Ladytron — 604

While it may be valid to champion Radiohead's latest effort as the record of the new millennium, some might say it doesn't sound like the future at all. And if anyone can make this claim, it is surely Ladytron. Everyone keeps talking about how this group looks (and sounds) the way we have always imagined what people would look (and sound) like in the future, but really, they're just cool as shit.

The black turtlenecks and moptops aside, they deftly yet playfully pay homage to their heroes with their ultra-hip brand of Kraftwerk meets Petshop Boys, '80s New Wave, electro-scientific pop noisery. Without a hint of irony or kitsch, Ladytron manage to pull off their futuristic groove without looking (or sounding) like a big joke. All the pretty hooks and melodies are delivered with robotic cuteness by Helen Marnie and Mira Aroyo, making this album totally irresistible - just listen to "Playgirl." Now we have music to listen to in the space cab to Mars.

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