Top Ten Best New Music Released in the Past 60 Days

1) “Heartless” -- The Fray [4-7-09]. Denver-based band churns out a more dramatic alt-indie cover of Kanye Wests’s pop hip-hop smash hit from last summer.

2) “Fences” – Phoenix [5-26-09]. Original alternative sound from French indie-rock band who recently gained pop cred a la recent SNL appearance.

3) “The Best Revenge” – Fischerspooner [4-21-09]. A danceable track with driving beats and vocals from the innovative New York electronica duo’s latest album.

4) “69 Faces of Love” – King Khan and the Shrines [4-21-09]. A retro-sounding band that rocks a psychedelic R&B sound.

5) “Major Tom” – Shiny Toy Guns [5-5-09]. A contemporary, sythn-pop electro-clash version of the David Bowie original from alternative group out of California.

6) “Panic Switch” – Silversun PickUps [4-14-09]. A heavy-rocker with a boomin’ bass line featuring Brian Aubert’s vocals from the Los Angeles-based rock quartet.

7) “Aint No Rest for the Wicked” – Cage the Elephant [4-13-09]. With initial chart success in England, this indie-alt rock band is actually from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and this is the lead track from their self-titled debut album.

8) “When I Grow Up” – Fever Ray [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electronica atmosphere.

9) “I’ve Got Friends” – Manchester Orchestra [4-21-09]. A harder indie-rock sound from young band out of Atlanta.

10) a“French Navy” – Camera Obscura [4-20-09]. A retro-sounding alternative track with a pop sensibility from the sextet from Glasgow, Scotland.

11) “Goodbye” – Kristinia deBarge [4-7-09]. Her own mid-groove soul circles back to the all-too-familiar stadium chant of na,na,na,na – hey,hey,hey -- good-bye.

12) “All I Really Want” – Rick Ross feat. The-Dream [4-21-09]. Ross is still rough but here he’s got flow as his hip-hop flows over a re-synthed disco sample.

13) “Don’t Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)” – Noisettes (un-released). A disco-flavored track by UK pop-rock band from their forthcoming sophomore album to be released this summer.

14) “Hey You” -- 311 [4-12-09]. The first track off forthcoming album extols virtue of music-as-friend from band out of Omaha, Nebraska, who traditionally mixes reggae with rap-metal.

15) “Help, I’m a Alive” – Metric [4-14-09]. A pop-rock, new-wave sounding lead track from the Canadian quartet’s latest album with new wave, Blondie-like vocals a la Emily Haines from Broken Social Scene.

16) “Chillin’” – Wale featuring Lady Gaga [4-18-09]. From the self-proclaimed “Ambassador of Rap for The Capital” (pronounced Wall-ay) teams up with a very-M.I.A.-sounding Lady GaGa for a hip-hop track plastered over na,na,na,na, hey-hey, good-bye.

17) “Life is Good” – DJ Deckstream feat. Mos Def [MySpace] – A positive message from Japan’s infamous DJ featuring easy duet hip-hop harmonies on top of melancholy jazz piano.

18) “Bang” – Rye Rye feat. M.I.A [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.

19) “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas [3-30-09]. The lead single from their forthcoming album is eerily spare, clubby and synthed-R&B featuring Will.i.Am and Fergie vocals in ways you’ve never heard before.

20) “Virtual Diva” – Don Omar [4-28-09]. On this cross-over smash hit, the Puerto Rican king of Urban Latino radio does it all, combining reggaeton, dance, hip hop and pop.

21) “Daniel” – Bat for Lashes [4-7-09]. Kate-Bush like female British singer-songwriter, Natasha Khan, applies lovely voice to streaming indie-rock track.

22) “Now We Can See” – The Thermals [4-7-09]. An indie-rock track with a punk twist from rockers out of Portland.

23) “Jetstream” – Doves [4-6-09]. Twin brothers churn out big, pumping guitar and drum beats that couple with rock band vocals to make for alt-rock track from epic pop trio out of Manchester, England.

24) “Mercy Angel” – Brian Blade [4-21-09]. Jazz musicina from Louisiana – drummer, singer-songwriter and bandleader – is behind beautiful, soulful mellow track from his latest album.

25) “All In” – Gift of Gab [3-31-09]. On this pop hip-hop lead track from their forthcoming album, it’s all about being all in – all or nothin’, baby -- with toe-tappin’ synth-background and a team effort at lyrics, especially on the harmonious refrain.

26) “War/No More Trouble” – Playing for Change [4-28-09]. A cover of the great Bob Marley track, done with a combination of fluid voices, simple guitar scales, bongos and even violin.

27) “So Fine” – Sean Paul (leaked). Latest hit from Jamaican dancehall superstar features big, danceable beats and Paul’s signature vocals.

28) “Shadows” – Au Revoir Simone [5-19-09]. Contemporary-sounding track from Brooklyn indie-pop outfit features dreamy-sweet, female vocals.

