"E-Bow The Letter" - R.E.M.

My favorite, mostly unknown, R.E.M. song. The song's title refers to the Ebow, an electromagnetic field-generating device that induces sustained vibration in an electric guitar string (creating a violin-like effect), and to a "letter never sent" by Michael Stipe. It is believed that the letter in question was written to actor River Phoenix expressing Stipe's concern for his friend's spiraling substance abuse with the letter never being sent due to Phoenix's death; the words 'For River' are visible in the bottom of the rear view mirror that appears on the song's single sleeve. Patti Smith sings guest backing vocals on this song, which are haunting and magical.

Another great song dedicated to River Phoenix is "River" by Natalie Merchant. Give that one a listen too. There are some great Youtube videos dedicated to him...here is one...

Click Here for Youtube Video

"Wound" - The Smashing Pumpkins

One of my top 5 bands of all time, The Smashing Pumpkins. I think they are my favorite band from the 90s, and then some, beating out Pearl Jam and Nirvana. Each of the aforementioned bands had a very unique and, to me, inspiring sound, but The Smashing Pumpkins had the most impact on my memory and my life. To me, they are musical geniuses and are under-appreciated by the listening community. If I could, I would list maybe 20+ of their songs on this blog.

This song, "Wound", is from one of their later albums, "MACHINA/The Machines of God". I like the driving drums and guitar and Billy Corgan's unique piercing voice. Hope you enjoy it!

Click Here to Listen to the FULL Song

"Heroine" - Sinead O'Connor

A great song with U2's guitarist, The Edge, and sung by Sinead O'Connor. I don't know why, but I just like this song alot.

UPDATE!!!

I have decided to begin posting a picture of the album covers for each song, as well as a link to a sample from each song. I found this great FREE site called www.last.fm.

"Valletta Fanfares" - Vitalic

If you like drums...marching band drums, which I do, then you will be amazed by this song. Vitalic (aka Pascal Arbez from France) is the electronic musician behind this song. Although it may sound like a marching band playing the drums, it is actually all electronic drums.

Check out the rest of "OK Cowboy" album if you like hard-hitting electronic dance music.

Click Here to Listen Now

"Your Hand in Mine" - Explosions in the Sky

I first heard this song in the soundtrack from the movie "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly". It is a beautiful instrumental composition which moves me like no other song. Maybe it is because it came into my life when my father was sick and dying and I now associate the song with that sad time in my life.

Well, I hope you all enjoy it. It is a long song, at over 8 minutes, but just sit back in bed, relax and give it a chance.

Click Here to Listen Now

"Ten Million Slaves" - Otis Taylor

My first post in years...about time I got back to what I love. I picked this song because it just struck a chord with me. It has a lot of soul, mostly banjo soul, but I like it. Some of you may recognize it from the movie "Public Enemies" which is out in theaters today. Go on Amazon or iTunes and give the song a listen. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Click Here to Listen Now

"Rebellion (Lies)" - Arcade Fire

Another great song from Arcade Fire. In my mind, this band is operating on some unknown mystic laws which helps them achieve a level of "wowee, wowee wee-wow" that few other bands ever achieve.

"Jesus, etc." - Wilco

A real nice song...very mellow. It takes me to a place where everything is A-O-K...and I like that place.

" You were right about the stars,
each one is a setting sun."

"I Love the Valley OH!" - Xiu Xiu

Warning...a pretty harsh song. Not for the faint of heart or close-minded, but what I love about the song is that it has tons and tons of heart and emotion. Think about what would drive a person to write and sing a song that is so abrasive. When I first heard this song I was blown away by how "in-your-face" this song is. For me, it's all about the singer's tone accompanied by the pounding drum that sounds like a stomping military parade. It is such a cacophony of sounds, noises, screeches and pounding drums. I just love it to death. To me it's a very liberating song.

" That's a heart that you made
That's a heart and the both of you made it
And I won't rest until I break it."