Single Selection: Mar. 6/2012

ALX - I Will Love You More   3/5   Bandcamp
   
   ALX the new electro-pop project from Toronto's Allie Hughes, finds the eccentric pop singer glammed-up like Goldfrapp on "I Will Love You More," her synth-loaded debut single as ALX. Hughe's sugary pop vocals pierce through the dancefloor-ready beats adding to the tracks overall appeal. Though a departure from Allie's initial alt-pop offerings, ALX feels no less genuine.

Norah Jones - Happy Pills   4/5   iTunes


   Norah Jones returns with a little help from super producer Danger Mouse on her single "Happy Pills," with Jones signature vocals injected with just a hint of cooing sex kitten, and swagger thanks to a laid back, bluesy guitar groove filtered through the lense of a sensible pop song. It's Norah Jones at her most dynamic and it's rewarding.


Hey Ocean! - Island  3.5/5   iTunes


   Hey Ocean drop their latest single "Island" a glowing ballad that's follows last year's Big Blue Wave EP in anticipation of the band's third studio album.  Gorgeous harmonies and dreamy lyrics make for a euphoric song that's shimmers with lush instrumentals that float on clouds.


Calvin Harris - Let's Go featuring Ne-Yo   1.5/5   Leaked


   Calvin Harris is a man about town following his monster hit via Rihanna "We Found Love" not to mention two hit tracks of his own in 2011, but "Let's Go" featuring Ne-Yo screams of David Guetta mediocrity lacking any punch and sounding more like radio-ready dancefloor filler. You're best to sleep through this one.

Best of 2011... Best EPs

   The EP is always a great way for up and coming artists to introduce themselves to audiences, or for established bands to tease fans with new/extra tunes and in the past year there was no shortage of EPs floating around, so Shattered Vinyl picked the best of the best in EPs for 2011 with the Best EPs of 2011:

Single Selection: August 30th

Zee Avi - Concrete Wall   4/5   iTunes

   If you're not familiar with Zee Avi, the 25 year-old Malaysian singer/songwriter, definitely deserves some attention with her striking song 'Concrete Wall' off her sophomore effort, Ghostbird. Bathed in a cappella accompaniment before slowly building in soft layers of pulsing synth, and pliable hand claps. It's laid-back simplicity makes for a refreshing and instantly pleasant tune. A stand-out worthy of attention.

Hey Ocean Make Triumphant Return To Toronto

Hey Ocean @ The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern

   On Saturday Vancouver trio Hey Ocean returned to Toronto after 1.5 years to perform songs from their upcoming third album, to be released this fall. For anyone familiar with the band's previous work, Hey Ocean is even more fun in person, taking their upbeat tunes and bringing the audience in on the fun, know how to entertain.