Even though The Age might have stepped into line and started fawning over Lady Gaga as the 'First Lady of Pop', something good is nonetheless happening to music right now. And the locus of this rebirth has to be Taylor Swift. Seriously. I was so skeptical at first, but now I really do believe... in her talents as a lyricist, her high-concept revisitations to the schoolyard, her stage charisma, as well as her high quality twittering, which is much more evolved than, for example, Miley Cyrus' constant preaching ('Jesus Christ loves YOU'). Does this not break your heart? My only gripe is with her slightly unhealthy idealisation of marriage, but this is perhaps a mandatory aspect of being a country artist. 

Also very much enjoying the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs, which is almost pornographically melodic, and with a lovely melancholic bent. A bit late to the party with this one, but also liking Lykke Li, who provides another link within the pleasing Scandinavian musical nexus (Lykke Li>Royksopp>Robyn>The Knife>Jenny Wilson). And speaking of, I hear that Robyn has begun working on her new album with a tentative Snap and Technotronic influence. This is, of course, amazing, but I was actually hoping for more of a Colette influence... And as if I needed more evidence that the musical stars are aligned, now they're playing Babooshka on Rage.

As my life in 2009 starts to fall apart around me through sheer neglect, my journey of rediscovery back to 2000 continues... Doesn't this make you feel safe? Such nice lads, with big hearts and crisp, coordinated sartorial instincts that keep leading them back to Top Man every time...

And this? I think this deserves a playlist comeback. As often discussed, this song breaks my heart, and not just because of its regressive politics. It's just so bleak -- "I don't know how to live since you've been gone/ I was born to make you happy". But I lap it up nonetheless -- Max Martin really has brought so much joy to my life. If you don't think a bizarre latin dance section adds to the teenage misery, and can do without Britters adding some breathy vocals now and then to the straight-from-CD backing track, the original can be found here.

Things I do actually like

Its 'liquid eroticism' has been the staple of many a house-party bump n'grind for the better part of a year now. Possibly Madonna's Greatest. Moment. Ever.

This is hardly new either, and it smells a little of The Peel, but I'm still in love with this song, and keep going back for more. I generally love pop with a hint of utter desperation and obsession, and K singing "love me, love me, love me" while seeming so together is a great contrast (and not hard to believe either). Still shocked by her (or Biffco's) ability to make dancefloor conquests seem so epic...

As for newer things, I love this, but I can't decide whether it's also a little lame (not that that's a deal-breaker for me necessarily). I admire that they've hired Stuart Price, and that they're obviously not afraid of a bit of dance influence, Mormons that they are. And the clip recalls the trashiest of 2001 Ibiza dance trash, which I think is great.

I suspect this has been floating around on her last few tours, but nonetheless it's great to have some new material after pushing Robyn for... so... long. Sounds a little bit Spiller ft Sophie Ellis Bextor, with slightly jarring lyrics. Actually, not sure what I think but I will always give her the benefit of the doubt. Also love seeing her in NY for some reason.

And thanks to Tim for this tip. I'm always a fan of a good Sugababes statement of survival (in fact Stronger got me through many a close at Blockbuster Hartwell, back in the day) and these are some seriously great lyrics: "I'm not growing old before my time/ Even when there's warning signs/ That consequently I can see/ The situation's heavy, heavy". I guess survival is understandably a key Sugababes theme, considering their ruthless and regular lineup changes.