4 Play - June 26th

I thought a good thing to start doing was to post about 4 songs that I am currently listening to on repeat for whatever reasons. They may be old, new, remixed whatever the case but just 4 tracks I am loving right now. So without further ado, here we go.

Track 1. Omer Adam feat. Arisa - Tel Aviv (Tal Malca Remix)

I'm off to Tel Aviv on Monday and while I was looking into what to do and where to go, I came across this gem and to get me in the mood for the holiday, I've had this on non-stop. The mixture of traditional singing techniques with the heavy club beat is what I live for. The production is most definitely influenced by the West. The Middle Eastern twang is so different from what I usually hear but it has such a universal appeal.

Track 2. Ella Henderson - Ghost (Oliver Nelson Remix)

Having scored her first number 1, Ella is surely on her way to a solid career and with this belter as her debut single, it's no wonder why. While I like the original version, there is something more special about this remix. It's less heavy and more youthful, which fits in with Ella. It oozes summer vibes which is perfect timing for the good weather we've been having here in Dublin. Almost tropical, you can't help but feel good.

Track 3. Icona Pop - Get Lost

Having won the world over with their 2013 smash 'I Don't Care', Icona Pop have done it again with 'Get Lost'. The song is an absolute anthem. It is Icona Pop doing what they do best, churn out pop gems for everyone to sing along to. With catchy lyrics like, 'Let's get lost, leave this whole fucked up world behind' and a guitar riff that will get stuck in your head, you'll be singing this for days.

Track 4.  Sarah Blaine - Never Get to Heaven

In what is the only slow song of the bunch, Sarah Blaine's 'Never Get to Heaven' is the most special. After appearing on Pretty Little Liars a week ago I instantly fell in love with it. It's beautifully, written, arranged and performed. While using slight electronic elements and heavy percussion beats the song captivates you. Probably one of my most favourite songs of the year so far.

True Blood Is Giving Me Life (Or Death)

True Blood returned to our screens this week for what is it's final season. *Blood Tear*

*SPOILERS*

Airing Sundays on HBO, True Blood Season 7 opened with a bang and then some! The slight time jump was done brilliantly and I had to check myself to ensure I hadn't actually skipped an episode. The opening sequence at the newly branded Bellefleur's was IN-TENSE. Deeply saddened that was how we said goodbye to our beloved Tara but it set up up for what is going to, hopefully, be a season of shocks and twists. Love how Andy's fairy daughter, I don't care much for her name, was all like, 'I trust you Jessica!' and saved her. Cute. I hope that man who apparently ran against Sam for Mayor dies pronto, I don't think I could hack him for a full season. And I am living for Pam being all badass and 'My God hates me'.

After what I believe to have been a lacklustre past two seasons, I have high hopes that this could be the stand-out season of the entire series. I like the premise of this one, the good VS bad vampires and how this could be the end etc etc. The cast also appears to be the strongest it's been in a while which adds to my high hopes.

What I'm hoping for this season is; More Jason (less clothed), Sookie to finally rid herself of man troubles, Pam to continue being the fierce bitch we all know she is but become even more fierce & reunite with Eric, Jessica to stop beating herself up and be happy, Mrs. Fortenberry to be killed in a savage attack (I hate that woman) and for some meteorite or something to blow up Bon Temps 'cause the place is a mess, let's be real.

You can catch the ' In the Weeks Ahead' promo for True Blood here here.

La Roux Is Back And Better Than Ever

Elly Jackson of La Roux is back with new music and a new vibe just in time for Summer.

After winning the Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Album in 2011 and a two year hiatus, La Roux is back on the music scene going it alone without co founder Ben Langmaid and with material better than before.

Buzz single 'Let Me Down Gently' paved the way for the new sound. Darker than previous singles it layers Elly's mellow vocals over syncopated beats with much less electronic instruments than before. It reminds me of Royksopp & Robyn's latest endeavour 'Monument' in ways.

'Uptight Downtown' is the first official single from the new album 'Trouble in Paradise'. A lot less heavy than the buzz single and with a more jaunty vocal and rhythm that wouldn't be out of place in the 80's.

'Tropical Chancer' premiered online on June 9th and is probably my favourite of new La Roux. A distinct summer vibe that is xylophone-esque with a Caribbean chorus that nestles itself into your head.

While I loved 'In For The Kill' and 'Bulletproof' I feel as though this new era of La Roux is what is going to set Elly apart from the rest. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the new album which is scheduled to drop July 7th.