Song of the Month
(Hopefully) something new for you to check out

"Happy" by Never Shout Never

A couple of weeks ago I wandered into a huge mass of goofy looking teens at the Mall of America who were rabidly awaiting the arrival of this band (which turns out to be the alias of the lead singer Christofer Ingle).  When the music started, I was shocked that I actually liked it.  Featuring acoustic guitars, ukuleles, and harmonies, I had to check out more of their songs when I got home.  After some intense research, I determined that this one is my favorite, with "Trouble" being a close second.  If it puts you in a good mood, you might also want to check out the rest of my revised Top 10 "Happy" Songs list.

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Featured Artist: Dave Matthews
A few tracks from one of my all-time faves

  Dave and I go way back.  I really liked "Ants Marching" and "Crash Into Me" from his first albums 15 years ago, but since then his work has been hit and (mostly) miss.  I do like a couple of songs from his 2009 Grammy-nominated album Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, but I really didn't care that much until I heard the acoustic version of "You and Me".  It reminded me of one of my favorite live albums all all time, his 1999 classic Live at Luther College (also with Tim Reynolds), so I had to jump back on the DMBandwagon.  Check out my list of the Top 10 Dave Matthews Songs and let me know what you think of my selections of their best.

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The Gem
A lesser-known song that deserves more attention

"Spring Is Just Around the Corner" by Richard Julian

With some snow melting outside, this selection is equal parts title and music.  I had the opportunity to see Richard Julian at an extremely intimate (read: terribly attended) Fine Line concert a couple years ago.  He's a very talented guitar play and songwriter, but never broke into the mainstream.  On this (his best) track, he channels Lyle Lovett and it works marvelously.

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Folk Fascination
Good old fashioned music with acoustic instruments

"Naked As We Came" by Iron & Wine

Iron & Wine is a musician that always came up as a recommendation as I searched for and downloaded other music. Last month I finally caved in and got a couple of his albums from the library and (not surprisingly) it turns out that they are pretty good.  I'm more fond of the straightforward folk of his older albums and this song is the perfect example.

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A Cappella
Unaccompanied Treasures

"Hodja" by Todd Rundgren

Along with Bobby McFerrin's Simple Pleasures, Todd Rundgren's 1985 A Cappella album helped pioneer the art of overdubbing one's own voice to create the effect of an entire group of singers. Rundgren's effort was a little less accessible that McFerrin's but it did produce this upbeat gem (later covered by many collegiate a cappella groups including my pals The Limestones - download their free version here). 

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Grab Bag
Something Unique to Send You on Your Way

"Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down " by Alicia Keys

It seems like I should really like an R & B piano player with a good voice, but it seems like she rarely shows off her natural talents without a lot a "noise" in the background. This deep track finally puts her skills to use with a hauntingly dramatic, broadway-style anthem that stays with you for hours.  More please, Alicia!

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