Music Monday -- Skillet "Hero"

While I love this song, I chose it because of this weekend's tragic event.  On Saturday, the stage at the Indiana State Faire collapsed killing 5 people and injuring ~40.  I'm from Indiana.  I've been to concerts at the State Fair.  I know the shitty job that they do in constructing those things.  I am so mad that the concert wasn't cancelled before it was.  Especially considering that the weather reports were predicting very high winds.  Just so tragic that this event could have been prevented. With all the tragedy, I appreciate the efforts of all the heroes from that night.  From the emergency officials to the other concert patrons who rushed in to try and help after the collapse.  Gives me a bit of faith in humanity.

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

I'm just a step away I'm just a breath away Losing my faith today Falling off the edge today

I am just a man Not superhuman I'm not superhuman Someone save me from the hate

It's just another war Just another family torn Falling from my faith today Just a step from the edge Just another day in the world we live

I need a hero to save me now I need a hero, save me now I need a hero to save my life A hero will save me just in time

I've gotta fight todayTo live another daySpeaking my mind todayMy voice will be heard today

I've gotta make a stand But I am just a man I'm not superhuman My voice will be heard today

It's just another war Just another family torn My voice will be heard today It's just another kill The countdown begins to destroy ourselves

I need a hero to save me now I need a hero, save me now I need a hero to save my life A hero will save me just in time

I need a hero to save my life I need a hero, just in time Save me just in time Save me just in time

Who's gonna fight for what's right? Who's gonna help us survive? We're in the fight of our lives And we're not ready to die

Who's gonna fight for the weak? Who's gonna make 'em believe? I've got a hero, I've got a hero Living in me

I'm gonna fight for what's right Today I'm speaking my mind And if it kills me tonight I will be ready to die

A hero's not afraid to give his life A hero's gonna save me just in time

I need a hero to save me now I need a hero, save me now I need a hero to save my life A hero will save me just in time

(I need a hero) Who's gonna fight for what's right? Who's gonna help us survive?

(I need a hero) Who's gonna fight for the weak? Who's gonna make 'em believe? I've got a hero

I need a hero A hero's gonna save me just in time

Music Monday -- Florence + the Machine "Howl"

How has Florence not gotten into my Music Monday yet?  It baffles my brain to think of the oversight.  I listen to Lungs constantly.  And have so many favorite songs, but I think I'm going to highlight "Howl" for this week.  Such great imagery!  And the music is awesome!

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

If you could only see the beast you've made of me I held it in but now it seems you've set it running free Screaming in the dark, I howl when we're apart Drag my teeth across your chest to taste your beating heart

My fingers claw your skin, try to tear my way inYou are the moon that breaks the night for which I have to howl My fingers claw your skin, try to tear my way in You are the moon that breaks the night for which I have to

Howl, howl Howl, howl

Now there's no holding back, I'm making to attack My blood is singing with your voice, I want to pour it out The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound I hunt for you with bloody feet across the hallowed ground

Like some child possessed, the beast howls in my veins I want to find you, tear out all of your tenderness And howl, howl Howl, howl

Be careful of the curse that falls on young lovers Starts so soft and sweet and turns them to hunters Hunters, hunters, hunters Hunters, hunters, hunters

The fabric of your flesh, pure as a wedding dress Until I wrap myself inside your arms I cannot rest The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound I hunt for you with bloody feet across the hallowed ground

And howl

Be careful of the curse that falls on young lovers Starts so soft and sweet and turns them to hunters

A man who's pure of heart and says his prayers by night May still become a wolf when the autumn moon is bright

If you could only see the beast you've made of me I held it in but now it seems you've set it running free The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound I hunt for you with bloody feet across the hallowed ground

Music Monday -- The Postal Service "Such Great Heights"

Give Up is such a great album.  Different than the usual Death Cab for Cutie stuff, yet similar enough that I instantly liked it.  But my absolute favorite song has to be "Such Great Heights."  The music is fun.  The lyrics are great.  An uplifting message... Enjoy this great Monday!

