So I read Elton John wants to do a hip-hop album.

This does not sound like a good thing.

I read in an Associated Press story that Sir Elton wants to work with Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Pharrell, Kanye West and whatever else hip-hop producer could possibly land him the hit he hasn't had in years.

OK, that last part was mine.

I guess he's encouraged by his awards-show duet with Eminem a couple of years ago.

It will be interesting to see what comes of this and if any acts are as eager to work with Elton as he is them.

I haven't been buying or listening to as much stuff since my radio got pilfered, or should I say since I'm too cheap to buy another car radio (that could just get stolen again).

Anyway, I have picked up the latest from a couple of Toms .... well, a Tom and a Thom.

"Highway Companion" by Tom Petty is classic Petty. It just makes you want to get in the car and drive. It's sparse when it needs to be and picks up the pace at the right times. I haven't gone through it too many times btu the first impressions are good.

"The Eraser" by Thom Yorke is classic Yorke. Strangely melodic. Strangely catchy. Strange all the way through. He mixes beats, keyboards and his vocal stylings into a quite beautiful album.

I also picked up "Fatboy Slim: The Greatest Hits -- Why Try Harder" which indulges my long-standing appreciation for his singles while not wanting to buy his albums. Although the copy editor in me feels obligated to mention the "Why Try Harder" needs a question mark on it.

Well, I've watched the video for "Here It Goes Again" by OK Go about 10 times now. It's one of the most amazing things I've seen in a while.

Simply put, it's treadmill choreography. Just watch it. You'll be amazed too.

These guys might inspire a whole new craze.

It's also a great song.

I don't listen to a lot of country, but I know artists occasionally cover songs they like and "country-fy" them.

So in that spirit, here are a few rock songs I think would make good country songs:

"The Core" by Eric Clapton -- This one is from Slowhand's more country-esque days anyway. But I think the full-on country treatment would go well here.

"You Wreck Me" by Tom Petty -- Another rocker with some country sounds. This one would work for your more contemporary, younger country-rock acts.

"Broken Wings" by Mr. Mister -- Come on, everybody knows this one. Imagine that high-pitch twang on that "Baaaaaaaby, it's all I know" line.

"Why Does It Always Rain On Me?" by Travis -- You can never go wrong with self-pity in music. Country especially.

"Better Be Home Soon" by Crowded House -- This would be a perfect country song. It's got a guy sitting at home waiting for hard-partying, cheating woman to come home. He's even saying he might not be there when she does. Someone needs to record this now. Keith Urban, are you out there? You're Australian right? Crowded House was from New Zealand. I shouldn't have to tell you this. You could probably get Neil Finn to play on the track.