Soundtrack of your life

Here are some suggested tunes to get you through those pivotal moments in life when you just don't know what to pump through your headphones.\n1. Song to wake up on a Wednesday by: "Pump it Up" by Elvis Costello on This Year's Model.\nAn obvious choice for a morning tune, sure, but not just any morning. The morning that is so boring that it was stuck in the middle of the week -- you have two tests tomorrow, and you're dying for the weekend. Costello can give you hope by encouraging you to do the most simple and definitive action any avid music listener can take: Pump It UP. All the while maintaining his sarcastic wit and sly diatribes on life. Then continue to listen to the rest of This Year's Model -- "No Action" is perfect for a Thursday and the confounded fury those tests will leave you with fits right alongside the anti-corporate message of "Radio, Radio."\n2. Song to regret by: "It Hurt So Bad" by Susan Tedeschi on Just Won't Burn.\nYou can't get better than the blues for a song about regret. Tedeschi is a rocking female, one of way too few, and here her vocals will tear through your speakers. She hits passion, vulnerability and longing right on key with enough strength and funk remaining to leave you appreciative. While you're at it, I hear she has a new album out. \n3. Song to proposition (politely) by: "Valentine" by The Replacements on Pleased to Meet Me.\n"If you were a pill / I'd take a handful at my will / and knock you back with something sweet and strong," Paul Westerberg sings on "Valentine." You can't get more eloquent than that. So you get points from your dream dude/chick for being sweet while having a great taste in tunes. While you're at it, check out anything by The Mats, especially "I Will Dare" off of Let it Be.\n4. Songs to be depressed by: Anything by Joy Division.\nIan Curtis was one bad, tormented dude. His vocals tremor and explode in front of a sweet backing band (the musicians behind him went on to form New Order). He makes you believe what he says, even if he handles some of the most disheartening ideals with his lyrics. To hit bottom, try "Love Will Tear Us Apart." The single was released in 1980 but Curtis hung himself before the group had a chance to put it on an album -- you can find the track on multiple discs. \n5. Song to get romantic by: "Lenny" by Stevie Ray Vaughan on Texas Flood.\nVaughan wrote this instrumental while sitting on the bed of his ex-wife (then current wife). It flows with soul and has the added bonus of Vaughan's no-need-to-explain massive skills. It's a classic:pick it up and play it for someone, and you'll for sure make him or her cry, or at least look at you differently. A definite runner-up is "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" by Richard Thompson -- this song is indescribable. \nThis isn't the most complete or accurate list, but it's a start. If your searching for more artists (beyond these obvious few) to send you spinning try Jeff Buckley, Todd Snider or Westerberg's solo stuff. \n6. Song to strut by: "Black Betty" covered by Ram Jam on Ram Jam.\nThis update of an old Huddie Ledbetter blues tune is just as badass as that scene in "Blow" where Johnny Depp struts down the screen in a pimping white suit. The guitar riff is more than catchy and the high hat pounds with a purpose. \n7. Song to love soccer by: "Eat my Goal" by Collapsed Lung.\nBet you never thought someone would write a song about soccer, especially with a techno/hip hop flavor. And yes, the guys in the group are British. You may have to download this tune unless you want to go import.