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

"Today You Move" by Trip Shakepeare

Uncle Stevie helped me discover this brilliant 1991 track from Dan Wilson's former band.  With its catchy melody, pleasant harmonies, and impressive fretless bass work, this is a pop masterpiece you won't soon forget! 

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Featured Artist: John Mellencamp
A few tracks from one of my all-time faves

Back in the early 80's John Cougar burst onto the scene with one of the best classic rock songs of all time, "Jack & Diane."  Since then, he's changed his name and has been steadily churning out great American rock n' roll, including 1985's brilliant Scarecrow album.  I'm not a huge fan of his more recent work, but my Top 10 John Mellencamp Songs list was one of the toughest I've had to narrow down - check it out and see how I did.

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The Gem
A lesser-known song that deserves more attention

"The Way It Is" by Bruce Hornsby and the Range

Bruce Hornsby is a great songwriter and a virtuostic pianist, but he's often labeled as a one-hit wonder due to the great success of this terrific pop tune.  As a young piano player, I distinctly remember getting the sheet music to this song the first chance I had and I still enjoy playing it today.  Boo-da-be, boo-da-be, boo-da-boo... that's just the way it is!

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Folk Fascination
Good old fashioned music with acoustic instruments

"This Side " by NIckel Creek

Nickel Creek does a great job blending traditional bluegrass instrumentation with a modern pop sound.  This track shows off this quality and adds some nice mandolin and guitar work as well as some impressive vocal performances.

Aaah Cappella
Unaccompanied Treasures

"Slow Down Krishna" by The Bobs

No self-respecting a cappella section would be complete without an entry from The Bobs, one of the genre's pioneers.  With equal parts vocal skill, creative arranging, and comedic subject matter, they are one of the most unique vocal groups around.  This incredibly catchy song has been one of my personal favorites since I heard it sung live in Fargo in 1990.

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Kiddie Corner
Quality music for kids and adults alike

"When She Loved Me" by Sarah McLachlan

Randy Newman penned this beautiful number for the Toy Story 2 Soundtrack and I can't imagine a better singer to execute it.  Sarah McLachlan's incredibly pure and seemingly effortless rendition of this challenging song might have you simlutaneously reaching for a box of Kleenex and your old doll or action figure.

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