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It's the most glorious day of the week: FRIDAY - which means we've kindly rounded up the best new tracks to appear on our radar in the past seven days.
We've got another preview of MIA's Matangi, Eminem back to his big-mouthed best, an intriguing cut from an exciting new LA electronic producer, and remixes of the likes of Charli XCX and Franz Ferdinand. So, what are you waiting for? Get stuck in to the best tracks of the week...
MIA 'Yala'
The controversial singer has already previewed the banging 'Bring Tha Noize' and 'Come Walk With Me' from upcoming album Matangi, and now she's giving us another glimpse into the much anticipated follow-up to Kala with 'YALA', You Always Live Again, a cheeky rebuttal to Drake's YOLO. YALA has an infectious beat and is fizzing with energy - it's made us even more excited for Matangi.
James Vincent McMorrow 'Cavalier'
The Irish singer/songwriter further showcases his new direction in this lead track from forthcoming album Post Tropical. 'Cavalier' displays highly soulful elements of R&B and funk, which works tremendously well with McMorrow's stunning falsetto vocals. It builds into a passionate crescendo of percussion and horns, totally reminiscent of 90's R&B/soul singer D'Angelo.
Angel Haze 'Backseat Freestyle'
Talented New York rapper Haze has been counting down the 30 days until debut album Dirty Gold by kindly releasing a freestyle every day. Previously having spat over Kanye West's 'Black Skinhead' and Jay-Z's 'Tom Ford', Haze now takes on Kendrick Lamar's epic 'Backseat Freestyle'. Haze effortlessly rides the beat, playing on Lamar's previous vocals and sounding at the top of her game.
Charli XCX 'Superlove' (Yeasayer remix)
'Superlove', the lead single from Charli XCX's forthcoming second album, was already a brilliant pop song, brimming with lyrics full of attitude, hand-claps, and a highly catchy chorus. New York psychedelic pop outfit Yeasayer now bring a typically trippy edge to the track, adding synth-y flourishes and heavy, almost tribal percussion.
Sufjans Stevens 'Take Me'
Fresh from correcting Miley Cyrus' grammar, Stevens hits the headlines for his music as this unreleased demo, which Stevens says is a "sloppy lo-fi demo I found on an old hard drive", hits the web. 'Take Me' is a haunting, stuttering six minute long epic which showcases beautiful, smooth vocals from the eccentric singer.
Eminem 'Rap God'
The rap legend returns after 2010's brooding, grown-up Recovery with forthcoming album The Marshall Mathers LP 2, which is supposed to hark back to his immature, Moby-baiting days. 'Rap God' is an epic six minute long electro-tinged, bouncy number, which sees Mathers spit with more ferocity and wit than we've seen in years. A definite return to form, although controversial digs at Bill Clinton and seemingly homophobic remarks will raise some eyebrows.
Liquid Sunshine 'Breathe In'
This absolute blissed out slice of electronic music, by Los Angeles producer Liquid Sunshine, is an audio delight. Bubbly blips, vocal samples and synths add up to make a truly cosmic, groovy beat. It's an innovative, intelligent track.
Tegan and Sara 'Shudder To Think'
The Canadian indie-pop sisters return after the acclaimed Heartthrob, with this new track, taken from the Dallas Buyers Club soundtrack. 'Shudder To Think' is a euphoric slice of bouncy synthpop, another slice of fine, grown-up pop to add to the duo's already brimming catalogue.
Franz Ferdinand 'Evil Eye' (Alan Braxe remix)
French dance producer Alan Braxe has taken this funky, guitar driven track from Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand and turned it into a almost haunting, atmospheric retro-sounding disco track that wouldn't sound out of place on a 70's disco dancefloor. Alex Kapranos' erratic vocals work perfectly with the rehashed spacey vibe.
Dev Hynes & Samantha Urbani 'Hurt U' (Toni Braxton and Babyface cover)
90s R&B icons Toni Braxton and Babyface recorded this smoochy, piano-led album of duets. Dev Hynes enlisted Friends singer Samantha Urbani to help him turn it into a haunting, modern, atmospheric, minimalist reimagining of the original track.
