So here I am hearing the familiar voices and the familiar orchestrations of songs I've never ever heard. Very odd.

That is curious. The only parallel I can think of for myself was when The Who re-released The Who Sell Out on DVD with so many bonus tracks it doubled the album length. The bonus tracks were all in the style of the band at that time, and fit perfectly, so they were familiar and novel at the same time.

Heh. On CDBaby, the band JudyJudyJudy advertises that they rock "like a monkey on ice skates." I suspect they're Buffy fans. Also, their lengthier blurb is also entertaining:

From the offices of Lippy Waiter International in beautiful downtown Oklahoma City, comes "Three Chords, No Waiting", the first hatchling from the rock-solid musical hen known to friends and enemies alike as judyjudyjudy. Contained in the confines of this bombshell are several tracks which would simply love to meet your acquaintance.

At Lippy Waiter International, we keep it simple. We keep the chord count down, and the entertainment quotient lofty.

Our love for you knows no bounds, and we certainly appreciate your stopping here.

If you like the rock, give this disc a listen, for the rock is included, at no additional charge.

The members of judyjudyjudy hasten to add that they are not professionals, and that you SHOULD try this at home.

Visit our site for bad photos, disinformation, and copious compliments.

We are a non-profit organization, but not by choice.

WE BID YOU GOOD MORROW! HAVE SOME INDIAN CURRY!

Yo. Hec. When you gonna answer my email from last week?

In sadder news, Jhonn Balance of Coil R.I.P..

Ironically, by losing his balance.

Yo. Hec. When you gonna answer my email from last week?

Hey! I'm not responsible for anything that happened last week. We were finishing the recruiting season and I was on Yassar Arafat's deathwatch!

goes to check email

Ack. I never heard any Coil, but I'm pretty sure I've loved some of their NIN remixes.

Coil did a great cover of soft cell's cover of tainted love.

Hec -- you want I should resend? t edit Never mind. Got yr reply.

We were finishing the recruiting season and I was on Yassar Arafat's deathwatch!

So the spot(s) you were holding for Arafat and/or his possible successor now need to be filled? I'm sorry, I'm just not following this.

David Ritz, Marvin Gaye's biographer & co-writer of "Sexual Healing," on the remix of "Let's Get It On":

I was prepared to honor Marvin's memory by decrying this unauthorized act of musical vandalism. But when I heard the song, now subtitled "The MPG Groove," my outrage turned to astonishment. This "Let's Get It On" was more compelling than the original. Marvin seemed to soar to new heights—if anything, the remix proves Marvin's resilience as an artist for all seasons.

Can't say I agree with him (okay, I'll sign on to the last clause), but I've only heard the clips provided in the article. Did I like what I heard: yeah. More compelling than the original? Not from what I heard. Anyone out there familiar with both who wants to weigh in?

I'm with you, Joe. Is it good? Yeah. Is it a worthwhile update to the original? Yeah, I can go with that. Is it more compelling than the original? Hell, I don't think it's even more compelling than Jack Black's version.

But, like you, I've only heard the clips they provided. Maybe if I listen to the whole thing a few times, it'll grow on me.

It's really wrong that the Jack Black version does it for me, isn't it?

Joanna Newsom: yes? no? I'm curious to get the Buffista Line (yeah, like there is one) on her. Although if everyone likes her, Al Green better watch hisself as #1 Buffista Artist.

Joanna Newsom: yes? no?

Someone burned me a copy of her CD, but I couldn't listen to it all the way through. I can't stand her voice.