The Triumphant Return of Because: Music That Matters

Like the McRib, the word because makes an annual return in this blog. Unlike the McRib, however, you know what the word because is made of and why it's back. It's made of letters and syllables and it's back because it's time to share some of my favorite music with you. Get your Spotify account logged in, your torrent programs turned on, or your iTunes gift cards handy, this is a good one.

Mogwai - Because everyone has heard of Explosions In The Sky and these guys are better.

Grouplove - Because they're Arcade Fire-y, and damn catchy.

Raphael Saadiq - Because he's been around since the 80s Because he backed Mick Jagger in the 2011 Grammy Awards. Because he has throw back style.  Because he's been nominated for more Grammys than I have fingers and it's time people started taking notice.

The Head and The Heart - Because you can only listen to Mumford & Sons so many times, right?

Middle Brother - See above. Insert The Avett Brothers for Mumford & Sons.

Revolution One - Because they changed their name from Autovein, but still rock just as hard. Because of Sidebar.

Le Tigre - Because lo fi electronics and eclectic pop is cool. Because, thanks to them, I'll never forget my metrocard.

Radiohead - Because.

Deer Tick - Because I'm almost positive "The Bump" was written for me.

thenewno2 - Because Dhani Harrison jams with Pearl Jam. Because spaces are overrated.

Drake - Because his latest record, Take Care, changed the way I think about hip hop.

Charles Bradley - Because soul music isn't dead.

Jamaica - Because they will be your favorite band. Beause it's equal parts guitar riffs and spine-jarring bass. Because they're form Paris. PARIS.

Hayes Carll - Because occasionally country music gives me a gem. Because of Stomp and Hollar.

Yuck - Because the wall of noise is back. It is back.

Alexander - Because they were a related artist to Deer Tick on Spotify and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

Union Tree Review - Because they sincerely love St. Louis. Because they believe in the people, they believe in the community. Because they're starting a musical movement in the city and we need to be a part of it.

Bo and the Locomotive - Because their album release show was one of the most energetic shows I've ever been to. Ever.

The Belle Brigade - Because The White Stripes are gone and I need a brother sister duo to listen to. Because Losers makes me feel better about myself when I stay in on Fridays.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Because I've missed Oasis so much. Because a world without Noel Gallagher's voice is not a world worth living in.

Michael Kiwanuka - Because by this time next year, you'll be sick of hearing his name.

Girls - Because just when you thought you've heard the tripiest song ever, you hear Vomit. Because it's hauntingly beautiful.

Yacht - Because it just might be able to make you dance, even if you think you're too tired to do it.

Ryan Adams - Because he completely redeemed himself with his latest record, Fire & Ashes.

Gomez - Because he has the same name as a kid I ran cross country with. Because his music reminds me when things were simpler. Because there's not enough music like that.

Crooked Fingers - Because they remind me of Cary Brothers, and that's a good thing.

The Joy Formidable - Because of her accent in the interviews. Because she's more than an accent, she can sing, too.

Scala & Kolacny Brothers - Specifically, their cover of Metallica's Nothing Else Matters. Because they're a Belgium all girls choir. Because that is blowing your mind right now. Because you're already searching for a video on YouTube.

Brett Dennen - Because gingers don't need souls to sing! Who knew?

That's 29 artists and 48 instances of because. Go.