Random 10 for Jan. 3, 2008

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1. RJD2, “You Never Had It So Good.” As a major exponent of Definitive Jux, RJD2 created adventurous underground hip-hop soundscapes, which is why 2007′s “The Third Hand” is such a wild pitch — this is beautifully rendered indie-pop that is a million miles away from Cannibal Ox or Aceyalone. He should produce Coldplay, or at least Athlete. 

2. Fujiya and Miyagi, “Ankle Injuries.”

3. Amy Winehouse, “Mr. Magic.”

4. Nellie McKay, “I Wanna Get Married.” I understand that Nellie stewed up a reputation as a troublemaker in the run-up to 2006′s “Pretty Little Head” and Sony’s subsequent dumping of the disc and its creator. I also understand that McKay’s genre-skipping M.O. is hard to market, but there is no reason that someone this abundantly talented should be releasing music through her own indie. Verve or Blue Note, where art thou?