Surely by now you’ve heard the number one song of the summer, the flirty ChapStick ad, “I Kissed A Girl” from Katy Perry. While the beat is completely ripped from “Rock N Roll Part 2″ by Gary Glitter (”Na na na na na, HEY!”), the hook is drill-licious. Christian music aficionados might (but probably not) remember Katy as Katy Hudson, who released an album for the Christian market when signed to Jennifer Knapp (and Steve Thomas’ label) Red Hill Records/Pamplin sometime in 2001. It didn’t do so hot. It’s unclear exactly what her religious beliefs are these days (or in those days), but in Blender mag in 2004 she did consider herself as not a “typical Christian.” So, that makes two of us, I guess. Anyone else?

Pussycat Dolls are back - Thank GOD! And their streamlining down to only five members allows Nicole to be right in the smack center during the choreography. It’s so much nicer to watch without the extraneous sixth Doll. More ergonomic, if you will.

Quick Bites: If you haven’t bought Coldplay’s Viva la Vida, call me and I’ll send you a copy–you must have this CD. NKOTB - NOTHX. One Republic’s CD gets better and better with each listen. Estelle’s “American Boy” is an awesome, sexy & smooth song. I even love the rap from Kanye with Estelle’s coos on top. In a funny meta-licious move, watch Weezer’s “Pork & Beans” on YouTube. Lifehouse has a hot new tune, “Broken” that will be in my top ten of the year. I’m actually getting into Gavin Rossdale’s new album, even though I labeled it boring at first. Now it’s like a rock-ish Peter Gabriel.

Christian: Kudos to Bebo Norman for his new compassionate single, “Britney.” Yes, it’s a letter to Britney. Scott Krippayne released a similarily compassionate single called “Renee” a couple years back. Renee, as in formerly Chesney. Superchick has a great new project. Group mastermind, Max Hsu, formerly of Church of Rhythm, is a pop genius. In the battle for Song of the Year: In this corner Third Day and their bland smash, “Call My Name” racking up probably ten weeks at number one. And in the opposite corner, Chris Tomlin and his derivitive, non-rhyming, coma-inducing praise-anthem, “Jesus Messiah.” Can someone please do a mash-up? Listen to these songs and you’ll hear what the Christian radio audience is insatiably hungry for. Like my dog for her dry, crunchy stuff.

It’s a great time for music. What’s your vote for Song of the Summer? Comment and let me know. Until next time - happy downloading!