The Velvet Underground & Nico- Deluxe Edition... I am a fan of this new tendency to re-release cd's chock full of extra goodies (Like the mono recording, outtakes, alternative versions, acoustic versions etc..) It take a great cd and adds other levels/dimensions with which to absorb/listen/appreciate. Also included are some additional haunting Nico songs from Chelsea Girl and a great Lou Reed voiced version of All Tomorrows Parties. Nicely packaged and complete with a Peel Slowly and See Banana. This cd is music as pure passion, sex and frenzy.

Flaming Lips- Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

It's a rock opera about a Japanese girl battling pink robots. How could it be any better? Well, that and the music is interesting. I love Fight Test.. It may just be in my top five songs of the summer list. This is one of my favorite cds to listen to at work as it has the right pace to keep me alert and is not so relaxing as to be distracting, because we all know how distracting enough blogging is when it's not your day job.

Dismemberment Plan- Change

DC Favorites. Travis is a babe too. I found it hard to get into their first two cd's but have liked them more with each new release. With Change they have become one of my favorite bands to see live, repeatedly. Travis's songwriting has really reached a new maturity and the band has stepped up to his challenge and offered a more cohesive sound then they have had before. My favorites are Sentimental Man, Superpowers and Time Bomb. Oh, and see them live, they put on a great show.

Buy these cds and you will be happy! Note, you can only get the Calexico cd on tour or from their website.