I'm Drunk And So Is Everyone Else, In This Devil Town

(Singles are italicized, recommendations are in red.)

Had I not gone to a concert last weekend that featured 3OH!3, Travie McCoy and Cobra Starship, I'm almost positive that I would still dislike 3OH!3 as strongly as I did when "Don't Trust Me" and "Starstrukk" were in heavy rotation on radio stations a year ago.

Luckily all that changed last weekend (mainly because the tickets were just $10 - Hell, I paid more for the CD than I did for the concert!). 3OH!3 was definitely the most memorable act of the concert, and they sounded just as good (maybe even better) live than they did on their record. They performed two songs from their new album (out June 29th in the U.S.), but the majority of the songs performed were from their major-label debut, Want. They did also perform a few songs from their independently-released, self-titled debut, but the songs they performed from Want really stood out and convinced me to go out and buy the album.

1. Tapp - The instrumental intro to the album. It's pretty pointless but awesome at the same time. It would have made for an awesome full-length song if it was a little longer and included lyrics.

2. PunkBitch - A fun and wild song that really sets the actual album off on the right foot.

3. Don't Trust Me - The huge smash hit that landed the band on the charts last year. It's been so overplayed, but that's not to say it's not worth the listen every once in a while, especially if you're listening to the album all the way through.

4. ChokeChain - The first of two songs that originally appeared on their self-titled independently-released album. This wild song with its crazy vocals and beat is very reminiscent of something Lil' Jon would do. Very much so that you almost forget that these guys are white...at least for 3 minutes and 32 seconds.

5. I'm Not Your Boyfriend, Baby - I'll sound repetitive if I refer to this song as being wild, fun,crazy, or a party song. That's just the nature of 3OH!3. But that's what this one is.

6. I Can't Do It Alone - This is different from all the other songs so far. They aren't screaming in this one, but it's just very interesting. I can't really explain it!

7. Starstrukk - After hearing the remix with Katy Perry about a million times, it's weird going back and listening to the original. I like it!

8. RichMan - They did this one at the concert, and I'm pretty sure their performance of this made me want the album. It's definitely one of the best on here.

9. PhotoFinnish - I don't really understand this one. Is the title a shout out to their record company? I don't like how one guy's vocals are distorted deep, and the other's is distorted high-ish. It's a weird song.

10. Still Around - A slow, mellow song by 3OH!3?! No way! Yeah, it is! No distorted vocals, no screaming. None of that. It's the best song on the album by far, and I could have it on repeat for hours on end.

11. Holler Till You Pass Out - The second song that was originally on their independently released self titled album. Again, too much distortion of the vocals, and the bass is insanely high.

12. Colorado Sunrise - Another normal one where they just sing! I love it!

13. Starstrukk (Featuring Katy Perry) - THIS is the version we've all heard. I think I still prefer the original one's music, buy Perry's vocals are pretty good and they really switch things up.

14. Don't Trust Me (Benny Blanco Remix) (Featuring Kid Cudi) - Essentially the same as the original, except the first verse of the song was replaced by a rap by Kid Cudi.

15. Still Around (Big Mix) - This is more or less an extended version of the original, but slightly remixed. Either way it's a good one!

There's a place downtown, where the freaks all come around...

(Singles are italicized, recommendations are in red.)

When you first heard the song "TiK ToK" and heard the name "Ke$ha", did you not think she was a Keri Hilson, Nikki Minaj, or Kelis wanna be from the ghetto? Did it ever cross your mind that she was a 22-year-old up and coming singer who originated in - wait for it - Nashville?! No, I didn't either.

I'll admit, I hated "TiK ToK" with a burning passion. But a friend convinced me to give the album a try, so I reluctantly did. I was surprised. Very surprised at what I heard! Seven years in the making, Animal not only shows Ke$ha's potential as an artist, but it shows that she's more than just "that TiK ToK girl". Interesting tidbit, before she was famous, Ke$ha and her family were featured on a season 3 episode of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's reality show, "The Simple Life". Ke$ha's family was one of the families the girls stayed with.

1. "Your Love Is My Drug" - The album's current single finds our girl Ke$ha admitting that she is like a "lovesick crackhead". It's a fun opening party track, that ends with Ke$ha saying "Hey / So / I like your beard".

2. "TiK ToK" - I don't like this song. At all. Never have, never will. Simple as that!

3. "Take It Off" - She really redeems herself here after the obnoxious disaster that is "TiK ToK". This one's another fun party song that is not to be taken too seriously.

4. "Kiss 'n' Tell" - Watch out everyone! Ke$ha's mad, and there's no stopping her. In this one, she yells at a girl for being a slut. Nonetheless, it's fun to listen to.

5. "Stephen" - The beginning is very weird, but once the song picks up, you're guaranteed to love it. It chronicles Ke$ha's desperation over a guy that won't call her. It's a nice, slower song, but it's a definite welcomed addition.

6. "Blah Blah Blah" (featuring 3OH!3) - Here's the song that I never ever get tired of, no matter how many times I hear it. It's the album's second single, and it's VERY fun to dance or rock out to, and 3OH!3's verse is pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

7. "Hungover" - My favorite track on the album. It's not typical Ke$ha. Her heart is broken, and she put it into a song. Plain and simple. It's a great slow(er) song that's definitely worth a listen.

