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James "Sit Down" cd2 (UK promo)

Weird that the regular version is the 2nd track. Two blase remixes, but the A-side is such a classic I had to grab this.

Jane's Addiction "Ritual de lo Habitual"

The original alternative! I still HAVE to sing along to "Been Caught Stealing", and the video?!? Perry Farrell is a god.

January "Falling In" (UK promo)

I didn't really know anything about January, so I was completely taken aback at how fantastic this A-side is. The rest are just remixes, so I'm not sure if it's a fluke or true love just yet.

Jarcrew "Jarcrew" (UK)

I wasn't prepared to love this album as much as I do. This and the Oceansize album arrived at about the same time, in a similar vein, and evoked a similiar reaction in me. At a time when I was listening to the softer end of the spectrum, a full-on rock album was just what I needed. That it also contained intelligent lyrics and interesting beats was what kept me interested.

Jesus Christ Superstar

So kill me, I also like showtunes (I feel so dirty!). NR (they shouldn't be in the same category)

Jetset Radio Future (promo)

Judging from the artwork and the fact that it's a soundtrack for a video game, you wouldn't expect much. And you would, therefore, be pleasantly surprised. Latch Brothers contribute the best, and Scapegoat Wax clean up.

Johan "Johan"

Picked it up from the station on a whim because a) they're Dutch, and b) I liked the artwork. And they're okay -- not catchy enough, but good melodies, just the same.

Joy Zipper "American Whip" (UK promo)

I'd never known their earlier album or EP, and as a result, this album took me completely by surprise. Like The Delgados, one of Joy Zipper's strengths is the dual vocalist duties, effortlessly blending harmonies that weave in and out of their gritty compositions. It's no accident that 'Baby You Should Know' sounds like it could've been a My Bloody Valentine rarity - Joy Zipper were also blessed by Kevin Shields's priducving magic. This album for me peaks with the dreamy otherworldness of '33x', a moment out of Groundhog Day where times blurs and a moment repeats into oblivion. If only the album would.

Joy Zipper "The Stereo And God" EP (UK import)

I consider their "American Whip" album to be a lost masterpiece, and so I was incredibly excited to buy this from their merch table when I saw them live. It's recorded after AW but released well before it, so I'm not quite sure where to place it chronologically. It's got the same dark, twisted lyrics with eternal California sunshine vocals, and finally gives me a real copy of 'Gun Control' on cd. Not quite AW, but still a great body of work.

Julie Dolphin "LIT"

I don't even know how to describe it. I mean, the singer's a woman, but they don't sound Lilith-Fair-y. They're British, but they don't sound Britpop-y. But they do sound good, and that's what matters.

Julie Dolphin "Roses EP"

A complimentary EP to the album with all new songs, and they pull it off again.

Junior Senior "D-d-don't Stop the Beat" sampler (UK promo)

You've heard it here first (well, no, since you've heard it in every shop, tv advert, club, and radio for weeks), but this WILL be this summer's big album. I'm unsure of 'Move Your Feet' as the choice for the first single since the rest of the album isn't as club dance and sample-oriented as MYF, but is in fact, much more 60s garage influenced than anythng else. Something you won't be ashamed to be caught dancing to, in other words!