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Peter Moren, 'Social Competence': Free MP3 of the Day

You know Peter's name via the two that usually accompany it: Bjorn and John. The same terrific mix of melancholy and whimsy that catapulted the Swedish trio's "Writer's Block" fuels Moren's lovely solo outing, "The Last Tycoon." Wounded, self-conscious vocals swoon over pristine folk-pop sketches.

Free playlist: Finding Emo

Although "emo rock" may be more of a '90s term, contemporary bands such as Fall Out Boy, The Maine, and Dashboard Confessional have revitalized the genre. To avoid a style debate, it's safer to call them "punk-pop" or simply a "popular rock band." (Even Paramore's Hayley Williams questions whether they're even an emo band.) Whatever you prefer to call 'em, we can all agree that these talented young acts all share a common emo-tional quality to them. With that in mind, listen to and enjoy our Finding Emo playlist below.

'Elpuoc ddo eht'

Straight-ahead just wasn't enough. Now Gnarls Barkley is offering its latest album, The Odd Couple, in the revolutionary new 'backwards' format. Yep, that's right: the whole album in one file, all running back to front. On top of that you don't even have to pay for it, as it's available right on the spot as a totally free download (the registration is quick and simple). Unlistenable? Or...better than the original?

The Dino 5, 'What about 10?': Free MP3 of the Day

Instrumental hip-hop's other 5--the Jurassic one--makes a helpful reference point for this supergroup. Not only is Chali 2na in on both, but also Dino's bouncy beats and wisecracking rhymes are squarely J5. They're also ideal for the project's goal: rap that's suitable for children but credible for adults.

Gold Lantern VisorTalk: Bluetooth car speakerphone with caller ID

There are plenty of Bluetooth hands-free speakerphones for the car out there, but the Gold Lantern VisorTalk distinguishes itself with a caller ID display--all the better to screen calls while you're on the road. Otherwise, the VisorTalk--so named because it clips to the sun visor--has all the standard features covered: It sports Bluetooth 2.0 (for pairing with any compatible cell phone) and a full duplex speakerphone, and the rechargeable battery is rated at 8 hours talk time and 200 hours standby (a car charger is included). And that "H" button centered below the display is a &… Read more

Pieces of Peace, 'I Still Care': Free MP3 of the Day

Nonviolent vibes were a thing you could hold in your hand--and more important, put on your turntable--with this seminal Chicago soul group, now getting a rerelease on Quannum. Pieces offer both the warm vocals of the guy groups and a billowing early funk that prefaces EWF.

Laura Cantrell, 'Love Vigilantes': Free MP3 of the Day

Though she resides in New York, Laura Cantrell has genuine Nashville roots and a classic country heritage, which comes across clearly through her warm, rootsy recordings. On her travel-themed '08 covers collection "Trains and Boats and Planes," she blends her penchant for purebred honky-tonk with new takes on pop, folk, and country forget-me-nots, including New Order's "Love Vigilantes."

She & Him, 'Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?': Free MP3 of the Day

The notion of the actress-turned-singer has been rightly skewered, but leave your skepticism at the door with Zooey Deschanel. In this new collab with scene prince M. Ward, she channels classic torch and jazz chanteuses in an indie pop framework. The results are sweet and affecting.

Steve Aoki, 'Control (Weird Science Remix)': Free MP3 of the Day

The white-hot DJ is as democratic about genre as he'd have you believe (the same guy who tears up clubs helped nudge Bloc Party to stardom). What really links his stuff is the immensity of its scale. As though by sheer force of beats, Aoki slays indie kids and hip-hop heads in the same strokes.