Tom Petty

Song: "Even The Losers"
Artist: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Album: Damn The Torpedoes

Amazingly, guys like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen both came around in the late '70's when disco was hot and new wave was just about to start. And they've maintained and have been doing it for this long, because they have timeless songs and still put on great rock shows.

Suzanne Vega

Song: "Soap And Water"
Artist: Suzanne Vega
Album: Songs in Red and Gray

If there was ever a breakup song, this is it. It's so depressing yet so compelling at the same time, and even though it might be lesser known work in Suzanne's catalog, it's some of her best work.

Have A Cigar

Song: "Have a Cigar"
Artist: Pink Floyd
Album: Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd is a classic band that every music fan should own something of. I love so much of what this band has done, but this one ranks right up their as one of my favorites.

Dezeray's Hammer

Song: "Hurt Like I Do"
Artist: Dezeray's Hammer
Album: The Past That Decorates Me

This is one of those bands that doesn't sound like anyone else, but sounds like everyone else. I personally think that's an amazing quality to have, because it sets you apart. I'm not sure what the band is up to now, but this album came out a few years back and was one of the soundtracks to my summer then.

Moments and Memories

Song: "Moments and Memories"
Artist: Mike Farley
Album: Moments and Memories

If you can't pimp yourself, who can you pimp? Check out the title track from my latest acoustic album that was released this past October. Thanks for listening!

Song: "Fanny (Be Tender With My Love)"
Artist: Bee Gees
Album: Tales from the Brothers Gibb

Yeah, putting this song on here might make me look like a tool, but I can't help it. This song is so catchy that once you hear it, it sticks in your head for weeks.

Starship

Song: "I Didn't Mean To Stay All Night"
Artist: Starship
Album: Love Among the Cannibals

Many people think this band sold out with the release of "We Built This City" in 1985. But I've always loved Mickey Thomas' vocals and a lot of the great pop songs this band released, especially on this album.

Amanda

Song: "Amanda"
Artist: Boston
Album: Third Stage

By the time Boston released their third album, eight years had elapsed since their sophomore effort, Don't Look Back. In that time, boys became men, and I know, because I was one of them.
Anyway, this album was almost as good as their first two releases, and this song has now become a staple on classic rock formats everywhere.

All Eyes On Me

Song: "All Eyes on Me"
Artist: Goo Goo Dolls
Album: Dizzy Up The Girl

As much as I liked this band's early stuff, which was less refined and produced, this was and still is my favorite Goo Goo Dolls album. It's one of those that I like every song on it, and takes me back to where I was at the time I first heard it, about a decade ago (yikes).

Cover Tunes

Song: "The Reaper"
Artist: Alana Davis
Album: Surrender Dorothy

My buddy Josh Preston is working on a covers album, and it made me think of some of my favorite covers that have been released in the mainstream. One of the best, in my opinion, is Alana Davis' cover of Blue Oyster Cult's "The Reaper." The arrangement is amazing and Alana's got such a cool voice. Check it out!

Don't Change

Song: "Don't Change"
Artist: INXS
Album: Shabooh Shoobah

For whatever reason, this song is not exactly the most recognized in INXS' catalog, but to me, it's not only one of their best, but one of the great rock songs of our time.

Al Green

Song: "All I Need"
Artist: Al Green
Album: Lay It Down

Hard to believe this legendary artist is still making music, and he still has it. This may be Mr. Green's best batch of songs since the '70's. Just the kind of soothing R&B I need after being on vacation for a week and trying to ease back into work mode.

Tori Amos

Song: "A Sorta Fairytale"
Artist: Tori Amos
Album: Scarlet's Walk

I had the privelege of opening for Tori when I lived and performed in Cleveland about six or seven years ago. It was one of the coolest experiences ever, and she's got a very passionate fan base that actually dug my set. Anyway, this is one of my favorites of Tori's.

Aja

Song: "Aja"
Artist: Steely Dan
Album: Aja

For all of the great songs that Steely Dan has released over the years, there was no better complete album than this one, with every song sounding like it's part of the whole package, and every track a good one. This is also one of those bands that everyone knows immediately when they hear them.

Juliana Theory

Song: "Is Patience Still Waiting?"
Artist: Juliana Theory
Album: Emotion Is Dead

I remember when I first started writing for Bullz-Eye.com, I received a box of upcoming releases from a major label, and this was one of them. It was one of those albums that you pop in your player and just love instantly, thus making it a very pleasant surprise, like you've just found a hidden treasure. I'm pretty sure Juliana Theory (a band, not a woman) broke up, but this is still one of the best alt-rock albums you've probably never heard of.

Turn Off the Stars

Song: "If Only"
Artist: Turn Off The Stars
Album: Turn Off The Stars

This is one of those really cool indie, under the radar bands that still manages to write catchy yet cool pop stuff. Check 'em out!

Brothermandude

Song: "The Sun"
Artist: Brothermandude
Album: Album

I'm not kidding, this album is called Album. And the band has an even weirder name, but the music is really cool. I should preface that, most of this album is really cool, and this was one of
the two tracks that made it onto my iTunes.