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

I am thinking it's a sign that the freckles In our eyes are mirror images and when We kiss they're perfectly aligned And I have to speculate that God himself Did make us into corresponding shapes like Puzzle pieces from the clay And true, it may seem like a stretch, but Its thoughts like this that catch my troubled Head when you're away when I am missing you to death When you are out there on the road forSeveral weeks of shows and when you scanThe radio, I hope this song will guide you home

They will see us waving from such great Heights, 'come down now,' they'll say But everything looks perfect from far away, 'come down now,' but we'll stay...

I tried my best to leave this all on your Machine but the persistent beat it sounded Thin upon listening And that frankly will not fly. You will hear The shrillest highs and lowest lows with The windows down when this is guiding you home

P.S. The Iron and Wine stripped down version is incredibly awesome also!

Music Monday -- Sean Watkins "Carousel"

Sean is 1/3 of Nickel Creek, one of my favorite bands.  I even featured them on Music Monday a few months back.  It would be logical to think that if I love Nickel Creek, I would love his solo stuff.  And I absolutely do!  It's a bit different, but you can definitely get the bluegrass influence in the background.  He is also a part of Fiction Family with Jon Foreman of Switchfoot.  I picked this song, because it is forever getting stuck in my head.  Enjoy getting it stuck in your head today!

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

One more time around, I can't stop this carousel I've tried so long to no avail I've tried each horse on here, still no new scenery I'm dizzy, my stomach's sick, and I'm tired This I know, horses gold, won't take me home

Each horse here is painted so pretty

Lifeless beauties that orbit neatly

I see you go flying by, I've worn my heels down On this game of tug-o-war I'm loosingStepping down, kiss the ground that will take me home

Unfortunately, no video that I could find... So here's one from Fiction Family, just to entice you to listen more!

Music Monday -- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

It's been two weeks since I did a Music Monday.  And there was a gap before that one.  I'm slacking.  I admit.  When I first started writing this post, I thought of reasons why I hadn't written: I just moved, it's been nonstop since I got here, I have been job searching.  But then I realized,  those are all excuses, not reasons why.  So, I'm recommitting myself to my blogging.  And exciting news: I have a job interview tomorrow!  Finally!

I feel like this an appropriate song for my mindset of the last year.  I have been in a funk.  It's been hard to have hope.  It's been tough going.  Yet, I keep trying to tell myself that someday things would get better.  And so one of my favorite songs of all time.  Beautiful, haunting, inspiring...

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high, There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby.

Somewhere over the rainbow Skies are blue, And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far Behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon dropsAway above the chimney topsThat's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly. Birds fly over the rainbow. Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly Beyond the rainbow Why, oh why can't I?

Versions and ratings:

The Classic: Judy Garland -- Of course I have to include the classic.  She's just so amazing.  I love this scene in the movie. Definitely #1

A more modern version: Israel Kamakawiwo Ole' -- An island feel.  Gorgeous. #3

Eva Cassidy: #8

Katharine McPhee: #7

Glee version: A fun version. I had to add something from Glee! #4

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes: Of course we needed a punk version to add to the mix. #5

Josh Groban: I do love Josh Groban. #6

Jewel: I adore this version. #2

Music Monday - Barenaked Ladies "If I Had a $1,000,000"

This is one of those songs that I just always come back to.  I love the funness of the Barenaked Ladies.   I love the silly.  I love the subtle serious message.  It's just great.  As I was driving through Iowa (man, it's a boring drive through Iowa), this song popped up on my iPod giant shuffle.  And it made me happy.  I just wanted to listen to read over and over again.

Lyrics:

If I Had $1000000 (If I Had $1000000) I'd buy you a house (I would buy you a house) If I Had $1000000 (If I Had $1000000) I'd buy you furniture for your house (Maybe a nice chesterfield or an ottoman) If I Had $1000000 (If I Had $1000000) I'd buy you a K-Car (a nice Reliant automobile) If I Had $1000000 I'd buy your love.

