So many bands, so much time (spent not studying)

The fictional character of Chuck Bartowski (from the TV show "Chuck") made a playlist for his girlfriend Sarah Walker. It's featured on the "Chuck" site over at NBC.com and it's written as though Chuck himself wrote it (even though the tone is totally off and it's way too simple, that's besides the point).

It's got some nice little gems on it. I'll take this time to break it down.

"Heart Skipped A Beat" by the xx is a nice tune. I've talked about the xx here before so I won't go on about it too much. From what I've heard, a lot of people listen to the xx's self-titled album before going to bed. But don't let that fool you into thinking that they're a slow, sad-sounding sort of band.

"Rhinestone Eyes," a track from the new Gorillaz album Plastic Beach, doesn't exactly fit the bill for sounding extremely romantic. Then again, with lyrics like "Your love's like rhinestones falling from the sky," I guess that's poetic. Plus, who can deny the awesomeness that is Gorillaz?

The band Gus Gus is featured, but as a journalist (er, a kinda journalist) I have to maintain good ethics and remain honest: I don't care for them. They're from Iceland so they're a bit odd. If you're into lo-fi electronic stuff, give it a shot.

Ooh, and then there're The Kills. Have I mentioned them here? I don't care, I'm talking about them now. I'm a passionate The Kills fan. Ever since I heard "U.R.A Fever" (a super sexy song in my humble opinion) I've been hooked. The Chuck playlist is recommending "Tape Song," and I concur. The Kills is a one guy, one girl duo that rocks so hard I can hardly believe it. The only word I can think to describe their sound is smoldering. You're intrigued, aren't you?

Last one and then I'm out because I've got two exams tomorrow that I probably haven't adequately prepared for.

LCD Soundsystem's newest single "Drunk Girls" is on the playlist. Can someone please listen to this song and the Beastie Boys song "Girls" and confirm that the yelling of "girls!" is very similar? LCD Soundsystem is perfect party music. Whether you're a bro, a hipster or you worship the deity Beysus, I dare you to listen to this and not yearn for the dance floor.

XOXO, Gossip Girl

"Gossip Girl" is back and let me tell you guys, I could not be more pleased. And Monday's episode? Well, the music choices were so good, I'm covering almost the entire episode's worth!

First, there was Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. I talk about them at CineMUSic and in daily life constantly, so let me just reiterate: they're awesome.

Then there was "Spirit Horse" by Sea Wolf. Sea Wolf is led by Alex Brown Church (previously of the band Irving) and is a band that creates this comfortable, relaxing (but never boring) indie rock. Their most popular song "You're A Wolf" has been used in a slew of television shows and film and it's this beautiful little piece of music that just gets under your skin in the best way.

"Crystalised" by the xx popped up next and reminded me how good that song is and how enjoyable their debut album is. If you're familiar with The Kills, imagine that duo only a bit toned down and understated. They're a little bit dark and moody, and yet the music makes me want to move. Wikipedia tells me they're "dream pop." I suppose that's an adequate genre choice.

And rounding it all out was Monsters of Folk's "Map of the World." If you're at all interested in folk/indie music, I can say with 99% certainty that you've heard of one of the members of the supergroup. It's made up of Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis (both of Bright Eyes) and M. Ward. I've never been a big fan of Bright Eyes (too mopey and sad for me) but Monsters of Folk is... well I think the name of the band kind of says it. It's folk music you can sink your teeth into and enjoy even if folk isn't your favorite genre.

Basically, "Gossip Girl," you dominated this week.