NEW LAURA MARLING!: laura marling - devil's spoke

laura marling - devil's spoke
[taken from her upcoming album 'i speak because i can', this mature new look/sound is a hint at the shape of things to come from singer/songwriter laura. i'm very excited to hear the rest of the album now!]

NEW FLORENCE!: florence and the machine - hurricane drunk

florence and the machine - hurricane drunk
[file under 'yaaaay']

VIRAL CAMPAIGN: IS THIS CHRISTINA AGUILERA? IAMAMIWHOAMI

[so the internet has been buzzing about the appearance of these following viral videos featuring what seems to be a tree nymph taking a bath or going through a resurrection. if this truly is viral images to tease christina's upcoming album, all i can say is that maybe the musical tracks are hints to what her new sound will be like. with sia, ladytron, m.i.a., santigold, le tigre and goldfrapp all contributing tracks, it'll definitely be a stretch from what we're used to hearing from her... i can't wait! want to read more about this mystery? check out this article on mtv.com]
>
Prelude 699130082.451322


9.1.13.669321018


9.20.19.13.5.723378

UPDATE: 2/16/10

13.1.14.4.18.1.7.15.18.1.1110

AUDIO LEAK: goldfrapp - believer

goldfrapp - believer
[not as wonderful as 'rocket' but i'm definitely really curious about the upcoming album now that there are 2 leaks out]

WONGIE DISCOVERY: zeus - marching through your head

zeus - marching through your head
[canadian indie, with a twist of old school 70's harmonious classic rock thrown in. if you like what you hear, the great folks at arts and crafts are offering the song for free!]

LIVE WONGIE: the swell season - low rising (live @ dartmouth sessions)

the swell season - low rising (live @ dartmouth sessions)
[oh how i heart them! there's something really sweet about how marketa watches glen pour his heart out on the staircase.]

WONGIE SONG OF THE MONTH: mumford and sons - the cave

mumford and sons - the cave
[easily one of the highlights of their debut album, this song is just wonderfully rousing with the kind of harmonies that totally give this choir nerd goosebumps. brilliant! absolutely brilliant!]

NEW MARINA!!!: marina and the diamonds feat gonzales - hollywood

marina and the diamonds feat gonzales - hollywood
[Gonzales dreamt up and conducted a full orchestral reworking of Hollywood, inspired by the songs lyrics. Marina & Gonzales came together to record one performance for an Eastern European TV show...awesomely random!]

NEW BROKEN BELLS!: broken bells - the high road

broken bells - the high road
[this is a bit of an event for indie music fans as the shins lead singer james mercer joins up with danger mouse on a brand new project. as you know the last time danger mouse worked with an artist, the result was a little band called gnarls barkley. buzz is high, plus the album is pretty good.]

WONGIE DISCOVERY: chiddy bang - opposite of adults

chiddy bang - opposite of adults
[from their own website:
Chiddy Bang is a four piece hip-hop/electronica outlet from Philadelphia. Currently attending their first year of college, they posses a musical maturity that is far superior to the teen-pop cliche. Chiddy Bang blends hard hitting lyricism from front man Chidera “Proto” Anamege, original electronica afro-beat and jazz influenced production from keyboardist Noah Beresin and drummer Zach Sewall, and additional production and vocals from guitarist Pat Braz.]

REEEMIX: lady gaga feat beyonce - telephone (ming remix)

lady gaga feat beyonce - telephone (ming remix)
[while big name remixers like crookers and tom neville offer up in the air remixes, ming is the only one that tries to offer something more grounded (there are guitars!). i'm still hoping for a gaga remix that completely transforms her songs, but until then this will do!]

DANCE BITCH DANCE: dj zinc feat ms dynamite - wile out

dj zinc feat ms dynamite - wile out
[lets hope dy-na-mi-tee-ee will be putting out material of her own soon. this is just a nice teaser...]

NEW ELLIE GOULDING!: ellie goulding - starry eyed

ellie goulding - starry eyed
[follow up single to the wonderful 'under the sheets', ellie is fast becoming a victim of her overall media hype. she's fun and cute, but is she THE one to watch for 2010? lucky for her, ellie has the vocal chops to be an interesting live act too. lets hope she builds some proper street cred alongside this favoritism.]

