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

"Jet Lag" by Simple Plan featuring Natasha Bedingfield

I know very little about Simple Plan, but I do know that this song is a very well produced piece of summertime rock n' roll featuring one of my favorite pop singers. Give it a listen - it's hard to resist.

Featured Artist: The Decemberists
A few tracks from one of my all-time faves

Before The King is Dead, I had only heard couple of songs from The Decemberists. Since discovering "January Hymn" at the beginning of the year I have tried to investigate the rest of their catalog. The results have been varied, but I have discovered several pleasant pop and folk nuggets that are worth a listen. Check out my list of the Top 10 Decemberists Songs and let me know what you think of my selections of their best.

The Gem
A lesser-known song that deserves more attention

"No One Is To Blame" by Howard Jones

I'm not sure why, but I keep coming back to this song as one of my favorite songs of the 80s. Maybe it's the lyrics of frustration. Maybe it's the singable tune. Maybe it's just a good song and no particular part is to blame.

Folk Fascination
Good old fashioned music with acoustic instruments

"You Don't Make It Easy, Babe" by Josh Ritter

I'm not a big fan of Bob Dylan, but apparently I'm a fan of someone trying to sing like him (only in this case with a bit more of a melodic tone). I love the simplicity of the lyrics and the finger picked guitar. I tried to resist it, but Mr. Ritter didn't make it easy.

A Cappella
Unaccompanied Treasures

"Bright Morning Stars" by The Wailin' Jennys

The Jennys first appeared on the a cappella radar with 2004's beautifully sorrowful "The Parting Glass". They may have outdone themselves with this slightly more upbeat yet equally pleasant tune from their 2011 release of the same name.

Grab Bag
Something Unique to Send You on Your Way

"Jennifer Juniper" by Donovan

In honor of a special someone's milestone birthday, I submit to you this quirky little song that I first discovered in the 1999 movie Election (starring Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon). Even though the song was released before my Jennifer was born, it still applies today. "Do you like her? Yes, I do, Sir. Would you love her? Yes, I would, Sir. Whatcha doin' Jennifer, my love?"