Version
By Mark Ronson
Perhaps the most appropriately named album around, Version is exactly that: a series of covers that completely transform the originals into funky, jazzy tracks. Ronson takes on some pretty interesting assignments here: Brittney Spears’ “Toxic” is marvelously reinvented to resemble something the Black Eyed Peas might have put together; Amy Winehouse lends her powerful vocals to the Zutons’ “Valerie,” while Coldplay’s “God Put A Smile On Your Face” sounds like it was just belted out at half-time by a rocking high-school band. A lot of big names collaborate on this album, which gets major originality props. Click on the image to buy now!
 

The Distant Future - EP
By Flight of the Conchords
One of the most original comedies to hit the screen in years, the New Zealand folk duo known as Flight of the Conchords produces some hilarious and addictive music. In their EP, you can listen to a few of the songs from their shows, some of which are laugh-out-loud funny, and all of which feature great acoustic guitar melodies. The lyrics alone make the album worth it, and the comedic interlude entitled “Banter” is hysterical. To get an idea of the band’s quirky and catchy style, check out “The Most Beautiful Girl In the Room” or “Business Time.” It’s hard not to get hooked. Click on the image to buy now!