Skyz The Limit: My Top Five Tunes of The Week (August 14)

The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition
Comment: This trio of Aussies have produced a centerpiece heartbreaking anthem for the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack, which features haunting, Bowie-esque vocals from lead guitarist and vocalist Dougy Mandagi. This track will become an addictive pleasure for all Indie-rock enthusiasts. It’s dark, powerful and gut wrenching. This is the closest any band has come to Coldplay’s Fix You in years. Grade: A+

Gossip – Heavy Cross
Comment: This Washington State threesome are led by the controversial but soulful vocal stylings of Beth Ditto. This future hit single features a groovy mix of modern disco electronica and brooding guitar riffs reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand. With several dance remix promos leaked on the Web, expect this to become a club sensation for 2009. Grade: A

Ian-Brown – Stellify
Comment: The former Stone Roses frontman appears to be crooning about finding rejuvenation after finding the love of his life. Brown does appear unusually upbeat in this optimistic mid-tempo love ballad that features his quintessential seductive vocal delivery. But this single won’t satiate fan’s protest for the widely-speculated Stone Roses Reunion Tour. The wait continues! Grade: B

Florence & The Machines – Drummer Song (Boy 8bit Remix)
Comment: Londoner Florence Welch return continues to receive critical acclaim for her breathtaking rhythm and blues-like vocals in a new single about being crazy in love. Techno group Boy8bit splices in mesmerizing Kraftwerkian synths and tribal drums to make this an instant classic at area nightclubs. Grade: A-

Muse – Uprising

Comment: Featuring Sci-Fi sound effects, moody electro-beats and buzz-saw-like guitar clangs, Matt Bellamy’s sinister-like falsettos shine through in this punk ballad. The chorus is killer and the message to “fight back despite the odds” resonates through in this new uplifting single. Grade: B

In The Spotlight: Drummer Song-Florence and The Machine (Live)



Posted 8/14/09