If I Had $1000000 I'd build a tree fort in our yard. If I Had $1000000 You could help, it wouldn't be that hard. If I Had $1000000 Maybe we could put put a little tiny fridge in there somewhere ([Talking:] We could just go up there and hang out. Like open the fridge and stuff, and there'd be foods laid out for us With little pre-wrapped sausages and things. Mmmmm. They have pre-wrapped sausages but they don't have pre-wrapped bacon. Well can you blame them. Yeah)

If I Had $1000000 (If I Had $1000000) I'd buy you a fur coat (but not a real fur coat that's cruel) If I Had $1000000 (If I Had $1000000)I'd buy you an exotic pet (Like a llama or an emu) If I Had $1000000 (If I Had $1000000) I'd buy you John Merrick's remains (All them crazy elephant bones) If I Had $1000000 I'd buy your love

If I Had $1000000 We wouldn't have to walk to the store If I Had $1000000 We'd take a limousine 'cause it costs more If I Had $1000000 We wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner. (But we would eat Kraft Dinner. Of course we would, we'd just eat more. And buy really expensive ketchup with it. That's right, all the fanciest Dijon Ketchup. Mmmmmm.)

If I Had $1000000 (If I Had $1000000) I'd buy you a green dress (but not a real green dress, that's cruel) If I Had $1000000 (If I Had $1000000)I'd buy you some art (a Picasso or a Garfunkel) If I Had $1000000 (If I Had $1000000) I'd buy you a monkey (haven't you always wanted a monkey?) If I Had $1000000 I'd buy your love

If I Had $1000000, If I Had $1000000 If I Had $1000000, If I Had $1000000 I'd be rich.

Enjoy some Barenaked Ladies fun! Check out Weird Al playing with them! Epic!

Music Monday - Matisyahu "Youth"

This might seem like a strange choice today, but it fits.  I really like Matisyahu and his lyrics are just amazing.  This song in particular has such a great message.  I dedicate this song to all my former students.

Lyrics:

Some of them come now Some of the running Some of them looking for fun Some of them looking for away out of confusion Some of them don't know where to be Some of them don't know where to go Some of them trust their instincts That somethings missing from the show Some don't fit society Their insides are crying low Some of them teachers squashed the flame 'fore it had a chance to grow Some of them embers still glow Them charcoal hushed and low Some of them come with hunger supressed Not fed them feel the death blow, yo

[CHORUS:] Young man control in your hand Slam your fist on the table And make your demand Take a stand Fan a fire for the flame of the youth Got the freedom to choose You better make the right move Young man, the power's in your hand Slam your fist on the table and make your demand You better make the right move "youth is the engine of the world" Storm the halls of vanityFocus your energyInto a laser beamStreaming shattered lightUnites to pierce between the seams And it seems The world open peering The children see Rapid fire for your mind Half a truth is just a lie They rub me the wrong way They say their way or fall behind Seventeen disconnect left out The concept as to why There's a spiritual emptiness So the youth them get vexed Skip class and get wrecked Feel with beer and cigarettes To fill the hole in their chest!

Track from the studio album...

Music Monday - Kate Voegele "Chicago"

Contrary to many people, I did not discover Kate Voegele from One Tree Hill. Funny since that's how I found Tyler Hilton, my Music Monday selection two weeks ago.  No, I first heard Kate on tour with Josh Kelley.  I adore Josh Kelley and a friend and I saw him in concert at Jake's in Bloomington around 2006.  It was before Kate's debut album, Don't Look Away was released in 2007.  She and another singer, Alexa Wilkinson, opened for Josh Kelley.  The best part of the concert was that it was tiny.  Jake's is a bar, not a huge auditorium.  I think there were less than 50 people at the concert.  Alexa played, Kate played, and then Josh took the stage for an acoustic set.  I loved all three performers.  B and I immediately bought both Kate and Alexa's cds.  Kate's was only a three song demo, but it was amazing.  My favorite song, and subsequently favorite song when the album debuted, was Chicago.  The song speaks to anyone who has been through a break-up (classic song writing material).  My favorite part is the imagery with cigarette.  The pain is very raw, but now she's moving on and on a train to Chicago!!!  I love the rawness on the demo, but the cd version isn't bad either.  Bonus points for the title, one of my favorite cities! Kate just released a new cd (her third full length!) called A Fine Mess.  It's good.  Not as great at the first cd, but I have been listening it nonstop for about a week.  Pick it up!

