Everybody knows that Janet Jackson has not delivered a decent album in years now, probably her last good material was “The Velvet Rope” released in the late 90’s.  She was known for commanding people to the dance floor and for her sexual demeanor and her come hither approach to music, for a couple of albums she delivered some good R&B/ Pop. 

The “alternative” genre can be broken down into so many categories that sometimes we overlook all of them and focus on the “indie” or on the rock and electronica tingued bands and artists.  There’s a small group of artists out there that fit extremely well in the alternative music community.  One of these artists is the Sri Lankan Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, better known as M.I.A., whose work often features a range of elements of genres including grime, hip-hop, raga, dancehall, as well as electro. 
Since the release of her debut album “Arular” in 2004, M.I.A. has turned heads her way because of her minimalist production, heavy beats, political lyrics and for simply speaking her mind without giving a rat’s ass.  Her talent and hard work opened many doors and thanks to her stage presence, M.I.A.  landed a spot in the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Glastonbury Festival, among other big-time venues and festivals.  

It looks like the British invasion that began last year with the likes of Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen is alive and well.  2008 looks promising for the British musicians that want to make a name for themselves on this side of the world.  Following similar musical patterns that some of her fellow friends traced, Kate Nash takes the best of both and adds some more.   
Think Regina Spektor on poppers, a less angry Lilly Allen plus a sobered up Amy Winehouse, add piano heavy headbangers and haunting ballads and you have a complete artist with solid album to back her shiz up.  Made of Bricks has a bit for everybody, it’s a powerpop indie fantasia.   Silly love songs, pissed off anthems, and plain beautifully constructed songs fill the 12 track album.  Surprisingly enough, there are no filler tracks even though it feels weak at times with the songs “Dickhead” and “Shit Song”.    You can find it anywhere for less than 10 bucks.  Definitely worth your while. 

Must [legally] download songs:  Foundations, Nicest Thing, Merry Happy, Skeleton Song, Pumpkin Soup.

Moonbootica, a duo from Denmark, well known on the underground electro scene present a superb electro album.  In Moonlight Welfare they glide through the dancefloor like manics.   The highlight of the album is definitely their first single “Jump Around”, a cover from House of Pain, you could say- a “classic” 90’s song.  Covers are usually bland and if they’re not executed correctly they could mean the end of an emerging band, that’s not the case with Moonbootica.  The album starts off soft, taking an ambiance-like feel to it.  Once you’re past the first track, it’s definitely a party album.  It’s definitely a high energy album.  The good thing about Moonlight Welfare is that they know they’re own limits and choose to vary the energy by slowing down for a couple of songs, delivering some Depeche Mode-worthy songs. 

Must [legally] download songs:  Jump Around, Der Mond, Joan Landor, A Perfect Machine, Like A Riot.