Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off this week's Listen Closely Wednesday!
Five Songs That Pay Tribute to Davy Jones
1. 'The Monkees (Theme Song From The Show)' sung by: The Monkees
- This song is available the album "The Best of the Monkees" (2003) but also in many othe places on Amazon, iTunes and the Android Market. I won't be repeating this spiel because it's the same for the others.
- Reason Behind It: So, I don't even know how many of my followers even know who Davy Jones is. But at least they've heard of The Monkees (hopefully). Davy Jones was the lead singer of the band, which was a sensation in the 60s, selling more records at one point than the Rolling Stones and the Beatles combined. Plus, they had a T.V. show. That makes this song more important than you'd think and Davy was a major reason why.
2. '(I'm Not) Your Steppin' Stone' sung by: The Monkees
- Reason Behind It: This song reminds me somewhat of the Rolling Stones' style and lyrics. Except for the fact that I can actually STAND listening to The Monkees! Plus Davy Jones has a great voice, not to be dismissed as simply the lead singer of a boy band. This song shows his range.
3. 'I'm a Believer' sung by: The Monkees
- Reason Behind It: Who can call themself an American and not have heard this song at least once in their life? Plus, anyone who has seen Shrek has at least heard Smashmouth's cover of it. Let me tell you, the original is way better.
4. 'Last Train to Clarksville' sung by: The Monkees
- Reason Behind It: This song really reminds me of The Beatles song, Ticket to Ride. However, I like that this song is less existential and more down to Earth. Ther is actually a destination. Plus the beat it pretty good for this one, even with the 'no-no-no's. Listen and you'll see what I mean.
5. 'Daydream Believer' sung by: The Monkees
- Reason Behind It: This song truly brings home that The Monkees were the teen idols of their time. It makes you believe that Davy Jone is singing straight to you and gives you a taste of what it was like for all the girls who watched him rise to fame in the 60s. And it's just a beautiful song in general! :)
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off this week's Listen Closely Wednesday!
Five Songs I Think People Should Hear At Least Once
1. 'Santa Monica' sung by: Everclear
- This song is available most notably on the album "Sparkle and Fade" (1995) I'm sure it is fairly easy to find! :)
- Reason Behind It: I love Everclear. Art Alexakis and the rest of the badn are just plain awesome. The lyrics get into your soul, the music keeps you going all day long and they are so into their performance you can't help but be too. Everclear is EPIC.
2.'I'm Only Happy When It Rains' sung by: Garbage
- This song is available most notably on the self-titled album "Garbage" (1995) Which can be found on iTunes, Amazon and the Android market.
- Reason Behind It: Talk about 90s grunge rock and these guys come up in the conversation most likely. They are great lyrically, forerunners of emo music in my opinion but with more rock and less whine. Definitely a song everyone should hear at least once.
3. 'Wonderwall' sung by: Oasis
- This song is available most notably on the album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" (1995) This is available on iTunes, Amazon, and the Android Market. It should also be fairly easy to find other places as well because Oasis is a very popular band of the 90s.
- Reason Behind It: I love this song, it always makes you feel like you're floating. It also reminds you of all the important people in your life and how empty you'd be without them. We all need saving sometimes.
4. 'Tubthumping' sung by: Chumbawamba
- This song is available on the album "Tubthumping" (1997), which can be found on Amazon, iTunes, the Android market and in many other places.
- Reason Behind It: It's one of those really annoying songs that somehow manages to make you sing along and know all of the words. You never happen to forget the words, even though you should really only be drunk when singing this song (it's the only real excuse for it). That's all the explanation needed.
5. 'Say It Ain't So' sung by: Weezer
- This song is available on the album self-entitled "Weezer"(1994), which can be found on iTunes, Amazon, the Android market and many other places were music is sold.
- Reason Behind It: Until recently I associated this song very strongly with the 90s, but had no idea that Weezer was the band that sang it. That's how Weezer is, they sneak into your everyday listening until Rivers Cuomo writes the soundtrack to your life. That's why everyone shoudl hear this song at least once.
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off this week's Listen Closely Wednesday!
