Listening to... 'PIPER'S SONG' - Gypsy and the Cat (Aeroplane Remix)

Gets me every time.

Australian duo Gypsy and the Cat have been doing the UK rounds for several months now (their first single, 'Time to Wander', was released here back in June) and this recent remix by Aeroplane should earn them some well deserved airtime.

Think high-pitched kaleidoscopic melodies and dreamy 70s-inspired beats. 'Piper's Song' emulates a distinctive and reminiscent breed of sunny laid-back synth-pop that should please fans of MGMT, Passion Pit, Kiwi group The Naked and Famous and fellow Australian synthsters Empire of the Sun. 

However in terms of theatricals, pan pipes is fortunately about far as they go (in other words no bizzare walking-on-a-dream-esque getups); a musical focus that may please many.

So sweet, catchy and unpretentious; prove me wrong if it doesn't brighten up a cold winter's day.

Digital download to be released 13 December 2010.

AMY WINEHOUSE for Fred Perry

It is a few weeks since a fresh-faced Winehouse launched her much-anticipated collection for Fred Perry and with Christmas on the way the line's 50s-inspired, feminine pieces will no doubt be taking pride of place on many a festive wish-list.

Pencil skirts, polo shirts and gingham prints are still the main order of the day but are given a more sophisticated and girly makeover thanks to the injection of Winehouse attitude.

If you're yet to lust over the demure 17-piece collection, dare to look now:

Listening to... 'NOT IN LOVE' - Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith

A delicious fusion of electro and indie, that manages to combine the nostalgic 80s tones we'd expect from The Cure's frontman, Smith, with an injection of electronic bleeps and digital distortion from new-wave masters Crystal Castles.

The song (orginally a track by 80s band Platinum Blonde) appeared on Crystal Castles self-titled album earlier this year, minus the addition of Robert Smith. Luckily Smith's romantic and convicting vocals go a long way in saving the song from its previous and excessive self; replacing much of the warped, distressed sounds CC usually rely on with a more understated but equally emotive sound. 

As such when Crystal Castles tense yet urgent pace lets loose towards the end, the result is all the more dazzling. 

This collaboration was always going to be risky and diehard fans may still be fighting from both corners, but for me it strikes a dreamy balance between old and new, and importantly a sound that I can't get out of my head.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Damn it was a good one. And to cheer you up from the fact that you have to wait a year 'til the next, here are some of my favourite halloween images courtesy of director/producer/writer/gothic-art genius Tim Burton: