Let's get this straight. I want the new Scissor Sisters album now, but I have to wait for the actual street date because, even if I were the sort of person who liked to obtain leaks (which, oddly enough, I'm not) my computer is still in a complete state of disarray. In the meantime, I have been listening to lots of music released on actual compact discs with artwork and stuff like that, as though it were still 2004! Here are some things you should seek.

The Bronx-- S/T

I've never been much of a hardcore sort of person. Hell, I'm not even quite sure if this technically is hardcore. For all I know, hardcore really did end sometime in 1986. I can tell you, though, that when you can understand the lyrics on this album, they will crack you up in the best way possible.

Faulter-- Darling Buds of May

Faulter worked with Jon St. James on this album. Now, people will mention that he has worked with Social D. and some other O.C. punk types and that's all fine and dandy, but let me tell you why this guy rocks the mixing board. First, he was part of SSQ, the seminal 1980s electronic pop group that helped launch the career of Stacey Q (I'm still looking for Q, the predecessor to SSQ, on vinyl). Second, he went on to produce Ms. Q in her heyday. Third, he produced what I humbly submit is the most underrated synthpop number ever recorded, "Living in Oblivion" by Anything Box. This song is simply spine-tingling, dare I say even groin-grabbingly, good. If I had a functioning computer and a copy that wasn't on vinyl, I would share it with you. Alas, you are on your own for the time being.

Ima Robot-- Monument to the Masses

I have this odd relationship with Ima Robot. I've never met the members or, at least, I've never met anyone who said he was in the band. But, when I did Transmission at the Parlour, someone kept on showing up at the club before I got there, leaving behind copies of singles, EPs and full-lengths on various formats with my name on the envelopes. I don't know who was doing that, but it worked because I ended up playing "Black Jetta" nearly every week. I think we did a record release party too, but I'm terrible at keeping track of stuff like that. Anyhow, when I heard the debut, it was really hit-or-miss. This new album is all hit.

The Futureheads-- News and Tributes

This has been out for about two months now. You might already have it. If you don't, you should probably go out and get a copy. Then go see The Futureheads play live. I heard they might be out west again in the fall.

That's it for now.