The Fix

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

The Long Blondes “Here Comes The Serious Bit”
Kate Jackson is the best Debbie Harry throwback we’ve heard in a long time. So it’s kind of a good thing her stylish Sheffield, England band has Blondie’s primitive new wave sound down pat on this standout track from its second album, Couples.
MP3: “Here Comes The Serious Bit”
(via Insound)

N.E.R.D. “Everybody Nose”
The leadoff single from N.E.R.D.’s forthcoming Seeing Sounds is exactly as crazy you want it to be, complete with clunky Space Invaders beats, a new jack swing breakdown and ape-shit lyrics shouted at top volume.

(via AOL)

The Submarines “You, Me & The Bourgeoisie”
Blake Hazard of Los Angeles’ The Submarines has the kind of pure pop voice that won’t make you cringe when she sings things like, “Everyday we wake up, we choose love/ We choose life, it’s too easy just to fall apart.” On this track from the group’s sophomore album, Honeysuckle Weeks, her husband and musical partner John Dragonetti provides the requisite gloss.
MP3: “You, Me & The Bourgeoisie”
(via Insound)

Martina Topley-Bird “Valentine”
Tricky’s former smoky-voiced muse returns with her second album, The Blue God–produced by Danger Mouse–and this beautiful late-night meditation of a single. Watch for the fleeting slide guitar solo in the middle. It will melt your heart.
(via Ning)

Tim Fite “Yesterday’s Garden”
Brooklyn’s Tim Fite is on the same label as Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Lyrics Born, which makes a lot of sense. His third album, Fair Ain’t Fair, is a thoroughly eclectic affair, as this crackpot ballad confirms. Fans of Randy Newman, any of the above, or, really, music in general will not be disappointed.
MP3: “Yesterday’s Garden”
(via Insound)