10 Essential Songs on my 33rd Birthday

Since I'm turning 33 today, i thought i would make a collection of 10 songs that i couldn't imagine living without. These aren't my 10 favorite songs of all time or anything, just a musical snapshot of myself on my birthday. I don't like receiving gifts, but i like giving them. Hopefully, if you take the time to read and listen to some of the songs, you'll find one that becomes essential to you as well. I couldn't imagine a better gift.

1. Josh Ritter - The Temptation of Adam: This is pretty much my favorite song right now. I listen to it all the time. Josh has a way with words that consistently enthralls me. All of his stuff is stellar, but this song holds an extra special in my heart. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvCeCVmJAUA

2. Over The Rhine - Latter Days: I'm not known for my enjoyment of happy songs, i tend to gravitate toward melancholy, at least musically. One of the most beautiful songs ever written, sung by one of the most beautiful voices ever. I have more live versions of this song than i can count, but it never feels like enough. Sometimes this song gets me a little teary. I'm man enough to admit that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftnjUpoCHAg

3. Okkervil River - Lost Coastlines: If you have seen my last.fm page you know how much i listen to Okkervil River. I never tire of this song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ge-Cz1xCGU

4. Metric - Hustle Rose: I go to a *lot* of concerts, but I'm not much of dancer. I'm a toe tapper, and even a swayer sometimes, but dancing is incredibly rare. When i saw this song live i *had* to dance. I don't know how you could not. If Emily Haines wants to have dinner with me, i would be ok with that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LttiMHBpv28

5. Neko Case - This Tornado Loves You: What could be better than a song about a tornado ravenously searching for it's lover? Not much. =) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FhVbyeWFvo

6. Sigur Ros - Untitled #8 (Popplagið): One of the most amazing songs ever. I really want to go to Iceland. Like, this weekend. Anyone want to come with? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8jmLec_wEc

7. A Silver Mt Zion - Blindblindblind: This is only the 2nd half of this song, but it's a long song and the ending is musically earth shattering for me. There are very few bands who make me feel as blessed to be alive as Silver Mt Zion does when I'm lucky enough to be in the same room as them when they are making music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH4pnlS230A

8. Explosions in The Sky - Memorial: I know instrumental music isn't for everyone, but some of the songs that meet me most deeply are those without lyrics. This is one of those songs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twsHr554PPI

9. Wilco - Jesus, Etc: Everyone should go see Wilco. They might be the best American live rock band playing right now. Our love is all of God's money indeed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dhBrpV78BE

10. Magnolia Electric Co - Riding With the Ghost: "I've been riding with the ghost, I've been doing whatever he told me. I've been looking door to door to see if there was someone who'd hold me. Never met a single one who didn't see through me, none of them would love me if they thought they might lose me." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt3f9FH4bgY