Federico Aubele - "Somewhere Else" (featuring Melody Gardot)

Buenos Aires born singer/songwriter Federico Aubele called his fifth album 5. Yeah, nothing original there, but the album itself is more than an original musical statement. A combination of downbeat electronica and acoustic singer-songwriter mellowness... with a Franco/Latin vibe. There are contrasts all over the place here - chanteuse/baritone duets and a modern/retro sound throughout. The Bitter FM favourite "Somewhere Else" featuring Melody Gardot has all of that.

Talk Talk - "Have You Heard the News?"

"Have You Heard the News?" is from Talk Talk's debut album 'The Party's Over' and while they may have been written off as romantic/synth pop wannabes at that stage, they deserve much more credit. We know they became one of the greatest bands of their time, but even when they started they were probably the best band of that genre, although popular culture tells a different story.... but when was popular culture ever right? The fact that I can easily play 'The Party's Over' from start to finish - without cringing, is proof enough. Anyway, the strings and piano in the chorus of "Have You Heard the News?" get me every time.... and there have been many times. Maybe it's just me but this song just moves me - it's hard to explain but I think you all have your own example. This was my soundtrack of the early 80's with the (over the head) walkman headphones on. I remember buying this album and INXS' 'Shabooh Shoobah' on cassette in Sydney and there is only one of the two I still play today.

Movement 98 featuring Carroll Thompson - "Sunrise"

"Sunrise" by Movement 98 would have to be classed as a Lost Classic. I converted the 12" single to digital - so this much loved soul/reggae song from 1990 is back on the airwaves, on Bitter FM at least. Movement 98 was an early project of Paul Oakenfold's along with vocalist Carroll Thompson. They had moderate success, more so with their "Joy and Heartbreak" single. But it was really only "Sunrise" that caught my attention.

First Aid Kit - "My Silver Lining"

First Aid Kit have just released their new album 'Stay Gold' and it sounds much more symphonic than their previous albums. 'The Lion's Roar' from a couple of years ago was a real coming of age album from these young Swedish sisters. It's an album I still play from start to finish regularly.... 'Stay Gold' has everything that album had, plus some. The harmonies are as good as ever and the folk is still more countryfied and there is still some sadness in the songs - even in the more uplifting ones. But this time the producer, Mike Mogis, has recruited a few more musicians - the single "My Silver Lining" will reveal the beauty of that accompaniment. Gold!

Sharon Van Etten - "Every Time the Sun Comes Up"

Sharon Van Etten has a new album out. The album 'Are We There' is a breakup album but it won't bring you down at all. Her 2012 album 'Tramp' took her to a wider audience and that could've been her magnum opus. Well, not anymore - this album has surpassed that. Here is "Every Time the Sun Comes Up" for your pleasure.