Beth's Must List 8/30

5) "Brighter than Sunshine" by Aqualung. This song has been driving me crazy, in a good way. Very catchy song-writing--think of a happy Elliott Smith. I couldn't be more pleased about it being in the top 10 of mainstream radio.
4) CNN Coverage Of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans is 80% underwater, and you're not going to watch? We're talking refugee camps in the U.S., people.
3) The 40-Year-Old Virgin. One of the first consistently funny movies I've seen this year (besides Wedding Crashers). Somehow manages to be both hilarious and sweet, despite a premise that could have easily been neither.
2) Google Talk. Skeptical at first, but this is a strong program. It provides the normal IM functions, but you can also call anyone on your buddy list and chat direct for free. The audio is crystal clear, too--all you need are speakers and a microphone (most people have this, although inexplicably Smith does not). If you'd like an invite (which you must have to join), let me know.
1) "Paste" Magazine. This is the music magazine I've been looking for to replace Rolling Stone. In fact, some people have described it as the "thinking man's Rolling Stone". Thoughtful, in-depth interviews with good artists (Death Cab For Cutie, Damien Rice, Ben Harper) as well as sophisticated coverage of other media such as books, films, and concert reviews. On top of this, each issue comes with a full length CD sampler, featuring all the music covered in that month's issue. No more reading an album review and trying to decide if the CD's worth tracking down--the proof is in the pudding. Highly recommended.