Particular songs that I've been listening to recently...

Just a small list of really good songs....

Big Star - Blue Moon
This short little ballad comes off of their masterful "Third/Sister Lovers" album and is one of the most beautiful songs in the world. The interplay between the instruments is gorgeous and Alex Chilton's mournful longing is always splendid.

Billy Joel - Vienna
Somehow, Vienna is EXACTLY what I think about when listening to this song, even though the lyrics really have nothing to do with the city of Vienna. Another beautiful ballad.

Feist - Brandy Alexander
This is one sexy ballad, filled with seductive phrasing and disarming purrs. The spare arrangement sets the mood perfectly. Oh, and its lyrically fantastic, showing Ms. Feist's skill as a writer to be quite capable.

The Shins - Girl on the Wing
Although I really like just about every song on "Oh, Inverted World," (though I do tend to skip "Your Algebra") I think I've grown to like this one the most. It's strange, not as immediately appetizing as "New Slang," not as formally perfect as "Saint Simon," and not as rocking as "Girl Inform Me," but there is a magical sense to it, especially in the soaring melody of the chorus. I love it.

T.I. - What You Know
That epic riff just straight up ROCKS!

Guided by Voices - Game of Pricks
Although no song on "Alien Lanes" is really a complete "song" (in the normal sense). They're all fragments. This little bit of delight just happens to be my favorite of those fragments.

Weezer - Undone-The Sweater Song
Great piece of indie rock. The acidic riff really drills, and the lyrics are fucking hilarious.

The Replacements - Here Comes a Regular
Paul Westerberg has written TONS of great songs, but I think this just might be his best ballad.... maybe. Gorgeous melody, great lyrics, wistful vocals, and beautiful, beautiful strings.

The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
This just might be the greatest song of all time. It's arguable.

The Stone Roses - (Song for My) Sugar Spun Sister
I love this song. In fact, I love this entire album. How did they produce this thing and make it sound so seductive, distant, close, epic, intimate, beautiful, and so damn rocking, and all at the same time? There was no way they could do it two times in a row, so their failure was almost inevitable.

Well, there's a short list. Obviously, there will be much more recommendations to come.