Lyrics:

I've never known you But I'm no stranger to this feeling I know it's over but the hurts not What do you call it? What do you call it when broken hearts are not done healing You threw down your cigarette but it's still hot Well I've learned to lie And here's what I've got

Chorus: Well didn't I think you would always love me And didn't I want you to take care of me baby Well that ain't happenin' No no no Wouldn't I love just to rise above this You gotta believe I have suffered enough to be free So I'm officially leavin' With just a kiss on the cheek and I'm gone. I'll be up at 7 o'clock whoa oh oh whoa oh oh 7 o'clock to Chicago Whoa oh whoa oh

It's never easy Breakin' this old addiction I've got the reasons But no rational And I wanna hate you cause you don't give me no conviction Your betrayal oughta make this break down no trouble at all So let the rubble fall Cause I'm running off

Chorus

I'll be on the 7 o'clock to Chicago I ain't got no second thoughtsBecause I know I'm on my way to the topOn my way

Chorus

All the live versions really, really suck, so I had to go with just the song...

As an extra, find a version of her singing "Hallelujah."  Love it!!! Not the best video and sound quality, but best I could find.

And a cover of Muse's "Starlight"!!!

Music Monday - Burlap to Cashmere "Eileen's Song"

I feel like I haven't visisted my Music Monday for forever.  In reality, it was only a week suspension because of Memorial Day.  I'm back now and I though I would share an old favorite song of mine.  Not really a well-known band, but definitely a good one. I can't even remember when I found Burlap to Cashmere, probably around 1998 when their cd Anybody Out There? was released.  They remineded me of one of my favorite bands, Jars of Clay, yet they are very different.  I love the Greek influence in their music.  It adds another layer to the music.  Supposedly they have a new cd coming out in July.  I will have to pick it up!

They're big song was "Basic Instructions" which I do love.  But my favorite song from the cd has to be "Eileen's Song."  It is just so lovely.  I feel like I'm reading someone else's love letter while listening.  That's what makes this song so beautiful.

Lyrics:

You have one wing and I have another Seeking shelter like sister and brother Through the winter and through the summer Like one angel we'll Fly far away

Hold my hand and we'll make it all right From this hell that we live in Cross the road until the light Comes inside and lives within It's a long and lonesome ride When your friends have all gone home But the roses in your eyes They pull me in so I don't feel alone You have one wing and I have another Seeking shelter like sister and brother Through the winter and through the summer Like one angel we'll

Fly far away Sometimes I just can't help but cry When I think of what we've become Like a soldier lost in the night Forgetting all where he has come from But the mud will soon become dry And the sun will rise again And the shadows in our eyes Will fade away down to lower plains Cause' You have one wing and I have another Seeking shelter like sister and brother Through the winter and through the summer Like one angel we'll

Fly far away You have one wing and I have another Seeking shelter like sister and brother Through the winter and through the summer Like one angel we'll

Fly far away So my friend now this I say I won't leave you hangin' on Hold on tight now and don't fly away Till one angel we have become

Music Monday - Tyler Hilton "This World Will Turn Your Way"

I'll admit it: I first found Tyler Hilton while watching One Tree Hill.  He was Nathan's adversary for Haley's affections early on in the show.  His character was a complete ass, but his singing was amazing.  I loved his music.  I recently picked up his Ladies and Gentlemen EP from iTunes.  This is among my new favorite songs.  I love the singing, the music, but I especially love the lyrics.  I need to keep that spark of hope.  Even in times like these.

Lyrics:

Sometimes you crawl Sometimes you don't even move at all Sometimes you pray Sometimes you don't have the words to say

Drop your baggage on my front door You don't have to carry it alone anymore

'Cause tonight ain't the end of the story Just keep turning the page Don't give into the heartache Don't give into the pain

This world will turn your way Baby one of these days This world will turn your way

Sometimes we fallSometimes we don't feel the crash at allSometimes we breakSometimes we've taken all that we can take

Lay your burden down by my sideYou know tomorrow that sun's gonna rise

But tonight ain't the end of the story Just keep turning the page Don't give into the heartache Don't give into the pain

This world will turn your way Baby one of these days This world will turn your way

(Keep feeling it, keep feeling it Don't give in, don't give into it)

Of course the video's embedding has been disabled. So watch the actual video on YouTube.com. Instead, I found this version to give you the music at least:

And here's a great video of Tyler talking about the song:

And I found this live version from May 2010:

Who likes Kings of Leon?

