Music Monday -- M83 "Oblivion"

J and I saw Oblivion in theaters, but were underwhelmed.  However, I loved loved loved the song that played at the end of the movie.  I immediately had to find the song and buy it.  M83 actually did the entire score for the movie.  I love the moodiness of this song.  It fits the movie, but also fits M83's sound.  Love it!

Lyrics:

Since I was young, I knew I’d find youBut our love was a song sung by a dying swan And in the night, you hear me calling, You hear me calling And in your dreams you see me falling, falling

Breathe in the light I’ll stay here in the shadow Waiting for a sign, as the tide grows Higher, and higher, and higher

And when the nights are long All those stars recall your goodbye, your goodbye

And in the night you'll hear me calling, You'll hear me calling And in your dreams you'll see us falling, falling And in now you'll hear me calling, You'll hear me calling And in your dreams you'll see us falling, falling

Breathe in the light and say goodbye Breathe in the light and say goodbye.

Music Memories

Sometimes Sweet started a journal day for every Thursday. I love the idea and find it easier to follow a prompt rather than think up my own.  So, here we go:

Prompt #2: We all have songs that really mean something to us. Often just hearing it can take us right back to that place and we are able to re-experience the memory associated with the song. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, but either way music has the ability to really draw things out of us and evoke deep emotion. Choose a song that has a particular meaning to you. Tell the story of the memory associated with the song, sharing as much detail as you can. Take us there; let us experience it with you.

My memory isn't just one song, but a mini playlist.  My junior year of high school, I drove a few of my friends to and from school.  We had our own little carpool.  I quickly realized that I hated listening to the radio in the morning (tons of talking, not enough music).  And so I began to create mixtapes to entertain us in the morning (and in the afternoon).  Yes, they were cassette tapes.  This was before most cards had cd players and definitely before mp3 players.  I diligently sat at home with my boombox in front of the stereo and started taping.  Every morning, I would listen to the radio until I picked up my best friend, Beth.  Funny aside: she lived the closest to school (1 block away!) but I always picked her up first.  We would pop the tape in and start our day right with some headbanging top-of-our-lungs singing of The Offspring.  And then we would cool down to some Barenaked Ladies and Five Iron Frenzy while throwing in some Korn and Snoop Dog.  It was always a party.  We would then drive around picking up my other carpoolers and eventually make it to school.  In the afternoon, we would pick up wherever we left off on the tape.  That tape lived in my car for two years.  I only played it on the way to and from school.  It was a special tape for a special occasion.  Those mornings and afternoons were my first taste of true freedom.  I had a car, I was all on my own, I had my friends with me to enjoy the ride.  Anytime one of these songs pops up in my iTunes shuffle, I immediately go right back to high school hanging with my friends and my little white Hyundai Accent rocking our way to another day at school.

P.S. I know there were more songs, but for the life of me, I can't remember them all.  And the tape has disappeared into some landfill somewhere...

Music Monday -- The Neighbourhood "Afraid"

I finally (finally!) picked up The Neighbourhood album I Love You and I am so in love with it.  My favorite song at the moment is "Afraid."  It's been getting a ton of airplay on Alt Nation and for good reason.  It's a great song.

Lyrics:

When I wake up I’m afraid, somebody else might take my place When I wake up I’m afraid, somebody else might take my place

Paid that money, fake that dummy, ache my tummy On the fence, all the time Paid junk honey, face so sunny, ain’t that funny All my friends always lie to me I know they’re thinking

You’re too mean, I don’t like you, fuck you anyway You make me wanna scream at the top of my lungs It hurts but I won’t fight you You suck anyway You make me wanna die, right when I

When I wake up I’m afraid, somebody else might take my place [x3] When I wake up I’m afraid, somebody else might end up being me

Keep on dreaming, don’t stop breathing, fight those demons Sell your soul, not your whole self If they see you when you’re sleeping, make them leave it And I can’t even see if it’s all there anymore so

You’re too mean, I don’t like you, fuck you anyway You make me wanna scream at the top of my lungs It hurts but I won’t fight you You suck anyway You make me wanna die, right when I

When I wake up I’m afraid, somebody else might take my place [x3] When I wake up I’m afraid, somebody else might end up being me

Being me can only mean Feeling scared to breathe If you leave me then I’ll be afraid of everything That makes me anxious, gives me patience, calms me down Lets me face this, let me sleep, and when I wake up (I wake up, I wake up) Let me be

When I wake up I’m afraid, somebody else might take my place [x3] When I wake up I’m afraid, somebody else might end up being me

Music Monday -- iPod Shuffle February

Tyler Hilton "Tore the Line" -- One of those go to artists in my iTunes account. 