29) “Sea of Tears” – Eilen Jewell [4-21-09]. Rising Boston singer-songwriter blends rootsy folk rock and blues on the title track of her newest album.

30) “Love is a First” – The Tragically Hip [4-7-09]. An alt-rocker iterating and re-iterating that “love is a curse” off latest album from Canadian indie group from Kingston, Ontario.

31) “Dancin’ On Me” – Jim Jones and Webstar [4-28-09]. Spare beat with simple synth, filled in with plain duo raps, ready for the grind.

32) “Paranoid Freak” – The Trews [4-7-09]. Off their third album this track by Canadian quartet is a hard-stomping rocker with big energy.

Newly Released Covers of Great Old Songs

1. “Major Tom” – (David Bowie) -- Shiny Toy Guns [5-5-09]. A contemporary, sythn-pop electro-clash version of the David Bowie original from alternative group out of California.

2. “Love Vigilantes” – (New Order) – Iron and Wine [5-19-09]. A plain, acoustic, folk-version of the early-90’s cult classic.

3. “Blame it on the Weed” – (Jamie Foxx) -- Wayne Marshall (un-released). A reggae dancehall version of Jamie Foxx’s hip-hop smash hit praising the virtues of THC.

4. “Might Like You Better” – (Romeo Void) -- Amanda Blank. Philly MC launches her own tech-heavy, stripped down version of 80’s hit.

5. “Heartless” – (Kanye West) -- The Fray [4-7-09]. A more dramatic alt-indie cover by Denver-based band of the pop hip-hop smash hit from last summer.

6. “Use Somebody” – (Kings of Leon) -- Bat for Lashes [leaked]. Natasha Kahn combines spare tamborine and organ to cover this (itself new) sexy number by brothers band from Texas.

7. “War/No More Trouble” – (Bob Marley) – Playing for Change [4-28-09]. A cover of the great Marley track, done with a combination of fluid voices, simple guitar scales bongos and even violin.

8. “Goodbye” – Kristinia deBarge [4-7-09]. Her own mid-groove circles back to the all-too-familiar stadium chant of na,na,na,na – hey,hey,hey -- good-bye.

9. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” – (The Beatles) – Easy Star All-Stars [4-14-09]. Done reggae-style, gets you sining right along. Ya. Mon!

10. “Beggin’” – (Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons) Madcon [1-13-09]. An R&B track by hip-hop group that perfectly blends pop with rap for prime danceability.

11. “Give it to Me Right” – (The Zombies) Melanie Fiona [12-23-08]. Her own soulful groove laid over the infamous “Time of the Season Zombie backbeat.

12. “Wonderwall” – (Oasis) -- Noel Gallagher [5-5-09]. From the fund-raising album (top benefit children with cancer) by one of the brothers that form Oasis, naturally this is the star of the all-live bunch.

13. “OBAMA: A Change Has Come” – Urban Mystic [4-28-09]. A soulful rendition of the old spiritual with a contemporary twist, praising our new black president, by son of a preacher form Florida.

14. “Over the Rainbow” – (Judy Garland) Melody Gardot [4-28-09]. A bossa nova, interpretive take on the musical original by young and savvy jazz vocalist.

15. “Hey ya” – (Outkast) -- Booker T. [4-3-08]. A pure, boppy rock instrumental of the wacky hip-hop hit of several years ago.

16. “Knock on Wood” – (Amy Taylor) – James Taylor [4-7-09]. Turning disco into a singer-songwriter staple almost sounds natural in the hands of beloved 70’s icon James Taylor.

17. “Aint No Sunshine” – (Isley Brothers) Wynonna [2-3-09]. A cover of the soul classic done by the sassy matron of country/Americana for more than 25 years.

18. “Show Me Love” –[Robin S] -- Steve Angello & Laid Back Luke [2009]. A remix of the disco classic re-mixed for a still danceable, club/house sound.

19. “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” – (Bee Gee’s) Diana Krall [3-31-09]. A breathy, bluesey rendition of the 70’s era disco classic.

20. “When I Grow Up” – (Pussycat Dolls) MayDay Parade [3-10-09]. Pop-punk cover of Pussycat’s big hit from an up-and-coming group out of Tallahassee.

21. “Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)” – (A.R. Rahman) The Pussycat Dolls feat. Nicole Scheringer [3/2009]. Ditching Bollywood for the Hollywood edition without the Hindi chants and with the cream puff pop lyrics.

22. “Cello Song” – (Nick Drake) -- The Books feat. Jose Gonzalez [2-16-09]. A lovely cover of the soothing original performed by The Books who concoct an original acoustic version featuring Jose Gonzalez’s dreamy vocals for the DARK WAS the NIGHT Red Hot compilation CD which sports an all-star indie line-up of artists and songs.

