3 Perfect Playlists For All The Lovers (And Haters) Out There
If you cringe at the thought of tolerating typical V-Day tunes, we’re right there with you. And since we know you’re sick of the sap, we’ve concocted the perfect playlists for all you music lovers who want to ditch the Rachel Berry-approved ballads and serenade (and impress) your sweetheart with your sweet indie music intel.
If you're trying to impress your date with moves like Jagger, here are some sexy songs to put you and your V-Day love in the mood:
"Get Some" — Lykke Li
"Make Love All Night Long" — TV on the Radio
"The Moneymaker" — Rilo Kiley
"Bedroom Hymns" — Florence & the Machine
"Need You Now" — Cut Copy
Want something a little subtler? Here's some deliciously sweet ear candy, to treat your Valentine:
"Honey Bunny" — Girls
"Little Bit" — Lykke Li
"To Be Alone With You" — Sufjan Stevens
"Shelter" — XX
"Wait" — M83
Is the sight of couples in bliss testing your gag reflex? Don't buy into the heart-filled hype with these anti-V Day tunes:
"Dancing on my Own" — Robyn
"Not In Love" — Crystal Castles
"You Make Me Wanna Die" — The Pretty Reckless
"Somebody That I Used to Know" — Gotye feat. Kimbra
"Lover I Don't Have to Love" — Bright Eyes
Videos: All Via YouTube
If you're trying to impress your date with moves like Jagger, here are some sexy songs to put you and your V-Day love in the mood:
"Get Some" — Lykke Li
"Make Love All Night Long" — TV on the Radio
"The Moneymaker" — Rilo Kiley
"Bedroom Hymns" — Florence & the Machine
"Need You Now" — Cut Copy
Want something a little subtler? Here's some deliciously sweet ear candy, to treat your Valentine:
"Honey Bunny" — Girls
"Little Bit" — Lykke Li
"To Be Alone With You" — Sufjan Stevens
"Shelter" — XX
"Wait" — M83
Is the sight of couples in bliss testing your gag reflex? Don't buy into the heart-filled hype with these anti-V Day tunes:
"Dancing on my Own" — Robyn
"Not In Love" — Crystal Castles
"You Make Me Wanna Die" — The Pretty Reckless
"Somebody That I Used to Know" — Gotye feat. Kimbra
"Lover I Don't Have to Love" — Bright Eyes
Videos: All Via YouTube
Get Your Dance On: Class Actress Is Playing Not One, But Two L.A. Shows
Whether we’re dusting off our Depeche Mode vinyls or ogling La Roux’s adorable androg outfits — here at R29, we are sort of obsessed with the whole '80s electro-pop revival. Bands like Summer Camp and Electric Youth litter our ever-expanding Spotify playlists.
But there’s a new synth-centric kid on the block, the Brooklyn-based Class Actress — and we can’t get enough of its electro ways. The band's melodic, nostalgia-driven beats are right up our alley. Featuring L.A.’s own Elizabeth Harper slinging sexy vocals over producers Mark Richardson and Scott Rosenthal’s smooth synths and seductive sounds, Class Actress has us crooning on so many levels.
Lucky for us (and you!), we can get a double dose of Class Actress’ addictive beats, in person. The band will perform live this Thursday, Feb. 9 at The Echo and Saturday, Feb 11 at Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa. Double the fun, right?
When: Thursday, February 9 and Saturday, February 11.
Where: The Echo, 1822 W Sunset Blvd, 213-413-8200; Detroit Bar, 843 W 19th Street, 949-642-0600.
Photo: Via Class Actress' Facebook
Turn The Radio Up, Roll The Windows Down: We Found Our New Joy-Ride Jam
With SXSW quickly approaching, we're making a mental list of all the bands we're pining to see, and Delta Spirit is definitely in our top five. Now, after hearing their latest song "California," we're even more amped. The SoCal quintet have shifted away from their previous Americana/Folk style and — in true Cali fashion — added some sun and surf to the mix (and we like it!). Taking a cue from indie greats like Arcade Fire and TV on the Radio, DS has added some swirling synths and head-bobbing beats into what is sure to be the new gem of West Coast jams (and our new fave song to play on repeat). "California" finds the dream mix of mellow guitar riffs and catchy ooo-hoos, making their new sound perfect for some beers and bon-fire time on the beach or just a cruise down the PCH — with the windows down, of course.
Take a listen to "California" and you'll see their third LP when it drops March 13.
Delta Spirit —Delta Spirit
"California"
All music is for sampling purposes only. Please go out and buy the artists' records. If you would like for us to remove a track, please email us at feedback@refinery29.com.
