valentine | Concrete Opinions

I know it’s the Christmas season, but Charli XCX’s synth-pop ballad “Valentine” was one of my favorites this year. So in keeping with a Valentines theme for today, it’s only right that I highlight The Temper Trap’s “Need Your Love”, along with tracks from the UK’s Citizens!, Brooklyn’s HAERTS (can’t wait to hear more from this duo, probably my most anticipated of 2013), and LA’s Kisses. And for my anti-Valentine’s Day readers, Deerhoof’s “Breakup Songs” and La Sera’s “Break My Heart”.

♩Charli XCX – Valentine [single]
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I love this song. It’s been on constant repeat since first listen and i’ve yet to get tired of it. When you have a chance, definitely check out the music video (one of the year’s best) and the Gigamesh remix.

♩Citizens! – True Romance [from Here We Are]
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“Breakup Songs” from the album Breakup Song. A bit confusing, but after eleven albums of energetic and delightful noise-pop, I expect nothing less.

♩Deerhoof – Breakup Songs [from Breakup Song]
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As far as I know, this track is the first (and only) release from the duo. I can’t wait to hear more. Might be my most anticipated of 2013.

♩HAERTS – Wings [single]
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Kisses released this single back in August, their first new track since their 2010 debut, The Heart of the Nightlife. I’m hoping this is the precursor of a new album in 2013.

♩Kisses – Funny Heartbeat [single]
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Sees the Light is the second album by Katy Goodman (Vivian Girls, All Saints Day), whose pure and melodious voice, masks a tragically beautiful breakup record.

♩La Sera – Break My Heart [from Sees the Light]
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Great follow up to 2009’s Conditions. Leadoff track, “I Need Your Love”, has been my favorite since first listen, but “Trembling Hands”, “Miracle”, and “Where Do We Go From Here” are a few more tracks worth a listen.

♩The Temper Trap – Need Your Love [from The Temper Trap]
♩[bonus] The Temper Trap – Need Your Love (RAC remix)
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If you’re a fan of such artists as Grimes, Class Actress, Robyn, Purity Ring, and Niki & The Dove, you’ll love Charli XCX. I discovered this British pop vixen just last month (via The Hype Machine Radio Show – March 2012) and I was immediately hooked. It was her special Valentine’s Day track, aptly titled “Valentine”, that initially caught my ear. Since then though, I’ve listened to just about everything I can find and haven’t found a track yet that I don’t love. She’s got a really cool sound, that she describes as “dark pop”, and her range keeps you wanting more. In one track, she could be channeling Siouxsie Sioux with a heavy goth-pop ballad and next thing you know, she’s treating you to some of the catchiest synth-pop you’ve heard all year. No official word yet on when a debut LP will arrive, but she’s working on a EP, due this summer via IAMSOUND, with a full-length to follow late 2012 or early 2013. I for one can’t wait for more of the “dark pop” stylings of Charli XCX, so stay tuned for more.

♩Valentine
charlixcxmusic.com
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