Hatchet reporter Hayley Burgess shares her latest musical obsessions.

“Listen to Your Love”
Mona

Since seeing Mona open for The Joy Formidable at the Black Cat last weekend, I haven’t been able to stop playing “Listen to Your Love.” It’s just that kind of feel-good, sing-along-in-the-car type of song that I can never get enough of. It’s a desperate plea for the return of a girlfriend, begging her to come back: “Come on, don’t you know I wanna see you/ It won’t suck, yeah/ Don’t you know you gotta listen to your love?” The chorus is catchy, the guitar is solid, the lead singer’s voice is seriously good, and if this song is any indication, Mona has a lot of potential with their upcoming debut album.

“Wish I Stayed” (acoustic version)
Ellie Goulding

For some reason, I haven’t been able to get hooked on Ellie Goulding’s regular stuff, but I have to admit she has a seriously good voice, and nowhere is it more clear than in her acoustic version of “Wish I Stayed.” Unfortunately, the song isn’t available on Itunes, but it can be accessed on YouTube. The acoustic version of the song, which is usually accompanied by electronic beats that in my opinion detract from the meaning, is a beautifully sincere song about the regret and nostalgia of leaving your home and past behind. And if you like this song as much as I do, I’d also recommend checking out her song “Roscoe,” which is equally as well sung and heartfelt.

“Seven Nation Army”
The White Stripes

Maybe it’s the White Stripes nostalgia coming on a little strong, or maybe it’s the edgy, badass nature of the track, but “Seven Nation Army” has been on repeat on my Itunes almost every day for the past few weeks. Jack White sings “I’m gonna fight ‘em off/A seven nation army couldn’t hold me back” so convincingly, and continues on with lyrics that would keep even the toughest from messing with him. The song won a Grammy in 2004 for Best Rock Song, and has a bass-like guitar riff that has given it recognition as one of the White Stripes’ best and most recognizable songs. It’s the perfect track to play to mourn the band’s recent break-up, and the perfect song to remember just how talented the Stripes’ were.