Ned Hardy ’13
Web A&E Editor

Today’s Billboard 100 is getting a little old. Don’t get me wrong- I’m the first to admit that I enjoy every Rihanna, LMFAO, Katy Perry song that hits number one. But the iTunes Top 10 was so static this summer that even Lady Gaga, an ostensible hit-maker, was stuck in the middle of the Top 10 with single after single, including “Edge of Glory” and “Yoü and I.” Lil Wayne, another usual hit-maker, couldn’t even get a single from his most recent album to the top spot. But never fear! There are alternatives to the Top 10; one just needs to know where to look. Here’s what I’m listening to:

“Cruel” – St. Vincent, Strange Mercy

I first heard this singer in, of all places, the background of a Kid Cudi song called “Maniac.” That was last year. I completely forgot about her until a few weeks ago, when I heard “Cruel.” St. Vincent (yes, this is a woman) manages to sound friendly and evil and warm and frightening all at the same time. The song is chillingly delicious to listen to. Be sure to check out the music video for the song as well. To make a long story short, it depicts St. Vincent’s family burying her alive. St. Vincent’s album, Strange Mercy, was released this week. I can’t wait to snatch it up (in a legal way, of course). Please don’t hurt me, St. Vincent.

“Memories (Part II)” – Big Sean, Finally Famous

I’m not a huge Big Sean fan. While I think that the rapper is moderately talented (and I understand that if Kanye West is your mentor, you’re going to go places), I just can’t seem to get really interested in any of his music. However, “Memories (Part II)” might be the catalyst for such an event. The song starts off with some basic clapping, which doesn’t do much for me, but the second the piano comes in, I’m hooked. I just can’t seem to say “No!” to songs in which rappers reluctantly reminisce about past mistakes in front of a hopeful piano-laden beat. When John Legend drops by for the chorus, I’m already clicking repeat.

“The Devil is in the Beats” – The Chemical Brothers, Hanna

Earlier this year, I saw a movie called Hanna. Even though the film was quite good, I think I may have been one of three to five people in the country to see it. Anyway, Hanna, perhaps taking a cue from Trent Reznor and The Social Network or Daft Punk and Tron: Legacy, had a “celebrity score.” The Chemical Brothers, a well-known electronic duo, crafted a pretty spot-on soundtrack for the movie, but I forgot about it – until now! A few days ago, I stumbled upon my favorite track from the film, “The Devil is in the Beats.” Now I can’t stop listening to it. It might be one of the weirdest songs ever, as it basically centers around what appears to be children whistling a jolly little tune. There are no vocals, except for the occasional distorted, “Drop the beat” and a few whirring robotic noises. If it sounds strange, it’s because it is strange. Give it a chance – you might be pleasantly surprised.