RollnSmokeRecords: Best Songs of 2008

1) “100 Yard Dash” – Raphael Saadiq [9-16-08] – A smooth neo soul rocker, with a flourish of 50’s old school, which can easily move a dance floor.

2) “Mercy” – Duffy [2-11-08]. With a Motown backbeat and a retro soul sound, this Welsh bouffant blonde beauty knocks out a groovy dance tune with Dusty Springfield-like husky vocals.

3) “Finer Things” – DJ Felli Fel [3-11-08]. A loaded hip-hop collaborative created by L.A. DJ Felli Fel featuring Kanye West, Jermaine Durpi, Fabolous and Ne-Yo – the bomb! -- strung with a groovin’ refrain.

4) “Around the Bend” – Asteroids Galaxy Tour [10-21-08] Busted wide open when featured on “Gossip Girls,” this pop single features big horns and indie vocals to get the good times on “around the bend.”

5) “Don’t Ya Evah” – Spoon [4-8-08]. Good groovin’ alt-rock single released by the indie-quartet out of Austin, TX, is remixed numerous times by various dance club junkies, but the original is still the best.

6) “New Schools”—The Sea and Cake [10-21-08]. From October album release CAR ALARM (that snuck under Roll’s Rador!) an easy rock trio feauturing magnificent electric guitar riffs over streaming acoustic backbeat and day-dreamy vocals.

7) “Sweet Dream” – Beyonce [11-18-08]. Leaked more than six months ago, this sensational R&B pop track – the best from her latest album!-- features Beyonce’s rich, full voice sliding over slick groove.

8) “Buzzin’” -- Shwayze [1-15-08]. Shwayze’s debut hip-hop track combines Malibu beach rap with Cisco Adler’s indie-rock groove

9) “Shawty Get Loose” – Lil Mama [2-19-08]. Lil Mama lays on the girl-power throughout this feisty collaborative hip-hop track featuring T-Pain, Chris Brown and Twista.

10) “Your Love is a Lie” – Simple Plan [2/12/2008]. This Oasis-like alternative rock pop song features heavy guitar and drum riffs with keen band-sung lyrics.

11) “Black and Gold” – Sam Sparro [4-4-08]. Soulful and funky dance tune that took the UK charts by storm.

12) “Disturbia” – Rihanna [6-17-08]. Pop dance tune by Barbados R&B beauty that epitomizes the mass appeal of Rihanna’s spectacular album.

13) “Girls All Around the World” – Lloyd featuring Lil Wayne [8-5-08]. Off his third studio album, Lloyd’s silky, high-pitched male vocals work with strong, Slick Rick-esque back-up vocals before Lil Wayne’s brief hip-hop appearance.

14) “Youthless” – Beck [7-8-08]. Producer Danger Mouse teams up with Beck’s post-modern, experimental beats to churn out a danceable good beat.

15) “Cee-Lo” – C-Blunt featuring Eddie Nichols [2-12-08]. Big horns and soulful melody alternate with smooth hip-hop lyrics.

16) “Meal Ticket” – Daz Dillinger feat. Krayzie Bone [8-12-08]. A hip-hop duet effort shoutin’ out to the hood, promising to remain a gangsta ‘til death with an eye to the meal ticket.

17) “Dreamin’ of You” – Bob Dylan [8-5-08]. Originally an outtake from his “Time Out of Mind” album, this rock track is a delightful cocktail of fresh and mesmerizing backbeat, subtly seductive lyrics done Dylan-style, baiting this listener for the forthcoming album Bootleg Sessions, Volume 8.

18) “I Will Possess Your Heart” (KFOG private concert version) -- Death Cab for Cutie) [8-12-08]. Shorter, more concise, acoustic version of the original full-length indie rocker allows for Ben Gibbard’s plaintive voice to shine through.

19) “The Fear” – Lily Allen [12-9-08]. This pop track from the Brit sensation’s forthcoming sophomore album delivers hip, honest lyrics in her signature hackneyed English accent.

