1. The Magnetic Fields, "The Nun's Litany" Stephin Merritt performs a strong live version of this track from Distortion, about a nun who wants to be an artist's model, a cobra dancer, and a tattooed lady. In other words, Diablo Cody. [Smudge of Ashen Fluff]

2. Eddie Argos, "I Like Birds"
Art Brut's sarcastic, hilarious front man Eddie Argos can make anything sound like a double entendre, even the nonsensical lyrics to this oddball Eels song. [Pitchfork]

3. Emmy the Great, "Aiko"
This British teenager may not be worthy of her moniker, but it's pretty good, at least, and the last verse is in Japanese, which we suppose is sort of cool. [Anyone's Guess]

4. Odd Nosdam feat. Jessica Bailiff, "Forever Heavy (Shoegangster/JB remix)"
The word "shoegangster" makes us think of Dr. Dre teaming up with Kevin Shields, which seems like a buddy movie waiting to happen. [Pitchfork]

5. Basia Bulat, "True Love Will Find You in the End" (Daniel Johnston cover)
The cover is really lovely, but somehow we still feel better taking dating advice from the overweight, mentally ill Texan than the attractive, blonde Canadian. [Daytrotter]
—Ehren Gresehover