Music Monday - Adele "Set Fire to the Rain"

I liked Adele when she debuted with her album, 19. But I really love her now. Her songwriting is amazing. She always tells a story with her words. And the music fits perfectly. There's something about her voice (possibly the raspy quality) that I just love. It makes her stand out from the pop crowd, those perfectly auto-tuned singers. This song has become my new favorite song. I listen to it at least once a day. Adele's new album, 21, centers on her recent breakup. I love how this song really lets us see into her feelings about the breakup. A guy that she thought would save her turned out to have a hidden side.  I can feel the inner struggle.  The great joy of being with someone and the tragedy of their hidden side.  Amazing song!

For your enjoyment, the complete lyrics (with my fave bit in bold):

I let it fall, my heart, And as it fell you also claim it. It was dark and I was all right, Until you kissed my lips and you saved me. My hands they’re strong, but my knees were far too weak, Stand in your arms without fall into your feet, But there’s a side to you that I never knew, I never knew. All the things you say that where never, where never true, And the games you play, you always, always win.

But I set fire to the rain, Watch it pour as I touched your face, Let it burn while I cry, Cause I heard it screaming at your name, your name!

When I’m with you I could stay there, Close my eyes, feel you’re here forever, You and me together, nothing is better! Cause there’s a side to you that I never, never knew, All the things you say that where never true, never true, And the games you play, you would always, always win.

But I set fire to the rain, Watch it pour as I touched your face, Let it burn while I cry, Cause I heard it screaming at your name, your name! I set fire to the rain And I feel lost into the… And it felt something nice, Cause I knew that that was the last time, the last time!

Sometimes I wake up by the door, …gone…waiting further. Even that… I can’t help myself from looking further.

I set fire to the rain, Watch it pour as I touch your face, Let it burn when I cry, Cause I heard it screaming your name, your name I set fire to the rain, And I feel lost into the… Cause I knew that was the last time The last time, oh, oh!

"All Along the Watchtower"

For this Monday I am changing up the post.  Usually I pick an artist or one song from an artist.  Today, I thought I would highlight one of my favorite songs.  One that has been covered by a multitude of artists.  Originally released in 1967 by Bob Dylan, the song has many reincarnations.  Four different versions alone appear on Dylan's albums and he performed it in concert the most of any of his songs.  That's saying a lot for any song.  The song was written in the year after Dylan's motorcycle accident.  In that year, he had a child and supposedly became more interested in the Bible.  Critics have pointed to Isaiah 21:5-9 as a possible inspiration.  According to an interview with Dylan from 1968, the song starts at the end of the story and works backward.  I love this effect.  The listener works to figure out the story as the song progresses.

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

There must be some way out of here Said the joker to the thief There's too much confusion I can't get no relief

Businessmen, they drink my wine Plowmen dig my earth None of them along the line Know what any of it is worth

No reason to get excited The thief, he kindly spoke There are many here among us Who feel that life is but a joke

But you and I, we've been through that And this is not our fateSo let us not talk falsely now The hour is getting late

All along the watchtower Princes kept the view While all the women came and went Barefoot servants, too

Outside in the distance A wildcat did growl Two riders were approaching The wind began to howl

Versions and ratings:

Bob Dylan: Ignore the video on this one, just listen to the song. I couldn't find an awesome one of Dylan, so this will have to do. #1 version of course!

Jimi Hendrix: Dylan loved this version and even attributed Hendrix to his own changing of the song in subsequent years. #3

U2 1989: #6

Dave Matthews Band, Woodstock 99: #2 Hands down my favorite version of this song (after Dylan of course).  I love the slow build.  I love Matthews' voice (reminds me of Dylan at times). Every time they play this song, it's always slightly different.

Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young 2004: The sound quality isn't as good as the others, but I thought I would throw it in for comparison. #5

Pearl Jam 2006: #4

Bear McCreary: From Battlestar Galactica (the tv show). Interesting version. It has definitely grown on me after multiple hearings. #6

Music Monday - Nickel Creek

I love Nickel Creek.  I've loved them since the debut cd came out.  And I've grown to love them even more after that.  Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how I look at it, Nickel Creek has stopped putting out albums, but all members have embarked on solo careers.  And guess what, I have those albums too.  The members pop up in the weirdest places.  Sara Watkins on NeedtoBreathe's cd.  Sean Watkins playing with Switchfoot.  They definitely have some interesting friends.  It's definitely a Nickel Creek day.  Enjoy! 

It's Toxic!! Too Funny! 

With Fiona Apple! I think she might need to be my next Music Monday. Not great quality, but a must watch! 

Brandi Carlile "Closer to You"

It's been a rainy and gray here lately.  Typical for spring in Indiana.  And that kind of weather makes me want to listen to music I can sing along too.  Nothing loud, nothing upbeat, just what I would categorize as singer songwriter music.  So my iPod has been filled with lots of Damien Rice, Howie Day, Ben Folds, Florence + the Machine, Caedmon's Call, Jack's Mannequin, and my Music Monday pick... Brandi Carlile. I love her songs, her lyrics, but I especially love her voice!  It has that gravelly quality to it.  It's not conventionally pretty sounding.  But it works with the music.  The amazing sounds that come out of her mouth in "The Story" are perfection. There's a bit of bluegrass sound in there somewhere, bordering on country, but not quite there.  I love it.  Really excited to hear what she puts out next.  Added note: I love the guy who sings backup for her.  His voice fits perfectly without distracting from her voice.

I dedicate the video to J. So here it is, one of my favorites:

P.S. I preordered the new Josh Kelley cd and it should arrive tomorrow.  I got an autographed copy and a free t-shirt.  I so love him!  Very excited for my late birthday present to myself!

Music Monday - Jack's Mannequin "Hammers and Strings (A Lullaby)"

Hmmm... Jack's Mannequin.  When did I meet you?  I can't actually remember, but I do know that I love you.  Your melodies, your lyrics, your voice... I love it all.  Especially "Hammers and Strings". I think it's my absolute favorite Jack's Mannequin song. I blast it in the car and sing a long at the top of my lungs (badly, but it feels so good). Listen to the lyrics... so much sadness, but there's an element of hope in there. I love sad songs with a bit of hope. Kinda feels a lot like my life most days. I put two versions of the song one here. The first is straight off the album with the lyrics on the screen. Cheesy, but you get the great audio from the cd. The second is a live version. The best live video I've found. Most of the others on YouTube have way too much talking from the audience. Enjoy! You know I'll be singing along.

Don't blame me if it gets stuck in your head! Happy Music Monday!!!

Music Monday - Damien Rice "Volcano"

I still remember my first introduction to Damien Rice.  B and I had gone to see the movie Closer.  While The movie itself wasn't amazing, the song playing at the end of the movie hit me.  I just had to have that song.  We sat through all the credits (something I hardly ever do) to figure out who sang the song.  B kept saying she thought she knew the song, but couldn't remember who.  As the music credits finally came up, the song was "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice.  To which B exclaimed, "I own that, that's how I know the song."  And then we dissolved into giggles.  But I still had to have the song.  So we traveled directly to Best Buy to see if they had the cd.  Thankfully, they did and I bought it on the spot. That entire album is awesome, but I would have to say that my favorite song is "Volcano."  There's something about the melody, his voice, and the lyrics that hit me every time.  I love it!  Reading the lyrics over and over, it's such a sad song.  Two people and one doesn't need the other, but keeps wanting them.  It's like watching two people that really shouldn't be together anymore, but they're stuck still.  So sad, yet so beautiful!

