My pick-Rivers Cuomo-Lover in the Snow

I’ve always been a fan of Weezer. Their easy going style, simple pop hooks and raucous guitar sound have always been very easy for me to accept. So when I heard Rivers Cuomo had released a solo album of b-sides and demos called, “Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo,” I had to check it out. This song happens to be my favorite on the album. The simple chord progression is easy to jump into on your first listen and the melody is a perfect match, but then everything takes a darker turn. As the verses progresses, the chords grow more dissonant and the tone grows crunchier. Suddenly it all resolves and all seems well. A easy song to get into your head, but it’s not so easy to get out!

Sebastian’s pick-Evisbeats-Mogu Mogu

At first listen I almost thought this was another song. Through some research I realized it was not Peter Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks”, and was indeed a much different musical niblet…thank god. I’m sorry, but just so you know—I was never a fan of the previous. Now onto the song at hand. This song is enjoyable, the “melody”, however minute it might seem, is somewhat varied, which makes for a slightly interesting listen. But the beat and synth is very monotonous, and that never sits well with me. I also can very rarely get into songs with lyrics in a foreign language (one exception being Sigur Ros—check them out), but this is not a knock against the song, simply a personal problem. This probably won’t get a spot in my library just yet.

Dallas’ pick-Tokyo Police Club-Cheer It On

  This might grow on me. I recently grew slightly bored with indie rock, but there is always a place for it in my heart. The keyboard lick in the middle of the song breaks the simple progression of what is to be expected, and variation, as you may have realized, is something I am always for. A little short for my taste, but that might help it seem less plodding and repetitive. I’ll have to give these guys some more listening time to see if I really enjoy them, as it would help when I see them live with Passion Pit in June. I’ll give this pick some more time.