Taking Down This Blog

I want to thank you all for reading this blog over the past couple of years, but I have decided to take it down as of today...well, actually, I will leave it up with all the archives, but I'm going to start a new blog in its place, one geared toward my favorite albums of all-time as opposed to about random songs. Thanks again and stay tuned!

Countrymen

Song: "Countrymen"
Artist: The Sheila Divine
Album: Where Have My Countrymen Gone

I'm not sure if this band is still together, but back in the early part of this decade I was turned on to them and couldn't top listening to their albums. New Parade is still my favorite record of theirs, but this one is pretty good too.

Damn Yankees

Song: "High Enough"
Artist: Damn Yankees
Album: Damn Yankees

I love this song...it has such a retro feel and why shouldn't it? Guys like Ted Nugent and Night Ranger's Jack Blades and Styx's Tommy Shaw formed the supergroup. And it mirrors my feeling right now on how bitter I am that the New York Yankees are awesome this year and my Mets just suck.

Raining in Baltimore

Song: "Raining in Baltimore"
Artist: Counting Crows
Album: August and Everything After

This debut album from Counting Crows is still ultimately my favorite of theirs...it's so powerful and chill at the same time, especially this amazing song.

Daughtry

Song: "No Suprise"
Artist: Daughtry
Album: Leave This Town

I'm reviewing the latest Daughtry album for Bullz-Eye.com and while this stuff is processed, over-produced, made for album rock radio, the songs are just really good.

Harmonium

Song: "Harmonium"
Artist: Rogue Wave
Album: Asleep at Heaven's Gate

I love this band, especially their last two albums...ever since seeing them at SXSW like three years ago. If you like brooding alt-rock, check out Rogue Wave immediately.

Sunburn

Song: "Sunburn"
Artist: Fuel
Album: Sunburn

When rock band Fuel burst onto the scene about 10 or 11 years ago, they were very cool and alternative, while maintaining very heavy songwriting roots. Later on, their success bred record company and producer slickness, which was good for them and their wallets, but not great for fans...it's just that this first album is so raw and awesome, and while I dig the second album a bit too, I kind of lost interest in Fuel after that.

Basia

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

My brother turned me on to this jazz/pop singer about 20 years ago....yikes, has it really been that long? Yes, it has. Anyway, I don't know if she is still making music, but this stuff is timeless and great for Sunday morning or any time to just chill to.

Keri Noble

Song: "Leave Me in the Dark"
Artist: Keri Noble
Album: Leave Me In the Dark

I did some tour press for this awesome singer/songwriter last year, and this is one of my favorite tracks of hers...an amazing piano/vocal song.

Gabe Dixon

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

This is one of my favorite albums from last year, and I remember first putting it in the CD player and having that "holy crap" feeling like I just discovered greatness. The first two songs on this album are particularly amazing. It's just pure, simple, yet powerful piano-driven pop/rock.

Hold On

Song: "Hold On"
Artist: Santana
Album: The Essential Santana

I loved this song when it came out, but it took a few years for it to show up on iTunes. When it did, I grabbed it. Killer song, and even more killer guitar work, as you might suspect from this living legend.

Marwa Blues

Song: "Marwa Blues"
Artist: George Harrison
Album: Let It Roll

I recently reviewed a retrospective album by the great George Harrison, and in addition to many forgetting what a great songwriter he was, many also might forget what an incredible guitar player he was too. This song proves the latter, big-time. Check it out if you haven't heard it yet.

Diane Birch

Song: "Don't Wait Up"
Artist: Diane Birch
Album: Bible Belt

I don't know where this artist came from, but she is awesome....combining elements of pop, soul and rock, and even a little Gospel, her debut album is just stunning.

Dream Weaver

Song: "Dream Weaver"
Artist: Gary Wright
Album: The Dream Weaver

This '70's classic is one of my favorite songs of all-time...I don't think I could ever tire of it, because I haven't yet 30-something years later.

Is is a Crime

Song: "Is it a Crime"
Artist: Sade
Album: Promise

Sade's music is soothing, as soothing as anything you'll listen to, but I wasn't hip to this track until I saw her in concert.

God of Wine

Song: "God of Wine"
Artist: Third Eye Blind
Album: Third Eye Blind

I love this album, the debut from rock band Third Eye Blind, but the last four songs on it are particularly awesome. They are dark and somber but strangely pull you in.

Buffalo Springfield

Song: "Rock and Roll Woman"
Artist: Buffalo Springfield
Album: Buffalo Springfield Again

I represent the band Poco as their publicist, and they were one of the bands that was an offshoot of Buffalo Springfield. This song has incredible harmonies and some really great guitar work.

Angie Aparo

Song: "She's Alright By Me"
Artist: Angie Aparo
Album: For Stars and Moon

Angie is not a woman, he's a dude.....and he has a monster voice. This is one of my favorite tracks of his, and I'd love to find out what he's up to these days...Angie, you out there?

Sponge

Song: "My Lackluster Love"
Artist: Sponge
Album: New Pop Sunday

I played the crap out of this album when it came out, some time around 1998 or 1999....it's guitar-driven, brooding alternative rock with melodies that somehow stick in your head for days.

In My House

Song: "In My House"
Artist: Mary Jane Girls
Album: 20th Century Masters

If you know my taste in music, you'd know that this registers as more of a guilty pleasure. It's a dance/pop song from the mid '80's, but for some reason I just find it infectious as hell. And it brings me back to that summer of 1985.

Secret Smile

Song: "Secret Smile"
Artist: Semisonic
Album: Feeling Strangely Fine

Everyone knows the song "Closing Time," but this Semisonic album is just full of great songs. I'm not a huge fan of their other releases, but this one is just killer.

Kim Richey

Song: "Come Around"
Artist: Kim Richey
Album: Glimmer

I've been a fan of Kim Richey for about ten years now, and her music is very melodic and yet smooth and soulful. And this, in my opinion, is her best album.