Five Songs That Spotlight Buddy Holly (Who Has Been on My Mind This Week)
1. 'That'll Be The Day' sung by: Buddy Holly
- This is availble in so many places, on so many albums it isn't funny. The same goes for all four of the other songs, therefore I WILL NOT be repeating this spiel again! :)
- Reason Behind It: This is one the three Holly songs people are most likely to recognize, even if they are unsure who sings it (the others are 'Peggy Sue' and 'Everyday'). It is a great song and it put Holly and his band The Crickets at the forefront of the beginning of the rock n' roll movement. Everyone should listen to this at least once.
2. 'Maybe Baby' sung by: Buddy Holly
- Reason Behind It: This song has such a blatant sense of longing about it but the lyrics are ones that cheer you up (even when causing your heart to ache inside of your chest). It speaks of rejection but hope for the future. It's wonderful.
3. 'Not Fade Away' sung by: Buddy Holly
- Reason Behind It: I love all the jumps Buddy's voice makes in this song and the way the music complements them instead of overshadowing. Also, the constancy hinted at in the lyrics is the stuff of dreams. At least my dreams anyways! :)
4. 'Rave On' sung by: Buddy Holly
- Reason Behind It: It's SO freaking catchy! I love this song's beat and general rhythms, plus the lyrics are just plain fun (maybe not so serious, but not every song has to be).
5. 'True Love Ways' sung by: Buddy Holly
- Reason Behind It: The unfairness of life makes me want to cry. You can tell by this song just how much Holly loved his wife Maria and that he was taken from her so suddenly is cruel. The day the music died is on my mind when I hear this song, but so is every beautiful the world has ever given me - and that is the wonder of Buddy Holly.
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
IN MEMORY OF BUDDY HOLLY, THE BIG BOPPER, RITCHIE VALENS, and the pilot, ROGER PETERSON.
Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off this week's Listen Closely Wednesday!
Five Songs That I Found This Week
1. 'Maybelline' sung by: Chuck Berry
- This song is available just about anywhere because it was Chuck's first single ever and a hit on the charts at a time when rock n' roll was just starting! :)
- Reason Behind It: Obviously I've heard songs by Chuck Berry before, but I've never gone out of my way to listen to new stuff sung by him. The only songs I've ever really heard have been in movies or on the radio. Which is a shame, because this is a pretty great song and the lyrics are RACY for the 50s!
2. 'Change' sung by: The Lightning Seeds
- This song is available most easily on the soundtrack to the film 'Clueless' which is by no means difficult to find.
- Reason Behind It: I've always loved this song and I had never before bothered to know the name or who sings it. That has thankfully been remedied. It's a cheerful song, with a nice melody to it. Just enough of a mid-90s feel to make me adore it.
3. 'Video Games' sung by: Lana Del Ray
- This song is newly available in the U.S., as of yesterday on Lana's debut album "Born to Die" (2012). Should be easily found in the U.S. and U.K. (she is a British artist).
- Reason Behind It: If you don't already know, I'm obsessed with British artists for some unknown (probably subconcious) reason. Lana Del Ray is deserving of much internation fame. Her lyrics make me sing along and the music is honestly composed. Plus, her voice is gorgeous.
4. 'Ocean Wide' sung by: The Afters
- This song is easily found on YoutTube. I'm unsure about iTunes or retail outlets as I haven't checked yet at this point.
- Reason Behind It: There really is no reason other than the fact that I've completely fallen in love with this song. Do I need any other reason?
5. 'Broken Arrow' sung by: Pixie Lott
- This is available on YouTube and on Amazon.com, if you import the album "Turn It Up Louder" which is not yet available in the U.S. It is available in the U.K. though.
- Reason Behind It: I've featured Pixie before because I absolutely love her, but somehow I've never talked about this song before. This is the first song I ever heard by Pixie Lott and the lyrics make me melt because they are so TRUE. You can't move on until you fully let go of the past, even if the future looks like it's going to be even more beautiful.
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off this week's Listen Closely Wednesday!
Five Songs That Took Me Back To The 1990s This Week
1. 'Iris' sung by: The Goo Goo Dolls
- This song is available on the album, "Dizzy Up the Girl" (1998) and can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and many other places.
- Reason Behind It: This song is just so ingrained in the 90s for me it isn't funny. They played this on the radio A LOT when I was a kid and I loved the Goo Goo Dolls then - I still do. It's just a good song.
2. 'Bitch' sung by: Meredith Brooks
- This song is available on the album, "Blurring The Edges" (1997) and can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and many other outlets that distribute music as digital files or hard copies. Not a hard song to locate! :)
- Reason Behind It: This song makes me mellow out, believe it or not. It also makes me confident in who I am, ready to tell someone to shove it if they don't like me. I am perfect just the way I am, even if that means I'm full of contradictions.
3. 'One of Us' sung by: Joan Osborne
- This song is available on the album, "Relish" (1995) which can be found on iTunes, Amazon and just about anywhere older music is available for sale (I recently saw it on Salvation Army shelves).
- Reason Behind It: In the 1990s everyone thought they were SO original and philisophical. But Joan Osborne is just asking a question people have always asked: what would God be like if he was just another person? That's the reason you still hear this on the radio occasionally. Because it's an ages old question we all wonder about.
4. 'I Don't Want To Wait' sung by: Paula Cole
- This song is available on the album, "This Fire" (1996) and can be found on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube and many other places. Plus, I'm sure many of you recognize it from a certain TV show...
- Reason Behind It: When I think of the 90s, I inevitably think about Dawson's Creek. That leads me to this song, which was the theme song for the first year and a half of the song. When they switched theme songs I WAS PISSED OFF. This is still the theme to me and they used it on the series finale. Therefore, it is one of my quintessential 90s songs.
5. 'Sunny Came Home' sung by: Shawn Colvin
- This song is available on the album, "A Few Small Repairs" (1996) and can be found on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube, etc. It's an easy find! :)
- Reason Behind It: This song is one that I was obsessed with as a kid. I got a Walkman for Christmas in 1997 and this is one of the first cassette tapes I owned (this and the Backstreet Boys' first album). I played this so much you'd think it was the only song in existence. Plus, I heard it on the radio quite a bit as well. This song just got into me and I still sing along every time I hear it.
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off this week's Listen Closely Wednesday!
Five Songs That Have Helped Me Feel Good About Myself and My Life
1. 'Tonight' sung by: Seether
- This song is available on their album "Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray" which was released in 2011. It should be fairly easy to find! :)
- Reason Behind It: I LOVE the lyrics of the first verse of this song. They remind me that I have it a lot better than I think sometimes, when I'm feeling down. It reminds me to smile and be grateful for the general ease of my life. My favorite verse:
"I'm not gonna waste this
This opportunity's mine
I'm sick of complaining
About a beautiful life."
Who else is so totally sick of complaining about a beautiful life? Because it IS beautiful you guys, more than we ever realize.
2. 'Pop! Goes My Heart' sung by: Hugh Grant
- This song is available on the soundtrack to the film "Music and Lyrics." It's a few years old and easy to find in America at least. Don't know how the movie did in other countries! :)
- Reason Behind It: This song makes you sing along, mimicking the ridiculous dance moves from the movie. The whole idea is for it to mirror an 80s Pop song - the music video is TOTALLY HILARIOUS. Not even kidding. The movie is cute but this song is def my favorite part of it! :)
3. 'Manic Monday' sung by: Relient K
- This song is a remake of a Bangles song from the 80s. It is on an album on American iTunes called "Punk Goes 80s" and I don't think it's particularly widespread.
- Reason Behind It: I love the original, but this one a has a certain crazed energy to it that makes you want to run around the room, dancing like a crazy person. Plus, remakes are seldom that great. This happens to be an exception. It's worth checking out! :)
4. 'Determinate' sung by: Lemonade Mouth
- This song is a product of a fictional band from a Disney Channel original movie, based on a truly AWESOME YA book of the same name. It is available on the soundtrack. Very easy to find! :)
- Reason Behind It: I love the fact that Disney did not totally wreck the heart of the book. And the music is so very catchy and danceable it isn't funny. These kids can actually sing, which is a rarity for Disney Channel stars. That justifies my love for this song, if nothing else does.
