MP3// Lana Del Ray: Off To The Races

Just found this latest track from Lana Del Ray and I must admit, I'm finding it quite riveting! It's not a video, but I couldn't find a copy of the track that wasn't. Taken from her LP 'Born to Die', which drops early next year, 'Off To The Races' is a considerably dark number and thus in my opinion one of her best. The speed is there and haunting vocals are brilliant in their abundance. Something about the singing, backed by a low, throbbing beat and some hellish backing samples is simply delicious. Split personalities harmonise in parts, split by high, child-like notes that shiver down your spine. Lyrically it's magnificent too, lush and in many ways an example of Lana at her best writing-wise. Monotonous notes pop in and out with epic, soaring synths feeding this girls money-crazed lifestyle. At 2:50 one stark violin enters the beautifully orchestrated chaos. A softer ending compared to the beginning, the verses make my ears swoon. Prolonged notes and a classical, fairytale finish make 'Off to the Races' more of a story than a song. Five minutes of progressive emotion, its stunning!

VIDEO// Lana Del Ray: Born to Die

Finally the official video to replace that semi-naked placeholder has arrived! The visual to Lana Del Ray's recently released title track 'Born to Die', taken from a forthcoming record out in January, the film contains within it some pretty stunning moments. One, there are a couple of live tigers mulling over their need to guard Lana's fancy throne. Secondly, there is revealed really quite a vulnerable side to the American pop princess. From the start she seems confident, straight-backed and austere in her retrospection. At 1.17, shifting eyes and an uncomfortable fidgeting make you want to walk in and soften her obvious sadness. By the end however, you realise her split or argument or uncontrollable love for this tattoo laden man has made her stronger. Delicate throat-slitting gestures and the final shocking moments validate my love for both Lana Del Ray's music and her acting. Ever so often the line between the two becomes blurred, her passion and sincerity really shining through. A simply wonderful concept just magnificently executed. Stream and hear 'Born to Die below.

VIDEO// Lana Del Ray: Born to Die

Now, you all know I've been an ambassador for Lana Del Ray from day one, so finding not only a new track but a semi-naked video as well might have made my Christmas. Some of the Internet populous has been concerned in the past over the New Yorker's looks. Plastic surgery on those lips? Focus put on her image more than her music? I say, if you've got it, flaunt it, and that is exactly what she's doing here. Bear-hugging a tattooed fellow may be conjuring up a storm of criticism from music blogs around the globe, but if it's getting her noticed, do you think she cares? I personally got that shiver of unexplainable beauty from the video, and indeed the song that backs it. The way she stands, lacking in even the hint of a smile. The man's closed eyes and comforting grasp, stroking Lana's back against the fluttering American flag. Is he a ghost? Is Lana's arms furiously clinging to the shadow of a lost friend? It's a mesmerising notion, and one that transfixes while you listen. Staring into her quietly yearning eyes, a lifetime of struggle holding back the tears, you can so easily fall into the music and become lost in her stunningly delicate voice. But maybe we're a tad too analytical in our approach. She's naked, and the song is fantastic. There's something here that we can all appreciate, and you can't say you haven't had the same thoughts! An album of the same name is set to drop late January so look out for that and stream above.

NEWS// Lana Del Ray Extravaganza!

New track here from the fabulous Lana Del Ray, a woman I think I may have fallen for both in terms of beauty and in loving her music. To express said love, here's a special post with the new 'Blue Jeans', 'Video Games', 'Kinda Outta Luck' and a couple of fantastic remixes. 'Blue Jeans' then, is just a gorgeous little thing. Lana's voice, with all its little quirks and unmistakable tone, works perfectly with the melancholic air hanging over the track. "Blue jeans, white shirt / walked into the room, you know you made my eyes burn" goes one undeniably powerful line. 2:20 marks the start of a thrilling beat, layered with Lana's passionate, stabbing vocals. They calm into an ending wrought with thought-provoking images, an apt finish to the collage-esque video. But wait! This isn't the end of the post!

I actually missed this for quite a while before I decided to explore Lana's Youtube page over here. This, considering both 'Video Games' and 'Blue Jeans', is a much more fun number. Clips of Lana grinning and laughing and acting a little unhinged make for a very smile-inducing song, especially when the actions make for such irony when matched with the murderous lyricism. A dark start sounds immediately slower than the other tracks, but then an old-fashioned men's club beat comes in, and I can't help but love it. 2:05 is pretty adorable, with the little high note at the end, but really, this whole thing made my day when I heard it. Now, below you can watch 'Video Games' if you haven't already, and listen to a couple of remixes! JIMM's in particular has some nice additions to the original track.

VIDEO// Lana Del Ray: Video Games

You know that Lana Del Ray track, the video for which had been taken down from Youtube because of copyright or something? Well, it's back, and it's wonderful. A montage of a whole load of footage, backed by Lana's fantastic vocals makes for easy watching as well as listening. View the video above or head over here just to listen. Enjoy it either way.

NEWS// Lana Del Ray: Video Games MP3

Fantastic album art for Lana Del Ray's track, 'Video Games'. Happened upon this, and was immediately drawn in to her lovely voice. The soothing vocals are backed by subtle tinkling and a piano melody, while supported by some great lyricism. Unfortunately the video for 'Video Games' has been taken down because of copyright infringement or some other rubbish, but the track is available to stream below. Also, click on the art to enlarge it, 'cos it is wonderful.