23. “So Human” – (The Cure) -- Lady Sovereign [2-3-09]. A rip on the cult classic alt-rock tune form the 80’s, done by sassy Brit rapper.

24. “Right Round” – (Dead or Alive) -- Flo-rida [2-1-09]. This hip-hop version is an instant pop R&B smash with its shameless rip on the 80’s dance classic by Dead or Alive.

25. “Womanizer” – (Britney Spears) – Lily Allen [leaked 12-1-08]. Every bit as poppy as the original but front- loaded with a slower pace and charming cockney Brit accent for which Lily Allen is known.

26. “At Last” (Etta Jones) – Beyonce (from Music From The Motion Picture Cadillac Records) [12-2-08]. The talented R&B diva pays homage to the original by belting out the bluesey classic like a champ.

27. “Time of Your Life” (Green Day) – Glen Campbell [8-18-08]. Complete with big country strings, Glen Campbell makes a comeback with this rockin’ cover.

28. “People Get Ready” – Seal [11-11-08]. Along with the rest of the 60’s era-covers packed into this album -- entitled SOUL -- this one does soulful justice to the original a la Seal’s brave and beautiful voice.

29. “Folsom Prison Blues” (Johnny Cash) – Everlast [9-23-08]. Whitey Ford is the former front-man for House of Pain is the unlikely source for this version of the classic country track.

30. “Slow” (Kylie Mingoue) – Tricky. [9-2-08]. A downtempo, punky duet version of the pop diva’s dance track.

Featured New Artists

1. Fever Ray -- “When I Grow Up” (single) [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electroniac atmospheres.

2. Fast Life Yungstaz (F.L.Y.) -- “Swag Surfin’” (single) [3-24-09]. A (brand new) group hip-hop effort praising the virtues of swag.

3. Christelle featuring Agacee -- "Can You Handle Me” – [2-20-09]. New R&B dance track from emerging pop diva.

4. An-Ya – “Nightlife” (single) [11-18-08]. Quickly rising on the Hot Dance Club Play charts, this track features a synthed back beat and hot female vocals.

5. Jim Jones and Webstar -- “Dancin’ On Me”(single) [4-28-09]. Spare beat with simple synth, filled in with plain duo raps, ready for the grind.

6. Empire of the Sun – “Walking on a Dream” from WALKING ON A DREAM [4-21-09]. This Aussie-duo combines 70’s flower-power with an 80’s pop sensibility.

7. Anjulie – “Boom” from BOOM E.P. [11-2008]. With a touch of the old school, Anjulie’s soulful, pixie voice leads the way to inevitable dance steps.

8. Cage the Elephant – “Aint No Rest for the Wicked” from CAGE THE ELEPHANT [2009]. With initial chart success in England, this indie alt-rock band is actually from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and this is the lead track from their self-titled debut album.

9. Little Boots – “Meddle” from ARECIBO E.P. [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic disco and will release her debut album this fall.

10. TheNewNo2 -- “Another John Doe” from YOU ARE HERE [2-17-09]. A languid, atmospheric (and typical) track from debut album featuring Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George.

11. White Lies -- “Death” from TO LOSE MY LIFE … [1-12-09]. With an 80’s indie alt/punk sound this is the lead track from the debut album from trio rock group out of London.

12. Rye Rye – “Bang” (single) [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.

13. Gabriella Cilmi -- “Sanctuary” from LESSONS TO BE LEARNED [1-27-09]. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.

14. Wild Light – “California on My Mind” from ADULT NIGHTS [3-3-09]. New Hampshire quartet offers up big harmonica exercising in the background and harmonious vocals declaring “fuck California!”

15. Jeremih – “Birthday Sex” (single) [1-24-09]. A slow jam that gets right to the heart of the matter – that’s right -- G-Spot Birthday Sex.

16. Kid Cudi – “Nite and Day” (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.

17. Erin McCarley – “Love, Save the Empty” from LOVE, SAVE THE EMPTY [1-6-09]. A singer-songwriter and Texas-gone soCal performer with an ethereally sweet voice creates an acoustic adult-alt-pop track.

18. Dan Auerbach -- “Heartbroken, in Disrepair” from KEEP IT HID [2-10-09]. – Big electric bluesey-rocker; a solo effort from Black Keys frontman.

19. The Script -- “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” from THE SCRIPT [11-4-08]. From the best-selling new band of 2008 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, this track, already a smash-hit in a dozen other nations, has an easy pop-vibe.

20. Lykke Li – “Little Bit” from YOUTH NOVELS [8-19-08]. A debut album from Swedish pop sensation includes this minimalist arrangement with her signature pixie voice.

21. Nickel Eye – “Brandy of the Damned” from THE TIME OF THE ASSASINS [1-17-09]. An angsty extra-curricular project from three members of The Strokes where Nikolai Fraiture (bassist) works his guitar through a repetitive indie rocker.

22. Bon Iver – “Blood Bank” (single) [1-20-09]. Wisconsin troubadour Justin Vernon’s easy vocals and mellow acoustic guitar mark his sophomore solitary effort.

23. Lisa Hannigan – “I Don’t Know” from SEA SEW [2-3-09]. A spare, pretty and simple song featuring melt-your-heart vocals from former Damien Rice side-kick.

24. Fiction Family – “When She’s Near” from FICTION FAMILY [1-20-09]. A short and sweet vocal-acoustic debut from Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman and Nickelcreek guitarist Sean Watkins.

25. The Black Ghosts – “Full Moon” from THE BLACK GHOSTS [12-23-08]. – A slightly retro, haunting and plaintive acoustic groove from duet formerly of UK’s Simian on their self-titled debut album.

26. Shwayze – “Buzzin” from SHWAYZE [8-18-08]. Shwayze’s debut hip-hop track combines Malibu beach rap with Cisco Adler’s indie-rock groove.

27. Lady GaGa – “Poker Face” single [12-16-08]. Stacking up agreeable dance-pop tracks, this young writer-producer-performer-musician from New York gets straight to what appeals.

28. Kerli -- “Walking on Air” from LOVE IS DEAD [7-8-08]. On her debut album, this blonde bombshell from Estonia churns out a pop tune that combines dance beats with stints of creepy emo disharmony.

29. The Airborne Toxic Event -- “Sometime Around Midnight” from THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT [8-5-08]. Irresistible pop track song – think rock and roll version of “Lady in Red” -- that compels you to listen.

30. Jay Rock – All My Life (single) [7-10-08]. It helps to have Lil Wayne and Will.i.am show up for a cameo on your first major hip-hop release; a good groovin’ track nonetheless.

31. Kevin Rudolf -- “Let it Rock” (feat. LilWayne) from IN THE CITY [11-24-08]. On top of an irresistible pop rock sound, complete with synthesized guitar riffs broken, there’s the unlikely rockin’ appearance by Lil Wayne.

32. Chairlift -- “Bruises” from DOES YOU INSPIRE YOU [11-11-08]. Alternating clear, easy vocals and synthy percussion background combine in this upbeat, indie-alt track.

33. Lenka -- “The Show” from LENKA [9-9-08]. Sweet, whimsical, crème pouf-of-an-indie female vocalist from Australia gets behind this coffee shop-euro-pop single.

34. Shontelle -- “T-Shirt” [7-15-08]. A contagious new pop track from an R&B sensation who’s fast on Rihanna’s heels to becoming the newest “it” girl out of Barbados.

Top Ten Best New Music : Released in the Past 60 Days

1) “Fences” – Phoenix [5-26-09]. Original alternative sound from French indie-rock band who recently gained pop cred a la recent SNL appearance.

2) “Panic Switch” – Silversun PickUps [4-14-09]. A heavy-rocker with a boomin’ bass line featuring Brian Aubert’s vocals from the Los Angeles-based rock quartet.

3) “Heartless” -- The Fray [4-7-09]. Denver-based band churns out a more dramatic alt-indie cover of Kanye Wests’s pop hip-hop smash hit from last summer.

4) “Angel on My Shoulder” (EDX’s Belo Horizonte at Night Remix) – Kaskade [3-24-09]. A classic dance-club/house track featuring smooth pop female vocals over cleanly produced-synths produced and by re-mixed by DJ and San Fran transplant Ryan Raddon

5) “Aint No Rest for the Wicked” – Cage the Elephant [4-13-09]. With initial chart success in England, this indie-alt rock band is actually from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and this is the lead track from their self-titled debut album.

6) “The Hazards of Love 1” – The Decemberists [3-24-09]. The title track from this Portland, Oregon alt-band features dramatic vocals with acoustic background for a sweeping “folk opera-like” narrative track.

7) “When I Grow Up” – Fever Ray [3-31-09]. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electronica atmosphere.

8) “I’ve Got Friends” – Manchester Orchestra [4-21-09]. A harder indie-rock sound from young band out of Atlanta.

9) “If I Know You” – The Presets [3-23-09]. Club dance track that mixes disco with electronica from avant garde Aussie duo.

10) “Black Wedding” – Meg and Dia [3-3-09]. Big pop sound from high energy five piece band but really driven by two sisters, all from Draper, Utah and all Warp Tour veterans.

… The Best of the Rest …

11) Kid Cudi – “Day and Nite” (3-20-09) – Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.

12) “Love, Etc.” – Pet Shop Boys [3-24-09]. A come-back single on recent E.P from the iconic post-modern 80’s British dance band who’ve been rockin’ the mic for over 25 years.

13) “French Navy” – Camera Obscura [4-20-09]. A retro-sounding alternative track with a pop sensibility from the sextet from Glasgow, Scotland.

14) “Goodbye” – Kristinia deBarge [4-7-09]. Her own mid-groove soul circles back to the all-too-familiar stadium chant of na,na,na,na – hey,hey,hey -- good-bye.

15) “Sugar” – Flo Rida feat.Wynter [3-17-09]. Like all of his tunes this one is danceable, upbeat, and this time around in duo on top of a ripped backbeat.

16) “Don’t Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)” – Noisettes (un-released). A disco-flavored track by UK pop-rock band from their forthcoming sophomore album to be released this summer.

17) “Champagne” – Cavo [3-17-09]. A mainstream rock jam, heavy on big-sounding riffing guitars by and up-and-coming modern rock band.

18) “Hey You” -- 311 [4-12-09]. The first track off forthcoming album extols virtue of music-as-friend from band out of Omaha, Nebraska, who traditionally mixes reggae with rap-metal.

19) “Help, I’m a Alive” – Metric [4-14-09]. A pop-rock, new-wave sounding lead track from the Canadian quartet’s latest album with new wave, Blondie-like vocals a la Emily Haines from Broken Social Scene.

20) “Meddle” – Little Boots [3-24-09]. Electro up-and-comer from U.K. plays catchy futuristic pop-disco and will release her debut album this fall.

21) “Chillin’” – Wale featuring Lady Gaga [4-18-09]. From the self-proclaimed “Ambassador of Rap for The Capital” (pronounced Wall-ay) teams up with a very-M.I.A.-sounding Lady GaGa for a hip-hop track plastered over na,na,na,na, hey-hey, good-bye.

22) “Life is Good” – DJ Deckstream feat. Mos Def [MySpace] – A positive message from Japan’s infamous DJ featuring easy duet hip-hop harmonies on top of melancholy jazz piano.

23) “Lost” – Gorilla Zoe [3-17-09]. An eerie hip-hop track off the sophomore album by rich-voiced Atlanta rapper.

24) “Bang” – Rye Rye feat. M.I.A [3-31-09]. Spare percussion and vocal dissonance from M.I.A protégé.

25) “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas [3-30-09]. The lead single from their forthcoming album is eerily spare, clubby and synthed-R&B featuring Will.i.Am and Fergie vocals in ways you’ve never heard before.

26) “Virtual Diva” – Don Omar [4-28-09]. On this cross-over smash hit, the Puerto Rican king of Urban Latino radio does it all, combining reggaeton, dance, hip hop and pop.

27) “Heartbreaker” – MSTRKRFT feat. John Legend [3-17-09]. John Legend’s classic R&B vocals are pasted up against the electronic duo’s signature synthetic sound and together make for a bold, post-modern sound.

28) “Daniel” – Bat for Lashes [4-7-09]. Kate-Bush like female British singer-songwriter, Natasha Khan, applies lovely voice to streaming indie-rock track.

29) “Falling Away” – Jupiter Rising [3-17-09]. A pop dance track that rides the scales of harmony from West Coast team featuring chick power 80 Bug and Spencer Nezey (REPLACE WITH FULL SONG).

30) “Now We Can See” – The Thermals [4-7-09]. An indie-rock track with a punk twist from rockers out of Portland.

31) “Jetstream” – Doves [4-6-09]. Twin brothers churn out big, pumping guitar and drum beats that couple with rock band vocals to make for alt-rock track from epic pop trio out of Manchester, England.

32) “Mercy Angel” – Brian Blade [4-21-09]. Jazz musicina from Louisiana – drummer, singer-songwriter and bandleader – is behind beautiful, soulful mellow track from his latest album.

33) “All In” – Gift of Gab [3-31-09]. On this pop hip-hop lead track from their forthcoming album, it’s all about being all in – all or nothin’, baby -- with toe-tappin’ synth-background and a team effort at lyrics, especially on the harmonious refrain.

34) “War/No More Trouble” – Playing for Change [4-28-09]. A cover of the great Bob Marley track, done with a combination of fluid voices, simple guitar scales, bongos and even violin.

35) “Sea of Tears” – Eilen Jewell [4-21-09]. Rising Boston singer-songwriter blends rootsy folk rock and blues on the title track of her newest album.

36) “The Power of One (Change the World)” – Israel Houghton [3-24-09]. An inspiring contemporary Christian track from this southwest soul singer who’s gone solo from his group New Breed on his forthcoming album.

37) “59” – 1990’s [3-24-09]. A retro-pop-groover from Glasgow trio’s sophomore album.

38) “All I Really Want” – Rick Ross feat. The-Dream [4-21-09]. Ross is still rough but here he’s got flow as his hip-hop flows over a re-synthed disco sample.

39) “Love is a First” – The Tragically Hip [4-7-09]. An alt-rocker iterating and re-iterating that “love is a curse” off latest album from Canadian indie group from Kingston, Ontario.

40) “Bl3nd” – Tonex [3-17-09]. A cool Christian R&B track with subtle good will message – don’t blend, you’re unique in God’s eyes -- accompanied by an irresistible R&B backbeat & gospel choir, all lead by rapper-singer-producer-Christian-activist lead singer.

41) “Dancin’ On Me” – Jim Jones and Webstar [4-28-09]. Spare beat with simple synth, filled in with plain duo raps, ready for the grind.

42) “Paranoid Freak” – The Trews [4-7-09]. Off their third album this track by Canadian quartet is a hard-stomping rocker with big energy.

43) “Worm’s Head” – Joker’s Daughter [4-7-09]. Fresh, youthful vocals by London’s Helena Costa ( -- a collaboration with Danger Mouse --) lead through dramatic backdrop of instruments for whimsical lead [ folk] track off debut album.

44) “Swag Surfin’” -- Fast Life Yungstaz (F.L.Y.) [3-24-09]. A (brand new) group hip-hop effort praising the virtues of swag.

Best New Covers of Great Old Songs

1. “Heartless” – (Kanye West) -- The Fray [4-7-09]. A more dramatic alt-indie cover by Denver-based band of the pop hip-hop smash hit from last summer.

2. “Use Somebody” – (Kings of Leon) -- Bat for Lashes [leaked]. Natasha Kahn combines spare tamborine and organ to cover this (itself new) sexy number by brothers band from Texas.

3. “War/No More Trouble” – (Bob Marley) – Playing for Change [4-28-09]. A cover of the great Marley track, done with a combination of fluid voices, simple guitar scales bongos and even violin.

4. “Goodbye” – Kristinia deBarge [4-7-09]. Her own mid-groove circles back to the all-too-familiar stadium chant of na,na,na,na – hey,hey,hey -- good-bye.

5. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” – (The Beatles) – Easy Star All-Stars [4-14-09]. Done reggae-style, gets you sining right along. Ya. Mon!

6. “Beggin’” – (Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons) Madcon [1-13-09]. An R&B track by hip-hop group that perfectly blends pop with rap for prime danceability.

7. “Give it to Me Right” – (The Zombies) Melanie Fiona [12-23-08]. Her own soulful groove laid over the infamous “Time of the Season Zombie backbeat.

8. “Over the Rainbow” – (Judy Garland) Melody Gardot [4-28-09]. A bossa nova, interpretive take on the musical original by young and savvy jazz vocalist.

9. “Hey ya” – (Outkast) -- Booker T. [4-3-08]. A pure, boppy rock instrumental of the wacky hip-hop hit of several years ago.

10. “Knock on Wood” – (Amy Taylor) – James Taylor [4-7-09]. Turning disco into a singer-songwriter staple almost sounds natural in the hands of beloved 70’s icon James Taylor.

11. “Aint No Sunshine” – (Isley Brothers) Wynonna [2-3-09]. A cover of the soul classic done by the sassy matron of country/Americana for more than 25 years.

12. “Show Me Love” –[Robin S] -- Steve Angello & Laid Back Luke [2009]. A remix of the disco classic re-mixed for a still danceable, club/house sound.

13. “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” – (Bee Gee’s) Diana Krall [3-31-09]. A breathy, bluesey rendition of the 70’s era disco classic.

14. “When I Grow Up” – (Pussycat Dolls) MayDay Parade [3-10-09]. Pop-punk cover of Pussycat’s big hit from an up-and-coming group out of Tallahassee.

15. “Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)” – (A.R. Rahman) The Pussycat Dolls feat. Nicole Scheringer [3/2009]. Ditching Bollywood for the Hollywood edition without the Hindi chants and with the cream puff pop lyrics.

16. “Cello Song” – (Nick Drake) -- The Books feat. Jose Gonzalez [2-16-09]. A lovely cover of the soothing original performed by The Books who concoct an original acoustic version featuring Jose Gonzalez’s dreamy vocals for the DARK WAS the NIGHT Red Hot compilation CD which sports an all-star indie line-up of artists and songs.

17. “So Human” – (The Cure) -- Lady Sovereign [2-3-09]. A rip on the cult classic alt-rock tune form the 80’s, done by sassy Brit rapper.

18. “Right Round” – (Dead or Alive) -- Flo-rida [2-1-09]. This hip-hop version is an instant pop R&B smash with its shameless rip on the 80’s dance classic by Dead or Alive.

19. “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight’ (James Taylor) by Boney James. [2-3-09]. A soulful jazz rendition of the 70’s classic pop tune complete with his big, phat sax.

20. “More and More of Your Amor” (Nat King Cole) Remixed by Bitter: Sweet [3-10-09]. A retro and James Bond-esque Nat joins with juicy female vocals.

21. “Clean Up Woman”(Betty Wright) – Leela James [3-24-09]. A big, soulful and funky rendition of the Motown classic.

22. “Staighten Up and Fly Right” (Nat King Cole) Remixed by Will.i.Am [3-10-09]. An upbeat twist on an old classic with piano solo, sassy vocals and lounge- percussion.

23. “Calypso Blues” (Nat Cole) Remixed by Damian Jr. Gong Marley and Stephen Marley [3-10-09]. Nat King Cole is cooler-then-cool in this rem-kae of a classic with the Marley brother providing island- background.

24. “Black Magic Woman” – (Carlos Santana) Mick Fleetwood Blues Band [3-3-09]. Big guitar riffs with blues-bent from classic rock and roll icon.

25. “When I Fall in Love” – Renee Olstead [1-27-09]. A fresh rendition of this classic from The Great American Songbook by Miley-Cyrus-like media megastar teenager.

26. “Veronica Sawyer” – (Edna Goldfish) – Reel Big Fish [1-20-09]. An upbeat ska and modern-rock rendition of the pop original.

27. “Womanizer” – (Britney Spears) – Lily Allen [leaked 12-1-08]. Every bit as poppy as the original but front- loaded with a slower pace and charming cockney Brit accent for which Lily Allen is known.

28. “At Last” (Etta Jones) – Beyonce (from Music From The Motion Picture Cadillac Records) [12-2-08]. The talented R&B diva pays homage to the original by belting out the bluesey classic like a champ.

29. “Turn Your Lights Down Low” (Bob Marley) – Colbie Caillet [11-11-08]. While it’s hard not to love this Bob Markey classic, it’s Malibu and MySpace’s Colbie Caillet (in duet) at her pretty and simple best.

30. “Live Your Life and Flo with Whatever You like [Medley] – Straight No Chaser [1-20-09]. A cleverly strung-together a capella medley of recent hit hip-hop tracks including “Low,” “Whatever You Like” and “Live Your Life.”

31. “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” (Vampire Weekend) – Peter Gabriel and Hot Chip (12-15-08). More synthy and less islandy atmospheric, Gabriel’s familiar voice rings through on this cover of Vampire Weekend’s relatively new track.

32. “Let’s Take a Walk” - Raphael Saadiq (from Music From The Motion Picture Cadillac Records) [12-2-08]. A contemporary soulful push on original dance hall boogie.

33. “Time of Your Life” (Green Day) – Glen Campbell [8-18-08]. Complete with big country strings, Glen Campbell makes a comeback with this rockin’ cover.

34. “People Get Ready” – Seal [11-11-08]. Along with the rest of the 60’s era-covers packed into this album -- entitled SOUL -- this one does soulful justice to the original a la Seal’s brave and beautiful voice.

35. “Folsom Prison Blues” (Johnny Cash) – Everlast [9-23-08]. Whitey Ford is the former front-man for House of Pain is the unlikely source for this version of the classic country track.

36. “Slow” (Kylie Mingoue) – Tricky. [9-2-08]. A downtempo, punky duet version of the pop diva’s dance track.

Best New Music from Around the World

1. “Beggin’” – Madcon [1-13-09]. NORWAY. A massive hit in Europe with retro soul groove presented by unlikely Norwegian duo.

2. “Life is Good” – DJ Deckstream feat. Mos Def [MySpace] – JAPAN. A positive message from Japan’s infamous DJ featuring easy duet hip-hop harmonies on top of melancholy jazz piano.

3. “When I Grow Up” – Fever Ray [3-31-09]. SWEDEN. An astonishing new experimental solo project debut by young Swedish artist filled with icy electronica atmospheres.

4. “If I Know You” -- The Presets [3-23-09]. AUSTRALIA . Club dance track that mixes disco with electronica from avant garde Aussie duo.

5. “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked” – Ida Maria [4-14-09]. NORWAY. Explosive, cheeky, punky track from young break-out rocker from Norway.

6. “Virtual Diva” – Don Omar [4-28-09]. PUERTO RICO. On this cross-over smash hit, the king of Urban Latino radio does it all, combining reggaeton, dance, hip hop and pop.

7. “Nada” – Zoe [4-7-09]. MEXICO. Zoe stands out among its peers in the Latin alternative scene in this Ziggy-stardust-like track form its latest album.

8. “1901” – Phoenix [3-31-09]. FRANCE. An easy indie-rock track from their new E.P. of 80’s-inspired synth-pop.

9. “Liberta” – Pep’s [2008, Europe]. FRANCE. A mellow, pop, harmonious track, sung in lovely french with female backup vocals.

10. “Back to Life” – Corneille [2009]. RWANDA-CANADA. Used to releasing music in French, singing neo-soul in English is a change, as are the upbeat lyrics – moving away from the subject matter of his parents being murdered by Rwandan death squads. Here, he is “loved back to life.”

11. “Jailer” -- Asa [1-27-09]. NIGERIA. A smooth and modern fusion of R&B, soul and African jazz.