Live version:

Flogging Molly "If I Ever Leave This World Alive" -- Another go to artist and one that Arthur really really likes.

Live version:

Guster "Fa Fa" -- An old favorite.  I didn't realize how old this song was until I looked up the YouTube videos.  2003!  It feels like the song was just released.

Live version:

Music Monday -- CHVRCHES "The Mother We Share"

Seriously been digging this song ever since it debuted on Alt Nation a few weeks back.  I think I need to check out their other stuff...

Lyrics:

Never took your side, never cursed your name I keep my lips shut tight, until you go-o-oh We've come as far as we're ever gonna get Until you realize, that you should go-o-oh

I'm in misery where you can seem as old as your omens And the mother we share will never keep your proud head from falling The way is long but you can make it easy on me And the mother we share will never keep our cold hearts from calling

In the dead of night, I'm the only one hereAnd I will cover you, until you go-o-ohAnd if I told the truth, I will always be freeAnd keep a prize with me, until you go-o-oh

I'm in misery where you can seem as old as your omens And the mother we share will never keep your proud head from falling The way is long but you can make it easy on me And the mother we share will never keep our cold hearts from calling

Until the night falls, we're the only ones left I bet you even know, where we could go-o-oh And when it all fucks up, you put your head in my hands It's a souvenir for when you go-o-oh

I'm in misery where you can seem as old as your omens And the mother we share will never keep your proud head from falling The way is long but you can make it easy on me And the mother we share will never keep our cold hearts from calling

Music Monday -- New Music Winter

Fitz & The Tantrums “The Walker” -- An awesome Alt Nation find. 

Linkin Park and Steve Aoki "A Light that Never Comes" -- Love the combo.

Switchfoot "Who We Are" -- A new song from an old favorite.

Music Monday -- Avicii and Dan Tyminski "Hey Brother"

Such an odd mix of musical genres, but somehow it completely works! 

Music Monday -- Mumford & Sons and Elvis Costello "The Ghost of Tom Joad & Do Re Mi Medley"

Who doesn't love Elvis Costello or Mumford & Sons?  Definitely not me.  This is a great collaboration.  And a great medley.

Music Monday -- The Killers "Shot at the Night"

We saw The Killers in Dec. 2012 and they were amazing!  An incredibly entertaining show.  I am really enjoying this song at the moment.

Lyrics:

Once in a lifetime, the suffering of fools To find our way home, to break in these bones Once in a lifetime (Once in a lifetime) Once in a lifetime

Give me a shot at the night Give me a moment, some kind of mysterious Give me a shot at the night Give me a moment, some kind of mysterious

Once in a lifetime, we're breaking all the rules To find that our home, has long been out grown Draw me a life line, 'cause honey I got nothing to lose Once in a lifetime (Once in a lifetime) Once in a lifetime

Give me a shot at the night Give me a moment, some kind of mysterious Give me a shot at the night Give me a moment, some kind of mysterious Give me a shot at the night

Look at my reflection in the mirror Underneath the power of the light Give me a shot at the night Give me a shot at the night Give me a shot at the night I feel like I'm losing the fight

Give me a shot at the night Give me a moment, some kind of mysterious Give me a shot at the night

Give me a shot at the night Give me a moment, some kind of mysterious Give me a shot at the night Give me a moment, some kind of mysterious Give me a shot at the night Give me a moment, some kind of mysterious Give me a shot at the night

Music Monday -- iPod Shuffle December

Since I've finished my 101 Faves series for Music Monday, I thought I would do something complete different.  I turned on my iPod, hit shuffle, and recorded my first 5 songs.

"Feel Again" by OneRepublic (Native)

"Eyes Wide Open" by Gotye (Making MIrrors)

"Dakota" by O.A.R. (Stories of a Stranger)

"Mrs. O" by The Dresden Dolls (Yes, Virginia)

"The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most" by Dashboard Confessional (MTV Unplugged)

Today's Music Monday will be the last until after the New Year.  Next week, I am starting my traditional holiday break to spend time with family and friends and recharge for 2014. But never fear, I'll be on the lookout for some great new music during that time period.

Music Monday -- OneRepublic "Counting Stars"

I just really like OneRepublic.  It's nothing super different or new, but solid good music.  And I'm really digging their new album, Native.

