[Free Music] Marina and the Diamonds and Charli XCX - "Just Deserts"

Do you like Marina and The Diamonds? Do you like Charli XCX ? Well, if you answered yes to both those questions, then today really is a great day for you (maybe even the greatest day of your life), as the pair have combined their powers to create new song, Just Deserts!

It's also a good day for those of you who answered yes to either one of those questions, because this is a dark and sassy little team-up from the alt-pop Divas. It'll be especially resonate for those of you who've just gone through a not so acrimonious breakup. Oh, and if that does apply to you, then let me be the first to say: Screw him/her/it! You're awesome and can do better! Let's hug.

And finally, if you don't particularly like either, get over it, because it's being offered as a free download! WHOOPIE! So force yourself to get into it, and download it for FREE, here!

#FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[Listen] Emeli Sande Gives Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" A 1920's Makeover For Gatsby Soundtrack

Beyonce didn't even try to capture the 1920's spirit of The Great Gatsby with her cover of Amy Winehouse's Back To Black. But thankfully Emeli Sande and the Bryan Ferry Orchestra were a little more sensitive when reworking Bey's own Crazy In Love. (Check out executive producer of the soundtrack, Jay-Z, making sure his wife (and himself) get another paycheck from writing credits off of the album! Nepotism at its finest!) 

Now I know a lot of you guys aren't exactly enamoured with Emeli- well, if the comments on her vocal profile are to be believed- but I have to give her, and The Bryan Ferry Orchestra, props for at least trying to deliver an authentic 20's sound. With it's muted trumpets and jaunty rhythm, the song practically paints a picture of bob-haired flappers getting down in trendy, smoke-filled jazz bars.

Take a listen to the song, lifted, of course, from The Great Gatsby soundtrack, below.

[Review] Sia Makes Musical Magic with "Great Gatsby" Contribution, "Kill And Run"

We've already heard what Lana Del Rey and Beyonce have served up for The Great Gatsby soundtrack, but now it's time to hear what Australian singer-songwriter Sia's has offered up to the altar of Baz Luhrmann!

Kill and Run is a stunner, right off the bat. From its simple piano-led opening/ haunting vocal combo, to its eventual Earth shaking crescendo, this is a song that once again demonstrates Sia's uncanny knack for creating music that is as beautiful as it is emotionally raw.

Being part of a soundtrack crammed full of attention-grabbing A-listers, I do worry Kill and Run won't get the recognition or attention it deserves. However there's not much I can do about that, save placing my faith in the ears of humanity. So until we get the general public's reaction to the soundtrack I'll just console myself with thoughts of Sia picking up the Oscar for Best Song come whatever year this film will be eligible for the prestigious award. Surely, at the very least, it's deserving of a nomination! I mean, if Skyfall could win it....-_-!

Speaking of Skyfall, boy do I wish Kill and Run had been the theme for the next Bond film...sigh.

[Full Version] Watch Beyonce Perform "Grown Woman" Live

A snippet of Grown Woman had been used for Beyonce's Pepsi commercial, but up until now the full song had alluded us. But with fans crying out for new music during her world tour, the "King" has decreed her Parisian fans worthy of the whole song! Performed during the Paris date of her Mrs Carter Show, Bey worked it like only she could: with Sasha Fierce realness!

Take a look (and listen) to the new cut, below!

[Review] Beyonce And Andre 3000 Cover Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black"

Beyonce's got the right idea: if you're going to cover an Amy Winehouse song, you better make sure it's as different as possible from the original. And that's just what she and Andre 3000 have done with their cover of the Mark Ronson produced classic, Back To Black.

Reworking the originals structure and sound, the pair have made a version that sounds, simply put, as high as a kite. However, whereas Beyonce manages to still sound great in her haze, the most immediate problem I can see folks having with this rendition comes from Andre 3000's intentionally (I hope) out of tune delivery. It takes some getting used to, but I suppose it works with the languid and minimalist production.

I don't think it needs to be said, but I'll say it anyway, this isn't a patch on the original. I just hope the version found on The Great Gatsby soundtrack is longer in length, because this "radio rip" sounds too short and, as a result, comes off lazy. A ratio of more Beyonce to less Andre might change all of that!

Rating: D

[Question] Is The Music World Missing Lady Gaga?

Am I the only one missing Lady Gaga and her crazy-ass antics? Sure, it was annoying when she was everywhere, hyped-up to the hilt, but her time away from the spotlight  recovering from surgery has me jonesing for some of her unique brand of over-the-top wackiness. I mean, the craziest thing she's done of late is cut her hair- see above. Heaven forbid she's mellowing on us!

I know I'm probably going to regret this post once the behemoth that is ARTPOP eventually chugs into town later this year, but as of right now, the heart wants what it wants...sigh.

[Music Video] Alicia Keys and Maxwell Get Steamy In Video For "The Fire We Make"

Alicia Keys and Maxwell join forces on new single, The Fire We Make. Taken from last year's album, Girl On Fire, single number four (I think?) is a surprise choice considering the hard time Rnb is having on the charts at the moment- don't believe me, just ask Brandy. But maybe the combined musical powers of these two great singers can reignite the public's love affair with the genre.

As for me, I just can't get into the song right now- what with the sun, blue skies and 22° temperature going on outside my window. Maybe you guys will have better luck! I'll try again once ol' Helios has gone to bed.

Check out the Chris Robinson directed video below.