1. Keep Me Turning- Pete Townshend

• "River's getting higher, no wood for the fire, they saw the messiah but I guess I missed him again, that brings my score to a hundred and ten". Several years before Who guitarist Pete Townshend released his first official solo record "Empty Glass" he teamed up with Faces bassist/songwriter Ronnie Lane for 1977's "Rough Mix". The album features compositions from both artists. "Keep Me Turning" is a spiritual song that finds Townshend asking a higher authority for the energy to keep on keeping on. "Keep me turning I'm hanging on, stop me yearning I've had enough". Many of Townshend's hits (Bargain, Let My Love Open The Door, See Me Feel Me/Listening to You) had spiritual centers- perhaps the overtones were not always overt. Maybe Bart Simpson was wrong when he said "all the best bands are affiliated with Satan".

2. Overcast- Lucky Day

• "I fell through the clouds when I thought you'd make me fly, I'm back on the ground from here it only looks like it's gonna be overcast...overcast....overcast in my mind". "Overcast" is featured on Lucky Day's 2006 debut EP "All My Rainy Days". Despite the title, the EP features several upbeat numbers including the ultra-catchy "Time Will Only Know". If you haven't heard Lucky Day before, shame on you. The band features a great blend of pop hooks, melodies and harmonies...in short the vocals are silky smooth. I recently caught the DC area band in their natural habitat of Arlington Virginia at the famous Iota. The band achieves a sound that is both modern and reminiscent of 60s pop/rock. If you have a chance to catch Lucky Day live don't miss out on the opportunity.

3. Waiting- Glen Phillips

• "Well I'd like to think I'd help you if you needed saving, but I'm drowning here not waving and still you're only waiting". "Waiting" is a sweet country rock number from the "Mr. Lemons" album. I suppose it's roots lie in Toad the Wet Sprocket's "Nanci". "Waiting" features great acoustic guitar work augmented by mandolin and steel guitar parts that provide the song with vibrant color. Glen Phillips toured extensively with the bluegrass band "Nickel Creek" and the two joined forces as "Mutual Admiration Society" prior to the release of "Mr. Lemons". The bluegrass influence is not lost on this number. I'm not much for country tinged music but sometimes the sound is undeniable. "Mmm...that country music".