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.

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

Actually, nope. The boy can sing.

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

I love it. And that reminds me that my copy of the High Fidelity soundtrack has gone missing completely.

Joanna Newsom: yes? no? I'm curious to get the Buffista Line (yeah, like there is one) on her.

Definitely a love her or hate her kinda singer. I love her, though I totally get why some folks find her voice annoying. Indie-harpist with odd cupie-doll vocals. Some great songs, and an overall great sound. If I were making a best of 2004 CD this year, she'd be on it.

My new U2 iPod is somewhere in my work building, taking entirely too long for it to arrive at my desk. Feh!

I have managed to avoid most of the new songs, having caught only the tail end of a few on the radio. I am very pleased at my ability to resist the "spoilers."

Alicia, I've only heard "Vertigo" and "City of Blinding Lights." Love "Vertigo"; on "City...' I really liked the music but wasn't crazy about the vocals.

Did you know all the lyrics are nline here? I found them looking for "City..."'s full title.

Jon: why AREN'T you making a best of 2004 cd this year?

Has somebody forgotten to bribe Jon?