By Paul V.

Single Out

Eurythmics - I've Got A Life -Arista

Here's one of two new tracks taken from the duo's latest Ultimate Collection, and it serves to remind us all just how dependable a songwriting team they remain. What starts off as an emotionally charged ballad transforms into a roof-raising electropop affirmation of self-love. Annie, Dave -- we love you!

Cyndi Lauper - The Body Acoustic - Epic

I bet few would have predicted Cyndi Lauper's staying power when she first emerged in the mid-'80s as a somewhat brash cartoon/novelty (this was the era of the MTV oddball, remember). Yet here we are, two decades later, and she remains one of the most robust and poignant singers out there. In fact, time has only gracefully strengthened her range and commanding power. In this new acoustic setting, Lauper's lovable charms spring to life with even more naked clarity, not only showcasing her voice but her wonderful melodies and songwriting. "Time After Time" could be recorded by Tibetan monks and still remain the gorgeous love song that it is, and here -- with Sarah McLachlan -- it's twice as captivating (Sarah also guests on "Water's Edge"). "She Bop," once a new wave hiccup about self-pleasure, transforms into an almost PJ Harvey-esque hymnal -- masturbation has never felt so, um, spiritual? Jeff Beck provides stirring guitar work on "Above The Clouds," Ani DiFranco and Vivian Green add empowerment pizzazz to "Sisters Of Avalon," and we'll always love "True Colors" as our unofficial gay pride anthem, and this provides an exquisite update. Aside from a slightly annoying Shaggy appearing on "All Through The Night" and the goofy ska version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" (with Puffy Ami Yumi), Lauper's mettle is golden -- and even stripped down, these songs feel surprisingly energetic. This good friend of our community deserves all her success.

Andy Bell - Electric Blue - Sanctuary

One might wonder how different an Andy Bell solo record might sound from a proper Erasure record, and the answer is: just slightly different enough. While Bell's voice remains unmistakable and his tracks are anchored by synthesized beats as well, producers/co-writers Manhattan Clique add more disco polish and urban grit than you might hear from Vince Clarke. Bell also gets entirely more personal lyric-wise, with more than a few tracks inspired by his recent HIV status revelation. Much of the songs revolve around relationships, lust, jealousy, and the desire for unconditional love. It opens with a veritable 1,2,3,4 punch: the sprite "Caught In A Spin" (clearly inspired by Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff"), big hit first single "Crazy," the life affirming Moroder-esque "Love Oneself (with Propaganda's Claudia Brucken, who appears later on "Delicious"), and the leisure suit 'n' lipstick-smeared "I Thought It Was You," with Scissor Sisters' Jake Shears (and yes, this thumps like a long lost Studio 54 glam slam from 1977). And the title track envisions the plight of the gay lover, expressed in an intense, meaningful way, full of grace and vigor. Bell continues to impress through his patented multi-layered vocal range, from Gahan-esque tenor to vibrating, glistening falsetto. This is a lyric-heavy synthpop odyssey that overachieves and succeeds in its mingling of emotion and sexuality. The fabulous voice of Erasure is ready for his solo close-up, baby -- so switch on the neon and fire up the disco ball.

Various: Music From The OC, Mix 5 Warner Bros.
Kasabian, LCD Soundsystem, Imogen Heap

Whether or not you tune in to The OC, there's no denying how attuned the music supervisors of the show are, and with each accompanying "mix-tape" disc they put out, they're able to turn folks on to some of the coolest new artists and songs around. The fifth edition is no exception, and there's plenty of indie rock cred to go around. On the dance pop end of the spectrum, LCD Soundsystem's bass-heavy dronefest "Daft Punk is Playing at My House" and Kasabian's "Reason is Treason" bless the disc with an electro-rock infusion. UK hitmakers Gorillaz do some hypno-stomping on "Kids With Guns" while the Kaiser Chiefs offer up their Sparks-influenced, infectious "Na Na Na Na Naah." The sole cover featured is a seriously beautiful remake of Alphaville's "Forever Young" by Youth Group, seemingly doing their best Death Cab For Cutie impersonation (and that's not a slag, mind you -- and Napoleon Dynamite fans will recognize it from the school dance scene). Another nice twist is Phantom Planet's new, acoustic version of its theme song "California," which peels away the grunge layers of the original into a morphine-dripped slow burner. Saving the best for last is Imogen Heap's stunning "Hide & Seek," simply anchored by her striking -- yet computer-processed -- voice. Whether you're hip to any of these bands/tracks or not, this diverse collection serves as an excellent roundup of songs you'll most likely want to hear on repeat.

Catch Paul V. spinning tunes in Silver Lake: "MegaMonday" at MJ's, Dragstrip 66 (second Saturday each month at 1160 Vermont Ave.), Spit (third Saturday each month at Faultline), and "Milkshake" Thursday nights at MJ's. Tune in for his "Smash Mix" on Indie 103.1 FM on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.dragstrip66.com.