Charli XCX - Nuclear Seasons (UK)

Nuclear Seasons quickly became a favorite track of mine this fall when I first caught it on Fearne Cotton's BBC Radio 1 show. But it wasn't the first time I had heard from Charli XCX. She was featured in MNEK's Like A G6 refix that I posted last year. Nuclear has this shimmering 80's synth sadness and the video is like a retro VHS mind trip.

Cover Drive - Twilight (BAR)

Cover Drive is a group of talented young performers from the nation of Barbados who managed to score a top 10 hit this fall in the UK with the catchy single Lick Ya Down (that's Bajan slang and nothing raunchy). They are releasing their second single Twilight on January 22nd; a very enjoyable romantic pop song. The star of the video is their island homeland and it's full of local flavor that will leave you with a smile on your face. 

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar (SWE)

One of the first posts I did hear on Parlez-vous was on Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit. Johanna & Klara are out with new single, The Lion's Roar, which also happens to be the title of their upcoming sophomore album due out in 2012. This track makes me want to drink a glass of whiskey near a crackling fire in the woods. It's just so earthy, dark, and the harmonies are haunting.

Outasight - Tonight Is The Night

This song got me hooked after seeing it in a Pepsi commercial that is currently hitting the airwaves. Outasight is Richard Andrew, a New York based singer songwriter. Tonight Is The Night would fit perfectly on top 40 radio and has developed into a bit of an earworm for yours truly.

Buraka Som Sistema feat. Blaya & Roses Gabor - We Stay Up All Night (POR)

Shame on me for not featuring any Lusaphone (that's Portuguese speaking) artists on Parlez-vous Musique in the year that I've been blogging. So many thanks to my friend Amelia who is over there and let me in on this amazing group. Buraka Som Sistema have been around for five years and have found success in Portugal with their eclectic mix of electronic dance beat and African rhythms. The single We Stay Up All Night is currently in to top 10 in Portugal and propels you to do just that upon listening. It's bananas!