"Firecracker" - The Aggrolites

I just got back from a funky reggae soul party in my head. Sure, I was the only one there, and the chips were stale, but I did win at charades . When you hear this song, you won't be able to control yourself from spontaneously combusting into the funky chicken or robot. I hope more people show up to your party than mine. This is from 'IV" released in 2009

"When I get mad
I got another side
So, when im Dr. Jeckyll
Watch out for Mr. Hyde"

"Tired Bones" - Mad Caddies

The closest I've ever come to New Orleans is eating a box of Zatarains topless, covered in beads, drunk off of Southern Comfort in my apartment. I'm hopeful that when I finally arrive in the Big Easy, this song will be playing and I will be greeted by all the locals with an impressive display of "jazz hands". The heavy flavor of ragtime mixed with punk and reggae undertones makes this song the plastic baby in the king cake from 'Keep it Going' released in 2007.

"So take me out give me your energy
From the inside and just break me down
Wake me up and take my memory
It's mutiny all around these tired bones I'm coming home"

"Talk on Indolence" - The Avett Brothers

They're a little bit country. They're a little bit rock and roll. And they're a lot bit awesome. It's hard not to fall in love with these 3 guys from North Cackalacka between their raspy harmonies, twangy banjos and earnest lyrics. Please note that air banjo is one rung lower than air guitar on cool scale. But rest assured, it still beats air flute and air harp. This is from 'Four Thieves Gone' released in 2006.

"I'm a little nervous 'bout what you'll think
When you see me in my swimming trunks
And last night in New York I got raging drunk
Remember one time I got raging drunk with you"

"Wonderlust King" - Gogol Bordello

The truth is, I'm scared of gypsies, although I'm not exactly sure why (most likely because of Bette Midler). What I'm not scared of is gypsy music. Especially when mixed with punk rock. If they ever are playing in your area, you should check them out because they put on one heck of a show. This is off 'Super Taranta!' released in 2007

"I traveled the world Looking for understanding
Of the times that we live in
Hunting and gathering first hand information
Challenging definitions of sin"

"Penny on the Train Track" - Ben Kweller

Ben Kweller is my guy. He rocks the hizzy. He started writing songs before I hit puberty. I'm pretty sure I have a man crush on him. This song is a good representation of what he has to offer your ears. This is from his self titled album 'Ben Kweller' released in 2006.

"I'm just a penny on the train track
Waitin' for my judgement day
Come on baby girl let me see those legs
Before I get flattened away"

"Hey you" - Mike Park

Mike Park is a musical genius. Skankin' Pickle: guilty, The Chinkees: guilty, The Bruce Lee Band: guilty. And his solo stuff just gets better. This is the first song I heard of his that hooked me. This is from 'For the Love of Music' released in 2003.

"Is this your life?
To prey on someones weakness
I'm looking out
I'm searching for that boy I knew"

"Nothin' From Nothin'" - Billy Preston

I love to dance. This is a good thing for me, but not for most people that have to watch this horrid act. So please make a note: If you play this song and I am within earshot, I will dance poorly. How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it. How do you make yourself dance? Play this song. This is from 'The Kids and Me' released in 1974.

"Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin'
If you wanna be with me
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin'
If you wanna be with me"