"Sleep When I'm Dead" single (The Cure)

The Cure's latest single, "Sleep When I'm Dead," is the July edition of their single release program leading up to their new album. At first listen, I wasn't too sure what I thought about it, but after a few more listens, I've decided that the a-side is actually quite good. The b-side, "Down Under," didn't draw me in quite as much, but it isn't a bad track. While the b-sides have been of variable quality, I'm personally finding the Cure a-sides from this year to be quite good, and this continues that trend.

Tracks:
1. Sleep When I'm Dead (mix 13)
2. Down Under

Cowboy (Erasure)

After seeing this cheap in a store only to find that the actual disc had been stolen from the case, I decided I had to go ahead and get Erasure's Cowboy album. Overall, it's a relatively strong release, neither the best nor the worst album I've heard from them. Singles like "Rain" and "Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me," combined with strong album tracks like "Save Me Darling" make up some of this release's highlights. On the other hand, one or two songs drag a bit, and the remake of "Rapture" isn't anything too special; on the other hand, the version of "Magic Moments" is thoroughly enjoyable. Basically, while this isn't Erasure's best album, fans of artists in the duo's vein will certainly find some tracks on here they like.

Tracks:
1. Rain
2. Worlds on Fire
3. Reach Out
4. In My Arms
5. Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me
6. Precious
7. Treasure
8. Boy
9. How Can I Say
10. Save Me Darling
11. Love Affair
12. Rapture
13. Magic Moments

Song of the Day: "Pa' bailar"

ARTIST: Bajofondo featuring Julieta Venegas
TITLE: "Pa' bailar (Siempre quiero más)"
YEAR: 2008

I'd not heard of Bajofondo until I heard this song, but it's truly awesome. This version, featuring Julieta Venegas, adds her vocals to an instrumental album track from their 2007 release. The music, the lyrics - everything about this song makes it infectious. ¡Excelente!

Hear the song here. It is available for purchase on the re-release of Bajofondo's album Mar dulce.

In My Car: The Driving Soundtrack

Just for fun, here's a list of the albums which have made their way to my car as driving music since I've been home:

Shopping excursions
Dino, Desi, & Billy: The Rebel Kind: The Best of Dino, Desi, & Billy
Gary Glitter: The Ultimate Gary Glitter
Jack Johnson: In Between Dreams
Robyn: Robyn

Exercise travel
Dokken: The Very Best of Dokken
Estelle: Shine
Franz Ferdinand: You Could Have It So Much Better
General Public: Rub It Better
Nona Hendryx: Female Trouble
Van Hunt: Van Hunt
Kaiser Chiefs: Employment
The Lemonheads: Come On Feel The Lemonheads
Lucas Prata: Let's Get It On
Something Happens: Stuck Together With God's Glue
Various Artists: a mix from a friend
Various Artists: NRG Unlimited 1
Various Artists: Radio 1 Established 1967 (Disc 2)
The Vejtables: Feel... The Vejtables
When in Rome: When in Rome

Some Fantastic Place (Squeeze)

Squeeze's 1993 album Some Fantastic Place is yet another fine entry in their catalogue. While it isn't their strongest album, it still contains some gems. This and Play have left me wanting more Squeeze albums, and I hope to have the opportunity to fulfill that desire soon. Perhaps they'll have some awesome merch when I see 'em in a couple months?

Tracks:
1. Everything in the World
2. Some Fantastic Place
3. Third Rail
4. Loving You Tonight
5. It's Over
6. Cold Shoulder
7. Talk to Him
8. Jolly Comes Home
9. Images of Loving
10. True Colours (The Storm)
11. Pinocchio

Play (Squeeze)

Squeeze's 1991 album Play (Squeeze play. Get it? Get it?) is a very fine record from a vastly underrated group. The record is a good early 1990s album that still stays true to Squeeze's roots. Why it failed to be more popular with great tracks like "House of Love" and "Crying in My Sleep" is beyond me.

Tracks:
1. Satisfied
2. Crying in My Sleep
3. Letting Go
4. The Day I Get Home
5. Truth
6. House of Love
7. Cupid's Toy
8. Gone to the Dogs
9. Walk a Straight Line
10. Sunday Street
11. Wicked and Cruel
12. There Is a Voice

Lost Songs 95-98 (David Gray)

David Gray's 2001 album Lost Songs 95-98 is a nice selection of songs. While I wouldn't call it an A+ wowing album, it's definitely a solid one that should be appreciated. I can't really pick standout tracks as the album flows very well for me, and I believe it is better appreciated as an entire piece.

Tracks:
1. Flame Turns Blue
2. Twilight
3. Hold On
4. As I'm Leaving
5. If Your Love Is Real
6. Tidal Wave
7. Falling Down the Mountainside
8. January Rain
9. Red Moon
10. A Clean Pair of Eyes
11. Wurlitzer