And of course my favorite One Tree Hill song, "When the Stars Go Blue" (and yes I know it's a Ryan Adams song, I just really love this version):

Music Monday - Bon Jovi "You Give Love a Bad Name"

This past Saturday, I went out with a few friends to see a local 80s cover band.  They dress in spandex, play great music, and engage in crazy antics (you can see pics of them on my birthday post).  It's the perfect bar band.  Among my favorite songs that they cover is Bon Jovi "You Give Love a Band Name."  So, I'm going back to a classic.  I absolutely love this song.  It's the perfect song to sing at the top of your lungs while dancing around crazy.  I've seen the band so many times that I can actually call the songs based on how they prepare to start.  Scary, I know.  But so much fun.  Going home from the bar, I had my iPOD on shuffle (that's 3500 songs shuffling) and randoming this song actually came up.  Perfect! I was going to put the lyrics, but really who doesn't know this song?  Instead enjoy a video!

Live from London 1995

Music Monday - Imogen Heap "Hide and Seek"

I spent all car ride to the coffeehouse trying to think of a song for Music Monday.  Should I go current, past?  Should I go singer songwriter, hard rock, country?  And then I walked into the shop and Imogen Heap "Hide and Seek" was playing.  Perfect!  Love it so much! I can't recall when I first heard Imogen Heap.  It was probably about five years ago or so.  I might have first heard her on the OC Soundtrack.  Or possibly The Last Kiss Soundtrack.  However I ran across it, I instantly loved her.  The voice.  So weird, yet amazing.  The style.  Even more weird, yet even more amazing.

Lyrics:

Where are we? What the hell is going on? The dust has only just begun to fall, Crop circles in the carpet, sinking, feeling. Spin me round again and rub my eyes. This can't be happening. When busy streets a mess with people would stop to hold their heads heavy.

Hide and seek. Trains and sewing machines. All those years they were here first.

Oily marks appear on walls Where pleasure moments hung before. The takeover, the sweeping insensitivity of this still life.

Hide and seek. Trains and sewing machines. (Oh, you won't catch me around here) Blood and tears, They were here first.

Mmm, what you say? Mm, that you only meant well? Well, of course you did. Mmm, what you say? Mm, that it's all for the best? Because it is. Mmm, what you say? Mm, that it's just what we need? And you decided this. Mmm what you say? What did she say?

Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth. Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs. Speak no feeling, no I don't believe you. You don't care a bit. You don't care a bit.

Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth. Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs. Speak no feeling, no I don't believe you. You don't care a bit. You don't care a bit.

You don't care a bit. You don't care a bit. You don't care a bit. You don't care a bit. You don't care a bit.

Of course, the real music video is through Vevo and won't embed. But I found this great live performance!  Enjoy a quiet Music Monday...

Music Monday - The Offspring "Smash"

Caution: This post is rated R for language!

It's the first Monday of the month. Happy May!  I thought I would do something a little different today.  Usually I highlight an artist that I'm currently loving.  And usually they are fairly new.  Today, I would like to highlight one of my high school favorites: The Offspring.  Specifically "Smash."  Back in the late 90s, I was in high school.  To kick start our day (I took various people to and from school) I made a mix tape (yes an actual mix tape) with our favorite "get up and moving" songs.  Track #1 was The Offspring "Smash."  The title track from their 1994 album came into my life somewhere around 1997, and I instantly loved it.  The general teen angst, hard guitars, and sing-a-long lyrics.  Everything I wanted in high school.  You probably wouldn't know it from my earlier Music Monday posts, but back in high school (and really even now) I had a love of crazy rock.  I actually saw The Offspring in Indianapolis around 2000 (can't remember the exact date, but I'm pretty sure I was at Ball State).  It was definitely after the Americana album. They were so funny! Definitely didn't expect that but loved it all the same Enjoy my trip down memory lane!

