New Music

Coldplay has a fifth album coming out, and though there's no release date yet, you can get your fix with a brand-new song right here. Called "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall," the track has that epic, swooning feel, complete with heartfelt lyrics. The band is headlining the German music festival Nürnberg's Rock Im Park this weekend, so the band will get the opportunity to showcase the track live right away. A festival setting sounds like the perfect way to experience this song — just imagine it closing out a concert while the crowd sways in unison. Listen to the single now and let me know what you think.

Kristen Schaal isn't the first name that comes to mind when I think of actresses who could play the President, and the actress seems perfectly misplaced in the role in The National's new video for "Conversation 16." She plays it like a bored child who somehow got roped into the job, while John Slattery looks on lovingly as one of her Secret Service agents. I'm still a sucker for a music video starring celebs, and the unlikely paring of the Mad Men star and quirky comedienne makes for an interesting story.

Radiohead announced earlier this week that their new album is finished and will be available for download tomorrow, but they gave fans a fun surprise by offering it a day early (that's today!). If that doesn't get you going, they also released the first single, complete with video, for your listening and viewing pleasure. Get a taste of their new album, The King of Limbs, by watching the video for "Lotus Flower," which takes us up close and personal with front man Thom Yorke and his dance moves. Check it out below, then tell me if you'll be downloading the album today (I know I will).

The Strokes' fourth full-length album will be released next month, but today we get a taste of what's in store with the first single, "Under the Cover of Darkness." It's the same toe-tapping, catchy kind of tune the band is known for, and though it's nothing ground-breaking, it should please fans of The Strokes' earlier hits. I'm looking forward to hearing Angles when it drops March 21, but in the meantime give the song a listen and tell us what you think.

Fans of The Decemberists may encounter a bit of a shock when they listen to the Portland band's latest. Though Colin Meloy's voice is recognizable as ever, the sound is distinctively different — it's country. The group's sixth album, The King Is Dead has an Americana feel to its tracks, and it's a twist that's very much intentional. Following their last release, The Hazards of Love, the artists decided to forgo their dramatic arrangements and flowery language for more stripped-down songs that tell a story.

Using a converted barn as their studio, The Decemberists pulled inspiration from the surrounding meadows and forest to weave their lyrics in King. And you can hear the influence on nearly every track from the earthy imagery in "June Hymn" to "Down by the Water." If the latter sounds a bit like R.E.M., you're not mistaken; R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck joins The Decemberists on three of the albums' songs. But the overall message of the album is simplicity. The songs are mainly acoustic, with instruments you might find in a rundown honky-tonk (think harmonica and accordions). It seems The Decemberists have decided to let go and just unwind — and the relaxed album is perfect for just that.

Choice tracks: "June Hymn"
"This Is Why We Fight"
"Dear Avery"

The much-anticipated collaboration album between Kanye West and Jay-Z is set for a March release, and today brings the first single. It's not the first time that 'Ye and Jay have joined forces, and the verses of "H.A.M." sound almost like a battle between the rapping powerhouses. It tends more on the side of gritty and intense than infectious and catchy, but it's definitely worth a listen (if nothing else, to get confirmation on what "H.A.M." stands for).

If you're in need of a breakup anthem, look no further than Katy Perry's latest. Titled "Part of Me," the leaked song is a surprisingly upbeat tune that samples similar beats to "California Gurls." The message in a nutshell: even though you broke up with me, you won't bring me down. Atta girl. It's reportedly a leftover from the singer's recording sessions from Teenage Dream, but wherever it came from, I'm liking it! Give it a spin when you read more

One of my favorite holiday albums is Sufjan Stevens's Songs For Christmas, and today the indie crooner has two more new Christmas songs, and he's teamed up with rockers The National for them.

There's an original called "Barcarola" and a classic as well ("Silent Night"), so if you're up for some new holiday carols, listen up (and if you're looking for something edgier, don't miss Kanye's "Christmas in Harlem"). Hear both songs when you read more

Well, this certainly is different than the rest of the holiday music out right now. Kanye West has just released his very own Christmas song titled "Christmas in Harlem," which touches on some of the regular seasonal themes: window shopping, lighting the tree, hot chocolate. Only in this case, "hot chocolate" is actually referring to Kanye himself. It's not surprising that the song takes a somewhat sexual turn, as Kanye raps about a gift that "ain't for the kids to see." Um, we'll just use our imagination, thanks.

Despite that twist, it's actually a nice, spirited tune — and way cooler than some of the cheeseball stuff on the radio. Give it a listen after the jump.