So, I’ve been thinking. That’s what introverts do, and occasionally I think about something that is relatively productive. In my writing elsewhere on the Web, I’ve been pretty big into series posts and I thought to myself that it might be fun to try one over here at Ye Olde Frank as well.

What I hope Frank Recommends as a series will do is expose you, cherished reader, to some of my favorite things. As a result, I’m hoping it sparks some conversation, recommendations from you, and just general fun times. Frank can recommend basically anything, and will do so at various intervals. I’ve decided to start with a pretty easy one: Music. Everyone likes music.

I’ve been listening to some really fantastic tunes this summer (but of course I think they’re fantastic, otherwise I wouldn’t listen to them). I get to be really picky about music so it takes a while for an artist to win me over. I have to hear it enough times to really like it without getting sick of it. Seriously. If I hear LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” one. more. time. my head is going to explode… and I’ve never even listened to it the whole way through. I’m convinced it’s the only song Hits 1 plays. Adele is great, but can we take it easy on “Rolling in the Deep” for a little while?

So what’s going to happen right now is that I’m going to recommend 5 songs to you that I am really loving at the moment. Some of these are artists who are new to me, and others I might know a little better. Where do I find these artists? Via other artists, Sirius Radio (I love the Spectrum), doing stuff like this (sharing with friends), and… Conan (seriously, I generally enjoy his mostly-unknown musical guests).

For your part, you’re going to give them a listen, and then you can comment and tell me what you think. We can discuss, we can debate, you can tell me my taste in music sucks, you can tell me similar bands or artists to check out, etc. Pretty easy. You can hit these YouTube videos and let them play in the background while you do other stuff. See how convenient I’m making this for you? Aaaaand GO.

The Head and the Heart – “Lost in my Mind”

I’m a sucker for acoustic guitars. I’m even more of a sucker for acoustic guitars and pianos. This band was on Conan this past spring and they have a nice kind of acoustic, folksy sound, so it didn’t take me long to decide that I love this song (or to sit around stomping out a beat while singing “How’s that bricklayin’ coming? How’s your engine running?” (See lyrics)

Fitz and the Tantrums – “MoneyGrabber”

This song makes me feel so energized, and I can’t get over it. The retro sound sucks you in (I mean really, how many current bands do you know that have a regular bari sax player? This one does!). You might feel like you’re listening to something from the 70s, but that’s okay. If you like this, I suggest you also check out “We Don’t Gotta Work It Out.” (See lyrics)

The Avett Brothers – “I and Love and You”

I’m also a sucker for piano and strings (like, say, a cello). This is pretty mellow, although perhaps maybe a bit melancholy (but I don’t think terribly so). If you like it, check out “Head Full of Doubt” too — very neat video for that one. (See lyrics)

Scars on 45 – “Give Me Something”

This song festers in my head at least twice a day, and I love it. The accents really get me (I love when you can still hear a person’s accent when he or she sings), but I like how the music is kind of a blend of different styles. (See lyrics)

Peter Bjorn and John – “Second Chance”

Ending on an upbeat tempo. Another slightly retro-sounding song, and it’s quite catchy. The video is kind of interesting (in reverse). I want points for liking this song BEFORE it was on a beer commercial (so you’ll probably recognize this one). MORE COWBELL! (See lyrics)

This concludes the first official installment of Frank Recommends. So let’s discuss. I want to know what you thought. Do these artists and bands remind you of other artists and bands that you know? Are you impressed that I didn’t include any Butch Walker in this list? Don’t worry, he’ll get his turn. What other stuff do you want Frank to Recommend?