1. 808 – Laura Stevenson and the Cans – 1. Cowboy Of St. Bartholomew – A month ago I hadn't heard of either country rockers Maynard or indie folk rockers Laura . I caught em on stage on back to back nights last week, personally hosting Maynard . Both albums are excellent, Maynard's is two years old, Laura's brand new, and Maynard is as good live, Laura i better live. These two songs are flat out wonderful. Laura continues her way with sad songs about sad things by a cheerful person, and Maynard tells another story of faith and disbelief. Sometimes editors have more fun.
3. Yonkers – Tyler, The Conqueror – Ready to dismiss this 19 year old rapper as a Scholly D wannabe without the chops, the songs began to grab me and hold me. It is because he can rhyme and because he can rap not because he is controversial -which he isn't.
4. The Edge Of Glory – Lady Gaga
5. Too Late – The Cars – This song is so good, it reminded me how much I loved the band when they get the song writer. And how seldom they used to get the song right.
6. Give Me Everything (feat Neyo) – Pitbull – Pitbulls' greatness begins proper with his third album 2007's Rebelution, and has continued through one excellent guest appearance after another and never better than the J Lo hit. Ps: he is a phenomenan on stage. This is the first sighing in a starring role and with Neyo aboard it is not merely on the cusp of smasherino it is bloody brilliant dance hop.
7. Memoir – Charlotte Gainsbourg – Charlotte, mon amour, vous etes tres belle indeed!
8. There She Goes Again – Marshall Crenshaw – If you love this song, try the solo acoustic version off the epic I've Suffered For My Art, Now It's Your Turn. Better than on the first album, it is clear, clean, melodic, heavenly.
9. (It) Feels So Good – Steve Tyler – Did he write this?
10. Crazy Rhythms – The Feelies – It reminds me of a TV show…