El Dog's Super Amazing Donkey iMix

Since I haven't posted on my latest musical highlights in a while we'll
go with a Top 15 on my iPod this week:

15. Girlfriend- Avril Lavigne
Despite a shoddy performance on this past weekend's SNL (stage presence
anyone), this track still get's me going and with the release of the
album today I'm sure to be adding a few new ones as well. Line of the
week goes to Entertainment Weekly which gave the album a B+, "You're SAT
score will probably go down retroactively if you're an adult listening
to this."

14. Release- Timberland f/Justin Timberlake
The first of 3 tracks on my countdown, this probably is the best vocal
performance that Timberland gives. I mean the guy is not a rapper or
singer by trade so something like this track where he mostly bellows is
perfect. Justin is solid and what more do you need when you've got
Timberland's beats.

13. Jackie Will Save Me- Shiny Toy Guns
12. Rainy Monday- Shiny Toy Guns
When Apple introduced the whole complete an album tool to iTunes last
month, this was the first one I downloaded. A mix of 80's new wave, rock
and current dance pop, STG's music has truly made an impact on me. Great
for blaring out of your car on the first 60 degree day or for background
music at a pre or after bar, I'm all over these guys...and girl.

11. Never Stop- Hilary Duff
10. With Love- Hilary Duff
For whatever reason I've been listening to a lot of dance music lately.
It's not like I've been hanging out at the clubs or anything, just
gravitating to it for some reason. Duff's new album is pure dance pop
and leaves her teen pop ballads behind. The girl's voice is nothing
special so music like this is actually more up her alley.

9. Love Today- Mika
Pure Brit pop at its finest. Mika has a voice that evokes the late great
Freddy Mercury and his tracks like this one are pure bubblegum fluff at
its finest.

8. Bounce- Timberland f/Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, and Justin Timberlake
Holy crap there's a Dre sighting! Unfortunately it's a Dre rapping
appearance which would be akin to a Timberland rapping appearance. Wait
a second...I'm listening to a track with two non talented
rapper/producers? Well yes mostly because Missy's verse if fierce as
hell and JT's chorus is spectacular over (repeat with me now)
Timberland's beats of glory.

7. Party, Party, Party- Andrew WK
Anyone who's ever seen the Aqua Teen Hunger Force ep with this track has
been waiting for this to be available for what has seemed like an
eternity. Thankfully it pops up on the soundtrack for the new movie and
we're treated to slightly less then 2 minutes of the typical WK mayhem.

6. Don't Cry Out- Shiny Toy Guns
This song embodies everything I said before about this band. Get your
grove on while singing along and also rocking a bit. My favorite song in
the car right now.

5. Dignity- Hilary Duff
Seriously I don't know when this affection for dance music developed in
me but I think it might be a problem.

4. Bjork- Earth Intruders
Speaking of dance, here's someone who has certainly made a number of
dance tracks that I've always enjoyed. After slowing things down on the
last few albums this first single is supposedly a preview of what will
be a dance beat heavy album. Oh and guess who did the beats on this one,
who else but mister omnipresent Timberland.

3. What I've Done- Linkin Park
No rap breakdown and no scratches, this comes across as straight rock
and or roll. The opening bars grab you out of the shoot and don't let
go. These guys continue to grow on me.

2. Never Again- Kelly Clarkson
Avril might have the latest chick rock album but guess who's warming up
to take back her crown, yes its Miss Independent herself, Kelly
Clarkson. This first single features Kelly doing what she does
best...being pissed at some dude who screwed her over.

1. Give It to Me- Timberland f/Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake
I'm declaring this the song of the summer or at least the spring. Sure
Timberland can't really rap or sing but I'm willing to put up with that
when he continues to drive home the best beats in the business and make
both these artists sound better then they ever have.