Deep South songs rock

I know everyone's lives has not been the same from the unexpected nine month hiatus. But brace yourselves, the fact I cannot complain/worship today's music on a widely unpopular blog has really gotten to me.

So grab your banjo, mandolin, electric guitar, and let's celebrate some awesome music. If you're not a fan, then go blast the overrated, overplayed "summer hit" "Call Me, Maybe." And if you are listening to the summer anthem, please do not call me.

In these nine months, I have discovered a whole new genre of music. I have fallen in love with the harmonica, learning how to play the mandolin this fall has made me appreciate country music just a little more, and the wonderful British band, Mumford & Sons, makes the twangy sounds of the banjo seem cool in almost every song. But, of course, I can't let go of my beloved acoustic guitar and piano.

Who would have though that there's a music genre that has all of the country/rock goodness?

This genre has been around for a while, but since I'm extremely slow on picking up on the latest fads (which probably explains why I'm writing this blog instead of making my own version of a "Call Me, Maybe" video), it is taking me just now to write a blog about Americana music, alternative country, country folk, roots rock, southern rock--whatever you want to call it. I like to blend all of the names and slightly different genres to form my own called "folky rock with a country twang."

Now, since I'm a brand new fan, I only have a small list of some of my favorite songs--still learning about this "new" concept of music. My iPod craves more of these songs, so if you have any recommendation, please let me know.

5. "Washed by the Water" by Needtobreathe

 Needtobreathe comes from the great Deep South state of South Carolina, and you can hear it in their song "Washed by the Water." Electronic organ, gospel like rhythm, and a hint of the sounds of a joyous gospel choir, this makes the not-so-big church fan actually want to show up at a small white church on the corner in the heart of Charleston and sing. And for those church fans, the Christian charts love Needtobreathe too.

4. "I and Love and You" by The Avett Brothers

The "famous underground" band, The Avett Brothers, represent the sounds of North Carolina in their single "I and Love and You." What's so great about this band is that they combined elements of folk, bluegrass, and pop. The band has many more well known songs than this one, but again, I don't pick up on popular things quickly, so we have to settle for this one.

3. "99 Problems" by Hugo

Yes, same song as Jay-Z, except this is a million times better. Why? Well, for one, we can actually understand what Hugo is saying, unlike our dear friend Jay-Z. Two, it takes us out of the New York hood and into the quaint sounds of the countryside. And three, when Hugo sings it, the lyrics sound a lot less sexist. Not only is this Hugo's only hit, but the guy isn't even from the Deep South--or America. But he just proves that you can be half-Thai and half-British to make one tolerable version of a rap song.

2. "Barton Hollow" by The Civil Wars

My world has been so much better once I discovered The Civil Wars back in Spring 2011. Even better, they co-wrote with Taylor Swift for "The Hunger Games," which is like three awesome Christmas presents in one. From the eerie sounds of "Safe and Sound" to the melancholic sounds of "Poison and Wine" to the song that screams Deep South, deep Nashville, "Barton Hollow," The Civil Wars prove to all musicians all you need is great voices, great song writing, and you can have a hit song with just one simple instrument.

1. "Bartholomew" by The Silent Comedy

Surprisingly, this band is from San Diego, and a song I just discovered in the past 24 hours. But it's a song that screams "Deep South rockin'" that it serves as the trailer song to the most southern thing ever--more southern than the confederate flag. The song of the mini series "Hatfield's & McCoy's." Maybe The Silent Comedy aren't "true" Southerners, but they fool you in this foot-tappin' song.

10 Worst Christmas Songs

It's Nov. 1, and to you it either means
A. All Saint's Day
B. the first day of November
C. the start of Christmas season!

The majority of people hate other people who start listening to Christmas music right after Halloween, when pumpkin seeds are still fresh from the oven, when costumes are still lying on the floor, and when pumpkins are still sitting on the porch. Instead of tossing you into the joys of the best season of the year, how about we take the time to recognize Christmas' worst music.

Believe it or not, there's a lot of it. So for all you Scrooges out there, let's celebrate the worst of Christmas as we clean up our house's from Halloween.

10. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by anyone who sings it.

A song about an old, gray, bearded man who loves children and knows they are sleeping, he knows when they're awake, and he knows when they've been bad or good. Chris Hansen should be all over this song because this dude is apparently coming to town, so you better hide your kids...

9. "Christmas Shoes" by NewSong

Ah. Nothing says a season of joy like "Christmas Shoes," a song about a boy who wants to buy a pair of shoes for his dying mother on Christmas Eve. If that doesn't put you in the Christmas spirit, then I don't know what does. Not only is the song completely ruined by a group of children singing, it will kill any kind of Christmasy buzz you might have. Daddy says there's not much time, you see, Mommy's been sick for quite a while and I know these shoes will make her smile because the boy wants her to look beautiful before she meets Jesus tonight.

Merry Christmas from NewSong!

8. "Frosty the Snowman" by anyone who sings it.

I think it's creepy that the snowman in my backyard came to life one day. Now I know how that kid from the depressing Christmas movie "Jack Frost" felt when his Frosty the Snowman came to life with Michael Keaton's voice. How come that song wasn't the theme for the movie? Who knows. Just when you thanked baby Jesus for warm weather and that creepy snowman following you, just remember, he'll back again some day.

7. "Santa Baby" by anyone who sings the song.

There is an unwritten rule that if you sing "Santa Baby" you have to sing it in your whiniest, obnoxious voice possible. If you're a guy, sing it raspy. If you're a girl, sing it slutty. What makes the song even worse is if a guy sings it like the band Everclear. It's already horrible when I woman sings it because all you can think about is how much she wants some lovin' and it makes you feel dirty. Christmas is about giving and the birth of Jesus. Not how much you want Santa.

6. "Linus and Lucy"

This song doesn't have any words and it's one of the most obnoxious Christmas songs. No jingle bells or ho ho hos, just a fast piano part that has nothing to do with Christmas, except the fact it was in a Charlie Brown Christmas movie.

5. "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by anyone who sings it

...and hide your wives...

Hopefully Daddy signed a prenup because Santa is getting with Mommy. What's up with all these moms wanting Santa? See parents, this is why your kids won't go to sleep on Christmas Eve. They know weird stuff is happening under that mistletoe.

4. "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" by anyone who sings it.

...and hide your grandmas...

Santa is seriously out of control. And who in their right mind would make poor Grandma walk home in the freezing cold when she's obviously drunk off eggnog? This song is the peppy version of the "Christmas Shoes."

3. "Feliz Navidad" by anyone who sings it.

I'm sure the republicans hate this song too, "this is America! Learn English." It's not because the half the song is in Spanish, it's because this song is just that annoying. Why? Simple. When they aren't speaking Spanish, all they're singing is "I want to wish you a merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart." Thanks, but no thanks. If you want to wish me a merry Christmas, freaking sing a better song. This song just makes me want to go out and by the new Justin Bieber Christmas album because I'm sure that's even better than this song.

2. "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" by that obnoxious kid

My ears. The kid clearly isn't in his church's choir. The song doesn't need any explanation why it's horrible. Just listen to it. I bet you won't finish it. Parents, just when you think and iPad was bad...

1. "Hula Hoop" by The Chipmunks

It's the song that defaces all Christmas music, a song that makes Jesus roll in his grave, and a song that the radio feels to play every other song. Because if you can't stand a minute of just watching the Chipmunks on TV, they have a song that will make you want to guzzling down Grandma's eggnog (just don't walk home or Santa will run over you). The noise, the voices, and what the hell are they saying and why hasn't anyone put a cork in their mouths? That's what I want for Christmas. Screw the Christmas shoes and the hippo, give me three corks!

Maybe without these songs, people would enjoy Christmas music more.

When life gives you lemons, listen to music

Sometimes you wake up, and you already know the day is gonna suck. Sometimes people are just mean to you for no apparent reason. Sometimes you feel like your dreams and ambitions will stay dreams and ambitions instead of turning into your new life. Sometimes things just don't go your way.

