Unfortified Castle

I'd been sitting on this song for a while, never imagining I'd write about it for this reason... but it painfully fits the moment.

...as is pretty much every Rage Against The Machine song.

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

The ever-excellent band combine classic rock influences with their modern indie sound on a recent single.

My old System of a Down favorite is extreme in its timbral changes, but musically consistent — a recipe for an intense, engaging listen.

Their title track from last summer's EP has an unavoidable gravitas as it speaks to the fallout the innocent suffer from war.

Is it cool? (Is it cool?) I don't know, but it's February 14, and it feels right.

As I've done twice before, I pay tribute to a recently deceased musician by looking back at one of their works.

It's hard to pull off an energetic downward tempo shift, but that's exactly what Franz Ferdinand did, and I love it.

Flume's new release is chock-full of fascinating details as he plays with time and musical space.

Rex Orange County's new release is a simple indie pop slice that speaks to the drive one gets from valuing themself and their endeavors.

This song is out there, but it's a good kind of out there because of how Blood, Sweat & Tears mediate all its intricacies and oddities.

I examine why Kate Bush's work stands out from that of her contemporaries through one of her most successful songs in the mainstream.

Between its sampling dispute, its distinctive vocal elements, and its point of view, the Verve's enduring anthem leaves a unique impression.

In hindsight, these styles are perfect for each other — unlike the former relationship the song describes. Bravo, ILLENIUM and Jon Bellion.

I was first drawn to this Smiths track by its odd form, but with every listen, I feel a deeper connection to the lyrics and their setting.

Kelly Jones and Stereophonics call back to the generation before them with their R&B influenced post-Britpop.

Move over, "Imagine" — Oasis provide the perfect soundtrack to changing calendars.

The nostalgia the Smashing Pumpkins evoke isn't rose-colored, but that's fine, if not good; it means their song helps me honestly reflect.

Through lead singer Karen O, Yeah Yeah Yeahs find a balance between soft, heartfelt vocals and a powerful alt rock instrumental.