Miss Plaza Suite - Streetheart

Another great Canadian band that's basically unknown, I discovered Streetheart for their cover, and better version of Under My Thumb. Miss Plaza Suite has always been one of my favorites off of their eighth album named Streetheart. I can't totally say why, but I just really enjoy the sound and the drumming is pretty solid. They also do a great cover of the Small Faces Tin Soldier, which I have mentioned earlier in my blog. Frankly, a great band from out West that deserves a little more airtime then they receive.

Hang Me Out To Dry - Cold War Kids

The guitar work in this song is fairly simple, but has such a cool flow to it that's so hard to not enjoy. The harmony between the bass and guitar is incredible, but it is the vocals that steal the show in this song, especially the ending where Nathan sings alone without any accompaniment. I also find the piano part interesting, as it plays out of key, but somehow the dissonance of it makes it feel just perfect for the part. A very powerful little song that makes for great driving music.

Runaway - The National

I was unaware of how truly amazing new music could be until I heard the National's new album, High Violet. This album is a complete masterpiece from start to finish, a fair bit lighter then their last album but a whole new direction. My standout favorite on this album is Runaway, mainly due to it's light delivery and incredible vocal deliverance. I can't stop listening to this album from start to finish, and this song gives me chills every time it comes on.

Here In My Room - Incubus

A terrific example of why Incubus is such a modern powerhouse band, Here in my Room is a slow but powerful song whose lyrics are stunning and touching at the same time. Mix that with some beautiful keys, a relaxing, smooth drum track and some awesome guitar and you have one of their greatest songs. The story is about him being at a boring party, and a girl enters who completely blows him away and they end up making love. His choice of words is perfect, and his delivery is beautiful. Off their fifth album, it's one of the only songs I really enjoy of fifth album, A Crow Left of the Murder, as I am much for their earlier stuff, but this one is certainly a classic

Red Red Wine - UB40

Seems like a good day to do this song, as I had a disagreement earlier with someone whether the version they posted was by Bob Marley ( it wasn't, was this exact version, it's so sad if someone hears reggae they assume it's automatically him). This song was actually written by Neil Diamond, and was a slower acoustic ballad, not doing to well on the charts. It was covered in a Reggae style that same year by Tony Tribe. UB40's version is a cover of Tony tribe's version, and was the only one to make it big, reaching number 1 on the charts. A nice little song with a lot of confusion behind it.

Mari Mac - Great Big Sea

Another great Canadian band, Great Big Sea hails from the East Coast, and is still touring to this day. This song was one of their earlier singles, and was relatively unliked, failing to even chart. However, it has always been far and above my favorite song they have as it's got a great flow and the speedy vocal delivery is incredible to listen to. The fiddle really showcases that East Coast feel and makes this song really make you want to dance to it. Great Big Sea was known for doing a lot of covers and traditional music, especially at the start of their career, but this is not only one of the eight original songs off the album, it is one of the two that was collaberated on by the entire band; perhaps that's why it kicks so much ass?

Beautiful World - Devo

An old little song, with an even weirder video. It's got some great lyrics though, if you look past his odd style of singing. I became aware of this song through Rage Against the Machine's cover, which is beautiful and far better in my opinion, but it's nice to hear the song in it's original, quirky form.

The Importance of Being Idle - Oasis

If you ever needed proof that Oasis is one of the most influential bands to ever play the game then here it is - The Importance of Being Idle. The lyrics in this song are inspiring, the guitar work classic and well versed, and this video is one of the first I remember seeing and actually enjoying. One of the best songs to turn on and rock out to, I'm frankly surprised you don't see this one played more over some of their other overplayed songs. Taken from the name of a book Gallagher found, it was the second hit of their sixth album, Don't believe the truth, released in 2004.

Play Crack the Sky - Brand New

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, by one of the best lyricists I've ever heard, Jesse Lacey. The chords are simple, but stripped down to acoustic and played with heart. The 3/4 layout of the song also adds to it's unique sound I think also. There is an overlapping of voices, which really emphasize the lyrics which are some of the best I've ever heard. About a break up, it relates it to a boat crashing in the sea and sinking. The imagery is incredible, and I get chills every time I hear it. Although I love every song they've recorded, this one stands out as being the most mesmerizing and easiest to relate to.