"Lie in Our Graves" Dave Matthews Band

 















A classic DMB groove that has come back into my life. (IS, you have a little over two weeks to remaster the main riff on your plastic-stringed guitar before my arrival)

"Lie in Our Graves" Dave Matthews Band

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" Whitney Houston

 
















It's a marvel that this hasn't already been the song of the day. Whitney gives this song an undeniable energy and the track's desire is always relatable. I mean honestly, who doesn't wanna dance with somebody who loves them?

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" Whitney Houston

"Time Bomb" The Format

Flashback to freshman year. This album rocks... if only the band didn't dissolve. :/

"Time Bomb" The Format

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" Santa Esmeralda

Don't be fooled by the absurdity of this album cover; don't misunderstand. This mariachi cover of Nina Simone's hit is stellar. So stellar, I don't mind its 10 minute duration at all.

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" Santa Esmeralda

"You're The One That I Want" Angus & Julia Stone

 
















This is an admittedly strange, but I'd venture to say lovely, cover of the Grease classic sung by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. Definitely a song I could fall asleep to.

"You're The One That I Want" Angus & Julia Stone

"Imagine" Jack Johnson

 
















I've always loved this John Lennon classic, for more than just its auditory aesthetic. As expected, Jack Johnson's signature voice carries the weight of the song wonderfully.

"Imagine" Jack Johnson

"Mr. Brightside" Paul Anka

I thought I'd kick things up a little after three slower covers (and two more to come) with a lively jazz rendition of The Killers' hit. Paul Anka does the classiest jazz covers of non-jazz songs I've ever heard. Richard Cheese, a raunchier less-talented jazz cover man, doesn't hold a candle.

"Mr. Brightside" Paul Anka

"Everybody's Changing" Lily Allen

 
















For some reason I think this simplistic Keane cover with guitar, keyboard, and vocals is just too much fun.

"Everybody's Changing" Lily Allen

"Everytime" Glen Hansard

 















Another fantastic acoustic cover... never has Britney Spears been more heartfelt.

"Everytime" Glen Hansard

"Heartbeats" Jose Gonzalez

It's time for another COVER WEEK! I thought about making it annual, but honestly couldn't wait that long. Today's cover is a delectable acoustic redo that way outshines The Knife's original track.

"Heartbeats" Jose Gonzalez

"Everybody's Gone to War" Nerina Pallot

 
















I first heard this song when I was in Italy with CR four years ago. Sadly, this aptly written anti-war track never made it to the U.S. The money's in the chorus: "Don't tell me it's a worthy cause, no cause could be so worthy."

"Everybody's Gone to War" Nerina Pallot

"Stranger on the Shore" Pete Fountain

 
















This is truly one of my favorite songs of all time, as in, I could put this song on repeat until I die and be completely satisfied. A gorgeous melody, a little swing: what more could I ask for?

"Stranger on the Shore" Pete Fountain

"New Shoes" Paolo Nutini

New shoes aren't properly broken in until they've stepped in dog poop. Check.

"New Shoes" Paolo Nutini

"Jolene" Ray LaMontagne

 
















No one fulfills the need for smooth, soulful, raspy crooning like Ray.

"Jolene" Ray LaMontagne

"Things That Could Be Said" The Crash Motive

 















Grade A alt/punk. Someone get that dog some knee pads.

"Things That Could Be Said" The Crash Motive

"Been Here Once Before" Eagle-Eye Cherry

 
















Starting the week off right, with a little Eagle-Eye Cherry (of "Save Tonight" fame)

"Been Here Once Before" Eagle-Eye Cherry

"Seven Years" Norah Jones

 
















When you adore seven or eight of Norah's songs, it can be easy to overlook all of her other gorgeous tracks. Credit to KH for reminding me so. Sinfully, this song is not on Grooveshark so YouTube will have to suffice.

"Seven Years" Norah Jones

"Starry Eyed Surprise" Paul Oakenfold

It's been at least five years and I still can't listen to this song without thinking of that roller skating Diet Coke commercial. I guess there are worse things.


"Starry Eyed Surprise" Paul Oakenfold

"Make Her Mine" Mayer Hawthorne

 
















Another long overdue featured artist... I guess I was saving him for a rainy day. Although you wouldn't expect it from first glance, Mayer is a Retrotown superstar. Checking out the rest of his album is advised.

"Make Her Mine" Mayer Hawthorne

"Shambala" Three Dog Night

 
















I realize the referenced Shambala is a mythical Tibetan Buddhist kingdom, but this song really makes me want to go.

"Shambala" Three Dog Night