Listening to some kid-pop today. I had to spend a few hours with the new Britney Spears (In the Zone) and Justin Timberlake (Justified) albums, so I could give people an informed flaming. So I could say, "man, this sucks."

What could I be thinking? Listening to Spears' whole album (twice) was one of the most anguishing experiences I've had in a while. Worthy of a David Blaine stunt. Don't try this at home kids!

To recover, I submitted myself to something with an equal potential for serious brain injury: Justin Timberlake. Joeblack recommended the album, so I figured it was safe.

Of course, the catch is that he's being backed up by some serious production, including the Neptunes. Some songs are not bad and the performances sound good... damn, this is about when I should be exercising extreme nastiness.

The album is not brilliant, by the way. Most of the songs sound tailored for Britney's crowd, although production throughout is pretty clean. And every once in a while it becomes clear that he hasn't forgotten his N'Sync's fans.

But as much as I hate to say it, the album sounds hip. (disclaimer: my kindness may be attributed to me being in a coma after submitting myself to Britney.)

Cool kindergarten lyric: “You’re out of this world except you’re not green.”