Coffee

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

This is a great song and appropriate for right now as I am on my second cup of coffee trying to wake up!

Blue Epic

Song: "Love and Hate"
Artist: Blue Epic
Album: Love and Hate EP

This rock band didn't have much of a shelf life, at least as far as I know. This EP came out maybe 7 or 8 years ago with some killer songs like this one, but I'm not sure what happened after that. Does anyone know?

Hello It's Me

Song: "Hello It's Me"
Artist: Todd Rundgren
Album: Sensational 70's

I am old enough to remember when this was a radio hit in the early '70's, and it's still a timeless, melodic classic today. What is it about Todd Rundgren's way of weaving prog rock into pop that is just so awesome and unique?

Soul Food To Go

Song: "Soul Food To Go"
Artist: Manhattan Transfer
Album: The Very Best Of

I'm working on a top 10 list of the best songs to cook to, and this one is going to be near the top of it. Great, happy and uplifting song, and the theme is perfect.

Jon Secada

Song: "Just Another Day"
Artist: Jon Secada
Album: Jon Secada

This may classify as a guilty pleasure, since it's one of those semi-cheesy lite rock type staples, but I love this dude's voice and this song is just catchy as hell.

Achin' To Be

Song: "Achin' To Be"
Artist: The Replacements
Album: Don't Tell a Soul

This album is maybe in my top 10 of all-time, and this single just touches the surface of Paul Westerberg's brilliance.

I Don't Want To Hear Anymore

Song: "I Don't Want To Hear Anymore"
Artist: The Eagles
Album: Long Road Out of Eden

I also don't want to see anymore, and I'm referring to my New York Mets, who are sinking to new depths of suck each day. Sure, they have lots of players on the DL, but they look like the Bad News Bears out there. Ugh. Anyway, this song is a good theme for how I feel about the team right now, because the manager and GM keep saying blah blah blah, our players our hurt, blah blah blah.

This Fine Social Scene

Song: "This Fine Social Scene"
Artist: Zero 7
Album: The Garden

My brother-in-law turned me on to this awesome group, and while it's not typical of my musical taste, their electro-pop is just mesmerizing. The best news is that they have a new album coming out soon.

Kris Allen

Song: "Ain't No Sunshine"
Artist: Kris Allen
Album: Ain't No Sunshine (American Idol Studio Version)

I'm proud to say I pegged Kris Allen as the one who should win "American Idol" this past season and he did win. The kid had likeable charm and great vocal skills without being over the top a la Adam Lambert, and he was not the one-trick pony Danny Gokey was. Anyway, this version of the great Bill Withers classic was pretty much what won the competition for Kris.

Trouble Sleeping

Song: "Trouble Sleeping"
Artist: The Persihers
Album: Music from the O.C. Vol. 2

I loved all the music from the O.C. even though I never watched a single episode of the show. Music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas has an amazing knack for finding great musical talent.

Don't Bother Me

Song: "Don't Bother Me"
Artist: The Blakes
Album: The Blakes

I have a lot of work to do today, so this is a good theme song. I love this rock band too...they remind me a lot of The Plimsouls.

Mark Selby

Song: "If the World Was Mine"
Artist: Mark Selby
Album: Dirt

This guy is a hit songwriter in Nashville but this solo album he released is just awesome...not just the songs but his smoky, countrified-but-not-too-countrified vocal.

Day After Day

Song: "Day After Day"
Artist: Badfinger
Album: Choice Rock Cuts: Badfinger

This is one of those classic '70's melodic pop/rock songs that I never get sick of. But just what is a Badfinger, anyway?

Never Can Say Goodbye

Song: "Never Can Say Goodbye"
Artist: Jackson 5
Album: Jackson 5: The Ultimate Collection

But I guess we do have to say goodbye to Michael Jackson, RIP. This was one of the first songs by his boy pop group that I loved, and later I was one of the 25 million who bought the Thriller album. Long live the king of pop.

Can't Get It Out of My Head

Song: "Can't Get it Out of My Head"
Artist: Jody Raffoul
Album: Like a Star

I grew up with 70's pop, and loved ELO (Electric Light Orchestra). Here, Canadian artist Jody Raffoul does an awesome cover of this hit song. But Raffoul can write great songs too, and there are lots of good ones on this record.

With a Little Luck

Song: "With a Little Luck"
Artist: Wings
Album: London Town

As a kid, I pretty much worshipped Paul McCartney and Elton John. I went on to worship Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, but my roots in musical taste were of the melodic pop variety. So I had this album by Wings when it came out and played the crap out of it.

Eric Darius

Song: "Lover's Paradise"
Artist: Eric Darius
Album: Just Getting Started

Eric Darius is a young, extremely talented sax player, and I reviewed his album a few years back. This is great Sunday morning music.

Teach Thy Children the Classics

Song: "Let's Stay Together"
Artist: Al Green
Album: Al Green: Greatest Hits

My wife and I decided that we were getting sick of playing Sesame Street, Teletubbies, and Handy Manny stuff for our almost-two-year-old son, and so we put together two CDs of classic music that he should start learning about....one of the first tracks is this timeless beauty by Al Green....one of my favorite songs of all-time.

While You See a Chance

Song: "While You See a Chance"
Artist: Steve Winwood
Album: Arc of a Diver

This song reminds me of graduating high school, in (yikes) 1981. This song was popular on the radio at the time, and its familiar keyboard riffs and cheesy drum beats bring back memories.

Broadripple

Song: "Broadripple Is Burning"
Artist: Margot & The Nuclear So and So's
Album: Not Animal

This is a really cool band but I liked their debut album much more than the more recent one. It's brooding, melodic alt-rock at its finest.

Zero 7

Song: "Home"
Artist: Zero 7
Album: When it Falls

My brother-in-law turned me on to this trippy, lo-fi, pseudo-electronic act.....their songs are just mesmerizing...and while they have a new album coming out soon, I have lots of their earlier material in my database of songs.

