Ramones

Song: "Something To Believe In"
Artist: The Ramones
Album: Weird Tales of the Ramones

This isn't the song everyone thinks of when they think of The Ramones, but back in the heyday of Long Island rock station WLIR, this was one of the songs they played in the mid '80's, and I loved it. I still love it...it's not typical Ramones fare, but it's rocking and melodic nonetheless.

David Cook

Song: "Permanent"
Artist: David Cook
Album: David Cook

I write a blog covering "American Idol" on Premium Hollywood, and I pegged this guy to win last season pretty early on (yes, I'm patting myself on the back!). The judges were practically drooling over David Archuleta, but America got it right, voting for who they really wanted, and that's how it should be. This guy is the real deal.

Meet Virginia

Song: "Meet Virginia"
Artist: Train
Album: Train

As alt-pop bands go, Train was one of the best and this was their breakout hit in the late '90's. Train was among about ten bands who enjoyed this kind of success based on their initial launch by Aware Records, a non-conventional label that broke artists like Better Than Ezra, Edwin McCain and Vertical Horizon.

Sanford

Song: "Smoke From a Distant Fire"
Artist: Sanford & Townsend
Album: Smoke From a Distant Fire

Okay, so you could classify these guys as a one hit wonder. No problem as far as I'm concerned, it's still a great song and probably has landed on enough '70's compilations to keep the royalty checks coming for Sanford & Townsend.

Cinnamon & Chocolate

Song: "Cinnamon & Chocolate"
Artist: Butterfly Boucher
Album: Ten out of Tenn Christmas

This is a really great singer/songwriter Christmas album for someone seeking something a bit more edgy but not too edgy. And this song by Nashville's Butterfly Boucher is not only wintry sounding, but a really great track.

Butch Is Back

Song: "ATL"
Artist: Butch Walker
Album: Sycamore Meadows

Butch Walker is back with his best album since Left of Self-Centered, and this piano ballad is as stunning a song as I've ever heard, period. Butch is simply one of the greatest rock songwriters of a generation.

She Sheila

Song: "She Sheila"
Artist: The Producers
Album: The Producers and You Make the Heat

This was one of my favorite bands from the '80's and one that you might have trouble finding music online for these days. This is infectious pop/rock at its finest.

3 Libras

Song: "3 Libras"
Artist: A Perfect Circle
Album: Mer de Noms

Some songs are worth putting in this blog more than once, and I'm pretty sure I've already included this track. But I love this album...it's dark and heavy and pulsing and awesome all at the same time.

Uh Huh Her

Song: "So Long"
Artist: Uh Huh Her
Album: Common Reaction

This new group reminds me of '80's electro pop acts such as Berlin and Missing Persons, and it's just infectious music that fills a void left by much of today's new artist crop. This really is a solid debut.

Low Rawls

Song: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
Artist: Lou Rawls
Album: Christmas Is The Time

Most of you know Lou Rawls from his pop crossover hit, "This Masquerade," but Rawls was mostly a jazz singer with pop tendencies. And what a singer he was.

You Don't Want Me

Song: "You Don't Want Me"
Artist: Franke & The Knockouts
Album: The Sweetheart Collection

If you were/are a fan of this awesome '80's pop artist who never really got his due for delivering such amazing songs (okay, he wrote the big ones for the "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack, but I'm talking the Knockouts songs), you may feel like you own gold if you own this set. That's because, at least as of yet, Franke & The Knockouts' music is not available digitally.

George Duke

Song: "I Tried To Tell You"
Artist: George Duke
Album: Dukey Treats

I have had the pleasure recently of working some tour press for this legendary artist, and can't stop listening to his latest album, which reminds me of early Earth, Wind & Fire with a bit more smooth jazz flavor thrown in. Mr. Duke is The Man.

Ben Folds Christmas

Song: "Lonely Christmas Eve"
Artist: Ben Folds
Album: Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas soundtrack

This song doesn't particularly sound Christmas-y, but more like one of Ben Folds' typical infectious pop tunes. But it's still great stuff and worthy of putting in your holiday playlist.

Like a Hurricane

Song: "Like a Hurricane"
Artist: Neil Young
Album: American Stars 'N Bars

This eight-plus minute epic features an off-key vocal by Young, which still manages to be cool. But it also has one of the greatest, more underrated guitar solos in rock history.

Gabe Dixon Band

Song: "Disappear"
Artist: The Gabe Dixon Band
Album: The Gabe Dixon Band

This is my top album of 2008, and if you hear it, you might agree with me. That is, if you like excellent pop/rock that has the timeless qualities of stuff like Jackson Browne and Paul McCartney. Trust me!

Birthday Song

Song: "Birthday Song"
Artist: Dana Falconberry
Album: Oh Skies of Grey

I came across this artist recently and she is not your typical girl with guitar...it's more brooding alt-folk-pop, and very cool. And since today is my birthday it's an appropriate track.

Twisted Sister

Song: "What You Don't Know.."
Artist: Twisted Sister
Album: Live at the Astoria

I grew up on Long Island positively worshiping this band. When they were a bar band and before they were MTV darlings, Twisted Sister was just a tight, rocking, crazy, fun band to watch. And they have had some really great rock songs including this one. I am listening to this live album and it's bringing back a lot of memories.

Christmas Is Coming

Song: "Christmas Is Coming"
Artist: Vince Guaraldi Trio
Album: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Is there a more Christmas-y sounding album than A Charlie Brown Christmas? Heck, when I hear these songs, I can smell Christmas trees and taste Dolly Madison snack cakes. A true classic.

12 Days Of Christmas

Song: "12 Days of Christmas"
Artist: Straight No Chaser
Album: Holiday Spirits

This vocal group is very talented but the best part is that during this track, they break into the melody for Toto's "Africa." Very unique and very cool.

BMFA

Song: "BMFA"
Artist: Martha Wainwright
Album: Martha Wainwright

If you have had an experience like I just had at the license bureau, this is your theme song for the day. BMFA stands for "bloody mother fucking asshole." Martha, I know it wasn't intended this way, but this song has helped me get through today. Thank you for that.

Scandal

Song: "If You Leave Me"
Artist: Scandal
Album: We Are the '80's

Patty Smyth had, or has, one of the best female rock voices of all-time, hands down. This early Scandal stuff may sound dated, but Patty's voice is timeless, sexy, and just awesome.