1. !!! - Hello? Is This Thing On
   The proper way to prounounce the name of this band is “Chk Chk Chk”. Now that we have that out of the way, get ready to enjoy one of the more interesting tracks I’ve heard in a long time.
2. U2 - Vertigo
   Every time I think U2 has outdone itself (read: “Beautiful Day“) and will never have another killer single to lead off their next album, they surprise me. Not only is it the perfect track for an iPod commercial, it’s a great song.
3. Dogs Die in Hot Cars - I Love You ‘Cause I Have To
   If Andy Partridge was dead, he’d be rolling over in his grave. These guys seem to like XTC as much as I do, and on this track sound basically like a cover band. Still a cool track.
4. The Stills - Lola Stars and Stripes
   The first track on the Stills’ debut album (and follow-up to their excellent EP) is a soaring, wall-of-sound piece with great lyrics. I have high hopes for this band.
5. Secret Machines - Nowhere Again
   If nothing else, the Secret Machines’ second single does a good job of sounding far less like Led Zeppelin than the first. This one is much spacier, and it’s a great song.
6. Snow Patrol - Run
   A really anthemic follow-up to the much more upbeat “Spitting Games”. This one puts them far more firmly in the Coldplay-esque camp, but I can’t say that’s a terrible thing.
7. The Shins - New Slang
   I’ve been into the Shins since their last album, but Zack Braff seems to love them even more, putting them in the perfect slot on his wonderful Garden State soundtrack.
8. The Streets - Dry Your Eyes
   I really can’t get over how amazing this song is. Mike Skinner’s geezer rap act somehow translates unbelievably well into a heart-wrenching ballad. I’ve had this song in my head for days.
9. Autolux - Here Comes Everybody
   This track starts off with a Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream-era riff that builds slowly into something the Breeders might have created had Thom Yorke joined the band. Highly recommended.
10. The Postal Service - Against All Odds
    A really interesting choice for a cover. Remember, Phil Collins hasn’t been cool since roughly 1986. Still, Ben and Jimmy make it work. The acoustic guitar kicking in behind Ben’s voice is what really makes this track for me.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 30th, 2004 at 1:45 pm and is filed under Tracks. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.