Lyrics:

[Chorus] Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard Said no more counting dollars We'll be counting stars Yeah, we'll be counting stars

[Verse 1] I see this life Like a swinging vine Swing my heart across the line In my face is flashing signs Seek it out and ye shall find

Old, but I'm not that old Young, but I'm not that bold And I don't think the world is sold I'm just doing what we're told

I feel something so right At doing the wrong thing I feel something so wrong At doing the right thing I could lie, could lie, could lie Everything that kills me makes me feel alive

[Chorus] Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard Said no more counting dollars We'll be counting stars Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard Said no more counting dollars We'll be, we'll be counting stars

[Verse 2]I feel the loveAnd I feel it burnDown this river every turnHope is a four letter word Make that money Watch it burn

Old, but I'm not that old Young, but I'm not that bold And I don't think the world is sold I'm just doing what we're told

And I feel something so wrong At doing the right thing I could lie, could lie, could lie Everything that downs me makes me wanna fly

[Chorus] Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard Said no more counting dollars We'll be counting stars Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard Said no more counting dollars We'll be, we'll be counting stars

[Bridge 4x:] Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons I learned

Everything that kills me makes me feel alive

[Chorus] Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard Said no more counting dollars We'll be counting stars Lately I been, I been losing sleep Dreaming about the things that we could be But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard Said no more counting dollars We'll be, we'll be counting stars

[Outro 4x:] Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons I learned

Bonus Video: OneRepublic and Michelle Chamuel on S4 of The Voice.  I was totaling rooting for her to win the entire thing.  She is amazing!

Music Monday -- New Music December

Some highlights of finds from Alt Nation.

MS MR "Hurricane" -- I love her voice!

The Neighbourhood "Afraid" -- "Sweater Weather" was a great song and I'm really enjoying this new one...

Lorde "Team" -- She is so hot right now!  I really need to pick up her album.

Cage the Elephant "Come a Little Closer" -- I loved their older stuff, but the new is definitely a nice surprise.

Chvrches "The Mother We Share" -- There's something about this song that makes me sing along every time...

Music Monday -- iPod Shuffle November

Since I've finished my 101 Faves series for Music Monday, I thought I would do something complete different.  I turned on my iPod, hit shuffle, and recorded my first 5 songs.

1. "Criminal" by Fiona Apple (Tidal)

2. "Headlights on Dark Roads" by Snow Patrol (Eyes Open)

3. "It'll Be a Long Time" by The Offspring (Smash)

4. "Catalyst" by Anna Nalick (Wreck of the Day)

5. "Emergency" by Paramore (Riot!)

Music Monday -- Zedd Feat. Hayley Williams "Stay the Night"

Really loving some dance music lately.  I've been hearing a ton of Zedd and I love Hayley Williams, so together they make a great combination.

Lyrics:

I know that we are upside down So hold your tongue and hear me out I know that we were made to break So what? I don't mind

You kill the lights, I'll draw the blindsDon't dull the sparkle in your eyesI know that we were made to breakSo what? I don't mind

Are you gonna stay the night Are you gonna stay the night Oh oh oh, are you gonna stay the night

Are you gonna stay the night Doesn't mean we're bound for life So oh oh, are you gonna stay the night

[beat break]

Are you gonna stay the night Doesn't mean we're bound for life So oh oh, are you gonna stay the night

I am fire gasoline, come pour yourself all over me We'll let this place go down in flames only one more time You kill the lights, I'll draw the blinds Don't dull the sparkle in your eyes I know that we were made to break So what? I don't mind

Are you gonna stay the night Are you gonna stay the night Oh oh oh, are you gonna stay the night

Are you gonna stay the night Doesn't mean we're bound for life So oh oh, are you gonna stay the night Night night night night night....

[beat break]

ARE YOU GONNA STAY THE NIGHT

[beat break]

Are you gonna stay the night Doesn't mean we're bound for life So oh oh, are you gonna stay the night

Music Monday -- Arctic Monkeys "Do I Wanna Know?"

There's a special place in heart for the Arctic Monkeys.  They never fail to make me feel good and sing along.  Their new album, AM, is just a treasure.  They've grown so much since the first album.  This is the first song and the album.  The beat alone gets me up and moving.  Enjoy!