5. 'Wonderman' sung by: Tinie Tempah ft. Ellie Goulding
- This song is available as a single on iTunes and on the album "Disc-Overy" released in 2011. This is recent and he is a pretty big rapper in Britain I believe, so it shouldn't be hard to find! :)
- Reason Behind It: I love this song because of the awesome lyrics that are relevant to my world and the great beat/back-up singing by Ellie Goulding (who I am obsessed with)! It just makes me feel good! :)
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off this week's Listen Closely Wednesday!
Five Songs That I Discovered This Week For The First Time
1. 'Something More Besides You' sung by: The Cowboy Junkies
- This song is older (1996), so I'd imagine that as long as you're in posession of the band and song names, it should be easy enough to come by! :)
- Reason Behind It: I don't know what it was about this song, but the melacholy of the score and the pain in the lyrics got to me. I have a penchant for sad music, oddly enough. This was no exception, plus the singer's voice is BEAUTIFUL.
2. 'Shake It Out' sung by: Florence & The Machine
- This song is available in many places because the popularity of this band is amazingly widespread (yet another British musical contribution!).
- The Reason Behind It: I got the band's newest CD for Christmas and only recently began to listen to it closely. This song has wonderful lyrics and it has such a confessional, churchy feel to the composition of it. It has a redemptive quality that makes you want to sway along.
3. 'All Mixed Up' sung by: The Red House Painters
- This song is available on American iTunes most notably, as well as other outlets because it's from the 90s. Therefore no need to pirate it! :p
- The Reason Behind It: So, I technically didn't just discover it this week, but I did recently find out who sings it. This made it possible for me to listen to it on a almost permanent loop. This is because I always associate it with the movie Excess Baggage, which I absolutely LOVE. Of course, lots of people hate it. Including the critics but then again, who counts them? *Laughs maniacally*
4. 'I'm the baby (Gotta love me)' sung by: Kevin Clash a.k.a. Baby Dinosaur
- This song is not available on iTunes, but probably on Amazon. The music video is also on YouTube! :)
- The Reason Behind It: Every time I hear the song I think of Baby Dinosaur and it puts a smile on my face no matter what kind of day I'm having. I recently rediscovered his hilarity (he was a dinosaur version of Stewie from Family Guy!) and love him to pieces - I still have my action figure from when I was little!!! 'Nuff said.
5.'Push Me To The Floor' sung by: The Parlotones
- This song is available on American iTunes and other places, because this band is either British or Australian (not sure which).
- Reason Behind It: This song reminds me of how it feels in a relationship sometimes when you feel like you can't live with someone but you can't live without them either. Plus the music video is hilarious and sad at the same time! :)
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off this weeks Listen Closely Wednesday!
Five Songs That Have Been Played Over and Over Again This Week
1. 'Words I Couldn't Say' Sung by: Leighton Meester
- This song is available on the soundtrack for the movie Country Strong, which can be found on iTunes. Also can be heard on YouTube.
-Reason Behind It: Leighton Meester's normal style of music is dance/pop and this definitely off the beaten track for her. That said, I love this song. It's absolutely gorgeous and if you like ballads, you'll enjoy it whether or not you like her other music, or watch her on Gossip Girl.
2. 'Black and Gold' sung by: Ellie Goulding
- This is NOT available legally in the United States as far as I know. Ellie Goulding is an amazing British artist and you should all listen to this song on YouTube.
-Reason Behind It: This song is SO CATCHY. Ellie is awesome to begin with, but the lyrics to this one flow down in a way that makes you want to dance and sing along. How many technoy-pop songs manage that?
3. 'These Times' sung by: SafetySuit
- This song is available at most places music are sold in the U.S. (not sure about other countries). SafetySuit's new album finally dropped yesterday! :)
-Reason Behind It: SafetySuit is a band that does NOT get enough recognition. They have wonderful lyrics and melodies, with this song being no exception. For some reason they always make me feel like I'm floating under water. It's beautiful.
4. 'Happy Days Are Here Again' sung by: Johnny Marvin and Leonard Joy Orchestra
- This song should not be too hard to find, considering it's from the Flapper era (1920s/1930s)! All you really need are the name of the song and the artist. I bought it from iTunes.
- Reason Behind It: Swing/Ragtime/Blues music is awesome. I love this song because it speaks of a bygone era and with the current economic slump, it fits right in with the times. I can totally relate to the Great Depression y'all. I couldn't find an upload of this song, so I just found one of Johnny singing.
5. 'Never Grow Up' sung by: Taylor Swift
-This song is available on the album "Speak Now" pretty much everywhere music is sold in the U.S. and many other countries! :)
- Reason Behind It: I am not as much of a Taylor Swift fan as some people, but I'm not a hater either. This song has to be my favorite though, because it really captures the pain of growing up and losing the innocence that comes with being little.
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off this weeks Listen Closely Wednesday!
Five Songs That Have Kept My Mood Lifted High This Week
1. 'Breathless' Sung by: Shayne Ward
- This song is NOT available on American iTunes. Anna is a very naughty music listener, who is not always a follower of the rules. DO NOT do as she does folks. You can hear it on Youtube! :)
-Reason Behind It: Every time I listen to this song I picture the scene in the Korean drama 'You're Beautiful' where the main guy is listening to this song, twirling in a field...and then a wild pig chases him and scares the crap out of him! I love that show and this song is beautiful, but it makes me laugh.
2. 'Band Aid' sung by: Pixie Lott
- This is not available on American iTunes, but it is available on Amazon.com, on the album "Turn It Up Louder" by Pixie Lott. It's an import because she's British and subsequently awesome!
-Reason Behind It: I love Pixie even when I'm having a low week, but this song is upbeat and the lyrics are fun. Plus, any song named 'Band Aid' can't inspire ill feelings. It can only make you laugh and smile. I have a thing for British music and that helps too. I actually think Shayne Ward is a Brit too.....
3. 'Sandcastles' sung by: Kate Voegele
- This song is available on iTunes and a whole bunch of other places on the album "Gravity Happens" (2011) by Kate Voegele.
- Reason Behind It: It reminds me to be grateful for everything that I have, versus being sad about the things I'm lacking. It also makes me feel something deep inside and the lyrics honestly describe wanting things to be simple rather than having to make life decisions and become an adult. I have the laid-back persona that is inherent in this song which can be good and bad.
4. 'The Creep' sung by: The Lonely Island featuring Nicki Minaj and John Waters
- This song is available on iTunes and a lot of other places, on the album "Turtleneck and Chain" by The Lonely Island. As a band The Lonely Island is famous for their songs on SNL mostly and I think they're pretty funny.
-Reason Behind It: This song is pretty funny on lyrics alone, but the video is what clinches it for me every time. Who knows why I find it so awesome - maybe it's because I'm a hardcore John Waters fan and I love the fact that he's in on the joke. Also, that dance is the stuff viral videos are made of.
5. 'Dancing Crazy' sung by: Miranda Cosgrove
- This song is available on iTunes and many other places on the album "High Maitenance - EP." Not a hard song to find, after all she was a Disney Channel star!
-Reason Behind It: I know, I know! A Disney Channel kid, what the H-E-Double was I thinking, right? Well this song is just plain catchy and fun! THAT'S what I was thinking! Plus the music video is fun too. You should check it out, if only for an excuse to dance.
