People often speak of guilty musical pleasures that they’re not really guilty about (eg, eg, eg). So they’re really proud pleasures. Here is some shitty music that I am proud to admit to listening to on sunny summer days:

• Rihanna: She just makes really good pop music. The lyrics may not always be the best (ella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh), and the message behind them may not be so wholesome (e.g., Breaking Dishes, which says that domestic abuse is awesome if it’s Rihanna doing it, and the rest of her songs, which say that Rihanna is really slutty), but it’s hard to find better music for working out to.

  

• Sugababes: A lot of people around here probably haven’t even heard of the Sugababes, which is weird, because apparently they are the most successful all-female act of the 21st century in the UK. Overload was popular when it first came out, and other tracks have been in commercials, but they deserve more radio play here. I can listen to their album Angels With Dirty Faces over and over without getting sick of it. I think there’s only one member of the “band” that’s been consistent over the years, but she must be the magic member (*), because they’ve remained awesome.
• Nickelback: It’s common knowledge that Nickelback sucks, and all their songs sound the same. The thing is, I like their one style of song. It’s good old fashioned, simple, radio-filler rock ‘n roll, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

  

• The Donnas: The Donnas are sort of like what Andrew WK would be like if he was a bunch of chicks (or maybe he’s what they would be like if they were one dude). They sing about partying, and…well, more partying, in kickass punk/rock/metal songs. It doesn’t get better than that.
• Meat Loaf: I’ve loved Meat Loaf since Bat Out of Hell first came out, which is weird since I wasn’t even born. He’s been doing exactly the same thing since, and it still rules. His voice may be whiny and annoying, but you can feel that he’s really feelin’ it, and that’s what really matters.

  

• Katy Perry: Ok maybe I’m a bit guilty about this one. But that song is just so catchy…and the CD was only $6.00 on iTunes Plus…and she’s kinda hot…so…fuck, they tricked me into buying it. It’s not entirely bad, but I think people will be surprised that the rest of the album resembles Avril Lavigne more than Rihanna. Stupid lyrics and all. Liking this music feels so wrong but feels so right.

  Ain’t no big deal it’s innoceeeeeeent

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(*) [Insert penis joke.]