Chickenfoot

Song: "Oh Yeah"
Artist: Chickenfoot
Album: Chickenfoot

What could suck about a Sammy Hagar-fronted band? Add in former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani and drummer Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers. This one just came out, and I can't stop listening to it....great summer rock!

Four in the Morning

Song: "Four in the Morning"
Artist: Night Ranger
Album: 20th Century Masters: The Millenium Collection

I remember two decades ago when I had a one-hour car commute to work and would listen to cassette tapes of my favorite bands. This was one of them and one of my favorite songs from that summer.

Marvelous 3

Song: "Until You See"
Artist: Marvelous 3
Album: Hey! Album

Before the brilliant Butch Walker had a solo career and a great career as a producer and songwriter, he fronted this band Marvelous 3. This was an amazing rock band, that, had they come around 10 or 20 years earlier, would have been as big as Aerosmith...I am convinced of it.

Amanda

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

It was 8 years between albums for Boston, but their 1986 release was pretty damn good, and while many folks would consider this single as cheesy, it was catchy as hell and still generates airplay on classic rock stations.

O Girlfriend

Song: "O Girlfriend"
Artist: Weezer
Album: Green Album

There is something about Weezer's green album that sucks you in....aside from the two singles, "Hash Pipe" and "Island in the Sun," this album has a bunch of ultra-catchy pop tunes that may sound alike, but will suck you in nonetheless.

We Just Disagree

Song: "We Just Disagree"
Artist: Dave Mason
Album: Let It Flow

I remember when this song came out from former Traffic member Dave Mason, and the harmonies were just magical. They still are magical today, 30 or so years later. And dude is still making music today.

Way Away

Song: "Way Away"
Artist: Yellowcard
Album: Ocean Avenue

This Florida rock band does pop/rock that is absolutely blistering, the kind of music that is great for working out to, or driving really fast with the windows rolled down.

In the Summertime

Song: "In the Summertime"
Artist: Mungo Jerry
Album: Barry Williams Presents '70's Music Explosion

Yeah, this song is pretty cheesy, but dammit if it doesn't bring me back to the '70's and summers when nothing mattered but playing wiffle ball in the driveway and eating ice cream.

Let it Rain

Song: "Let It Rain"
Artist: Amanda Marshall
Album: Amanda Marshall

This Canadian artist could really wail.....does anyone know what she's up to these days? This album came out in the mid '90's and I listened to it like a million times.

Wanna Be

Song: "Wanna Be"
Artist: Nine Days
Album: The Madding Crowd

This band kind of came and went after their big hit, "Story of a Girl," from this debut album. For my money though, this is the best track on the album, and I'll go as far as to say it's one of my favorite songs ever. Slow, pulsing, and brimming with emotion, it's positively gut-wrenching and has a haunting melody.

Life in a Northern Town

Song: "Life in a Northern Town"
Artist: The Dream Academy
Album: The Dream Academy

Some songs are just soundtrack bits to our lives, and this one was one of those songs for me in the mid '80's. Listening to WLIR on Long Island, I was falling in love with all of the great "new" music that was coming from the UK and everywhere else.

Matchbox Twenty

Song: "Unwell"
Artist: Matchbox Twenty
Album: More Than You Think You Are

It's funny how critics like to bust on bands like this who write sugary pop hits while the artist laughs all the way to the bank. Matchbox has never been a cutting edge or critic's darling type band, and I am willing to bet they don't care one bit. Good for them.

Just One Victory

Song: "Just One Victory"
Artist: Todd Rundgren
Album: The Very Best of Todd Rundgren

I lived in Cleveland for over 10 years and became enrapt in their sports culture....which has a history of hard luck. So I'm pulling like crazy for the NBA's Cavaliers to keep playing, and advance to the NBA Finals. Last night they needed one victory and got huge assist from superstar LeBron James, so this song is appropriate today...and also for tomorrow, when they will need just one victory again to force a Game 7. Go Cavs!

Particle

Song: "Particle"
Artist: Better Than Ezra
Album: How Does Your Garden Grow?

This is one of my favorite albums of all-time. I'd go so far as to say it's in my Top 10 and one of the few I'd want on a desert island with me. I love everything this band does, but nothing equals this entire album, at least to my ears.

Don't Hold Back Your Love

Song: "Don't Hold Back Your Love"
Artist: Hall & Oates
Album: The Essential Daryl Hall & John Oates

This is one of the lesser known "hits" for Hall & Oates but one of my favorites. I believe it came out around 1990 or 1991. Go check it out!

Hideaway

Song: "Hideaway"
Artist: Fuel
Album: Sunburn

This first Fuel album is so great, mainly because it's before the big money radio, record and producer types got a hold of them. It's full of pure, emotive, dark, heavy, and awesome songs like this one.

Love Will Find a Way

Song: "Love Will Find a Way"
Artist: Pablo Cruise
Album: '70's Rock Greatest Hits

Okay, it's a guilty pleasure.....a song that takes me back to my childhood, when awesome melodies ruled the airwaves.

Listen

Song: "Listen"
Artist: Toad the Wet Sprocket
Album: Dulcinea

Ah, Dulcinea and Coil are my two favorite Toad the Wet Sprocket albums, and two albums in my own collection that I absolutely never tire of.

Past in Present

Song: "Past in Present"
Artist: Feist
Album: The Reminder

Every time I hear Feist's music, I'm reminded (no pun intended) of how awesome she is. If you haven't heard her or heard of her, do yourself a favor and remedy that.

Who Could Care Less?

Song: "Battle of Who Could Care Less"
Artist: Ben Folds Five
Album: Whatever & Ever Amen

It was funny at the time that Ben Folds called his band "Five" when in fact there was just him and two other dudes. But either way, this to me is his best album...there is not a bad song on it, and it's just chock full of brash, witty, and fun piano alt-pop.