12. “ABC’s” – K’naan [1-27-09]. SOMALIA. Punchy and aware, this hip-hop track by rising Somalia-born star is filled with old school backbeat -- raps traded with Chubb Rock -- and a big back-up chorus.

13. “Sanctuary” – Gabriella Cilmi [1-27-09]. AUSTRALIA. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.

14. “Black Velvet” – Ferry Corsten [1-27-09]. NETHERLANDS. One of the founding fathers of Dutch trance launches this clubby melodramatic electro-dance track.

15. “Those Girls” – Kinky [2-24-09]. MEXICO. A slickly produced 80’s-new-wave-sounding track from hipsters out of Monterrey, Mexico.

16. “En Dessous de Zero” – Axelle Red [un-released in U.S.]. BELGIUM. A sexy, whispery feminine mystique vocal against smoky guitar and boards background.

17. “Sabali” -- Amadou and Miriam [3-24-09]. MALI. A musical husband and wife duo from Mali offer their distinct(French) vocals against a synthed bakcground.

18. “I’ll Eat You Up” – BoA [3-17-09]. SOUTH KOREA. Asian teen- phenom churns out a super-sized, American-sounding pop track on this lead single from her latest album.

19. “Serious Japanese” -- Teriyaki Boyz [late-spring release in U.S.). JAPAN. Hip-hop sound from Japanese rap supergroup combines familiar with exotic.

20. “You Say Yes, I Say Yes” – VETO [unreleased in US]. DENMARK . Clubby, Cure-like dance track from Danish quintet who are widely praised in their home country.

21. “Wake Up – It’s Africa Calling” – Youssou N’Dour [2-11-09]. SENEGAL. A sweeping, smooth remix with big percussion, horns and synthy sounds from the OPEN REMIX, a consciousness-raising track regarding the plights of Africa, benefitting IntraHealth.

22. “Jai Ho” – Feauturing Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah and Mahalaxmi from MUSIC FROM the MOTION PICTURE SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE [11-24-08]. INDIA. A throbbing and soaring and inspirational electro-combo of sounds and voices overseen by A.R. Rahman, the Indian film composer who wrote 11 of the 13 tracks on this soundtrack (including this one).

23. “Walking on a Dream” – Empire of the Sun [2-16-09]. AUSTRALIA. Aussie duo pumps out an upbeat electro-charged pop dance tune.

24. “Conchaperla” – Novalima [1-13-09]. PERU. Showcasing their Afro-Peruvian groove, this quartet rings in soul and groove on this lead track from their most recent album.

25. “Beijo De Saudade” – Mariza [1-27-09]. MOZAMBIQUE/PORTUGAL. A duet featuring the sultry alto, empress of old school fado, born in Mozambique and raised in Lisbon, which is often considered the birthplace of dado.

26. “Walking on Air” – Kerli [7-8-08]. ESTONIA. On her debut album, this blonde bombshell from Estonia churns out a pop tune that combines dance beats with stints of creepy emo disharmony.

27. “Tuve un sueno” – R.K.M. & Ken-Y [9-9-08]. PUERTO RICO. A reggaetón hit from hip-hop duo out of Puerto Rico.

28. “El Vestido” – Juana Molina [10-07-08]. ARGENTINA. With its soft percussions and ethereal, atmospheric presentation, one gets lost in the whimsy of this Argentine’s artist’s musical re”rendering.

29. “The Show” – Lenka [9-9-08]. AUSTRALIA. Sweet, whimsical, crème pouf-of-an-indie female vocalist.

30. “Luna” – Eddy Lover [8-12-08]. COLUMBIA A smooth and happy dance track with a saucy south of the border sound from reggaeton Columbian cowboy.

31. “Chan Chan” -- BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB (Live @ CARNEGIE HALL) [10-14-08]. CUBA. A powerful landmark performance, particularly the kick-off treasure of a track from this old school Cuban band guided by Ry Cooder.

32. “Little Bit” – Lykke Li [8-19-08]. SWEDEN. The EP hit her debut album, minimalist arrangement coupled with a pixie voice makes for an appealing pop tune.

33. “La Paloma” – Sidestepper from THE BUENA VIBRA SOUND SYSTEM [8-5-08]. COLUMBIA. Free form jazz track from a blend of Afro-Columbian tracks.

RollnSmoke Reviews: THE STORY OF A MARRIAGE

THE STORY OF A MARRIAGE by Andrew Sean Greer (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 2008). “We think we know the ones we love” is how this story of a marriage, set in 1953 San Francisco, kicks-out. Pearlie marries Holland Cooke, a loyal, decent soldier whose truths are revealed when, one day, a stranger appears at her doorstep, a conscientious objector whom Holland knows from days spent in wartime “mental deferral.” While the element of surprise ultimately sustains the plot, Pearlie’s giant “mis-read” is almost hard to believe, though the vibrant setting and backdrop of the civil rights movement, the Rosenberg spy scandal and Korean War is vivid. (8/10).