So, you had a bad day....(and that's all I will ever quote from Daniel Powter's obnoxious song)...we've all been there. So instead moping and turning emo--because no one wants to be the emo kid in the group--reach for your headphones....or just remember, "Harry Potter" comes out this Friday, so life can't suck that bad, right?

Need a pick-me-up song? There are a billion out there. But I will suggest the 10 best ones--or the 10 that I listen to. 10 songs for 10 pick-me-up reasons. Heartbroken? Life sucks? Dreams shattered? Insecure? Don't want to grow up? There's a song for that.

10. "Mean" by Taylor Swift

Karma's a bitch, especially when you piss of Tay Swift.

9. "Unaware" by My Favorite Highway

For those who don't feel good enough.

8.  "Always Love" by Nada Surf

For those angry people who need to simmer down. Don't be a hater...make love not war.

7. "You're Making It Come Alive" by My Favorite Highway

Life is awesome...if you give it a chance.

6. "World Spins Madly On" by The Weepies

The title is pretty self explanatory.

5. "Wishing Well" by Airborne Toxic Event

Wanting more out of life?

4. "Lose Yourself" Eminem

Not really a pick-me-up so to speak, but more of a badass inspirational, go-out-and-get-what-you-want kind of song.

3. "Change" by Taylor Swift

If someone tells you you can't do something, listen to this song, get inspired, and prove them wrong. And if you want some extra pick-me-up power, do the Tay Swift hair flip.

2. "Fix You" by Coldplay

Chris Martin will try to fix you....for any kind of mood.

1. "Swim" by Jack's Mannequin

Just the perfect pick-me-up song for any kind of mood. And the musical god Andrew McMahon sings it so it gets extra points.

Just keep your head above, swim.

The soundtrack to your summer

Happy summer solstice (yesterday)!

A new summer is born, which comes with about 40 new songs that you'll constantly hear on the radio. How will you spend the summer of 2011? Will you still pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?(Please don't.) Will you become a California Gurl? Is my love your drug? Do you wanna be a billionaire so freakin' bad? But the real question of the summer will be will you kick it in the front seat or the back? (Ok, I'm sorry I referenced Rebecca Black).

Hard life questions.

It's time to start making those summer playlists right now...if you haven't already. If you're not a radio fan and/or are getting really sick of hearing "The Lazy Song" on every single radio station this summer, hopefully my summer song selections will help you. Because I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty tired of hearing about Bruno Mars throwing his hands in his pants and chillin' in his Snuggie. Too much information if you ask me.

So I have complied a list of summer songs (because I have nothing better to do with my time), all summer related because who doesn't love a song about the best season, warm weather, and endless nights? Five songs for your sentimental summer nights by the bonfire. (Or with this weather, five songs for those rainy summer days.) Five songs for your hot summer day. Hopefully a couple these songs will spark your interest. If not, well, I tried and you can go back to Bruno Mars and maybe he'll teach you how to dougie.

For those clear, star gazing summer nights. 

1. Thunder by Boys Like Girls



Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer. Do you know you're unlike any other? You'll always be my thunder


2. Summer Again by The Afters




As she falls I try to catch her for one last touch of warmth from summer. As one thing leaves to becomes another again. I remember when oh to be with summer again


3. Dusk and Summer by Dashboard Confessional



She looked deep into you as you lay together quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer.


4. Tim McGraw by Taylor Swift



Just a boy in a Chevy truck that had a tendency of gettin' stuck on backroads at night. And I was right there beside him all summer long. And then the time we woke up to find that summer'd gone.


5. "Riding the Brakes" by Awake and Dreaming

Her name’s California and we have got chemistry, fusing our hearts, with sunsets ‘til 10, and streets where we’d hang out ‘til quarter to 4 in the AM. Then pass out with our clothes on beneath the piers and boardwalks and wake up to the waves.


For those warm summer days to blast through your rolled down windows.

1. 21 and Invincible by Something Corporate



And it's been autumn since the day that I met you. If I hit bottom must I crawl out alone? And I don't wish to know the secrets of summer at all.

