“Another Bag Of Bones” -Kevin Devine

Kevin Devine is one of the more outspoken gingers in the world, writing delicate, poetic songs coupled with his emotionally wavering tenor. “Another Bag Of Bones” creates poetry out of unwarranted casualties in war. With anti-war songs gaining popularity alongside momentum in the Vietnam era, they seem to have almost become a thing of the past. But war hasn’t. Kevin Devine swings the camera back onto an issue that is just as heartbreaking and real as when songs of this nature were commonplace. They don’t call redheads “fiery” for nothing.

“A More Perfect Union” -Titus Andronicus

If you like allusions, you’re in for a treat. New Jersey punks in residence Titus Andronicus scribed this 7-minute epic with a truncated speech Abraham Lincoln gave that warned against lending too much power to the government while also hinting that the strongest revolutions would be domestic. “A More Perfect Union” laments the now lost American Dream™ with screeching, melancholy references to Springsteen, a Civil War era marching song, while closing with a soured line from the “Battle Hymn Of The Republic.

“Working Class Hero” -Green Day

This cover is not only phenomenally done, but is also a part of something really cool. Back in 2007, a bunch of artists you probably like collaborated to make an album called Instant Karma. Composed entirely of John Lennon covers, all proceeds of the album benefitted the struggling nation of Darfur. This tune in particular is haunting, due to a refreshingly sensitive, husky-voiced Billie Joe Armstrong, as well as an almost hypnotic chorus. A salute to blue-collared America, John Lennon penned this in unwavering support of the middle class while solidly flipping off “the machine.” The original is just as stellar, but these punk icons add a much needed layer of humility and grit.