Villagers - The Waves

Conor O'Brien, aka Villagers, debuted a video this morning for a new song, The Waves. The single is scheduled for release on October 22, as limited edition 7" on Domino Records. A digital copy is available now on iTunes.

Fans of his 2010 debut, Becoming a Jackal, will find few similarities. The Irish singer/songwriter ended up on a lot of "best of" list for his bleak indie folk.

This time around, we find him experimenting with electronic elements, adding some accents with steel drums and horns. For some reason I am getting a strong hint of Peter Gabriel, and that can't be bad.

How To Dress Well - Again (Janet Jackson Cover)

How To Dress Well is set to release its second album, Total Loss, on September 18th. Following the success of his debut album, Love Remains, you can expect more deconstructed R&B to soundtrack your late nights/early mornings.

Based on the first two singles (Cold Nites & Ocean Floor For Everything), I'm happy to hear clearer vocals and smoother production. Most of Love Remains was built around lo-fi vocals, vinyl pops and fuzzy synths.

If you ever questioned his sincerity, today we got a gushing, heartfelt cover of Janet Jackson's Again. A song that was already frail and damaged, ends up wounded and alone, if that's even possible. Take a listen and download it for free.

Vinyl geeks take notice; the album is being sold right now on a Pink/White marbled run of 350, that includes a bonus 7". If you miss out on that, you can order a Pink vinyl copy, limited to 1000. Both available at the Acephale webstore.

Polica - Amongster (Exitmusic Remix)

Polica's debut album, Give You The Ghost, is getting re-released today, via the fine folks at Mom+Pop. Hopefully, you caught them at Lollapalooza and can't wait to spend your cash on this killer album.

Considering the album is less than a year old, they have bundled it with a remix ep to give fans some new music. Dark Star Remix EP, features remixes from Gardens & Villa, Hype Jones, Alluxe, Marco Hawk and Exitmusic.

The Exitmusic remix keeps the tone in tact, stretching out the song with a shimmering intro and distant vocals. Give it a listen below. 

Lollapalooza Week - Justice

With the gates set to open in 5 minutes, Lollapalooza is here! Our final band of Lollapalooza week is French duo, Justice. I'm constantly amazed by their talent, as well as, their ability to control their career.

Taking a cue from Daft Punk, Gaspard Auge and Xavier de Rosnay, do very little on other people's watch. After releasing their debut Cross, in 2007, packed with the monster single, D.A.N.C.E. the guys played practically everywhere. Over the course of two years, they became on of the hottest bands in electronic music.

Five years later, we have a second album, Audio, Video, Disco, that had them incorporating live instruments and less club heavy tracks. The result has been explained that if Cross was a night out, then Audio, Video, Disco is a summer day. These guys don't make singles, they make incredibly cohesive albums that are sure to drive the crowd into a frenzy.

I know EVERYONE is telling you to go see Jack White, but he'll be back in town before you know it. Justice played a dozen shows in the US this year and is wrapping up their tour, so catch them while you can. Justice hits the stage Sunday night at 8:30, on the Bud Light Stage.

Lollapalooza Week - Passion Pit

From the outside, Passion Pit are having a really good time. A top 10 debut for their latest album, Gossamer, a sold out tour and a trio of can't-miss singles: Take a Walk, I'll Be Alright, Constant Conversations.

But if you happened to read Pitchfork's cover story on lead singer, Michael Angelakos, you'd know how important their set at Lollapalooza really is. After a string of cancellations so Angelakos could "improve his mental health", they are going to attempt to straighten the ship on the biggest stage. 

While you might have these songs playing at your next party, just take a look at the titles: Love is Greed, Cry Like a Ghost, Two Veils to Hide My Face. Personally, I think they should have canceled the entire tour, but the industry doesn't work that way. I really do feel sorry for the guy. He makes a great record and he can't even enjoy it.

So go check them out, sing along so loud he forgets for a couple hours about the stress and chaos. You have THREE chances to see them. They are playing a sold out show on Thursday at the House of Blues. Followed by a DJ set at the Filter party in Logan Square. Their Lolla slot is Friday, 6pm at the Bud Light Stage.

Lollapalooza Week - Polica

When Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) says, "They're the best band I've ever heard." People tend to take notice. Polica, a duo out of Minneapolis, only has one album under their belt. But, damn if it isn't a stellar album. Give You The Ghost, released in February, is a true R&B album, wrapped up in electronic textures and auto-tuned vocals.

Frontwoman, Channy Leanagh, has all the right tools, weaving in and out and over the music, supplied by Ryan Olson (of equally awesome GAYNGS). Although the album can seem one-dimensional, and out of place at a festival. Their early slot is just the right thing to ease into your day.

Polica play the Sony stage on Sunday, at 1:30.