2. All Summer Long by Kid Rock




It was 1989, my thoughts were short my hair was long, caught somewhere between a boy and man. She was seventeen and she was far from in-between. It was summertime in Northern Michigan.

3. American Honey by Lady Antebellum




There's a wild, wild whisper blowing in the wind calling out my name like a long lost friend. Oh I miss those days as the years go by. Oh nothing's sweeter than summertime and American honey.

4. Penny and Me by Hanson



Cigars in the summertime under the sky by the light I can feel you read my mind. I can see it in your eyes under the moon as it plays like music every line. There's a rug with bleeding dye under the fan in the room where the passions burning high by the chair with the leopard skin under the light. It's always Penny and me tonight.

5. "Growing Up" by The Maine

Photograph, remembering the summer. It takes me back to Southern California. Where the girls would all pass on the boardwalk and laugh at our desperate attempts and our sunburned backs.


Happy summer.

10 Greatest Film Scores

It's weird to think that all you need to hear is the music from a movie to spark your emotion. In scary movies, it's the steady beat or the short staccato notes that trigger you to curl up and cover your eyes. It's the melancholic sounds that make you sob at the end or make the end even more satisfying than the director or actors could. It's because music makes a movie and without it, movies wouldn't be one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Way back in the Charlie Chaplin days of movies, when talking was non existent, music is what carried the story from beginning to end. Has there ever been a movie without some form of music? No.

Some movies have made their music so famous that people can recognize the song more than lines from the movie. When you think of "Titanic," sure you think "I'll never let go, Jack" or that sudden jolt of anger because Rose didn't move over on that stupid door to save a gorgeous Leonardo DiCaprio Jack Dawson to lay beside her. But you also break out to "My Heart Will Go On." When you think of "Jaws" you instantly thinking "dun dun. dun dun. dun dun dun dun." Or "Star Wars" you start humming the main theme.

Some scores are just so beautiful and great and I have rounded up the 10 that make their movie a hundred times better.


10."Latika's Theme" by AR Rahman from "Slumdog Millionaire"

 9. "Main Theme from Castaway" by Alan Silvestri

8. "Neverland (Piano Variation in Blue)" by Jan. A.P. Kaczmarek from "Finding Neverland"

7."Theme from Forrest Gump" by Alan Silvestri

6. "Theme from Jurassic Park" by John Williams

5. "Theme to Cider House Rules" by Rachel Portman

And yes Michiganders, this the the Pure Michigan theme, long before those commercials took over the TV and radio.

4. "Surface of the Sun" by John Murphy from"Sunshine"

3. "This Land" by Hans Zimmer from "The Lion King"

2. "Hymn to the Sea" by James Horner from "Titanic"

1. "Tennessee" by Hans Zimmer from "Pearl Harbor"

10 songs that will make you love 10 hated artists

Justin Beiber. Lady GaGa. Miley Cryus. Linkin Park. Ke$ha. Just a few polarizing names in the music industry. You either love them or hate them. There seems like there is no in between when it comes to these artists. These artists are known for being the worse musicians or the most successful, whatever your take is. Have you ever asked yourself, "how in the world did these people get signed?" You're not alone, many people have wondered the same thing too. It's a fact they are no Celion Dion, John Lennon or the next Beatles, but someone saw some talent in them for them to be some of the hottest musicians.

10 most hated artists. 10 wonderful underrated songs that might, maybe, not a guarantee, but could possibly change your mind on them.

1. Ke$ha

Let's start with the girl who has just as many haters as she does fans. You know her as the white girl who raps in her drinking songs, the dirty one that bathes in glitter and carries around a tooth brush and a bottle of Jack wherever she goes. But before her music producer Dr. Luke ruined her upcoming career, the girl who spells her name with a symbol of currency actually sang normal music. Here's the other side to the party animal, minus Dr. Luke, auto-tune, drinking and glitter. It's Kesha, spelled with an "S."

