Author: TJ Brannen

Has anyone posted about Green Day lately? I don't think so, or if they have, it hasn't been recent enough. If you know me, you know I'm a Green Day fanatic- indeed, every song they've ever recorded has found its way into my itunes library, and I've heard them all, too (it's about 14 hours of listening, if you wanted to do it all in one sitting). "2000 Light Years Away" is the opening track from Green Day's first album, the oft-forgotten "Kerplunk!" The album was released during a simpler time; nobody was arguing about what was or wasn't """pop punk""" and, I'm gonna say it, it always seems to me that kids who wanted to listen to Green Day in 1992 probably had it a lot easier than kids do now. The song is written in a familiar style if one listens to a lot of early Green Day, with Billie...

It's a fairly universal experience to get drunk with the homies. It's usually pretty fun, but sometimes, we all get a little too introspective during the process and end up talking about personal stuff instead of acting the fool. I mean, that could just be my experience, but I know I've gotten a little too sloshy and told people about the time I got hit by a car, which was super messed up and a bad time all around. Anyway, on this track, The Game is drunk and introspective, and we the listeners are the homies. The Game is tough, and doesn't often get into this mood on the mic- he's rough and ready and wants to make sure you know it. The somber beat by Cool & Dre (not the Doc) must have The Game getting deep, because he gets drunk and flows over it, discussing the death of friends an...

This beat is TASTY, right from the start. Busta's production team needs high fives all around for this one. Also, Chance The Rapper does his thing for like... 2 minutes, nonstop, stream of consciousness or whatever. It's nuts. But to be honest, my favorite part of the song is that one little bit where Busta is all "sing it, Chance The Rapper" and Chance just goes for it. I dig it. Hella tight beat for real. Someone tell Cisco the Nomad (I know someone who reads this has to have his number) to do some remix thing over this. I'd pay money for that. This track is off Busta Rhymes' new mixtape, "The Return of The Dragon: The Abstract Went on Vacation." It's free. Go get it.

This is the only Dutch band I've ever listened to, but lately Golden Earring is making me want to branch out. "Radar Love" just gets me. I'm not exactly sure what Radar Love would be, but it sounds like a cool thing to have. The song "Twilight Zone" by the same band is also a good one. For more, there's Spotify.

'Tis the season. The new Star Wars movie is coming this month, and I am stoked. This is one of my favorite songs from the soundtrack albums- it appears during the scene on Geonosis while Anakin and Padmé are about to be brought into the arena. The scene can probably be found online, but why stop there? Watch the whole movie tonight. There are worse things to do instead of homework. John Williams has a Spotify if you want more.

Fourth week is rough. A lot of folks seem to get jittery and listen to that new-age hippity-hoppity stuff that'll be sure to just add to the anxiety of the end of the block. I say no more. "Easy" is a soothing, gentle tune by Son Lux, a multitalented producer who is really starting to step into the limelight. Peep this track, and chill a little bit- that paper isn't going anywhere. For more Son Lux, I leave you his Spotify.

This track off Florence & The Machine's new album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, is a powerful and passionate. The whole album is awesome, but this one really speaks to me. Check it out and see what you get out of it. The rest of the album can be found at the band's Spotify.

Do I even need to say anything? Today's the day. May your night be full of tricks and treats alike. If you want the full soundtrack to this movie, it's here.

I won't lie, the reason this is the song of the day is simply that I heard a student band play it the other day and I love this tune. Been jamming to it since then, and decided to remind everybody of it. Violent Femmes are weirdly active then inactive then active again, but this song is a perennial classic. Whatever it's even about. Give it a listen.

I hope y'all haven't forgotten about Cage The Elephant, because these guys are great. Everyone knows them for "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" that came out in like, 2008, but I swear they've put out good music since then. For example: "Come a Little Closer." It's a bop by any measure, and I was reminded of it yesterday, so I bring it to you today. Have fun with the jam, and find more on Cage The Elephant's Spotify. They also have an album coming out December 18th.