The Knocks – Make It Better (Free Download)

I’m a self proclaimed Neon Gold junkie. So when I didn’t automatically fall in love with The Knocks, I got a little worried. ‘Something I Can Dance To’ was enjoyable, but did it hit me like tracks from Mr. Little Jeans or Dom did? Nope. It’s all okay now though, because their newest track, ‘Make It Better’, has been making my ears very happy. It has to be said that it was much more appealing when I was walking along in the sunshine, rather than looking out of my window onto a grey and dilapidated vista, but nevertheless it’s an uplifting jam that is bound to will you out of your blues and onto your feet.

You can get the 7″ here from Pure Groove, and grab the mp3 for free below thanks to the Neon Gold blog.

The Knocks – Make It Better

Herzog – Search [Updated]

Herzog are my favourite artist of the week. Although ‘they’ are actually just musician Nick Tolar (with Dave McHenry, Brian Hill, Dan Price and Dave Rich currently joining him for live shows). He comes from Cleveland, Ohio, and recently released a split single with Yuck on Transparent Records, who are now releasing Herzog’s debut album Search. Physical copies are available from August 12th via Pure Groove (pre-order here), with the digital version available to buy here on Bandcamp. You can stream it via the Soundcloud player below:

Mr. Little Jeans [UPDATED]

I mentioned Mr. Little Jeans a while back whilst I was raving about Neon Gold Records. The first two songs I heard were ‘Angel’, which I immediately fell in love with, and ‘Faking Gold’, which I also liked, but feared was too similar to ‘Angel’. Would Mr. Little Jeans turn out to be a one trick pony? A one hit wonder before she’s even a hit?

Fear not. I visited her MySpace page today and have had the tracks on repeat ALL DAY. The similarities between ‘Angel’ and ‘Faking Gold’ aren’t debatable, they stick to the rock pop formula – uptempo lighthearted songs which appeal to the part of you that really enjoys barbeques in the sun and dancing around barefoot. ‘Demolition Man’ fits into this category as well. However, ‘Stones in the Attic’, and my favourite, ‘Demolition’ show there is something more to Mr. Little Jeans. ‘Demolition’ carries on the energy found in the other tracks, but with a killer (and addictive) beat, layered vocals, and a hook that will have you singing after the first play. ‘Stones in the Attic’ on the other hand, is a more downbeat number, with the focus more on vocals and harmonies. A lovely track!! Check all of these out at Mr. Little Jean’s MySpace.

Neon Gold are releasing her first single, the ‘Angel EP’, today released her first single, the ‘Angel EP’ on June 7th. They’re sticking with their ‘7″ vinyl single limited to 300 copies’ format (which I love by the way), so if you want one head to the Pure Groove store now to get your copy (the Neon Gold store if you’re in the US).

[UPDATE] Neon Gold are continuing to be wonderful and are giving you Mr. Little Jeans’ version of Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’ for free. Read their original post about the track here, and download the track below.

Mr. Little Jeans – Single Ladies

Marina & the diamonds – I Am Not A Robot EP

As previously mentioned Marina & the diamonds’ next single is ‘I Am Not A Robot’, set to be released April 26th. The EP is set to feature the aforementioned remix from Passion Pit, as well as contributions from Clock Opera and Doorly. The Clock Opera remix has been highly praised by both Marina’s label 679 Artists and Neon Gold (who went as far as to say it was their favourite remix ever. Yes EVER!) so understandably I am quite looking forward to that one. Get this limited edition signed 7” from Pure Groove while you can!

You can also hear a remix by Fool’s Gold (and download the free mp3) over at The Fader. Fool’s Gold have definitely infused their own sound onto the track, making it less of a remix and more of a ‘Robot’/’Surprise Hotel’ mash-up. Not that it makes a difference, it’s very listenable and makes Robot more of a danceable jam!! Get the Penguin Prison remix (also great!) whilst you’re over there..thanks Fader!