Billions and Billions of Stars

Zolar X “Test Tube Baby” – Zolar X were a pre-punk heavy glam band from Los Angeles in the mid-70s who insisted that they were from outer space and dressed the part on and off stage. The band were mainly inspired by Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie and Star Trek, but somehow ended up sounding like Geddy Lee fronting the Stooges. (Click here to buy it from Other Music.)

Magnolia “It’s All Vain (Sticky’s refix)” – The original mix of this song is becoming a big hit on the UK club charts, but this stuttering, glitchy version by Sticky is the mix which impresses me the most. The arrangement and production is quite busy and frantic, but the pop vocal and shiny robo-acoustic guitar (which is most definitely going to be seen in the future as a distinctly 00s affect) smooth out the sound and sweeten the song like a juice or soda mixer. (Click here to buy it from Juno.)

Scott Williams & Kelly Jones “Dick Jokes (Rounds 1-3)” – Please note that WFMU will be broadcasting a special “RNC Remix” stream over the internet during this week’s Republican National Convention in New York City. There will be a variety of programming, almost all of which will in some way be protesting the Bush administration and the convention. As a reference to Bill Hicks’ claim that he was “Chomsky with dick jokes,” the stream will occasionally air clips of Scott Williams and Kelly Jones rattling off a series of ridiculous dick jokes to lighten the mood.