Lyrics:

Have you got colour in your cheeks? Do you ever get that fear that you can't shift the tide that sticks around like summat in your teeth? Are there some aces up your sleeve? Have you no idea that you're in deep? I've dreamt about you nearly every night this week How many secrets can you keep? 'Cause there's this tune I found that makes me think of you somehow and I play it on repeatUntil I fall asleepSpilling drinks on my settee

(Do I wanna know?) If this feeling flows both ways (Sad to see you go) I've started hoping that you'd stay (Didn't we both know) That the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day

Crawling back to you

Ever thought of calling when you've had a few? 'Cause I always do Maybe I'm too busy being yours to fall for somebody new Now I've thought it through

Crawling back to you

So have you got the goods? Been wondering if your heart's still open and if so I wanna know what time it shuts Simmer down and pucker up I'm sorry to interrupt it's just I'm constantly on the cusp of trying to kiss you I don't know if you feel the same as I do We could be together if you wanted to

(Do I wanna know?) If this feeling flows both ways (Sad to see you go) I've started hoping that you'd stay (Didn't we both know) That the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day

Crawling back to you (crawling back to you)

Ever thought of calling when you've had a few? (you've had a few) 'Cause I always do ('cause I always do) Maybe I'm too (maybe I'm too busy) busy being yours to fall for somebody new Now I've thought it through

Crawling back to you

(Do I wanna know?) If this feeling flows both ways (Sad to see you go) I've started hoping that you'd stay (Didn't we both know) That the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day

(Do I wanna know?) Too busy being yours to fall (Sad to see you go) Ever thought of calling darlin'? (Do I wanna know?) Do you want me crawling back to you?

Music Monday -- New Music November

A collection of random new-to-me music...

Junip "Line of Fire" -- Popped up on iTunes Radio Top 100 Alternative.  Love the moody feel of this one.

Imagine Dragons "Monster" -- Their newest song.  I loved their debut album and I love this song.

Bastille "Pompeii" -- Heavy rotation on Alt Nation lately and yet I still love it!

The Boxer Rebellion "Broken Glass" -- Random Pandora find.

Zedd featuring Matthew Koma "Spectrum" -- Really digging a bit of dance music every now and then.

Music Monday -- iPod Shuffle October

Since I've finished my 101 Faves series for Music Monday, I thought I would do something complete different.  I turned on my iPod, hit shuffle, and recorded my first 5 songs. I'm thinking of making this a monthly feature... This shuffle is mostly older, but much loved songs.  Enjoy!

1. "Tonight, Not Again" by Jason Mraz (live version from Tonight, Not Again)

2. "Bring the Night On" by Eve 6 (It's All in Your Head)

3. "Seven Wonders" by Nickel Creek (This Side)

4. "Apres Moi" by Regina Spektor (Begin to Hope)

5. "Wherever You Will Go" by The Calling (Camino Palmero)

Music Monday -- 101 Faves Duets Edition

As part of my ongoing Day Zero Project, I've made a list of my favorite 101 songs of all time.  To help cut down on the possibilities, I took songs only from my iTunes account.  Each edition will include ~5 songs with a theme.  Enjoy!

Hayley Williams and B.O.B. "Airplanes"

Allison Krauss and Brad Paisley "Whiskey Lullaby"

Ben Folds and Regina Spektor "You Don't Know Me"

Music Monday -- The Civil Wars "The One That Got Away"

I recently picked up the new The Civil Wars album.  And the first song is just amazing.  I had to share it with you today.  I love the voice combination of Joy Williams and John Paul White.  Just gorgeous!

Lyrics:

I never meant to get us in this deep I never meant for this to mean a thing Oh, I wish you were the one Wish you were the one that got away

I got caught up by the chase And you got high on every little game I wish you were the one Wish you were the one that got away

Oh, if I could go back in time When you only held me in my mind Just a longing gone without a trace Oh, I wish I'd never ever seen your face I wish you were the one Wish you were the one that got away

I miss the way you wanted me When I was staying just out of your reach Begging for the slightest touch Ooh, you couldn't get enough, mmm

Oh, if I could go back in time When you only held me in my mind Just a longing gone without a trace Oh, I wish I'd never ever seen your face I wish you were the one Wish you were the one that got away

Got away from me Got away from me Before anybody has to bleed

Oh, if I could go back in time When you only held me in my mind Just a longing gone without a trace Oh, I wish I'd never ever seen your face I wish you were the one I wish you were the one Oh, I wish you were the one I wish you were the one that got away

Music Monday -- Favorite Covers VII

While sifting through all our music, I came across a ton of songs (over 1000) that I wanted to add to my 101 Favorite Songs list.  I had to narrow it down.  As part of my narrowing, I decide to delete all covers from the list.  But those are some great songs, ones I really love.  So, I decided to give them their own series on Music Monday.  If you like covers, stay tuned for some good ones. Part I,Part II,Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI.

Sarah Brightman "Dust in the Wind"

Original -- Kansas

Adele "Make You Feel My Love"

Original -- Bob Dylan

Mumford and Sons "The Boxer" (the live version is pretty amazing if you ignore the random yelling and talking)

Original -- Simon and Garfunkel

Regina Spektor "Real Love"

Original -- The Beatles

Reel Big Fish "Take on Me"

Original -- A-Ha