This band has not gained the fame I always thought they should. They are now broken up but I still think they are worth being discovered. Their use of three part female harmony is such a lovely blend different from the machismo of most grunge. I chose this song because it is so lyrically cheeky. With references to “Venus in Furs” and a chorus about mistresses and being gagged and tied this song mixes a light playfulness with its sexiness. Even the vocals tease and titillate in the most complementary fashion.-Jonathan Jay Lando Dipratna
For those of you entering a new relationship, or thinking of doing so, this song might be the anthem for you to swear by. With sweetly sappy lyrics and a catchy as hell tune you can’t go wrong with this one. As track number three of 2000’s “Maybe I’ll Catch Fire”, the song is perhaps the highlight of the album. Dan Andriano’s raspy vocals stand out from the music, but it’s well balanced, and very reassuring. It kind of makes you feel all warm and tingly inside.-Nicole Givens
This is the German version of a song that is also in English and French. The group consists of two people, a French-German female vocalist and a German-French male instrumentalist. They are a trilingual group in the sense that their album’s vocals dip between the three aforementioned languages. The track in question is really upbeat and one of the few to use a live instrument; since they are typically a more techno/computer based group. This track is catchy and instantly makes me get into the mood to dance. Even if I’m in the car driving I get a little driving groove going.-Jonathan Jay Lando Dipratna
Is there anyone out there you’d like to fully cut out of your life for the good and love of all? It’s the beginning of the year- why not do it now? Perhaps you need some motivation. Try plugging in the Kiss Off for a while, work up some helpless self-esteem. This song is a classic- one of those songs you sing around the bonfire- (there is even a count down involved!). Singer/ songwriter Gordon Gano emphasizes a combination of his dry sense of humor and sweet music writing skills to make us all want to say goodbye to people who bring us down. So grab your acoustic guitar, and join the chant!-Nicole Givens
Do you wear black eyeliner, is your hair blacker then the darkest night, or do you cry yourself to sleep every night? Do you ever have the feeling that god is laughing at you or will be when you die? Then the song of your life is “Blasphemous Rumors” by Depeche Mode. A true gothic fairy tale complete with suicide, and a god that has a sick sense of humor. Because you know that little voice in the back of your head that says god hates you and is laughing at you just may be telling the truth. So just accept the fact that god finds your misfortune utterly hilarious, and staple your hand to your forehead, light up a clove, and know even though god is laughing; everything will be okay.-Shannon Elliott
Starting slow and building to a rockin’ chorus, this latest track from CHaA is a grand example of the evolution of their style. It has a harder edge that a lot of their new tracks seem to employ and it is full of the two voice blend that make them sound so dissonant in a distinct and delicious way. The use of unassuming female contralto and male falsetto in the track is very inviting to the ear. The way the breakdown builds into the final chorus is very evocative to something I am quite unable to put my finger on; but it is spectacular.-Jonathan Jay Lando Dipratna
“Firefly” was a great television show. Probably one of the most awesome ever made; at least to me. Not only that but it has a very memorable opening theme song. It is very catchy and really gets stuck in your head. This version is the first recording of it written and played by the creator of the series, Joss Whedon. He has a terrible voice and the guitar playing is really rough but it is still catchy and you can see the potential in it. Also I want to bring attention to the show.-Jonathan Jay Lando Dipratna
Sounding like a balladic lullaby, this song is definitely an anthem for puppy love to say the least. Sharon Foo’s soft vocals collide with the acoustics of Sune Rose Wagner’s guitar, mixed with a bit of a drum machine. This soothing song will make you want to build up some nerve, and talk to that cute, mysterious stranger that lingers around your everyday routine. The lyric “Pretty in Black”, (which is also the album’s title) is dedicated to that one person who makes you turn your head every time he or she walks by. It’s definitely a form of a love song, but very much un-sappy. -Nicole Givens