How Can I Be Sure?

How can I be sure in a world that's constantly changin'?... The Rascals - How Can I Be Sure

This question is more truer today that any time in my life, but this is a music blog. I love this cover by Shelby Lynne of the great Rascals tune.

Hey Hey Hey... Ho Hey

I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart... The Lumineers - Ho Hey

I'm a little late to this party, but I really love this song.

Please Please Me

Please please me, like I please you... The Beatles - Please Please Me

Today is the 50 year anniverary of the release of The Beatles classic debut album Please Please Me.

Arthur and Victoria

Though I am poor, I am free; When I grow I shall fight for this land I shall die; Let her sun never set; Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria... The Kinks - Victoria

I have been listening to The Kink's Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire alot lately and really getting into the underated Kinks early rock opera.  Here is the great lead off track:

Earle Rides the Low Highway in April

I ask you questions, tell you lies, criticize and sympathize; Be careful what you wish for friend because I've been to hell and now I'm back again... Steve Earle - I Feel Alright

Steve Earle will be releasing The Low Highway on April 16. Get an early preview of the song Calico County here.

The Day the Music Died

February made me shiver with every paper I'd deliver; bad news on the doorstep - I couldn't take one more step; I can't remember if I cried when I read about his widowed bride; Something touched me deep inside the day the music died... Don McLean - American Pie

Buddy Holly was one of the fathers of rock and roll music.  He was major influence on the Beatles, who came up with their name as a tribute to the Crickets.  Also don't forget another great British band The Hollies.

Hold On To 2012

Come on Brittany, you got to come on up!; You got to hold on... Alabama Shakes - Hold On

One of the fine new bands from 2012. Sounds old but yet sounds new at the same time.

2012's Best Albums

Down in the waves she screams again; Roar at the door; My mind can’t take much more... The Black Keys - Gold On the Ceiling
 

 

 Here is the list:

1. The Black Keys - El Camino - Actually released in late 2011, but I have included it in my best of 2012. The Black Keys continue their emergence as a great rock band. El Camino began where 2010's Brothers left off with imaginitive, guitar driven bluesy rock. The leadoff single Lonely Boy is my song of the year. The album is strong throughout, but highlights include Lonely Boy, Gold on the Ceiling, Sister, Dead and Gone, Little Black Submarine....

2. The Shins - Port of Morrow - After some detours with Broken Bells, etc... James Mercer regroups The Shins and release their first album since 2007's Wincing the Night Away. Port of Morrow's is a more straight ahead pop album, but still managed to mantain their signature quirky sound. A couple of ballads really made this album: It's Only Life and For a Fool are a couple of the Shins best.

3. Jack White - Blunderbuss - Jack White's solo debut lived up to it's expectations. The album featured the same edgy music that White has been playing for years. Sixteen Saltines is classic Jack White, with a hint of The Who; Love Interuption, Freedom at 21 and I'm Shakin' were also highlights.

4. Mumford and Sons - Babel
5 Bruce Springsteen - Wrecking Ball
6. Dwight Yoakam - 3 Pears
7. The dB's - Falling Off the Sky
8. The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter
9. The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten
10. Alejandro Escovedo - Big Station

2012's Best Songs

Well I'm so above you and it's plain to see but I came to love you anyway... The Black Keys - Lonley Boy

Here is my list of favorite songs of 2012: 

1. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy

2. The Black Keys - Gold on the Ceiling

3. Mumford and Sons - I Will Wait

4. The Shins - It's Only Life

5. The Black Keys - Dead and Gone

6. The Black Keys - Sister

7. Jack White - Sixteen Salteens

8. The Shins - Taken For a Fool

9. The Black Keys - Little Black Submarine

10. Bruce Springsteen - Rocky Ground

New Years Day

I want to be with you, be with you night and day;  Nothing changes on New Year's Day... U2 - New Years Day

Happy New Years Day - One of my favorite of many U2 songs.