Bumping And Shaking

Dizzee Rascal “Sirens” – Most people are comparing the first single from Dizzee Rascal’s third album to Jay-Z’s “99 Problems,” and though there’s some really obvious similarities in both its style and substance, but the track actually reminds me more of the nihilistic scorched earth noise of Primal Scream’s XTRMNTR. At some points the guitar stabs venture in Nu-Metal territory, but for the most part, they sound more like short, abstracted clangs that complement the incessant clatter of a ride cymbal. Compared to most previous Dizzee tracks, it’s fairly straightforward and conservative, but his extremely distinct voice and flow keeps the song fresh and slightly off-kilter. (Click here for the official Dizzee Rascal MySpace page.)

Mochipet “Justin Timberlakecore” – The one thing that Mochipet doesn’t do to Justin Timberlake’s “My Love” is mutilate it beyond all recognition, and that’s what makes it so creepy and effective. The song is still there, but its shape is mutated drastically, and even the most traditionally attractive elements of Timbaland’s track are pushed to nearly grotesque extremes. Mochipet’s track is essentially a restless, deformed electro-rap freak that alternates between stomping around like a dinosaur, skittering about like an insect, and slithering like a serpent. (Click here to buy it from Daly City.)

Elsewhere: My new Hit Refresh column is up on the ASAP site with mp3s from !!!, The Rosebuds, and Khan.