20) “Hello”-- Tristan Prettyman – [4-15-08]. A soulful, Sheryl Crowesque voice that rocks it easy on her second L.P with toe-tapping, slide-acoustic guitar.

21) “Black River” – Gui Barrato Remix by Bomb the Bass [12-16-08]. From Berlin’s !K7 label 2008 compilation, this tune features Johnny-Cash-like smoky vocals over an electronica-soul backbeat.

22) “Little Black Sandals” – Sia [1/8/08]. Natalie Merchant-like, Sia ‘s strong alto voice ripples through this easy alternative rock track.

23) “I’m Not Over” – Carolina Liar [5-19-08]. A good energy anthem rock tune by L.A. alt-rocker Chad Wolf.

24) “No Static’” – The Nappy Roots featuring Greg Nice [8-5-08] Peppered with soulful Nappy Roots cameos and strung together by grooving, mainly female, soulful refrains.

25) “One More Drink” – Ludacris feat. T-Pain [11-24-08]. With each passing drink, every girl looks better – put as only the ATL-rapper, Ludacris can put it. Edited version does a better job of mincing words, but either way is pretty funny.

26) “Live Your Life” – T.I. featuring Rihanna [9-30-08]. Southern raps from confident hip hopper out of Atlanta coupled with Rihanna’s spectacular hooks.

27) “Self Esteem” – Nelly feat. Chuck D. [8-23-08]. A positive message track with heavily grooved hip hop duet by the powerhouse hip hopper out of St. Louis.

28) “Sumthin’s Gotta Give” – Big Boi featuring Mary J. Blige [8-12-08]. The incomparable rapper Big Boi -- of ATL Outkast fame -- pairs up with a soulful Mary J. Blige, and together they offer up a shout-out about the way of the world loud and clear to Capitol Hill.

29) “The Resolution” – Jack’s Mannequin[9-30-08]. An upbeat power pop ballad featuring easy guitar and piano riffs and Andrew Mcmahon’s compelling vocals.

30) “Day ‘n Nite” – Kid Cudi [2-5-08]. Spooky R&B single from Midwestern hip-hopper whose melody you can’t shake once you’ve heard it.

31) “I Don’t Need It” -- Jamie Foxx [12-12-08]. Over a cocktail of old school R&B, dance rythym sand soul, Jamie Foxx’s vocals soar over big backbeats, assuring us that “he;s got options.”

32) “Love Lockdown” – Kanye West [9-18-08]. Kanye takes an interesting and innovative turn away from hip-hop towards sing-song rock backed by tribal drums and a pop synth background.

33) “Green Light” – John Legend featuring Andre 3000 [7-29-08]. John Legend’s soulful, vintage vocals glide through this pop single with a groovin’ cameo by southern rapper Andre 3000.

34) “Walking on Air” – Kerli [7-8-08]. On her debut album, this blonde bombshell from Estonia churns out a pop tune that combines dance beats with stints of creepy emo disharmony.

35) “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” Remix – Akon with Michael Jackson [1/22/2008]. Akon’s own version of this classic dance anthem holds fast to the familiar “mama say mama sa mama mapoosa” backbeat, blending Akon’s popular hip-hop grooves with Michael Jackson’s classic R&B vibe.

36) “Next To You” – Mike Jones [12-2-08]. Upbeat hip-hop duet hittin’ on the usual themes of packing a piece and shopping for the boo, starring Houston native as main draw.

37) “GFC” – Albert Hammond, Jr. [7-8-08]. The debut indie pop single from The Strokes’ rhythm guitarist .

38) You’re Not All That” – Herbaliser [12-16-08]. Retro soul track complete with deep-down lyrics and big band horns from !K7’s 2008 compilation Christmas release.

