The Ting Tings have notched their second #1 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart with their new-ish single, “Hands.” The song, which premiered at the end of August, is taken from the UK pop duo’s forthcoming sophomore LP.
The Ting Tings are now signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, with Rihanna rumored to have contributed backing vocals on one track. Though Jules and Katie posted in May that the album was completed, no release date has been set, but it’s most definitely not titled Kunst.
The behind-the-scenes mystery of what’s going on with The Ting Tings’ music extends to “Hands,” which you can’t purchase on iTunes, Amazon MP3, or any outlier digital download service. However, the duo has offered free downloads of three different takes on “Hands,” including the Low Sunday Mix, Retro/Grade Remix, and the Passion Pit Remix.
But The Ting Tings’ current penthouse position on the club chart has little to do with those versions of “Hands,” and everything to do with the big-room reworks from Mixin’ Marc, Michael Woods, Wideboys, and my fave, this synthtastic gem from legendary Chicago DJ Ralphi Rosario:
I’m utterly confounded as to why none of these remixes can be downloaded legally. I’m less confident with every passing day that record labels will ever get their act together and truly serve the fans.
Though it’s small consolation for such frustration, The Ting Tings have offered a free download of another new track, “We’re Not The Same.” The song was created in partnership with Tommy Hilfiger’s new fragrace, LOUD, which coincidentally happens to be the name of Rihanna’s new album, out on Tuesday.
UPDATE: To celebrate their #1 club hit, The Ting Tings are posting free downloads of seven mixes of “Hands,” with a different remix offered each day.