5 Songs to Get You Through the Week #18

5 Songs to Get You Through the Week is a feature I run on Young Ears, Fresh Perspective on Sundays/early hours of Monday morning where I pick out 5 tunes that I think are notable and tell you a bit about them. The point is to give you some rocking music to help you deal with your weekday blues. You can either listen to one each day, listen to them all at once, or any other combination that you feel. As long as you can get through the week without the man getting you down, that's all I care about. Without further ado, here are the 5 tracks I've picked out for this week:

1. The Lemon Song, by Led Zeppelin

This is a pretty buoyant bluesy rocker from Led Zeppelin's second album Led Zeppelin II. I'm sure you've heard it on the radio a handful of times if you listen to the classic rock stations. It's a great way to get a grooving vibe going if you want something to move a little bit to while driving to work or wherever it is you're going.  Guitarist Jimmy Page does some fantastic finger picking work while Robert Plant just howls away. Definitely a must-listen for anyone just starting to get into Zeppelin.

2. Mambo Sun, by T. Rex

This isn't exactly what you would consider soft easy listening music, but Marc Bolan's vocals in this tune seem to be almost sung at an odd sort of whisper. I guess that is part of what makes this glam rock groove so intriguing. It adds to what in my opinion is more of a soundscape rather than a traditional pop song with distinguishable verses, choruses, bridges, etc. The song starts, makes you move, and just goes till it ends. As boring as that might seem to some people, it actually works to the song's advantage. It's a fun time for sure.

3. Smokestack Lightnin', by Howlin' Wolf

If old school blues is more your speed, then this blues classic by Howlin' Wolf is right up your alley.  This was recorded in the late 50's and you can definitely tell. However, that doesn't make it any less smooth and soulful. If anything, it makes it more so. The vocals are so deep and rich that they remind you of a really well brewed cup of coffee in a way. The Chicago style harmonica playing only adds to the richness and sends a shockwave of pure awesome through your body. If you want a blues song that isn't so sad, give this a listen.

4. Raw Power, by Iggy and the Stooges

Like 50's rock but some times wish it had a bit more punch to it? Look no further! In his early career Iggy Pop and his band The Stooges answered your prayers. The Stooges took the genre to a whole other level and even acted as a bridge between traditional rock and what would become punk (aka proto-punk). The track Raw Power is rock n' roll at its most basic, but with better production, a more punched up guitar sound, and more sleazy lyrics. It's a great way to get your aggressions out while still retaining some level of musical integrity.

5. Honky Tonk Women, by The Rolling Stones

If you have a fever and the only cure is a prescription for more cowbell, this is the song for you. It starts with it and it just keeps going through the whole song. This is one of the Rolling Stones' best and most well known cheery upbeat jaunts. I sing along to it every time it comes on. Even if it's for the millionth time, I find it impossible to grow weary of the tune. It has everything: cowbell, guitar, horns, and an atmosphere of FUN. If only one song were ever able to get you through a crappy week, it would be this.