Photo: Courtesy of SXSW.
This Is Our Jam: Nicolas Jaar (Feat. Scout Larue And Will Epstein), "And I Say"
Nicolas Jaar’s debut album was titled Space is Only Noise, a name that reads like a blueprint for Jaar’s musical philosophy. During his young (but accomplished) career, the twenty-two-year-old has experimented with minimal arrangements where the vacuum between elements is given as much attention as audible sound.
With the recently released “And I Say,” Jaar continues his minimalist tradition, with a track that mixes lounge-y pop and spare bass music, to great, often disconcerting effect. Two key elements come together to make the track successful: Scout Larue’s vocals (Yes, that Scout. The one who happens to be Demi and Bruce's daughter.), and a searing free-jazz saxophone that rips in and out of the song. Larue’s voice is airy and sexy in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the track, while the sax explodes violently in warbling bursts. Yet even as these elements balance each other out, it’s the space in between that makes it all work; for Jaar, silence remains his greatest weapon.
Nicolas Jaar
"And I Say ft. Scout Larue and Will Epstein" [MP3]
All music is for sampling purposes only. Please go out and buy the artists' records. If you would like for us to remove a track, please email us at feedback@refinery29.com.
HOW Has This Not Gone Viral? Kris Jenner's Music Video Is A Hoot!
Forget that over-art directed Khristmas card, this video from the Kardashian Klan will put you in the ha-ha-holiday spirit faster than you can say...well, Kardashian! In honor of her 30th birthday (back, well, you do the math), the sweetly real clip of Kris Jenner singing on her treadmill and about town is set to the tune of "I Love L.A.," and there's even cameos of Michael Jackson and O.J. Simpson in the '80s mix. We think this would have been a much better holiday greeting than the starkly styled one getting so much hype. What do you think of Rebecca Black's Kris' musical debut?
Musical Muse: Karmin's Key To The Retro-Babe Look
Never judge a book by its…voice? If you've only heard Karmin's cover of Chris Brown's "Look At Me Now," you wouldn't believe the fast-talking cutie/ singer-rapper Amy Heidemann (her fiance, Nick Noonan, makes up the band's other half) rocked a vintage vibe. But chances are you've seen the duo's YouTube video (it has over 150 million views, after all) and are as impressed as we are by Heidemann's rapping prowess and strikingly nostalgic style. Holy contrast, huh? We sat down with this Musical Muse at Speakeasy Sound in Burbank to hear her thoughts on everything from working side-by-side with her man (gutsy!) to suicide rolls, and encounters with Busta Rhymes. Of course, we also snapped the skilled songstress showing off her distinctive, modern-day Bettie Page pin-up style to give you some fresh inspiration for your inner-retro rocker. Look at her now.
Click through to see the stylings of a pinup pop star in the making!
Click through to see the stylings of a pinup pop star in the making!
Must See: Beyonce’s New Video Reveals Her Wedding Dress (About Time…
Beyoncé has been in the spotlight for roughly 14 years now (her Destiny’s Child days will always have a special place in our heart), and in that time she’s pretty much taken over the world with her empowering jams and killer choreography...no matter how hard we try, we will never perfect those moves. Beyoncé is also a fiercely private celebrity and her personal life has always been kept very personal. (If you don't count that little MTV pregnancy announcement.) But now she’s giving us a lil’ more insight into her day to day with her new heartfelt video “I Was Here (Live At Roseland)." The vid, directed and produced by Ed Burke, shows highlights from her career and personal life—think face-time with B in the studio with hubby Jay or playing with her absurdly cute nephew in a pool (who we spotted a couple months back with mom Solange).
But the highlight is easily her never-before-seen wedding dress at the 3:38 mark, and we’re kinda obsessed...and near tears. In the clip from their ulta-exclusive wedding three years ago, Bey looks totally radiant in her strapless, fitted wedding gown designed by her mom. Awww. Maybe it's because we're having serious wedding dress fever, but we can’t help but smile between sniffles.
Video: Via Vevo.
But the highlight is easily her never-before-seen wedding dress at the 3:38 mark, and we’re kinda obsessed...and near tears. In the clip from their ulta-exclusive wedding three years ago, Bey looks totally radiant in her strapless, fitted wedding gown designed by her mom. Awww. Maybe it's because we're having serious wedding dress fever, but we can’t help but smile between sniffles.
Video: Via Vevo.
Drake On His New Album, Sweaters, And A Potential JT Music Collab (YES!)
