iTunes: Free Tuesday
Welcome to this week's installment of iTunes: Free Tuesday. Today brings us a new, fresh collection of free singles and videos from around the world. If you're looking for some new sounds and artists to discover, iTunes: Free Tuesday takes your ears and eyes to new places. Australian and New Zealand readers: be aware that the free selection today is acting a bit flaky. You may not be able to view it directly, let alone put it in your shopping cart, for a while.
US Music
US: D.A.N.C.E. by Justice
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. Justice are a French duo who have made a name for themselves remixing everyone from Britney Spears to Franz Ferdinand. It's also fitting that they've remixed Daft Punk, since they're the obvious heirs to that French duo's electro-disco party music. "D.A.N.C.E." is an over-the-top manipulation of sound and pitch set to a dirty funk backdrop with faux-string synths with what sounds like a fourth-grade class singing lead vocals. Almost impossible to resist.
US: Sit Down Servant by Mike Farris
For this week's Discovery Download, we put the focus on Mike Farris, who, for years, has been the vocals behind the Southern rock blues of the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies. This track is from his solo album, Salvation in Lights. His great raw voice leaves behind the rock bluster and instead dives into New Orleans spirituals and juke-joint gospel tunes. "Sit Down Servant" is a rumbling call-and-response track that, we think, just might make you a believer.
US: La Foto Se Me Borró (Bachata Mix) by Elvis Crespo
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Canción de la Semana. Elvis Crespo is a singer from Puerto Rico who was destined to a life in music from birth – when his mother named him after Elvis Presley. Crespo's first major hit was "Suavemente" in 1998. This slightly tropical-sounding track is taken from Crespo's newest, Regresó el Jefe.
Videos and International selections continue after the jump...
US Video
US: Hit the Waves by Curl Girls
Hit the waves with the Curl Girls: Gingi, Michele, Melissa, Erin, Vanessa, and Jessica. Lovers and friends, these six hot young women navigate the ups and downs of their love lives and careers while spending every free moment in the waves of the Pacific. By entering a competition against each other to win a trip to Hawaii and new surfboards, the ladies find connections that go above and beyond their unified love of surfing and the water. Through tensions and reconciliations, bonds form, and each unique personality shines. Which surfer has what it takes to come out on top? Follow the girls in the water, on the sand, and across the city to find out.
Ratatouille Videos
Interviews, Making-of, and 9 Minute Sneak Peek.
International
Australia: Kapow! by Young & Restless
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. "Kapow!" is the first single release from explosive Melbourne-via-Canberra quintet Young and Restless. Originally unearthed by Triple J in 2006, the band has since been busy ripping up the stage with the likes of Erase Errata, Cansei De Ser Sexy, and Love Is All. Amidst it all, Young and Restless have also recorded their debut album with Shihad's Tom Larkin, due for release in July though local label Dot Dash.
New Zealand: Kapow! by Young & Restless
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. "Kapow!" is the first single release from explosive Melbourne-via-Canberra quintet Young and Restless. Originally unearthed by Triple J in 2006, the band has since been busy ripping up the stage with the likes of Erase Errata, Cansei De Ser Sexy, and Love Is All. Amidst it all, Young and Restless have also recorded their debut album with Shihad's Tom Larkin, due for release in July though local label Dot Dash.
Canada: Wedding Dress by Wil
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. "Wedding Dress" is a passionate, grandiose roots-rock song dressed up with strings and dressed down with Wil's slightly raspy tone. It's a great mix which shows the singer moving in giant strides since his last album, Hands Down. "Wedding Dress" is taken from Wil's new EP, December 5. Check it out today.
France: Deserter by Matthew Dear
Matthew Dear est originaire de Detroit, la ville berceau de la techno, et a produit quelques-uns des meilleurs morceaux de techno des 5 dernières années, dont " Dog Days " et le monstrueux " Mouth to Mouth ". Le voici de retour avec un deuxième album très personnel, où l'électronique est un moyen, mais pas une fin en soi. Sur ce nouvel album, Asa Breed, Matthew Dear dévoile un univers aux frontières plus larges que celles du simple dancefloor. " Deserter ", petit bijou de chanson mélancolque, en est la preuve.
UK: Divine Gosa by Bonde do Role
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. Bondo do Rolé is probably the coolest thing happening in Brazil right now, and if you know anything about Brazil, that's a huge compliment. These two kids have integrated the party sounds of the Brazilian favela with elements of Miami booty bass and American electro-pop. The result is "Divine Gosa", a track that will blow up your speakers, get the party started right, and have everyone within earshot heading for the dance floor.