39) “Mrs. Officer” – Lil Wayne featuring Bobby Valentino [8-19-08]. Lil Wayne’s distinctive and amusing raps describe how he seduces a lady officer and are offset by Valentino’s harmonies.

40) “Winter Takes All” – Common Market [9-9-08]. Big raps laid against a simple piano melody and haunting background vocals.

41) “Universal Mind Control” – Common [12-9-08]. Lead track from the s forthcoming albumfrom legendary Chicago MC features big percussion and hip-hop tinged with typical Common-consciousness, fleshed out with synth-effects.

42) “Use Somebody” – Kings of Leon [8-26-08]. A sincere and gritty rock track from The Followill Brothers out of Nashville .

43) “Miss Independent – Ne Yo [9-16-08]. Even though overplayed on the airwaves, this song is all about girl-power. Ne-Yo is Michael Jackson-esque, and he can sing.

44) “Slide Show” – T.I. featuring John Legend [9-30-08]. Atlanta rapper combines his hip hop with Legend’s hopeful melodic hooks.

45) “Pro Nails” Remix – Kid Sister featuring Kanye West [4/29/08]. Groovy bass refrain paces fun dance track featuring female Brit-hip-hop vocals coupled with Kanye’s hip-hop vocals.

46) “Drifter” – Shawty Redd featuring Snoop Dogg [4-15-08]. A Remix of Shawty Redd’s synthy hop-hop original featuring smooth raps by the incomparable Snoop Dogg.

47) “New York Girls” – Morningwood [5-27-08] re-released on SEX AND CITY SOUNDTRACK. A world shout-out anthem for chick power – with a special nod towards NYC chicks -- this pith pop-punk rocker by NYC band drives hard guitar and a big dance beat reminiscent of 80’s glam.

48) “God in Me” – Mary Mary [10-24-08]. Behind closed doors is when he’ll see her god, so claims this soul sister-act duet who effectively carry the R&B Christian banner.

49) “Addiction” – Ryan Leslie feat. Cassie and Fabolous [7-8-08]. An easy hip-hop duet with a sensual refrain.

50) “CobraStyle” – Robyn [4-29-08]. This striking, blonde Swedish bombshell lays out a unique electronica pop sound that pulses with big dance club backbeats.

51) “Sometime Around Midnight” -- The Airborne Toxic Event [8-5-08]. Irresistible pop track song – think rock and roll version of “Lady in Red” -- that compels you to listen.

52) “I Hate This Part” – Pussycat Dolls [9-23-08]. Strong female vocals combine in this dance floor-ready track.

53) “Sex on Fire” – Kings of Leon [8-12-08] – This newest garage rock track affirms – over and over again – that your sex -- is indeed -- on fire.

54) “Bruises” – Chairlift [11-11-08]. Alternating clear, easy vocals and synthy percussion background combine in this upbeat, indie-alt track.

55) “Gives You Hell” – All-American Rejects [9-30-08]. From the indie quartet from Oklahoma, A more pop-oriented track from the band’s forthcoming third album.

56) “Kids Don’t Stand a Chance” – Vampire Weekend [12-9-08]. Showcasing center-stage vocals against a nursery-rhyme background, this indie pop band from New York City wraps a banner year in music.

57) “Charity Case” – Gnarls Barkley [3-18-08]. When producer Danger Mouse and Cee-lo from ATL rap group Goodie Mob come together you get Gnarls Barkley, making an odd and funky indie-R&B single.

58) “American Boy” – Estelle and Kanye West [4/29/08]. In this dynamic pop duet, Brit Estelle combines fresh dance melodies with Kanye’s typically off-tune hip-hopping.

59) “When I Grow Up” – The Pussycat Dolls [5-27-08]. A thumping dance anthem from the six member all-girl burlesque group (think contemporary Spice Girls) gone R&B-pop naughty girls

60) “I Don’t Care” – Miriam [3-3-08]. Noteworthy female vocals -- a lively cocktail of b52’s, Jefferson Starship and Amy Winehouse -- rock out with big, rippin’ guitar

61) “Here I Am” – Rick Ross [3-11-08]. Miami hip-hop combines with a crisp background groove, a get-down harmony and rap cameos by Nelly and Avery Storm.

