Lana Del Rey – Shades Of Cool

Lana Del Rey – Shades Of Cool

Lana has revealed another track from her forthcoming Ultraviolence album. It’s even darker and more melancholic than West Coast and offers much in the way of reassurance that Born To Die fans are not going to be alienated by any change in sound. She may divide the critics but I cannot wait for Ultraviolence to be mine.

Monarchy – Living Without You

Monarchy – Living Without You

 It’s been a while since we heard from these guys but they throw every 80s synth sound into the mix along with a bit of 90s housey piano and come back with a stormer of a track. 

Kelis – Jerk Ribs

Kelis – Jerk Ribs

Another contender for album of the year is Kelis’ Food. This has been a slow burner for me but it’s worked into my brain now and is on repeat. A simmering, soulful album which just oozes class. Anyone who saw Kelis’ performances on Later with Jools last week will know just how full of funk this woman is – and it comes across as so natural. 

Broods – Bridges (US version)

Broods – Bridges (US version)

 I have been on board with these fabulous Kiwis since this track first appeared last year. They have been readying their debut album and have also had a 2nd video made for this track – which despite being around for a while still has the capacity to be a summer smash. It’s every bit as gorgeous now as it was when I first heard it.

Strange Talk – Young Hearts

Strange Talk – Young Hearts

 I’ve had these Aussie boys’ album for over a year now but it’s being repackaged for release in some territories and being launched with this new track. It doesn’t deviate far from the indie-electro sound they have been developing and could become a favourite over the festival season. 

Lana Del Rey – West Coast

Lana Del Rey – West Coast

 The West Coast video is finally out there. It continues with the imagery from the Born To Die era and fits nicely with the song. I know this won’t be for everyone but I’d be quite happy for an album full of material like this. Only a few weeks to go until Ultraviolence and this week we got both the tracklisting and artwork – both of which are distinctly Lana. 

Lykke Li – Never Gonna Love Again

Lykke Li – Never Gonna Love Again

 I suspected Lykke’s third album, released this week, was going to be in the mix for album of the year and I can confirm it has exceeded that expectation. It’s a thing of great beauty – an album about heartbreak and it drips with melancholy and desolation wherever you look. The entire piece of work, from the early videos to the artwork is crafted beautifully. Here’s my early favourite from it. 

Ella Henderson – Ghost

Ella Henderson – Ghost

 I think it’s clearly better to lose than win when it comes to the X Factor. Syco have certainly been taking their time and have brought in some industry heavy weights for 2012 contestant Ella in direct comparison to the rushed/botched job which was Sam Bailey’s album. It looks like it’s all going to pay off. The girl has certainly grown up and the sound is somewhere between Florence and Leona but with the British soul swagger of John Newman and Sam Smith which seems so popular right now. Here’s Ghost. 

I Am A Camera – Lost In Love

I Am A Camera – Lost In Love

 These guys take their time between singles but when they deliver they REALLY deliver. This track is part Kim Wilde, part Human League with a bit of the Dum Dum Girls thrown in. It makes for quite a sound. 

Lincoln Jesser – Wicked Son

Lincoln Jesser – Wicked Son

 Thanks to the guys at kickkicksnare, Lincoln Jesser is my favourite new discovery this week. This fella has a succession of electropop gems on his Soundcloud, most of which are free to download – Wicked Son is my favourite of the bunch.