Check out Colder aka Marc Nguyen Tan (sorry, just a stream):

Colder / "To the Music"

******

Mulldoggey/Stereogum recommend The Black Angels, and now so do I. Of course,don't confuse them with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the Black Dice, the Black Keys, Black Eyes, Black Lipstick, Black Mountain, or Black Francis. Stompy, droney rock-and-roll.

The Black Angels / "Black Grease"

******

Soft is a nice little band. Their name isn't so much descriptive of their sound, though I'm sure they're rather wussy. This song is rather enjoyable though:

Soft / "Higher"

******

If you get a CD from me containing my favorite songs of the year, this will be on there:

Bloc Party / "Compliments"

Easily the most underrated song on Bloc Party's debut album, this track is what pushes Silent Alarm from "really good" to "fan-fucking-tastic." Chill, moody, deliberate...so different from everything else on the album and yet still great. I never mention this to people, so time to pay my respects.

******

Worst charity ever.