Lyrics:

Don't hold yourself like that You'll hurt your knees I kissed your mouth and back But that's all I need Don't build your world around volcanoes melt you down

What I am to you is not real What I am to you you do not need What I am to you is not what you mean to me You give me miles and miles of mountains And I'll ask for the sea

Don't throw yourself like that In front of me I kissed your mouth your back Is that all you need? Don't drag my love around volcanoes melt me down

What I am to you is not real What I am to you you do not need What I am to you is not what you mean to me You give me miles and miles of mountains And I'll ask what I give to you Is just what I'm going through This is nothing new No no just another phase of finding what I really need Is what makes me bleed And like a new disease she's still too young to treat Like a distant tree Volcanoes melt me down She's still too young I kissed your mouth You do not need me

And just for fun! I love this version...

And another just for fun. "I Remember"

Music Monday - Josh Kelley

Josh Kelley (you know the guy married to Katherine Heigl and brother to Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum)... I absolutely adore him, have adored him since his first big album "For the Ride Home" came out in 2003. I don't like every song he has, but I do like the majority of them. That's something for me. I rarely like almost everything an artist puts out. I like how versatile he is. One album is pop, the next is bluegrass, then jazzy, and his newest "Georgia Clay" is country. I love it all. Instead of trying to pick one or two songs, I decided to highlight a couple of favorites. I love all these (and YouTube let me embed these, extra score!). If you like any of this, check out "Georgia Clay" releasing March 22, 2011.

"Hey Katie" - written for guess who 

"Home to Me" - just beautiful

"Almost Famous" - definitely in my top 5

"Unfair" - so simplistic, but still awesome

"Scrumptious" - just for fun

Music Monday - The Beatles

In honor of Down the Line 5 last Saturday, this week's Music Monday is going to feature The Beatles.  Down the Line is a local annual concert featuring local bands doing covers of classic bands.  My mother and I have attended all five years.  Great concert.  Great local bands.  This year featured music from The Cure, John Mellancamp, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and The Beatles.  Not my favorite Down the Line, but a good show anyway. Back to the music...  I love The Beatles.  I've always loved The Beatles.  I grew up listening to The Beatles.  My dad loved The Beatles.  I could sing their songs at a very early age.  And through the years, my favorite album has changed.  I went from a Hard Day's Night person to a Sgt. Pepper person and back again.  Now, I'm not sure what my favorite album is.  I like it all.  And with the release of the movie Across the Universe, I really can't pick.  I love all the music they used in the movie and the music spanned a lot of albums and eras.  Instead of picking one, I'll highlight a few of my favorite songs...

1. "Hey Jude" -- (1970). I love the story behind this song. McCartney wrote this to Lennon's son Julian during his parents divorce. So beautiful. Down the Line ended with a Embassy (the theater) sing-a-long. And it definitely sounds better than the original "Hey Jules."

2. "Blackbird" -- (1968). Supposedly McCartney wrote this in response to racial tensions in the United States. Whatever the reason, it's a beautiful song.

3. "When I'm Sixty-Four" -- from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). One of my favorites from childhood. I love the lyrics. I want someone to sing this to me. So cute!

4. "I've Just Seen a Face" -- from Help! (1965). I love this song! So cute! and watching them perform the song is like heaven. Although I must say that I think I like the Across the Universe version better. The staged scene in the bowling alley is just too fun!

5. "A Day in the Life" -- from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). Such a great story. So sad, but great. I also absolutely adore the transition in the middle. Very nice!

So I guess I've grown to prefer the 1967-1968 songs. Don't mistake me, I love all their songs. Just some of them are special favorites. I hope you enjoy!

Loving Mumford & Sons

So who saw Mumford & Sons, the Avett Brothers, and Bob Dylan on the Grammys last night? Best performance of the night (and I loved Eminem, Dr. Dre, Rihanna, and that other chick). While their actual performance was amazing, Mumford also played KROQ's pre-Grammy party. I found this great live version of "Little Lion Man" on YouTube.com. Enjoy! 

Music Monday - The Band Perry "You Lie"

In honor of Valentine's Day (not a holiday I particularly love, mostly because of my track record), I submit a great song for all of you who have been wronged in the past.  A catchy tune from a great new country band.  Notice the play on words.... such fun for geeks like me.

