I don't wanna change your mind, I don't wanna change the world. I just wanna watch it go by, I just wanna watch you go by.

The Strokes - Under Control

This is one of my favourite songs by one of my favourite bands, hands down. Their edgy indie garage rock style is beyond cool, and their talent is off the charts. The reason I say this is not just because their music is ridiculously awesome, but also because whatever I have heard of the side projects of different band members has been really good. I can listen to these guys anytime, anywhere. Their music is, and will always be, timeless. When I went to NYC, I spent so much time going to different music and record stores and t-shirt shops looking for a Strokes t-shirt. Not easy, and no, I did not succeed.

Although this song doesn't show off all aspects of their talent, it definitely puts a spotlight on the voice of Julian Casablancas. His deep, sleepy, raspy voice is unreal. The more you listen to their songs, the more you realize how perfectly the grungy guitar melodies and his voice complement each other.

I can go on about how great they are forever, so I should probably focus on this song. It's perfect for today because today is one of those Mondays where I woke up regretting sleeping so late for no reason whatsoever. I don't think I fully woke up today, and hearing this song keeps me content and in the perfect mellow state to get through my day and go right back to sleep when the time comes. It makes me want to sway back and forth. It's about the bittersweet failure of young love - sweet and relatable lyrics, telling you to just let things be and wish well. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkEA2BJOhxo

I like your point of view so don't you shy away. Ride out the wave.

Kings of Leon - The Face

It's hard to describe this band's sound in a few words, but I'd like to think it's rockified (I made that word up) country music with a twist of the blues. The country sound totally has to do with the the lead vocals of Caleb Followill - such an amazing and unique voice to hear in this genre of music.
It's kind of strange, but when I hear any of their songs, the setting I imagine in my mind is always in the southern parts of the US, where life seems simpler and there are cowboys. In my head, their more upbeat songs take place during a hot and sunny day out on the field, and their slower more ballad-like songs are always at night in the country, under a starry sky. I'm ridiculous, I know. They are from Tennessee though, so I'm not completely off.

The meaning of the lyrics to this song is completely clear to me, but it does have a sad feel to it. I think it's safe to say it's about a girl. My favourite part of the song comes at 2:28, when the guitar solo reaches its peak and the vocals just kill it (the good kill). Ride out the wave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzzbLK3XOY8

Hold out your hands and you can go anywhere. So reach for the stars 'cause I'll be waiting up there.

Armin Van Buuren ft Adam Young - Youtopia

This is a nighttime song...like a lullaby with a pleasant dance melody backdrop. A lullaby remix! The reason I say lullaby is that Adam Young has an amazingly soothing voice. If you don't know who he is, he is the singer from the band Owl City (great track by them was Fireflies). Listen to this track when you need to calm down or wind down. I really think it works. Such a great collaboration between one of the best DJs and a magical voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s9hIs0wYFQ

Tonight, we are young. So let's set the world on fire, we can burn brighter than the sun.

Fun - We Are Young

So this post needs to be super quick as my eyes are closing faster than I'd like. I just really wanted to post this song today. It is such an awesome feeling when you love a song the instant you hear it. I got that feeling when I heard this track. What makes it even better is that I recognized the vocals almost immediately - Nate Ruess from the band The Format. His voice makes me happy because one of my favourite songs is by The Format. Anyway, this song puts a smile on my face with it's youthful anthem-like chorus. It's been stuck in my head all day and I don't mind it at all. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv6dMFF_yts

I thought I saw a sign from the gods, a sign from the gods that you weren't meant to be mine, and it's fine

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Meet Me At The Corner

I've had this album for some time now, but hadn't listened to it properly until this past week. Of course, it's great. Everything by RHCP is great. They are so consistent in producing good music that you can listen to anytime, anywhere. All their albums have a perfect balance of mellow and upbeat tracks, showing their versatility. I have to say that their music is the BEST summer road trip music. Nothing compares.

We all know this band knows how to rock out and get funky, but I do enjoy when Anthony K. serenades with some sweet mushy love song-like lyrics in combination with soft beats and signature RHCP guitar melodies. This song has that. It reminds me of 'Dosed' - one of their best tracks hands down. I will surely post that one at a later date. For now, enjoy this one. It's pretty sweet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1uedDsJWe4

You think your days are ordinary and no one ever thinks about you, but we're all the same, and she can hardly breathe without you.

Keane - She Has No Time

I know I've been slacking on the One Tree Hill posts, but I just caught up on this season last night. I'll try and do a few OTH posts this week to catch up to the number of episodes there has been this season. In the last episode aired, Nathan has gone missing, and obviously Haley is very worried about him. If you're a One Tree Hill fan, you know that the 'Naley' story is pretty sweet. Everyone loves this couple. This song was played way back in the 2nd season when Haley left for her music tour, leaving Nathan behind in Tree Hill. There's some symbolism going on when he throws her keyboard at their wedding mural and breaks both. As usual, it's a pretty perfect song for the last scene. When a song magnifies the emotion felt in a moment, the memory of that moment sticks with you forever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RZOg3Ybe9M

The voice in the background of this ending montage is Brooke practicing her Student Council president speech. The quote below is pretty well suited for all that was going on in the show at that time.

The courage of life is a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy. A man does what he must in spite of personal consequences, is spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures. And that is the basis of all morality. - John F. Kennedy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc72VhjptlA

And I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand. When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am.

Goo Goo Dolls - Iris

I help out with Student Council at our school, and one of my jobs is to help organize the school dances and be in touch with the DJ. Since I have to be at the dances, I obviously want good music playing, so I send request lists to the DJ. It may just be me that thinks this way, but slow dance songs have to be good, because some kids may remember these slow dances for a long time. Last week I had my iTunes 90's playlist going in the car, (if you ever need help recalling great childhood memories, check out this playlist on your iTunes) and this song came on. I can't really describe the feeling I had, but I was pretty happy. Turned it up loud, sang along to it, and enjoyed every second of it. I definitely put it on the request list. The only 90's track on there. It didn't get played because I don't think a lot of pre-teens know it, but I hope it carries on through the generations somehow. I know it'll always be special to those that grew up in the 90's. Pure classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdYWuo9OFAw&ob=av2e