Something to Brighten Your Day...
Music Monday -- Favorite Christmas Carols Part 1
It's December. Time to pull out the holiday music. I thought I would share my all-time favorite Christmas carols. I've even pinpointed my favorite versions of my favorite carols. Part 1 of 3.
"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby -- The classic song sung by the classic singer. While I prefer Holiday Inn over White Christmas, I prefer this song.
"Blue Christmas" by Elvis -- Another classic song by a classic singer. There are many other versions of Blue Christmas, but I always go back to Elvis.
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan -- A fun uptempo mash-up for you. This is so upbeat I can't help but feel better after listening.
"The Chanukah Song" by Adam Sandler -- A funny song to enjoy.
"Little Drummer Boy" by Jars of Clay -- Another classic song done in a more modern version.
Music Monday -- Counting Crows "A Long December"
One of my old favorite songs. I can't not sing along when this song pops up on my shuffle. It's a beautiful song. Plus you get a beautiful video and a live version to enjoy.
Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):
A long December and there's reason to believe Maybe this year will be better than the last I can't remember the last thing that you said as you were leavin' Now the days go by so fast And it's one more day up in the canyons And it's one more night in Hollywood If you think that I could be forgiven...I wish you would The smell of hospitals in winter And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls All at once you look across a crowded roomTo see the way that light attaches to a girl And it's one more day up in the canyons And it's one more night in Hollywood If you think you might come to California...I think you should Drove up to Hillside Manor sometime after two a.m. And talked a little while about the year I guess the winter makes you laugh a little slower, Makes you talk a little lower about the things you could not show her And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe Maybe this year will be better than the last I can't remember all the times I tried to tell my myself To hold on to these moments as they pass And it's one more day up in the canyon And it's one more night in Hollywood It's been so long since I've seen the ocean...I guess I should
Music Monday -- Third Day "When the Rain Comes"
Here's an uplifting song for you today. I hope that every day you feel down there's some one there to stay with you until the rain passes. I added an audio track from the album and a live version.
Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):
When the rain comes it seems that everyone has gone away When the night falls you wonder if you shouldn't find someplaceTo run and hideEscape the painBut hiding's such a lonely thing to do I can't stop the rain From falling down on you again I can't stop the rain But I will hold you 'til it goes away When the rain comes you blame it on the things that you have done When the storm fades you know that rain must fall on everyone Rest awhile it'll be alright No one loves you like I do When the rain comes I will hold you
Music Monday -- Relient K "The One I'm Waiting For"
Any time I'm feeling a bit down, I just pop on Relient K and suddenly I feel tons better. Their lyrics are complicated and deep, but the music is infectious. Check them out today. I give you the audio from the album and a live version from Hard Rock.
Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):
The way that girl can break a heart It’s like a work of art And this is the worst part She knows it
And she’s so confident That she’s what everybody wants But nobody wants Her to know that
So fall back on all of your premonitions And just learn to listen To those that have more wisdom than you And just stop Putting so much stock In all of this stuff Live your life for those you love
And I’m still waiting for You to be the one I’m waiting for
The way that girl can turn a head Well she is such a threat But don’t ever forget She knows it
And she’s got it all All figured out And she won’t let you doubt She knows it
I’m still waiting for You to be the one I’m waiting for
Something tells me that this is going to make sense Something tells me it’s going to take patience Something tells me that this will all work out in the end
Music Monday -- Regina Spektor "Fidelity"
I can't believe that I've never highlighted this song on the blog. I absolutely adore her voice and her whole sound. It's so quirky but easily to connect to. She writes very personal songs of life. Plus, check out the gorgeous visuals in the video.
Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):
I never loved nobody fully Always one foot on the ground And by protecting my heart truly I got lost in the sounds I hear in my mind All these voices I hear in my mind all these words I hear in my mind all this music
And it breaks my heart And it breaks my heart And it breaks my heart It breaks my heart
And suppose I never ever met you Suppose we never fell in love Suppose I never ever let you kiss me so sweet and so soft Suppose I never ever saw you Suppose we never ever called Suppose I kept on singing love songs just to break my own fall Just to break my fall Just to break my fall Break my fall Break my fall
All my friends say that of course its gonna get better Gonna get better Better better better better Better better better
I never love nobody fully Always one foot on the ground And by protecting by heart truly I got lost In the sounds I hear in my mind All these voices I hear in my mind all these words I hear in my mind All this music And it breaks my heart It breaks my heart
I hear in my mind all of these voices I hear in my mind all of these words I hear in my mind all of this music
Breaks my Heart Breaks my heart
Music Monday -- Duncan Sheik "It's Better to Be Dead"
Not a real happy song, but I love the moody atmosphere of this entire album. (Whisper House) The album is a bit of a concept album with interlocking stories throughout. Give it a listen if you get a chance.
Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):
I present to you a story Set upon a northern shore The denizens of lighthouse During times of war
The foolish things they did The foolish things they said I'm sure you will agree They would be better off dead
Lily keeps the lighthouse She's afraid of the unknown She's no ray of sunshine So mostly she's alone
And no one cares about her longing Or the dreams on which she's fed And though I'm sad to say it She would be better off dead
Next we have a sheriff Charles is his name He's something of a sideshow Every sheriff is the same
Will he stand for justice Or something else instead? Either way it hardly matters 'Cause he's better off dead
When everything is done And everything is said Life is naught but pain It's better to be dead
Release your heavy heart Rest your weary head When all the world's at war It's better, it's better
Witness Yasujiro He hails from old Japan He searches for redemption In this strange and foreign land
And now he works for Lily To earn his daily bread But the most that one can say Is that he's better off dead
Please, welcome young Christopher He's come here on a train His father flew to heaven In a fiery aeroplane
He's come to live with Lily He's got visions in his head He may be our main attraction But he's better off dead
When everything is done And everything is said Life is naught but pain It's better to be dead
Release your heavy heart Rest your weary head When all the world's at war It's better to be dead
Everything is done All things have been said It's good to be a ghost It's better, it's better to be dead
It's good to be a ghost It's better to be dead
Audio track from the album
A live version with pretty crappy audio, but visuals
Music Monday -- Current Faves
Instead the usual music monday post, I just grabbed a few songs that I am dying over right now. Some are new, some are old, all are much loved by me. Enjoy!
The Lumineers "Ho Hey" -- Love their album
Mumford & Sons "Ghosts that We Knew" -- Been obsessing over the new album, but especially this song
Flogging Molly "Float" -- Love love love this song, especially live
Of Monsters and Men "King and Lionheart" -- My other current album obsession
Fuel "Million Miles" -- Oldie that I rediscovered in my cd box. Saw them live ~2004, great show.
Jason Mraz "No Doubling Back" -- Especially love the live album.
Jamie Cullum "Blame it on My Youth" -- Awesome song!
Music Monday -- The Lumineers "Stubborn Love"
I know their song "Ho Hey" is huge right now. And I dearly love it. But since I've already featured it twice on my blog, I thought I would highlight my second favorite song on the album. For your pleasure, a tale of crazy irrational love...
Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):
She'll lie and steal and cheat, and beg you from her knees Make you thinks she means it this time She'll tear a hole in you, the one you can't repair But I still love her, I don't really care
When we were young, Oh Oh, we did enough When it got cold, Ooh Ooh, we bundled up I cant be told, Ah Ah It cant be done
It's better to feel pain, than nothing at allThe opposite of love's indifference Pay attention now, I'm standing on your porch screaming out And I wont leave until you come downstairs
So keep your head up, keep your love keep your head up, my love [x2] Keep your head up, keep your love
I don't blame ya dear for running like you did, all these years I would do the same, your best believe The highway signs say we're close, but I don't read those things anymore I never trusted my own eyes
When we were young oh oh, we did enough When it got cold, Ooh ooh we bundled up I can't be told, Ah ah, can't be done
So keep your head up, keep your love keep your head up, my love [x2] keep your head up, keep your love
Music Monday -- Simon and Garfunkel "America"
This is one of those iconic songs. I love the conversation between the people in the song. It's musical storytelling at its finest. Enjoy today's blast from the past.
Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):
"Let us be lovers we'll marry our fortunes together" "I've got some real estate here in my bag" So we bought a pack of cigarettes and Mrs. Wagner pies And we walked off to look for America
"Kathy," I said as we boarded a Greyhound in Pittsburgh "Michigan seems like a dream to me now" It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw I've gone to look for America
Laughing on the bus Playing games with the faces She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy I said "Be careful his bowtie is really a camera"
"Toss me a cigarette, I think there's one in my raincoat" "We smoked the last one an hour ago" So I looked at the scenery, she read her magazine And the moon rose over an open field
"Kathy, I'm lost," I said, though I knew she was sleeping I'm empty and aching and I don't know why Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike They've all gone to look for America All gone to look for America All gone to look for America
Many video versions for you to enjoy!
Original audio track
Letterman Show 2003
Josh Groban's version
Vienna Teng -- found this on YouTube
Music Monday -- The Dresden Dolls "Good Day"
I'm so excited for the release of Amanda Palmer's new cd. I know this isn't just her, but I had to highlight one of my favorite songs involving her. This song is such a story of heartbreak. You ever have those moments when it seems like your friend/spouse/lover/children/guy at the store just isn't listening to you or cares to listen to you? Plus the music just rocks.
Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):
So you don't want to hear about my good song? And you don't want to hear about how i am getting on With all the things that i can get done The sun is in the sky & i am by my lonesome So you don't want to hear about my good day? You have better things to do than to hear me say
God its been a lovely day! everything's been going my way I took out the trash today and i'm on fire...
So you don't want to hear about my good friends? You don't have the guts to take the truth or consequence Success is in the eye of the beholderAnd its looking even better over your cold shoulder
I'm not suggesting you get to line me up for questioning But Jesus think about the bridges you are burning And i'm betting That even though you knew it from the start You'd rather be a bitch than be an ordinary broken heart
So go ahead and talk about your bad day... I want all the details of the pain and misery That you are inflicting on the others I consider them my sisters and I want their numbers
God its been a lovely day! everything's been going my way I took up croquet today and i'm on fire
I picked up the pieces of my broken ego I have finally made my peace as far as you and me go But i'd love to have you up to see the place & i'd like to do more than survive i'd like to rub it in your face.....
Hey! its been a lovely day! everything's been going my way I had so much fun today and i'm on fire God it's been a lovely day everything's been going my way Ever since you went away hey i'm on fire..... I'm on fire... I'm on fire... So you don't want to hear about my good day?
Extra video: An awesome live version in 2003.
Music Monday -- Ben Folds Five "Do It Anyway"
We interrupt the regularly scheduled Music Monday posts to highlight a new and amazing music video! For all of you born in the early 1980s... I give you Fraggle Rock!!!! Oh yeah, and Ben Folds Five. Enjoy reliving your childhood. And I really need to get the new Ben Folds Five record...
Music Monday -- New Music VI
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: Basically all of these selections were pulled from Alt Nation on Sirius XM and the blog The Glitter Pox. Check The Glitter Pox out for newly discovered music every Tuesday and Thursday.
O Emperor "Don Quixote"
Firelight "Unbreakable" -- While I like the song, I want the lead singer's hair..
Veronica Falls "Bad Feeling"
Middle Class Rut "New Low"
Joe Gil "Woodblock" -- Ignore the video... just listen to the this amazing song.
Complete A to Z list:
- A – Awolnation “Not Your Fault”
- B – Birdy “Just a Game”
- C – Cake “Mustache Man (Wasted)”
- D — Alex Clare “Damn Your Eyes”
- E – Ellie Goulding “Lights”
- F – Fun “We are Young”
- G – Gotye “Somebody That I Used to Know”
- H – Edward Sharpe “Home”
- I – Imagine Dragons “It’s Time”
- J -- Joe Gil "Woodblock"
- K – Kindness “House”
- L – The Lumineers “Ho Hey”
- M -- Middle Class Rut "New Low"
- N – Neon Trees “Everybody Talks”
- O – Of Mosnter and Men “Little Talks”
- P – Punch Brothers “Dark Days”
- Q -- O Emperor "Don Quixote"
- R – Radical Face “Welcome Home”
- S – St. Vincent “Cheerleader”
- T – GROUPLOVE “Tongue Tied”
- U -- Firelight "Unbreakable"
- V -- Veronica Falls "Bad Feeling"
- W – Walk the Moon “Anna Sun”
- X -- O Emperor "Don Quixote" (couldn't find another Q or X)
- Y - Young the Giant “Cough Syrup”
- Z – Zulu Winter “We Should Be Swimming”
Music Monday -- 2012
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: 2012
Music Selections: I realize that it is only September, but I've come to the end of my Music Mondays My Years posts. So I thought I would end them with some of my favorites for this year so far.
- Florence + the Machine "What the Water Gave Me" -- Such a beautiful song. This is hands down my favorite song on the album.
- The Black Keys "Gold on the Ceiling" -- Who doesn't love The Black Keys? I would take them home any day.
- Green Day "Oh Love" -- While I wasn't that excited about 21st Century Breakdown, I am loving this song...
- David Guetta feat. Sia "Titanium" -- This is my summer song.
- The Shins "Simple Song" -- Another favorite band. I love this song way too much and James Mercer's voice is to die for...
- Jack White "Sixteen Saltines" -- I really must buy this album. I love everything Jack White does.
- Santigold "Disparate Youth" -- I'm not a huge fan of hers, but I love the music behind this one.
- Mumford and Sons "I Will Wait" -- I can't wait until the new album. I already pre-ordered it on iTunes.
- Alex Clare "Too Close" -- A relatively new find for me. Love his voice.
Music Monday -- 1994
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: 1994
Book: Unknown
Music Selections:
- Veruca Salt "Seether"
- Dave Matthews Band "What Would You Say"
- Ace of Base "The Sign"
- Billy Joel "Lullaby"
- Lisa Loeb "Stay"
Music Monday -- 1986
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: 1986
Book: Unknown
Music Selections:
- Madonna "Papa Don't Preach"
- Bon Jovi "You Give Love a Bad Name"
- The Bangles "Walk Like an Egyptian"
- The Bangles "Manic Monday"
- Paul Simon "You Can Call me Al"
Music Monday -- 2006
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: 2006
Book: Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick
Music Selections:
- Shakira "Hips Don't Lie" -- I do love the way she moves
- Justin Timberlake "Sexy Back" -- And the way he moves
- James Blunt "You're Beautiful" -- This video is just gorgeous
- Dixie Chicks "Not Read to Make Nice" -- Love their response to the "outrage" over their anti-Bush comments
- John Mayer "Waiting on the World to Change" -- This is just a great song even if he is a bit of douche
Music Monday -- 1989
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: 1989
Book: Unknown
Music Selections: .
- Poison "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" -- Love me some hair bands
- The Bangles "Eternal Flame" -- I still love The Bangles
- Paula Abdul "Cold Hearted" -- I was obsessed with this song for awhile.
- New Kids on the Block "Hangin' Tough" -- Yes, I was a fan of NKOTB back in elementary school
- Tom Petty "Free Fallin'" --Still love this song
Music Monday -- 2000
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: 2000
Book: Unknown
Music Selections:
- Jars of Clay If I Left the Zoo -- Love old Jars of Clay.
- Silverchair "Anthem for the Year 2000" -- I graduated high school in 2000. This was my friend's and I's unofficial song.
- Vertical Horizon "Everything You Want" -- Obsessed with this song during the summer.
- Matchbox Twenty "Bent" -- I really really liked Matchbox Twenty for a while there... and I got to see them in concert this year.
- No Doubt "Ex Girlfriend" -- I think my favorite No Doubt song, although Tragic Kingdom is the best album.
Music Monday -- 1998
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: 1998
Book: Readings on Shakespeare's The Histories
Music Selections:
- The Offspring "Americana" -- I loved The Offpsring, all the old stuff. The new stuff just doesn't have the same fun. I think this was their last record that liked. And I saw them in concert either 2000 or 2001. Great times.
- Goo Goo Dolls "Iris" -- One of my all time favorite songs. I've recently caught this song on Lithium multiple times. Can't help but stop and sing along.
- Matchbox Twenty "3 am" -- Another high school favorite of mine. I hear they have a new song. Haven't heard it yet, but I'm sure it won't compete with 3 am.
- Savage Garden "Truly Madly Deeply" -- A gooey love song.
- Barenaked Ladies "One Week" -- I still can't sing the entire song, but I love it anyway. Plus, it was on the soundtrack for 10 Things I Hate About You, which is one of my favorite high school era movies.