We've sold out an eensy-weensy bit. Yes, it's true, we're contributing to the weekly blog charts at thetripwire.com. We sure are flattered they asked us to contribute; here's hoping we can skew the results a little with our contrary opinions.

That being said, how about a Franz Ferdinand remix? Oh, come on -- a Lindstrom remix? It's interesting, I burned out on You Could Have It So Much Better With ... Franz Ferdinand so early after its release, but the continuous stream of remixes keep pumping life into those stale songs, so that it's kind of a pleasure to rediscover them a few months later (see also Feb 21, 2006 and Jan 27, 2006) and hold impromptu living room dance parties with yourself at 7am with a cup of coffee and your yogurt. Which is what may or may not have happened in my little loft apartment this morning.

Franz Ferdinand -- I'm Your Villain (Lindstrom Extended Mix)

Speaking of Franz Ferdinand, I'm going to do the utterly unprescedented and recommend another baby band I stumbled across the other day -- Toronto's Tin Bangs. They're wonderfully derivative in the most sharply perfect way, sounding like a cross between Franz Ferdinand and Interpol -- you know, big, big hooks and melodic basslines? Oh yes! (They're vaguely reminiscent of Dallas pals The Hourly Radio, actually...)

Anyway, we can't speak for The Tin Bangs' live shows, obvs., but based on message board comments and the pictures -- sounds like a darn good time. Their debut EP, Heavy-Handed Darling came out a few weeks ago, and well, yes, it's true. I kind of can't stop listening to it.

Tin Bangs -- He's So Pretty
Tin Bangs -- The Skinny

(There's more goodness at the Tin Bangs MySpace page, natch!)

And, here's three from the ladies, on the themes of love, loss, trust, and crappy boyfriends -- just because...

This cover is approx. as old as I am. Mock me if you must for loving Olivia Newton-John -- I can't hear you at all, I'm over here watching Xanadu for the hundreth time.

Olivia Newton-John -- Jolene

We're glad to hear via our secret sources who are in direct communication with the band that the new F-O Machete album is coming along wonderfully and the proposed album art sure is pretty! They're touring various UK areas this summer. Also, the band's "log" (NOT blog) is about the best thing ever, especially Nashii's entries.

Fuck-Off Machete -- Fall In Trust

The Long Blondes' songs are the best paeans to bad relationships that you can't quite extricate yourself from -- seriously. They have a few dates this week on the NME New Music Tour and will be touring the UK and The Continent all summer.

The Long Blondes -- Weekend Without Makeup

In other news, I will be seeing Cue and Benko and Oh, Beast! at the Chain Drive tonight. Let the birthday festivities begin, early -- with leathermen and indie rock! [ETA! NO BENKO, Graham is in Cannes with the Scanner Darkly crew. D00d!!]