Crystal Castles and Robert Smith - Not in Love

The Cure have always been a patchy band for me. Stretching from some of the best love songs ever written to a few albums worth of bland nothingness. That said, Robert Smith is a legend. He could do a duet with Justin Bieber and I'd still want to listen to it.

This track is from the top drawer. Crystal Castles providing a catchy but eerie sound space that allows Smith to be himself and let the magic of both artists work.

So wonderfully wonderfully wonderfully wonderfully ditty...

LTJ Bukem - Demons Theme

Awesome pre-jungle drum and bass. I once reviewed a rarities album by LTJ Bukem, it was a bit bland and dull. This however is him at his best.

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - The Key

Music is sadly filled with legends and stars that died far too young. Having listened to the Ou Est Le Swimming Pool album before I heard about the tragic death of their lead singer meant that finding out was a horrible shock. I think their debut album is brilliant, full of catchy yet emotion twinged tracks. This is possibly my favourite track from it, the video all the more poignant for containing footage from the festival at which the singer tragically died.

Rammstein - Sonne

Heard this last night for the first time in ages. I forgot how good a track it was, plus the video is just briliant. The best Disney story never told...

Armin Van Buuren - In and Out of Love

Most chart dance now is so hideously crooked bland uninspired repetitive shite which sells to a dwindling audience of halfwits that buy anything which features a semi-naked woman in the video.

This on the other hand reminds me why I used to love trance music, why when it is made with passion and care, even mainstream dance can be moving and powerful.

Gwen Stefani - Wind it Up

Heard this last night, forgot how much I like it. Her lyrics aren't great but the tune is just brilliant. This one requires biiig bass though...

Discodeine - Synchronize (Feat. Jarvis Cocker)

The man, the legend, Jarvis Cocker helps turn this bit of French disco into something brilliant.
via NME

Kapital KO - Walking in the Air

I came across this via Kapital K-O's twitter feed. It's a great choice of sample, along with some really nice beats and bass. Nicer still that it represents Manchester for music that isn't indie rock.

Man Like Me - Always Find Me In the Kitchen at Parties

Crossing over my two big loves, music and advertising is this track and video. It's brilliant, really really brilliant. However the main question for me is how on earth did I never hear the original before? Any song with the word Rebuffed in the lyrics deserves praise.

The original is awesome, this cover manages to find sounds and production that makes it feel exactly of the same mould but just loud enough to feel modern.

This makes me want a party in my kitchen just so I can play this and dance upside down Lionel Richie style.

Dir En Grey - Child Prey

If you have never heard the amazing Japanese band Dir En Grey I suggest you go have a listen on You Tube now. I say You Tube because a: Spotify don't have their best song (in my opinion, posted below) and b: Because they just have to be seen to be understood.

A band that have got darker and heavier over the years but seem to consistently produce great songs. If you enjoy heavy music, turn your speakers and bass right up. Then a bit higher. Then a notch higher. Then play this.