2. Lady GaGa

Despite the fact she's a five time Grammy award winner, people still hate Mother Monster. It doesn't matter if she was accepted into the most prestigious music school in the country, Julliard, or if she was accepted into NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, people see her as the 21st century Madonna wannabe. If you just strip away her outlandish outfits, you get Stefani Germanotta. And because she's a little out there, people see her as this crazy, bubble wearing wannabe. "You and I" will be on Lady GaGa's third album, on sale May 23.

3. Justin Bieber

Apparently the world doesn't like overnight Canadian Youtube sensations discovered by Usher. Or 17 year old boys who like to wear purple sweatshirts, shake their shaggy brown every five seconds, ride Segways, and release 3D documentary concert films. If they did, then they would like Justin Bieber. But even though he taught himself how to play the piano, guitar and drums all before he was 13, people still think he's ruining today's music. Hate him all you want, but you can't say he sucks at playing the drums.

If that little clip doesn't convince you, maybe this Justin Bieber song will.

4. Katy Perry

She kissed a girl and she liked it. She would rather not by a push up Victoria's Secret bra, but instead a cupcake bra that spews out whip cream. Is her blue hair too flamboyant for you? Well, she just has that bold personality, and it seems like with many artists, their bold personality, like Lady GaGa, makes people hate them even more.  Maybe "I Kissed a Girl," "Hot and Cold" and "California Gurls" aren't the right songs to show her artistic talent, but she has plenty of other songs that do.

5. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is not as hated as Ke$ha, GaGa and Justin Bieber, and yes, she did suck at her 2010 Grammy performance beside legend Stevie Nicks. But at least Swift is one of the very few artists today who never used auto-tune, she plays guitar and piano, and gasp, she actually writes her own songs. Yes, she has a whole album where she didn't need help from one co-writer, her third album "Speak Now." Some people don't like her voice, some people don't like how she started out country and then turned pop.  But this song is an older one when she didn't let pop music convert her into a country-pop singer.

6. Miley Cyrus

Dun. Dun. Dun. Oh no, can it be? Ah, it's Miley Cyrus. Miley Cyrus is like Brussels sprouts, no matter how many times you listen to her, you're never going to love her because she's just that bad. But there is one song, if you don't watch the music video to see her pouty face and snaggeltooth, where she actually sounds quite decent...for a Miley song.

7. Rihanna

Umbrella, ella, ella, ay, ay, ay, in a nasally voice, oice, oice, ay, ay, ay. When Rihanna decides to thicken up her voice, she has the potential of not sounding like a donkey. Yes, her songs are overplayed catchy. They're your guilty pleasure, so don't say you don't blast "Umbrella" and "Rude Boy" when you're home alone.

8. Justin Timberlake

It seems these days Justin Timberlake is striving for an Oscar than a Grammy. Maybe he should stick to singing songs about sex and his womanizer ways and his attempt to beatbox. (It's sad to say Wikipedia calls that an instrument, which is why you shouldn't rely on that site for facts.) But there is one Justin Timberlake song where he doesn't rap or beatbox. Although it's on his first solo album, it sounds like his N'SYNC days, you know, when he actually sang. 

9. Pink

She may have a hard exterior and what seems to be like an infinite number of songs that take over the radio. She might have tattoos running up her arms and additional space on her husband. During the early 2000s, when acting punk was "in" thanks to Avril Lavigne (too bad Miley wasn't a little older then), Pink hit her peak in her career. Her raspy voice and "rock songs" are an acquired taste, but there's one song that peels away her "I'm all tough, so don't mess with me" image for a more sensitive one.

10. Linkin Park

A lot of people hate Linkin Park because all their songs sound the same and they use the same chords and chord progressions in every single song that is about how they hate their life, the hardships they face, or them complaining about something. Yes, this song is them complaining about something, but when I first heard it on the radio, I didn't even know it was them. If they made songs more like this where they experiment with different chords on their guitars, maybe people will start to love them.

But the real, unanswered question is, how did Nickelback and Rebecca Black get signed? That will always be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

10 Best Youtube Covers

This blog is inspired by that wonderful cover that Miley Cyrus did of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit." And by wonderful I mean god awful.

