First Watch: The New Spring ‘For Everest (Shelley)’

Check out the new video from Denmark’s ‘The New Spring’.

First Watch: Amy Winehouse & Tony Bennett ‘Body and Soul’

This is it- Amy’s last recording. Single’s out today on iTunes. Buy it and remember the greatness that was Amy Winehouse, and to support the new Foundation set up in her name which was also launched today- what would have been Amy’s birthday (the single’s proceeds will go towards it). She looks stunning. I wrote a post a while ago about how important Amy’s music was (and still is) so special to me- read it here if you like.

First Watch: Matt Cardle ‘Run For Your Life’

With the X Factor wheel in full motion in the UK, last year’s winner has released a video to his new ‘proper’ single. It doesn’t sound like anything from any of the previous X Factor winners in Britain. I don’t know what I think of it to be honest but kudos for bucking the trend.

First Watch: Nicola Roberts ‘Lucky Day’

Nicola Roberts, one-fifth of Girls Aloud, didn’t make as much of a splash on the fickle world of British pop earlier this year with her Diplo-produced debut, Dance To The Beat Of My Drum. This is her second go at selling some records.

It carries that same vein of  ‘can’t be bothered to belt out some chords’ vibe which she seems to be carving out to be her sound. She was always the underdog in the Girls Aloud-do-solo-projects race, but she’s being the most original so far. I approve.

First Watch: Penguin Prison ‘Fair Warning’

Booming, shimmering synths from the fantastic new Penguin Prison single. Mixed by Chris Glover (Penguin Prison) and Dan Grech-Marguerat (Radiohead, Scissor Sisters). A download bundle of selected remixes will be released on August 22, two weeks before the album finally drops. Follow Alfitude on Facebook and Twitter!

First Watch: The Reason 4 ‘Take It All’

You’ll recognise The Reason 4 from the 2010 series of The X Factor. They didn’t win, but it put them on the map and has helped realise a 10-year ambition for the Southampton four –piece. Now signed to Sony, this is their debut single, out August 7th. The average age for this band is 29, which is a bit rare for new boybands, but I like that. Grown up pop. Check out here.