June 2011 has seen new music from acts from Radiohead to The-Dream. Here are some highlight singles from this month you should know about.
Bjork – “Crystalline”: Bjork draws us into her new album, Biophilia, with offbeat but still beautifully crafted single “Crystalline.” The song features futuristic drum sounds, bells, and of course, her signature drawl. As if that weren’t enough, each track off of the new album will be released in the form of an app for the iPad!
Beyonce – “Girls (Run the World)”: Beyonce leads off her new album 4 with another “girls rule boys drool” track, “Girls (Run the World).” We are quite curious as to why the song utilizes a recycled beat (the same beat was featured in Major Lazer’s “Pon De Floor”), but the badass video makes up for it (almost).
Beirut – “East Harlem”: Beirut is back after a long break with “East Harlem,” the lead single off of The Rip Tide, out August 30. If that isn’t enough for you, hold yourself over by catching them on tour with The National and Arcade Fire.
Rihanna – “California King Bed”: Rihanna shows off her chops on CKB in a way that she always does on her ballads. “California King Bed” is the only single off of Loud that doesn’t have us bumping and grinding, so switching it up with “Man Down,” her latest controversial single, is encouraged.
The Kills – “Future Starts Slow”: Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince return with “Future Starts Slow,” the newest single off their latest record, Blood Pressures. If you’ve been out of the loop, check out “Satellite” and “DNA” as well. Or better yet, just download the entire album.
Jamie xx – “Far Nearer”: Jamie from The xx separates from the rest of the crew and releases “Far Nearer,” a song that should accompany you on your next trip to the beach. Definitely brighter and more euphoric than The Xx’s debut album, the song features a tropical-esque steel drum that will worm its way into your ear for days. No complaints here!