Monday Morning Rock

Song: "Monday Morning Rock"
Artist: Marshall Crenshaw
Album: Field Day

I was turned on to Marshall Crenshaw back in the mid to late '80's, and his simple pop/rock melodies and arrangements were and still are incredible to me. This song is appropriate for today since it's Monday.

305

Song: "305"
Artist: The Southland
Album: Influence of Geography

Amazing, amazing alt-pop from Los Angeles. This album came out a few years back but I keep hoping the band will come out with something new.

China Crisis

Song: "Bigger the Punch I'm Feeling"
Artist: China Crisis
Album: Flaunt The Imperfection

I loved this album by this band.....it's poppy and jangly and full of super cool melodies, and the singer has a really unique voice.

UFO

Song: "Cherry"
Artist: UFO
Album: Obsession

A few tracks from my favorite UFO album, Obsession, are finally available on iTunes, including this melodic rocker. These guys never got the recognition they deserved.

Hold On

Song: "Hold On"
Artist: Santana
Album: The Essential Santana

This is one of my favorite Santana songs of all-time, and it was the start of what you might call Carlos' pop era, but before he started having stars like Rob Thomas sing his songs. Great guitar work too, as always.

1000 Julys

Song: "1000 Julys"
Artist: Third Eye Blind
Album: Blue

Back when Third Eye Blind was just starting out, they were hip and somewhat ahead of their time. Now they've kind of melded into more of the melodic alt-pop that has ruled AAA radio for years. But I still love their debut, and to a lesser extent, this second effort.

Boston

Song: "A Man I'll Never Be"
Artist: Boston
Album: Don't Look Back

I saw Boston on their Don't Look Back tour, and I remember when they did this song with Brad Delp (RIP) on piano...it was just so powerful live, and while they could never recapture the magic of this song live in the studio, it's still awesome.

Catapult

Song: "Catapult"
Artist: Counting Crows
Album: Recovering The Satellites

This is easily my favorite Counting Crows album, and while this song wasn't a hit per se, it's one of the best album cuts.

Anticipation

Song: "Anticipation"
Artist: Carly Simon
Album: Carly Simon: Clouds in My Coffee

There is something incredibly comforting to me about Carly Simon's '70's hits....I mean, let's face it, she doesn't have the best voice in pop history, but those songs are timeless and amazing.

Green

Song: "Green"
Artist: ViV
Album: Flawed

I had the pleasure of working with this amazing indie pop band a few years back, and sadly they are no longer making music as a unit. But grab this album or some of the songs if you can....it's chock full of some of the catchiest pop/rock you'll ever hear.

Under Your Charms

Song: "Under Your Charms"
Artist: Josh Rouse
Album: 1972

This is one of my favorite albums ever.....if you dig '70's pop, you owe it to yourself to check out Josh Rouse's (released in I believe 2003) album, 1972. The sounds and melodies are breezy and smooth like music from one of the greatest music decades.

Red Elvises

Song: "Rocketman"
Artist: Red Elvises
Album: I Wanna See You Bellydance

I'm sure I've written about this band before, but it's worth writing again....back in the late '90's, my band had the chance to play a few shows with them, and they were so much fun and had incredibly energetic and hilarious material. It was also catchy as hell...kind of Russian accented surf rock. And the best part? When one of them said, "We are Red Elvises....the more you drink, the better we sound." Awesome.

Le Concorde

Song: "People Mover"
Artist: Le Concorde
Album: Universe and Villa

I have some tracks in my iTunes that I don't remember how they got there. I think either I reviewed this album for Bullz-Eye.com a few years ago or just came across this band somewhere else. Either way, this is hip, super-melodic stuff.

Jeffrey Gaines

Song: "To Love Her Inside"
Artist: Jeffrey Gaines
Album: Galore

I had forgotten how awesome Jeffrey Gaines was, but had the chance to see him up close and personal at a house concert a few weeks ago. This guy is such a great songwriter and singer, and well worth checking out on iTunes, etc. I went and purchased a bunch of his songs afterward and his songs bring me back to the late '90's or so when I became a fan. Great stuff.

Sense Field

Song: "Here Right Here"
Artist: Sense Field
Album: Tonight and Forever

There are a ton of bands that come and go and only enjoy cup-of-coffee type success. Sense Field is one of those bands...I remember loving this stuff but that was like 10 years ago. I wonder what the guys are up to these days or if they are even still together. Leave a comment if you know!

Eric Johnson

Song: "Trademark"
Artist: Eric Johnson
Album: Ah Via Musicom

Everyone knows Eric Johnson's "Cliffs of Dover" instrumental, but this tune, also an instrumental track from his landmark Ah Via Musicom album almost 20 years ago, is subtly awesome as well. The dude can flat out shred.

I Am By Your Side

Song: "I Am By Your Side"
Artist: Corey Hart
Album: The Singles

This is a bit of a guilty pleasure, but I've always dug Canadian singer/songwriter Corey Hart's stuff, even beyond "Sunglasses at Night," and including this sappy but melodic track.

The Album Leaf

Song: "Shine"
Artist: The Album Leaf
Album: Into The Blue Again

This band does really mellow, moody, interesting music, but it's more than good background stuff. There is a hipster quality about them too.

Little Favours

Song: "Little Favours"
Artist: KT Tunstall
Album: Drastic Fantastic

KT Tunstall writes catchy melodic alt-pop, and while she came out of nowhere a couple of years ago, it's not like she decided to start making music overnight. Now she's a big star and deservedly so.

Eye Candy

Song: "Eye Candy"
Artist: Jill Cunniff
Album: City Beach

I love this album by former Luscious Jackson singer Jill Cunniff...she is from Brooklyn NY and for whatever reason this album has a NYC summer feel, probably exactly what Jill was going after when she wrote and recorded the songs. Great stuff, go check it out!

Midge Ure

Song: "If I Was"
Artist: Midge Ure
Album: The Very Best Of

This is one of those songs that reminds me of WLIR, the great radio station I grew up listening to in New York. Kind of a one-hit wonder, but that's okay with me.

