J. Cole – “Who Dat”

When I was in high school, I had this buddy who, when a rap song really impressed the hell out of him, he’d lose complete and utter control of his body. I’d play a new track for him and say, “Check this out,” then watch him 30 seconds into the song as his eyes got big, then his neck would start to tighten up and he’d hold back a huge smile. And before I knew it he was doing this sort of hybrid laugh/scream because he literally couldn’t contain himself over the awesomeness of the song. A lot of time has passed since high school, and I don’t see this friend that much anymore, but I imagine that would’ve been his reaction to “Who Dat,” which is easily my favorite song at the moment.

The Constellations – “Felicia”

Somewhere in between funk, rock, and something based very loosely on rap lies “Felicia,” by the Constellations. Essentially, it’s a song about a sexy lady named—you guessed it—Felicia, and how much the authors of the song would like to have intimate relations with her. It’s upbeat and extremely fun, and the video (which appears to have several cameos from the tattooed stripper that broke up the Sandra Bullock marriage) bangs home the tone of the track flawlessly. Plus, these guys look like they’d be really fun to hang out with. So there’s that.

Charice featuring Iyaz – “Pyramid”

I’m not gonna lie; this is shameless pop. Everything you’d expect from a formulaic teen Top 40 song is here: really cute female singer, rugged urban male doing the hook, simple heavy beat, basic major chords. But. It’s really, really ridiculously catchy. And fun. Avid music fans don’t always have to roll their eyes at pop music just because it’s not some underground indie track. It can be really good sometimes, and that’s the case with “Pyramid.”

Charice – “Note to God”

Charice is 17 years old.  In the fall of 2009 she will be releasing her debut album on Warner Bros. Records.  She just made an appearance on Oprah.  You wanna know what I was doing at age 17?  I was learning not to turn my laundry pink.  That was my big breakthrough moment.  Charice writes letters to God.  I sent God a Tweet.  Now it is just a waiting game to see who hears back first.

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Playing for Change – “Stand By Me”

I caught wind of the documentary “Playing For Change: Peace Through Music” back in December and the music and the message has stuck with me ever since.  The documentary and the music are getting a lot of attention and rightfully so.  Looking to do good today?  Buy this song and learn more about the organization and support this amazing endeavor.  http://www.playingforchange.com

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The Fratellis – “Chelsea Dagger”

When the National Hockey League started this past year the Chicago Blackhawks chose “Chelsea Dagger” to play every time they scored a goal. Thankfully I have heard this song played a lot this season. I fully expect to hear it even more in the upcoming weeks. Feel free to hum along with the chorus. I certainly do and I know it does not annoy anyone around me. I am sure of it.

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