Today, I decided to recommend various songs to you, with an explanation of why they are awesome.

Marcy Playground, "America": Remember that song that was on the radio a couple years ago, Sex and Candy, with the trippy spider-filled video? Well, that's Marcy Playground. "America" has pointless lyrics but really showcases John Wozniak's eerily beautiful voice. It's very relaxing and calm and pretty.

Cat Stevens, "Don't Be Shy": I loved the movie Harold and Maude because of Cat Stevens, a.k.a. The Unnamed Third Character. In fact, I think I have one of his records, but it's warped and the first two songs won't play. *sigh* How I love my vinyl. Anyway, "Don't Be Shy" is also very pretty 'n' stuff.

Fiona Apple, "Not an Addict": When this chick opens her mouth, a flood of sound comes out. I wish I had a voice as deep and plaintive as hers. She whines about not actually being addicted to heroin, blah blah blah, I wasn't really paying attention to the lyrics because her voice is so gorgeous. Hey, I didn't say pretty!

R.E.M., "Everybody Hurts": I'm into mellow songs lately, had you noticed? Anyway, Michael Stipes is a god, etc. Alternative pop has never been cooler.

The Rolling Stones, "Sister Morphine": I love the Stones. Even though Mick Jagger was scarily frenetic onstage and Keith Richards has looked like death warmed over since 1965 or thereabouts, they kick some serious rock 'n' roll ass. In fact, I made a layout featuring them, which you can check out here. Anyway, this song is one of my favorite of theirs because it's kinda low-key and longing.

The Dandy Warhols, "Bohemian Like Me": Very mocking portrait of the life of a hipster. It captures perfectly the self-congratulatory, overly fashion-conscious, trendy attitude favored by the "cool" people in big cities.

Counting Crows, "Carmelita": This song is so freakin' hard to find. It's a cover, so don't ask me who wrote it first. It's raw and deep, even bordering on country, but Adam Duritz's voice does perfect justice to the subject matter.

The Smiths, "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now": Ok, I'm out of lovely descriptive comments. Just download the damn thing and you'll see how cool it is.

Garbage, "Cherry Lips": Hey! It isn't totally depressing and sleep-inducing! Bouncy, pop-influenced portrait of a transvestite. Yes, folks, transvestite. Don't ask me. While listening to this, I was reminded of the strange, meandering young adult novel "Whatever Happened to Lani Garver?"

I can't think of any more songs... hm... I'm going to see Pirates of the Caribbean tomorrow with Charlie. It's gonna suck ass, but I will go anyway. I just want to hang out with Charlie again. Heh. He's been reading the dictionary, and he says pretty soon he'll be able to understand me. *shrugs*