AUDIO LEAK: goldfrapp - rocket

goldfrapp - rocket
[moving into a more electro 80's anthem rock pop territory, goldfrapp return with the 1st single off their upcoming album 'head first'. it's wacky, which is all the more reason why i can't wait to hear more!!!]

WONGIE SONG OF THE WEEK: the very best feat ezra koenig - warm heart of africa

the very best feat ezra koenig - warm heart of africa
[this highly catchy song has been around for awhile, but it's finally getting the video release featuring the cutie ezra koenig from a little band called vampire weekend. i loved it last year, i still love it now!]

LIVE WONGIE: matt morris - money / matt morris feat justin timberlake - bloodline (live @ ellen degeneres show)

matt morris - money (live @ ellen degeneres show)


matt morris feat justin timberlake - bloodline (live @ ellen degeneres show)
[if you like what you hear, find out more about this talented singer/songwriter here on his tumblr page]

NEW SONDRE LERCHE!: sondre lerche - if only

sondre lerche - if only

LIVE WONGIE: staygold feat robyn, spank rock & damien adore - backseat (live @ p3 guld awards)

staygold feat robyn, spank rock & damien adore - backseat (live @ p3 guld awards)
[i can't believe that the original doesn't feature robyn OR spank rock. this is a one off performance of the song just for this award ceremony. darnit!!]

NEW THE HIDDEN CAMERAS!: the hidden cameras - underage

the hidden cameras - underage
[taken from the upcoming album 'origin: orphan']

HOPE FOR HAITI NOW: justin timberlake & matt morris, christina aguilera, jay z, bono & rihanna, madonna, beyonce, alicia keys, jennifer hudson & more

please donate to hope for haiti now or if you like the performances, you can pre-order the live performance album at itunes


george clooney introduction


justin timberlake & matt morris - hallelujah


christina aguilera - lift me up


jay z, bono & rihanna- stranded


a word from robert pattinson


madonna - like a prayer


beyonce feat chris martin - halo


alicia keys - prelude to a kiss


anderson cooper - cnn reports


jennifer hudson - let it be


bruce springsteen - we shall overcome

WONGIE COVER OF THE MONTH: florence and the machine & billy bragg - fairytale of new york (the pogues & kirsty maccoll cover) (live in session)

florence and the machine & billy bragg - fairytale of new york (the pogues & kirsty maccoll cover) (bbc live in session)
[one of my all time favorite songs gets a pre-xmas performance on bbc's live in session. i missed this a month ago, but it's never too late to discover a brilliant cover by billy bragg and florence and the machine. i'm totally getting misty!!!]

LIVE WONGIE: plan b - stay too long (live @ bbc live in session)

plan b - stay too long (live @ bbc in session)
[damn, ben (aka plan b) can actually do this song live! i have newfound respect for this rapper/singer now. great song!]

NEW RJD2!: rjd2 - let there be horns

rjd2 - let there be horns

POP BOY: jason derulo - in my head

jason derulo - in my head
[wow is every current trick for a pop hit placed in this song? i'm sorry, but this JR rotem track sounds too much like gaga's 'just dance'!]

NEW BEACH HOUSE!: beach house - 10 mile stereo

beach house - 10 mile stereo
[taken off their upcoming album 'teen dream', this song is a slow builder, but when it reaches the pinnacle, oh what a beautiful dreamy song it turns into. nice one!]

WONGIE SONG OF THE MONTH: the xx - vcr

the xx - vcr
[if there ever was a post indie love anthem, the xx have certainly written it. just brilliant]

INDIE DANCE BITCH DANCE: crookers feat miike snow - remedy

crookers feat miike snow - remedy
[you would think that a collaboration of this magnitude would produce something more... momentous. maybe the remixes will do the trick?]

DANCE BITCH DANCE: gramophonedzie feat peggy lee - why don't you

gramophonedzie feat peggy lee - why don't you
[they had me at peggy lee!]

