Flat Top/Goo Goo Dolls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_N101xGnhc

I always return to their early albums for some good distortion therapy.

Never My Love/The Association

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6OLTpVedmw

The vocal harmonies.

Ghost of a Chance/Rush

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLTFbtOfmxk

Lifeson owns the guitars here. That opening riff, the scorching solo around the fourth minute, and all those generous licks throughout the song.
 

Deja Vu/Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f8z1NAzMlI

Written by Crosby, the title track off CSNY's glorious 1970 album features some exquisite bass and guitar by Stephen Stills.

I'm Awake Now/Goo Goo Dolls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVeIkbvHFvM

One of their early singles, the song features a rawer, edgier Rzeznik on vocal duties. Time to bring back that sound, you guys. :(

Not The Girl You Think You Are/Crowded House

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbhcGUyEjnk

The waltz time. And those vocals! This song should come with a warm blanket and a fireplace.

What Sarah Said/Death Cab For Cutie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5BtyOW6F4c

Sometimes, there's just no substitute to the sound of a sustained piano. McGerr's hihat magic, of course, never ceases to amaze.

Danger - Keep Away/Slipknot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSjUb-aRloY

Find of the day. Beautiful, brooding track from the 18-legged juggernaut called Slipknot.

Anna Begins/Counting Crows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CYfsQrNtFk

One of the best songs, off one of the best albums from the ninteties.

Veteran Of The Psychic Wars/Blue Oyster Cult

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGKNaIXtBZQ

This band's been my jam for some time now. The keys are glorious on this track.

Ring Out, Solstice Bells/Jethro Tull

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK74kB1hLDE

Clear harmonies, 7-beat time, that epic variation at 1:50. These guys were genius songwriters.

Get Down On It/Kool & The Gang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xJWQPdG7jE

You could've told me that this song was written last year, and I would believe it.

Rope/Foo Fighters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At3rZUgQsh8

One of those songs that have something for everyone. The tightly executed syncopation in the verses, Mendel and Hawkins' (usual) immaculate rhythm section, and Shiflett's glorious guitar solo.

Inside Your Mind/Nick Leng feat. Carmody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt_xAsxwfvA

Some electronic indie music to end the day with.
 

Great Albums (Side Pony/Lake Street Dive)

Year: 2016

There's something quite approachable about their music. It's almost familiar, and definitely not in a bad way. Side Pony is to this decade what I imagine The Byrds' Sweetheart Of The Rodeo was to the psychedelic '60s - an honest and unreserved tribute to the power of a clean melody.

Personal Picks: "How Good It Feels" stands out for me. Other favorites include "Call Off Your Dogs" and "Mistakes".

Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)/Janis Joplin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU9Dsl89UGo

Few can belt it the way she did.