IT'S THE 2013 RECAP, SONGS WORTH NOTING - PART #1

It's been a long time between drinks -about six months since the last entry here- so before we get back into the swing of things in a normal-kinda-fashion, it's worth spending time revisiting the best tracks of the year.

Let's take a peek at what 2013 has us excited about so far...




BETTY WHO 'Somebody Loves You'

In January we were one of the first sites to give you a taste of Boston-based Sydney gal Betty Who with her debut single 'Somebody Loves You.'

Since then the talented blonde has gone on to release her debut EP 'The Movement' (premiering exclusively on Billboard.com), sold out a number of shows in New York City and been featured on music sites such as Idolator and pop blog MuuMuse. Busy much?

Each time we listen to Who's debut single it radiates just as much fun as it did upon first listen. Pure pop with a dash of 80s goodness, we're just not sure you can get any better than that.




CHVRCHES 'Recover'

Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland trio Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty form the group CHVRCHES. Coming fifth in this years BBC's 'Sound of 2013,' the group kicked off the year with a stellar EP titled 'Recover,' featuring the lead single of the same name.

'Recover' is a mid-tempo synth track that trails along the pop road in similar fashion to Swedish superstar Robyn, yet with more of an indie feel. Mayberry's delicate vocals are the perfect accompaniment to the Sunday-chill tunes, and it certainly gets us excited about their debut LP due September.




JESSIE WARE 'Imagine It Was Us'

After the stellar result that was her debut album 'Devotion' in 2012, British lass Jessie Ware revealed we'd be seeing a re-release of the LP which would feature the new track 'Imagine It Was Us.'

Taking us on a disco escapade, Ware's soulful vocals marry the sexy 90s beats like a match made in (disco) heaven. Complete with a video that knocks most off their feet, this track has been our perfect party starter for most of 2013.




LANA DEL REY 'Young and Beautiful'

Let's just say securing the gong for Best Album of 2012  for 'Born to Die / Paradise' is no easy feat (we are pretty critical), so first up, we're anxiously awaiting the sophomore release from Miss Lana Del Rey. Whilst we wait ever so patiently, what better way to fill the time than by drifting away to the utterly gorgeous 'Young and Beautiful.'

Produced by Rick Nowels ('Dark Paradise' and 'Summertime Sadness') and lifted from Baz Luhrman's 'The Great Gatsby' soundtrack, Del Rey shines like a pretty face and electric soul.

Absolutely, mesmerizingly, beautiful.




LORDE 'Royals'

We were surprised and delighted to hear that the indie-pop gem 'Royals,' by sixteen year-old singer/songwriter Lorde, originates from across the waters in Auckland, New Zealand. We love finding new local(ish) goodies!

'Royals' is the lead single from Lorde's very-good-indeed debut EP 'The Love Club.' With it's catchy vibe and we-don't-care lyrics, it was an instant fave adding this young chanteuse to the top of our 'must watch' list for the year.


Five of the best so far, with more to come before we delve into what remains of 2013.

JIMMY STEELE PRESENTS - TOP 50 SINGLES OF 2012

After revealing our Top 20 Albums of 2012, we thought it was about time we revealed our Top 50 Singles for the year! 

It's been quite a challenge to put this together - mainly because the year the Mayans called the end of the world (which ahem, never happened) delivered some outstanding single releases! None the less, take a look at our top tracks for 2012.

