1. Cost of Loving - Dogs
We played a show with Dogs, I think it was opening for Starsailor back in 2003, somewhere in Europe. I can't remember anything about it, but I know they had a different drummer back then. They've split up, but this 6-song EP from 2010 is a pretty great set of songs to leave us with. Beth's brother Paul plays the drums here, and this particular song is his idea of the drums as a riff - and it's utterly awesome.
2. St. Peter's Cathedral - Death Cab for Cutie
One of my all-time favourite bands...
3. Strange Things Happening Every Day - Sister Rosetta Tharpe
On the recommendation of a friend, I recently watched a documentary about Sister Rosetta Tharpe - she's utterly amazing, pioneering, and original - this is a Rock'n'Roll song before the genre even existed.
4. Fight For Your Right (Revisited) - Beastie Boys
Watch the full half-hour long video for the full experience.
5. Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
The title track from his most recent album - all built around a great guitar riff and fantastic rhythm track. I went to see Paul Simon play at the iTunes festival - two hours of utterly amazing songs and musicianship. This new album is really good.