1. Beck, "Chemtrails"
This retro-futuristic new track, apparently about our government's ongoing conspiracy to control the weather with airplane exhaust, will mellow you out and increase your thetan levels. Sadly, it's over too soon, much like our recent auditing session. [Panda Toes]

2. Usher feat. Jay-Z, "Best Thing"
Usher says that when his girl left, she took the "best thing" he had. Presumably it was his songwriting ability. [Sit Down Stand Up]

3. The National, "Without Permission" (Caroline Martin cover)
The National have a new movie out, and with it a new EP of B-side and rarities, including this morose cover. How does so much sad make us so happy? [Fuel Friends]

4. The Hold Steady, "Sequestered in Memphis"
The Hold Steady are in all kinds of legal trouble in the lyrics of this new track. We find them guilty of being consistently awesome. [Syndicate Blog]

5. Love Is All, "Darling Nikki" (Prince cover)
Swedish indie poppers Love Is All have a new covers EP coming out, and if this Prince cover is any indication, it should be pretty good, although love isn't all Nikki was doing behind that magazine. [Stereogum]
—Ehren Gresehover