50. Jessica Mauboy - Gotcha
49. Elen Levon - Dancing From The Same Song
48. David Guetta - She Wolf (Falling to Pieces) [feat. Sia]
47. Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
46. Nelly Furtado - Big Hoops (Bigger the Better)



45. Taylor Swift - Safe & Sound (feat. The Civil Wars)
44. Rebecca Ferguson - Nothing's Real But Love
43. Sam Sparro - I Wish I Never Met You
42. Ellie Goulding - Anything Could Happen
41. Samantha Jade - What You've Done To Me



40. MSMR - Hurricane
39. Miike Snow - Paddling Out
38. Solange - Losing You
37. Lana Del Rey - National Anthem
36. Marina and the Diamonds - How to be a Heartbreaker



35. Jessie Ware - Wildest Moments
34. Emeli Sandé - Next to Me
33. Rudimental - Feel the Love (feat. John Newman)
32. Guy Sebastian - Battle Scars (feat. Lupe Fiasco)
31. Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble

30. Disclosure - Latch (feat. Sam Smith)
29. fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe)
28. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
27. Florence + the Machine - Spectrum
26. Frank Ocean - Think' Bout You

25. Flo Rida - Wild Ones (feat. Sia)

24. Elton John vs Pnau - Good Morning to the Night

23. Loreen - Euphoria

22. Ke$ha - Die Young

21. Swedish House Mafia - Don't You Worry Child (feat. John Martin)

20. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)

19. A*M*E - Play the Game Boy

18. Katy Perry - Part of Me

17. Christina Aguilera - Your Body

16. Lana Del Rey - Ride

15. Van She - Jamaica

14. Usher - Climax

13. Rita Ora - R.I.P. (feat. Tinie Tempah)

12. Parachute Youth - Can't Get Better Than This

11. Rihanna - Diamonds

10. Flight Facilities - With You (feat. Grovesnor)

After the success of "Crave You" and "Foreign Language" in 2011, Australian house outfit Flight Facilities returned in 2012 with yet another hit "With You."

Grosvenor's vocals ooze sexiness and desire as he begs his mistress "I just can't be seen by you..." The track is a classic chill-out house number that like their previous material, is a perfect summer jam.

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9. Ricki-Lee - Do It Like That

Calling on the #NoPantsBrigade! Australia's own diva Ricki-Lee, somewhat rising from the ashes, unveiled her killer anthem "Do It Like That" following last year's "Raining Diamonds." The jam, which originally leaked under the critically-acclaimed Fred Falke remix, instantly became one of the most addictive tracks on radio.

"Do It Like That" saw Ricki-Lee embrace everything we wanted her to - sexiness, freedom and God damn brilliant pop music. An excellent return to the scene girlfriend!

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8. fun. - Some Nights

New York City-based fun. launched their second single, the album's title track, earlier in the year post the belated worldwide success of "We Are Young" (feat. Janelle Monáe). The track became yet another massive hit for the group, cementing lead singer Nate Ruess as a key songwriter in the current age.

Probably the stand out from their album, it was a strong contender across the year - regardless of it's over-play on commercial radio!

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7. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

The track that took the world by storm would have to be none other than Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe." After the unofficial endorsement by Justin Bieber via his Twitter account, people started to notice (and get slightly addicted) to the ex-Canadian Idol's latest jam.

"Call Me Maybe" is an easy, fun, pop song. That's it - it's simple and effective. And did we mention slightly addictive?

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6. Matt Corby - Brother

It's hard to believe that it was five years ago when we met a young, fresh-faced 16 year-old Matt Corby on Australian Idol. Now, the 22 year-old is one of Australia's most successful recording artists signed to UK record label Communion (started by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons)... with four EPs under his belt.

"Brother" is a highly emotional and provocative song. Corby belts out the tune with all his passion and might, captivating any listener upon first engagement. An outstanding release from the "Into the Flame" EP.

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5. Marina and the Diamonds - Primadonna

The part Welsh/part Greek beauty that is Marina and the Diamonds (aka Marina Diamandis) teased us with the Stargate-produced "Radioactive" in 2011 - a journey to a pop stratosphere that we'd not heard from the star before. Moving far away from her indie-pop roots we discovered on "The Family Jewels," Marina introduced us to her alter-ego, Electra Heart.

"Electra Heart," as it be named her sophomore album, revealed "Primadonna" as the lead single. Produced by Dr Luke and Cirkut, it became her highest-selling single yet - achieving platinum selling status here in Australia. 

