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Credit: Matthew Wilson

Stirringly soulful singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton is prepping the release of her fourth studio album, Rabbits On The Run, on July 26, and already we cannot tear ourselves away from her new video, "Carousel," in which she wanders around the woods in a variety of bohemian outfits that we very much covet. (Girlfriend can pull off a fedora!) The video was directed by Jake Davis, who's also worked with My Chemical Romance, and although it's decidedly less ornate than his work for the grandiose pop-rockers, his hands shines through in the gorgeous shots and lush colors.

"Carousel" has an undeniably comforting folk feel to it (think Regina Spektor or Feist), with a touch of Billy Joel in the piano part (can't be mad at that) and a hauntingly layered chorus. "Carousel" was produced by Steve Osborne, who's worked with U2 and The B-52s, and was recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios, which only gives Vanessa additional classic rock cred."Love comes back around again, it's a carousel, my friend," sings Vanessa, in a voice soothing enough to make broken-hearted kids everywhere believe it.

+ Watch Vanessa Carlton's "Carousel" video.

Related Content Vanessa Carlton Interview, Follow Buzzworthy on Twitter

Tags B-52s, Billy Joel, Buzzworthy Obsession, Peter Gabriel, U2, Vanessa Carlton, video

If Friendly Fires' "Kiss Of Life" reminds you of the Peter Gabriel song of the same name, it's because they're practically the same song. Though listening to Friendly Fries probably makes you feel less like you're listening to your dad's car trip music. However, I'm confident there's a subset of you that finds listening to Peter Gabriel cool, for ironic Dad-Music purposes, because you're a die-hard Say Anything fan (the move in this case), or because Peter Gabriel pretty much rules. (Which he does.)

Anyway, Friendly Fires -- you've heard them in that Wii Fit commercial -- are very much a British it-band -- so much so that they were just nominated for a 2009 Mercury Prize. Also, lead singer Ed Macfarlane totally sounds like Chris Martin and while both bands shot beach videos (remember Coldplay's "Yellow" video? Chris martin was so SAAAAAAD and COOLLLLLD and DREADFULLY DREARY on the beach! In a hoodie!), Friendly Fires' new "Kiss of Life" video is 1000 times less boo-hoo-I'm-on-the-beach-y. Also, "Kiss of Life" is one of those uplifting, life-affirming anthems like in a "Fields of Gold" way, but also, it lacks that same brand of "Fields of Gold" cheesiness that makes me want to jam one of those extra-long Bic grill lighters into each ear. (Ed Macfarlane also reminds me Richard Ashcroft if Richard Ashcroft hadn't gotten hit by the Unfortunate Bus and survived.)

Also, no matter WHAT you do or where you live, if you find yourself at a pool party this summer, drop the name Friendly Fires. You'll earn cool points IMMEDIATELY, and members of whichever sex you're attracted to will instantly find you 30 percent more attractive. You will be GOING places. Like directly into someone's pants.

Related Content Friendly Fires Interview

Tags Coldplay, Friendly Fires, Peter Gabriel, Sting, video

Jumping on the feel-better-soon, Gustav train and wishing Gustav Schäfer (Buzzworthy's OTHER favorite drummer) an extra-speedy recovery.

For the two of you who don't know, Tokio Hotel's Gustav was injured Sunday at a club in Magdeburg, when a stranger smashed two beer bottles on his head. Gustav had 36 stitches, though Tom Kaulitz has assured everyone on his blog (which sometimes looks a LITTLE/ A LOT like Buzzworthy, eh? Ohhhh Tom... Love you... Mean it...) that Gustav is healing well and that the stitches only itch.

Read more about Gustav's attack, and post your get-better-NOW wishes for Gustav in the comments. Also, allow me to dedicate this cheesy-but-I-mean-it video ("Don't Give Up," by Peter Gabriel), since sending chicken soup and some Hello Kitty Band-Aids to Germany would be more than a little awkward.

Tags Gustav Schafer, Peter Gabriel, Tokio Hotel, video

Francis Farewell Starlite, the impeccably tailored leader of Wesleyan's Francis And The Lights, recently told NYC's Village Voice that the primary influence behind his music is Strunk & White's Elements Of Style. And, difficult as it can be to tell these days, I don't think he's kidding.

On his unprecedentedly fan-friendly website, press photos (see the handsome cross-breed of Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker's Dracula above) precede each of his minimalist funk concertos, warning the listener of the confident fastidiousness to come. You see, Francis And The Lights take great pains to sound so laid-back. That's how they sound like Prince, but they also sound like Peter Gabriel. And math.

The contradiction-loaded result is so distinct that it's had bloggers (Kanye West included!) losing it from day one.

Watch Francis And The Lights' "The Top" video below, and listen to all of their songs (including some incredible pop covers -- to the left, to the left!) for free at francisandthelights.com.

Tags Francis And The Lights, Kanye West, Peter Gabriel, Prince, The Buzz On