The Big Pink was formed just a few years ago by long-time friends and multi-instrumentalists Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell. Drop Dead Gorgeous follows up their critically acclaimed debut album with single “Two Birds, One Stone,” off sophomore release Hot N’Heavy. After his band Ladyfuzz broke up, Benjamin Esser decided to go it alone with his aptly titled solo project Esser. Hip-hop artist, and obviously Spike Lee fan, Mo Betta’ Blues hails from Brooklyn, New York. Created in 2007, hip hop group Young Problemz brings their music from deep in heart of Texas.

The Big Pink

“Velvet”

This video is aesthetically interesting and nicely matches the song’s juxtaposition of the soft vocals against a harsh beat. I like how the track continues to grow with those flowing crescendos, never losing the buzzy feedback that seems so inherent to the overall feel. I wasn’t so on board with the whole bondage theme but taking the lyrics into account, I can see where they’re going with this; love ties you up, gets you tangled in a confusing mess. No?

Drop Dead Gorgeous

“Two Birds, One Stone”

I kind of wanted the random girl to walk into the warehouse and find a whole impromptu, secret concert. Didn’t you? I think it would have given the video an energy to match the song because the video did seem to be lacking a little something. When you have a song as “in your face” as this one and a singer with a strong set of pipes, I would think you’d want to see something that’s a tad more grandiose. At least that is what I was hoping for.

Esser

“Headlock”

It’s probably a combination of the pompadour and the blank dead stare, but I found it impossible to take this song seriously. But I believe that is a good thing! It seems as though that is how it is meant to be perceived and right around the 2:30 mark when there’s synchronized school-girl dancing, the tough persona starts to break and you can see a hint of a smile. The lyrics in and of themselves are kind of bleak, but the odd video and the cute accent make it hard to find the whole package depressing.

Mo Betta Blues

“The Flyist”

This has the typical bragging rights normally attributed to hip-hop culture, but I like the whole feel of the track. It’s quick and clever, Mo Betta Blues keeps up with the tempo to create an upbeat persona and prove his lyrical ability. The video could stand to be a bit more original considering the song is along the usual “I’m the best” lines but overall, I like it. It’s a good summer jam. Seasonally appropriate.

Young Problemz & Mike Jones featuring Gucci Mane

“Boi”

People tend to get upset with me when I say this, and I’m aware that I have said it before, but I do get pretty tired of all these “money in da club” videos. It’s just been done so many times before. I do understand how it’s tempting to try and make a huge video with tons of pretty women and cash raining down, but you can do better boys. Truly. You obviously have passion, channel that into some originality.

My pick this week has to go to Esser. (It’s the accent.) Leave your thoughts and comments in the section below. Be kind to each other this week, yah?

Voting runs from 11 AM (EST) Monday until 2 PM (EST) on Friday.