Hello, fruits of the loom! Welcome to a surprise bonus edition of the Captain’s Log, a semi-regular collection of contemporary musical delights.  Generally speaking, I only compile new music for you every month or so, but this week I unexpectedly became aware of an unusually large amount of excellent new songs that washed ashore with messages and/or tiny ships cleverly jammed inside (Is this nautical theme getting tired? OF COURSE NOT!). I had no choice but to throw together an extra edition of fantastic new tracks that caught my eye, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Behold!

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Emilyn Brodsky – “Someone Belongs Here More Than You”

Ukulele supervillain Emilyn Brodsky’s first record Emilyn Brodsky’s Greatest Tits has a special place in my heart, and I’ve been waiting for her to put out new music for approximately one million years. This new track (off her upcoming record Emilyn Brodsky Eats Her Feelings) might seem a bit familiar; Emilyn was featured performing the song on this past Sunday’s episode of HBO’s Girls. With the whole internet freaking out about Lena Dunham’s spread in Vogue, let’s hope viewers will take the time to check out this pretty excellent track and give Brodsky the recognition she deserves.  Later, when all your friends are like, what was that great song in that scene on that show? you will be like I already know it, obvs, because I am so ahead of the curve and then you will feel very special.  You are special.

Charli XCX – “Addicted to Love”

Following the phenomenal successes of her breakthrough album True Romance and the Icona Pop hit “I Don’t Care,” British electro-pop chanteuse Charli XCX has been hard at work on her next record, SuperLove. She released a video for the titular lead single last month, but on Thursday she taunted her fans by uploading this minute-long synth-punk gem. It’s grittier than anything off True Romance, which is a surprisingly welcome change.

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ASTR – “Operate“

If Charli XCX is moving away from moody synthesizers and 808 chirps, ASTR are more than picking up her slack. The New York-based duo release their debut EP Varsity on January 21, and the whole thing is currently streaming on their Soundcloud page. This track is a great introduction to their smooth, almost trip-hop-esque sound. Bonus: the EP comes complete with a pretty splendid cover of Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home.”

Tweens – “Be Mean”

This Captain’s Log probably wouldn’t count if I didn’t throw in at least one lo-fi rock’n’roll track. These guys hail from Cincinnati, and they were industry darlings at last year’s CMJ Music Marathon. Mostly, I’m kinda excited about ’em because the singer (Bridget Battle) sounds almost eerily like the Ronettes’ Ronnie Spector.

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