It ain't complicated Well, I've grown to hate it I never liked the taste of crow but baby I ate it They tried to warn me They said that you were ornery So don't bring me those big brown eyes and tell me that you're sorry Well you might as well throw gasoline on a fire The way you lie

You lie like a priceless Persian rug on a rich man's floor You lie like a coon dog basking in the sunshine on my porch You like like a penny in the parking lot at the grocery store It just comes way too natural to you The way you lie

Well, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do I'm gonna drive into the big ol' muddy river I'm gonna park my car in the middle of the mile-long bridge And then I'm gonna cry well maybe just a little Then I'm gonna slip off the ring that you put on my finger Give it a big ol' fling and watch it sink Down, down, down There it's gonna lie Until the Lord comes back around

Please sing to all your ex-boyfriends! And I think this would make a great karaoke song....

Music Monday - Regina Spektor "Blue Lips"

I love Regina Spektor.  She's so weird... in a good way.  Her music is very unsuaul, definitely not everyone's cup of tea.  But that's okay, I like it.  I stumbled onto her album Begin to Hope right as "Fidelity" hit some of the radio stations.  It was a moderate hit, and then faded into the background.  I stayed with her.  I listened to that album nonstop for a awhile.  And then she released Far. And it was much quirkier than Begin to Hope.  And I liked the quirkiness. By far, my favorite song on the album is "Blue Lips."  Right away I liked the music.  And then I started to listen to the lyrics.  It took me a awhile to really get them.  Her lyrics are often intricate, sometimes confusing, but always interesting.  I relate to her questioning of religions... is all the mindless submission really the point?  Aren't we supposed to question?  Shouldn't we attempt to understand?

I had to include the full lyrics, because one part just doesn't make any sense.  It's a story; a story of revelation.

He stumbled into faith and thought, God this is all there is The pictures in his mind arose and began to breathe And all the Gods and all the worlds Began colliding on a backdrop of blue

Blue lips, blue veins

He took a step but then felt tired, he said I'll rest a little while But when he tried to walk again he wasn't a child And all the people hurried fast, real fast And no one ever smiled

Blue lips, blue veins Blue, the color of our planet from far, far away Blue lips, blue veins Blue, the color of our planet from far, far away

He stumbled into faith and thought, God this is all there is The pictures in his mind arose and began to breathe And no one saw and no one heard, they just followed lead The pictures in his mind awoke and began to breed

They started out, beneath the knowledge tree And they chopped it down to make white picket fences And marching along the railroad tracks They smile real wide for the camera lenses They made it past the enemy lines Just to become enslaved in the assembly lines

Music Monday -- NeedtoBreathe "Stones Under Rushing Water"

Found NeedtoBreathe about a year ago; loved it! I really liked the entire album "The Oustiders" but this song has to be my favorite. The music is awesome. The lyrics are awesome. The guest singer is awesome -- Sara Watkins, 1/3 of Nickel Creek and a solo artist. This quiet song really hits me. I just want to listen to it over and over and over again. It's sad, but not a song I can only listen to when I'm down. I sing it all the time, in the car, at home, at the coffeehouse (under my breath of course), in the shower, everywhere. I put the acoustic, in studio version up, but for the full effect your really need to listen to the album version with Sara Watkins. Trust me, you'll love it.

Why don't we dance anymore I'm not okay with that
Why don't we laugh anymore I'm not okay with that
The years go by like stones under rushing water
We only know, we only know when it's gone

Music Monday -- Spoken "1992"

I found Spoken about two years ago.  Initially, I picked it up from the library because I liked the cover art.  I am a sucker for good cover art.  It will entice me to check out just about any genre.  So I picked up "Last Chance to Breathe" and started listening. My first thought: "whoa, that's a little heavy" with the screaming.  But I had just started to listening to people like A Day to Remember and Haste the Day, so it's was an adjustment for me.  Then I started to listen closer.  The lyrics started to really jump out at me.

