By Paul V.

Single Out

Gorillaz - Dare - Virgin

Our favorite cartoon band brushes the dust off special guest Happy Mondays' singer Shaun Ryder, pumps up the electro beats, and gets our monkey butts a movin'. Fab remixes from DFA, Soulwax, Jr. Sanchez, Chab, Dave Audé, and Pollyn will keep your paws stomping.

The Strokes - First Impressions Of Earth - RCA

This is The Strokes record that's bound for major microscopic evaluation. It's tough being the band held responsible for starting any "movement" in rock 'n' roll -- theirs being the no-frills-retro-inspired garage rock vibe. The hipster band still has some tricks up their sleeves though, and were able to update their sound just enough to keep the kids buzzing. Two notable differences: David Kahne's beefed up production, and being able to hear singer Julian Casablancas offer his vocals without sounding like he's trapped in a tin can with a tazer. The first quarter of these 14 tracks are the most compelling, while the second half loses some steam. On the plus side, tracks like the Munsters-meets-Peter Gunn first single ("Juicebox"), the plucky, Blondie-esque "You Only Live Once," and the terrific melody of "Razorblade" -- blatantly lifted from Barry Manilow's "Mandy" -- are the sound of The Strokes with re-energized confidence and swagger. Their influences stretch out a bit further as well, with tentacles reaching everyone from Killing Joke to The Pogues to Brian Eno (heard wholeheartedly in the string-laden, most haunting tune they've ever recorded, "Ask Me Anything"). On the down side, what's lacking here is some of the gritty tension and urgency found on their previous discs, and the simple fact: There's just lots of filler here. The NYC quintet probably won't start any revolutions with their third album, but they still kick all those generic modern rock bands in their corporate asses.

Various - The L Word Soundtrack - Tommy Boy Silver

Whether or not you're a fan of this show (but I bet you are), this two-disc set reads like a who's who greatest hits collection of some of the most talented folks on the scene, new and old alike. This stellar roster of lesbian -- and lesbi-friendly -- artists runs the gamut of genres, from folk to electronica to country to soul and even classical. But the "L" in these songs is all about the lovemaking, baby. With everyone from Tegan and Sara to D'Angelo to Telepopmusik to Betty and Tracy Bonham, the set comes candlelit with satin sheets and warm oil. It's a solid collection throughout, but standouts include: Corey Lee's funkified "The Naughty Song"; Sleater-Kinney's grunge-fantastic "Jumpers"; The Gossip's electro-dancey "Standing In The Way Of Control (remixed by Le Tigre); TRALALA's rump-shakin' "All Fired Up"; Esthero's haunting "I Drive Alone"; Maggie Moore and Yvette Narlock's sassy "The Lady Loves Me" (originally sung by Elvis and Ann-Margret in Viva Las Vegas); and the aforementioned Tegan and Sara, who shine on their two tracks. Five of the songs are studio versions of tracks once performed live on the show, most notably "Transformation," a re-recording from the always-fierce Nona Hendryx, along with Betty and Pam Grier. Meow! Just like Muldaur sings that "it ain't the meat, it's the motion," this soundtrack will keep your hips moving (and you can decide how to move 'em, be that standing up or in the horizontal position).

Morningwood - Morningwood - Capitol

With a ferocious new wave sound that explodes out of the speakers like Courtney Love racing to her next AA meeting, NYC's Morningwood are having a party in their pants, and you're invited. If their name wasn't a dead giveaway, these newbies are all about sex, the kind that's beer-soaked and lipstick-smeared and forgets your name in the morning. Singer Chantel Claret holds no inhibitions in telling you like it is, and how she wants it: lusting after daddy while she watches the kids ("Babysitter"), getting you naked so she can "grab the happy trail to your bones" ("Take Off Your Clothes"), busting outta tight jeans and a tube-top ("New York Girls"), and doing the nasty in the bathroom ("Jetsetter"). Careful though, 'cause her sweet coo often gives way to firecracker ferociousness -- usually in the same song -- like the girl who tempts you with candy wrapped in barbed wire, in that hurts-so-good kind of way. The band is tight and explosive (featuring members of Spacehog and The Wallflowers), and infamous producer Gil Norton ups the power-pop-punk ampage. And just see if you can sit down during hit single "Nth Degree." Ever wondered what might've happened if Elastica could've sustained a career? Or the frothy treat you'd get if you crammed X-Ray Spex, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Pixies, The Cars -- and Viagra -- in a blender? If so, pick up Morningwood's debut and start rockin' your own boner.

Catch Paul V. spinning the tunes in Silver Lake: DRAGSTRIP 66 (second Saturday each month at The Echo), SPIT (third Saturday each month at Faultline), and at MJ's on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Tune in for his "Smash Mix" on Indie 103.1 FM Fridays at 5:30 p.m. For more info or to e-mail, visit www.dragstrip66.com.