Annie’s New Album Leaks Just in Time

Official Release Date: October 6

The Verdict: It would’ve been a minor travesty if we’d been forced to wait all the way until cold, ugly October to hear Annie’s too-long-in-the-making follow-up to 2004’s Anniemal. So, to whichever god is in charge of leaking fizzy Norwegian electro-pop albums in advance of their street dates, a heartfelt thanks for letting us have this one for summer’s last weekend (it hit the Internet on Saturday). We’re excited to report that Don’t Stop is basically as great as you’d hoped — lead single “I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me” set the bar high, but “Loco,” “Marie Cherie,” and Alex Kapranos–assisted opener “My Love Is Better” are nearly as awesome. Also, they probably sounded better at our Labor Day barbecue than they would’ve at our Columbus Day one.