Another Peaches?

As a purveyor of all things electropop, Dragonette has been on my radar since their release of their second album Galore in 2007. That being said, I don't know where the hell I was in September 2009 when they released their follow-up album, Fixin' To Thrill, because it was only a week ago when I heard it for the first time. I am sad to admit that it unfortunately doesn't live up to expectations I had after exhausting the repeat function on iTunes listening to Galore, although there are a few gems that have found their way onto my electropop playlist. Songs like "Fixin' To Thrill" and "Pick Up The Phone", which are both singles, have all of the elements I have come to expect from Dragonette, catchy beats, simple but endearing or sexual lyrics (depending on the type of song) and incredibly strong vocals from lead singer and overall badass, Martina Sorbara. I must admit, they've got me there, I am a sucker for a hot chick with great vocals.

But after watching the videos for "Fixin' To Thrill" and "Pick Up The Phone", I find myself weirdly reminded of other videos that I've posted before, particularly music videos by Peaches. Especially with "Fixin' To Thrill", I see a lot of similarities between that and Peaches' video for "Talk to Me", which I think is because of the outfits made of hair present in both videos. Maybe that's just me working through being weirded out by outfits made of hair. But then again, many things to be made of hair these days, chairs and outfits alike.



MP3: "Fixin' To Thrill" - Dragonette
MP3: "Pick Up The Phone" - Dragonette

Brody, Watch Out!

Not since Brody Dalle of The Distillers has there been a woman this hot in punk music. Care Failure, the leader singer and guitar player of Die Mannequin has given punk back its sex appeal with their latest release FINO + BLEED. I must admit, I am late to recognize them as a punk powerhouse since they have been around since 2006, with three albums already under their belt before FINO + BLEED and having opened for Guns N' Roses, Danko Jones and even Marilyn Manson. I've recently found myself returning to my punk rock roots, since there is nothing quite like hot angry chicks like Brody and Care to help you feel empowered. Die Mannequin is a trio from my hometown of Toronto, Ontario, where they've gone through countless new members and names to finally find a perfect fit for their fourth studio album. A couple of singles have already been released from the album that came out early in September 2009, like "Miss Americvnt" and "Bad Medicine", but the song that initially caught my attention was their most recent single, "Dead Honey". So if you're looking for some music to help you find your strength again or just looking for something to help you trek through the snow this winter, Die Mannequin's most recent release FINO + BLEED is a must for your music collection.



MP3: "Dead Honey" - Die Mannequin

She's No Missy But...

She's certainly making strides for female rappers everywhere. Amanda Blank recently came onto my radar in my search for some new party jams, with her first single "Might Like You Better" off her debut release, I Love You. The album doesn't disappoint, with songs like "Gimme What You Got" which claims that she is the "hottest mutherfucker on the whole damn block" and "Something Bigger, Something Better", it is chalk full of party anthems. But past her general party appeal, you have got to give the girl credit, as a singer, rapper and writer of all of her own material. Blank originally broke into music alongside the band Spank Rock and Philly-based pop band Sweetheart. Along with her own incredible talent and fiery attitude, Blank had the help of powerhouse producers like Diplo, Switch, XXXChange and artists like Santigold, Lykke Li and the Cool Kids, who are featured in songs on the album. Amanda Blank may have debuted in 2009, but she is definitely someone to watch explode once the rest of the music world gets wind of her in 2010.

Here's her video for her single "Might Like You Better", and just because it's my favourite song of her album I Love You, her song "Gimme What You Got" featuring Spank Rock. Be prepared to add both to your party playlist and watch them become your new party jams.



MP3: "Might Like You Better" - Amanda Blank
MP3: "Gimme What You Got (featuring Spank Rock)" - Amanda Blank