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