RIHANNA
Bitch Better Have My Money
Roc Nation
When Leonard Cohen’s accountant ripped him off the tune of several million dollars, the old smoothie responded by scheduling a series of outdoor concerts at tasteful venues to recoup his losses. Inspired by a similar real life set-up of her own, Rihanna responds in this new video using slightly more strong-arm tactics: kidnap, torture and throwing a garish pool party on a pimped out oil rig. Which was Leonard Cohen’s second choice, apparently.
FATHER JOHN MISTY
The Suburbs (Live at CBC)
At a recent radio session in Vancouver, Josh Tillman was asked to perform any song originally recorded by a Canadian artist. With so many classic songbooks all ripe for plunder, the former Fleet Foxes drummer opted to cover the dullest track Arcade Fire ever recorded. And, save me President Jesus, the result is a revelation! If this rendition of The Suburbs really was recorded almost off the cuff, as the singer claims, then Father John Misty has a vocal range and interpretive genius on a par with Jeff Buckley. Hallelujah!
MICACHU & THE SHAPES
Oh Baby
Rough Trade
With slamming doors, rattling pots and pans, guilt trips and recriminations, Mica Levi's new single sounds like Sunday morning in my neighbours' gaff set to music. Her fourth studio album, Good Sad Happy Bad, drops on September 11th.
THE LIBERTINES
Gunga Din
Virgin EMI
God, this is depressing. Pete Doherty and Carl Barat are to indie rock what Ross and Rachel were to comedy by the later series of Friends: a once volatile pairing now morphed into two old hacks, for whom the promise of a paycheque is the only thing dragging the franchise forward. The Government should legalise every drug and put Pete's photo on the cover.
