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Lily Allen, “Womanizer” [Britney Spears Cover]
Lily gets wily, turning Britney’s glam and stomp into pout and gloom. Mesmerizing and magnificently unsettling.

Various Artists, “Womanizer” [Remixes and Covers]
And if that wasn’t enough: a whole page worth of “Womanizer” inversions, perfect for stuffing the stocking of your neighborhood creep.

Bon Iver, “Skinny Love” [Live on Letterman]
2008’s quiet surprise: from a cabin in the woods to a TV studio in New York, Bon Iver’s music is quietly potent.

Kokolo, “Girls on Film” [Duran Duran Cover]
If Duran Duran had actually made albums in any of the locations where they shot videos, their music might have come out sounding like this.

Mick Boogie & Adele, “To Make You Feel My Love” [Remix/Bob Dylan Cover]
Mick Boogie and Adele pack a double punch, injecting this Dylan chestnut with soul and then grafting on a fierce, clattering rhythm.