Brothers: Oct. 4, 2011

He protects and intimidates, annoys and inspires, tags along and leads the way, and he's always got your back. He's your Brother, and he's today's theme on Variations on a Theme.

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The bond of brotherhood is very strong, extending beyond the ties of blood.

Hot Chip - "Brothers" - One Life Stand (2010)

Swollen Members - "Brothers" - Black Magic (2006)

Sisters have very special relationships with their brothers.

Ms. Dynamite - "Brother" - A Little Deeper (2002)

Amy Winehouse - "Brother" - Frank (2003)

Sometimes you might get irritable with your brother and wish you were an only child.

Born Ruffians - "Sole Brother" - Say It (2010)

Elk City - "Little Brother" - New Believers (2007)

The Organ - "Brother" - Grab That Gun (2004)

Let's revisit the subject of little brothers.

The Eames Era - "Little Brother" - Heroes + Sheroes (2007)

Brant Bjork & the Bros. - "Lil' Bro" - Saved By Magic (2005)

Pride Tiger - "Bro Owl" - Wood Dhak Froese Payette (2006)

Brothers support us, but sometimes they need encouragement too.

Constantines - "Brother Run Them Down" - Kensington Heights (2008)

The Black Keys - "Unknown Brother" - Brothers (2010)

Again, there's nothing like the love between brothers.

Animal Collective - "Brother Sport" - Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009)