AUDIO LEAK: gorillaz feat mos def & bobby womack - stylo

gorillaz feat mos def & bobby womack - stylo
[they're baaaack!!!]

NEW SUGABABES!: sugababes - wear my kiss

sugababes - wear my kiss
[i am sadly underwhelmed. these girls need better songs!]

NEW SHOUT OUT LOUDS!: shout out louds - fall hard

shout out louds - fall hard

INDIE DANCE BITCH DANCE: peaches - mommy complex

peaches - mommy complex
[oh yes!!! a new cougar anthem! is it telling that i kind of love this song?]

NEW JLS!: jls - one shot

jls - one shot
[the wonderful catchy simplicity of JLS songs are just incredible. here they are with another song you'll find yourself singing along to in the shower guilt free!]

POP GAL: shontelle – licky (under the covers)

shontelle – licky (under the covers)
[this is kind of underestimating the talent of shontelle as her label is totally trying to rejigg her presentation as a electro pop diva (making her look more tranny in the process). guess the t-shirt wearing soul gal is out the window for now.]

WONGIE SONG OF THE WEEK: muse - resistance

muse - resistance
[oh my gosh, how perfect is this song? with the uplifting chorus and ELO-esque harmonies. i'm in heaven!!!]

NEW AIR!: air - so light is her footfall

air - so light is her footfall
[sleepy now...]

LIVE WONGIE: alexandra burke - broken heels (live @ so you think you can dance uk)

alexandra burke - broken heels (live @ so you think you can dance uk)
[i'm still not completely sold on this song, but there is something so lovely about watching alexandra perform live that i kind of don't mind it anymore]

LIVE WONGIE: v v brown - live on kcrw

v v brown - live on kcrw
[damn! vv brown goes on kcrw and ends up sounding better than her album! brilliant!]

NEW ADAM LAMBERT!: adam lambert - whataya want from me

adam lambert - whataya want from me
[hopefully this is the single that gets him some proper radio play]

LIVE WONGIE: cold war kids - audience (live @ kcrw)

cold war kids - audience (live @ kcrw)
[i just LOVE the retro 70's soul vibe for this song (plus the sweet vocals of lead singer nathan willett)! i can't wait to hear new material from this band! and if you like what you hear, the great folks at rcrdlbl are offering the song as a freebie!]

WONGIE DISCOVERY: chapel club - o maybe i

chapel club - o maybe i
[continuing the tradition of the 80's are alive and well in 2010 comes this new UK act which has the blogs buzzin around them. i personally hear alot of smiths references here, but that could be just me. i'm definitely curious to what they are gonna come up with next.]

TV SOUNDTRACK TROLL: big love - opening credits / the engineers - home

big love - opening credits (series 4)
[what a gorgeous new opening credit for the new series of big love! i know, the whole 'falling' imagery is old news, but something about the look plus the engineers song just works for me!]


engineers - home
[and this is the 'shoegaze' band that got the coveted musical slot for the series. currently touring the UK with their latest album 'three fact fader', i'm sure the band will be getting alot more interest in the coming months!]

WONGIE SONG OF THE WEEK: two door cinema club - undercover martyn / undercover martyn (live @ itn music)

two door cinema club - undercover martyn
[happy happy joy joy! i SO love this band!]


two door cinema club - undercover martyn (live @ itn music)
[if you like what you hear, check out the band as they perform a really acoustic version of the song. lo-fi is more like it!]

erik hassle - hurtful (2010 version)

erik hassle - hurtful (2010 version)
[not sure if this is the starsmith re-edit, but no matter what, i still love this track!]

LIVE WONGIE: nellie mckay - the very thought of you (live @ craig ferguson)

nellie mckay - the very thought of you (live @ craig ferguson)
[taken off her album of doris day covers, this definitely falls under 'le sigh'...]

these new puritans - we want war

these new puritans - we want war
[wow this is like music for an epic movie! i kind of skipped this song a few weeks back cause i didn't have to patience to listen, but now that i have... all i can say is wow!]

