I’m packing for our long march through the coming winter storm. This seems essential.

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Dotsun Moon’s new singer, Maria Sebastian, is simply wonderful. Here’s proof.

In my top CDs of 2016 list last week, I propped Rich Flierl and Dotsun Moon, a band doing some serious soul-searching after losing its very talented lead singer. Rich dropped some new tunes on me the other day, and they suggest that in Maria Sebastian he has found an answer on the mic. Here’s what I mean – this is “My Apology,” and it’s heartbreakingly lovely.

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My favorite versions of the greatest pop song ever written – goodbye, Leonard

2016 took Leonard Cohen, one of popular music’s true iconic geniuses, from us this week. I have said before that I think “Hallelujah” is perhaps the greatest popular song in history, and as evidence I would simply note that it has been covered countless times by an array of brilliant musicians. And nobody, I have learned, recognizes and respects musical genius like another musician.

Today for SVR we offer you some of the very best takes on that amazing song. Some you have probably heard. Some are likely new to you. All are the soul of reverence for one of the most compelling talents who ever walked among us.

We start with Jeff Buckley. Most people I know regard this as the definitive version of the song.

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We live in an era, sadly, where all too often our greatest talents never find the sort of broad audience their genius deserves. Once upon a time, back in the age of mass media and record labels committed to artist development, back before the Internet nichified music almost to death, back then Jeffrey Dean Foster would have been a massive star. Way too famous for a guy like me to have even met him, probably.

But that’s no reason for us not to appreciate him, is it? Let’s celebrate his day by listening to a few of his tunes. We’ll begin with my favorite Foster tune ever, “Summer of the Son of Sam,” which earned the highest praise I have for an artist: I wish I had written it.

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Because it’s a Power Pop Saturday and I can, that’s why.

FYI, Rick didn’t cease to exist at the end of the 1980s.

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When they first hit in 1997 with “MMMBop,” I remember Hanson being dismissed by my music intelligentsia friends as some kind of put-up job, a prefab kiddie novelty act. Thing is, it wasn’t true. At all. The brothers Hanson – Taylor, Isaac and Zac – were legit talented, their shiny, radio-friendly sound underpinned by a rich sense of Chicago R&B rhythm and Gospel-inflected harmony. (It’s fun trying to write in hipster-reviewer speak, init? Hey, I’ve been telling you for years I ain’t no reviewer.)

Now, nearly two decades on, they’re better than ever. Let’s kick today’s #SVR with a recent acoustic performance of that hit, one that strips down to the naked essence of a worthy pop gem.

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Today on SVR we honor Dire Straits, one of my all-time favorite bands. I will always remember the exact moment when I first heard Mark Knopfler’s opening note of “Down to the Waterline” – that was back when kids who loved music sat around together in the basement and listened to their big brothers’ and big sisters’ albums. End to end. With wonder and reverence.

The first one today was passed along by Dr. Denny. Sweet hell, these boys can play.

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I recently started a new daily feature on my Facebook page. It’s pretty simple – each day I post a song/video. No rhyme, no reason. Usually. Here are the first 18 days, all in one handy place for your enjoyment.

Happy Saturday.

11/24/15
Get it On, T Rex

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Much of America is cold and white today. So let’s have some winter tuneage.

John Phillips personal crimes notwithstanding, this is one of the greatest songs ever written.

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I needed a soundtrack for yesterday’s workout and settled on my favorite Toronto band, The Birthday Massacre. Chibi and company are still rattling around in my head, so I thought I’d share the love, starting with the new video for “Superstition.”

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