Listen Closely Wednesdays # 4

   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! :)

Listen Closely Wednesdays (LCW) # 3

  
   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! :)

Listen Closely Wednesdays (LCW) # 2

http://diamondinroughcoal.blogspot.com

   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! :)

Listen Closely Wednesdays (LCW) # 1

http://diamondinroughcoal.blogspot.com

   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! :)