"Primadonna" saw Marina's #Diamonds embrace the new pop star and her obsession with American culture. Throughout this transition though, has the beauty not just become what she mocks the most?

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4. Azealia Banks - 212 (feat. Lazy Jay)

Already topping a range of 'best of' and 'up and comer' lists late 2011, Azealia Banks was always going to be someone to listen out for. "212" was released as the lead single from her "1991" EP - and what a debut track. Lyrically coarse (we'll let you Google the lyrics if you don't know them), it certainly turned some heads and meant this girl meant biz-nes.

Throughout the year we were treated to clips for all four tracks off the EP, but "212" still reigned supreme. A hip-hop track that will stand the test of music time, one that only Nicki Minaj could hope for.

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3. Calvin Harris - Sweet Nothing (feat. Florence Welch)

Just when you thought nothing could get better than the Calvin Harris remix of Florence and the Machine's hit "Spectrum," out Flo and the new David Guetta pop "Sweet Nothing."

Welch's vocals and Harris' progressive house beats are a match made in heaven - making it hard to resist this impeccable tune. One of the stand out tracks, if not the best, from Harris's "18 Months" album.

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2. Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans

Released as the third single taken from her "Born To Die" album, "Blue Jeans" was a surprising single choice - mainly because it featured so prominently as a highlight of the "Video Games" b-side late 2011. Regardless, Del Rey pushed forward with the release.

Accompanying the official single release was the Yoann Lemoine-directed video, who also worked with Del Rey on "Born To Die." The black and white affair was a stunning visual and a must-see for all.

"Blue Jeans" is classic Lana Del Rey - vintage American, James Dean-esque, love.

- - - -



1. Frank Ocean - Pyramids

The second single to be lifted from Frank Ocean's critically acclaimed album "Channel Orange" was that of epic proportions. "Pyramids," in it's almost-ten-minute glory, tells us of multiple stories - with the most obvious being about a woman "working at the pyramid tonight."

The track features a mix of R&B and hip-hop, with electro club beats and a John Mayer-led guitar solo thrown in for good measure. "Pyramids" showcases Ocean's brilliant ability to tell a story through his outstanding writing skills, in a track that will be listed as a classic for years to come. A very worthy recipient of our number one single for 2012.

JIMMY STEELE PRESENTS - TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2012

What a year! 2012 really delivered a mixed bag of goodies when it comes to albums. We had stand-out sessions (like those listed below) and some that didn't really hit the mark... at all.

Below we've compiled out top 20 albums for the year... enjoy!

20. Medina - Forever
19. Missy Higgins - The Ol' Razzle Dazzle
18. fun. - Some Nights
17. Rihanna - Unapologetic
16. Christina Aguilera - Lotus

15. The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap
14. Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire
13. Morgan Page - In the Air
12. Miike Snow - Happy to You
11. Rebecca Ferguson - Heaven

10. No Doubt - Push and Shove

After an eleven year hiatus, 90s alt-pop-rock group No Doubt had some big shoes to fill. A lot has happened in the course of those eleven years, including lead singer Gwen Stefani releasing two amazing pop-electro albums that truly secured her as a woman with impeccable style (both musically and fashion-wise).

Whilst many weren't blown away by the album's lead single "Settle Down" with it's reggae/ska-punk sound, it's a great lead-in to the band's sixth studio album. "Push and Shove" is No Doubt at their finest, with cool, easy tunes that are highly addictive. Whilst commercially the album hasn't set the world on fire, it certainly has the ability to.

The Major Lazer-produced second single (the title track) grabbed the attention of many, and as it's somewhat stronger that "Settle Down," it's not alone as a stand-out on the LP. The eleven-track album is complete with the additional strong tracks including "One More Summer," "Looking Hot," "Easy" and "Gravity."