NEW M.I.A.!!!: M.I.A. - there's space for ol dat i see

M.I.A. - there's space for ol dat i see
[no explanation except for an announcement via twitter, MIA offered up a new tune today for all us to hear. i'd call it more of a teaser and less of an official release. do you think it also hints at the fact that her upcoming album will be more internal and spiritual??]

WONGIE INDIE SONG OF THE WEEK: dan le sac vs scroobius pip - get better

dan le sac vs scroobius pip - get better
[not really a rap song, but more lyrical poetry. i've always felt the mix of dan le sac with scroobius pip is not only intellectually interesting but also musically exciting. i really like!!]

LIVE WONGIE: the dodos - fables (live @ late night w/ david letterman)

the dodos - fables (live @ late night w/ david letterman)
[yaaaay! the dodos make their US network tv debut on letterman! congrats boys!]

LIVE WONGIE: the seedy seeds - on the subject of our past selves (live @ the green building)

the seedy seeds - on the subject of our past selves (live @ the green building)
[any band that has a banjo front and center deserves much love, then throw in tight harmonies and a catchy song that just keeps building and building... well, you pretty much have one of my favorite live performances of the week. hailing from cincinnati, this group are definitely on my rader for 2010!]

VAMPIRE WEEKEND REEEMIX: vampire weekend - contra (toy selectah megamix)

vampire weekend - contra (toy selectah megamix)
[the wacky toy selectah goes ahead and remixes highlights (really just horchata and white sky) from vampire weekend's latest album 'contra'. maybe more bands will start doing this to preview their albums in the future...]

AUDIO LEAK: kat deluna feat akon - push push

kat deluna feat akon - push push
[everything is really good with this david guetta produced song until the chorus turns into just a consecutive batch of 'oh oh ohs'. what the heck? LYRICS people...!!!]

AUDIO BUZZ: ali love - love harder

ali love - love harder
[not as amazing as his previous single 'diminishing returns', but the 80's groove is just so infectious don't you think?]

NEW SADE!: sade - soldier of love

sade - soldier of love
[wow... finally a video for this track (and a sophie mueller directed one to boot!)! sade looks amazing!]

WONGIE SONG OF THE WEEK: hurts - blood, tears & gold

hurts - blood, tears & gold
[the most fabulous looking duo in the pop scene return with yet another classy track for their blogger/fashionista fans (and what an epic track it is!). i was sold before, but this song kind of cements my appreciation of this act to love in 2010!]

INDIE AUDIO BUZZ: the knife with mt. sims and planningtorock - colouring of pigeons

the knife with mt. sims and planningtorock - colouring of pigeons
[the knife are back! but they return with a strange beautiful opera based on the life of charles darwin. collaborating with the danish opera company, hotel pro forma and electronic acts mt sims and planningtorock; the project 'tomorrow, in a year' had it's world premiere last september to rave reviews. we now get to hear the music behind the opera. it's hypnotic good stuff, but definitely left of center. i can't wait to hear more!]

want to see more? here is a clip from the show:

AUDIO BUZZ: pixie lott - rolling stone

pixie lott - rolling stone
[produced by redone and part of her digital deluxe edition, this song is kind of 'meh' don't you think?]

NEW JULIAN CASABLANCAS!: julian casablancas - 11th dimension

julian casablancas - 11th dimension

TRAILER SOUNDTRACK TROLL: babies

babies
[from the website:
"Everybody loves... BABIES. This visually stunning new movie simultaneously follows four babies around the world - from first breath to first steps. From Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo, BABIES joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all."]

if you like the song played throughout the trailer, you'll be pleased to find out that it's by wongie favorite, sufjan stevens taken from the 2006 album "The Avalanche: Outtakes and Extras from the Illinois Album". here it is in all it's glory!

sufjan stevens - the perpetual self, or "what would saul alinsky do"

LIVE WONGIE: florence and the machine - my boy builds coffins (live @ soul kitchen)

florence and the machine - my boy builds coffins (live @ soul kitchen)
[wongie favorite florence and the machine stop by france's soul kitchen for an acoustic performance of her album track 'my boy builds coffins'. at this point, she could read a phone book and i'd still love her!]