But let's not dwell on those covers that put the original song to shame. Most covers are indeed that, but there are some better than the originals. Doing a successful cover can be done. You just need this thing called talent and a voice, and you're already on your way to becoming successful. So let's go through the slush pile of Youtube and pick out the best of the best.

1. "Born This Way" by Maria Aragon.

She's only 11 years old, but I like her version better than Lady GaGa's. I'm sure most have seen her since Lady GaGa posted this on her Twitter and even invited Maria to sing the song during one of her concerts. Talk about a successful cover.




2. "Paparazzi" by Greyson Chance

Ellen already signed him, and he's a legit artist now because he has his own VEVO channel on Youtube. Everyone and their brother has seen this video, but it's just so good.

3. "Love the Way You Lie" by Helena and Maria

I just discovered them a couple days ago, but these twins really know how to sing. Eminem should have found them instead of Rihanna.

4. "Firework" by Tyler Ward and Alex Goot

If you watch covers on Youtube frequently, then you have come across Alex Goot and especially Tyler Ward, who seems like the King of Youtube Covers. "Firework" is getting overplayed on the radio, but these guys don't make it sound that annoying anymore.




5. "Love Story" by Gabe

This cover is two years old, but it's just so good. Taylor's Swift's "Love Story" from Romeo's perspective. So clever. So good. He even got appraisal from Taylor Swift on Twitter.

6. "You're Not Sorry" by Lexie Hayden

She definitely has a stronger voice than Taylor Swift.





7. "The Cave" by Tyler Ward and Megan Nicole

Except for I don't understand the random air guitarist for a split second in the video.

8. "Hallelujah" by Justin Robinett and Michael Henry

This song is one of the most covered songs, but this version is the best. The secret: the harmonies.





9. "The Harold Song" by AZsinger 62

The kid looks like he's 12, and although I love this song so much because it's one of the very few songs we actually get to hear Ke$ha sing, I think I might like his version better than hers.





10. "Airplanes" and "Brick by Boring Brick" by Justin Robinett and Michael Henry

The guys who sung "Hallelujah" have more hits on this song than Tyler Ward does on this song. They are the only two people who are allowed to pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars.

Enjoy.

A Musical Guide to Surviving Valentine's Day

It's that time again. Happy National Greeting Card Scam Day  Valentine's Day! The day where Hallmark  St. Valentine gives you a day to tell your better half how much you love them, even though that should be everyday.

Some people might be in relationships. Great for you. You go spend $40+ to tell your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife you love them. To the others, it's ok. You don't need a partner. Save your money!

I have prepared a music list for the heartbroken, the revenge seekers, and those obnoxious lovebirds, where everyone and anyone can make it passed the Valentine's Day weekend. Five songs are the cure. And guess what? It's totally free!


The Heartbroken
It's ok, really. You're too good for this scam holiday. But if you're the one who's crying over someone not good enough for you, try these five songs. Hopefully they'll stitch your broken heart. So put those Sweetheart candy's down! The only thing they're good for is the additional calories to burn at the gym.

5. "The Harold Song" by Ke$ha

I know you're probably rolling your eyes. "Ke$ha? Really? This is crap!" But let me explain. Sure, she's known for her raps and her drunken lyrics. She's the anthem of a college student's weekend. But this song is one of her best songs because she actually sings it, minus auto-tune. Yay accomplishments! What makes it really ironic is that Ke$ha wrote it completely by herself, not with her songwriting posse. Give it a try, Trust me. I won't let you down. That party girl who uses Jack instead of Crest does have a sensitive side.

"They say that true love hurts, well this could almost kill me. Young love murder, that is what this must be. I would give it all to not be sleeping alone."

4.  "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" by Jimmy Ruffin.

Yes, I'm going all 1966 on you. But this classic is the anthem to the brokenhearted. It must be. It says so in the title.

"Love's happiness is just an illusion filled with sadness and confusion"

3. "In Another Life" by The Veronicas

If you really want a sad song, listen to the Australian sister duo, especially if you were the one who ended things and regret it. They'll serenade you and feel you're pain.

