Random 10 for July 24, 2008

1. Beck, “Orphans.” The first video from Modern Guilt, this is visually straightforward material, but the song itself is quite possibly the quintessential Guilt track — gorgeous music, apocalyptic lyrics.

2. Shapes and Sizes, “Alone/Alive.”

3. Tom Ze, “Para la do Para.”

4. The Go! Team, “Ladyflash.”

5. The Reelists feat. Ms. Dynamite, “Back to Life.”

6. Shuggie Otis, “Strawberry Letter 23.” Almost everyone has heard the Brothers Johnson cover, which Quincy Jones suggested to the duo and ultimately became one of the best late-’70s soul-funk hits. Shug’s original is much more sun-dappled and summer of lovey, and was included in the release of Inspiration Information in the early ’00s.

7. Martha Wainwright, “Tower Song.”

8. The Raconteurs, “Attention.”

9. The Specials, “A Message To You, Rudy.”

10. Peter Bjorn and John, “Objects of My Affection.” Remember those online games several years ago where you could drag the hated politician of your choice through an endless cascade of killer orbs? Here’s the music video version.