POP GAL: anjulie - addicted2me

anjulie - addicted2me
[cute song]

NEW ANIMAL COLLECTIVE!: animal collective - brother sport

animal collective - brother sport
[let the trippy craziness begin!]

WONGIE SONG OF THE WEEK: the big pink - velvet

the big pink - velvet
[a melodious catchy guitar wall of sound track... do you need any more reason to love this re-release? brilliant!]

REEEMIX: erik hassle - hurtful (penguin prison remix)

erik hassle - hurtful (penguin prison remix)
[a nice mellow disco remix of erik's wonderful song!]

RANDOM VIDEO WITH A CELEBRITY!: kasabian - vlad the impaler

kasabian - vlad the impaler
[kasabian's latest video stars noel fielding (the mighty boosh) as a serial impaler terrorizing the countryside. the washed out tone of the video is perfect and well, it does get bloody!]

DANCE BITCH DANCE: sub focus - could this be real

sub focus - could this be real
[showing that Nick Douwma can be more than a drum n bass maestro, nick (aka sub focus) has released a totally commercial club friendly pop house track to introduce him to a whole new mass of fans who have no clue what they're in for if they go see sub focus perform live. nice one!!]

DANCE BITCH DANCE: example - won't go quietly

example - won't go quietly
[2nd single by rapper turned dance pop star, example, and it's a hit! can't wait to hear the debut album now!]

LIVE WONGIE: vampire weekend - contra mini concert (live @ juan's basement)

[nothing like the wonderful folks over at pitchfork tv to organize a mini concert by the vampire weekend on the eve of their 'contra' album release in juan's basement! the band sound AMAAAAZING and gives you a teaser of their upcoming tour. i'm in love!!!]


vampire weekend - cousins


vampire weekend - white sky


vampire weekend - horchata


vampire weekend - california english


the band talk about the musical choices on 'contra'

WONGIE DISCOVERY: absynthe minded - papillon (amsterdam acoustics) / envoi / heaven knows

absynthe minded - papillon (amsterdam acoustics)
[from wiki:

"Absynthe Minded is a Belgian rock band, around frontman, vocalist and guitarist Bert Ostyn. Their songs have a lot more focus than their band name suggests. Even if they mix play a music of thirties jazz, with a touch of funky soul, Balkan beats and Merseyside pop."

personally their organic folky sound and beautiful harmonies are the kind of stuff that i flock to instantly! throw in the fact that they are poised to release their gold selling self titled 4th album internationally and we have a tip for all you music lovers looking for something original, catchy and interesting!]


absynthe minded - envoi
[here is the 2nd single off the album 'absynthe minded']


absynthe minded - heaven knows

RANDOM VIDEO WITH A CELEBRITY: islands - no you don't

islands - no you don't
[aw... lets all give michael cera a hug for being in this video!]

marina and the diamonds - hollywood (acoustic version)

marina and the diamonds - hollywood (acoustic version)
[just as brilliant in acoustic form, but the other cool thing is that the video looks amazing! ah... technology these days!]

WONGIE DISCOVERY: matt morris - the un american

matt morris - the un american
[a nice eclectic musical mix here from this singer songwriter (and ex-mickey mouse club member!) that is just a preview from his upcoming debut album 'when everything breaks open'. plus it turns out he also contributed to the gorgeous duet between justin timberlake and reba mcentire's 'duets' album! who knew that i was already a fan?]


[check out matt and justin talking about how their song got on reba's album]


[and here's the song that they co-wrote that is simply BEAUTIFUL!]

WONGIE POP SONG OF THE WEEK: keri hilson - i like

keri hilson - i like
[keri continues to show us how good of a pop songwriter/songstress she can be. now become a big star already!]

