Luke Kelly - Song for Ireland, The Pogues- Body of an American

This one more or less explains itself. It is Saint Patrick's Day and although I was just about to swing towards a party Pogues song I feel this lament has much more of a poignant meaning in this era where many of us have been forced to leave our green home. I have not made it to the pub to sip on a pint of green food dye yet so I am taking advantage of appreciating and missing my homeland.

This may be where it stops for the day and the party kicks in so I felt the need to bring up the mood and include one of my favourite Pogues tune which unfortunately is still very poignant and topical but at least you can dance to it and raise your arms (and drinks) and be proud.

Sigur Ros - Vid spillum Endalust

A song that genuinely pulls you out of a rut and gives you a desired kick up the rear end to bounce about in your seat at work, car or do a little dance. I can't pretend to sing along to it either which some people are probably quite glad of, I imagine I would sound quite silly trying to pull off Icelandic.
It comes from their very successful 2008 album 'med sud i eyrum vid spilum ndalust'.
The album transcends all musical ideals and paradigms from recording techniques to style. Whilst other bands are forcing themselves to sing in their second or third languages, we should celebrate that they do not only stick to their origins but also construct a genre that provides a unique autonomy in a world gone mad on competition. Seeing Sigur Ros live is an experience that everyone should try and be a part of. In fact, the lyrics for this song, along with all of the other tracks in the album were originally intended to be in English but opting for what feels more natural and genuine they chose to record in Icelandic, a decision that I applaud and celebrate.

Bliss N Esso - Where The Wild Things Are

So this tune may be a little skewed in comparison to some of my other picks but I can't help but turn up the radio when I hear this tune. Bliss N Esso are an Australian (in an effort to keep my facts straight one of the members stems from the US and moved to Australia when he was 13 and another is of Moroccan heritage but for arguments sake, they are Aussie trough and through) Hip Hopact that jumped into my life at a music festival last year. Clearly not new to the rest of Western Australia as the local the crowd reached a level of mental that had not been seen throughout the rest of the weekend.
At first, my cynical ways almost automatically rejected this group. Aussie Hip Hop?? Huh! Turns out I was well in need of a slice of the humblest of pies and a lesson was imbedded into my brain. Australian HipHop is an autonomous genre full of unique and influential groups banging out pretty cool tunes.
This one is an oldie but a goodie.

Active Child - Sweet Dreams

Its 7am on a Monday morning. Your eyes are heavy and your legs a little wobbly on the drive into work. You have stayed up late watching Ireland V's Wales in a Six Nations defeat so needless to say are quite unexpectedly emotional and irritable.
This song pops on the radio and you can't help but tap the steering wheel and belt out your own version. Even better, you are stuck in traffic and you look to your left and right, the drivers in the cars either side of you are also listening to the same song and clearly getting as much out of it as you are as they tap their own steering wheels and shamelessly sing in their cars. You can't help but giggle to yourself and suddenly your Monday is a little brighter.
Thanks Active Child.

http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/media/s3422556.htm

The Descendants - Sountrack

It is rare that a soundtrack matches a movie in its genius.
Whilst watching The Descendants it is impossible to ignore the stunning slack-key music that combines elements of Hawaiian guitar rhythms and melodic riffs. The music and the plot are so intertwined that at all moments of revelation and inspiration in the script we as viewers and listeners are treated with emotion arousing acoustic beauties.
I enjoyed the deliberate parallel between the musical heritage of Hawaii and the scripted history of the protagonist's family in the movie.
The emotional elements of the soundtrack will not help those that are likely to be teary-eyed. It will inevitably improve your experience of the movie and arouse immense feelings towards all of the characters.

The National - Fake Empire

The lyrics at the start of this song jerk you awake and drag you in whether you like it or not. They are a remarkable group that continue to create an endless array of stunning songs.
I was blessed to see them last year at the Southbound Festival and without a doubt it was one of my favourite acts of the year if not the decade.
Matt Beringer's voice is truly unique and although he is not the sole reason why The National are so successful, I can't imagine it hurts to have a hot, charismatic skilled front man like Berringer.

Bruce Springsteen - Youngstown

A song that resonates right here right now.
Similar to the comeback in airplay of Christy Moore and Bob Dylan tunes, the lyrics in this song touch at the blight of the working class as the business owners and share holders look for cheap labour, profitable production methods and low corporate tax.
The fact that the lament is almost complete with the lyrics alone means it is enhanced dramatically by the lingering voice of The Boss. He captures the poignancy of the whole sector. This poignancy transcends the past and is just as relevant now as it was when it was written.
If you don't know this song, sit down and listen.