Paul Simon Gets Spooned

Photo: WireImage
1. Spoon, "Peace Like a River" (Paul Simon cover)
Britt Daniel & Co. do a version of the non-single from Simon's solo debut and make it sound more or less like a Billy Joel song. We do not object. [Daytrotter via Stereogum]

2. Lil Wayne feat. Jay-Z, "Mr. Carter (Alternate Version)"
As Weezy awaits news on whether Carter III sold a million copies in its first week (or just an embarrassing 970,000), someone's leaked the unmastered original version of his Jay-Z collaboration. The mix is sort of crappy, so this is for educational purposes only. [Nah Right]

3. Vampire Weekend feat. Andrew W.K., "Don't Come Around Here No More" (Tom Petty cover)
For the lucky few that braved Saturday's monsoon to catch Vampire Weekend and Andrew W.K. at SummerStage, they performed this excellent, semi-inexplicable cover. Now, someone's put it on YouTube, making us feel better about our decision to stay home. [Stereogum]



4. Lloyd, "Money on the Brain"
Likely torpedoing his chances in this year's competitive race for Song of the Summer, Lloyd makes the baffling decision to promote a new (admittedly still-not-bad) single over his vastly superior, weeks-old previous one, "Girls Around the World." For shame, Lloyd. [Idolator]

5. Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, "Me + Yr Daughter"
Despite their stupid name, this Seattle electro-pop quintet is, happily, only a little stupid. [Largehearted Boy]

Confirmed: Franz Ferdinand Working on New Album, Probably

Photo: AFP
1. Franz Ferdinand, New Album ClipsThe affable Scots have posted snippets of upcoming tracks on their official Website to prove that they have, in fact, been recording music, as opposed to just choreographing new onstage dance moves (which we hope they're also working on!). [Franz Ferdinand]

2. Fleet Foxes, "He Doesn't Know Why"
If you bought these harmonizing hippies' excellent new album on iTunes, the audio on this track was glitchy, so the band's helpful record label has made the MP3 available for free (luckily, they don't seem to mind if nefarious music pirates download it also). [Stereogum]

3. Sondre Lerche, New Song (live)
Our seventh-favorite Norwegian's melodies are getting better, even if his English isn't. [Music Slut]



4. Duchess of York, "21st Century Slave"
DOY are a band of teenagers from Virginia who make English-sounding, sixties-flavored R&B. God, kids are growing up so fast these days. [Fuel Friends]

5. Pharrell, Julian Casablancas, and Santogold, "My Drive Thru"
The most prominent Neptune, the least photogenic Stroke, and Santogold sell out to bring us this semi-catchy track, a promotion for Converse shoes. But, the question is, can Converse shoes still be considered hip now that they're endorsed by sellouts? [Busy Perros]

Amy Winehouse arrives too late to accept prestigious song prize

LONDON - Troubled British singer Amy Winehouse has added another trophy to her growing collection, winning the 2008 Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically with Love is a Losing Game.The annual awards for songwriting and composing are among Britain's most prestigious music prizes.But the singer, who has battled drink and drugs and has a turbulent private live, arrived too late to collect her award in person.Her father Mitch, who accepted the award in her absence, told the audience she was "getting better".In her brief career to date Winehouse has won five Grammy Awards, the Oscars of the music world. Today's was her third Ivor, as the awards are known.Now in their sixth decade the Ivors are judged and presented by practicing song and music writers.Reformed boyband Take That won Most Performed Song with Shine, while Radiohead's In Rainbows topped the album award and singer Gabrielle won Outstanding Song Collection.




Soul II Soul star Jazzie D won the first Novello Inspiration Award, while Lebanese-born Mica was named Songwriter of the Year.Genesis singer/drummer and solo artist Phil Collins won the International Achievement award while Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour won the Lifetime Achievement award.- REUTERS