Happy July 4th: 4 tracks 4 the Occasion

In honor of Independence Day in the US, here are four songs for the occasion! I'd like to wish a special happy birthday to my faithful, loving, beautiful...dog, Patches--Happy 13th!

1. Voxtrot: "Firecracker" - One of the best--certainly one of the catchiest--songs on their most recent self-titled release. It takes a minute to really get going, but then it's nothing by fireworks until the end. Check out the CSV post on Voxtrot. Plus, head over to their website for summer tour dates--I'll be at the Baltimore show.

2. Ryan Adams: "Firecracker" - Some upbeat, harmonica-clad, Ryan to celebrate the day with: "well everybody wants to go forever / I just wanna burn up hard and bright / I just wanna be your firecracker / And maybe be your baby tonight." Check out the recent CSV review for Easy Tiger, and the 5 worst Ryan Adams songs.

3. Cold War Kid: "Indoor Fireworks" - An Elvis Costello cover and a dern good one. Plus, we get a friendly safety disclaimer: "Indoor fireworks can still burn your fingers...they'll bring a tear when the smoke gets in your eyes." Be safe this 'fourth! Check out this site to get three free live tracks recorded in Amsterdam.

4. Weezer: "Holiday" - Bet you didn't see this one coming! Enjoy your holiday and one of Weezer's last good songs. Cheers!