Lana Del Rey - Young And Beautiful (Offer Nissim Remix)

The haunting original was given an official remix by Cedric Gervais who had previously remixed "Summertime Sadness". That other remix managed to be picked up by mainstream radio and it was a huge hit all over the world. The "Young And Beautiful" mix was cut from the same cloth. The remix sadly lost some of the charm that the original had.

A couple of days ago, Offer Nissim has posted a remix he made of the song that stays true to the original (it actually uses the minimally produced song to get the vocals). It begins in a dark, beatless fashion as the original does. As the vocals come in, it builds up and the beats come in. After somewhat of a buildup, a riff finally arrives. The riff is inspired by Deep Zone's underground classic "It's Gonna Be Alright (Help Is On The Way)". The second verse plays after that. Only the bridge has been omitted, however, that's okay.

Listen and download here:


Grade: A

Lana Del Rey - Once Upon A Dream

This iconic classic from the animated Disney feature Sleeping Beauty has been re-done for the upcoming Angelina Joile remake of the film entitled Maleficent. The Oscar winning actress specifically chose Lana to sing this song for the movie. The song has been transformed into a dark, ominous song fitting the movie perfectly. It's not the happy, fun song many grew up hearing. The mysterious nature of this new version is so thrilling. Lana's vocals are marvelous.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)
-See the trailer for the movie set to this version of the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Lana Del Rey - Young and Beautiful

Taken from The Great Gatsby soundtrack, she co-wrote this song with Rick Nowels, who also produced it. The epic, orchestral ballad doesn't deviate much from Lana's own material, but this one is definitely more dramatic. The layered arrangement with gothic drums is absolutely dreamy. Lana's vocals are haunting and ethereal. The alternate Orchestral version is also gorgeous with the additional strings. It feels darker. Both versions are incredible.

-Listen to the original version here (YouTube)
-Listen to the DH Orchestral Version here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Official Preview Of "The Great Gatsby" soundtrack

The highly anticipated soundtrack to Baz Luhrman's upcoming movie musical The Great Gatsby is now available to preview. Beyoncé and Andre 3000's cover of "Back To Black" (originally by Amy Winehouse) which was heard in the movie trailer wasn't made available as part of the preview. The soundtrack will be released on May 7.


1. "Bang Bang" – Will.i.am
2. "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)" – Fergie, Q Tip and GoonRock
3. "Young and Beautiful" – Lana Del Rey
4. "Love Is the Drug" – Bryan Ferry with the Bryan Ferry Orchestra
5. "Over the Love" – Florence and the Machine
6. "Where the Wind Blows" – Coco O. of Quadron
7. "Crazy in Love" – Emeli Sandé and the Bryan Ferry Orchestra
8. "Together" – the xx
9. "Hearts a Mess" – Gotye
10. "Love Is Blindness" – Jack White
11. "Into the Past" – Nero
12. "Kill and Run" – Sia

Rihanna - Diamonds

This is the new single of off her new album due this November. The song is produced by Stargate and written by Sia Furler ("Breathe Me", "The Girl You Lost To Cocaine", "Titanium", "Wild Ones"). This is not the Dance/Pop clubbanger many may have expected. It is a mature, atmospheric midtempo. The vocal delivery shows obvious signs of Sia's influence. Lyrically, the song is really simple, and somewhat repetitive, but it really comes together with Rihanna's stellar vocal. The production is very 80s, and almost calls to mind M83's "Midnight City."  The melody and phrasing of the chorus call to mind Lana Del Rey's "Born To Die." Overall, this is a very strong single.

-Listen to the song here (Soundcloud)
-Buy the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A