Common - "Make My Day"

This was supposed to come out in the summer of 2008, and it's a shame it didn't because it really is a summer album. Common takes a break from his sometimes heady material and just has fun with this one. It's a bit jarring to hear Common with the Neptunes and Mr. DJ producing, and the results are mixed, (I'm starting to think that the Neptunes' sound is becoming dated anyhow), but this single is undeniable. The hook (provided by Cee-Lo of Gnarls Barkley) is great, and Common sounds energized.

Make My Day - Common

Death Cab for Cutie - "Cath..."

Don't tell the rest of the world, but Death Cab for Cutie consistently makes great albums and Ben Gibbard is the best lyricist in rock n' roll. Keep it quiet and we'll get to keep them to ourselves for a while.

Cath... - Death Cab For Cutie

Erykah Badu - "Twinkle"

This is another album where it's tough to pick just one song off of; it really should be taken in as a whole. Badu managed to create a socially-conscious, challenging soul album,(the likes of which haven't been seen since the 70's), but with a sound that is definitely present-day. Sly Stone's There's A Riot Goin' On for a new generation. One of those albums that rewards the listener with something new on each listen. Highly recommended.

Erykah Badu - Twinkle - Erykah Badu

Sigur Ros - "Gobbledigook"

Sigur Ros is a band out of Iceland that sings in both their native language and a made-up language. If you're still reading at this point, they also happen to make some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard. This song is actually a departure from their usual lush, orchestrated songs, but it still has their unique sound intact.

"Gobbledigook" - Sigur Ros

Kings of Leon - "Crawl"

Do you miss good, old-fashioned rock n' roll music? Well have I got a deal for you!

Crawl - Kings Of Leon

Lil' Wayne - "Mrs. Officer"

"It's such a fine line between stupid and clever."
- David St. Hubbins, This Is Spinal Tap

"After we got done / I said 'Lady, what's your number?', she said '911'."
- Lil' Wayne, Mrs. Officer

Mrs. Officer - Lil Wayne

The Weepies - "Orbiting"

The Weepies are a married couple out of southern California. They don't break new ground or challenge the listener, but they do write some of the best pop songs I've heard. They've been described as "subtly intoxicating". That's about right.

Orbiting - The Weepies

Rivers Cuomo - "Can't Stop Partying"

I love songs where the music doesn't fit the lyrics - like "Girlfriend in a Coma" by The Smiths, or any of the AC/DC songs remade by Mark Kozelek. This song was given to Rivers Cuomo by rapper / producer / Janet-Jackson-squeeze Jermaine Dupri, and Rivers turned it into a sad acoustic ditty. Somebody help the poor man, he can't stop partying!

Cant Stop Partying - Rivers Cuomo

My Morning Jacket - "I'm Amazed"

A simple yet well-written song from an extremely hit-and-miss album.

im amazed - My Morning Jacket

The Ting Tings - "That's Not My Name"

I am a supporter of any songs that sound like Toni Basil's "Mickey".

Thats Not My Name - The Ting Tings