The New Pornographers, "Sing Me Spanish Techno" -- Sadly strikes me as a bit weaker as a single than "Twin Cinema" was. It coasts along. Still better than most of what's out there, and detracts not one whit from Dan Bejar's doability. 6/10
The Smiths, "William, It Was Really Nothing" -- Jangly, paint-by-numbers, carefully crafted not to upstage Morrissey's vocal acrobatics, yet mercifully short. Blah, blah, blah. 'S all right. 4/10
Guillemots, "Trains To Brazil" -- They've finally broken out, and at just the right time. I doubt there will ever be an actual glut of richly arranged and artfully performed pop music -- Belle & Sebastian, Sufjan, The Arcade Fire, et alia have not come close to filling this niche. I like this trend of bands that spend more than five minutes' thought on their songs getting more airplay. Pile it on, baby; horns and strings, horns and strings (and sure, why not, samples too)... 7/10
Bright Eyes, "The City Has Sex" -- Not Conor Oberst's strongest showing ; lyrically spot-on, musically, sort of filler. Meh. Well, it is still Bright Eyes filler. There's that. 5/10
The Gossip, "Standing In The Way Of Control" -- K Punk's (funny, I only guessed that was their label; turned out, I was right!) answer to the industry's recent spate of dance "punk". Low-budget yet soulful disco. I can shake my gorgeous butt to this. 7/10
Stems, "Don't Let Me" -- solid garage/rockabilly/vintage biker (with a hint of surfer) rock. I don't see what the big fuss about Black Rebel Motorcycle club is. As good a song as any to pound beer to. 6.5/10
Thunderclap Newman, "Something In The Air" -- A pop time capsule, this is one of those one-hit wonders (Pete Townshend's involvement notwithstanding) that illustrates the bridge artists built between 60s and 70s rock -- an example of how music was pushed along. A minor classic in its own right, and still fresh. 8.5/10
Hotel Lights, "AM Slow Golden Hit" -- A lovely if wistful make-out song. It glows like sunlight on honey, particularly in its production and Darren Jessee's deft, soft tenor. There's a hint of vintage Air (who themselves just ripped off 70s European and Brazilian lounge) in here that I like. 7/10
The National, "Mr. November" -- I've mentioned this song recently in one of my kulturkampf posts, but that's not enough. And neither, come to think of it, is this... A bracing meditation, drenched in tristesse. Written and performed with great heart. A must-download. Among my top five favorite singles right now. 8/10
BONUS: Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" -- Fucking awesome. 70s soul meets Nina Simone meets Chemical Brothers at their finest. 'Nuff said. Download it NOW. 9/10
* * *
Oh, Fine: I've been tagged by none other than Mrs. The Price Is Right AKA Peter...Have you done heroin?
No, and I wouldn't think of stepping on Ally Sheedy's toes.
Have you done anal?
Does Elton John own a sequined poppers bottle?
Have you had a three way?
And then some.
Have you felched?
Uh, no.
Have you done it in a bar?
I think you'd get further asking me where I haven't done it.
Have you done coke?
Ah, Lexington Alley...
Have you done meth?
OhshitIhearthecops. Isthatthecopsman? Aw, fuck. Nononocheckthe p-p-peephole. Okaynowcheckagain...
What's the strangest thing you have stuck in your butt of vag or someone elses'?
A thermometer (a stranger object I maintain that a dick or a finger).
Have you eaten ass?
Please, language! We of the North American Rimmer's Association prefer the less loaded term, "tongue-fucking."
Have you ever puked while fucking?
No. Well, once there was this ancient Heritage Foundation fellow...
Have you ever pooped or peed on someone?
I peed on R. Kelly.
Have you masturbated in a public place?
Yes, and the desk sargeant was not amused.
No one else is being tagged with this. Filthy!
