Death Cab for Cutie “Grapevine Fires”
A stark end-of-days prophecy that sounds its alarms softly, with organs and shuffling drums.
[Review]

The Roots “Get Busy”
Swampy synths coat this groove while ?uestlove expertly thumps and thwacks at the drums, working his way into a thick funk.
[Review] [Listen]

Duffy “Mercy”
This Welsh singer-songwriter channels Dusty Springfield with a swinging soul melody and a voice so smoky it could fog glass.
[Review]

Tokio Hotel “Love Is Dead”
Soaring power-balladry with hair-metal’s drama and emo’s tender heart — this is what the kids will be slow-dancing to at Goth Prom. [Listen]

No Age “Brain Burner”
With distorted guitars and ramshackle rhythms, this junkie lament taps noise rock’s raw power — it’s ravaged like a Sonic Youth cassette.
[Review] [Listen]

[Photo: Getty]