Playlist July 13 - 19

It seems I always recommend a playlist as an escape from life's troubles... and this week is no exception with the crisis in Lebanon and a "less-than-decent" government newly formed in Kuwait. Extra tracks to make up for the absence of the last 2 weeks.

1. Lily Allen - Smile: Lilting reggae beats with London cockney rhymes and a pretty voice. A surefire summer smash.
2. Guillemots - Made-Up Love Song #43: Too weird to describe, but lovely nonetheless (thanks Maha)
3. Keisha White - Don't Mistake Me: Hailed as the saviour of British R&B, and damn the girl is good!
4. Paolo Nutini - Last Request: Italian-Scottish singing sensation with a nice track. He deserves better, otherwise he's in danger of becoming the new James Blunt (God forbid!)
5. Novastar - Wrong: A lament for a relationship gone wrong on a trip to Miami. I guess Miami does that to people!
6. The Long Blondes - Fulwood Babylon: New-wave 80's sound from this sexy female band. This is actually an extra track on their new single "Weekend Without Makeup" but I like it better.
7. Pet Shop Boys - Numb: This was played on British TV to accompany England's exit from the World Cup. Very fitting and suitably overwrought.
8. Bob Sinclar - World Hold On: I'm recommending this only in the hope that "Love Generation" will stop being played everywhere, otherwise it's an inferior version.

This week's classic is The Style Council's Long Hot Summer... a soothing tune that goes down like a tall cool glass of [insert favorite beverage here]

And a bonus classic this week, dedicated to our brothers and sisters in Lebanon