8. "Party At a Rich Dude's House" - Like I've said before to other songs on other artists' albums, this is the song that you just have to be in the mood for. The beat and concept are pretty cool, but the lyrics are just mediocre.

9. "Backstabber" - Another song I could do without. It's too similar to "Kiss 'n' Tell".

10. "Blind" - I love this one! She should really do more slower songs. Her boyfriend dumped her, but she won't let him see her at her worst. She knows that he's nothing without her. Attagirl!

11. "Dinosaur" - This one is just so strange. It's about an old guy hitting on her and her friends, and is yet another one I could easily do without. Kinda creepy.

12. "Dancing With Tears In My Eyes" - It's just kinda okay. Nothing really special.

13. "Boots & Boys" - Again, just okay.

14. "Animal" - What a GREAT way to end the album! Bravo, Ke$ha. Bravo.

Let's Get Lost, You Can Take Me Home...

(Italicized titles are singles. Songs in red are the ones I recommend.)

In the fall of 2008, Lady Gaga was still relatively unknown. Her first single, "Just Dance" had been released, but wasn't getting much airplay. Of course, I'm a sucker for artists who are still fresh or relatively unknown, because their music is always fresh! By January of 2009, I decided it was time to buy her full debut album, "The Fame". At that time, the MSRP for the album was just $9.99, so I was delighted to pick up my copy at FYE.

Fast forward a year and a half later, and here we are. We have Lady Gaga, the superstar, pop culture icon, and dance phenomenon. Her music's still as rich as ever, and with the release of "The Fame Mons†er" EP, we see a whole new side of Gaga...well... Not really.

DISC ONE - The Fame Mons†er:

1. "Bad Romance" - Upon first listen, the song seems strange, but after a while, it grows on you. We've all heard it, so it' s nothing new.

2. "Alejandro" - The brand new single from the EP is a personal favorite. It's clear that this song is an homage to ABBA and Ace of Base, from the beat of the song, to the lyrics and delivery.

3. "Mons†er" - Well, it wouldn't be a Gaga record without a completely eccentric, out-of-this-world song like this one. It's great, fresh, and definitely worth the listen.

4. "Speechless" - A nice, emotional ballad that was planned to be a single.

5. "Dance in the Dark" - Very funky, and a very great song! It just makes you want to go to the club and dance. Excellent!

6. "Telephone" (featuring Beyonce) - The EP's second single that has Gaga and B telling their lovers to stop bugging them while they're having a good time. I tell ya, no matter how many times I hear this, it never gets old.

7. "So Happy I Could Die" - I'm not gonna sugar coat this at all. This song is obviously about touching oneself, and it's one of the best songs that appears on here. It's another great song that makes you want to get up and dance. Very catchy.

8. "Teeth" - Gaga leaves us with another sex song, with a very interesting beat and concept. This song received generally negative reviews by fans and critics, but I honestly like it a lot.

DISC TWO - The Fame

1. "Just Dance" - Who hasn't heard this one?! This song is about letting all your troubles go, being carefree and just dancing. It's gonna be okay. The song introduced me to Gaga, and I fell in love after first listen.

2. "LoveGame" - Catchy at first, but starts to get old after a while. It's still good nonetheless. After all, all she wants to do is take a ride on your disco stick.

3. "Paparazzi" - Not quite sure how I should approach this one. It could either be received as extremely creepy and stalkerish, or sweet and ballsy. After all, it is Gaga, so nothing surprises me. Another winner.

4. "Poker Face" - I went from loving this one (before it was a single), to hating it (while it was hot on the charts when it was first release), and came full circle to loving it again (now that it's no longer played every 2 seconds). Very catchy, very good.

5. "Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)" - This ballad feels so out of place here, sandwiched between two feel good dance songs. It's a great, welcomed addition, but maybe they should've found another spot for it on the record.

6. "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" - 'Beautiful, Dirty, Rich' is probably one of my least favorites on the album. Don't get me wrong, it's catchy and good, but it's just not a favorite of mine for some reason.

7. "The Fame" - If it wasn't so repetitive, I'd like it a lot more. That's not to say that I don't like it, it's a good song. Just cut out a chorus or two.

8. "Money Honey" - This one's a take it or leave it track. You just have to be in the mood for it.

9. "Starstruck" (featuring Space Cowboy and Flo Rida) - I just can't get enough of this one! It's so addictive and VERY fun to dance to. Don't let this one pass you by.

10. "Boys, Boys, Boys" - Don't judge me, but I think this is my favorite off the entire album. It's just such a fun, catchy, feelgood song with a great beat and an addictive chorus.

11. "Paper Gangsta" - Catchy, but I'd say that Gaga should do less rap-style songs.

12. "Brown Eyes" - A sad ballad that is full of emotion, anger and sadness from Gaga.

13. "I Like It Rough" - Very kinky, disco-esque track that will have you putting this song on repeat and dancing forever.

14. "Summerboy" - Yet another addicting song about a summer love. Gaga really ends the U.S. version of the album on a high note. Bravo.

NON-US BONUS TRACKS:

15. "Disco Heaven" - I'm indifferent towards this one. It's another one of those songs that you just have to be in the mood for.

16. "Again Again" - This was originally included in the main tracklist on U.S. pressings, but they revised it and rereleased the album without this song, and it's a shame, because it's really good.

17. "Retro, Dance, Freak" - I don't know what's up with this song, it's very weird. It doesn't even sound like Gaga. I'm glad this wasn't included on U.S. pressings.