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Lorde Joins Charli XCX on ‘Girl, so confusing’ Remix

“One day we might make some music/ The internet would go crazy,” Charli XCX sang on the BRAT song ‘Girl, so confusing’, which was widely speculated to be about Lorde. Now, the New Zealand singer has joined Charli on a new version of the track. Listen to the two pop stars work it out on the remix below.

‘Girl, so confusing’ is the latest BRAT track to get a remix, following ‘360’ featuring Yung Lean and Robyn the Addison Rae remix of ‘Von dutch’. Last week, Charli XCX released the BRAT deluxe edition with three new songs.

Top Gift Ideas For Pop Culture Fans

Pop culture fans are some of the easiest people to buy for, thanks to the endless array of merchandise available. Whether they’re into movies, TV shows, comics, or games, there’s a perfect gift out there. Here are some top gift ideas that will delight any pop culture enthusiast.

Collectible Action Figures

Action figures are a staple in the collection of any pop culture fan. They come in a wide range of characters and themes, from superheroes to movie villains. Brands like Funko Pop! and Hasbro offer figures that are both affordable and highly detailed. These collectibles often become valuable over time, making them a smart gift choice. Plus, they look great on display, adding a touch of fandom to any room.

In addition to the typical action figures, consider looking for limited edition or exclusive releases. These can be found at conventions or special events, adding an extra layer of excitement and uniqueness to the gift.

Graphic Novels and Comics

Graphic novels and comics are another fantastic gift idea. They offer fans a deeper dive into their favourite stories and characters. Titles from Marvel, DC, and independent publishers provide endless options. You can find stories ranging from classic superhero tales to more niche, underground series.

Consider getting a box set or a collection of a particular series for a more substantial gift. These can often be found with bonus content, such as behind-the-scenes artwork or exclusive interviews with the creators.

Movie and TV Show Memorabilia

Memorabilia from favourite movies and TV shows can make for a very personal and meaningful gift. Items like replica props, posters, and clothing allow fans to express their love for their favourite series. Websites dedicated to pop culture merchandise often have a wide selection of such items.

For a truly special present, look for signed memorabilia or items used in the production of the show or movie. These can be more expensive but are highly valued by dedicated fans.

LEGO Star Wars Sets

LEGO sets are a hit with fans of all ages, and the Star Wars range is particularly popular. These sets allow fans to build their favourite ships, scenes, and characters from the beloved franchise. The intricate designs and attention to detail make these sets enjoyable to both build and display.

For those looking to find the perfect LEGO set, the range of options is vast. You can find everything from small, simple builds to large, complex models. One of the best places to find these sets is online stores like Star Wars Lego sets, where you can browse a comprehensive selection.

Including a LEGO Star Wars set in your gift-giving plans is sure to bring joy to any fan, combining their love for the franchise with the fun of building and collecting.

Pop Culture Apparel

Clothing and accessories featuring pop culture icons are a practical yet exciting gift. T-shirts, hoodies, and hats with logos or characters from favourite shows, movies, and comics allow fans to wear their fandom proudly.

Many online stores and high street shops offer a wide range of pop culture apparel. For something a bit more unique, look for limited edition collections or collaborations with popular brands. These items often have exclusive designs that you won’t find anywhere else.

Board Games and Puzzles

Board games and puzzles themed around popular franchises provide hours of entertainment. These are perfect for fans who enjoy interactive and engaging activities. There are many themed games available, such as Monopoly editions for various shows and films, or strategy games like Star Wars: Rebellion.

Puzzles featuring iconic scenes or characters can also be a great choice. They range from simple designs to complex ones with thousands of pieces. Not only do they provide a fun challenge, but once completed, they can be framed and displayed as art.

Art Prints and Posters

Art prints and posters make for excellent gifts, especially for fans who love to decorate their space. Look for high-quality prints that capture iconic moments or feature favourite characters in unique artistic styles.

Many artists create limited edition prints, adding an extra level of exclusivity. Websites like Etsy or specific pop culture art sites are great places to find these unique pieces. Posters can also be found at conventions or special events, often signed by artists or cast members.

Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes tailored to pop culture fans are a gift that keeps on giving. Each month, the recipient will receive a box filled with themed merchandise, ranging from toys and apparel to snacks and comics. Services like Loot Crate or ZBOX offer various themed boxes catering to different interests.

These boxes often include exclusive items not available elsewhere, making them a special treat for any fan. They are also a great way to discover new items and franchises that the recipient might not have encountered otherwise.

Video Games

For fans of interactive entertainment, video games related to their favourite franchises are an ideal gift. Many popular movies and TV shows have corresponding video games that allow fans to immerse themselves in their favourite universes.