62) “Moonlight Rendezvous” – Wayna [2-19-08]. A debut release that’s at once soulful and sexy, featuring unique female vocals that move to a distinct groove.

63) “Oxford Comma” -- Vampire Weekend [1/29/08]. Clever Brit-lyrics litter this alternative pop track that combines a retro backdrop of organ and drums with Elvis Costello-like vocals.

64) “Henri” – The Heavy Circles [2-12-08]. With a Johnny-Cash, pow-wow-like backbeat, an intriguing alternative rock track with sultry female vocals.

65) “Turnin’ Me On”’ – Keri Hilson feat. Lil Wayne [9-12-08]. This hip-hop duet snuck under the radar until now, but Hilson gives orders to Lil Buster -- Lil Wayne -- with rythmic gusto while Lil Wayne comes back at her with his usual synthy hip-hop.

66) “Don’t Change” – Lyrics Born [4-15-08] Bay Area rapper offers a loose flow and an upbeat message in his smart old school raps.

67) “Crying” – TV on the Radio [9-16-08]. Alt indie rockers from Brooklyn create David Bowie-like track.

68) “Nothing Ever Hurt Like You” – James Morrison [9-30-08]. A soulful pop tune from British singer-songwriter.

69) “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” – The Script [11-4-08]. From the best-selling new band of 2008 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, this track, already a smash-hit in a dozen other nations, has an easy pop-vibe.

70) “I Love to Move in Here” – Moby [3-25-08]. As part of an overall ode to New York nightlife, this track is an atmospheric blend of silky female vocals and somewhat interruptive raps by Grandmaster Caz that makes for a textured club groove.

71) “Run the Show” -- Kat deLuna [2/5/08]. With a burning backbeat of drums and clapping, this R&B-Latin dance anthem features s a hot diva and a hip-hop cameo by Busta Rhymes.

72) “You are the Best Thing” – Ray Lamontagne [10-14-08]. This pop track almost sounds like a 70’s hippy cover in its familiar melody and vintage-sounding horns and chorus.

73) “My Heart” – Lizz Wright [2/26/08]. Soulful jazz female vocals roll richly over the riveting guitar and passionate drum backbeats.

74) “Bone Chaos in the Castle” -- Kaki King [3-11-08]. Gorgeous acoustic guitar grooves sizzle in an often airy, atmospheric, alternative instrumental.

75) “The Turning” – Oasis [10-7-08]. A stadium-worthy anthem from the infamous Mancunian Gallagher Brothers, masters of Brit rock.

76) “Give it to Me Right” – Melanie Fiona (“Time of the Season’ by The Zombies) [12-23-08]. Her own soulful groove laid over the infamous Zombie backbeat.


77) “Homecoming” -- Hey Monday [10-07-08]. Paramore-like with rockin’ girl-power vocals and heavy guitar riffs to get a radio-friendly, pop tune.

78) “Young Folks” – Peter Bjorn and John, from “21” Soundtrack [3-18-08]. Three Swedes groovin’: Peter takes vocals and guitar, John takes drums and Bjorn covers the keyboards in this whistling, new age-punk track.

79) “Giant” – D. Sardy featuring Liela Moss, from “21” Soundtrack [3-18-08]. Euro-sounding female vocals work in tangent with atmospheric guitar riff to launch this indie-rock track.

80) “Psychotic Girl” – The Black Keys [4-1-08]. Produced by Danger Mouse, this guitar-drum duo combines blues, funk and garage rock with a smattering of banjo to create a vaguely psychedelic alt-rock track.

81) “Therapy” – T-Pain feat. Kanye West [11-11-08]. T-Pain provides the easy melodic hooks that aren’t always friendly – can’t deal with you, shawty -- with a rap cameo from Kanye.

