this week's post ...

Charli XCX
!Francheskaar! new single 8 August
Superb, a complete mash-up, great words and an excellent tune, bangin' - C XCX lives just outside London with 13 GCSE's to her credit, I'd like to know which subjects. *****

Cut Copy
Hearts On Fire new single 18 August
Cut Copy are nearly there, err here, 'Lights & Music' was a superb single and 'Hearts On Fire' is just as good. It brings to mind the Aussie group Icehouse and their Top Twenty hit here 'Hey Little Girl', the arrangement is strikingly similar - chunked keyboard fade in, with distant vocal - check it for your self ... anyway here we are 25 years later with 8 mixes, my favourites of which are The Holy Ghost Remix and the Radio Mix, others mixers featured include Calvin (no.1 thank you) Harris, Midnight Juggernauts & Joakim. A1 ie top track

Cage The Elephant
Cage The Elephant new album 23 June
From Bowling Green, Kenuckey, and as greatly appreciated here on the sampler, the final result doesn't disappoint. A fine collection of songs characterised by uniquely strong vocals, well thought out melodies and varying arrangements. Choice trax - 'In One Ear', 'Tiny Little Robots', 'Free Love' and the No.32 hit 'Ain't No Rest For The Wicked'

Sam Sparro
21st Century Life new single 21 July
An apt monicker 'The new prince of electro-soul' and here's another storming phat slab of electro pop from SS, I particulary like the Mac Project Main Mix, another big hit

Black Kids
Partie Traumatic new album 7 July
Black Kids are bang on, a briliant album, two great single chart hits the floorfilling 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Girlfriend' a number 20 and the superb 'Hurricane Jane' reaching an undervalued 35. It's really disappointing the singles chart seems to be seizing up or certainly doing strange things that make it difficult for bands to consolidate initial success. this album is packed full of gems from opener 'Hit The Headlines', 'I Wanna Be Your Limousine', 'Listen To Your Body Tonight' ... no shortage of future singles. Excellent

Kid Rock
All Summer Long new single 7 July
Kid Rock is for me in the main so-so but this track is a great pop tune. Worked around Warren Zevon's 'Werewolves Of London' and metamorphed into a contemporary rock rap which wouldn't sound out of place playlisted con Radio 2

Ida Maria
I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked new single 21 July
Yep she's making some headway here, a great title and an edgy 168bpm rocker to match ... hit potential

The Rifles
I Could Never Lie new single 21 July
Often requested Rifles return with the strong 220bpm 'I Could Never Lie', it should keep the faithfull happy and win new fans

The Raid
On A Scale new single 21 July
A great vocal performance, a strong guitar based indie anthem .. bodes well if they keep this standard, I like this a lot

Basshunter
Now You're Gone new album 14 July
Painful to some ears there's a potential five 147bpm-ish hits on this sampler, the biggest stands out ominously .... how about 'Please Don't Go' for Xmas number one? Nuff said

Marvin
Devil In The Distance new album 28 July
There's a big chance of sizemic change in Britain, not seen in a hundred years ... Jay-Z before his Glastonbury show remarked that people are more open minded and receptive to hip hop and things new that they weren't previously. Well, not all are and some are very decided on what they like and dislike. Brixton Hip Hop man Marvin has made an ambitious record here dealing with the ever nearer and daunting apocalypse that's heading our way. Tracks like 'Superhero', 'Richard's Nan', 'Fight Or Flee', 'Goodbye' and 'Get By Be Good' shine more light on life in the new London. Top Hip Hop London stylee