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.