Guest Contributor: Mark Palgy (VHS or Beta)

I'd like to start by saying that being in the music business has totally de-mystified a lot of the magic that I felt about records and songs when I was a young lad. Being a kid, you just listen to stuff without any sort of prejudgment or cynicism and everything sounds new and wondrous. Lately, when I hear new bands I can't help but play the reference game; "they sound like so and so meets bowie meets so and so." I critique production styles; the drums sound like shit, but they're doing that on purpose to sound "authentic." I think to myself, "Psh, they wouldn't be where they are if they didn't get asked to go on tour with so and so." But before you call me a "hater" or a snob, believe me, there were and still are times when a band or song comes along that totally blindsides me and I'm transported back to being a stupid 14 year old listening to my walkman on the schoolbus not believing what's coming out my headphones. It's few and far-between, but it happens.

A friendly Lady Byrd asked me to make a playlist for her website; since we agreed that our opinions are the most important opinions in the universe... I happily obliged. I'll probably look back on this list and laugh someday, but these are some tunes (in no particular order) that I think are pretty spectacular at the moment.

1. Mew - The Zookeeper's Boy:
This band was introduced to me by my best friend (as most bands are) and I didn't know what to think at first. I find that's often a good sign, as I usually initially dislike the bands I end up worshipping later. This song is bizarre, beautiful and layered. I had the good fortune of hearing this song on a day where summer was ending and everyone could feel fall coming. I know, I know....is it getting gay in here?

2. Flaming Lips - Vein of Stars:
I saw these guys for the first time at Lollapallooza last August. I've been a fan for quite sometime, but never had the opportunity to see them until then. The sun was setting and Wayne Coyne was getting into his huge balloon about to surf over the crowd. They shot confetti, streamers, and blow-up dolphins into the crowd as they opened with "Race for the Prize." It was spectacular. They played "Vein of Stars" in the middle of the set and it just floored me.

3. Liars - A Visit from Drum:
Really the entire "Drums Not Dead" record is amazing, but this tune caught me offguard. It's really hypnotic and spooky. I hear these guys are into witchcraft and stuff.

4. The Rapture - The Devil:
My best friend and I agree on most things when it comes to music, however, we have a huge rift when it comes to The Rapture. Despite seeing a few lackluster live shows by these guys (disappointing since everyone and their mother always talk about how AMAZING they are live), I always seem to enjoy their records. I like how they can pull off a certain irreverance and have a such a carefree quality. I mean, the chorus of the song is "Heeee.....Ahhhh ooh ahhhh!" But for some reason, I feel like their disco-y-ness is honest and they may truly not give a fuck.

5. Soulwax - NY Excuse:
These guys invented the mashup. Their live shows are legendary. This tune has an AWESOME buildup with an even better payoff at the end. This one satifies the rockers who are still afraid to dance.

6. Justice - Waters of Nazareth:
I tend to disagree with most of France's politics, but FUCK they know how to make dance music. I saw Justice at WMC last year in Miami. I am lucky enough to have witnessed an actual beginning of a new movement and seeing people either freaking out or scratching their heads not really knowing what just hit them.

7. ELO - Don't Bring Me Down:
This summer was my summer of ELO. That's all.

8. Dungen - Ta Det Lugnt:
I worship this record. So psychedelic and strange. It's amazing how catchy the songs are despite how unconventionally they are written. Reminds me of a certain someone I miss.

9. Scissor Sisters - I Don't Feel Like Dancin':
I'm a huge fan of disco, whether it's radio bubblegum or weird Giorgio Moroder-esque underground gems. This song starts off like an ELO song, then immediately switches gears into a 4 on the floor party anthem about not really wanting to party. This band writes great songs. Maybe someday they'll find success (haha).

10. Uffie - Ready to Uff:
Bad rapping, awesome beats, lots of talking about fucking. She's so little and cute, it's a bit unnerving to hear her talk about someone waking up with a "burning coochie."

- Mark

Thanks to Jerry Seinf... I mean Mark of VHS or Beta for putting together this playlist for WNR and it's readers. And very quickly at that.

For all you Los Angeles folk, the VHS or Beta Dee-Jays (Mark & Craig) will be doing a 2 hour set at the Detour Music Festival this coming Saturday. There are a lot of great bands playing the festival, so there's a small chance I may be there. If you're lucky and aren't on the opposite coast like me, I'd definitely recommend you plop down the 35 bucks just to see Beck, !!!, Blonde Redhead and Of Montreal perform.

- LB