It's been a nice little Saturday. Cleaning, writing, and listening to these beautiful tunes has given the day an air that is both sweet and calming. Hope yours went just as well.

1. "You Still Believe In Me" by M. Ward from the album Transistor Radio {mp3} [BUY]

This song is ripe for a visual montage of some sort that helps to create a narrative that the ears can give to the eyes. M. Ward's guitar flourishes like a heart realizing it has a reason to live.


2. "How Did We Forget" by El Perro Del Mar from the album From The Valley To The Stars {mp3} [BUY]

A gliding bass line and splashed horns that remind you to calm down and remember what you love.


3. "Strangers" by Golden Smog from the album Another Fine Day {mp3} [BUY]

A Kink's cover sung by the mighty Jeff Tweedy alongside his Golden Smog buddies. Note for note this version stays almost too true to the original. It's ultimately Tweedy's crackle and croon that make the cover worth a damn.

4. "Various Stages" by Great Lake Swimmers from the album Bodies & Minds {mp3} [BUY]

A song about how much we reveal and how much we are able to see. Kind of upsetting when you think about how many people have not reached certain stages.

5. "Down Is The New Up" by Radiohead live from the basement {mp3} [BUY]

A gnarly and naked Thom Yorke at a piano in a basement. Doesn't get much more raw and exciting.

6. "How My Heart Behaves" by Feist from the album The Reminder {mp3} [BUY]

Love the almost duet aspect. The guitar touches are also brilliant. Leslie Feist for guitar player of the year? She's already won every other award anyway.