The Hardest Button to Button is not as iconic as their hit Seven Nation Army  from the same 2003 album, but it has a similar structure and sound. It is a solid rock song that doesn't over-do it and delivers on raw energy, like so many of their songs.

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The predominant music of my high school experience was "grunge" music made popular by such bands as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, many of whom were out of Seattle. Released in 1991, the so-called supergroup consisting of members of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden (yes, from Seattle) formed Temple of the Dog and released their only real hit, Hunger Strike, off of their self-titled album. This song, as well as others from the album, was release in tribute to a friend of theirs, a lead singer of another Seattle band (Mother Love Bone) who lost his life to his struggle with drugs and alcohol.

The album was just re-released on iTunes.

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Immensely talented with a library of incredible songs, this one is my favorite of his (it's many people's favorite). Not only is it one of the best songs to dance to, the instruments on it are untouchable, especially today where everything is made digitally. I hope you enjoy Superstition by Stevie Wonder (1972).

Bonus footage: performed live on Sesame Street.

Admittedly this song is creepy and downright depressing... but it's beautiful at the same time, singing about true love/friendship. Relax and enjoy I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie (2005).

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​A brief introduction to my song of the week posts:

"I consider myself a fan of music. Not just any music... good music. My iPod diversity has received praise from dozens. And, as much as my job is to educate tomorrow's productive citizens in the disciplines of biology, science, and engineering, I am taking it upon myself to provide for the students great music. Every week, I will feature a new song, providing links both on iTunes and You Tube. I will also make the concerted effort to only feature songs of a non-controversial manner (i.e. appropriate lyrics, appropriate subject matter, etc.). Listen if you choose, ignore if you must. You may enjoy my taste in music, you may despise it. When all is said and done, discovering a new, great song brings joy to my heart, and I hope it does for each of you, at least once.' - September 2014

My song of the week is the same song by two different artists. The song is In Bloom originally by Nirvana, but covered by alt country artist Sturgill Simpson.

I'm not going to pretend like I was a huge fan of his, but you have to respect the man. Not only did he have some classics but he wrote many great songs for other artists. He was insanely talented and was an original when so many other artists do their best just to imitate. Enjoy one of his classics, Purple Rain (the YouTube video is from his Super Bowl Halftime show a couple years back).

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In honor of the coming birth of my daughter, I only find it fitting that my song of the week is a lullaby. In fact, the song was written by Billy Joel (see Piano Man) for his daughter... and at's called Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel).

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My song of the week is actually a recommendation from one of your fellow students. The song is Satellite by Guster. I will admit that I am not a huge Guster fan, but I really do like this song. Guster was really big when I was in college, at least as big as somewhat-underground, not-quite-mainstream artists can be. The hippie kids liked them, the frat boys liked them, the college "girls" liked them; I just wasn't a huge fan. Nothing against them, I just didn't really get into them. My wife (she was only my girlfriend at the time) saw them live and enjoyed the show. I digress... I hope you enjoy Satellite.

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Fitting that it is St. Patrick's Day this Thursday, my song of the week is from an Irish punk band from the late 80's and 90's, The Pogues. They have a lot of heartfelt songs (like this one), with the energy of punk music and a notable Celtic influence. My song of the week is If I Should Fall from Grace with God.

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