90s fem piano rock love - "The Way Things Are" Fiona Apple

"The Way Things Are" Fiona Apple

So if you're my roommate or you follow my Facebook, you know that I love Fiona Apple. Her songs are well crafted and thoughtful, overtly emotional yet enjoyable, smooth but rocking. Her music induces the perfect combination of relaxed toe tapping and church-induced head swaying. Praise her! I love the haunting riff at the beginning of the song and the ranting piano solo that hits around 2 mins. This is some good soulful shit.

When to play it: Lying on your couch on a rainy day while listening through your Bose headphones; while doing any thoughtful non-activities activities.

How you'll feel: Genuine.

Side note: You need to have "When the Pawn..." in your music collection. Other gems include "Get Gone" and "Paper Bag."

1/3 groove 1/3 rock 1/3 jam - "Why Won't You Make Up Your Mind?" Tame Impala

"Why Won't You Make Up Your Mind?" Tame Impala

I saw this band on Pitchfork a month ago, and I was sold! Tame Impala (no clue how to pronounce this) is an Australian four-piece psychedelic band. Their sound is a touch of rock, dash of bearable (and enjoyable) jam band, and a bit of refreshingly unpretentious rambling melody.

When to play it: At a modern day hippie gathering; washing a large pile of dishes on a Saturday morning; a pot-smoking get together on your roof.

Side note: Buy the album "Innerspeaker" on iTunes; it's the kind of album you let play from start to finish and enjoy; the songs blend into one another. Groovy.

Jangly ghost soul - "The Suburbs" Arcade Fire

"The Suburbs" Arcade Fire

I really don't like any Arcade Fire songs (I know, indie music blasphemy!), however, I am so glad I found this gem off their brand new album, "The Suburbs." This song has jangly piano, groovy bass, mourning strings, and eerie lyrics. This song moved me at first listen!

When to play it: While writing in your diary on a rainy gray afternoon; while smoking pot and drinking red wine with your friends in a dimly-lit living room.

West coast crack whore dope beats - "Waiting to Die" Mickey Avalon

"Waiting to Die" Mickey Avalon

This song is crude, stupid, disgusting, offensive, and AMAZING. My Mickey Avalon phase passed a few years ago, but I recently added this song to a playlist called "Chillax Yer Jams," and I'm glad it's back in rotation. Mickey Avalon is drug addict turned prostitute turned MTV VJ Simon Rex BFF turned Hollywood rapper.

This song makes me feel dirty and edgy in the comfort of my Nike workout clothes and Ikea futon. Yeah, that's right, I listen to Mickey Avalon AND I say "please" and "thank you," WHAT!

If you like this, check out his 2006 self-titled album; there are other gems.

When to play it: Honestly, use your judgement.

Side note: Don't be mad at me.

Kiddy pop punk dance synth love - "Look at Me (When I Rock Wichoo)" Black Kids

"Look at Me (When I Rock Wichoo)" Black Kids

I was listening to Black Keys on my iPod and my "B" menu surfing landed me on Black Kids, everyone's favorite flash-in-the-pan American indie pop family band from Florida. Their latest and most acclaimed album released in 2008, at which time Black Kids were spewed on to every indie music outlet. I saw them live; the show was fun, and the music is dance- and sing-a-long-worthy.

Today this song made me dance in my kitchen while I was reheating my coffee in the microwave.

When to play it: Bopping around town on a sunny Saturday afternoon; while reheating your coffee in the microwave; solitary underpants-donning bedroom dance party.

Side note: These are some other fun tracks: "Hit the Heartbrakes," "I'm Making Eyes at You," and "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You."