99

Song: "99"
Artist: Toto
Album: The Essential Toto

Interesting that here is a band that likely got its name from the dog in the Wizard of Oz, but they were a progressive pop/rock band--meaning, amazing musicians playing pop songs that were doctored up according to their skill level. With good songs, this was a band that couldn't, and didn't, miss. I think they are all doing solo projects now, but I'll have to do some research on that.

Susanna Hoffs

Song: "Darling One"
Artist: Susanna Hoffs
Album: Susanna Hoffs

The loveable lead singer of The Bangles was one of my '80's crushes and this was her first solo album, coming out I believe in the late '90's. Susanna is button cute and so is her voice, but she's also a heck of a songwriter.

More on This World Fair

Song: "No Someone"
Artist: This World Fair
Album: This World Fair

If you like the alt-pop of bands like Augustana or Keane, you're going to love this new band. Easily one of my favorite albums of 2009 and maybe my top pick this year so far.

Miguel Migs

Song: "So Far"
Artist: Miguel Migs
Album: Those Things

I'm not typically a fan of boppy dance music, but there is something about this artist and this album that is incredibly infectious, and it puts me in a good mood...something I need after watching my Mets lose another game last night that they should have won...in the home opener for Citi Field no less!

Dinner Lady Arms

Song: "Dinner Lady Arms"
Artist: The Darkness
Album: One Way Ticket To Hell...and Back

What happened to this band? They were so hyped and rightly so a few years back, but their second album kind of flopped. Anyway, this song is from that second album and it's one of my favorite tracks of this fun British band.

What A Pity

Song: "What A Pity"
Artist: Under The Tree
Album: Your Perfect Life

When I lived in Cleveland and was doing the artist thing myself, this duo was playing some of the same venues I was, and the female singer, I think her name is Vicki, has a velvety, awesome voice. And their songs conveyed heartache and other emotions beautifully.

Only a Rehearsal

Song: "Only A Rehearsal"
Artist: Zack Hexum
Album: Open To Close

I had the privilege of working with this talented singer/songwriter a few years back, who is the younger brother of 311's Nick Hexum. Zack is still pretty young, and has the potential to be a household name if he keeps making great music.

Feet Don't Fail Me Now

Song: "Feet Don't Fail Me Now"
Artist: Utopia
Album: Anthology

I'm a big Todd Rundgren fan, at least a fan of his early stuff, and this is one of the best Utopia songs that is under the radar but quite awesome.

Play Ball

Song: "Play Ball"
Artist: The Mike Farley Band
Album: none

I haven't released this song yet, but maybe I should....it's the second day of baseball season so the second straight day I am pimping my own baseball related song! Here's to baseball season 2009!

This Game

Song: "This Game"
Artist: Mike Farley
Album: This Game

I would like to take this opportunity to pimp my own music, and since it's opening day across the country in baseball, this is the song I released last year as a single that I co-wrote with Jason Vigil and Zack Nichols. It's a song about steroids in baseball, but has a light catchy melody that even my very young son likes.

Give Me Love

Song: "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)"
Artist: George Harrison
Album: Living in the Material World

Most people think of John Lennon or Paul McCartney when they think of the Beatles, because those guys wrote most of the band's huge hits. But George Harrison was one heck of a songwriter himself, and some of his solo stuff borders on brilliant.

Man on the Corner

Song: "Man on the Corner"
Artist: Genesis
Album: Abacab

I loved Genesis before Phil Collins became a commercial superstar. This music is heartfelt and awesome and this is one of their best songs ever, and maybe one of the best songs in the history of rock music. Seriously.

Fools in Love

Song: "Fools In Love"
Artist: Joe Jackson
Album: Look Sharp!

Joe Jackson does not get the credit he deserves for being one of the most iconic and compelling songwriters in pop music. His first two albums, this one and I'm the Man, are full of some amazing songs that are interesting melodically and lyrically.

Classic Case

Song: "Sub Rosa"
Artist: Classic Case
Album: Dress To Depress

This is one of those "album rock" bands that the modern rock genre sort of morphed into over the last several years. But for whatever reason, this band's music remains in my iTunes because it's really good....melodic yet heavy, and just plain good.

I Am a Rock

Song: "I Am a Rock"
Artist: Simon & Garfunkel
Album: The Essential Simon & Garfunkel

These guys were/are one of the most dynamic duos in pop music history. The melodies, lyrics and arrangements are timeless.

Digby

Song: "Too Late"
Artist: Digby
Album: Falling Up

This is one of those under the radar rock bands that just writes infectious-as-hell pop/rock stuff. I'm not sure what they are currently up to, but this album is full of really cool songs.

Help Me

Song: "Help Me"
Artist: Joni Mitchell
Album: Court and Spark

This was Joni Mitchell's big hit but she has a huge fan base in the folk world. Joni also has one of the most recognizable voices in pop music....it's a deep, sultry, jazz-tinged style of vocal and it's simply awesome.

Jay Johnson

Song: "Blind Faith"
Artist: Jay Johnson
Album: Yellow

I met this dude when I moved to Nashville and we did some work together and some shows together. Jay isn't making much music anymore, but he should be....dude is just so talented. This album is available on iTunes, so you should go grab it.

Lead Machine

Song: "Lead Machine"
Artist: The Film
Album: Rolling EP

It's kind of funny....I became a fan of this band a few years back after hearing this song on an online radio station, and went out and bought the EP and then reviewed it on Bullz-Eye.com. A few years later, I'm watching "American Idol" and find out contestant Michael Johns was the lead singer of this very band. I bet sales of this music spiked after that fact was leaked out to the press!

Overkill

Song: "Overkill"
Artist: Men at Work
Album: Men at Work: Super Hits

This song always reminds me of spring. Maybe it's because I remember it being released in the spring of 1983, but it also has a warm weather feel for whatever reason. Either way, this is one of my favorite Men at Work songs.

