Victorious?

Song: "Victorious"
Artist: Chicago
Album: Chicago 19

This is a slow, pulsing, pretty song by this classic band that you probably haven't heard yet. And it's on here because I hope my Giants are VICTORIOUS on Sunday in Super Bowl XLII.

Tift

Song: "My Heart Is Free"
Artist: Tift Merritt
Album: Another Country

She's an "alt-country" artist with flavors ranging from Joni Mitchell to Sheryl Crow to Bonnie Raitt to Aimee Mann to Emmylou Harris. But most of all, Tift Merritt is a damn good singer and songwriter, and her new album is really worth checking out. Oh wait, it's not out until February 26, but I have scored an advance copy.

The Giant

Song: "The Giant"
Artist: Fielding
Album: Fielding

Ah, I found another song to pay tribute to my favorite team, the New York Giants, who are in the Super Bowl this coming weekend. Fielding is an indie band, at least last time I checked they were, but have some really cool songs including this one. Go Giants!

Giant

Song: "Giant"
Artist: Matthew Good
Album: Beautiful Midnight

You know why I picked this song, don't you? I'm a huge New York Giants' fan and have been since I was a kid. And my boys are in the Super Bowl this week. Go G-men! Oh, and this song is really good, too.

Bite Your Tongue

Song: "Bite Your Tongue"
Artist: Duncan Sheik
Album: Humming

Duncan Sheik has had a bit of an under the radar career, but he's done pretty well as a recording artist and touring musician. This was my favorite track from an album he released late in the '90s and for some weird reason reminds me of winter.

ABC

Song: "Poison Arrow"
Artist: ABC
Album: The Lexicon of Love

ABC was one of those first "new wave" bands to rule the MTV airwaves in the early '80s. And they were among several bands like Flock of Seagulls, Men at Work, and Haircut 100, that I really dug upon first hearing them.

The Clarks

Song: "Snowman"
Artist: The Clarks
Album: Between Now and Then

If you're from Pittsburgh, or surrounding regional markets like Cleveland or Philly, chances are you are very familiar with The Clarks. This great rock/pop band has been making music for over 20 years, and they know their way around a hook, too. And I thought this song was appropriate for winter.

Livin' Thing

Song: "Livin' Thing"
Artist: Electric Light Orchestra
Album: A New World Record

ELO is one of those bands whose music defined the '70s. And this song is one that stands out to me, still sounding as amazing today as it did thirty years ago. The way this group used orchestration was pretty much ahead of its time.

Just One Victory

Song: "Just One Victory"
Artist: Todd Rundgren
Album: A Wizard, A True Star

I'm at huge New York Giants fan. Last night they upset the Green Bay Packers in frigid Lambeau Field, and are going to the Super Bowl against the unbeaten New England Patriots. Wow. So, Giants players and coaches and fans, this one is for you. Let's get JUST ONE VICTORY more. Sing it, Todd.....

Urgent

Song: "Urgent"
Artist: Foreigner
Album: 4

This song was probably played out and probably still is on classic rock radio stations. But there's something so infectious about it. The guitars, in particular, bounce around the vocals and, well, this is just a really good rock song. Lou Gramm has always had a great voice too.

Somebody Else's Song

Song: "Somebody Else's Song"
Artist: Lifehouse
Album: No Name Face

I know I've written about Lifehouse before, and in particular their debut album which I think is their best. The band is playing a lot of high-profile events lately, and their sound has become very commercialized. But I still love this debut record.

Taylor Hicks

Song: "The Maze"
Artist: Taylor Hicks
Album: Taylor Hicks

In honor of "American Idol" kicking off its seventh season last night, here's a song by Season 5 champ Taylor Hicks. Hicks lost his record deal just days before Season 7 began, but I have to say, there are some great songs on his debut, including this one. It's just solid, soulful, pop.

Come Back To Bed

Song: "Come Back To Bed"
Artist: John Mayer
Album: Heavier Things

You can take this two ways.....calling your significant other back for a little fun, or to pull the covers over your eyes and catch more sleep. I'm tired today, so I'm imagining the latter when I hear this song, which is actually one of Mayer's best bluesy pop tunes.

Tears For Fears

Song: "Everybody Wants to Rule The World"
Artist: Tears For Fears
Album: Songs From the Big Chair

This song reminds me of 1985 when I was finishing up college. Tears For Fears had been around for a few years at this point, but this was their breakout hit. It's also one of those timeless alt-rock songs that I first heard on epic Long Island radio station WLIR.

Landslide

Song: "Landslide"
Artist: Fleetwood Mac
Album: Fleetwood Mac

Many artists have tried to cover this song, including Smashing Pumpkins and The Dixie Chicks, but the original is still the best--Stevie Nicks fronting Fleetwood Mac. This track is as timeless and beautiful as any song, ever.

Lindsey Lohan

Song: "A Little More Personal"
Artist: Lindsey Lohan
Album: A Little More Personal

Yeah, everyone knows her from the tabloids and from rehab stints. But Lindsey Lohan, despite a mediocre acting career, put out this rocking album a couple years back. This song really rocks, and no, I'm not joking.

Snow Day

Song: "Snow Day"
Artist: Lisa Loeb
Album: The Purple Tape

I'm reviewing this album right now for Bullz-Eye.com, and while I always like Lisa's stuff, this acoustic album of re-issue type stuff is really good. I figured I'd post this song in particular, since it's January and many of you are looking out your windows to snow on the ground.

Paige Aufhammer

Song: "Coffee"
Artist: Paige Aufhammer
Album: Paige Aufhammer

This breathy singer/songwriter released her debut in 2007, and it was one of the more unheralded yet really great records of the year. This song in particular is really compelling, and will remind you a lot of Mindy Smith.

Happy Birthday

Song: "Happy Birthday"
Artist: The Click Five
Album: Modern Minds and Pastimes

This young pop/rock band writes such infectious songs, you can't help but sing along in a matter of minutes. They kind of remind me of a young Fountains of Wayne, and this is from their most recent album that came out in mid-2007.

David Gray

Song: "Babylon"
Artist: David Gray
Album: White Ladder

Quick, name more than one David Gray song. Yeah, I can't either, but this one is good enough to let that slide. Dude has a really compelling voice and this track has timeless melodies.

Man on the Corner

Song: "Man On The Corner"
Artist: Genesis
Album: Abacab

I'm not really a fan of Phil Collins' solo stuff, but in his heyday with Genesis there was some incredible music made. This song had some mild success, but it has the distinction of just being timeless and thought-provoking.

New Year's Day

Song: "New Year's Day"
Artist: U2
Album: War

Since yesterday was, well, New Year's Day, this song is fitting. I also think it's the best U2 song ever. They just don't rock with that same angry, alternative vibe they used to.