)
Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream (MP3)
Sugababes - Girls (Fred Falke Radio Edit) (MP3)