Matthew Learn, a junior mechanical engineering major, likes music that is “different from the type of music that you hear day in and day out … music that has more thought to it than most pop music out there.”

His taste in music is mainly influenced by high school friends, whom he considered to be “musical snobs.” They were the kids who would make fun of you for liking certain bands and then make you mix tapes to listen to, Learn said. He enjoys listening to indie rock, alternative country and electro-pop. So sit back, relax and let some of these tunes rock those headphones off and put groove into that stride.

1.”Rental Car” by Beck

Beck has always created just fun music. There are points in this song where a girl is just singing la’s and I think its hilarious.

2.”Marvelous Things” by Eisley

The way that these girls can weave their voices together with some really well thought out music is amazing.

3.”Goodbye Sky Harbor” by Jimmy Eat World

A 16-minute song that keeps getting better.

4.”One” by Johnny Cash

The greatest country singer, covering one of the best written rock songs of all time.

5.”January 1979″ by MewithoutYou

Crazyness, utter chaos. Probably one of the best live songs I have heard in a while.

6.”Be Thou My Vision” by Pedro The Lion

I’m a big fan of old hymns, and hearing David Bazaan rawness added to this hymn is pretty cool.

7.”Street Spirit (Fade Out)” by Radiohead

Great song. Great music video. Radiohead always pushes the edge, and its cool to see them evolve musically.

8.”Starálfur” by Sigur Rós

Sigur Ros has released some of the greatest ethereal music. Hearing this in ‘The Life Aquatic’ only made it more rad.

9.”Night Must End” by Sleeping At Last

A great hidden Chicago band. This is one of those songs that you put your headphones on and enjoy.

10.”Two Way Monologue” by Sondre Lerche

Probably the best pop song I have ever heard. It puts you in a good mood.

11.”Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens

From a guy that is putting out 50 albums for all 50 states, this tribute to Chicago is a beautiful song.

12.”Where The Streets Have No Name” by U2

My favorite band and song. [After] 30 years as a band, U2 still is writing exceptional music. Performed live, this song drives the crowd insane.

13.”Hotel Arizona” by Wilco

Another great Chicago band. Wilco has a sonic fury in this song with an awesome mix of feedback, organs and a some fun