By Paul V.

Singled Out

Goose - Bring It On - import

U.K.’s Goose are a part of the new-fangled scene dubbed “Nu-Rave”— indie rock bands that let it loose on the techno histrionics tip. Well, lemme tell ya—this massive and propulsive single is so hugely infectious and blistering, it’ll peel the paint off your walls!

L Tunes: Music from The L Word - Various - Music With A Twist

This fourth collection of tracks from the hit Showtime series just might be the best in the bunch. Like past efforts, this CD combines new and classic music from lesbian artists —and “lesbian adjacent” types too, like Pink and Peaches. The set kicks off with the down ‘n’ dirty and seriously infectious “Magic Tree” from Kirsten Price. This one writhes and slinks and grooves with a hot-breath sensuality, sort of like Fiona Apple frontin’ The Pussycat Dolls. Speaking of Apple, she appears here with her ultra sexy and intoxicating “Sleep To Dream.” Of the more established artists, we get treated to some Goldfrapp, PJ Harvey, Tori Amos, the aforementioned Peaches (whose “The Boys Wanna Be Her” still rocks crotches hard) and Kelis’ fantastic “Living Proof,” which comes from her sadly underrated latest disc. Of the newcomers, there are definitely some standouts too, namely the Pixies meets Elastica buzz of French band Prototypes, whose “Je Ne Te Connais Pas” makes for some serious garage-fuzz fun, and the ballsy indie rock of “Complicated” from The Clicks. Meanwhile, Nina Simone still elicits naughty, soulful thoughts on “Do I Move You, V2,” and dyke faves Betty drop a swirling, psychedelic up-tempo rocker called “Barnyard,” which almost sounds like Goldfrapp meets The Dixie Chicks. The nice thing about this collection is that its eclecticism stands on its own, regardless of whether you dig the show (which starts its new season on Jan. 7).

Whitey - The Light at the end of the Tunnel is a Train - Dim Mak

I missed reviewing this in October when it first came out. But then I caught Whitey playing live with Peaches last month, and I knew I had to come back to it. My initial reaction to these synthetic soundscapes was they vibed like early Human League, early PIL and LCD Soundsystem having an orgy. But even if this effort is a bit less dancey than DFA, the influences are the same: ‘70s electrofunk, Kraut and glam rock, post-punk snarl and acid house blips (sometimes even all at once, as on “Y.U.H.2.B.M.2"). Whitey mixes them all together with the consummate skill of a genre-hopping music nerd with a big record collection. Imagine Marc Bolan jamming over Can loops with some particularly gnarly psychedelic keyboards and sub-David Byrne deadpan singing, and you might just have an idea of what exactly Whitey sounds like. But, there are even shades of grunge here, especially on the very Queens Of The Stone Age-sounding “Halfway Gone.” The whole record has a hypnotic, repetitive glow to it, never rising above what almost feels like some kind of hushed psychosis, such as the minimal and pretty “Can’t Go Out, Can’t Stay In.” For some dancefloor bangers, those come ready-made on the propulsive “Leave Them All Behind” and the hop-skippy “Non-Stop.” There’s something charming and infectious about Whitey’s vocal delivery (very Brit sounding, but the dude is from New Jersey). If you dig The Rapture, Fischerspooner or MSTRKRFT, check this out.

Mary J. Blige - Reflections: A Retrospective - Geffen

The title of this collection is a bit misleading, as it’s not exactly a greatest hits collection of Mary J. Blige’s best work (‘cuz without including “Love At First Sight” or “Dance For Me,” that’s kind of like blasphemy). Rather, this particular roundup is a sampling that aims to showcase Blige’s songwriting prowess, taking the listener on a journey from her childhood in the projects to her early successes that were plagued with drama, right through to her current position at the forefront of modern soul music —as well as a taste of the new tracks she’s working on. Throughout, Reflections showcases the singer’s remarkable ability to convey heartache and happiness in a single musical phrase, as well as those silky smooth vocals that combine rough and ready with sweet and pure. Of the past hits, who can resist “Family Affair,” “No More Drama,” “Real Love,” “You’re All I Need To Get By,” “Be Happy” and “My Life” (updated here but nonetheless still a classic)? And luckily, the new tracks really sparkle, too. On “King & Queen,” Mary and fellow crooner John Legend aim straight for the kind of bedroom soul that Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway mastered in the ‘70s; the title track looks back on what was and how it all came to be; and “You Know” is probably the best of the bunch, hitting a bit of Beyoncé meets Amerie funkiness. Consider this a great stocking-stuffer.

Check out DJ Paul V. spinning Sundays at Cobra in North Hollywood; “TVOD” Wednesdays at Faultline; Bootie L.A. the first Saturday of the month at The Echo; and Dragstrip 66 the second Saturday of the month at Safari Sam’s. Check out his Smash Mix on Indie 103.1 FM every Friday at 5:30 p.m. Get more info at www.myspace.com/smashmix