BURN IT DOWN - Linkin Park

"BURN IT DOWN" is the first single off the upcoming fifth album of Linkin Park titled Living Things. This song is a great listen and can easily get stuck in your head. Linkin Park is building off their new sound created on their last album, A Thousand Suns. This sounds seems more refined and slightly more polished. Either way its a great song and should get Linkin Park fans excited for more great music. Living Things is to be released June 26. I, for one, am seriously looking forward to this. 2012 has proven thus far to be a great year for music. Keep listening. 

Song on youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgEKLhvCCVA&ob=av2e

Only You - The Flying Pickets

"Only You" is a song by the The Flying Pickets, originally by Yazoo, off their 1984 album Lost Boys. They're a British a capella group led by a singer named Andrea Figallo (great name, I know). This song is beautiful. The lyrics are gorgeous and the natural sounds that are created are almost transparent in that they don't seem like voices. No instruments whatsoever. Quite a feat. This version is just wonderful and to me, it's one of the greatest love songs. Take a listen. Enjoy. 

Here's the song on youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgDKtLPp46s

The Beat Goes On - Beady Eye

"The Beat Goes On" is a song by the newly founded Beady Eye off their debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding from 2010. I say newly founded because this band is headed by Liam Gallagher, one of the creative minds behind the british rock band Oasis. He and his brother, Noel, have parted ways professionally but that isn't stopping either of them from continuing their passion to create timeless music. That's what this track is to me. Timeless. It has hints of The Beatles and a new sound that Liam is really pushing upon you. His voice is reminiscent, and I use that lightly, of John Lennon. Take a listen. Some real quality music here. 

Here's the song on youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GzLb74GhK8

Sixteen Saltines - Jack White

"Sixteen Saltines" is the first official single off Jack White's first solo album Blunderbuss. This song rocks! Jack White is back, and solo, after the recent break-up of The White Stripes. But Jack has carried over his raw, messy and intense music to his solo work. Nothing is more evident than this song as an example. His rawness really speaks to me and is a real pleasure to listen to. A great riff as well. No crazy effects, no autotune, nothing but simple, yet great music. The album is set to release April 23 of this year and I couldn't be more excited. Keep listening. 

Here's the song on youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Tdq41eVVu8

Lonely Boy - Andrew Gold

"Lonely Boy" is a song by Andrew Gold off his album What's Wrong With This Picture? from 1976. This song is so good! I wish I could be slightly more articulate about it but it's simply a great song. Andrew's voice is a feast for the ears and seminal for it's time. It's a perfect combination of musical beauty and story filled lyrics. To me, Lyrics are half the battle, and this song succeeds in every aspect. Check this gem out. This is 70's Gold. (pun intended) Also, Andrew Gold passed away last year. But his music will live on. 

Here's the song on youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kbgjmmr5vw

Tarkus - Emerson, Lake & Palmer

"Tarkus" is from the 1971 album Tarkus by progressive rock masters, Emerson, Lake & Palmer. THIS SONG IS 20 MINUTES LONG! Some of you, and I'm not trying to insult anyone, do not have the attentiveness to listen to a song of this magnitude. However, these "epics" were quite normal in the progressive rock genre. This song is absolutely remarkable. One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. Go check it out if you dare. 

song on youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJINce7l3P4

Hurricane - Bob Dylan

"Hurricane" is a song by Bob Dylan off his 1976 album Desire. This song is tremendous. As always, Dylan remains the quintessential musical storyteller and this song is arguably one of his best. It has it's rock moments, it's sad moments and it's folk moments; this song is a roller-coaster ride. "Hurricane" is also a great song for someone who doesn't know Bob Dylan too well. It's a great song to ease into his massive and exceptional discography. Take a listen and enjoy. Not only music but a story. And that rocks. 

Here's the song on youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMA0UZbWLT8

How Soon is Now? - The Smiths

"How Soon is Now?" is a song by The Smiths and was released as a b-side in 1984. If you don't know, The Smiths are a legendary band. They had some of the most successful years a band has ever experienced. Unfortunately, they were only together to release four albums. But their music lives on. This song is what turned me on to The Smiths. This song absolutely rocks and, as always, contains lead-singer Morrisey's poetic lyrics. It has a sort of New Wave sound and can be listened to over and over again. Enjoy and I hope you look up more Smiths songs. 