9. Ke$ha - Warrior

Maybe one of this year's most underrated albums, Ke$ha's sophomore album really works. Yes, it's not too distant from her "Animal" / "Cannibal" era, but who says it has to be? "Warrior" brings some real-time Ke$ha with "Die Young" - it has an unbeatably addictive chorus and you know you can't help but groove to it.

"Warrior" does feel like it's split into two separate albums though - tracks one to six appearing as an extension to "Animal," with tracks seven to twelve being an evolution of Ke$ha as an artist. Whilst we love the first half, the second part is where K$ really excels. It's here that we have her brilliant collaboration with Iggy Pop ("Dirty Love"), the acoustic throwback ("Wonderland"), the Greg Kurstin penned/produced track "Love Into The Light," and the epic future-single "Supernatural."

K$'s contribution to the pop market will be a gift that keeps on giving across 2013, just wait and see the success of the singles released across the coming months.

8.  Jessie Ware - Devotion

We stumbled upon Jessie Ware almost too late, but stumbled upon her none the less. Already appearing on many a 'best of' lists for album of the year in 2012, Ware's "Devotion" is a welcome to any music library. The 28 year-old hailing from the United Kingdom has been described as a modern-day Sade, full of smooth sexiness flowing from her vocals.

The album features a mix of soul, pop, electro and R&B. Stand out tracks are "Wildest Moments," "Night Light" and "Running" - although to be honest, the album is an eclectic mix of modern day sounds that are so well intertwined it's hard not to listen to the album on repeat all day before realising you've done so.

We hear rumours it's being prepared for a 2013 release in the US, which should see it do quite well after the success of a number of UK-based artists in a similar league (think Adele, etc).

7. Taylor Swift - Red

What a surprise of a record "Red" is. Crossing the boundaries between country and pop, the 23 year-old blurred the lines that saw her join the likes of many country stars before her, branching out to increase her already-heavy fanbase.

Working with producers such as Max Martin and Shellback, we were always going to get a strong influence of pop music weaving it's way through the album. Having produced three of the sixteen numbers, the duo helped carve the album's first two singles.

One of the best tracks, which sees a very mature Swift step out into the world, is her duet with Snow Patrol's frontman Gary Lightbody. Produced by Jacknife Lee (who recently worked with Crystal Castles and Robbie Williams on their new albums), it's an epic alt rock track that has 'number one hit' written all over it.

The other striking point is that the album barely has a weak spot. It has a very strong selection of possible singles; ranging from country, to pop, to electro (!) to alt rock... and it all works. It's a cohesive album that shows Swift can take some risks whilst still being true to her roots.

6. Emeli Sandé - Our Version of Events

Launching in 2011 with her debut single "Heaven," Emeli Sandé was always going to be a force to be reckoned with. The Scottish lass, who has written for the likes of Leona Lewis, Tinie Tempah and Cheryl Cole, delivered a soulful and triumphant debut album with "Our Version of Events."

Spawning five singles, including two that just missed the top spot (both "Heaven" and "Next To Me" stalling at #2 in the UK), the album is complete with beautiful melodies. The LP heavily features production work by Naughty Boy, who also claims single credits on "Daddy."

Having just hit the one million sales mark in the UK alone, it's a clear winner when it comes to the commercial market. Whilst some have said it's too ballad-heavy, it's a beautiful record that will continue  to earn Sandé her stripes in years to come.

Apart from the single choices, other stand outs include "Mountains"and "River."

5. Rita Ora - Ora

Dubbed London's answer to Rihanna, Rita Ora first bounced into the spotlight (via her Roc Nation record label) featuring on DJ Fresh's dubtastic "Hot Right Now." The track secured both a number one track in their homeland, and started what was to be known as the Ora-Era.

Months later the talented 22 year-old dropped her first singles stateside and in her homeland - two different singles to suit both markets. "How We Do (Party)" for the US (and Australian) market, with "R.I.P." (feat. Tinie Tempah) for the UK market. Whilst there was a lukewarm take-up to Ora's brilliance in the states, both singles hit the coveted top spot in the UK (and top ten in Australia).

"Ora," released in August, was a nice surprise. Delivering the writing talents of some of pop's well-known names - Ester Dean, Bonnie McKee, Sia, Greg Kurstin - the LP also saw Ora co-pen some of the tracks. Throw in production work by The-Dream, Stargate, Chase & Status and Major Lazer and you have a winning album.

The blonde-bombshell's debut is a solid piece of pop music and it's strong, mature and highly addictive. Stand out tracks are "Radioactive," "Uneasy" and "Roc the Life."

4. Ellie Goulding - Halcyon

Goulding's sophomore album was hanging on the promo single "Hanging On" (see what we did there?) featuring rapper Tinie Tempah. The dubstep track, a cover of Active Child's song from 2011, was released in July to a very impressed crowd.

"Anything Could Happen," the albums lead single, followed shortly after. Produced by Kish Mauve's Jim Eliot (who worked on seven of the album's twelve tracks), it was a synth-indie-pop dream, becoming the starlet's first Australian hit, peaking at #20 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

"Halcyon" is a cohesive mix of beautiful vocals and intricate melodies fused with dubstep beats that marry Goulding's style like a match made in electro heaven. "Figure 8," one of the albums best tracks, serves as the next single. It's a strong track, one of many on the album.

3. Marina and the Diamonds - Electra Heart

After the brilliance that was the debut album from Britain's latest indie pop darling, Marina Diamandis, or Marina and the Diamonds as her stage name, high hopes were in place for the sophomore album from this starlet in 2012. And well, "Electra Heart" delivered.

Unlike it's predecessor "The Family Jewels," in which Marina took us on a journey through indie pop, new wave and folk, "Electra Heart" was always going to be the record that saw Marina head straight for pop stardom. We're talking bubblegum-popping, electro-loving, Dr Luke-producing, Katy Perry-supporting, pop.

As a taste of what was to come, Diamandis released "Radioactive" in late 2011 - produced by Stargate and DJ Chuckie. It was Marina in a different light, an opportunity to introduce the "Electra Heart" persona and campaign that we'll all grown to love. After postponing the album release (which was originally due for late 2011), Marina jumped back in the studio to spend further time redefining the album and current tracklist.

"Primadonna," the album's lead single (yes,"Radioactive" was reduced to a buzz single), peaked just outside the top ten in the UK, and became her highest selling single here in Australia - hitting a high of #21 on the ARIA Charts and achieving a platinum-selling status.

It was followed by "Power & Control" (co-penned by Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia and produced by hit-maker Greg Kurstin) and "How To Be A Heartbreaker," found only on the repackaged US version of album.

In addition to the singles, highlights include "Starring Role," "Lies," "Teen Idle" and "Sex Yeah."

2. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

Twenty-five year-old Christopher Breaux, aka Frank Ocean, made headlines in the lead up to his debut album "Channel Orange" for all the wrong reasons. Well, maybe not the wrong reasons, but it was certainly a bold move in declaring his (bi)sexuality to the world.

Being part of what was tagged as the "next best thing in hip-hop" group Odd Future (or OFWGKTA), coming out and openly talking about your first love being with a member of the same sex was really one of the last things anyone expected from the talented star. Regardless, it set the e-world alight with mixed comments and reactions, most praising Ocean on his bravery in doing so.

We're referring to the track "Thinkin' 'Bout You" - originally penned for R&B star Bridget Kelly - Ocean decided he wanted his voice heard after revealing the track was extremely personal to him. The melodic R&B song was indeed about Ocean's first love, a first love he shared with a man.

Whilst being released in April, "Thinkin' 'Bout You" is still receiving chart-love today, climbing the Billboard Hot 100 again this week to it's highest peak so far in it's 19-week chart history. As far as singles go, "Sweet Life" and "Lost" - again two of the albums strongest tracks - were also released.

