Hits 17: A DJ, A-Punk and A Ballad (or Two)

Lately I've been trying to think of ways to diversify the posts on this blog (feel free to suggest new categories), and also might want to switch up the layout and background a bit. It's all up in the air, though, and probably won't get changed at all until the weekend. In the meantime, before I zone out and toy with the site, here's a handful of new and upcoming hits. First up, recent Grammy-winner Mark Ronson tackles Radiohead's "Just" along with Phantom Planet singer Alex Greenwald. While not as immediate as his last few singles, it is an interesting revisit with a funny video that parodies Radiohead's original. Vampire Weekend, who so far hold the title of best debut of 2008, released their new single "A-Punk" this week in the UK. With a jumpy video, it elevates the track beyond mere album status, though I personally would have preferred a different single pick. Last up are two new(ish) sort-of-ballads. Leona Lewis is set to release the double A-side single "Better In Time"/"Footprints In The Sand" next week in the UK. It's all being done in support of Sport Relief, and her enormous popularity, coupled with the former track's ace construction, should ensure lots of help for charity. Meanwhile, in the US her debut single "Bleeding Love" continues to climb the charts, rapidly gaining in both airplay and downloads. It looks like the Leona Lewis invasion of America is upon us! Finally, Kylie Minogue is at last looking to release her recent tenth album X in the US. Its first single, strangely for Kylie, is actually a midtempo R&B track called "All I See," rather than the storming dance numbers she's known for in the rest of the world. Unfortunately, her label felt the need to bring in a rent-a-rapper (Mims) for US radio play, but I'll forgive her for selling out if it gets her the attention needed to bring dance back onto US airwaves. Plus, the song itself isn't bad, it just isn't what she's best at by any means (speaking of which, any opinions on the new Madonna song?).

Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald, "Just" (from the album Version)

Download: Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald, "Just" [YSI] (from the album Version)

Vampire Weekend, "A-Punk" (from the album Vampire Weekend)

Download: Vampire Weekend, "A-Punk" [YSI] (from the album Vampire Weekend)

Download: Leona Lewis, "Better In Time" (Sport Relief Remix) [YSI] (from the album Spirit)
Download: Kylie Minogue feat. Mims, "All I See" (US Radio Mix) [YSI] (from the album X)

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