New tracks roundup

I've listened to a good chunk of new stuff recently, so here are some brief reviews of four new songs that have been recently released to the music consuming public:

Coldplay - Violet Hill
The first single off the group's fourth album, Viva La Vida Or Death To All His Friends, is nowhere near first single material when compared to the likes of In My Place or Speed Of Sound. Instead, the sound is darker and heavier (well, by their standards anyway). I think the track is fine but the eerie introduction, clearly Eno-influenced, is far too long. One does also wonder whether this is a real reflection of their new sound...only time will tell.

Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart
Any band who decides to release an eight and a half minute song as a lead single from a new album is brave. It's even more of a feat if the song is actually good, which this is in leaps and bounds. For the first half, its musical sound is mesmerising and when Ben Hibbard's vocals come in, the full equation is completed rather brilliantly. Attention grabbing and one of the more impressive single releases this year, it wets the appetite for forthcoming album, Narrow Stairs, nicely.

The Dresden Dolls - Night Reconnaissance
A solid song taken from their upcoming release called No, Virginia (I can never figure out whether it's a proper album release or just a stop-gap based on the content). It's everything you would expect from the Boston two-piece - Amanda's vocals are assertive yet not overwhelming, whilst Brian's drumming skills are as tight as usual. Overall, a track that will no doubt please the fanbase.

CSS - Rat Is Dead
By far and away the weakest of the four songs that I've listened to. Rat Is Dead, the first single from their second record called Donkey, is basically the same CSS as the first album but recycling the things they did on the first album and hoping no one will notice. They're one of those bands that I could never envisage lasting very long in the music industry. This track proves my theory.

But you can judge for yourself! I have put all four songs for download, since my attempt to create a widget failed miserably. If I were to suggest a favourite out of the four it would be Death Cab For Cutie, but The Dresden Dolls song is also pretty good.

Coldplay - Violet Hill
Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart
The Dresden Dolls - Night Reconnaissance
CSS - Rat Is Dead

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Reading/Leeds and Glastonbury line up additions

A couple of festival line-up updates have been announced.

First up, the Reading and Leeds festivals. British Sea Power somehow have managed to nab themselves a spot on the Main Stage on the 23rd at Reading and the 24th at Leeds. Across all other stages, notable additions include Mystery Jets, The Music and Seasick Steve. The Dance Stage (hitting Leeds on Friday before heading to Reading on Sunday) is looking like one of the places to be. In addition to CSS headlining, Simian Mobile Disco, Chromeo and Lethal Bizzle (I'd like to find out how he passes off as a dance artist) are part of a pretty solid line-up.

Glastonbury has also finally revealed their full-line up. Obviously, because of its humongous size, I won't put the whole thing on this post (you can take a look for yourself if you so wish on The Guardian's website), but instead some of my thoughts on the line up. First off, it does seem to be incredibly diverse, as Emily Eavis pointed out. The main two Saturday night headliners prove this point - you have a choice of the mainstream hip-hop of Jay-Z or the rather brilliant and atmospheric trip-hop sounds of Massive Attack. Other hidden delights include My Morning Jacket headlining The Park on Sunday night and the John Peel Stage, which is 90% full of brilliant artists.

Out of the two, I'd still make the trip to Reading/Leeds but I'm surprised at how decent Glastonbury looks.

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