This Week's Top 5

Reza's blog occasionally has Reza's top 5, or 10 of stuff he likes. I thought i'd update on the Top 5 songs i'm currently into, harkening back to my days as a music critic. They are (in no particular order):

1. Just Jack- Embers

A lot of the non-mainstream music i listen to comes from my habit of picking up songs from TV shows. Gossip Girl is one of my faves for that. This song opened and closed episode 2 of the new season, and i just had to get my hands on it. I love when violins mix with modern beats, like the theme for Mad Men (R2J2's A Beautiful Mine), and as much as the guy doesn't really have the vocal pipes, the song itself is wicked, especially when the guitars kick in the second half. Addictive

2. Unkle Bob- One by One
Another song i picked up from a TV show. This time, it was CSI: Miami. I can't remember the episode, but it closed with this song and i jumped online to search for it. They're a little known band from the UK, and the rest of their stuff is pretty good too. Its interesting how they have a very post-90s American sound, emphasized by the use of the banjo in some of their songs. This one remains my favourite for it's haunting melody and melancholic lyrics.

3. Paramore- Decode
Two reasons why this song is only registering on my radar now. First, i've never been too impressed with Paramore, and with all the hype surrounding them, that acted as a total turnoff. Secondly, it's the soundtrack for Twlight, one of the most insipid movies i've ever paid to watch. But the song is pretty rockin', and as much as people dislike the acoustic version, i like that one too.


4. Rob Thomas- Her Diamonds
I've loved Rob forever. Ever since my primary school days (yes, thats how long it's been), his music with Matchboxtwenty has been extremely influential in my music. I'm so glad he's gotten back to writing songs that sound more like his music with Matchboxtwenty in his solo effort this time. This song is heartbreaking as he opens up about his wife Marisol's struggle with Lupus. The man can do no wrong in my book.

5.Rachael Yamagata featuring Ray LaMontagne- Duet
Discovering Rachael Yamagata's music was like discovering a diamond in the rough. She posseses a deep, quiet voice, and writes music that's deep and moving. Elephants, the first single from the album is a dramatic song, but Duet is a quiet song that is one you hum to on a rainy day. Ray Lamontagne doesn't add much to the song, but provides a nice canvass for Rachael to shine.