I think "1992" is my favorite song on the album.  Often with Christian music artists, there isn't much creativity with teh lyrics.  It's a lot of "Praise Jesus" and the like.  A couple of years ago, I attended an ACSI (Christian schools conference) session where the moderator was commenting on worldview in media (music, movies, and television shows).  He commented about the need for creative Christian lyricists to appeal to new markets of listeners.  I completely agreeed with him and then really started listening to Christian artists.  There wasn't much creativity or artistry.  And it was sad.  But then I started finding artists like Spoken.  Artists that actually put some time and effort into their lyrics to actually say something other than "Praise Jesus."  I think that's why I like this song so much.  The Christian message is there, but not so obvious that you see it coming from a mile away.  It sneaks in there, but makes a much more powerful song.

Lyrics:

I've waited my whole life for this To stand here face to face with you All my failures, fears, and doubts have all been taken away Remember when I waited up through the night just to hear you To hear you call my name The second of your voice took all of my heartache away Taken away I think of all the time I missed Never knowing about you But then your grace could take away my regrets, my insecurities Remember when I waited up through the night just to hear you To hear you say my name The sound of your voice took all of my heartache away Taken away I gave you my heart, I gave everything to you And in return you gave me everything that I could never deserve You gave me freedom I think of all the times I missed Never knowing about you, about you I gave everything to you, I gave everything to you I gave you my heart, I gave everything to you...

Extra fun: the cd has a cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" that I just adore.

Music Monday -- Muse "Knights of Cydonia"

I freaking love this song!  The epic music specifically... Pretty simplistic song in terms of the lyrics, but I do so love the stadium worthy music.  And the video?  Awesome! Unfortunately the embed off of YouTube has been disabled and I really don't feel like spending an hour figuring it out.  If you search for the video, I also recommend the Wembley Stadium live version. Very nice!  Anyone play this on Guitar Hero?  Love it, love it, love it (even if I'm still on medium). And how can we win, When fools can be kings, Don't waste your time, Or time will waste you,

No one's gonna take me alive, The time has come to make things right, You and I must fight for our rights, You and I must fight to survive

Music Monday -- Relient K "Who I am Hates Who I've Been"

I have a huge love for Relient K.  Their music is peppy. catchy, and radio friendly, but underneath they have such interesting songs.  The lyrics contain such pain, despair, joy, love, and so much more.  They pack the songs with a universe full of emotion.  I have so many favorites that I can't just pick one song.  However, this song has been stuck in my head lately.  Specifically the 2nd chorus (below) and prechorus.  The words speak to me.  The words don't exactly describe me and my life, but they give connect to the essence of my life.  It's a sad song, but one that ends in hope. (I've been picking a lot of said music lately, but that's only because it's so beautiful) I talk to absolutely no one. Couldn't keep to myself enough. And the things bottled inside have finally begun To create so much pressure that I'll soon blow up.

I heard the reverberating footsteps Synching up to the beating of my heart, And I was positive that unless I got myself together, I would watch me fall apart.

And I can't let that happen again 'cause then you'll see my heart In the saddest state it's ever been.

This is no place to try and live my life.

Music Monday - Mumford & Sons "White Blank Page"

About three months ago, a FB friend put up the video for "Little Lion Man" and I instantly went out and bought their cd.  I love their sound: a mix of Flogging Molly, Damien Rice, Jamie Cullum, and traditional Irish/bluegrass.  Love, love, love it!  It's different from the other crap I keep hearing (looking at you Justin Beiber).  My local coffeehouse has put Mumford on permanent rotation and I welcome the addition.  Besides the beautiful music, their lyrics are absolutely to die for. Lately I have been stuck on "White Blank Page."   The lyrics are pretty dark, but so hauntingly beautiful: a relationship gone wrong.  I feel for the man singing it... Don't worry, my relationship is not in any way in danger.  But such a beautiful song.  Just wanted to share a bit this morning.

