The Midnight Lumberjack Recommends: City Rock

1) Albert Hammond Jr. “Hard to Live (In The City)” from Yours to Keep - Catchy hipster pop from the Strokes’ guitarist; and I am man enough to admit that I love it. The whole album is worth picking up, but this track is my favorite. Starting off slow and ambient, like a Hot Fuss era Killers song, it then builds with a steady drumbeat and driving bass. Both lyrically and musically I think it can connect with those of you out there who may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the Big Apple. Added bonus: the horn outro is bright and optimistic so you don’t get too down on yourselves.

2) Beck “Strange Apparition” from The Information - With that classic jingle-piano and midtempo feel that harkens back to the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Mainstreet, and some introspective lyrics that remain firmly Beck-ish throughout, he’s got himself a hit here. It may seem like a departure from his idiosyncratic indie roots, but it is in reality a perfect compromise between the edgy sounds he created on Odelay and the emotions he channeled on Sea Change. It’s a great morning/mid-afternoon streetwalking song.

3) Rod Stewart “Italian Girls” from Never a Dull Moment - The first iTunes Store recommendation I have really enjoyed. You get classic sounding Rod with busy guitars and his four-scotches-deep vocal growl in full force. It’s fast, fun, sloppy, loose, and manages to capture the feel of a loud pub when everyone is enjoying a few pints after work. It’s funny to think that the guy who fathers children with supermodels in his 60’s and sings “American standards” written for Sinatra was once the court jester of rock and roll with a cigarette and half empty glass in his grips at all times. If you like this, come find me, I’ve got some Faces and Humble Pie albums you’ll die for. Molto Bene.

4) Jet “Jane Jones” from Shine On (Single) - Another Exile on Mainstreet-esque B-side from my favorite pet band. I don’t care what any of you say; they rock AND roll. It’s mellow and easy-going, soft on the ears, and perfect for a crushing Sunday afternoon hangover.

5) The Strokes & Friends “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” from You Only Live Once (Single) - What friends these guys have. Eddie Vedder rolls in with lead vocals, and Josh Homme pulls a Grateful Dead and sits in as a second drummer. It's an offbeat tribute to Mr. Gaye and an ironic protest song from a band nobody thought had a social or political opinion. A great song to listen to while thinking of all this weird weather we’ve been having, or while going out in your skinny jeans and Chucks to be as hip as possible.

Bonus) Cake “War Pigs” from Rarities - A mailing-list exclusive that is slated to appear on the upcoming album of live cuts and B-sides, this retooling of the eternal Black Sabbath classic is surprisingly as pertinent now as it was in the 70’s. There is no need to swap anything out to change it from a Vietnam to Iraq song, and so the masters of unusual covers have another hit (if it ever gets radio exposure, which it wont). The sirens and horns really add a lawless feel to echo the situation abroad. Or at least that’s what you would say after you read their world-weary blog at www.cakemusic.com. Oh lord yeah!