"You know I love you, I really do but I can't fight anymore for you. And I don't know, maybe we'll be together again sometime, in another life."

2. "With or Without You" by U2

Beautiful. You should know it already and you should know why it's amazing. Poor Bono.

"Sleight of hand and twist of fate. On a bed of nails she makes me wait. And I wait without you."

1. "Konstantine" by Something Corporate


Best 9 minutes and 36 seconds of your life. It was written by the unknown musical god, Andrew McMahon. He will ease all your sorrows away. I promise.

"I can't imagine all the people that you know and the places that you go when the lights are turned down low. And I don't understand all the things you've seen but I'm slipping in between you and your big dreams. It's always you and my big dreams."

The Revenge Seekers
Are you going all Taylor Swift this Valentine's Day? Great! Let me help you plan out your revenge. Remember, violence is really not the answer. Music is more powerful.

5. "Hate (I Really Don't Like You)" by Plain White T's

They might not be the best band around, but this song is pretty catchy and will cool down your boiling blood.

"Now that it's over I don't know what I liked about you.  Brought you around and you just brought me down. Hate is a strong word, but I really really really don't like you." 


4. "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri

You've heard this song on today's Top 40 radio, but Christina Perri is like the 24-year-old non country/pop Taylor Swift.

"You're gonna catch a cold from the ice inside your soul. So don't come back for me. Who do you think you are?"


Ouch. That guy needs to use that ice inside his soul to cool down that burn.


3. Taylor Swift songs "Dear John," "Forever and Always," "Picture to Burn," "Should've Said No," "You're Not Sorry."

You really think we can make a relationship list and not have T-Swizzle on it? Please.

2. "The Boys You Do (Get Back at You)" by The Summer Set

Upbeat, filled with anger and revenge. Great dance song.

"I bet you thought I'd throw the fight  oh you just don't know how low I can go like [oh, oh, oh] you're making me sick, girl."

1. "According to You" by Orianthi

Those Down Under chicks know how to write songs. Yes, you've heard this on the radio, but talk about Girl Power! Orianthi kicks those boys where it counts with her lyrics and mad guitar skills. You know she was supposed to be Michael Jackson's guitarist on his "This Is It" tour?

"But according to me, you're stupid, you're useless, you can't do anything right."

The Lovebirds
I guess you deserve a playlist too. But the PDA has to go. It's the reason why a lot of people despise you on Valentine's Day.

5. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by American Idol judge Aerosmith

Classic.

"Lying close to you feeling your heart beating. And I'm wondering what you're dreaming, wondering if it's me you're seeing. Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together. And I just wanna stay with you in this moment forever, forever and ever."

4.  "So in Love" by The Icarus Account

They are an unknown band of two, but sing one of the best love songs today. And guess what? It's not overplayed by the radio.

"Your hand it fits perfect in mine. The world has stopped and so has time."

3. "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds

If you haven't heard of Ben Folds yet, stop hiding under that rock and listen to him! This song is perfect for those in a long relationship.

"And where was I before the day that I first saw your lovely face? Now I see it everyday. And I know that I am the luckiest."

2. "Annie's Song" by John Denver


Don't roll your eyes. If you want a love song, you need to listen to a little bit of John Denver. Beautiful melody, beautiful lyrics. May he RIP.


"You fill up my senses like a night in the forest, like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain, like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean. You fill up my senses, come fill me again."

1. "Konstantine" by Something Corporate


Yes, I know I've told the heartbroken to listen but this song is just so good, you can consider it as a love song or a breakup song. I love this song so much, I even work out to it on the elliptical. Don't judge.


"I always catch the clock it's 11:11 and now you want to talk. It's not hard to dream you'll always be my Konstantine."

And there is your musical guide to surviving Valentine's Day 2011. Hopefully these five songs will help make that awful day a good one. Remember heartbroken ones or revenge seekers, you don't need a guy/girl in your life to make it great. As Bruno Mars would say (as he's singing on the radio right now), "You're amazing just the way you are." If they can't see that, then Cee Lo Green them! Forget you!

And stay away from that candy.