It's Getting Boring by the Sea - Blood Red Shoes

I love the 2 person line up when it works, and for Blood Red Shoes it does. With that White Stripes feel with reversed roles, they have a really full sound for only two people. A lot of this is accomplished by drummer Steven Ansell who is able to take a fairly simple riff and really flesh it out. Fronted by Laura-Mary Carter, I think she keeps the guitar simple and her voice smart which just adds to the effect the song has. A great band from across the pond, certainly worth checking out.

Speaker's Block - Psychic Stunts

Feel good song of the year - Speaker's Block by Psychic Stunts. I can't explain fully just how carefree and amazing this song is, it's got such a happy feel too it. Hailing from Sweeden, this pop duo is still relatively unknown with only one cd to their credit. I especially love the end when they have a bunch of people singing the chorus, which is really just a clever little group of words. This song is just so happy it's intoxicating, and it's a shame it isn't played in more bars.

Birthday - The Beatles

:D

Satan, Lend me a Dollar - Hill of Beans

It is impossible to reason why I love this song so much, but it just makes me laugh so hard. Written by Hill of Beans, an acoustic duo, they feature just an acoustic guitar and accordion. The lyrics are nonsense and their verses seem to be rushed and off timing but for some reason I find it to be extremely enjoyable. It even had an effect on some mainstream artists, inspiring Beck to write Satan gave me a Taco. Just a fun little song by some musicians clearly enjoying writing music.

Hollywood Nights - Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band

Even at it's prime, this song never reached the prime it should have. The drumming especially is fantastic, but the song really come together as a whole. Seger lays down a story that is memorable as well as relate able. This song just really gets moving, with the simple guitar and pounding piano, and is a really underrated song in my opinion; one of Segers' best. It was out shined on the album by Still the Same, but as a opener it is far better in my opinion. Definitely worth a listen and still a song that should be heard more often.

Having An Average Weekend - Shadowy Men on A Shadowy Planet

I'm pretty obsessed with watching KITH again, and whenever I do this instrumental gets stuck in my head. Another Canadian band, this Juno award winning grouping is best known fo this song as it was used as the theme song for KITH. It's hard to find instrumental bands now a days ( although there was an amazing one in Guelph called Topple These Towers) and it is a difficult thing to accomplish. The guitar and bass work really well in the song together though and the drums adds just enough to keep it moving. Just another cool little early 90's Canadian tune.

Enough - The Autumn Film

My hearts been ripped wide open with all the things I didn't need
And your hearts been ripped wide open cause I keep chasing other things

Just wow. At first look, I didn't expect much from this band, but what they lack in initial draw they make up for in sheer talent. This song has such a punch to it that is almost completley unexpected after a slow start and tells such an amazing story that it's impossible not to feel it. Hailing from Colorado, this band still isn't too widely known but should be. Just the kind of beautifully sad song that let's you know you aren't alone.

Modern Love - David Bowie

A great little song by Bowie, the back beat is so solid with a fantastic performance by Bowie himself. The addition of the keyboards and horns in the background really makes this song pop in my opinion. Off of his 1983 Let's Dance album, it's a song about the struggle between God and man, as much of the album was. The chorus is very unique to me with the Modern Love being sung repeatedly in the background. One of my favorite Bowie songs and rightly so as it can be enjoyed no matter what you're doing or where you are.

The Book of Love - The Magnetic Fields

And I love it when you read to me; and you can read me anything.

Such a touching little song, written in 1999 by The Magnetic Fields and covered by both Peter Gabriel and the Airbourne Toxic Event ( the last being my favorite due to the addition of violins). It is off a three volume album set called 69 love songs, which includes 69 songs written by the band. I haven't heard much of the others but if they are as touching as this one then the album is surely worth having.

For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her - Simon & Garfunkel

Just a beautiful, short little song. Penned by Simon and sung by Garfunkel, it is a wonderful image of an ideal. Although many believe it is written about an imaginary girl, Simon has stated that it is actually about a belief, while their later song "Overs" is about the end of this belief. Amazingly, Simon doesn't really like this song, although I speculate it's because he was never able to fulfill his image he describes in it, but Garfunkel really enjoyed singing it and does so with such passion. A truly romantic piece that is stunningly beautiful in it's simplicity.

