It's not a keeper, but…

I've been working through some of the old sample songs on my iPod--songs I listen to a few times, then decide if they're worth paying for. The other night, I worked my way through songs from the critics' darlings, Art Brut. I won't be paying for any of their songs; their singer doesn't really sing--he shouts. That's a tough practice for a a band that wants to be musically successful, because even with a skilled shouter who manages to project a wide variety in tone, pitch and expression, it still isn't tuneful and isn't melodies you'll want to sing later. The Hold Steady and Louis XIV are bands that do a little better at this ploy.

But the songs are funny and sarcastic--if a little too snarky and clever. I wanted to tell you about one song, "Good Weekend", where he brags about his weekend and the woman he met. This line in one of the verses is too funny: "I've seen her naked!" he enthuses, "TWICE!"

CDs listened to today

• Steve Reich: The Desert Music
• Frank Sinatra: The Best Of The Columbia Years, 1943-1952, disk 2
• Matias Aguayo: Are You Really Lost
• Salvatore Sciarrino: Infinito nero
• The Thrills: So Much For The City
• William Schuman: Symphony No. 9
• Vladimir Ussachevsky: Line Of Apogee