Surfing the Web for new music, video...

Surfing the Web for new music, video and MP3 downloads can be a serious time investment. Picks from Times staff and contributors will help take the drag out of click-and-drag music choices. Some downloads may contain explicit lyrics. All are free, except as noted.

CHRIS LEE

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“The W.A.N.D.”

The Flaming Lips

www.napster.com

Although sung in Robert Plant-esque falsetto and constructed around classic-rock guitar riffs, the Lips’ latest single won’t be found on KLOS-FM. That’s because “The W.A.N.D.” also is laden with FX-heavy reverse snare drums and strange, counter-percussive interludes. Music for some never-produced cartoon horror movie. Cost: 99 cents.

“Straight Thru You”

The Morning After Girls

www.themorningaftergirls.com/

frameset.htm

Jangling guitar majesty never sounded so elegantly wasted as on this first single from the Melbourne, Australia, psyche-pop group -- in which, despite the moniker, only one member is a “girl.”

“The Dollar”

Jamey Johnson

www.cmt.com/artists/az/

johnson_jamey/1198001/album.jhtml

This country singer from Alabama taps a bit of Merle Haggard, a bit of Hank Jr. in this twangy, heart-tugging tale about a boy who tries to land some more quality time with his hardworking daddy. It’s the title song from his debut album, which arrives Jan. 31.

“Multiply and Divide”

The Soviettes

www.napster.com

As an opener for its second album, “LPIII” (“LPII” was its debut), the Minneapolis group could do worse -- but not much better -- than “Multiply and Divide,” a keenly crafted punk blast with a chorus of female backup singers and a group-shout choral arrangement. Cost: 99 cents.

“Love Me Like You”

The Magic Numbers

www.music.yahoo.com/

ar-19596449-videos

--The-Magic-Numbers

Portly and decidedly hirsute, the four members of the Magic Numbers aren’t the easiest-on-the-eyes group to come out of Britain. But their California-sounding, Mamas and Papas-ish vocal harmonization -- on display in the video for “Love,” an exclusive on Yahoo music -- provides an effective remedy for the winter doldrums.