I Wanna Stay Home

Song: "I Wanna Stay Home"
Artist: Jellyfish
Album: Bellybutton

This song is for all of you who want to stay home today and watch basketball! Well, there's always www.ncaa.com where you can stream the games for free on your computer. Have fun!

Let the Games Begin

Song: "All is a Game"
Artist: Nada Surf
Album: The Weight Is a Gift

Nada Surf had an amazing comeback the last few albums, and I'm glad they did. This is a great song from their latest album, and appropriate since the NCAA basketball tournament kicks off in a few hours.

Bread

Song: "Everything I Own"
Artist: Bread
Album: Baby, I'm a Want You

Everyone has to own some guilty pleasures, right? Well, Bread is one of mine. This might be considered wuss-rock, but I don't care. The melodies David Gates and company created some three decades ago still stand the test of time.

This World Fair

Song: "Drama"
Artist: This World Fair
Rasmussen Rocks Vol. 2

Great music isn't always easy to find. I came across this band by way of the Rasmussen Rocks compilation, something my own clients were asked to be on last year, put together by an old friend who works at Rasmussen College in Florida. This song stood out to me as being really something special, and I'm making it a point to find out more about the band.

A Perfect Circle

Song: "Weak and Powerless"
Artist: A Perfect Circle
Album: Thirteenth Step

Since my taste in music runs along pop/rock circles, heavy alternative band A Perfect Circle is not typical of what I like. But I love this band....their songs are all dark and melodic and awesome.

Cry

Song: "Cry"
Artist: The Sundays
Album: Static & Silence

Ah, this album is one of my all-time favorites....and I know I write that a lot, but I do have a lot of them. It's one of those albums I can listen to from beginning to end, and I'm not even trying to be cliche about it!

Just The Wind

Song: "Just the Wind"
Artist: Down The Line
Album: Home Alive

I have had the privelege of working with this awesome Chicago band, and quartet with amazing vocal harmonies and really great songs. Check them out, you won't be disappointed.

Prime Time

Song: "Prime Time"
Artist: The Tubes
Album: 20th Century Masters

Most people remember this '80's band from their huge hit, "She's a Beauty," but I remember this song more. It came out I believe in the late '70's and was a modest radio hit, and in my opinion one of the more underrated great songs in pop history.

Gemma Hayes

Song: "Summers In Doubt"
Artist: Gemma Hayes
Album: Let a Good Thing Go EP

I had reviewed one of Gemma's albums a few years back and then didn't hear anything about her. So I did what probably many of you do...I scoured iTunes for more recent stuff she's done, and found this gem, which I believe was released a while back but that I hadn't heard. Great, great stuff.

Romans Go Home

Song: "And Suddenly"
Artist: Romans Go Home
Album: Romans Go Home

My buddy Michael Seifert had this amazing band back in the late '90's, and while dude has a very successful recording studio in Cleveland, Ohio, I think he underestimates how awesome he was as an artist. The songs are catchy and brooding alt-rock, but it's his voice that is really special.

China Crisis

Song: "Gift of Freedom"
Artist: China Crisis
Album: Flaunt The Imperfection

This was one of those quirky pop bands in the '80's that I absolutely loved, especially this album. And their songs only recently became available digitally.

Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Song: "The Impression That I Get"
Artist: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
20th Century Masters

This band is somewhat of a one-hit wonder...well, no, they ARE a one-hit wonder. Remember ska? That jangly, horn-infused genre of the late '90's? These guys epitomized it, but really, this song is awesome.

Awful Age

Song: "Awful Age"
Artist: The Sheila Divine
Album: New Parade

This is one of my favorite albums of all-time and you if you haven't heard this band, which I think is no longer together, go grab this digitally. The Sheila Divine's lead singer has an absolute monster voice and the songs on this are beautiful in a brooding, rainy day sort of way.

David Fagin

Song: "Dust"
Artist: David Fagin
Album: For Promotional Use Only

David Fagin was the singer for pop/rock band The Rosenbergs back in the late '90's, early 00's, and he has a knack for writing infectious, moody alt-pop stuff. Check this album out, it's got some killer songs.

The Calling

Song: "Adrienne"
Artist: The Calling
Album: Camino Palmero

I guess this band was somewhat of a one-hit wonder, because this is the only song I remember from them after which they faded away. Well, maybe they're still out there making music, but this was their one big radio song, about 10 years ago.

Poco

Song: "In the Heart of the Night"
Artist: Poco
Album: 20th Century Masters

I currently have the privilege of working PR for this awesome, classic country rock band. Rusty Young and Paul Cotton can still churn out great music and their harmonies are timeless.

The Coal Men

Song: "Natural Wonder"
Artist: The Coal Men
Album: Beauty Is a Moment

I had the privelege of doing some tour press for this band, and I'm hoping they release their next album some time soon....Dave Coleman is an amazing singer and songwriter, and this band is incredibly talented. Is that enough adjectives? Go check them out.

Ian McGlynn

Song: "Play Dead"
Artist: Ian McGlynn
Album: This Is the Sound

I saw this singer/songwriter open a songwriter's round last night and while I had heard his music before, was just blown away by this new song. There is a chord change in the chorus that will hit you in the gut and give you goose bumps...trust me, it did that to me last night and it's doing it after I downloaded the track. Ian McGlynn is awesome and needs to be heard!

Rogue Wave

Song: "Salesman at the Day of the Parade"
Artist: Rogue Wave
Album: Descended Like Vultures

Rogue Wave is one of my favorite under the radar bands....they have that moody, alt-rock that feels very west coast, or maybe Northwest. I'm not sure why they are under the radar, other than the fact that I dig their music, because their songs are amazing.

