My Last 5 Itunes Downloads

1. Muse - Starlight. This 'new rock' song appeals to my love of the James classic 'Laid' (one of my alltime favorite songs - no, I don't cross dress). This is like an art rock/New Order/Killers version of a James song. The piano chorus is great and the pulsating bass line carries the song. A cool combination of hard/soft/arty rock.

2. Quietdrive - Time After Time. A modern rock version of the Cyndi Lauper classic, this succeeds in a Pet Shop Boys/Willie Nelson kind of way (Again, I am not a cross dresser). The rock version of the song places new emphasis on the desperation of the lyrics and their re-visioning of the music is great if not teetering on annoying. This one threads the needle. One degree to either side and this might have been as bad as the 311 remake of The Cure's "Love Song", which butchered a classic.

3. Maroon 5 - Wake Up Call. From the band's follow-up to their hugely popular first album, this is a funky and soulful (a good description of Priest) song featuring jumpy guitars and whiny vocals that come together for a song even a good pentecostal would shake their hips to. Their first single off of the new album (Makes Me Wonder) is TERRIBLE, but this more than makes up for that.

4. Phantom Planet - California. Best known for its drummer, Jason Schwartzman, this California band actually has some decent music, starting with this melancholy song about the state of their origin. Featured prominently on "The O.C", this will be familiar to anyone inflicted with that show by their wife/girlfried. A great song.

5. PJ Harvey - Down By The Water. Appraiser has me listening to the new PJ Harvey, and has promised a review in the near term. Listening to it reminded me of the greatness of this 1995 classic showcasing PJ's lyrical and vocal prominence. This one oozes betrayal and power with some innovating sounds and phrasing.