82) “Non Dairy Creamer” – Third Eye Blind [11-18-08]. Heavy on youth appeal and sounding a lot like their other post-grnuge pop alternative hits, this one’s from the three track-RED STAR EP in anticipation of a forthcoming full-length album.

83) “Make You Crazy” – Brett Dennen [10-21-08]. A plain and easy, feel-good folk rock track with a 70’s feel.

84) “This World” – Supreme Beings of Leisure [2-11-08]. Electronica and slightly futuristic with flowing Blondie-like female vocals over synthesized trip-hop.

85) “Body On Me” – Ashanti featuring Nelly and Akon [6-3-08]. A pleasing hip-hop trio featuring Akon’s and Ashanti’s melodies with a rap cameo by Nelly.

86) “Alright” – Knivez Out from “21” Soundtrack [3-18-08]. Three hip-hoppers groove up with an old school sound against a rockin’ guitar and piano for this upbeat dance number where “everything’s alright, yeah.”

87) “You Got Me” – One Block Radius [6-17-08]. A balanced blend of melody, hip-hop and groove combine in this new pop tune.

88) “Hi Hater” – Maino [4-29-08]. A straight-forward hip-hop shout out to all those who hate.

89) “Corona and Lime” – Shwayze [7-15-08]. Shwayze’s Malibu beach hip-hop combines with Cisco Adler’s indie-rock groove for a shout out to the ladies of beachside L.A.

90) “Cool” – Anthony Hamilton feat. David Banner [12-16-08]. An easy, primarily acoustic and choir backdrop combine with Hamilton’s melodious vocals and a somewhat incongruous cameo by David Banner to round out this neo-soul track.

91) “Can’t Believe It” – T-Pain featuring Lil Wayne [7-29-08]. Hip-hopper from Florida lays out an easy hip-hop track to a simple backbeat of simple snappin’, with a cameo from Lil Wayne.

92) “See You in My Nightmares” – Kanye West [11-25-08]. Unlike many of his songs, Kanye’s got a powerful, even haunting voice here, and he gives this song all he’s got over a clean, synthesized backbeat with Lil Wayne contributing his grit to the effort.

93) “Glass of Water” (from Prospekt’s March EP) -- ColdPlay. [11-25-08]. Concert-ready pop ballad from Brit rockers.

94) “The Geeks Were Right” – The Faint [8-5-08]. Pulsing, alternative electro-pop band out of Omaha shouting it out to the geeks.

95) “Strange Overtones” – David Byrne and Brian Eno [10-6-08]. They’ve been collaborating for close to 30 years, combining Byrne’s distinctive vocals with Eno’s electronic backbeats in this case, to form an easy alternative tune.

96) “Human” – The Killers [9-30-08] The lead track off the forthcoming album from this newly and Brit-beloved indie band out of Las Vegas, this Coldplayesque pop track features strong lead vocals.

97) “Never Miss a Beat” – Kaiser Chiefs [10-28-08]. Power rock ballad with big guitars and head-boppin’ vocals off the third album from this five piece Brit band from Leeds.

98) “Chasing Pavements” – Adele [6-10-08]. Smokey, soulful and dramatic solo track with classic flair from Brit diva.

99) “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” – She and Him [3-18-08]. Singer-songwriter Zooey Claire Deschanel covers all the tracks on this debut alternative album with her classic girl-next door voice coupled with M. Ward who provides the simple musical groundwork.

100) “Lately” – The Helio Sequence [1/29/08]. Along with several other noteworthy songs from their most recent album, KEEP YOUR EYES AHEAD, rock duet from Oregon combines synthesizer reverb with a rock backbeat to churn out fun, alt-pop track.

101) “High Low” – Michael Franti featuring Zap Mama [9-9-08] – Two distinct and soulful voices -- Michael Franti with his west coast indie hip-hop and Zap Mama with her exotic world flair -- combine for this optimistic groove rocker.

