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.

Band on the Run - Paul McCartney / Wings

This song has a really cool open with the blend between the keys and guitar, and just continues to build off itself. One of the best examples of McCartney's ability to grow after the Beatles and continue to write inspired and creative music. Built in three different sections, each with it's on feel, the flow is seamless and each part is incredible, however part 2 happens to be my favorite. The first part is about being trapped forever, the second about giving away everything if escape was achieved, while the third is when they do in fact escape. Being the last record released with Apple, it is probably one of his most recognized post-Beatles hits, but for good reason. The Foo Fighters do a pretty impressive cover version of this song as well, that is worth checking out if you'd like to hear it rocked up a notch.