PopSyndicate.com

See, I’m not a total music nazi!!!

Now, I’ve made a pretty big stink about the state of pop music in this column from time to time, but it doesn’t mean I’m so narrow-minded that I don’t make a few exceptions. On a long enough car drive, I may not want to have to switch frequencies on my iPod adapter that has to play through the radio receiver. Sometimes, I’ll be listening to my favorite morning talk radio show, and they’ll break to play a few songs. And every once in a while, I’ll hear something that doesn’t make me want to shove a pencil far enough in my ear that it comes out the other ear. It does happen!!  So, what am I enjoying on the radio at the moment?

Framing Hanley “Lollipop” – Just like up-and-coming Canadian singer Colin Munroe gained attention by putting his own spin on Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights”, the rock band Framing Hanley are becoming very well-known for covering a song I’ve hated with a vengeance all year. . . .and now I love it!! No, it doesn’t make me appreciate the Lil’ Wayne original, but I just feel like the lurid, suggestive nature of the song fits so much better as a hard rock song. True, we still have the asinine hook that refers to woman parts as “lady lumps” (and yes, I realize “woman parts” may be an equally asinine way of referring to female anatomy), and there’s no longer a rapper to be licked, but those are just some minor nitpicks.

Pink “So What?” – I’ve always liked Pink, even back when L.A. Reid tried to make her a down-ass pop/R&B chick. Nothing stops her from “finding the fun”, even when life’s kicking her around. The song’s about her divorce, and her ex is in the video! It’s just too cute for words.

Beyonce “If I Were A Boy” – Half the time, I’m convinced Beyonce is out of her damn mind, but I like when she does these simple little ballads. It’s not trying to be some “blow down the doors” epic, but there’s still some emotion there. Do your thing, Sasha Fierce!!

Usher “Trading Places” – To be fair, I think it’s the video that sells the song, as it features one of the hottest women ever to be in an Usher video, at least in my opinion. I guess his cougar of a wife wasn’t around to put the kibosh on the whole thing (apparently, she’s done it before), ‘cause they were all over each other in the video. But anyway, it’s a good song. The whole role reversal aspect of it is cute, like couples therapy, or something! Usher should get in touch with his feminine side more often. Women go for that sensitive stuff.

Ludacris ft. Chris Brown & Sean Garrett “What Them Girls Like” – I’ve never really been disappointed by Luda, and this song’s no different. I don’t even mind Chris Brown on the hook! How does that happen?

Christina Aguilera “Keeps Gettin’ Better” – Her bizarre fashion and makeup choices notwithstanding, the girl’s still got a voice that puts most of these pop chicks to shame. I swear, between this song, and Britney Spears’ “Womanizer”, it looks like it’s about to be 1999 all over again. The Battle of the Blondes begins anew!!!

Speaking of which. . .

Lada Gaga “Let’s Dance” – I’m still not sure how I feel about this chick, but she’s got my attention with this one. I like a good dance song every once in a while. Reminds me of my high school days in Montreal, trying to mack on French girls at clubs and parties, and them not having a damn clue what I was saying!  Ahhhh, good times!