Pop Goes the World - Men Without Hats

Another Canadian group from the 80's, Men Without Hats is best known for their song Safety Dance although find this one to be far more catchy. The song is basically telling the story of Johnny and Jenny and their quest for musical fame, implying that Pop goes the World is indeed their hit. It's a cute little song that's fairly easy to listen to, although the video really is something else.

Games Without Frontiers - Peter Gabriel

Although not his most popular song, this is one that always seems to get stuck in my head and has an interesting little rhythm to it, but especially several unique vocal parts to it. The whistling part is an odd feature to this song but fits in so well. This song is a critique of war and how childish it is. The first line in the song which is commonly misheard is actually Jeux sans Frontiers, where the name of the song came from and was the name of a game show that pitted nationalities against each other. There are a lot of clear references to war in this song especially that of Adolf ( referring to Hitler) Britt ( referring to Great Britain), and Enrico Fermi, who's contribution to nuclear weaponry enabled the States to bomb Japan. An interesting little song but certainly one of my favorites that Gabriel has to offer.

Limousine - Brand New

One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands, this is a very powerful and touching song. Written about 7 year old Katie Flynn, she had been a flower girl earlier in the day and while driving home from the wedding in a limousine, it was struck by a drunk driver, killing Katie. The song has several parts to it, from different perspectives. The first is from Katie's mother, discussing the wedding and how she is to lay the petals and then goes into describing how the driver who is to kill her is starting to drink, and ending very sadly with her saying that she has one more night to be her mother. The middle is from the driver and the guilt he feels for killing her and how he feels he can never be forgiven. Finally the last part is supposedly from Katies point of view, and the counting to 7 represents her age at the time. This is a pretty fantastic song, with quite a deep meaning and is still by far the best song I've ever seen performed live.

The Mariners Revenge Song - The Decemberists

One of the few songs I pick up off of my brother, I think this song is just fantastic. I love a song that is able to paint a picture and this song is a story and a half. It even sounds like a shanty so the fact it's about a song at sea is perfect. I wasn't particularly a fan of the singers voice when I first heard it, but I now think it's just what the song needs. It is a song about a boy whose mother falls for a 'rake and rastabout' who eventually leaves her with his gambling debts so that her house is repossessed and then she dies. This causes the son to vow to get revenge which he eventually does in the belly of a whale. The music is just great, and I especially love the simpleness but driving force of the percussion, that of a timpani and tambourine. I have posted a video of them playing the song which I suggest watching a little of first just to get an idea of how they look and play but then watch the full video below. It is a high school group acting out the song, and it will help follow along with what is happening in the tale. Also, pay close attention to the mother's part, it is one of the funniest and most gruesome parts I have ever heard in a song.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaNV7eCU2R0

Old Number 7 - The Devil Makes 3

A song dedicated to whiskey is sure to be a winner with me and this song has a great drinking feel to it. A trio consisting of 3, two guitars and a cello, this song is just so damn cool. I really like the lead singers voice although I can't quite say why, it just seems perfect for this song. The lyrics are pretty smooth and the music perfectly accents them and the guitar picking is simple but sounds awesome. A great song to put on during a night of drinking, I'm surprised this one hasn't become a hit at bars yet. Interesting fact, no one knows why Ol number 7 was coined for the whiskey, and that mystery has died long ago with it's creator, Jack.

Makin' it Work - Doug and the Slugs

Another Canadian gem, I very fondly remember riding in the car as a child and listening to this with my best friend as it is a nice catchy little tune. Written and performed by Doug and the Slugs, the song to me seems to be about a couple who has been through some tough times, especially with the man being a drunk and having little faith in themselves, but with time achieving something together which is quite the positive message. Quite interestingly, the video is about erectile dysfunction, so the band must have been having a little fun with it. It really is surprising to me how many good Vancouver based bands appeared in the 80's, as they seem to make up the bulk of my 80's music preference. Also be sure to check out Too Bad, which is perhaps their biggest hit.

