5 Songs to Get You Through the Week #165

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. Kashmir, by Led Zeppelin

What more can be said about this epic Led Zeppelin classic that hasn't already been said over the past four decades? It has one of the most iconic guitar riffs in history that is backed by this thundering drum beat that just exudes absolute power. This song really was a turning point in the band's career in that it even further ensured them a place among the other greatest rock n' roll bands of all time because it showed that they could make songs like this and not have it be a fluke.

2. Shock Me, by Kiss

This is one of my personal favorite Kiss songs. It's actually the first one that lead guitarist Ace Frehley ever took lead vocals on in a studio setting. It seems appropriate though, considering the song is about something that happened to him during a concert. The electrics hadn't been hooked up right, he touched an ungrounded metal staircase, and it blew him off his feet for half an hour and left his hand numb for a bit after that.

3. Hotel Yorba, by The White Stripes

This is one hell of a fun tune from The White Stripes. Has a very jangly, upbeat country feel to it without being overly heehaw. I actually would recommend throwing this tune in the mix if you were throwing a country shindig. It might go over fairly well. Regardless, it paints some simple, yet sweet images in one's head and makes you yearn for getting away from the rat race and enjoying a peaceful life with someone you love and adore.

4. Keep on Swinging, by Rival Sons

This is one of those songs that is a great theme song for those who are currently in a situation where the odds seem stacked against them, but they just keep their heads down and swinging away until they come out on top. It's loud, rumbly, and ROCKS. Rival Sons are definitely one of the best bands to come out of the past decade. Not many people are taking the reins from the old guard of rock n' roll, but these guys sure are.

5. Four Out of Five, by Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys are back and better than ever with their new record Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. This first single off the record is a pretty accurate representation of the overall sound of the album in that it shows off the meticulously crafted blend of David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles. It has a rather melancholic, bass driven sound, but it still has a groove that hooks you in. Plus, Alex Turner's voice sounds almost exactly like Bowie to a haunting degree.