Fool To Cry

Song: "Fool To Cry"
Artist: Rolling Stones
Album: Black and Blue

One of the Stones' prettiest songs ever, period. It's hard to believe Mick and the boys have ever shown a tender side, but when they have, they really have.

Arc of a Diver

Song: "Arc of a Diver"
Artist: Steve Winwood
Album: Arc of a Diver

There is something about the unique melody and arrangement of this song that is really compelling. That, and it sparks memories of high school for me.

Mothertrain

Song: "Lost"
Artist: Mothertrain
Album: Fool's Gold

When I was in a band in Cleveland almost a decade ago, we played a lot of shows with a great group called Mothertrain. They only put one album out, but it was really, really good and this band should have went further than they did. Isn't that how it is with a lot of talented artists though?

Let It Snow

Song: "Let It Snow"
Artist: Boyz II Men
Album: Christmas Interpretations

The holidays are upon us in full force, and this is a really great song that was a duet and co-write with Brian McKnight. It's really hard to believe the track was released almost fifteen years ago though! Happy holidays to you all and enjoy the rest of the season.

The DBs

Song: "Christmas Time"
Artist: The DBs
Album: Christmas Time Again

I'll admit I don't even know who this band is, but I heard this holiday song while scanning the iTunes store. It's jangly, Beach Boys-ish pop, and now I need to find out more about them. For me, it's the definitive Christmas track of 2007.

Man Who Would Be Santa

Song: "The Man Who Would Be Santa"
Artist: Vertical Horizon
Album: Running On Ice

Before Vertical Horizon broke out sort of big with their song "Everything You Want," from a great album with the same name, they were more of an acoustic-driven group. And this was one of the breezy, powerful songs from that era. It's not really a Christmas song at all, but I figured with the holiday season upon us, it's as good a time as any to bring up this fine track.

Snowfall

Song: "Snowfall"
Artist: Dan Fogelberg
Album: The First Christmas Morning

Since Dan Fogelberg passed away on Sunday, and it's the holiday season, it's a good time to not just reflect on his classic music, but on something from his awesome Christmas album. This track is an instrumental number that literally makes you feel like snow is falling outside your window, whether it is or not.

Remembering Dan Fogelberg

Song: "Nether Lands"
Artist: Dan Fogelberg
Album: Nether Lands

We lost a great singer/songwriter this past weekend. Dan Fogelberg succumbed to cancer at his home in Maine at the age of 56. Even though Dan had some great pop hits in the 80s, I remember my sister playing this Nether Lands album before that, and loving every song on it. Rest in peace, Dan...your music will always bring back memories and have a special place on my iTunes.

Novo Combo

Song: "Keep Your Love Alive"
Artist: Novo Combo
Album: Animation Generation

I know I've written about this great band before that only lasted for two albums, but here they are again. That's because those two albums are two of the best I've ever owned, especially Animation Generation. I'm just glad I found these guys again.

Jimi

Song: "Little Drummer Boy/Silent Night"
Artist: Jimi Hendrix
Album: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I recently downloaded this track because, well, Jimi Hendrix was one of the greatest rock guitarists ever. This is a real distorted, noodling medley, but there is no denying its awesomeness.

Copper

Song: "Inside and Out"
Artist: Copper
Album: The Fragile Fall

I had the pleasure of repping this band a couple of years ago....they never really got the props they deserved, but hopefully they are still at it, because they really have great songs. If you are into the likes of Breaking Benjamin or Three Days Grace, you'll love Copper.

Let It Snow

Song: "Let It Snow"
Artist: Diana Krall
Album: Christmas Songs

The fact that Diana Krall named her holiday album Christmas Songs, says it all. It's simple, just like the simplistic beauty of Krall's voice and arrangements of these songs. This one came out in 2006, and it's still in heavy holiday rotation for me in 2007.

Jonatha

Song: "Steady Pull"
Artist: Jonatha Brooke
Album: Steady Pull

Jonatha Brooke is a fairly under the radar singer/songwriter, but this 2001 album was stunning to me. She isn't just a girl with a guitar, but someone with a full band that has just enough arrangement and production to bring the songs out. Great stuff.

Augustana

Song: "Stars and Boulevards"
Artist: Augustana
Album: Augustana

I may have written about this band's debut already, but even if I have, it's worth repeating how great the album is. This song was somewhat of a hit in the AAA radio market, but the whole set of songs is worth checking out.

Sister Hazel Christmas

Song: "Oh Holy Night"
Artist: Sister Hazel
Album: Santa's Playlist

In addition to Mindy Smith, I would put this album at the top of your Christmas music wish list in 2007 as well. I've never been a huge fan of this jangly rock band, but they put together a fine set of smartly arranged Christmas classics and original holiday songs with this one.

Basia

Song: "Time and Tide"
Artist: Basia
Album: Time and Tide

Polish born pop/jazz singer Basia began her career in the late eighties and had some marginally successful albums after that. This was the title track to her debut album, and it's really great stuff. She has a distinctive and very compelling voice.

The Milwaukees

Song: "Crown Royal"
Artist: The Milwaukees
Album: American Anthems Vol. 1

If you like Springsteen, Bon Jovi or Huey Lewis, you'll love this band from New Jersey. They are yet unsigned, but that doesn't mean you can't pick up their music online and pimp them like I am right now. These guys are REALLY good.

Heartache Weather

Song: "Heartache Weather"
Artist: Matthew Ryan
Album: East Autumn Grin

Matthew Ryan has a really cool, smoky voice...and some of his early stuff like this really rocks as well. Lately, he's written more acoustic-oriented stuff, but all of it is good.