Common People - Pulp

This is an interesting little song, with really great lyrics. I think this song is really hard to place, and although this band formed in the late 70's and this song has a very electronic 80's feel to it, it was actually released in 1995. Named after the film of the same name, this English band is fronted by Jarvis Cocker who takes a weird look at those people that for some reason find glamour in poverty, but as he states will never experience it for they are just to well off and not meant for that lifestyle. A great example of just how hard it can be to walk in someone else's shoes when you have the ability to just give up on and return to your normal life; you will never truly experience the hardships associated with it. Surprisingly, I enjoy the cover version far better, which is in fact done by none other then William Shatner. Produced and composed by Ben Folds, it incorporates Shatners speaking style while also having some actual vocals done by Joe Jackson. I just find this version to much more rocking then Pulps' and much more enjoyable to throw on, but their original is unique in it's own way. Be sure to check out both versions.

I'm on Fire - Bruce Springsteen

I'd always thought this one was pretty well known, but over the past few weeks I've talked to a few people who had never heard this song before. In my opinion it is one of, if not the greatest Boss songs. Off of his born in the USA album, it was actually the fourth single. It is a very touching song and much less explosive as other songs on the album, but far more expressive in my opinion. A good trait of Springsteen's work is that it lends itself well to covers and this song took on a whole new meaning to me wen I saw it covered by just a female vocalist and piano and it was incredible. The lyrical sustenance of this song is amazing, and Weinbergs drumming really makes this song stand out to me. A true example of why he really is the Boss.

88 Lines About 44 Women - The Nails

This is a neat little song. Written by the Nails, I grew up thinking this song was by They Might Be Giants, due to the fact it was mislabeled on Napster. I think it's a really interesting idea for a song and written well with some both clever and funny lyrics ( My favorite being about Catherine). The music is simple, but the bass is flowing and catchy and really suits the song well. This song also reminds me of the Conchords song Carol Brown, which is basically the same idea. It's a nice light song that is extremely enjoyable to throw on at any time.

Untitled - Sigur Ros

Hailing from Iceland, I was first introduced to this band when Matt Good stated it was one of two bands he currently listened to. This song has a very simple but moving feel to it that is very easy to listen to. Off of their third album, every song on it was untitled and split into two halves. The first was meant to be much lighter relying on keyboards more then guitars, while the second was more melancholic. Although all the songs are untitled on the album, each one does have a subname that the band uses to reference them, with this one being named Vaka, after the drummers daughter. The lyrics are very hard to make out, but beautiful in their simplicity. I haven't heard the full album yet but it is one I have had my eye out for.

The Final Cut - Pink Floyd

The Final Cut is an interesting album by Pink Floyd. Mostly disliked by a lot of new and old Floyd fans alike, and even criticized by Gilmour himself, I think it is the hidden gem of Floyd albums. It truly is Waters baby, even more so then The Wall, I think, and is extremely dark and personal. This is the last true Floyd album, the only one with lyrics solely written by Waters, and he actually sings every song on this album except for one, even though Gilmour does most of the vocals in previous albums ( this is probably why he doesn't like the album). The album is an anti war album, and the problems of a man returning from the war and being able to settle back into a normal life. The title track of the album is beautifully soft and touching, but extremely powerful and moving, dealing with a man's isolation and sexual repression and struggles with the thoughts of suicide, that really give you a look into just how troubled Waters truly was. It also contains one of the best lyrics of all time

And if I show you my dark side, Would you still hold me tonight?

A beautiful nod to Darkside of the Moon, which was really when Waters began to use his lyrical ability to express his true feelings. I recommend listening to this album straight through, as it is a continuous story, but this song is truly the climax of the album and quite possibly my favorite off it.

Short Stories with Tragic Endings -From Autumn to Ashes

A little heavier then some other music I listen to, I have always been fascinated by this song, mainly the separation of the two parts - the heavy part mainly sung by Benjamin Perry and the softer parts by Francis Mark, and the lighter ending sung by Melanie Wills of One True Thing. In the beginning, Autumn meant not only the season itself, but was also a fictional character invented by the band. The entire album is actually about a relationship that Perry had, and this song is about the climax of it. Perrys vocals are stating his disgust with her and how she does not deserve what he has to give, and even though she begs for forgiveness he is unable to give it to her. His repetition at the end "Cry for you. Shed tears. Mourn. Wish the end." shows just how much it has affected him but his ability to move forward from it. Then this is followed by the females part, much softer then the first. It is about regret, on the girls part for destroying that which she loved, but how she has learned so much from hte experience. The closing line " For as much I love Autumn, I'm giving myself to ashes" is about how she too has been able to move on, and her realization that her actions have given way to ruin. all in all, a fantastic piece, maybe a bit heavy for some, but if you listen through to the end and really take it in, its quite moving.

