Unfortified Castle

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

In complete King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard style, its weirdness only makes it better.

It's also just a plain good song from a band that, yes, isn't just a meme.

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

No song is more appropriate for a musical discussion on February 2 (or 3).

With the employment of a mandolin, Blue Merle gave a sound I love a twist I never expected, but one I thoroughly enjoy.

Soundgarden's mainstream breakthrough served as a personal eye- (and ear-) opener, allowing me to appreciate a sound that defined the 90s.

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

The Temper Trap's indie anthem soundtracks a nostalgia-driven afternoon walk in the aftermath of classes restarting.

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.

Dire Straits don't directly echo the music implied by their story, but they embody it just enough to tell a convincing and memorable tale.

In The Weeknd's newest single, he revels in his old lifestyle one last time before his outlook on love shifts across the rest of the album.

Cameo unload a widespread critique of those in power over the lies they tell with their signature, hard-hitting funk.

The xx's debut single explores the fragility of love through two partners' ever-present individual thoughts.

A lighter entry early in the Cranberries' discography kept me in the right mood when I heard it for the first time today. Thank you,...

A "darksynth" retooling of a 1980s movie soundtrack classic gives the lyrics and title a much more fitting treatment.

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

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

Bread's hit celebrates the music maker while also reminding listeners that fame is so often temporary.

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.