The Singles File

A weekly playlist for the listener with a one-track mind.

Rhymefest featuring Michael Jackson: "No Sunshine" The Chicago rapper's MJ mix tape tribute is a 40-minute heaping helping of crazy: a weirdly affectionate jumble of samples and stray beats, with snippets of old Jacko interviews and new Fest verses interwoven into a conversation on race and the future of hip-hop. Its standout track (which kicks in after 14:18 of this free, full-length download) is erected around an ancient loop of the Jackson 5 cover.

Foals: "Mathletics" Will Foals, the latest in a long, pasty line of British "It" bands, be the ones to finally make math rock cool? No. No, they won't. But this whirligig of funk, punk and electro, on a reconnaissance mission from their upcoming Sub Pop debut, is the dorkiest delight of the new year.

She and Him: "Sentimental Heart" Watch your back, hipster-actress-turned-questionable-singer Scarlett Johansson: Perky naif Zooey Deschanel ("Elf") and somber folkie M. Ward have joined forces for an upcoming disc. This sprightly folk track is a grower, its supremely simple melody and lyrics offered in service to Deschanel's quaveringly pretty, acquired-taste vocals.

Alice Smith: "Dream" Even a recent Grammy nomination hasn't been enough to boost the fortunes of this D.C.-bred soul singer. From her worth-revisiting 2006 offering, "For Lovers, Dreamers & Me," this riot of horns, harmonies and come-hither vocals set to a rat-a-tat piano should have made Alicia Keys very nervous.

Dolly Parton: "Better Get to Livin' " The mighty Dolly channels Dr. Phil on her first country single in forever, dispensing cornpone wisdom, up-by-your-bra-straps advice and Faith Hill-ish pop hooks. The video is better still; it's a work of such surpassing lunacy that Amy Sedaris making like a cross-dressing midget isn't even the best part. Actually, it is the best part. But the rest of it is still pretty awesome.

-- Allison Stewart