And lastly, "Pyramids." In an almost ten-minute production of beats, synths and dramatic melodies, Ocean delivers the next strongest track on the album (behind "Thinkin' 'Bout You"). It's a mix of mood-driven lyrics and R&B soul that has had the star compared to artists such as the iconic Prince (namely, his "Purple Rain").

Overall, the album is a strong effort for a debut release, and a very worthy contender of the most recent 2013 Grammy nominations.

1. Lana Del Rey - Born to Die / Paradise

When compiling our albums of the year list it was a no-brainer for us that the highly-anticipated debut album from Lana Del Rey was going to come in at the top position. Whilst the lead single "Video Games" took the indie-pop underworld by storm in 2011, it wasn't until the then b-side "Blue Jeans" and follow on single "Born to Die" caught our attention that we were hooked.

Spawning five singles (the above three plus "Summertime Sadness" and "National Anthem"), the LP is an eclectic mix of tragedy, love and vintage throwbacks. The release features notable productions by Rick Nowels (Lykke Li, John Legend) and Justin Parker (Ellie Goulding, Rihanna); with Del Rey co-penning all tracks on the standard and deluxe editions.

Combining the "Paradise" EP and revealing "Born to Die: the Paradise Edition," it added the darker element - somewhat more creative and less commercial than it's predecessor. The lead single "Ride" is a perfect taste and opener for the eight-track EP, with beautiful gems like "Cola," "Body Electric" and the The Clovers 1954 classic "Blue Velvet."

With over 2.6 million copies of the album(s) sold worldwide so far, I reckon we're not the only ones who have fallen in love with the star that they claimed was never gonna make it. Excellent year, Miss Del Rey, excellent year.

LANA DEL REY PREMIERES VIDEO FOR "RIDE"

American vintage chanteuse Lana Del Rey has premiered the video for "Ride," the first single (and sixth overall) from her "Born To Die: Paradise Edition" album.

The video was directed by Anthony Mandler (Del Rey's "National Anthem," fun.'s "Some Nights) and features a ten-minute short film, with the "Summertime Sadness" singer narrating the opening and closing scenes. Watch the full clip below.

"Ride" is out now [iTunes]

LANA DEL REY PREMIERES NEW SINGLE "RIDE"

It's been a big day in the life of Lana Del Rey - not only has she revealed the album cover, tracklist and snippets for tracks from her upcoming release "Born To Die: The Paradise Edition," but now we can also hear the lead single "Ride"in full.

The track is what you would expect - dreamy, slightly nostalgic, ethereal and all-round perfect as the lead single from the repackaged album. Take a listen below.

"Ride" is out now [iTunes]

PENGUIN PRISON REMIXES LANA DEL REY'S "BLUE VELVET"

Earlier in the week clothing label H&M revealed their latest commercial featuring Lana Del Rey covering the Bobby Vinton classic "Blue Velvet." We know that not only is Del Rey's version available for purchase on iTunes now, it also features on "The Paradise Edition" of "Born To Die" to be released in November.

In case you missed it, the full two minute commercial is listed below.



Now whilst we're all swooning to the "Video Games" singer in the remake of Vinton's hit, American DJ/producer Penguin Prison has reworked the track and given us a smashing new remix - which you can listen to below. It's grande...

Catch our earlier post covering all details of "Born To Die: The Paradise Edition" here

"Born To Die: The Paradise Edition" will be available from 9 November [iTunes]

LANA DEL REY REVEALS SNIPPETS FROM "BORN TO DIE: PARADISE EDITION"

Not content with releasing one the best albums this year, American Vintage Princess Lana Del Rey has revealed details of her upcoming release of the repackaged "Born To Die: Paradise Edition." In addition to revealing the cover, we also have our hands on the tracklisting and snippets of the new tracks.

