Well, Thanksgiving is over, and I know that I've had my fair share of leftover sandwiches over the past few days. But musically, I'm at a crossroads. Do I immediately switch over to Christmas music? That's a big commitment. It's like saying, "Yeah, I'm going to be merry for an ENTIRE month." No. I can't do that right now. Because hey, it's not even December yet. So let's explore some of the best non-holiday music worth checking out during this confusing time of the year.
1. Amanda Palmer - "The Killing Type"
This song from the sometimes controversial, always entertaining ex-Dresden Doll is, without a doubt, one of her best in a long time. Sure, last year's "Map of Tasmania" was a fun look at Palmer's view on female pubic hair, but "The Killing Type" is one of those powerful songs that sticks with you and begs to be played again. The explosive two-part chorus reveals Palmer's true feelings about an ex-lover, and while she insists that she's "not the killing type," she immediately follows by singing, "But I would kill to make you feel." It's a chill-inducing song for anyone who has ever felt wronged at the end of a relationship.
2. The Cute Lepers - "Terminal Boredom"
I was lucky enough to see The Cute Lepers in front of about 10 people at the Agora Theater in Cleveland back when I was in high school. Apart from having a kickass name, this West Coast punk group's album Can't Stand Modern Music is packed with 11 short tracks powered by three-chord bursts of energy and a couple of seductive female backup singers. Oh, and the group's lead singer goes by the name Steve E. Nix. Yep.
3. Sharon Van Etten - "Serpents"
I cannot deny my love for this woman. After seeing Sharon Van Etten on a scorchingly hot day at Lollapalooza last summer, I walked away entranced. Although her music would fit better in a small, dark club, her performance that day was phenomenal. Van Etten's songwriting is superb, and "Serpents" is one of the best examples of it. One of the heavier songs off her 2012 album Tramp, "Serpents" features one of my favorite lyrics of the year. "You enjoy sucking on dreams / So I will fall asleep with someone other than you," she spits with venom.
4. Titus Andronicus - "In a Big City"
When I first heard Titus Andronicus' Local Business, a more bare, straight-up punk record than the band's 2010 epic The Monitor, I was conflicted. While I enjoyed the songs, they felt empty. However, as I continued to give the album additional listens, it all began to make sense. Titus Andronicus made the smart move by not trying to make a bigger record than The Monitor, because it would have failed. Instead, the group scaled it back, and you get songs like "In a Big City." The video shoot took over 24 hours to complete, and with the continual closeups of lead singer Patrick Stickles' face, you'll begin to get more meaning behind seemingly positive lyrics like, "And some of my dreams are coming true."
5. Led Zeppelin - "Since I've Been Loving You"
Off Led Zeppelin's best album (fight me), "Since I've Been Loving You" features some of my favorite guitar plucking from Mr. Jimmy Page. It's a bluesy track and Robert Plant absolutely kills it on vocals, but Page takes the cake. Listen and enjoy.
6. Skyfall
No, it's not a song. And it doesn't have anything to do with music (except for Adele's superb theme song), but if you have somehow managed to avoid the new Bond flick, you're missing out. Daniel Craig is at his best, and while Skyfall is no Casino Royale, it still kicks the ass of every single Pierce Brosnan adventure. James Bond is a hero to enjoy during the holidays, and typically one that your parents will want to check out as well. So there ya go: nearly three hours of quality time with your family and you don't have to say a word to them. You're welcome.
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