How Empire Ants Sprawl

It's been a little while since I've mentioned three new songs that I've been listening to a lot lately.

#3 Arcade Fire - "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)"

Sure to make my Top 10 Albums of 2010 list is Arcade Fire's The Suburbs. I keep finding a song that just sticks with me for days/weeks. "Sprawl II" is the most unique song on their album, but I really like it. I hear Abba a lot when I hear this song for some reason. Some people agree, some don't. Nevertheless, it's a catchy tune. This is the third time a song from The 'Burbs has appeared on my list.

#2 Maroon 5 - "How"

I have never been a big fan of Maroon 5. Their music generally just doesn't do it for me. They've created a catchy tune here and there, but I've never really gotten stuck on any of their albums before. My co-worker picked up their latest album, Hands All Over, when it first came out. First time through, yeah, it was okay. Second time through, hey, I think I might like this. Third time through, yep, this is awesome. Upon asking him what makes this album sound different from the rest of theirs, he told me it's the producer. It was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange. His associated acts include popular music artists like Shania Twain, Def Leppard, AC/DC, and Bryan Adams just to name a few. "How" is especially good, but I don't think they'll release it as a single. I really like the drum part right before the chorus. The rest of the album is pretty nice to listen to, as well.

#1 Gorillaz feat. Little Dragon - "Empire Ants"

I originally stated somewhere that I was disappointed in Gorillaz's latest album, Plastic Beach. I stand by that statement as the entire album is not as enjoyable as their previous attempts. That doesn't mean that there aren't a couple good songs to come out of it though. I like the Mos Def songs, but that's because of Mos Def. However, I've really gotten into "Empire Ants". I love how it starts off slow and soothing and eventually pumps up to a sweet electronic beat. The live version is just as good.

What have you been listening to lately?