LIVE WONGIE: the xx - vcr (live @ le live de la semaine) / vcr

the xx - vcr (live @ le live de la semaine)
[one of my favorite tracks off the album! so happy it's the next single!]


the xx - vcr
[since i love the song so much, here is the original studio recording for your comparison]

WONGIE DISCOVERY: clare and the reasons - ooh you hurt me so / wake up (you sleepy head) / that's all (genesis cover)

clare and the reasons - ooh you hurt me so
[new york reveals another gem from their overflowing talent pool. clare muldaur and her band of merry men make beautiful soft gems that flow so lovingly. enjoy this!]


clare and the reasons - wake up (you sleepy head)(live @ athens soundies)


clare and the reasons - that's all (genesis cover)(live @ athens soundies)

WONGIE DISCOVERY REDUX: chew lips - play together

chew lips - play together
[reminder about this hot debut act with a new single and an upcoming album due for release jan 18!]

NEW ALPHABEAT!: alphabeat - hole in my heart

alphabeat - hole in my heart

WONGIE SONG OF THE WEEK: roisin murphy - mamma's place

roisin murphy - mamma's place
[i was wondering when the 1st song of the week for 2010 would pop up! turns out it took new mom roisin murphy to throw in the party song of the week with it's 80's house grooves and insanely catchy vocals. brilliant! thanks to xo for the tip!]

LIVE WONGIE: the xx - crystalised (amsterdam acoustics)

the xx - crystalised (amsterdam acoustics)

REEEMIX: ke$ha feat pitbull - tik tok (remix)

[why are all her pictures with skankface?]


ke$ha feat pitbull - tik tok (remix)
[pitbull offers a hot rap over the original, but damn it's a hot rap!]

REEEMIX: one republic - all the right moves (danger remix)

one republic - all the right moves (danger remix)
[nothing like a sweet remix by a french act to improve your mediocre song! one republic should licence this version and release it as a single!]

WONGIE'S BEST OF 2009: #1-10

[as you can see, the top 10 features alot more pop tracks than the rest of the 'best of' list. these songs are not compiled for their 'cool' factor, but more for their songwriting perfection (hence how taylor swift and jordin sparks got so high, cause these songs are really pop perfection!) as for the rest of the 10, most are probably not major surprises if you're a fan of this site. as you can see, 2009 was an amazing year for music and i can only assume that 2010 will be just as exciting and eclectic!]


#1 Jay Z feat Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind


#2 Florence and the Machine – You Got The Love


#3 Taylor Swift – You Belong With Me


#4 Animal Collective – My Girls


#5 Mumford and Sons – Little Lion Man


#6 The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition


#7 Pink – I Don’t Believe You


#8 Alicia Keys – Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart


#9 La Roux – Bulletproof


#10 Jordin Sparks – Battlefield

WONGIE'S BEST OF 2009: #11-20

#11 Lady Gaga – Bad Romance


#12 Medina – You and I


#13 Marina and the Diamonds – I Am Not A Robot


#14 Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks


#15 The Drums – Lets Go Surfing


#16 Miike Snow – Animal


#17 Friendly Fire – Jump In The Pool


#18 The Noisettes – Wild Young Hearts


#19 Jack Penate – Tonights Today


#20 Calvin Harris – Flashback

WONGIE'S BEST OF 2009: #21-30

#21 Alexandra Burke – Bad Boys


#22 Empire of the Sun – Walking On A Dream


#23 Daniel Merriweather & Adele – Water To A Flame


#24 Jason Derulo – Whatcha Say


#25 Hot Chip – One Life Stand


#26 Sugababes – Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) (Florence and the Machine cover)


#27 Bombay Bicycle Club – Always Like This


#28 The Big Pink – Dominos


#29 Nneka – Heartbeat (Chase & Status remix)


#30 The Dodos – Fables

WONGIE'S BEST OF 2009: #31-40 (plus 2 tracks i couldn't cut out)

#31 Agnes – Release Me


#32 Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero


#33 Frankmusik – Confusion Girl


#34 Golden Silvers with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Arrows of Eros


#35 Passion Pit – Moth’s Wings


#36 pixie lott - mama do


#37 simian mobile disco feat chris keating - audacity of huge


#38 vv brown - shark in the water


#39 the maccabees - can you give it


#40 major lazer feat vybz kartel - pon de floor

i know i should learn how to cut, but these two songs just kept on creeping back into my ipod and at this point they are just sentimental mainstays...

#41 keri hilson feat kanye west & neyo - knock you down


#42 great lake swimmers - pulling on a line