Eminem and Rihanna, “Monster.” Surprise! The first couple of new songs Eminem has released are (improbably) catchy. This one is bound to get radio airplay, similar to Eminem’s last collaboration with Rihanna. Note from future Roman: “You think?”

Rudimental, “Free.” Featuring Emeli Sandeeps and Nas. This Rudimental song has been out for a while, but the video is new. I like the dramatic extremes featured. Here’s some more info from Atlantic Records: “… video featuring inspirational extreme sports athlete Jokke Sommer, best known for pioneering flying in a…

Frankie Rose wasn’t on my radar until “Street of Dreams.” This song isn’t just ’80s-influenced, it could easily be from that decade. Can you hear the similarity to Aha’s “Take On Me” or the bass from Billy Idol’s “White Wedding?” Read more about Ms. Rose at Stereogum.  

Ha Ha Tonka, the Missouri southern indie rock quartet is back with its fourth album, “Lessons,” and judging from the lead single, it’s another upbeat, mandolin-soloing effort. The album was inspired by the late children’s author Maurice Sendak’s “musings on the creative process.” I don’t see that based on the first song.…

Photo: Roman Gokhman How does a band I do not particularly care for endear themselves to me? By covering a song from a band I do particularly like, of course! The cover is not nearly as good as the original, but I like how CHVRCHES put their own spin…

Glasvegas, the Scottish band for which you need a lyric sheet to understand song content (but once you read it and understand what frontman James Allan is singing, and it’s beautiful – really) has a new album coming out Sept. 3. Later… When The TV Turns To Static, is…

I’ve been a bit hooked on Big Deal since their 2011 album, “Lights Out.” While that album was good, though, it didn’t have a stand-out song. Not like “Dream Machines,” off new album “June Gloom” (out next month). This song has both the band’s signature fuzz and reverb, as…