U2 - Love Comes Tumbling

Here's another "secret" U2 song. "Love Comes Tumbling" was the B-side of the single "The Unforgettable Fire" from the album of the same name, released in 1984. It appeared on the double 7 inch single and the 12 inch single, released in April 1985, and is a quiet, understated piece of music, that seems to pave the way for their next record, the multi-million selling 1987 album The Joshua Tree that was U2's major breakthrough, and the album that saw the Irishmen conquer the world.

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The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever

Happy birthday to the memory of the great John Lennon who would've been 71 today (!) if it wasn't for the lunatic Marc Chapman who shot him to death when he was a mere 40. Wonder what he'd have done for the last 31 years if he was alive...

But on another note, here's one of the songs from what is probably the world's best single, The Beatles' famous double A-side 1967 release "Strawberry Fields Forever"/"Penny Lane", the former of course written by John, the latter by Sir Paul McCartney. Theres's constant debate as to who was the best songwriter of the two, but when it comes to this release, I'd say it's a tie.

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Rumer - I Believe In You

Rumer has joined forces with songwriter/producer "Eg" White for the theme song for the Rowan Atkinson film Johnny English Reborn. It's a big 60's/70's style ballad worthy of a James Bond spoof such as this, reminiscent of a John Barry/Shirley Bassey collaboration, and of course sung with the utmost excellence by the best new female singer in years.

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Fleetwood Mac - Oh Diane

The best song from what is decidedly not the best Fleetwood Mac album, 1982's Mirage. "Oh Diane" was written and sung by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, a 50's style pop song in the vein of Dion & The Belmonts and Ritchie Valens. Unlike the album's first two singles, "Hold Me" and "Gypsy", "Oh Diane" became a surprise hit in the UK, finally climbing to a more than respectable number 9. Not bad for a sweet little ditty as this.

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John Martyn - Don't Want To Know

It's close to three years since British singer/songwriter John Martyn passed away. His most enduring song is still the wonderful "Don't Want To Know" from the 1973 album Solid Air. The song is a comment upon the atrocities of the world, as poignant then as it is now unfortunately, and Martyn's writing and performance is top notch. It's a true masterpiece, a folk song with a jazzy feel and the line "And I don't want to know about evil, only want to know about love" being sung over and over again, until that's everything that's left.

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Wilco - Impossible Germany

My favourite Wilco song is off their sixth studio album, Sky Blue Sky. The 2007 release was the first to feature the string work of Nels Cline, one of the best guitarists in modern rock music. The second half of "Impossible Germany" is a showcase for his guitar work, starting at 2:45. Just listen to the things he's doing, at times understated, at times most definitely in plain view, but at all times tasteful, melodic and inspired. It's just amazing!

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Finally - Marit Larsen's third album to be released

November 18th is the official Norwegian release date for Marit Larsen's eagerly awaited third album, to be entitled Spark. The 28 year old singer/songwriter formerly of the duo M2M with childhood friend Marion Ravn have so far released two excellent albums, Under The Surface (2006) and The Chase (2008), the latter featuring her biggest hit "If A Song Could Get Me You". But will Spark be her finest achievement yet? Personally I have a very good feeling about this record. Follow this link for the full track list and a short video clip from the recording sessions.

Van Morrison - In The Garden

"In The Garden" off his 1986 No Guru, No Method, No Teacher album, is a cornerstone in Van Morrison's output. According to the writer himself the song is based upon a form of transcendental meditation which takes about ten minutes before a person arrives at a degree of tranquility. When Morrison almost whispers the line "No guru, no method, no teacher, just you and I and nature, and the father, in the garden", repeatedly towards the end of the song, you almost feel as if you're in the presence of something divine. You can easily ascribe that to Morrison's voice, one of rock music's finest by a mile.

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Kermit The Frog - Rainbow Connection

"Rainbow Connection" is the Academy Award nominated theme song from The Muppet Movie (1979), the first time Jim Henson's Muppets appeared on the big screen. It is sung by Kermit The Frog who was voiced by Henson himself until his untimely death in 1990, and was written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher. The song is a beautiful pondering upon the magic of rainbows and morning stars, nothing less than a humbling piece of pop music.It has been covered by a great many artists, like Sarah McLachlan, Willie Nelson, Judy Collins, Justin Timberlake and The Dixie Chicks, and most recently as a collaboration between Weezer and Hayley Williams for the tribute album Muppets: The Green Album.

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Ed Sheeran - You Need Me, I Don't Need You

British folk/pop singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran has released loads of independent singles, EP's and a few albums, while playing mad numbers of shows. His efforts have finally paid off as the single "The A Team" and his debut album + are selling in buckets these days. Another single off the album is "You Need Me, I Don't Need You", as catchy as they come but with an accompanying music video that really nails it, featuring a guy doing sign language to the lyrics. Really cool stuff to watch!

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