2 + 2 = 5

1) The ending of Before Sunset.
Don't get me wrong: I loved all of Before Sunset. You can't ask for much more from a sequel.

But that ending... It hits all the right notes in such a precise and intelligent way, that I left the theater buzzing.

2) "A Better Version of Me (Version 4 - Rough Mix 2/18/04)" by Fiona Apple.
The second leaked track from Ms. Apple's long-delayed album isn't quite as stunning as the first. That said, "Better Version of Me" is a brilliant collage of Jon Brion's percussive insanity and Apple's torrent of linguistic gymnastics.

3) VH1's I Love the '90s .


I know, I know... There are too many of those pop culture list shows polluting the airwaves. But dammit... after the first two shows, I'm hooked. Maybe it's 'cause I have such fond/vivid memories of the MC Hammer/Vanilla Ice feud, New Jack City, Marion Barry's crack smoking escapades, Sinead O'Connor's video and learning about how Anita Hill doesn't dig pubes on her Coke cans.

Oh and I'm having sex with Rachel Harris.

4) Alphabetical by Phoenix.
My second favorite French band releases ten new jams that sound like the bastard spawn of Air Supply and Dr. Dre.

5) Operation "Buy Hitchens a Drink".
Despite Josh's attempt to paint it some other way, I embrace Mr. Hitchens' love of the drink. I get pissy (so to speak) when critics dismiss everything the man says because he enjoys him some Johnnie Walker. (I also get pissy when they try to dismiss him because he hates Mother T. So whatevs.)

But I am all for buying (in the words of the website) "a fitting salute to our favorite leftist contrarian."