New gems include "Blue Velvet" (currently used in the H&M commercial and available for purchase online), "Ride" (the lead single from the new campaign), "American," "Cola," "Body Electric," Gods and Monsters," "Yayo," "Bel Air" and "Buring Desire" (also available for purchase online).

Available from 9 November (with an iTunes preorder already up!), are you ready for new Lana Del Rey? We are! [iTunes]

View the trackling and listen to the snippets below.

Standard Tracks

1. Born to Die
2. Off to the Races
3. Blue Jeans
4. Video Games
5. Diet Mountain Dew
6. National Anthem
7. Dark Paradise
8. Radio
9. Carmen
10. Million Dollar Man
11. Summertime Sadness
12. This Is What Makes Us Girls
13. Without You
14. Lolita
15. Lucky Ones

Extra Tracks

1. Ride
2. American
3. Cola
4. Body Electric
5. Blue Velvet
6. Gods and Monsters
7. Yayo
8. Bel Air
9. Burning Desire

[VIDEO PREMIERE] LANA DEL REY "NATIONAL ANTHEM"

America's new princess Lana Del Rey has premiered the video for the latest smash from her "Born To Die" LP, "National Anthem."

The clip, directed by Anthony Mandler (Cheryl's "Call My Name," Rihanna's "California King Bed"), features Del Rey play the roles of Marily Monroe and Jacqueliene Kennedy (Jackie O) and rapper A$AP Rocky play the role of John F Kennedy.

Mandler tells MTV:
"You see why I held back on talking about it; I didn't want to spoil anything. Anytime you're dealing with the American Camelot of the Kennedys, you're dealing with a packed powder keg," he said. "And really, what Lana was trying to do — this was her concept, she came to me with it, and I kind of dug it out with her — was really look and explore an archetype; just like Shakespeare wrote 'Romeo and Juliet,' and that became the archetype of the forbidden love story."

Catch the almost eight-minute video clip below. What do you think? WE LOVE IT.

"National Anthem" will be released as a single from July 9, with "Both To Die" available today [iTunes]

PREVIEW LANA DEL REY'S "BLUE JEANS" REMIX EP

Whilst Lana Del Rey's preparing for chart success with "Blue Jeans," the third single to be lifted from the acclaimed "Born To Die" album, we've managed to get our hands on previews of the Remix EP package.

Employing the talents of Kris Menace, Penguin Prison, Club Clique and others, the EP has a remix to satisfy almost everyone. As a special inclusion is the Smims & Belle remix featuring hip-hop artist-of-the-moment Azealia Banks.

Our favourite - the Kris Menace remix!

Listen to the previews below.

The "Blue Jeans" Remix EP is available today [iTunes]

[VIDEO PREMIERE] LANA DEL REY "BLUE JEANS"

US singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey has premiered the video for "Blue Jeans," the third single to be lifted from her critically-acclaimed debut album "Born To Die." "Blue Jeans" was the original b-side for the debut single "Video Games," however it has now been granted an opportunity to shine on it's own as an official single.

The video was directed by Yoann Lemoine, who also directed "Born To Die" and the upcoming video release "Carmen." Bradley Soileau plays Del Rey's love interest in the clip, which acts as prelude to the "Born To Die" video. Shot in black and white, cinematically the video is actually quite impressive.

Catch the full clip below.

"Blue Jeans" will be released as a single from April 8 (UK), with "Born To Die" (the album) available today [iTunes]

LANA DEL REY TO RELEASE "BLUE JEANS" AS THIRD SINGLE FROM "BORN TO DIE"

American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey has revealed the single cover for the third release from her "Born To Die" LP, the original b-side to "Video Games," "Blue Jeans."

Based on the new single cover and the worldwide success Del Rey has experienced on the back of her debut album, we're expecting to see a new video attached to the official release of the single. You can watch the original video below.

