Last week, Fiona Apple edged out Ellie Goulding to take Top Song of the Week honors. This week, we feature tracks from First Aid Kit, Sharon Van Etten, Kendrick Lamar, Big Pun, and Electric Guest along with a look back at the passing of Whitney Houston, Simon Cowell’s cuts, and a peek ahead at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. Click to get in the mixtape.

OK, maybe they’re not dead dead, they’re just zombies. As part of Converse’s Three Artists One Song collaboration, the brand brought together Matt and Kim, Andrew WK and Soulja Boy for “I’m A Goner”. The video, which premiered August 21st on MTV2, is one big zombie rave. They’re drinking embalming fluid (which actually isn’t PCP – I checked), duffing in body bags, and putting things in places that shouldn’t be in those places. Check out the undead party after the jump.

We all believe that everybody thinks we’re smart. Sorry to disappoint, but those who bother to think about you at all probably don’t have that word in mind. The only chance you have to prove your worth is when talking to other people face on — forget about social networking because it’s not the same. To sound smarter than you are, which is to say making others perceive you as one smart dude, follow these few simple rules. See, by listening to me, you’re smarter already. Read (if you can) after the jump!

One of the best things about summer in NYC is the numerous free concert series that take place virtually daily . Case in point, the Gone to Governors series at the beach @ Governors Island. Last Saturday, I made the short trek out to the island to catch Arizona’s Miniature Tigers and Neon Indian from my hometown, Austin, Texas. Unfortunately, I was still on the ferry when Mini Tigers kicked off their short 6 song set, but from what I could hear, they sounded damn tight. I found the next two acts to be a little less than good, but found myself very happy holed up in the ‘Captain’s Club’ sipping on a free Bushmills or six.

Vans has just released their Spring 2010 shoe line and things are looking good! If you’ve forgotten why Vans are so cool, here’s a quick reminder. Unlike NIKE, Reebok, or Adidas, Vans were not created to make tons of money, but instead for poor beach kids who couldn’t afford the expensive shoes. Because of this the now world-famous Z-Boys… Click to read more

Attention aspiring musicians, bands, and people with nothing better to do: Right now, our friends at Converse, Journey’s and Downtown Records are having a huge “Get Out of the Garage” music contest which gives entrants the chance to win a free trip to New York City and four days, three nights of recording time in a professional studio. To… Click to read more

It seems that Converse (#1 choice of 1920s b-ball stars and indie rock hipsters alike) is celebrating 100 years of being in the sneaker business by releasing a line of limited edition kicks that pay homage to rock greats The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, The Doors, and Kurt Cobain. The designs, which are printed on both the classic Chuck Taylor and Jack Purcell h… Click to read more