Lyrics :

Can you lie next to her and give her your heart, your heart?
As well as your body, and can you lie next to her and confess your love, your love?
As well as your folly and can you kneel before the king and say ‘I’m clean’, ‘I’m Clean’?
But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart?
But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart?
Her white blank page & a swelling rage, rage
You did not think when you sent me to the brink, the brink
You desired my attention but denied my affections, affections
But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart.
But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart
AhhhAhh(s)
Lead my to the truth and I will follow you with my whole life
Lead my to the truth and I will follow you with my whole life
AhhhAhh(s)

Great video from YouTube.com of their bookstore acoustic set!

Music Monday -- Jars of Clay "Flood"

Ahh... Jars of Clay.... How I love you? I've been a fan since this song came out.  I now own all of their cds and continue to love them.  I've seen them three times in concenrt and loved every minute.  Although they're a Christian band, they really take the time with there lyrics and imagery.  It's not all "Praise Jesus" but a lot of story telling and speaking to people.  I never tire of hearing their songs.  And this is the song that started it all.

My favorite part (the chorus of course):

Lift me up so high that I cannot fall Lift me up Lift me up - when I'm falling Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying Lift me up - I need you to hold me Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again

If you can find them, they released two music videos for this song; one made early and one made exclusively for MTV.  If you can find it, the older version where the lead singer, Dan, has long hair, is better.

Music Monday -- Anberlin "Impossible"

I found Anberlin about two years ago and immediately fell in love with the band.  Great music, great lyrics, great music videos.  They released Dark is the Way, Light is the Price earlier this year.  One of my favorites is "Impossible" off that album.  It's definitely not a very happy song, but one I feel has such strong emotions.  It's hanuntingly beautiful.  The music and lyrics make a complete picture.  The music video is even better.  The graphics are awesome with a great grey scale color scheme. My favorite lyrics:

you're impossible but lovely so impossible to win or please i'm wearing you out, just wearing you out but i'm wearing you down

take what you want from me, it means nothing now take everything from me, it means nothing now not so easy to forget, harder to forget take what you want

Music Monday -- Paramore "Brick by Boring Brick"

I have been in love with Paramore ever since Riot! My students were constantly mentioning the cd and how much they loved various songs, so I figured I should check this out.  I got the cd and listened to it nonstop.  I even made "Misery Business" my ringtone.  The students were amazed when my phone went off during hall decorating for homecoming.  One of them comes up to me and says "Is that 'Misery Business?'" After I confirmed and said I had the cd in my classroom, someone had to run out and get it so we could listen while decorating.  The student then replied "Buff is the coolest, she listens to Paramore" thus cementing my "cool" teacher status. I have loved Riot! and the songs on the Twilight soundtrack.  And then they came out with a new album.  I must admit I don't like all the songs.  The second half is a little weak in my opinion.  And I really don't like "The Only Exception."  Those aside, I love "Brick by Boring Brick."  And the video is awesome!  The dichotimy between fairy tales and real life always intrigues me.  In the same vein I love Sara Bareilles' "Fairy Tale."  Those stories (the newer versions of course) appeal and disgust me.  They are fantasies, but ones that cam harm our ablity to see the world for how it really is.  I'll indulge in a little fantasy but make sure to keep my keep on the ground.

Well, you built up a world of magic
Because your real life is tragic
Yeah, you built up a world of magic

If it's not real
You can't hold it in your hand
You can't feel it with your heart
And I won't believe it

But if it's true
You can see it with your eyes
Oh, even in the dark
And that's where I want to be

Music Monday -- Radiohead "Creep"

I'm always on the lookout for great music videos.  The bf pointed this version out to me.  The entire video was shot using Flash.  The bf assures me that this method was very time consuming.  But I'm pretty certain that the result is awesome!

As to the song, this takes me back to high school.  I loved this song!  So depressing, but so great.  My favorite part of the song is actually the first verse.  I could sing this all day, especially a cloudy, gray, Indiana winter day.  Very perfect!

When you were here before,

couldn't look you in the eye,

Just like an angel,

your skin makes me cry

you float like a feather,

in a beautiful world.

wish I was special,

you're so very special.