Day: May 15, 2009

Here we go:

Here’s a new(ish) band from Scotland that made a fairly big splash at SXSW this year. I’ll admit that I was attracted at first by their name, but the music holds up. We Were Promised Jet Packs – “It’s Thunder and It’s Lightning.”

Brand new Mos Def, ably demonstrating why I think he’s one of the best MCs in the business: Mos Def – “Casa Bey.”

Talking with earlier in the week got me thinking about covers. I’m of the opinion that if you’re going to bother doing a cover song, you should make it your own — a new arrangement, saying something different, etc. — otherwise you’re just doing a karaoke version. Here’s an example of what I mean — a cover that I actually like even more than the original Stevie Wonder funk masterpiece: Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Higher Ground.”

For , a brand-new song from the Starlight Mints, the group responsible for the theme song to Demons (the best thing about that show, in fact.) Starlight Mints – “Zoomba.”

Absolute definition of a brain worm. This sucker has been stuck in my head, on repeat. Absolutely nothing redeeming about this — an ode to booty and club dancing. Good enough for me. Flo Rida – “Get Low (feat. T-Pain).”

Green Day’s new album, 21st Century Breakdown comes out today. From what I’ve heard, it’s basically American Idiot, Part Two. Which is fine, I guess. Mostly it just reminds me how much I loved their major label debut, Dookie, back in ’94-’95. It was pop-punk, sure, but erred on the side of punk. Now, it’s all Bloated Rock Star stuff. Still with the occasional gem, though — here’s one that stands out from the new album: Green Day – “Horseshoes & Hand Grenades.”

There you go. Enjoy.