| The Playlist: Give 'Peace' another chance |
| Updated 11/10/2009 4:24 PM ET |
pick of
the week
Give Peace a Chance
Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon's anti-war anthem bears some dated references, but as long as there's conflict in the world, this song rings with purpose. Proceeds from a commemorative digital single at iTunes go to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund through Dec. 31. The simple singalong was recorded during his 1969 Montreal bed-in with Yoko Ono. – Edna Gundersen
the playlist
USA TODAY music critic Edna Gundersen highlights 10 of the most intriguing tracks, new or old, found during the week's listening.
| Dig Me a River Gemma Ray | The eclectic British songbird evokes Nick Cave on this dark highlight from her exotic, if spotty, Lights Out Zoltar! |
| Bye Bye Bayou LCD Soundsystem | James Murphy morphs Alan Vega's twisted rockabilly original into a sweaty, angst-fueled club thumper. |
| Molalatladi BLK JKS | Stormy funk of brass/beats is just one standout on the South African band's Zulu/English debut, After Robots. |
| Disappearing Act U2 | This moody gem, recorded in 1983 with vocals added last year, is a bonus on the Unforgettable Fire reissue. |
| Empire State of Mind Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys | A brash, chest-beating toast to the Big Apple. Eat it up, Yankee revelers. |
| I'll Be Your Lover (But I Can't Be Your Baby) The Ettes | The band detours from its usual garage-rock grit for sly sass and a snappy arrangement. |
| Little Bit Drake | Avoiding the usual slapdash, the rapper/singer skillfully dovetails with Lykke Li's original for a sweet duet. |
| Kings and Queens 30 Seconds to Mars | Jared Leto channels Bono on a grand doomsday rocker that floats on a cloud of strings. |
| Slow Poison The Bravery | First single from Stir the Blood stirs anticipation with snaking electronics and Sam Endicott's grim vocals. |
| Secular Praise Timothy B. Schmit | Blind Boys of Alabama and Eagles singer make heavenly harmonies: gorgeous, warm, never showy. |
| Posted 11/9/2009 6:51 PM ET | |
| Updated 11/10/2009 4:24 PM ET | |
