August 2014 New Music Mixtape ft. Charli XCX and "Guardians of the Galaxy"
At CBSNews.com, we always have an ear out for the next big thing in music.
Here's a playlist of new tracks we have on repeat this month:
Jessie Ware: "Say You Love Me"
R&B songstress Jessie Ware came on the scene last year with her debut album "Devotion," but this song is her break into the mainstream. "Say You Love Me" was written by Ed Sheeran, sounds like Adele and is a sure-fire hit you can expect to hear over store speakers while back-to-school shopping:
Saint Pepsi: "Fiona Coyne"
With all this back-to-school talk, we're forgetting that it's still technically summer. This single from Saint Pepsi is a good way to revel in it while we can:
Rustie: "Attak" Ft. Danny Brown
On the other end of the ear spectrum is this collaboration from DJ-du-jour Rustie and rapper Danny Brown. "Attak" is pretty ideal for a basketball game pump-up, or even just a motivational walk to the office:
Tobias Jesso Jr.: "True Love"
This simple, low-fi piano demo sounds like it's from another era and we accidentally found it. "True Love" is making its way across music blogs and we all agree, it's just lovely:
Stars: "From The Night"
Stars is a band generally known for slower, ethereal tracks, but its new album marks a transition to dance music. Taken from the same page as Arcade Fire's "Reflektor," here's "From The Night:"
TOPS: "Outside"
This new track from Montreal-based band TOPS sounds like something from "Twin Peaks" or "The Virgin Suicides" soundtrack, in a great way:
FKA Twigs: Two Weeks
Here's the leading single from FKA Twigs, an R&B singer who's getting noticed for her bold, sultry debut album:
Charlie XCX: "Break The Rules"
OK, we know we included a Charli XCX song in our last mixtape, but her latest track is one we'll definitely be hearing on the radio this fall. "Break the Rules" has a vibe similar to Rihanna's "Shut Up And Drive." Is this a positive message to send young students during back to school month? No, but that doesn't mean we won't dance:
Albums we love this month:
"Guardians of The Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1"
This '70s soundtrack is one of the best things about Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy," and it's currently the top-selling album on the Billboard chart. A great way to get a little nostalgic this month, even if you were born after 1980 and think Led Zeppelin is one guy.
Spoon's best album in some time. Definitely worth at least a play-through on Spotify.
A very enjoyable return to form from Rilo Kiley singer Jenny Lewis. And you can see her talk more about her new album in this interview on "CBS This Morning."
Tune in next month for another CBS News #NewMusicMixtape, and comment below with any tracks you think should make September's list!