It doesn’t seem that far away, and musically, not much has changed over the past year. Lady Gaga’s still scoring hits, and La Roux’s “Bulletproof” is an armored tank climbing up the Top 40 charts. From the synths and strong drum beats on every pop track over the past year, could pop and electronic have merged? Sounds like it – until you check out Deadmau5 and Boys Noize. Check out this class’s suggested playlist after the jump.

Sometimes, a year in pop music ends up a disappointment. After the year of Timbaland that was 2006, 2007 kind of seemed to limp along. Electro acts, such as Groove Armada and Junior Senior, developed a taste for disco, while alternative rock, characterized by The Killers and Franz Ferdinand just a few years ago, went limp and soft. “Indie” might be more introspective, but does that mean less party-friendly, as well? Check out this class’s suggested playlist after the jump.

It’s summer time and most New Yorkers, like myself book it to the Jersey shore for the weekends. No, New Jersey isn’t covered with trash, no not everybody lives off the Garden State Parkway and no it isn’t the armpit of America. It’s a great state, with a lot going for it. Lately thought, it seems that wherever I seem to go, I’m confronted with ‘roided out men with fake tans, extra small Gucci t-shirts and blow-outs.