Live Forever

Song: "Live Forever"
Artist: Oasis
Album: Definitely Maybe

It's funny, but whenever most people think of the band Oasis, they think of the Gallagher brothers and their penchant for beating the crap out of each other on and off the stage. But somehow they have managed to make great music over the years, and this was one of their early hits that, to me, defines non-grunge '90's modern rock.

Joseph Arthur

Song: "Nuclear Daydream"
Artist: Joseph Arthur
Album: Nuclear Daydream

I'm sure I've posted about Joseph Arthur before, because I just think he's awesome. He's one of my favorite singer/songwriters, along with Josh Rouse and Pete Yorn and John Mayer.

Temple of the Dog

Song: "Hunger Strike"
Artist: Temple of the Dog
Album: Temple of the Dog

This group was a "supergroup" of sorts with members of Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots, and it sounds so incredibly early '90s. It's hard ot believe we're talking almost 20 years ago for the birth of grunge.

Scott Stepakoff

Song: "Things Like That"
Artist: Scott Stepakoff
Album: Red Light Turns Green

This is what is wrong with Nashville's music scene. My buddy Scott, who is a songwriter with a publishing deal, has been toiling away for a few years without a cut. But if you heard this or some of his other stuff, you'll scratch your head and wonder why. Somebody needs to cut this song, because it's so much better than most of the crap coming out of this fine city. Seriously, there is too much politics and other stuff in the music industry, and it keeps great music from reaching our ears. I just had to say it!

Early Lifehouse

Song: "Everything"
Artist: Lifehouse
Album: No Name Face

The first Lifehouse album is still the best one to me. After that, the radio and studio folks got a hold of them and commercialized the crap out of some good songs. This first album is brooding and awesome, especially on tracks like this one.

The Damnwells

Song: "Hearbreaklist"
Artist: The Damnwells
Album: Air Stereo

The Damnwells have a new album for free download on Paste Magazine's website, but their last full studio album, Air Stereo, which came out a couple years back, is my favorite of theirs and one of the best rock albums of all-time.

The Pretender

Song: "The Pretender"
Artist: Jackson Browne
Album: The Pretender

To me, this is one of the greatest songs in rock history. Jackson Browne manages to pen an anthem for the working class with unbelievable heart and soul, and his instantly recognized vocal is perfect to deliver it.

Steve Perry

Song: "You Better Wait"
Artist: Steve Perry
Album: Steve Perry Greatest Hits

I was a huge Journey fan back in the day, and I remember when this solo album from Steve Perry came out, I think around 1994....this song was like vintage Journey, and then I saw him in concert, and he was just amazing. What is this guy doing now besides collecting royalties?

The Fray Take 2

Song: "Ungodly Hour"
Artist: The Fray
Album: The Fray

I'm reviewing the new album by The Fray for Bullz-Eye.com today, and while I do like this band a lot, the songs on this album are pretty much an extension of their debut from a few years back.
You hipsters will want to run from it, but the rest of you will find something to like here.

Still

Song: "Still"
Artist: Matt Nathanson
Album: Some Mad Hope

Matt Nathanson has always been a great artist, but his career took a leap when he signed with Vanguard Records a few years back. This is his best album by far and he's one of the good artists you need to check out, not the over-hyped stuff from the Grammys the other night.

Dan Wilson

Song: "Breathless"
Artist: Dan Wilson
Album: Free Life

Dan Wilson was the lead singer of Semisonic, who you probably remember from that ubiquitous hit from 10 or so years ago, "Closing Time." The band may almost be classified as a one-hit wonder, because they kind of were. But that doesn't mean they didn't have other great songs. And Wilson, who has done great as a songwriter for the likes of The Dixie Chicks, released this awesome solo album back in 2007.

I'll Get By

Song: "I'll Get By"
Artist: Eddie Money
Album: The Essential Eddie Money

This has always been one of my favorite guily pleasures. It's a breakup song that has a hint of hopeful tone in it, but it's just really well-written and heartfelt.

The Day Begins

Song: "The Day Begins"
Artist: The Moody Blues
Album: Days of Future Passed

This album is one of my all-time favorites, released in 1967 but still timeless. It's the story of a whole day in the life of a person, but with incredible songs with incredible melodies and an orchestra to back it all up. You all know "Nights in White Satin," but that's the closer on this amazing record. Anyway, I chose this song because it's a cold morning here in Nashville as I write my post.

Alternate Routes

Song: "Desdemona"
Artist: The Alternate Routes
Album: A Sucker's Dream

This is one of my favorite bands, and another that many of you have never heard of. These guys write amazing pop/rock songs, and are another act that is a throwback to the '70's, when melody ruled. I'm reviewing their new album, which is due out soon, on Bullz-Eye.com. Go check these guys out.

Mind Games

Song: "Mind Games"
Artist: John Lennon
Album: Lennon Legend

Here is another great John Lennon song that only recenlty became available digitally. Can you tell I love '70's music?

Strange Days

Song: "Strange Days"
Artist: Matthew Good Band
Album: Beautiful Midnight

Some artists are so compelling and you don't quite know why. Matthew Good is one of those artists to me, and his songs are just so dark and amazing at the same time, that it's not really a stretch to know why he's compelling. And this album is one of my favorites of all-time by any artist.

Electric Harmony

Song: "Electric Harmony"
Artist: The Damnwells
Album: Bastards of the Beat

This band is one of my favorite groups of all-time, but like with a lot of my personal music collection, most of the general public has probably never heard of them. The Damnwells are a straight up rock band from New York City, and their songs are positively phenomenal. Do yourself a favor and go check out their catalog on iTunes or wherever you peruse music.

Stay With Me Tonight

Song: "Stay With Me Tonight"
Artist: Jeffrey Osborne
Album: Ultimate Collection

My wife and I joke about this song....it's supposed to be this sexy kind of dance song, and while it is super catchy, the way Mr. Osborne emotes his vocals borders on Saturday Night Live skit. But I can't help it, this song has always been one of my guilty pleasures.