Song on youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUMh8GQnDW8

Wonderful World - Sam Cooke

"Wonderful World" is by Sam Cooke, off his 1960 album The Wonderful World of Sam Cooke. Most of you probably recognize this song from the famous scene in "Animal House" where John Belushi is eating everything on the lunch menu. This song is soul at it's finest. Beautiful lyrics accompanied by the everlasting and spectacular voice of one of music's pioneers, Sam Cooke. Unfortunately, the world lost Sam way too early but his music survives. This is a tune that everyone can enjoy because it is timeless. Take a listen.

Song on youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF6JMotbHYM 

Green Grass and High Tides - Outlaws

"Green Grass and High Tides" is a song by the Outlaws. It was off their self-titled debut album in 1975. This isn't a very well-known song but it most defiantly should be. For me, this ranks up there with Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven or Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird. Yeah, I just said that (well, I typed it). This song features some of the best guitar work ever to be recorded. It's that good. Check it out. The song speaks for itself. 

Song on youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R82OM5tzcrk

R U Mine? - Arctic Monkeys

"R U Mine?" is a non-album single released by Arctic Monkeys on February 26, 2012. WOW is my first reaction. This song rocks! It has a dirty sound to it that I feel could be the next direction for the band. They are one of my favorite groups and when they said that they would not record again until 2013, I was highly disappointed. But this new song is a great tease. As always, Alex Turner's lyrics shine and they are no slouches with their instruments. The drums are incredible on this track. Check it out!

Song on youtube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQH8ZTgna3Q&ob=av3e

Simple Song - The Shins

"Simple Song" is a brand new song by The Shins. It is the first song released off their upcoming fourth album Port of Morrow, set to be released March 16, 2012. To me, they one of the best bands in regard to connecting lyrics and music in a perfect harmony. I don't think I've ever heard a Shins song that wasn't poetic. And "Simple Song is no different. As always, James Mercer's voice is mesmerizing and the arrangement is awesome. I'm very excited for this new album and you should be too. Check it out and enjoy when the song gets stuck in your head. 

Also, the music video is brillant. (Remember I'm a film student)

Song on youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoLTPcD1S4Q&ob=av3e

Truth Doesn't Make a Noise - The White Stripes

"Truth Doesn't Make a Noise" is a song by The White Stripes off their second album De Stijl. The duo is led by one of the best guitarist and artist around today, Jack White. If you don't already know, The White Stripes are the epitome of simple music. Their style is drums, guitar and lyrics. That's it. This song is awesome. I can't really find a better word to describe it. As usual Jack's guitar work is nothing short of brillant. It's reminiscent of, dare I say, Led Zeppelin. The lyrics really are powerful as well. The duo recently called it quits but their music will live on forever. This is my favorite song by them. Listen and I hope you check out their other work. Enjoy. 

Song on youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkpoXBbOAS8

And It Stoned Me - Van Morrison

"And It Stoned Me" is a song by the legendary Van Morrison off his third album Moondance from 1970. I think Van Morrison is an acquired taste because his voice is so different and it takes some time to get used to. But his genius and talent can not be denied. He is a poet through his lyrics and delivers each song with such passion. The entire album shines and is considered by many to be one of the best of all-time. Take a listen, he's great. (He's most well-known for the hit-song "Brown Eyed Girl")

Song on youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVcra0yj43w

Standing Next To Me - The Last Shadow Puppets

"Standing Next To Me" is a song by The Last Shadow Puppets. They are Alex Turner, of the Arctic Monkeys, and Miles Kane, formerly of The Rascals. It's off their first and only album thus far, The Age Of The Understatement. This song is beautiful on so many levels. It sounds like something that The Beatles could have made. Yes I just said that. It's simplistic and it gets stuck in your head. This is my favorite song off the album and the entire album is brillant. Check them out, they'll surprise you. 

Song on youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8YRx47oylM&ob=av3e

Some Nights - Fun.

"Some Nights" is the title track off the second album of the band 'Fun.'. The song is reminiscent of harmonies put together by Queen and a sound similar to a Simon and Garfunkel song. It's a fun song (no pun intended) and is a promising effort from an up and coming band. Their hit single "We Are Young" is currently the number one single on itunes. Check them out, they will not disappoint. They're a breath of fresh air. 

Song on youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtBMJfPRwGY