Music Monday -- 1996

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 1996

Book: Unknown

Music Selections: An interesting mix of music.  As you can see, I'm now leaning more towards alternative rock.

1. Fugees "Killing Me Softly"
2. Sublime "What I Got"
3. Poe "Hello"
4. The Verve Pipe "Freshman" -- I still absolutely adore this song and can't resist singing along everytime it comes up on my iTunes shuffle.
5. No Doubt "Don't Speak"

Music Monday -- 1985

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 1985

Book: Unknown

Music Selections: All of these songs are ones I remember singing as a child.  Very popular!  And I still love each and every one of them.

1. Simple Minds "Don't You (Forget About Me)"
2. Tears for Fears "Shout"
3. a-ha "Take on Me"
4. Starship "We Built This City"
5. Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"

Music Monday -- New Music II

As part of my Day Zero Project, I am finding some new music.  Specifically I want to find a great new-to-me band for each letter of the alphabet.  Today, I have a few songs to share.

Music Selections: Some of the new music (or new to me music) that I have been craving.

Cake "Mustache Man (Wasted)" -- Okay, okay Cake isn't new.  I loved Fashion Nugget and "Short Skirt, Long Jacket" but their albums are so hit and miss.  I am really digging this new song of theirs.

Fun "We are Young" -- I'm not young anymore, but I just love how infectious this song is.  How can you not sing along?

Of Monsters and Men "Little Talks" -- I've heard them be described as "the Icelandic Mumford and Sons" and I love M&S, so how could I not love them?  I really enjoy the back and forth between the singers.  Makes me happy...

Complete A to Z list (so far):

• A - Awolnation "Not Your Fault"
• B -
• C - Cake "Mustache Man (Wasted)"
• D -
• E - Ellie Goulding "Lights"
• F - Fun "We are Young"
• G - Gotye "Somebody That I Used to Know"
• H -
• I -
• J -
• K -
• L -
• M -
• N - Neon Trees "Everybody Talks"
• O - Of Mosnter and Men "Little Talks"
• P -
• Q -
• R -
• S -
• T -
• U -
• V -
• W -
• X -
• Y -  Young the Giant "Cough Syrup"
• Z -

Music Monday -- 1993

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 1993

Book: Unknown

Music Selections:

1. Mariah Carey "Dream Lover" -- Yes it's cheesy pop but it was 1993 and I was 11 years old.  Give me some slack.
2. DC Talk "Lean on Me" -- I remember going on a few youth group trips and we sang along to this song on repeat.  I just love this version even now.
3. Smashing Pumpkins "Today" -- My introduction into alternative music.  I really liked this song, but didn't own any Pumpkins albums until late middle school.
4. Tom Petty "Mary Jane's Last Dance" -- Both of my parents were big Tom Petty fans.  I remember that when this song came out, we played it over and over in our house.  And the music video with Kim Basinger is just beautiful.
5. Bryan Adams "All for Love" -- Had to include it.  It was the hit of the year.

Music Monday -- 2003

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 2003

Book: Unknown

Music Selections:

1. Linkin Park "Numb" -- This album came out right after the boys were born.  I just loved this song so much.
2. Dave Matthews "Gravedigger" -- I've liked Dave Matthews Band since "Ants Marching" and Dave's solo album is wonderful.  I actually think I like the electric version of this song more than the acoustic.  Usually that isn't the case, but this time it works.
3. Justin Timberlake "Cry Me a River" -- I do like me some Justin TImberlake.  It just gets stuck in your head and never leaves.
4. Evanescence "Bring Me To Life" -- Amy Lee's voice is to die for.  I can't get over this song.
5. The White Stripes "Seven Nation Army" -- My introduction to The White Stripes and it is an amazing one.  Enjoy!

Music Monday -- 1999

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 1999

Book: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Music Selections: Overall this year was really electic when it came to music.  I went to see Korn and Rob Zombie in concert, but I also listened to stuff like Sarah McLachlan.  I was all over the place musically!

1. Dixie Chicks "Ready to Run" -- Most country I don't like, but for some reason I really got into the Dixie Chicks.  I still listen to them every once in a while.
2. Lenny Kravitz "American Woman" -- I can't help but see Heather Graham as Felicity Shagwell writhing around on a car for Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.  Hee hee!
3. Sarah McLachlan "I Will Remember You" -- Such a great song.  I can't help but remember listening to this all the time.
4. Santana and Rob Thomas "Smooth" -- Big hit of the summer.  The perfect summer song to sing along to.
5. The Offspring "The Kids aren't Alright" -- Love The Offspring.  Smash was one permanent rotation in my car throughout most of the year.  And then Americana was released and I had a whole new batch of songs.  Including this amazing anthem.  There's one particular reference in here that reminds me of one of my ex-boyfriends.

Music Monday -- 1982

Happy Birthday to Me Edition!

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 1982 (It's my birth year!)

Book: TBD

Music Selections:

1. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts "I Love Rock n Roll" -- Has always been a favorite of mine and one of my go-to karaoke songs.
2. The Human League "Don't You Want Me" -- So incredibly 80s...  Everytime I hear this song, I go back to scenes of me dancing around the living room with pom poms or a fairy wand or something similar.
3. John Cougar Melloncamp "Jack and Diane" -- I don't care what he says his name is now to me it will always be John Cougar.  And this one was one I remember hearing all the time as a child.
4. The Clash "Should I Stay" -- Such a classic song.  And bonus points: the boys love The Clash.
5. Modern English "I Melt with You" -- About a couple making love while nuclear bombs fall.  Creepy, but I somehow always loved this song.

Music Monday -- 2007

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 2007

Book: Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster

Music Selections:

1. The White Stripes "Icky Thump"
2. Amy Winehouse "Rehab"
3. Maroon 5 "Makes Me Wonder"
4. Paramore "Misery Business"

Music Monday -- New Music

As part of my Day Zero Project, I am finding some new music.  Specifally I want to find a great new-to-me band for each letter of the alphabet.  Today, I have few songs to share. 

Music Selections: This week's new-to-me selections all come from listening to Alt Nation on satellite radio.  J has it in his car, so we always get to listen to great music.  Unfortunately I have to make due with the local channels.  It's funny that all of these songs are ones I've been listening to for months on Alt Nation and they are finally getting some air play on the Omaha channels.  At any rate they are completely stuck in my head...

Gotye "Somebody That I Used to Know"

Neon Trees "Everybody Talks"

Young the Giant "Cough Syrup"

AWOLNATION "Not Your Fault"

Ellie Goulding "Lights"

Complete A to Z list (so far):

• A - Awolnation "Not Your Fault"
• B -
• C -
• D -
• E - Ellie Goulding "Lights"
• F -
• G - Gotye "Somebody That I Used to Know"
• H -
• I -
• J -
• K -
• L -
• M -
• N - Neon Trees "Everybody Talks"
• O -
• P -
• Q -
• R -
• S -
• T -
• U -
• V -
• W -
• X -
• Y -  Young the Giant "Cough Syrup"
• Z -

Music Monday -- 2008

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 2008

Book: Hatter M Volume 1

Music Selections:

1. Coldplay "Viva La Vida" -- The boys and I sang this song all summer.  It's still on my iPod shuffle.
2. Estelle and Kanye West "American Boy" -- There's something about this song that makes me want to get up and dance.  Every time!
3. Kings of Leon "Sex on Fire" -- The song has such atmosphere. And this music video is just hot. I dare you to watch.
4. John Mayer "Gravity" -- He might be an ass in his personal life, but John Mayer's music gets me every time.  I especially love this one.

Music Monday -- 1991

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 1991

Book: Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein

Music Selections:

1. Amy Grant "Baby Baby" -- I'll admit it, my very first concert was Amy Grant and I was ecstatic.  I remember that I got tickets for my birthday (probably 1993ish).  I was super excited when she sang this song.  It takes me back...
2. C+C Music Factory "Gonna Make You Sweat" -- I was 9 in 1991.  This song was cool to a typical 9-year-old.
3. Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch "Good Vibrations" -- I remember hearing this one the radio and singing along.  I get much more fun out of this song now.  Mark Walberg as a half dressed rapper.  Love it!

Music Monday -- 1997

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 1997

Book: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Music Selections:

1. Spice Girls "Wannabe" -- Number 1 on the Billboard's Hot 100 during my birthday week.  It's a guilty pleasure.  As much as my friends and I made fun of this song, we know all the words.  I've even been known to do this song for karaoke, complete with interpretive dance in the middle.  It's a guilty pleasure.
2. Jars of Clay's Much Afraid -- One of my favorite bands of all time.  I saw them when they opened for Michael W. Smith right after "Flood" was released.  This was their second album and I think I loved it even more than their debut.
3. Radiohead's OK Computer -- Overall an amazing album.  Such mood music.  This is an album that fills me with images and emotions as I listen.  It's not just karaoke music.
4. The Wallflowers "One Headlight" -- I loved this album and especially this song.  Since then, I have sporadically followed The Wallflowers and then solo Jakob Dylan.  But I get really excited whenever this comes on the radio or my iPod shuffle.
5. Fiona Apple "Criminal" -- How much do you love this music video?  It is iconic of the late 90s.  I can't get this out of my head if I hear it.

Music Monday -- 2009

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 2009

Book: The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks by Max Brooks

Music Selections:

1. Lady Antebellum "I Run to You" -- Another LA song.  I just really like them.
2. Green Day "21st Century Breakdown" -- A blast from my past.  I remember listening to Dookie right after it came out and thinking "this is awesome."  While my fanatical nature ebbs and flows, I always end up revisiting Green Day and checking out their new stuff.
3. Kings of Leon "Use Somebody" -- Great band.  Interesting music.  I love turning this on in the background and quietly sing along.
4. Owl City "Fireflies" -- The boys and I were obsessed with this song over the summer of 2009.  Every time it would come on the radio, I had to crank it up and belt it out.  The boys even sang along.
5. Kelly Clarkson "My Life Would Suck Without You" -- There's something about Ms. Clarkson's synthesized studio music...  I sing along every time.  I guess it's my guilty pleasure.

Music Monday -- 2010

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 2010

Book: Fables: Witches

Music Selections:

1. Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"
2. Muse "The Resistance"
3. The Black Keys "Tighten Up"
4. Switchfoot "Hello Hurricane"
5. Eminem and Rihanna "Love the Way You Lie"

I adore Lady Antebellum.  I can't say that I like many country artists, but Lady Antebellum has become a favorite.  Muse is one of my favorite bands.  Ditto for The Black Keys.  I am a spot in my heart for Switchfoot.  The odd one is Eminem and Rihanna.  There's just something about that song that gets me every time.  I find myself singing along...  Enjoy these music choices!

Music Monday -- 2011 Highlights

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 2011

Books: Jack of Fables: The End

Music Selections:

1. Mumford and Sons "The Cave"
2. Adele "Rolling in the Deep"
3. Adele "Set Fire to the Rain"
4. Bruno Mars"Grenade"
5. Foster the People "Pumped Up Kicks"

These are the songs that I got stuck in my head this past year.  I love each an every one of them.  Yes, even the Bruno Mars song.  Enjoy getting them stuck in your head! Plus, an extra little treat for you.

Music Monday -- Jem "Falling for You"

Jem's one of those singers that I picked up somewhere along the way. I don't listen to the albums straight through anymore, but I do love singing along when a song pops up on my iPod. Enjoy a song from her album Finally Woken.

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

Said there'd be no going back Promised myself I'd never be that sad Maybe that's why you've come along To show me, it's not always bad

Coz I can feel it, baby I feel like I'm falling for you But I'm scared to, let go I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so

It's true I've become a skepticHow many couples really love Just wish I had a crystal ball To show me, if it's worth it all

Coz I can feel it, baby I feel like I'm falling for you But I'm scared to, let go I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so Yeah I can feel it, baby I feel like I'm falling for you But I'm scared to, let go I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so

And I've got to be sure Coz it's been so long And I cannot take the pain again If it all goes wrong

Coz I can feel it, baby I feel like I'm falling for you But I'm scared to, let go I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so Yeah I can feel it, baby I feel like I'm falling for you But I'm scared to, let go I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so

I want you so much I need you so much I want you so much I need you so much (believe me my love Believe me my love)

No official music video for this one, so I had to settle for just the music...

A oldie, but a goodie live version of the song.

Music Monday -- Kate Voegele "It's Only Life"

I was pondering this week's song and couldn't grab any one particular song...  And then "It's Only Life" came up on my iPod giant shuffle.  It's a great song and I love Kate Voegele.   I've previously posted one of Kate Voegele's songs ("Chicago").   I've also met her at a teeny tiny concert in Bloomington, IN opening for Josh Kelley.  I rushed over and bought her EP right after the concert.  I have since bought the rest of her cds.  I love her, her voice, and her music.  Overall, this is just a great feel good song to lift some spirits.  Enjoy!

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

Tears are forming in your eyes A storm is warning in the sky

The end of the world it seems You bend down and you fall on your knees Well get back on your feet yeah

Don't look away Don't run away Hey baby it's only life Don't lose your faith Don't run away Hey baby its only life Yea it's only life

You were always playing hard Never could let down your guard

But you can't win If you never give in To that voice within Saying pick up your chin Baby let go of it

[Chorus]

Take your hesitance And your self-defense Leave them behind, it's only life Don't be so afraid Of facing everyday Just take your time, it's only life I'll be your stepping-stoneNo, don't be so aloneJust hold on tight, it's only life

[Chorus]

Music Monday - The Black Keys "Howlin' for You"

It's a rainy cold day here in Omaha.  So I've been listening to some bluesy music, especially The Black Keys.  Enjoy!

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

I must admit I can't explain All these thoughts racing Through my brain

It's true Baby I'm howlin' for you

There's something wrong With this plot The actors here Have not got

A clue Baby I'm howlin' for you

Mockingbird Can't you seeThe little girl'sGot a hold on me

Like glue Baby I'm howlin' for you

Throw the ball To the stick Swing and miss In the catcher's mitt

Strike two Baby I'm howlin' for you

Music Monday -- Ben Folds "Best Imitation of Myself"

Ben Folds is such a weird character.  I absolutely love him and his music.  And this is my absolute favorite song from him.  A few years ago I saw him and my hometown philharmonic at our beautiful theater.  I don't think the crowd knew what to think.  Half the crowd was there for the Philharmonic, a fourth was there for Ben Folds, and a fourth was there for both.  I was there for both.  But it definitely made for an interesting concert.  My favorite part: the crowd sing a long for "Army."  Awesome!!!!

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

I feel like a quote out of context Withholding the rest So I can be for you what you want to see I got the gesture and sound Got the timing down It's uncanny, yeah, you think it was me Do you think I should take a class To lose my southern accent Did I make me up, or make the face till it stuck I do the best imitation of myself The "problem with you" speech You gave me was fine I liked the theories about my little stage And I swore I was listening But I started drifting Around the part about me acting my age Now if it's all the sameI've people to entertainI juggle one handedDo some magic tricks andThe best imitation of myself Maybe I'm thinking myself in a hole Wondering, who I am when I ought to know Straighten up now time to go Fool somebody else, fool somebody else Last night I was east with them And west within Trying to be for you what you wanna see But I can't help it with you The good and bad comes through Don't want you hanging out with No one but me Now if it's all the same It comes from the same place And if my mind's somewhere else You won't be able to tell I do the best imitation of myself Yes it's uncanny to see You'd really think it was me The best imitation of myself The best imitation of myself

Music Monday -- Snow Patrol "Set Fire to the Third Bar"

I just adore Snow Patrol.  Though the new album just doesn't hit the same spot as the old ones.  This is by far my favorite song by them.  I love the slow build.  I love the women's voice.  It's just beautiful.  According to Wikipedia,

The song is about a long distance relationshipand its lyrics talk of a couple involved in one  and their longing to be together again. After their long journey to meet each they would settle down in front of an electric bar fireand enjoy being together and warm

Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):

I find the map and draw a straight line Over rivers, farms, and state lines The distance from 'A' to where you'd be It's only finger-lengths that I see I touch the place where I'd find your face My finger in creases of distant dark places

I hang my coat up in the first bar There is no peace that I've found so far The laughter penetrates my silence As drunken men find flaws in science

Their words mostly noisesGhosts with just voicesYour words in my memoryAre like music to me

I'm miles from where you are, I lay down on the cold ground I, I pray that something picks me up And sets me down in your warm arms

After I have travelled so far We'd set the fire to the third bar We'd share each other like an island Until exhausted, close our eyelids And dreaming, pick up from The last place we left off Your soft skin is weeping A joy you can't keep in

I'm miles from where you are, I lay down on the cold ground And I, I pray that something picks me up and sets me down in your warm arms

I'm miles from where you are, I lay down on the cold ground and I, I pray that something picks me up and sets me down in your warm arms