Extra video: "Bad Habit" live at the Billboard Awards 1994.  Another mix tape entry.  Love how they changed the words for the broadcast.  Pretty funny if you know the actual song!  In retrospect, singing this, windows down, driving my 1998 Hyundai Accent is absolutely hilarious!

P.S. Did you know that Dexter Holland has a Master's in Molecular Biology from USC? Crazy smart!

Music Monday - Josh Groban "Higher Window"

I may get some crap for this Music Monday, but I'm going to do it anyway.  I love Josh Groban.  Cheesy? Maybe. But such an amazing voice.  It has rained almost all weekend.  I needed some good soothing music to deal with the grey.  I turned to Josh Groban. When did I stumble upon him?  Probably around 2000 when he appeared on Sarah Brightman's La Luna tour.  I love Sarah Brightman (the original Christine from Phantom of the Opera).  I found this video from one of the concerts.  Such a baby face. But listen to that voice!

Sarah Brightman and Josh Groban "There for Me" from 2007 

After that, I really started listening to him.  I bought his self-titled cd and the follow-up: Closer.  And then I kind of stopped following him.  I didn't get the next cd, Awake.  In 2008, he played Anatoly Sergievsky in "Chess in Concert."  Watching the performance, Adam Pascal and Idina Menzel definitely blow him away in the acting category, but I still love his voice.

Anthem from Chess 

Now he has a fifth album out, Illuminations.  I never bought it, but I absolutely love this song.  Enjoy!

Lyrics:

For all the times I tried for this And every chance at you I missed I've been known to go my way, but I confess It made me miss you more

I drew my line across the sandAnd set my flag in no man's landBut here I am the one man bandWith a song that's meant for two

And there is a light, from a higher window Shining down on you tonight And the music floats on the breeze Bringing an easier time And all of our cards are on the table Tell me what you want to do Just don't tell me that it's too late For me to love you

How perfect we were meant to be Our warm and silent symmetry It's times like these when all, all we need Is to be reminded

And I have flown a thousand miles To empty room and crowded aisles And we went from cathedral bells To show and tell and wish you wells And I, I still look at you and I am blinded I am blinded

Because there is a light, from a higher window Shining down on us tonight And the music floats on the breeze From an easier time

And all of our cards are on the table Tell me what you want to do Just don't tell me that it's too late Don't tell me that it's too late now Just don't tell me that it´s too late for me to love you

Music Monday - Caedmon's Call "Rich's Song"

I've been listening to Caedmon's Call since the release of their self titled cd in 1997.  I've cried with them.  I've rejoiced with them.  I've grown with them.  They've been there for me through the last 14 years.  That's a really long time to stay interested in a band.  So it's only fair that I dedicate a Music Monday to one of the most consistent bands out there.  For the song highlight, I really had to narrow down the choices.  I love so many of their songs for very different reasons.  I ultimately settled on "Rich's Song"; a song that appeared on 40 Acres: The Austin Sessions (extra cd that came with 40 Acres).  This song was written after the death of Rich Mullins (a popular Christian singer/songwriter) who died in a car accident.  The song is a tribute to a close friend with fond memories and (I'm guessing, but it fits) past conversations.

Lyrics:

Whatcha been doin today? Cuz I've been thinkin about you. Heard some news that set my mind to wondering, And I need to hear your voice. Are you out on the plains, Burning your feet on the ground? Out where noone even knows your name, Seventy miles out of town.

We miss you, do you miss us? What is the language with which these words I can trust? I thank my God every time I remember you.

Whatcha been thinkin aobut? Cuz I've been thinkin about life,And how nothing can escape the governing of God.Still somehow that just doesn't comfort me tonight.I still need to hear your voice.

Now I hear you, do you hear me? What medium is there that I can use to make you see That I thank my God every time I remember you.

Bending down to help a flower, dry with poverty. Helping it to understand it's inheritance. I remember life so bright, Every time I close my eyes, I see you.

Brother you made it, Brother you made it, Brother you made it.

And I thank my God every time, And I thank my God every time, I remember you.

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!!!