By Paul V.

Singled Out

Pink - Dear Mr. President - LaFace

This isn't an official single, but it should be. With Bush staying the course on his war/killing spree, and trotting out his “defense of marriage” bigotry again, listen to this song every day to feel empowered. Search for the live video on YouTube and get some goosebumps to go with your anger.

Pet Shop Boys - Fundamental - Rhino

You probably wouldn't expect a somewhat lightweight outfit like the Pet Shop Boys to make a concept album based on a post-9/11 world. But they have, and before you go running to grab some anti-depressants, trust me—you won't need them. In fact, even with some lyrics that use global issues as metaphors, PSB's ninth album is still aflutter with the perky dance-pop and irresistible grooves we've come to know and love. Lead single “I'm With Stupid”—inspired by Tony Blair's poodle-wagging relationship with Bush—is all walloping Lin-drums and cheeky lyrics like “See you on the TV, call you every day/Fly across the ocean just to let you get your way,” while opener track “Psychological” almost sounds like the eerie score to a futuristic Hitchcock flick. The electro-kissed “Minimal” is a winner, too and with a title like “The Sodom & Gomorrah Show,” you know you're in for a camp chuckle (reality-TV bashing set to some cloud-spiraling synth strains). On the mellower side is “Luna Park,” an ear-tickling marriage of ‘70s Elton John chords with some languid Air-style atmosphere. Perhaps saving the best for last, “Integral” is a near-classic PSB-vibed stab of thumping Euro-trance that's equal parts New Order and TaTu. Fundamental might not put the boys back on the radio, but its ambitious, eclectic nuance is sure to please long-time fans. And of note—the legendary Trevor Horn adds his majestic and pristine production gloss.

Ursula 1000 - Here Comes Tomorrow - ESL Music

Run, don't walk—to check out Ursula 1000! I've been a fan of everything in the Ursula 1000 vaults, because every record they (well, he—the mastermind's name is Alex Gimeno) put out provides any swinging house party with an absolutely pitch-perfect soundtrack, and “Here Comes Tomorrow” is no exception. When you listen to Ursula 1000, you instantly get transported to a thousand different locales (maybe that's where the name comes from?). Gimeno's got a flair for multi-culti, nearly schizophrenic mix 'n’ match—he can jet-set you under the coconut trees of Sao Paulo (“Desgarga En La Discoteca”), then plop you down in Prince's purple-stained lap (“Electrik Boogie”), make a U-turn to a Montego Bay rude-boy dancehall (“Two-Tone Rocka”), admit you plus one to the illustrious Danceteria, circa '81 (“Urgent/Anxious,” featuring famed deadpan disco-rock queen Cristina), hang in the jazz-house lounge (“Boop"), chauffeur you to the set of you very own ‘70s Bollywood porn flick (“Ragnarock”), then let you sit in on an Eno-era Bowie recording session on the title track. Gimeno's true talent lies in his vibrant instrumentation. You get everything from flamenco strumming to horny trumpets to saucy sitars to wah-wah guitars to kitschy keyboards here and it just adds even more spice to this delicious pastiche of sound. The tracks with guest vocals are just as tight as the instrumentals, and this record struts, baby—just like the colorful peacock feathers that adorn the CD cover.

Nelly Furtado - Loose - Geffen

I already extolled the virtues of what I predict will be one of this summer's biggest singles last issue: “Promiscuous,” Nelly Furtado's smokin' duet with Timbaland. Little did I know just how scorching hot this entire disc is. And my, oh my, Ms. Furtado will keep your hips in perpetual motion and swivel mode from start to finish. It's also her shining moment to break free of any previous conceptions of what her style or music is supposed to sound like, because she truly allows herself the room to wear any musical hat she thinks looks (and sounds) good on her. Destined for hugeness: the UK single, “Maneater” (not a Hall & Oates update), with its rush of Gary Glitter jungle drums meets Lady Sovereign 'tude; “Say It Right,” what Laura Branigan would sound like hanging with the Neptunes; “No Hay Igual” (which I assume is Portugese for “I have no equal”), I predict, will be the biggest reggaeton, Spanglish hit of the year —and just try sitting down when this is playing; and “Showtime,” a smooth blend of down tempo beats and Furtado's sweetgirl vocals. With Timbaland's rat-a-tat crunk beats and loopy production anchoring Nelly's sex-kitten playfulness on nine of these tracks, how could it fail? In one career-reinventing swoop, Furtado gives everyone from Gwen to Missy to Pussycat Dolls to Mariah a run for their urban sass-funk money—straight to the bank and out of the ballpark.

Catch Paul V. spinning tunes in Silver Lake: Dragstrip 66 (second Sat. each month at The Echo), Spit (third Sat. each month at Faultline), and “TVOD” Wed. at Faultline. Tune in for his “Smash Mix” on Indie 103.1 FM Fridays at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.dragstrip66.com.