102) “Dat Baby” – Shawty Putt featuring Lil Jon and The BME Click [7-1-08]. Big backbeat vocals chanting , “Dat Baby Don’t Look Like Me” –and the hip-hop lyrics – questioning said paternity -- are hilarious.

103) “Let ‘Em Know” – Rehab featuring Steaknife, D. Jones [7-15-08]. Edgy beats and lyrics combine rap and rock with a flourish of southern comfort.

104) “Make Some Noise” – Krystal Meyers [9-9-08]. A big sound ballad from Christian-pop rocker chick.

105) “Cookie Jar” -- Gym Class Heroes featuring The Dream [7-8-08]. A shout-out to the tasty ladies of the world – aka “cookies” – Gym Class Heroes re-work The Dream back-beat to generate a new pop hip-hop tune.

106) “Be OK” -- Ingrid Michaelson [8-19-08]. Upbeat indie-coffee shop number that gets your toe tappin’.

107) “I Believe in You” – Cat Power [1/22/08]. Alternative rock jam recorded live in the studio, set aloft by hearty female solo vocals.

108) “Let it Rock” – Kevin Rudolf feat. Lil Wayne [7-29-08]. Large rock sound complete with synthesized guitar riffs broken up by an unlikely rockin’ appearance by Lil Wayne.

109) “Life, Love and Laughter” – Donavon Frankenreiter [8-18-08]. Upbeat, easy indie rock – “modern yacht rock” -- by southern Cali former surfing pro who’s buds with and sounds a lot like Jack Johnson.

110) “I Song” -- Kevin Rudolf [11-24-08]. An irresistible pop sound from producer and guitarist Kevin Rudolf with easy, melodic appeal that you can’t get off your mind.

111) “That’s How I Go” – Baby bash feat. Mario [12-23-08]. A slower R&B groove, explaining all the gravy and the busy world-tour because that’s how “I Go.”

112) “Circus” – Britney Spears [12-2-08]. Brittany’s feisty lyrics are wedged in among yummy, danceable pop hooks.

113) “Caskets” – Damien Jurado [9-9-08]. —An acoustic indie rock track with an electronic ballad center.

114) “Knickerbocker” – Fujiya & Miyagi [9-9-08] – Electronica dance duet out of the U.K. combine forces for this pulsing dance club number.

115) “The Show” – Lenka [9-9-08]. AUSTRALIA. Sweet, whimsical, crème pouf-of-an-indie female vocalist gets behind this coffee shop-euro-pop single.

116) “Tuve un sueno” – R.K.M. & Ken-Y [9-9-08]. A reggaetón hit from hip-hop duo out of Puerto Rico.

117) “What It Is” – Sophia Fresh feat. Kanye West [11-4-08]. Pop R&B dance track featuring up-to-no-good lyrics by a sultry Sophia Fresh with a cameo by Kanye West.

118) “It’s a New Day” – Will.i.am [11-7-08]. Slipping under the radar, this is an upbeat, hopeful track, acknowledging the historical struggle for freedom, in a subtle nod to the new Obama administration.

119) “Poker Face” – Lady GaGa [12-16-08]. Electro-rock dance tune with pop vocals against an R&B backbeat.

120) “Troublemaker” – Weezer [6-3-08]. Another power pop punk track with big guitars from commercial alt-band from L.A.

121) “I Really Want To Be in L.A.” – Eagles of Death Metal [10-28-08]. 70’s-inspired whacky pop-rock number from boys from Palm Springs, California.

122) “A&E” – Goldfrapp [2/12/08] Lovely and sultry solo female vocal navigates through a pleasantly paced, pop alt-rock track.

123) “Everywhere” – Common featuring Martina Topley Bird [12-9-08]. An abstract, alternative R&B duet track strung along with Bjork-like haunting melody and punctuated with Common’s hip-hop cameo.

