Bob Dylan, “Mississippi”
Three versions of this stark, bluesy Time Out of Mind outtake appear on Tell Tale Signs, and each is a hard-boiled but heartfelt meditation on loss, both personal and historical.
[Listen] [Review]

Rise Against, “Audience of One”
A poignant fist-pumping anthem about graduating from tiny clubs to arenas, it’s proof that power ballads are back.
[Listen] [Review]

Lucinda Williams, “Little Rock Star”
Electric guitars swell while Williams unleashes a cautionary tale about the excesses of fame. Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse should listen up.
[Listen] [Review]

Of Montreal, “For Our Elegant Caste”
Carnival whistles and whimsical hand claps add kiddie flair, but this funked-up, Prince-inspired ode to bi-curiosity is for adults only.
[Review]

The Pretenders, “Boots of Chinese Plastic”
Chrissie Hynde sounds angelic name-dropping Jesus and the Golden Rule, but those scraggly rockabilly riffs are supremely badass.
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Tom Morello, “The Lights Are On in Spidertown”
Over Spanish guitar and a jubilant, drinking-song chorus, Morello becomes lefty troubadours’ answer to Nick Cave.
[Listen] [Review]