Surfing the Web for new music, video...

Surfing the Web for new music, video and MP3 downloads can be a serious time investment. Picks from Times staff and contributors will help take the drag out of click-and-drag music choices. Some downloads may contain explicit lyrics. All are free, except as noted.

-- Chris Lee

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“Q-Unit: Greatest Hits”

The Silence Xperiment

members.home.nl/visionx

In the vein of Danger Mouse’s “Grey Album,” this album’s mash-ups -- by a groove doctor known as the Silence Xperiment -- joins Queen’s art-accented rock with the hard-core rapping of 50 Cent. Songs include “We Will Rock You in Da Club” and “Bohemian Wanksta.”

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“Imagine”

Dolly Parton

www.cmt.com/artists/az/parton_dolly/artist.jhtml

The video inter-cuts footage of Parton performing a stripped-down version of John Lennon’s song with snippets from Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Imagine” film, an implicit plea for peace timed to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the former Beatle’s death.

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“Untold Stories”

Sinead O’Connor

www.sineadoconnormusic.com/ecard/main.html

As produced by reggae masters Sly & Robbie, the Irish firebrand offers an elegiac acoustic take on Buju Banton’s “Stories,” a declaration of political discontent and disenfranchisement.

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“Lovely Broken Thing”

Underworld

www.underworldlive.com/index/shop.html

The veteran British electronica group offers seven exclusive tracks from its “Riverrun” project -- its first new music in two years -- including 28 minutes of otherworldly electro-psychedelia. Cost: 5 pounds, or about $8.65 U.S.

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“Rise Up With Fists”

Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins

www.radiofreeinternet.imjasonh.com/index.php/archives/2005/11/27/9 9

Rilo Kiley frontwoman Lewis recruited Silver Lake gospel singer the Watson Twins for backing vocal duties on her alt-country side project.

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“C I Am 15”

King Biscuit Time

www.kingbiscuittime.co.uk/index.php/home

On this spaced-out single from Beta Band singer Steve Mason’s side project, the Scotsman’s indie rock/rap is suddenly interrupted by a reggae interlude by dancehall toaster Topcat. The group’s website is streaming the video.