For the Scissor Sisters guitarist, Del Marquis, the mainstream music industry can be a little, well…limiting.

In the interim between Scissors albums (they’re preparing their latest now!), the artist chose to go his own way and explore an independent solo project for himself, collaborating with several different producers and artists (including Joan as Police Woman and Basement Jaxx) along the way.

After completing a handful of releases over the course of a year and a half, Del Marquis is now rolling out the final thrust of his indie turn with the Runaround EP–a maxi-single complete with eight new tracks and remixes.

“Runaround,” the main single off of the EP, is both a funky, stomping explosion of sound and a passing wink to the leading gentlemen of the New Wave movement–all without ever sounding inauthentic.

Other album tracks include “Lies By the Bed,” a jaunty, sauntering tune, and my personal favorite, “Each Time I Reach the Sun,” a six minute triumph that pits Marquis’ dark, echoey vocals against melancholy guitar chords and a crashing drum beat, at times recalling the greatest melodies from Depeche Mode. “As strange as it ever was, each time I reach the sun,” Marquis distantly coos along the devastatingly addictive chorus, only demanding to be put on repeat time and time again.

As a whole, The Runaround EP is vibrant, fun, and–dare I say–”hip,” proving that a good grove is forever timeless.

Click below to stream “Runaround” in full.

DL: Runaround (Louis La Roche ‘In 1995’ Remix)

The Runaround EP will be released on September 22.

Purchase more from Del Marquis on iTunes | MySpace | Official Website

8/1‘s got another track from Joan As Police Woman, this time in duet form with Antony of Antony and the Johnsons. It’s called “I Defy,” and it’s a real jazzy number. Quite nice.

ArjanWrites blogger Arjan did a fabulous job covering the first ever MTV Logo NewNowNext Awards. You’ve got to head over and check out everything that went down backstage, on stage, and after the awards show!

ElectroQueer‘s been going gaga over the dance diva, Doe Deere lately. He’s got her latest video for “SF Disco,” as well as a quirky little home renovation side project. Someone’s got a thing for antlers.

PopMuse has posted its annual Disco Globes compilation, a collection and celebration of ace remixes that the author’s been fancying over recent months, including hits from Ri-Ri, Blake Lewis, and Madonna. I’ve really been loving it, especially the Kelly Rowland remix of “Work.” Do–do do it, shake it baby! Head over and grab it while you still can!

XO is spreading his love around. What? Get your head out of the gutter, pervert. No, in the Prince way, by listing off his top jams in honor of the man’s 50th birthday. And don’t let the grammar confuse you–he’s just being Prince-esque.

And so, in my state of cow-like zen, I’ve been listening to music that isn’t quite usual for me. Not on my radar, if you will. After hoping onto one of my favorite, most quirkiest of blogs 8/1, I found a whole smorgasbord of indie, offbeat samplings. And for some strange reason, found myself intrigued.

So what can you find there? Well, there’s Joan As Police Woman (pictured left), who I’ve heard of many times before, though never listened before today. Hauntingly melodic, acoustic stuff. Check out “Start Of My Heart,” the smooth, down-tempo ballad…It’s quite rich. Then we’ve got The Mutineers, who have a bit of an early 90′s throb, a smooth shellacking of summer grooves, and all sorts of trendy lyricism. There’s also a song-filled post on Adam & The Amethysts, who sound to me like a cross between The Cardigans, Martha Wainwright, and The Beach Boys. Neat!

I think my friend XO may be feeling a similar round of indie fever lately, as he’s just featured Zooey Deschanel and M Ward’s collaborative effort, She & Him in his latest post. Mosey on over and check it out, little doggies.

But it’s not all about weird noises and being holier-than-thou here in the pop world. Sometimes, it’s about Russia. So check out ElectroQueer’s fast and furious interview with the Russian superstar, Sergey (pictured right). He talks about being into ladies that are naked and Russian pride. Mmm…What?

Chart Rigger has basically hit the glittery nail on the head with his review of Cyndi Lauper‘s Bring Ya To The Brink that I neglected to ever write. I’m shocked at how much I agree! Though I have to say, not only is “Lyfe” skippable, it should never have been recorded in the first place. A terrible, tacky attempt to sound modern. Do what you do best, Cyndi! It is the folly of most maturing musicians to attempt to stay relevant as they continue to put out records. We liked you for a reason, so stay true to yourselves! Somewhere, Madonna‘s ears are burning. End rant.

So that’s about all lately. Coming up soon, I’ve got an exclusive little interview with the Swedish duo I blogged about earlier, Kuryakin! Stay tuned!