cinco012203

Air - "The Vagabond" Happening to fall between Beck's nearly forgotten Midnite Vultures release and his critically acclaimed follow-up Sea Changes, this collaborations with the French duo mixes a keen sense of acoustic sorrow with the tongue-in-funky-cheek atmosphere of Beck's other works. In other words, this is the missing link. Oh, and it's pretty catchy too, with a coda that ends on "Oh, sh-t" - which isn't an indication of this ditty.
Off Air's "10,000 Hz Legend"

Ron Sexsmith - "Gold in Them Hills (remix)" What initially draws your attention is the collaboration with Chris Martin of Coldplay. But Sexsmith, a little-known Canadian songwriter with a distinctive plaintive wail to his voice, offers up a song that grows deeper with every listen. While the soft beat propells the song into your head, the lyrics seemingly poke fun at the cliches of love while somehow giving them new meaning. Let's see Puffy do THAT with the remix.
Off Ron Sexsmith's "Cobblestone Runway"

The Walkman - "We've Been Had" Another entry in the "Heard it First on TV" genre, this car commercial soundtrack (the one where the car passes the surreal image of lawns filled with swingsets) shimmers just as it echoes the "message" of the car commercial. As the band self-consciously mocks the age of 19, it's clear there are few places one would rather be. You may not buy the car, but The Walkmen might have found the break they need.
Off The Walkman's "Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone"

Kids Bop - "She's So High" While on an inexplicable binge to find the worst Kids Bop song on Kazaa, my brothers and I found this "unique" cover of the Tal Bachman guilty pleasure. For one of the best songs from the last few years that's impossible to sing well in karaoke, the kids give it a go-around that will make you that much more appreciative of the original. Sometimes we need a reminder, and thank goodness for the kids.
Off one of the many Kids Bop albums available on the best of late-night kids programming.

The Electric Six - "Danger (High Voltage)" Although I've gone out on limbs and fallen like a baugh-breaking baby, I'm making another proclamation of sure success. Thus far, I've been wrong about Coldplay's "The Scientist," but I underestimated how stupid record companies/radio stations are. But THIS song, featuring a game Jack White on backing vocals, MUST be a hit. If not, the Coldplay album-ender was wrong. Everything is wrong. Find a copy of this baby and amaze your friends - a rock song that's just as fun as Ludacris. "Fire in the disco/ Fire in the ... Taco Bell-a!"
Off the eponymous EP scheduled to hit shelves Feb. 6.