1.Focussed – Wale, Kid Cudi – These guys have kissed and made up and the proof is this oddly arty, way smart but not very mainstream offering.
2. We Can Win Missouri – SSLYBY – More unfinished than off hand, the lick is delicious but it doesn't hang together… yet.
3. Saturday – Cathy Richardson – Tom Pettyish rocker so self-referential, it sounds like what it's about.
4. Can't help Falling In Love – Chris Isaak – Chris always did a mean Presley and this is one more. Useless? Sure, but no less pretty for all that.
5. Cradle – The Joy Formidable – Apt name for catchy dance rock like this. Outta Wales and they have a track on the new Twilight soundtrack and are signed to Atlantc. A couple more like this and they should do fine.
6. Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands – Elliott Smith
7. Behind The Ritual – Van Morrison – A strange not inaccurate parallel between religion and music.
8. Don't Fuck With My Money – Penguin Prison – One man band fashions a terrific pop groove. One of the years best.
9. Love Is Strange – Mickey And Sylvia – So how do you call your loverboy?
10. Free – Graffiti6