Top five songs of the last week:

5. "Going to Utrecht" - The Mountain Goats

Mr. Darnielle has enjoyed a particularily safe place on my playlist for the past couple of months, and rarely is it so deserved than with this song. The simple lyric lines, expressing longing and disbelief at the power of connection have the Mountain Goats' trademark sweetness, but the song itself has a welcome standard structure, with one of the only well-repeated chorus' in their discography. The electric guitar in the coda is one of those heart-quickening things, like the tinny drums in "This Place is a Prison" by Postal Service.

4. "Wanted More" - Gift Anon

A little gem holding the opening hook position on Copper Press' latest compilation, this track is what Linkin Park wishes they were. For a kid that grew up with older brothers playing the Cure and Gary Numan, this is a welcome mesh of the two.

3. "Chimbley Sweep" - the Decemberists

I have to admit, I was not responsible for discovering this song. Props go to Sean and his wily downloading ways. You see, I loved Castaways and Cutouts, but had not listened to Her Majesty . . . . Now I have it, and now, at Seans suggestion, I've listened to it, and it makes me happy.

2. "F'oldin Money" - the Fall

I picked up a used copy of the imported Ep at a store downtown, and this is a great cover from late 90s the Fall. The rest of the disc is filled with enjoyable electronic tomfoolery, but this is just straightforward grand punk from the old men of manchester.

1. "Gleaming Auction" - Snow Patrol

A good song off a fantastic album, but I should warn you that the songs don't hold up alone as well as the album does. Snow Patrol is an Edinburgh post-punk band with excellent songwriting skills, and well executed songs. Their new disc, Final Straw is available now and well worth the cash.