Our fave Canadian rapper/singer Drake recently sat down with the Los Angeles Times for an interview that covered everything from his new album to his taste in sweaters (we happen to love those knits). His new song, “Take Care,” is already our jam—indeed, he credits his trademark style of switching between rapping and singing to legends like Marvin Gaye and Al Green. While on the subject of sweaters, we whole-heartedly support Drake’s cardigan collection (as we fancy ourselves sweater lovers, too). “I laugh at it because it's like ‘OK, let that be my worst problem.’ I don’t have a record, I’m not doing anything wild […] on TMZ. Yeah, I wear a lot of sweaters….Fair enough. I’ll be the guy that wears great sweaters. “ Let that be a lesson.
So what’s Drizzy’s dream music collab? With Justin Timberlake (ahh!), meaning our JT music-comeback prayers from yesterday must have been answered. Drake says, “He gave me his word that one day we’ll do something special. I’d love to do like a project with him, like six songs or something.” (LAT)
So what’s Drizzy’s dream music collab? With Justin Timberlake (ahh!), meaning our JT music-comeback prayers from yesterday must have been answered. Drake says, “He gave me his word that one day we’ll do something special. I’d love to do like a project with him, like six songs or something.” (LAT)
Chill Out This Weekend With Feist At The Wiltern
How are your weekend plans shaping up? You know when Saturday rolls around, few things are better than a good concert (preferably with someone handsome and/or gorgeous by your side). Tomorrow, Feist is bringing her delicate, infectious tunes to the Wiltern, where she'll be playing the best of the best from her new album, "Metals," as well as all the songs you love from "The Reminder" ("1234", anyone?). So, call up that cutie or your BFF, grab yourself a little grub beforehand, and get ready for a super-chill night at a super-amazing concert. (Los Angeles Times)
When: Saturday, November 12, at 8 p.m.
Where: The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Boulevard (at South Western Avenue); 213-380-5005; click here for tickets.
When: Saturday, November 12, at 8 p.m.
Where: The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Boulevard (at South Western Avenue); 213-380-5005; click here for tickets.
This Is Our Jam: Soko, "I Thought I Was An Alien"
Soko’s new video for “I Thought I Was An Alien” tells the story of a young couple as they fall in love. They wander the streets of Los Angeles’s Echo Park, bathed in warmth and sunlight. The couple visits the beach, dances together, makes love in the afternoon, and stares deeply into each other’s eyes — it’s wistfully nostalgic, in the rose-colored way everyone feels when remembering the birth of a new relationship. Filmed by visionary director Spike Jonze on an iPhone, and directed beautifully by the French actress/singer Soko herself, it’s the kind of story everyone can relate. Oh, except one of them is an actual alien, so there’s that, too. (Nowness)
Soko—I Thought I Was An Alien
"I Thought I Was An Alien"
Soko: Alien Love on Nowness.com.
All music is for sampling purposes only. Please go out and buy the artists' records. If you would like for us to remove a track, please email us at feedback@refinery29.com.
Musical Muses: Kid Sister's Retro-Femme Vibe
If you think hip-hop is a boys' club, think again. Enter: Kid Sister, the genre's crowned queen and reigning champion, whose distinct, sultry growl can be found alongside giants like Kanye West, DJ A-Trak, and most recently, former Destiny's Child crooner Kelly Rowland on her latest single, "Motivation." And while this Chicago-born lyrical lioness can go head-to-head with any one of the big boys in a cypher, she doesn't leave her femininity at the door.
Kid Sister's personal style — on and off stage — can only be described as electric. And don't let her name fool you, either; there's nothing childish about her elegant, retro vibe. We caught up with the siren songstress in her dreamy L.A. home, and got the lowdown on what influences her style and sound, and how she keeps herself looking flawless while on tour. Click through and be prepared to absorb some matchless inspiration from Ms. Pro Nails herself as she channels classic, feminine looks from the mid-'60s and late-'70s, gleaning much of her wardrobe inspiration from cult classics like Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands and John Waters' Hairspray.
Photographed by David Black
Photographed by David Black
You Can Buy The Opening Ceremony Dress Rihanna Models On Her New Album Cover
Rihanna's not the only girl in the world who can snag the camel-camouflage silk number she wears on the cover of her new album, Talk That Talk. The fall '11, $460 Opening Ceremony dress, with a flare skirt and zipper back, is more of a sweet, femme frock than S&M gear. But, feel free to make this good-girl dress go bad, just like our favorite bawdy Barbados babe. Rihanna in Opening Ceremony? We'll drink to that! (Racked)
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