"Blue Jeans" will be released April 8 (UK), "Born To Die" is available today [iTunes]

LISTEN TO DEMO VERSIONS OF LANA DEL REY'S "NATIONAL ANTHEM" AND "THIS IS WHAT MAKES US GIRLS"

Over the last few days more new material from Lana Del Rey has surfaced online - the tracks National Anthem and This Is What Makes Us Girls. Quicker than you can post it on your Facebook, Del Rey has informed us that the tracks indeed are demo versions that feature differently on her upcoming debut album:

The versions of National Anthem and This Is What Makes Us Girls that have been leaked are demos + sound nothing like they do on the album
— Lana Del Rey (@LanaDelRey) January 7, 2012

We love to see the girl quick on her feet! Take a listen to the demo tracks below.

The Born To Die single is out today (Australia) and 22 January (UK). The Born To Die album will be available from 27 January [iTunes]

National Anthem:


This Is What Makes Us Girls:

LISTEN TO NEW LANA DEL REY WITH "OFF TO THE RACES" AND "YAYO"

Pop music's biggest hopeful for 2012, Lana Del Rey, has given fans the opportunity to listen to more of her debut album by unleashing two new tracks via her YouTube account. Off To The Races and Yayo follow in the footsteps of the album's previous singles in delivering Del Rey's signature vocals across the melodic tracks.

Q's Next Best Thing, who will appear on Saturday Night Live on 14 January, has her debut album scheduled for release 27 January.

Take a listen to the album tracks below and share your thoughts on the new material.

Off To The Races:



Yayo:

[VIDEO PREMIERE] LANA DEL REY "BORN TO DIE"

New York native Lana Del Rey has premiered the video for her latest single, the title track from her 2012 album Born To Die.

The video, directed by Yoann Lemoine, features Del Rey in a beautiful picturesque cathedral alongside two quite-calm tigers, and then in a number of scenes with a fairly hunky tattooed lover. We must admit that after releasing the videos for both Video Games and Blue Jeans earlier this year, the clip for Born To Die seems slightly more polished.

So, who's riding the Lana Del Rey pop wave? Whilst you can't deny her vocals/harmonies are great, that her music overall is quite pleasant, and that she will probably sell more records than some... we're not sure we're as excited by this newcomer as everyone else. You?

The single is slated for release on 23 January, with the album released just a week later [iTunes]

LISTEN TO NEW LANA DEL REY WITH "BORN TO DIE"

New York's latest to spill from its talent pool, Lana Del Rey, has premiered her latest single - the track Born To Die, which aids as title track from her upcoming debut album (cover above). The track surfaced over the last few days and follows the UK #9 hit Video Games and equally as good double a-side Blue Jeans.

Take a listen to the new material below and don't forget to tell us what you think. Are you eagerly awaiting the new album?

Video Games EP is available today, with Born To Die available from 23 January (single), 30 January (album) [iTunes]

HAVE YOU DISCOVERED... LANA DEL REY?

Elizabeth Grant, better known as Lana Del Rey, is one of the newest, freshest sounds to emerge out of the indie-pop world this year.

The 25 year-old New Yorker has been delivering music for a few years, however it's only this year that she released her official debut EP Video Games. Received with praise and acclaimed by the critics, the Video Games single is a soulful blend of beautiful vocals tied in with a melancholic melody. Upon it's release last month it peaked just inside the UK top ten at #9, as well as placing inside the top ten in multiple European countries.



Blue Jeans, also taken from the EP, received just as much awareness and acclaim as the lead single.

Considering herself as the "gangsta Nancy Sinatra", Del Ray is not your average pop star. Sounding more like the uber-talented Sky Ferreira than Britney Spears, when describing her sound she recently told Flush the Fashion "think Nina Simone singing a Cat Power song over Lil Wayne‘s track."

Interesting, and certainly worth a listen. So what is there left to do... prepare yourself for what is about to come, as the discovery that is Lana Del Ray is sure to be a big one.

Video Games EP is available digitally today [iTunes]