Sidetracked

SONG: You Can’t Always Get What You Want (Soulwax Remix)
ARTIST: The Rolling Stones

It’s always risky business mixing genres as disparate as classic rock and electronica. Belgian DJ duo Soulwax is responsible for some top-notch remixes – including an epic re-work of LCD Soundsystem’s “Daft Punk is Playing at My House” – but this track is as grating as its discordant synth line, which mixes with Mick Jagger’s vocals like oil and water.
Grade: D

SONG: Sweet Love for Planet Earth
ARTIST: Fuck Buttons

I didn’t get it at first. “Sweet Love for Planet Earth” clocks in at — deep breath — eight minutes and includes nothing resembling a recognizable melody. But the track captivates as it slowly builds from twinkly wind chimes to ambient fuzz to droning guitars. It certainly won’t make it onto the radio, but it’s worth a listen.
Grade: B

SONG: Why Do You Let Me Stay Here
ARTIST: She & Him

If music could ever be Amish, this is it. She & Him – a.k.a., actress Zooey Deschanel, better known as the hot sister from “Almost Famous,” and some dude – strive to make music with “as few machines as possible.” She provides her best Rilo Kiley impression, and he brings old-fashioned instrumentals circa 1970. The result is folksy, preservative-free country pop.
Grade: A-

SONG: Blind
ARTIST: Hercules and Love Affair

DFA has done it again. The record label that is to indie dance rock what Def Jam is to rap just signed Hercules and Love Affair, adding to an arsenal that includes the likes of LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip. Their first single “Blind” is a throbbing bongo-backed disco track that solidifies Herc’s place in such godly company.
Grade: A