Rosanna - Toto

A pretty little song, I always liked this one growing up. The feeling of being inadequate and just wanting to love someone is universal and delivered well in this song. Known for Africa, I think this is a much better example of Toto's talent. The addition of the horns is a cool feature, and the smooth drums and bass really flow this song along. The drum beat is actually quite famous, known as the half-time shuffle or the Rosanna shuffle, showing true jazz influence. I also love the interesting use of a guitar solo to end out the song. Interesting to note as well, is that Patrick Swayze is a dancer in the music video, as well as his Dirty Dancing costar Cynthia Rhodes. Another thing that adds to this song is that it has different vocalists for the first and second verses, which is really quite interesting, and not particularly common. Frankly, just another great hit that for whatever reason isn't heard much anymore.

Got my Mind Set on You - George Harrison

This was one of my favorite songs as a kid, and frankly it still is. The music composition is awesome, even the inclusion of things like claps, with a great driving drum beat. Harrison is fantastic as usual, and really delivers with the vocals. Growing up this was kind of mine and my moms song, so it holds a fairly special place. This song is originally written by Rudy Clark and was originally recorded by James Ray way back in the 60's, but is most known for George's version released in 87 when I was born. The dance scene is also hilarious awesome, although very obviously not Harrison. This was the last #1 single to be released by Harrison and gave him the 2nd most #1 singles as a solo act with 3 (McCartney led the pack with 9).

You can also check out the original right here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuqGm6FwZgY and it is definitely worth checking out as well.

Wait So Long - Trampled By Turtles

I really, really hope this song means a comeback for folk. The ability to play is something to behold with this band, and both the banjo and fiddle solos would be something to behold in person. The banjo player especially just blows me away with how fast his hands move. Couple it with a great vocalist with some poetic lyrics and you have something worth listening to. Another song that seems to be about the unattainable love, this song builds powerful verses with a simple chorus, which makes it catchy but easy to get in your head.

White Blank Page - Mumford and Sons

Picking any one song off of Mumfords cd is difficult in itself, as every song speaks to me in a different way, but White Blank Page especially is incredible, and his vocal delivery in it is beautiful. It may be the fact it's written in 3/4 that especially makes it stand out, as it has a very unique feel on the album. The song is about deceit, in the fact that he can't lay next to his lover and feels the weight of giving everything to naother with no return. The part of kneeling before the king is giving the chance for confession of sins ( in the live versions, he usually says "this king" making the song far more personal I think.) The second part is about his prgression of trying to turn this anger and hurt into a song, which I think is a huge part of my writing as well. It's an old story of man loving girl, and girl loving someone else while the former is left to deal with his emotions.

The Kids Are Ready to Die - The Airbourne Toxic Event

This song gives me hope that there is still a chance for music to have meaning. The lyrics in this song touch me in unbelievable way, especially in this acoustic version. Sometimes a song is so beautifully sad that it makes you want to smile. The whole new album will be amazing, but this song in particular has blown me away.

Saucerful of Secrets - Pink Floyd

It's hard to decide on your favorite things, as opinions can change daily, but as far as I can tell this is my favorite song of all time. It's hard to say exactly what it is exactly, so I'll break it into parts. First, there is just the pure exploration of sound at the start by Gilmour and Wright, accompanied by Mason's driving beat. The drums are so simple, but so powerful and keep order to the seeming chaos. Especially in the live version seeing Rogers go crazy on the cymbals and gongs is incredible. After this initial burst, Wright delivers a beautiful piece while the rest of the band slowly builds up behind him. Rogers bass playing truly amplifies the feeling here and just moves me. But what this song really comes down to is Gilmours haunting vocals, if they can be called that. The way he delivers this sound gives me chills every time I hear it, and accompanies the overall feel of the piece perfectly. There is a lot of chaos and dissonance in this song, but it gives way into such an amazing harmonic piece that I really feel this song is the best of both worlds, and the perfect example of why Pink Floyd is truly underestimated for their musical prowess. Although the Pompeii version is great for the passion is possesses, the version off of UmmaGumma is far superb, as it is much cleaner and a better delivery overall.