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Listen: “La Roux” by La Roux

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Synth-y trash with a funky haircut. Soaring vocal acrobatics in gloss black shell. La Roux’s self-titled album is a glittering example of how to do an 80s throwback sound and image well. It’s not entirely nostalgia, which seems to be a trap fallen into by many a day-glo wearer. But you certainly know where La Roux is drawing her inspiration without question. I’d say it’s more like what the 80s would have been with MacBooks, modern production values and Alexander McQueen pants.

So, what does this somewhat androgynous ginger singer from Britain sound like? Start with “In For The Kill.” Then move on to “Bulletproof.” Shiny, huh? Now you’ve covered the singles. The album gets a little slow in the middle, but is completely fine to listen to while, say, writing a blog post. But, if you’re in a hurry – say reading a review – try “Tigerlily,” which actually transcends the sort of silly name to become a relatively great song with its driving digital beat. And my favorite by far is “Reflections Are Protection,” which is kinda batshit insane and completely delightful. Finally, make sure to stop by “Fascination.”

Watch: “Kids” by MGMT

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I totally overdid the chore-ing tonight and fell asleep on the couch around 11 while watching Monster Quest. Yeah, grandpa is lame. In any case, I’ve decided that I’d rather make a new mix instead of reviewing an album, so I’ll post that up tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy this triptastic video for “Kids” by MGMT.

Kids – Mgmt “Official video” from Bulch on Vimeo.

(How was there not already a video for this – it’s been played to fucking death!)

Listen to this: Junior by Röyksopp

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I have to say, I’m delighted with Röyksopp‘s newest release.

I liked The Understanding just fine but it was primarily a “couple of tracks are excellent and the rest is meh” kind of affair. “Follow My Ruin,” “49 Percent” and, of course, “What Else Is There?” being the real standouts in my book. An album that I wouldn’t shy away from hearing on random but nothing mind blowing. Album art was awesome, though.

So, when Junior reached my attention, I was skeptical. The video for “Happy Up Here” convinced me to download, though. I first perked up when I heard “Girl and the Robot” featuring vocals by Robyn.

“What’s this? Collaboration with a Swede?” I thought.

And then they did it again with Karin Dreijer of The Knife on both “This Must Be It” and “Tricky Tricky.” Lykke Li finds her way onto the disc, too, offering vocals for “Miss It So Much.” Brilliant.

Combine a good Norwegian electro duo with some of my favorite female artists and you’ve got a recipe for success any day of the week.

Watch this: video overload

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NewNowNext was completely new tonight. Well, yesterday – I recorded it, of course. So far, I’ve had three fantastic videos and I’m only halfway through. Thought I’d blog now before I start to forget (because who rewinds?)

First up: “We Are Electric” by Fischerspooner

We Are Electric

And next: “In For The Kill” by La Roux

Finally: “Black Balloon” by The Kills

Now, if we count the number of media sites this post required me to visit, we’ll soon realize that everything should be allowed by artists, labels, etc to be posted to – if not one then – all media sites. Thank you.

Listen to this: Walking on a Dream by Empire of the Sun

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While watching Logo’s NewNowNext after work yesterday, I encountered the most remarkable of videos. (You can see it below or go straight to it on Vimeo.) What was this amazing world of spectacular colors and costumed insanity called Empire of the Sun? As always, I added it to my list to download after the show.

And I’m so very glad I did. I’ve talked about “Walking on a Dream” but I wasn’t prepared for the lush peculiarity of “Country” or the foreboding of “Half Mast.” The album art is bonkers and the music it wraps itself around does not deviate from the twirling, spinning path it prepares you for. If you think it looks kind of like a deranged IMAX movie poster, you’ve pretty much hit the way it sounds on the head, too.

Just avoid the last track “Without You.” It’s 80s ballad kitsch and it offends my sensibilities.