Unfortified Castle

The White Stripes' 2001 single showcases their unmistakable sound in my favorite ways.

Why? It just kind of happened once, and I've kept it up since... but I try to read into it anyway.

The song doesn't even have the word "rain" in it, but its presence is undoubted, as is that of Jim Morrison's most personal character.

The R&B and jazz virtuoso's artistic voice is shaped by multiple iconic inspirations — including some from his hometown.

Is it pyromania? No, but it's a frantic and psychedelic trip that makes you feel like something's burning inside you.

Upon a close listen, the load-bearing in the chorus leads to a reconfiguring of the entire narrative and outlook of the tune.

"Trying to make sense of it all" (read: this tune) led me down some pretty interesting paths.

It's light, it's upbeat... and the context in which it was written definitely explains its sound.

The title of the Zombies' jumpstart single is an answer, but it, along with the rest of the song, only breeds more questions.

On the day most associated with the group, I just had to write about them — but I had to do it my way.

A standout track of the early 90s is even more intriguing when one applies the context of its introduction to the rest of the track.

Florence + the Machine believe so, but their protagonist is far from convinced.

A selection made in the wake of on-campus protests, as well as in tribute to a masterful drummer.