MAG: IYES CRAZY IN LOVE BEYONCE COVER

This caught my eye (ear). I posted about IYES just the other day and, almost in sync with that viral release by Beyoncé herself, the upcoming Brighton duo have now dropped this crazy cover for "Crazy In Love". Sexily transformed into their own genre, the creamy vocals and mellow electronic production does this track wonders, I feel, and I must say I'm rather enjoying it. More IYES to come soon for sure.

MAG: CHVRCHES STAY ANOTHER DAY LIVE LOUNGE

CHVRCHES were in the Live Lounge for Huw Stephens earlier today. They performed the above 'Christmas Cover' electing for a haunting take of East 17's "Stay Another Day", as well as the superb acoustic version of "The Mother We Share". There's an in-depth-ish bit of chat with Huw too (for whom the band played their first recorded session over a whole year ago at Maida Vale), which you can enjoy direct on the Radio 1 website as they reflect on 2013, discuss tour life, praise HAIM and cuss Tyler The Creator.

MAG: INTO THE ATMOSPHERE BY MICHAEL SHAINBLUM

Nothing short of beautiful. Earth is fucking awesome.

Visit the Vimeo page to read Michael Shainblum's accompanying description message. And also check out a video he did back in July, another astonishing timelapse.

MAG: LONDON GRAMMAR LIVE LOUNGE WRECKING BALL

Fresh from the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge today, London Grammar did a session with Fearne Cotton and covered "Wrecking Ball" along with their current single "Nightcall". Now while I prefer to avoid anything to do with Miley Cyrus, this cover is too good to let pass by. It's a stunning rendition that would fit so cosily in the trio's LP; the song is perfect for them, they've really made it their own (and don't let that phrase be devalued by what you hear on TV talent contests). It's amazing, and Hannah smashes it.

DIARY: BROKEN HEADPHONES

Just as I hypothetically discussed the new AIAIAI release as a potential, eventual replacement (with trepidation might I add) for my beloved Bose On-Ears that have been with me for five years now, it broke. The right ear pad detached and the left's output disappeared, I must sadly call its time and announce its demise. Inevitable perhaps, considering such daily use in urban combat since my sixth form days back in school, but today I am filled with heartache.

MAG: PAUL WALKER FAST AND FURIOUS TRIBUTE

DIARY: SEVEN DIALS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NIGHT

Another one of the biannual shopping nights by Carnaby's sister venue Seven Dials & St Martin's Courtyard, it was one to savour. Tipsy and happy from beers, red wines, mulled ciders and champagnes (all plural), my accomplice for these occasions and I spent a good three or four hours just wandering the area for more booze and bargains.

I didn't go with the intention of acquiring anything, having already spent enough for the season over the past couple of weeks, but I somehow ended up with my hands and arms full. A pair of New Balance 410s, new optical frames and a wooden easel were amongst my impulse buys. Whilst they were prices both reasonable and unmissable, I wasn't exactly happy to splash the cash. But having said that, I'm rather pleased at the same time. So, with that, I thought this was as good a time as any to update my Purchases page. With some new additions to boast about, take a look at the things I've bought.

MAG: LANA DEL REY TROPICO

MAG: MØ DEBUT ALBUM NO MYTHOLOGIES TO FOLLOW

From: Chess Club Records

If you've seen my tweets over the past week and a half, you'll already be aware of the Danish superstar-to-be's latest news.

It's the announcement we've all been waiting for, MØ's debut full-length record will be released come February 24 next year. And full-lenth it sure is, because according to the iTunes Deluxe edition, there's set to be 21 tracks, including 10 unreleased songs, 4 "Night Versions" and a track-by-track video. I absolutely cannot wait for it to drop, and my ticket for her London HEAVEN show in March is all the more special. The countdown is on. My heartbeat is racing.

DIARY: NIKE REFLECT PACK AIR MAX 1 PURCHASE

I saw the Reflect Pack announced on my feeds a month or two ago and the all-black models with subtly hidden reflective patterns have resonated with me since, and I might just have treated myself.

With the men's zebra print already sold out, I went for the women's version, which reveals a leopard print when exposed to headlights, otherwise a dead black silhouette from tip to toe. I've wanted a pair of Air Max 1s for ages and this Premium Tape Reflect Pack model is definitely the one. I'm delighted. My accountant though, if I had one, would not be.

BLOG: INTERN MAGAZINE ISSUE ONE

What fittingly started as a Kickstarter project, Intern recently launched its maiden issue for Autumn/Winter 2013 as they weigh in on the widespread debate of internships. Exploring the works and contributions of interns in creative industries across the globe, their treatment and reward, the general attitude around the subject. It's particularly sensitive and current as the latest generations begin to question the model of the industry's bottom tier and point of entry, and how healthy it is (and more importantly can become) for the parties involved. Of course, as my personal student status of my own approaches ever closer to its end, it's a discussion of high relevance for my near future and I read it with some degree of terror. But also, there's reason for hope and optimism with some featured talents showcasing examples of tremendous ability and opportunity, the ones we dream to achieve. Still in the process of reading the beautifully presented 144-page document, but it's already a delight to engage with.

MAG: HAIM FOREVER GIORGIO MORODER REMIX

What a dream remix, Giorgio Moroder uplifting HAIM's track "Forever" to a classic disco dance number, also featuring his signature Vocoder skills. Already a stunning single, one of the best of the year, this remix just cranks up the energy and brightness.

BLOG: BBC SOUND OF 2014

The "longlist" this year features some names of regular occurrence in my library, namely in BANKS, Sampha and FKA twigs – all of whom are each guaranteed to enjoy big 2014s and I'm so stoked for the new year. Other artists that spring to attention are Jungle, who share Chess Club record label with of course MØ (who I would personally have at the top of my list), Kelela and Say Lou Lou. HAIM were the big winners for 2013, basically reaching superstardom over the past 12-18 months and you know full well how ecstatic I've been with CHVRCHES' rise in the industry as well. The BBC are still looking to be ahead of the game, and good on them, and I look forward to seeing how this selected class will fare next.

MAG: AIAIAI TMA-1 X BY KIBISI

From: designboom

The new iteration of the mighty successful TMA-1 headphones has officially been released by AIAIAI. The TMA-1 X, designed by KiBiSi, aims to be more compact whilst maintaining the sound they can produce. And the minimalist matte black look is clean as fuck, making these headphones near perfect. I've talked about eventually replacing my Bose On-Ears before, should they break (touch wood...), but this would be the ideal candidate. Beautiful design.