Kelly Clarkson had her turn in the New York Times‘ “Playlist” chair yesterday, and the results were, well, mixed. Weezer’s red album got a shoutout, as did the Irish band The Script, who Clarkson described as–eek!–”OneRepublic meets rap.” Kelly, Kelly, Kelly. Aw, Kelly. Listen. In honor of you being my favorite American Idol (and having one of my favorite albums of the year) (well, except for all those songs by the OneRepublic guy, which are just plodding and terrible and tuneless and ugh), I decided to craft a mix CD for you. Because girl, there is there is so much music out there that you would love–and that would probably love you back!


1. Ida Maria, “Stella”





I know you like Pink’s blend of vulnerability and attitude (although I think you’re selling your own pipes short when you call her voice the best of its generation–hey, look within!). May I introduce you to Ida (that’s EE-da) Maria, a Norwegian singer who has a similar outlook on life, only with fewer circus metaphors in her album artwork?


2. Pulp, “Bad Cover Version”

Think Rivers Cuomo is witty? Just you wait. (NB: I’ll probably include the proper version on the CD.)


3. The Joy Formidable, “Cradle”





Mainly including this track by this bewitching little Welsh band because I segue it into “Don’t Let Me Stop You” on mixes a lot. (That should really really really be your next single, by the way.)


4. Taylor Swift, “Picture To Burn”

I know you like what you call her “simple fairy-tale ballads,” but I think this has a nice bit of fury to it that you’ll appreciate.


5. Amerie, “Gotta Work”

I’m going to guess that you slept on this track when it came out a few years ago. That’s OK, everyone did! Including Amerie’s label at the time, something to which I suspect you can relate.


6. Jane Child, “Don’t Wanna Fall In Love”

You may remember this song from when you were, um, eight. I’m going to assume you missed the Pussycat Dolls’ cover from last year, although that’s actually a good thing because this way you can do your own version of the song and show the pop tarts that you can pretty much own them. (Hey, it worked on those Katy Perry tracks, right?) Just don’t try and mimic her hairstyle and we’ll be cool.


7. Madonna, “Deeper And Deeper”





It all flows, I swear.


8. The Go! Team, “Junior Kickstart”





I actually try to include this on every mix (or playlist, whatever) I make these days, because it provides a nice respite from thinking about lyrics. Plus, this is one of the best videos ever. Ever.


9. Fall Out Boy, “America’s Suitehearts”

OK, so you’ve probably heard this song. But I’m including this because I think you picked the wrong band opening for blink-182 this summer for your shoutout, even if you didn’t listen to these guys when you were in high school. (Oy, I am old. Also, hey, Pitchfork is on my side!


10. Mother Love Bone, “Chloe Dancer / Crown Of Thorns”





From your love of Ryan Tedder, we know that you like piano balladry. But what if you heard a piano ballad by an artist could actually write a chorus? It would blow your mind. Correction: It will blow your mind.


Anyway, e-mail me with your address! I can pop this in the post lickety-split.


An ‘Idol’ Trains Her Ear Across Pop Soundscape [NYT]