Games like the Star Wars series, Marvel’s Spider-Man, or Harry Potter-themed games offer hours of fun and engagement. Be sure to check which gaming console the recipient owns to ensure compatibility.

Pop Culture Books

Books about the history, making, or deep lore of popular franchises can be a hit with fans. These books often include interviews with creators, behind-the-scenes photos, and detailed explorations of the stories and characters.

Look for titles that provide new insights or rare content. Coffee table books with beautiful illustrations and high-quality prints make for impressive gifts that any pop culture enthusiast would be proud to display.

Cosplay Accessories

Cosplay, or costume play, is a popular hobby among many pop culture fans. Gifting high-quality cosplay accessories can be a thoughtful and appreciated gesture. Items like replica weapons, detailed costumes, and custom-made pieces allow fans to bring their favourite characters to life.

These accessories can be found through specialised cosplay stores or commissioned from independent creators. Whether for conventions, themed parties, or just personal enjoyment, these gifts help fans fully embrace their favourite characters.

Streaming Service Subscriptions

A subscription to a streaming service can be a fantastic gift for someone who loves pop culture. Services like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime offer a vast library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries.

This gift allows fans to explore a wide range of content, from classic films to the latest series. It’s also a gift that can be enjoyed all year round, providing endless entertainment options.

Pop Culture Themed Home Decor

Home decor items inspired by pop culture can add a unique touch to any living space. Think of throw pillows, blankets, and lamps that feature beloved characters or symbols. These items are both functional and decorative, making them perfect for fans who want to incorporate their interests into their home environment.

Stores that specialise in geek culture or larger home decor retailers often carry themed items. For something extra special, look for custom-made pieces from independent artists.

Tech Gadgets and Accessories

Tech gadgets and accessories themed around pop culture franchises are great for fans who love technology. Items like themed phone cases, USB drives, and headphones combine practicality with fandom.

Consider also looking for smart home devices or accessories, such as voice-controlled speakers with themed designs or virtual assistants that respond to franchise-related commands. These gifts merge the love for pop culture with the latest in tech innovation.

Suki Waterhouse Announces New Album ‘Memoir of a Sparklemuffin’, Releases New Single

Suki Waterhouse has announced a new album, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, which is due for release on September 13 via Sub Pop. The 18-track double album, which follows 2022’s I Can’t Let Go, is led by the single ‘Supersad’. Check it out below and scroll down for the album cover and trackllist.

‘Supersad’ was produced by Brad Cook and the album’s executive producer Eli Hirsch. Waterhouse co-wrote it with Chelsea Balan, John Mark Nelson, and Lilian Caputo. “I tried to write a nineties song you could hear playing at the mall in Clueless or as an opening track for Legally Blonde,” she said in a press release.

Speaking about the concept behind the record, Waterhouse added: “I came across the Sparklemuffin—which is wildly colored, does this razzle-dazzle dance, and its mate will cannibalize it if she doesn’t approve of the dance. It’s a metaphor for the dance of life we’re all in. The title felt hilarious, ridiculous, and wonderful to me.”

Memoir of a Sparklemuffin Cover Artwork:

Memoir of a Sparklemuffin Tracklist:

1. Gateway Drug
2. Supersad
3. Blackout Drunk
4. Faded
5. Nonchalant
6. My Fun
7. Model, Actress, Whatever
8. To Get You
9. Lullaby
10. Big Love
11. Lawsuit
12. OMG
13. Think Twice
14. Could’ve Been A Star
15. Legendary
16. Everybody Breaks Up Anyway
17. Helpless
18. To Love

Mura Masa and yeule Team Up on New Song ‘We Are Making Out’

Mura Masa has joined forces with yeule for a new song called ‘We Are Making Out’. It arrives with an accompanying video directed by the Reids and starring yeule. Check it out below.

Earlier this year, Mura Masa released the single ‘still’. His third album, demon time, which featured guest spots from Shygirl, Lil Yachty, slowthai, PinkPantheress, and more, arrived in 2022.

Queen’s Music Catalog to Be Acquired by Sony Music for £1 Billion

Queen have reportedly reached a deal with Sony Music for the acquisition of their music catalog. According to HITS Daily Double and Variety, Sony Music has begun the process of acquiring the rights to the band’s back catalog, alongside merchandise and a selection of other business deals, for £1 billion (around $1.27 billion). The only part of the band’s revenue not covered in the deal is for live performances.

It’s the largest payment for a catalog acquisition in history, surpassing the $500 million that Sony reportedly paid to acquire Bruce Springsteen’s catalog back in 2021. Earlier this year, Sony also acquired a 50% interest in Michael Jackson’s music catalog for roughly $600 million (£471 million).

Variety also reports that another bidder came close to securing Queen’s catalogue, but stopped short at $900 million.

