Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth

Probably one of the most recognizable opening notes in music history and lyrics that call attention to massive upheaval in society, For What It's Worth is a masterpiece of music from the Vietnam era.

The beat is very relaxed, with a bass locked into the drums and acoustic guitar strumming the rhythm. In spite of such a laid-back accompaniment, the twangy tremolo electric guitar lays a bead of tension from the start.

The ultimate protest song, the imagery of young people standing up to the creeping oppression of the state is unmistakable and quite literal.

Stephen Stills' vocal is my favorite blend of innocent and haunting. An interesting quirk in the recording caused a word, probably "people," to be dropped.

"What a field day for the heat,
A thousand ______ in the street"

Because it so prominent, I suppose some people might think this was on purpose, but in my experience it was probably a bit of noise in the studio, or an unfortunately timed microphone pop on an otherwise flawless take.

Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

Some songs take time to grow on you, and those you seem to love most of all, but there is always something special about a song with a hook you recognize instantly, even though you've never heard it before. I stumbled across this track, White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes, and was blown away by the beautiful harmonies and simple, straightforward structure. As basic as it is, the a capella recitations juxtaposed with a lavish Specter-esque wall-of-sound encasing the haunting melody is worth putting on repeat to study the textures–if you're into that sort of thing.

The lyrics have a quality of innocent darkness about them that's pleasantly disturbing. A chorus sings in major key, with a chilling climb to minor:

I was following the pack
All swallowed in their coats
With scarfs of red tied 'round their throats
To keep their little heads
From falling in the snow
And I turned 'round and there you go
And Michael you would fall
And turn the white snow red as strawberries in the summertime