Out This Week 2/10

Sure, she’s no Katy Perry… ahem, but Lily Allen has got some pretty catchy songs herself, and this week she follows up her popular debut with It’s Not Me, It’s You, on which still pokes fun at some of the familiar topics (e.g. not so pleasing lovers) but also tackles more complex issues like drug use, aging, and the pitfalls of celebrity. Is she growing up? Not really, at least not when the summation of her political critique on former President Bush amounts to “Fuck you, fuck you/Very, very much.” But regardless of the topic, she still approaches her songs with the some witty blend of narcissism and self-doubt. If it’s witty music you’re looking for, this is a good day for you, as The Lonely Island, made up of SNL writers Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone (the group responsible for such hits as “Dick in a Box”), debuts with Incredibad, and the Beastie Boys release the 20th Anniversary Edition of one of the greatest albums of all time, Paul’s Boutique. Other fun songs can be found on Ben Lee’s latest and new albums from Hot Panda, Golem! and Charles Spearin, of Broken Social Scene and Do Make Say Think, who has put together a combination of monologues and music centering on the subject of happiness itself. Be sure to pick up other worthwhile releases from Now Now Every Children, The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, sometime Wilco member Nels Cline, the Dexter Romweber Duo, Seattle artists Barbara Trentalange and Point Juncture WA, among others. Check out Largehearted Boy’s list and get shopping. Our economy needs you!