Of the song she told Rolling Stone: “I was having issues with my cable and wireless, and I was on the phone [with tech support] for three hours, and I thought, ‘Maybe this needs to be part of my music, could you just learn these lyrics and sing it down the phone to me?’ Ten phone calls later, I have Internet that sticks and a song.” WOW! Here is our first taste of M.I.A. in 2010!

M.I.A. also recently described her next album as “No gimmicks. It’s my third album, and I have to confront whether I am a musician or not … I wanted to make something that isn’t trendy just for three months, or the length of a DJ’s attention span.”

Can’t wait to hear it!

MP3: M.I.A. – Sunshowers (Surkin Remix) or zShare

We met the guys in New York a few times before the album exploded, but it was really awesome to chat with them about everything that’s happened and would happen. Snippets of our conversations are too great to not share.The debut album was on the brink of being re-released but Edd shared the following:

• The band hand picked remixes to include on the re-release. When I mentioned the Grum remix of Skeleton Boy, he revealed that the band hated that one (eek.)
• When I congratulated Edd on the fantastic Jump in the Pool remix by Stuart Price, he humbly gushed that The Thin White Duke himself approached them requesting to remix the track. (Such an amazing feat as he is widely sough-after.)
• When I asked about new material, Edd said they hadn’t really been thinking of creating any new material as Kiss of Life took a really long time to write & record due to the grueling tour schedule. He did however mention a Friendly Fires and Holy Ghost collaboration that will be released on DFA Records next year.
• Ed later walked up and interrupted our conversation to whisper in Edd’s ear that Pete Wentz was supposedly backstage. Edd shared the news and apologized for the interruption. (Yes I asked if Ashlee was there as well.)

When we talked to Ed MacFarlane…

• He was a bit spirited, but genuinely friendly and in a very happy place. Ed was really cool and hilarious, making  fun of all the scenesters sitting around tattooed and looking bored.
• I asked if they always put DJ duties to Jack and he said that he’s the DJ in the band and plays REAL dance music.
• We discussed how hot it was during their set and he said he was scared he was going to pass out from the heat and wind,  but they powered through!

Back in New York we chatted with Jack at the Music Hall of Williamsburg…

• Jack shared that the band was not entirely happy with how things went down at Le Poisson Rouge. I asked about the crazy show that night in which a girl was fighting with security to get on stage, and then stole a kiss from Ed. He missed that moment but did mention that sometimes it gets scary, especially after what happened to Dimebag Darrell.
• I mentioned his Tweet about the tab of acid somebody slipped him, igniting a conversation about awkward moments and conversations…

Really friendly guys! Hopefully we’ll have a formal sit down meeting with the band when they’re in town if scheduling permits, so make sure send over any questions you may have for the band!

MP3: Friendly Fires – White Diamonds (Ray Mang Remix) or zShare

MP3: Maximo Park – Let’s Get Clinical or zShare

MP3: Maximo Park – Just Dance (Lady Gaga Cover) or zShare

As you already know Xtina has been working with Sia but it was also just announced that her partner JD Samson (current project MEN) is regrouping with Le Tigre to work on this upcoming record!

In an interview, Christina told Los Angeles Times: “My last album had a vintage, retro, glam appeal. And this next album which I am almost finished and am about to release has a very modern sense about it. Futuristic in terms of looking into the future and giving it a new twist and a new sensibility. I am working with a lot of electro artists to make that come alive. That is what really inspires me at the moment.”

The blonde bombshell is also the current face of jewelry designer Stephen Webster’s spring campaign and is rumored to be taking her first film role along Cher in a film titled Burlesque. Can’t wait for this all to materialize!

MP3: Le Tigre – My My Metrocard or zShare
MP3: Christina Aguilera – Back in the Day or zShare
MP3: Christina Aguilera – Dirrty (Featuring Redman) or zShare

Arcade Fire

“We feel really creative right now. We’re in a really good space as a band. This last year was the first break we’ve had in five years. Everyone feels really rejuvenated and excited. I’m happy to play music.”

Looking forward to the new material as well as the collaboration with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs‘ Karen O on Spike Jonze’s Where the Wild Things are score. The band’s film Miroir Noir is available on DVD now.

MP3: Arcade Fire – Guns of Brixton (The Clash Cover on BBC’s Culture Shows) or zShare

She had this to say of the upcoming release, “Now it sounds, looks and feels like I want it to feel, and I am so excited again.”

Interestingly enough, we here at TLC were just discussing that the original packaging for the record is misleading and doesn’t represent Ida as an artist. For argument’s purpose I’ve posted the new artwork (above) and old artwork (below) for you to compare. Thoughts? Also available on January 26th is the Oh My God single, which includes an acoustic version of Drive Away My Heart and a remix of Oh My God by the Manhattan Clique. Ida rounds out an amazing bill supporting select dates for Glasvegas’ US Tour, including The Music Hall of Williamsburg!

Fortress Round My Heart is released February 9th:
1. Oh My God
2. Morning Light
3. Queen Of The World
4. Stella
5. Forgive Me
6. Leave Me
7. I Like You So Much Better When You´re Naked
8. Louie
9. Drive Away My Heart
10. Keep Me Warm
11. In The End
12. We´re All Going To Hell (Live)