New Good Song: "Suicide," Midnight To Monaco 8.14.15

Here's a new good song: "Suicide" by Midnight To Monaco. I absolutely adore this. It's on my playlist and I listen to it on repeat. It's innovative while also feeling familiar -- it's unusual, clever and glorious. The title is a downer, but the song is anything but ("Suicide is not for me. Doesn't suit my style" ... Brilliant). Jump to 1:40 if you need convincing. I suspect I will end up slotting this high on my year-end list. Enjoy!

New Good Song: "Back Together," Robin Thicke f/ Nicki Minaj 8.14.15

Here's a new good song: "Back Together" by Robin Thicke f/ Nicki Minaj. I'm still not sure how I feel about Robin Thicke generally speaking, but I will always acknowledge good songs regardless of the delivery method. "Blurred Lines" was the 30th best new good song of 2013, based on a formula calculated from weekly charts I created for myself that year. The song did well on my personal charts several months before it gained mainstream popularity, and had that horrendously offensive video, all of which -- combined with over-exposure -- left me a bit regretful that it ended up at No. 30. He also had the 67th best new good song of 2012, "Pretty Lil' Heart," a great song that may have ranked higher had it not featured Lil Wayne, who's awful. Nicki Minaj had the No. 1 best new good song of 2011, "Super Bass," and the 57th best new good song of 2014, "Anaconda." I get what she's doing and I think she's brilliant. Anyway, "Back Together" is a good song. Hope it doesn't get overplayed. Enjoy!

New Good Song: "Pray For Rain," Pure Bathing Culture 8.14.15

Here's a new good song: "Pray For Rain" by Pure Bathing Culture. I first discovered this Portland, Oregon, duo while being staffed on a work project in Portland, Oregon, and I'm so glad I did. They had 10th best new good song of 2013, "Dream The Dare" (which also has a lovely music video), as well as the 66th best new good song of 2014, "Ever Greener."  Now they're back with something still distinctively in that eletro-pop adult contemporary category, but a bit livelier and poppier. My one criticism of "Pray For Rain" is that the repetition of the final minute and a half is a bit tiresome. Feels like they ran out of ideas or something. But, still, an appreciated effort. Enjoy!

New Good Song: "Do What You Like," Taio Cruz 8.14.15

Here's a new good song: "Do What You Like" by Taio Cruz. This is just great. Reminds me a bit of "The Other Side" by Jason Derulo, the fifth-best new good song of 2013. "Do What You Like" is not quite as housey/clubby, but the two songs share the common thread of great songwriting and very nice vocal delivery, in a tight pop structure. Also worth mentioning that both these artists are clearly inspired by Michael Jackson, which is nice to hear. I particularly like the bass line in "Do What You Like," and the way the instrumentals scale back during the last line of the chorus -- a subtle but wonderful touch. Actually I have to say this whole track is just fantastically produced overall ... There's real creativity here. And, finally, this video nearly makes me heterosexual. Enjoy!

New Good Song: "Miradors," Solomon Grey 8.14.15

Here's a new good song: "Miradors" by Solomon Grey. Well, it's sort of new. Apparently it was released late last year, but it's new to me. Solomon Grey was responsible for the 49th best new good song of 2014, "Firechild." This one is slower and more haunting, and very catchy at the same time. There's clearly real talent here. Enjoy!

New Good Song: "You Change," Lindsey Webster 8.14.15

Here's a new good song: "You Change" by Lindsey Webster. It has a slow, jazzy throwback song very reminiscent of "Inside That I Cried" by CeCe Peniston, and "All Woman" by Lisa Stansfield, both wonderful R&B songs from the '90s. This is music you listen to relax to by a roaring fire, or get freaky to on a summer night. Enjoy!

New Good Song: "White Light," Shura 8.14.15

Here's a new good song: "White Light" by Shura. I liked this song originally for its '80s production, but wasn't particularly overwhelmed beyond that. However it's really grown on me over the past few weeks. Sexy vocals, sweet melody, wet bass line, funky atmosphere, and creative lyrical content ("You're different, I like it. You're from another planet, ah. I'd like you to take me there. You can fly your alien spaceship.") Enjoy!