1. Lily Allen, "Knock'em Out"

Everyone knows "Smile" and that Allen's Alright Still (Italics) is the best thing from Britain since Beckham came over. But this happy sounding song confirms the suspicion that angry Brits with thick accents are really freaking funny.

2. Jack's Mannequin, "Dark Blue"

Finally coming to a Marquette campus near you: A band that rocks! If leader singer Andrew McMahon's most recent performance in Milwaukee (with his last band Something Corporate) is any indication, the show will be good. Second single "Dark Blue" is as good of place to start as any.

3. The Academy Is… "We've Got A Big Mess On Our Hands"

Come and enjoy it before radio and LSA (Little Sisters of America) destroy it! This Chicago-based band looks and sounds too much like Fall Out Boy not to make it on the MTV-circuit.

4. Dixie Chicks, "Not Ready To Make Nice"

In case you avoid reading or seeing any media (except for the Trib) this song won the Chicks more awards (and awkward acceptance speeches) than you could shake a country stick at. Plus, Semisonic guy Dan Wilson (remember "Closing Time") co-wrote it.

5. Daughtry, "It's Over"

Ha, ha just kidding. You can download it if you're writing a paper on "repetitive post-grunge garbage" and need some inspiration. For added pleasure, check out the Entertainment Weekly story which reveals Chris Daughtry is a whiny, malcontent baby!