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
Hi everyone! As my followers have by now learned, I am passionate about Young Adult books. But I also love many other forms of expression, including music. I truly believe in the quote that is pictured above and as such have decided to create a weekly meme that is dedicated to sharing music that I believe in, music that has touched me, made me laugh/cry or just plain feel something more. Every week, Listen Closely Wednesdays will talk about five songs that have been important to me that week, why they made the list and I will post all pertinent info about the song itself as well. If you wish to do this on your own blog, please credit me. It is something that I would love to share but I do want to be recognized as this having been my own, original idea. On that note, feel free to comment about the things I share with you or about the music that's on your mind at the time. I'd love to hear all about it! Without further adieu, let's kick off the first ever LCW! :)
Five Songs That Have Made Me Not Completely Hate Working Retail During the Week Before/Of Christmas (Specifically Working in a Toy Department, a.k.a. Hell-on-Earth)
1.'Mele Kalikimaka' Sung by: Bing Crosby
-This song is available on iTunes (and probably MANY other places), on the album "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby (with the occasional guest collaborations)
-Reason Behind It: Every time I hear this song, I imagine being on an island, "a land where palm trees sway" instead of being ready to lose my mind on the next person who asks me if we have any more Fijit friends or Angry Birds board games in stock. Plus, Bing's voice is a happy place for me at anytime of the year. Living in Michigan means that at this time of year, with the nasty weather, I am ALWAYS wishing for a Mele Kalikimaka holiday - even when there is no holiday left.
2. 'I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas' Sung by: Gayla Peevy
-This song is available on iTunes (and God knows where else), more specifically on the album "Vintage Childrens Favourites" by Various Artists (alongside such gems as "You're a Pink Toothbrush" and "Pickin' a Chicken"...I'm actually being serious right now, promise!)
-Reason Behind It: I have always loved gag songs, especially this one and "The Streak" sung by Ray Stevens. They are hilarious, often have very odd or nonsensical lyrics and keep you laughinf with strange expressions on your face the entire time. Plus, an added bonus is that everytime I think of a child actually getting a hippopotamus for Christmas, I imagine some of my more rotten customers with children being trampled. Screw holiday spirit, yes, I realize I'm evil. Deal with it and it will eventually pass.
3. 'Blue Christmas' Sung by: Elvis Presley
-This song is available on iTunes (and anywhere else Elvis has been heard of, i.e. everywhere on Earth just about) on a few albums, "Elvis Christmas" (2006), "Elvis' Christmas Album" (1957) to name just a couple.
-Reason Behind It: This is my first Christmas without my Grandpa Vernon, my maternal Grandfather. My Grandma Barb, his wife, has been obsessed with Elvis since LONG before I was even a subconcious pondering in my parents' oddly shaped thoughts. It is an obsession that I have proudly inherited and display like a banner. But even with the previous love for it, this song has special meaning for me this year because of my Grandpa. I wasn't extremely close to him, but I do miss him still.
4. 'Kidnap the Sandy Claws' sung by: Catherine O'Hara, Danny Elfman & Paul Reubens
-This is available on iTunes (and anywhere else the soundtrack for "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is sold. Work of genius may I just say...) on the album "Nightmare Before Christmas" by Various Artists.
-Reason Behind It: Although I have not always disliked the holiday season so much as I do now, even as a child I was fascinated by the film, "The Nightmare Before Christmas." I loved the music, the visuals, the story and the feelings it evoked in me. It still makes me feel connected to the holidays in a way I usually don't. Plus, it is pretty fascinating to think about Halloween meeting Christmas and trying to take it over! I love 'Kidnap the Sandy Claws' most though because of the purely gleeful, thrill of mischief the thought of hog-tieing 'that big red lobster man' gives me, even as an adult. The lyrics are clever also.
5. 'Narcissitic Cannibal' sung by: Korn featuring Skrillex and Kill The Noise
-This is available on iTunes (plus many other places I'm sure, since it's quite a popular song) on the album "The Path of Totality" (2011) by Korn (with quite a few collaborations).
-Reason Behind It: The lyrics have just struck a chord in me lately. I guess sometimes the monotony of my life below the poverty line gets to me. I have a home, a good family situation and more than a lot of people monetarily above me could ever dream of. But sometimes I feel trapped by circumstance, which is normal for the human race from what I imagine. Still, doesn't diminish the feelings even when you can rationalize them. And I've been feeling it a lot lately. Here's the chorus:
"Sometimes I hate
The life I made
Everything is wrong every time
Pushing on, I can't escape
Everything that comes my way
Haunting me taking it's sweet time
Holding on, I'm lost in a haze
Fighting life 'til the end of my days"
That's all for this weeks edition of Listen Closely Wednesdays. I'm honored if you decided to read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy listening my friends! :)
