Every month, I create a new playlist of songs I find exceptional. Most of them aren't new and the playlist isn't really "consistent." It's very common that one song in the playlist is rap while the other is metal. The entire selection process takes me a week or so, depending on whether life is hectic or not. Right now, I'm working on my May playlist, so I thought I'd share my April playlist.

Hopefully you'll enjoy these songs.

1. Under Pressure - Queen: This song is klassic. Chances are, you know it and have the bassline engraved somewhere on the part of your brain that controls sound. A friend of mine played the song in his car once. His girl started singing Ice Ice Baby. Let's just say, their relationship didn't last long

2. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve: klassic song, deep lyrics, catchy rhythm. Again, this is probably a song you already know, but hearing it recently has earned its spot in my April playlist. I can never get sick of hearing it.

3. Sympathy for the Devil - The Rolling Stones: Another klassic (don't worry, the more obscure stuff is coming... hopefully!). I like songs that are story-like, this is one of those songs.

4. Metallica - One: I've strayed from my old metal-head ways. But listening to this song brings back a lot of memories. Great riffs, solos, chorus, vocals, lyrics, rhythm, meaning, everything! This might hit home for war veterans.

5. Dust in the Wind - Kansas: People know the lyrics, but very few actually know the song! Exceptional lyrics and vocals makes this song a timeless klassic.

6. Where is my Mind? - The Pixies: Probably the greatest song ever produced by The Pixies. Well worth listening to. Plus, it's part of the Fight Club soundtrack which automatically earns it a spot in my monthly playlists.

7. Bang Pop - Free Energy: A song from an up-and-coming rockband. Free Energy is really, really good. It's, as one YouTube commenter-person had commentated, "It's like Third Eye Blind, Weezer and Everclear had an 0rgy baby!" If you like the song, checkout they're song "Free Energy."

8. Psycho Killer - Talking Heads: Just because it was in Rockband 2... and half the movies and TV shows I grew up watching.

9. Losing My Religion - R.E.M.: The version posted doesn't do the song justice. But yeah, it's another one of those songs I grew up listening to and sort-of "re-found" recently.

10. More than a Feeling - Boston: One of my all-time favorite Boston songs. I was sifting through boxes of my CDs, making sure I have everything digitalized when I saw one of my old mixes. This was the highlight of that mix.

11. Better Days - The Dirges: Great opening riff with some catchy lyrics. This song, coupled with the video sequence it was a part of in Boondock Saints 2, were the highlights of my movie-watching this month. Also, it isn't too bad of a drinking song if Flogging Molly isn't an option.

BONUS SONG:

This one, unfortunately, didn't make my playlist upon its creation. However, it does deserve special recognition for being one of the few songs that made me tear-up.

The song is:

Llorando by Rebekah Del Rio. If you want to read more about its exceptional story and how it was used in the movie (Mulholland Drive by David Lynch), read it here. I assure you, it's very interesting and worth reading.

The YouTube, compressed version of the clip in the movie doesn't do the song justice. If, somehow, you manage to get the opportunity to watch Mulholland Drive in a theater or as a DVD, I recommend you do it.

Thanks for reading,

N

~ PS: If you like the songs, go support their respective artists by buying their albums.