The deal is complicated by the fact that that Disney owns Queen’s owns the band’s recording rights in the US and Canada per a $10 million licensing deal that was struck in 1991. Queen also has a distribution deal with Universal that runs through as late as 2027, after which distribution rights outside the US and Canada will revert to Sony.

Thurston Moore Announces New Album, Shares New Single With Stereolab’s Lætitia Sadier

Thurston Moore has announced his ninth solo album, Flow Critical Lucidity, which will be released on September 20 via The Daydream Library Series. It includes the previously released tracks ‘Isadora’, ‘Hypnogram’, and ‘Rewilding’. To accompany the announcement, he’s shared the single ‘Sans Limites’, featuring Stereolab’s Lætitia Sadier. Check it out below.

Speaking about the new song, Moore said in a statement: “‘Sans Limites’ begins with a cyclic guitar & piano figure which expands further and further with each revolution before settling into a two-chord measure introducing lyrics intoning not only about eradicating any limitations towards enlightenment, but going beyond limitations. The idea that a soldier can fight the good fight. A warrior against war.”

Flow Critical Lucidity Cover Artwork:

Flow Critical Lucidity Tracklist:

1. New in Town
2. Sans Limites
3. Shadow
4. Hypnogram
5. We Get High
6. Rewilding
7. The Diver

Bill Callahan Announces New Live Album ‘Resuscitate!’

Bill Callahan has announced a new live album, Resuscitate!, which is due out July 26 via Drag City. It captures Callahan’s performance at Chicago’s Thalia Hall on March 22, 2022, featuring Matt Kinsey on guitar, Dustin Laurenzi on alto sax, and Jim White on drums, as well as special guests Nathaniel Ballinger on piano, Pascal Kerong’A on vocals, Nick Mazzarella on alto sax, Joshua Abrams on guembri, and Lisa Alvarado on harmonium.

Callahan released his most recent album, YTI⅃AƎЯ, in October 2022. In a press release, he explained:

This is a live album that was taken from the tour for YTI⅃AƎЯ. Songs tend to mutate after they’ve been recorded. These songs were mutating faster than usual. Like whatever happened to Bruce Banner in the lab — I knew these songs were about to get superpowers. As far as I was concerned, this change needed to be documented. The best thing about documenting something is that it gives the creator permission to move on should they wish to move on. I usually prefer to move on.

These songs were recorded in Chicago, America’s heart. And at one of the best clubs in the country — I try to only work with venues that are not entangled with Live Nation/Ticketmaster. Thalia Hall, baby. Stay free.

Resuscitate! Cover Artwork:

Robber Robber Release New Song ‘Dial Tone’

Burlington-based band Robber Robber have released a new single, ‘Dial Tone’, which will appear on their forthcoming debut LP Wild Guess. It follows previous cuts ‘Sea or War’ and ‘Backup Plan’. Check out its Mark Balderston-directed video below.

“It’s kind of a voyeuristic perspective of everyone scrambling around to see each other and connect but also never feeling quite like you’re keeping pace with the slipstream,” singer/guitarist Nina Cates said in a statement. “Feeling like you’re always going out and yet always missing out on something.”

Wild Guess is set for release on July 26.

MICHELLE Announce New Album ‘Songs About You Specifically’, Share New Song

MICHELLE have announced a new album, Songs About You Specifically. The follow-up to 2022’s AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS lands on September 27 via Transgressive. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the new single ‘Oontz’, which you can hear below.

“There are friends I’ve had for almost my whole life who I won’t know as intimately as I know members of this group,” the collective’s Emma Lee said in a press release. “There isn’t really an opportunity for that in any other kind of relationship in your life.”

Julian Kaufman added, “It’s so easy to write a generic love or breakup song. But many of these stories are true. We’re coming from a really honest place.”

Songs About You Specifically Cover Artwork:

Songs About You Specifically Tracklist:

1. Mentos and Coke
2. Blissing
3. Akira
4. Cathy
5. Dropout
6. Noah
7. Missing on One
8. I’m Not Trying
9. Oontz
10. Painkiller
11. Trackstar

King Krule Shares Surprise New EP ‘SHHHHHH!’

King Krule has released a surprise new EP, SHHHHHH!. It features four tracks that were distributed via flexi discs at the artist’s 2023 Shhhhh tour but never made available digitally: ‘Achtung’, ‘All Soup Now’, ‘Time For Slurp’, and ‘Whaleshark’. He’s also shared a self-directed video for ‘Time for Slurp’, shot by Josh Renaut and featuring his bandmates George Bass and Ignacio Salvadores. Check it out below.

SHHHHHH! follows King Krule’s fourth studio album, Space Heavy, which arrived last year.