We also take a look at this week's announcement that Spotify, the hot-as-fire music-streaming site, is opening up its massive database of songs to outside app developers.

CNN: Tech Check: Cyber Monday and Spotify apps

The love songs on Middle Cyclone are also unconventional: The opening track, "This Tornado Loves You, " imagines what it would be like to have an affair with a funnel cloud.

NPR: Exclusive First Listen: Neko Case

This spring, NPR Music and All Songs Considered webcast a live concert by Neko Case, with an opening performance by Martha Wainwright.

NPR: Tuesday Music: Martha Wainwright

He also said that he still has songs which wander through his mind, or he wakes up with the opening line in his head.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Sir Paul reveals songwriting secrets

The Great Gatsby features songs by Jack White and rapper Jay-Z - who is also due to attend the opening at Cannes.

BBC: The Great Gatsby

Though Darondo owes much of his style to Al Green, the track gives Green's best songs a run for their money: The song's every element is sublime, from the opening guitar line to Ray Dobard's sweeping string arrangement to Darondo's delicate vocals, which reveal a fragile vulnerability.

NPR: Classic Soul from an Unlikely Source