…the almost right word

Some of those that I’ve played over and over again within the past few years…

Death Cab for Cutie — Title and Registration — The first Death Cab song that really won me over. This, along with the following song, were the theme songs for my last break-up in 2006. I remember not being able to get the tune, nor the lyrics, out of my head. Death Cab recently released a new c.d., anyone heard it yet?

The Postal Service — Nothing Better – Great frackin’ lyrics, in fact, it may be my top “break-up song” of all time. I know everyone just swooned over their album, but this was the main track that I actually swooned over. Though This Place is a Prison wasn’t too shabby. The rumors are that we won’t be seeing another Postal Service album anytime soon…

The Album Leaf — Always for You — Discovered this week after hearing another track of theirs on Grey’s Anatomy. Simple, yet sweet. Most of his music is instrumental, but the tracks that have lyrics are all good. I recommend Writing on the Wall and Wherever I Go as well.

Tegan and Sara — Dark Come Soon – This is only one of many ‘T and S’ tracks that I’ve played on repeat over the last year. I think the entire album (The Con) is rocking, with the exception of the first track. And yes, we know I’ve been rather infatuated with these girls for some time.

Ani Difranco — Recoil – I go through Ani phases (as I’m sure has become clear). Sometimes I won’t listen to her music for months, and then, out of nowhere, *bam,* she’s back in the mix! I rediscovered this song a few months ago and my itunes still says it’s second on my Top 25 Most-Played List.

Timbaland — The Way I Are — Last summer, a friend of mine got a new car. We drove through Tesuque, way too fast, blasting this track. Timbaland always knows how to make a hit. This one is no exception. And yes, I’ve even enjoyed his collaboration with Justin Timberlake (gasp!).

Outhud — The Stoked American – Who knows what genre these guys fit into, but they rock. This is, yet again, only one of the songs from this album that I have listened to too many times (see below: !!! (chk chk chk). To give you a better idea of what they’re like, Rolling Stone said: Art-funk students non-pareil, this cool and collected Brooklyn band uses guitars like proper rhythm instruments, meshed best (as on “My Two Nads”) with penetrating drums, space synths and a dash of sticky dub.

Snoop Dogg — Drop it like it’s Hot — My friend and I listened to this song all the time after work, driving around Santa Fe to get booze. Eventually I printed out the lyrics and memorized them — yes, that’s right, I can actually keep up with Snoop and yes, I do rap out loud in my car when I’m alone (or not alone), and yes, I’m a white girl. 

The Notorious B.I.G. — Get Money (with Junior M.A.F.I.A.)– Anyone who ever loved Biggie knows this song. I got into it after seeing the movie ‘Prime’ (cheesy, but worthwhile: Uma Thurman + Bryan Greenberg = Hot). Probably my favorite B.I.G. song.

!!! (chk chk chk) — Shit Schiesse Merde, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2. – Discovered these guys in college. They’re crazy. This track is a bit political i.e. the lyric: “What did George Bush say when he met Tony Blair? Shit schiesse merde.” Classic. They’re also the group behind ‘Outhud’ (see above).

Tabi Bonney – Elevator – I randomly found this guy through myspace and bought the album A Fly Guy’s Theme. This is some great underground, undiscovered hip hop. Dope is kick-ass. Bonney is originally from West Africa and has opened for LL Cool J and Outkast, among others.

Rilo Kiley — Close Call – The first Rilo Kiley song that won me over. I’m pretty sure they played this at Coachella, which, of course, drives me craaaazy. NPR says that this track is about “an adult who is getting money for sex.”

Phish — You Enjoy Myself — Last, but in no way least. Rolling Stone recently voted this song as #85 of the Top 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time. Phish has been a favorite since high school. I never did have the opportunity to see them live, but if they ever do a reunion tour, I’m there.