Singles

Jaed - My Way/Cupid

Emily Tartanella 06/03/2006

Rating: 4/5

Just in time for your post-Valentines Day malaise, Jaed return with another killer single full of snotty, sneering and inexplicably vulnerable punk-pop. Lead singer Vanessa Eve and her emotional baggage (drug addiction, an abusive father, life on the streets) make for some fantastical pop songs, and the latest are not a disappointment.

“My Way” sees Vanessa on the street doing what it takes to survive-a “When the Sun Goes Down” from the girl's perspective. “I'll swallow seconds in a second for your money, buddy,” she snarls, with a voice of surprising strength and resonance. Like L7 or early Hole, Jaed have a streak of violence a mile wide, and they're all the better for it. “Cupid” gives it to the little winged bastard himself, in a two-minute blast of sonic loathing, without a dash of self-pity or pretension. True, the whole thing's a bit Blink 182 in the tune, but it's a small price to pay for such deliriously nasty sentiments. Put down your box of candy, shred your Valentines, and listen to Jaed; you'll be together forever.