Uh oh. I did it again.

Despite knowing that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs had just released a new record, I mentally shelved it before even opening the box. While I love the band and their music, when this record dropped, two thoughts popped into my head: I don't want to pay for music (it's true, I'm really cheap) and I can't do screaming right now.

* I've really got to work out this not being able to download free music situation. It's keeping me from testing out so much. I'm really missing out!! Anyone know a virtually virus-free torrent application or site I can use? I'm dying over here.

So on the recommendation of Lara -- with whom I had brunch yesterday at the new Rice just north of Houston which I highly recommend -- I came home and downloaded It's The Blitz! cuz she said it's the shitz! We also heard part of a song as we looked quickly around Unis and, not only was it not what I was expecting, to my surprise, it didn't really sound like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs I know at all.

Karen O's voice is distinct, but the style of music and the production level/quality is not art rock at all. It's amazingly sexy, well-produced music and just what the band needed to jump up to that next level. I'd liken it to the difference between someone who has style but puts it together to the best of their abilities on a budget versus someone with style who's got a huge budget and knows how to use it.

When I listen I hear lots of 80's band Berlin and its sultry lead singer Terri Nunn. Hot hot and more hot and, not surprisinly, the musical genius, "I've got the Midas touch" producer Dake Sitek (TV on the Radio) has dripped his magical gold on this record.

Click here to brush up on your Yeah Yeah Yeahs knowledge, here to read about It's The Blitz!, here to listen to the first track from the record Zero and to test drive a few other songs from the band on their MySpace, and, of course, their official site.

Listen to my current favorite song -- Heads Will Roll -- on Last.fm. You won't believe your ears. It's siiiiiiiiiiick.