The Modern Log

Song: "The Modern Log"
Artist: The Sheila Divine
Album: New Parade

This is one of my favorite albums of all-time, yet chances are very good you've never heard of it. Go find The Sheila Divine's music if you can, especially this amazing album. It's unique yet accessible alt-rock, and the singer is just phenomenal.

FM

Song: "FM"
Artist: Steely Dan
Album: A Decade Of Steely Dan

I love this band and their music is timeless and jazzy and New York City all at once. Maybe we could even call it sophisticated pop. But whatever, Becker and Fagen have always delivered amazing songs.

Marillion

Song: "Easter"
Artist: Marillion
Album: Seasons End

Okay, it's not quite Spring yet, so not quite Easter yet, but I love this song by prog rock band Marillion so that I have no qualms about playing it all year long. The guitar work is just exceptional on this one and the last two minutes of the song have such an uplifting vibe.

#9 Dream

Song: "#9 Dream"
Artist: John Lennon
Album: Lennon Legend

I remember as a kid having a really hard time believing the Beatles had broken up, but I also was a fan of them individually and appreciated all the great music they kept creating. This John Lennon song was one of my faves from the '70's, and it still sounds great 35 or so years later.

Hearsay

Song: "Hearsay"
Artist: Jonatha Brooke
Album: Careful What You Wish For

Jonatha Brooke is an amazing songwriter and her albums range from acoustic to fully produced, but always with a core of great tunes. I think this album came out a few years back, but in the iTunes digital era, it gets a bit more difficult to keep track of what songs are from what albums and when they were released.

Rapture

Song: "Rapture"
Artist: Blondie
Album: The Best of Blondie

I may have written about this song before, but it's worth writing about again. This song came along before the birth of hip-hop, and Debbie Harry's rapping and sexy vocals in this are intoxicating. But the best part of the song is the raunchy, albeit short, guitar solo.

Early Vertical Horizon

Song: "Heart In Hand"
Artist: Vertical Horizon
Album: Running On Ice

If you're just a casual fan or observer of Vertical Horizon, you probably only know one or two songs from their breakthrough album, Everything You Want, which came out in the late '90's. But this band was together for years before that, and they started out as a pseudo-acoustic act. This material of theirs is way different, but it's really good in a '70's pop, Josh Rouse meets Dan Fogelberg sort of way.

New Radicals

Song: "Gotta Stay High"
Artist: The New Radicals
Album: Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too

This is what I would call a one-hit wonder album....not song, because every song on it is good. But the band split up and never released anything under the name New Radicals again. Gregg Alexander was the brains and creative lead on the project, and dude clearly has pop songwriting genius running through his veins. But other factors were at work and who knows what he's up to these days.

Cold Again

Song: "Cold Again"
Artist: Freedy Johnston
Album: This Perfect World

I chose this song because it is 5 degrees in Nashville right now as I sit here in my office. It just doesn't get this cold too often here in the South! Anyway, this song is gloomy and awesome at the same time.

Shaky City

Song: "Shaky City"
Artist: The Plimsouls
Album: Everywhere At Once

This is one of my favorite albums of all-time....raw, rocking, edgy rock that borders on punk rock......the band has only released a handful of albums, and singer Peter Case has done a bunch of solo work, but this is his and their best work.

Black Gold

Song: "Black Gold Blues"
Artist: Laura Veirs
Album: Year of Meteors

Laura Veirs has a quirky, alternative sound that resembles Suzanne Vega's early, dark material. It's syncopated, gloomy, but strangely melodic and enticing.

Redding

Song: "Gleam"
Artist: Redding
Album: Redding

I reviewed this album a few years ago and this song has stuck in my iTunes. It's great alt-pop and a reminder that I need to find out if these guys are still together and up to anything new.

It's Over Now

Song: "It's Over Now"
Artist: Paddy Casey
Album: Addicted To Company

My New York Giants lost yesterday in the divisonal playoffs, so their season is over. I needed to find a song to fit my mood, and this was it. The 2009 season can't start soon enough.

Rossington Collins Band

Song: "Getaway"
Artist: Rossington Collins Band
Album: 20th Century Masters: The Millenium Collection

Many of you may not be old enough to remember this, but I do. I was in junior high in the late '70's when Lynyrd Skynyrd had a plane crash that claimed the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. Though Skynyrd still exists today in a different re-incarnation, the other two surviving guitarists at the time, Allen Collins and Gary Rossington, formed their own band with female vocalist Dale Krantz, who is awesome.

No More Cloudy Days

Song: "No More Cloudy Days"
Artist: The Eagles
Album: Long Road Out Of Eden

You know, I don't think we heard much about this latest Eagles album, but there are some really stellar songs on it, such as this one. I guess it's harder for these guys to reach their audience than it was in the '70's.

Butch Is Back

Song: "The Weight of Her"
Artist: Butch Walker
Album: Sycamore Meadows

I've been a fan of Butch since the late '90's and the Marvelous 3 days. This guy can write a hit song in his sleep, but the last couple of albums have lacked the usual spark of Butch's music. Not that those albums sucked, but this new one has the spark again. This is one of 2008's best releases, but I only just picked it up recently and you should too.

Chicago

Song: "Just You N Me"
Artist: Chicago
Album: The Very Best of Chicago

This is one of those signature bands with horns and great melodies that began in the '60's and made their mark in the '70's. I know I write a lot about how I love music from that era, and I'll never get tired of saying it.

Shambala

Song: "Shambala"
Artist: Three Dog Night
Album: 20th Century Masters

I am a sucker for '70's pop music and this group had a knack for melody that few artists could match. This song in particular brings back a lot of nostalgia for me from my childhood.

Megan McCauley

Song: "Wonder"
Artist: Megan McCauley
Album: Better Than Blood

I may have already mentioned this awesome artist on the Wind Up label, but she is worth mentioning again. She's like Pink without the weirdness, like Alanis with better melodies, and better than just about any female artist you can think of today. Go check her out.