124) “Stuck to You” -- Nikka Costa [10-14-08] – The lead song on her new album showcases a big, soulful voice that combines with a retro backbeat to come up with an ageless, smoky groove

125) “Just Dance” – Lady GaGa featuring Colby Adonis [10-28-08]. This young writer-producer-performer-musician from New York gets straight to what appeals by churning out catchy pop tunes.

126) “Therapy” – India.Arie featuring Gramps Morgan [12-16-08]. India.Arie’s rich and soulful voice combines with upbeat acoustic backbeat -- sugary sweet, with supporting background vocals by Gramps Morgan.

127) L.E.S. Artistes” – Santogold [3-25-08]. A catchy track (and accompanying video!) by genre-bender from Brooklyn who’s shaking up the pop machine – M.I.A.-style -- with her debut.

128) “Blind” – Hercules and Love Affair [3-10-08]. Reminiscent of hedonistic 70’s disco, this retro dance anthem is lead by Antony Hagerty’s Morrisey-esque feminine vocals.

129) “C’mon” – Salme Dahlstrom [10-2-08]. Bustin’ out on the Billboard Dance Charts, a catchy—albeit repetitive -- pop beat from this platinum blonde out of New York City.

130) “Full Moon” – The Black Ghosts [12-23-08]. – A slightly retro, haunting and plaintive acoustic groove from duet formerly of UK’s Simian on their self-titled debut album.

131) “Watch Out” – Chris Cornell [7-29-08]. Known best as the former front man for Soundgarden/Audioslave, Seattle rocker Chris Cornell goes solo on this danceable, thumping pop track.

132) “Umbrella” -- Marie Digby [4-8-08] An irresistible song – why not do am acoustic pop cover of it? – pulled off naturally by a fresh singer-songwriter on her third album.

133) “Good Time” – The Brazilian Girls [8-5-08]. A theatric post-modern pop track delivered with kooky international flair.

134) “Luna” – Eddy Lover [8-12-08]. A smooth and happy dance track with a saucy south of the border sound from reggaeton Columbian cowboy.

135) “Wake the Sun” – The Matches [3-15-08]. A pop-punk indie rock tune with male lead and back-up vocals that forward a catchy chorus.

136) “Electric Bloom” – Foals [3-25-08]. This alternative punk track from Brit Band Foals combines Cure-like vocals with synthy guitar rips.

137) “Cry for You” – September [2-26-08]. Blonde Bombshell Swedish vocalist soars over dance club back beat.

138) “Bad Girlfriend”—Theory of a Deadman [4-1-08]. A big, bold post-grunge rocker packed with guitar riffs about a naughty magnet of a girlfriend who’s having the time of her life.

139) “So Long, Goodbye” – 10 Years [5-13-08]. Melodramatic acoustic rock ballad from three emo pop metalists out of Knoxville, Tennessee.

140) “Noticed (live)” – Mute Math [1/28/08] Live and atmospheric, U2-like pop rock track.

141) “Boyfriend/Girlfriend – C-Side featuring Keyshia Cole [3-25-08]. A balanced team effort works well on this pop hip-hop track.

142) “Dead Sound” – The Raveonettes [2-9-08] Alternative duet from Copenhagen puts out cool rock track with perfectly blended vocals and twangy guitar riffs.

143) “If I Had Eyes” – Jack Johnson [2/5/08]. Another laid-back acoustic island indie rock solo track from Mr. Chill Aloha.

144) “Walk like an Egyptian” – The Puppini Sisters [2-12-08] Delightful a cappella and Bugle-boy-esque cover of an 80’s dance classic.

145) “Dirt Room” – Blue October [12-23-08]. A gritty, hard rock tune from alternative brother-band from Texas.

146) “Second Chance” -- Shinedown – [6-24-08]. Huge sounding pop rock track with icy lyrics from modern metal band.