Monday, October 19, 2009

18. Breathe (2 a.m.) - Anna Nalick

At one time, this song meant something to me, about someone. It was a hectic time in my life, where I over analyzed everything I thought or did... I did things and made myself suffer for what I thought was the betterment of another person who didn't care. It was who I was. And I didn't like it. I needed to stop, take a deep breath and step back.

Today, I still like the song because it's pretty, but I hope I've come a long way since then. I'm no longer up at 2 a.m. wondering about this and that and I can spend my time thinking about myself, and people who actually deserve it. :)

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

17. Wait for Me - Jamie Lidell

Yes, I realize I haven't been doing this very long and that I've already used Jamie Lidell for one song of the day. Being that I'm only familiar with this particular album, that does seem like a lot, but maybe I spoke too soon with "Little Bit of Feel Good."

I listened and sang along to "Wait for Me" yesterday on my way to Edwardsville and as I hit the back button repeatedly I got chills every time. I mentioned before, I believe, that Jamie's voice really gets me, but the emotion in this song is so strong that it's easy for anyone to feel overwhelmed if they're open to feeling the song. If you sing along, the sensation is even stronger. This is probably my favorite off the album "Jim."

16. Throw It on the Ground - The Lonely Island (2009)

I have seriously been slacking on my song of the day postings. Does that annoy you? Do you need a way to let it all out? Why don't you THROW IT ON THE GROUND!

David and I saw a clip from the Lonely Island's new SNL digital short last night on Jimmy Fallon and loved it. So we didn't laugh as hard as when we read the reviews for "Three Wolf Moon," but this video is classic.

"Happy Birthday to THE GROUND!" The Lonely Island has done it again.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

15. All I Ask of You - Andrew Lloyd Webber (1986)

"Phantom" was a great show last night, my first time ever to the Fox, so I thought I'd commemorate it.

"All I Ask of You" was a definite high point of the show. I hadn't seen the movie and I hadn't studied the play since my freshman year of college so I wasn't sure why I was so familiar with the but I'm glad I was. I think it helped bring some clarity to the show, and made it a more memorable experience for me.

Friday, October 9, 2009

14. Jessica - The Allman Brothers Band (1973)

Today is transition day from Thrice to The Allman Brothers Band on Music Togetherness, so it's a celebration!

Other than "Ramblin' Man" and thanks to the Guitar Hero franchise, a whole new generation got to know this song and love it over the last decade. One interesting fact even earlier than that - a live version of the song won a Grammy Award in 1996, decades after it was released.

This song is smooth and rich and beautifully mastered - one doesn't really even realize how long it is because it's enjoyable all the way through with no low points (and is one helluva fun tune to play on GH).

Thursday, October 8, 2009

13. Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage (1995)

At one point in my life, I actually felt this way. Today, as I sit here with a heater trying to dry off my pant legs, it feels kind of ironic.

Singer Shirley Manson once said the song was a dig at themselves because of the type of music they were into, which is interesting.

Why do people like music that makes them depressed? Because it's not normal to feel happy cheery all the time. It's enlightening, almost exhilarating to feel this kind of range of emotion - it's what makes us human, what separates us from the animals (although some would argue that one).

Manson's voice is so pretty against the harder sounds of the guitar... despite the lyrics and the idea behind the song, there's something uplifting about it. Ever laughed at a funeral? There's something so wrong about it, yet the people who do it do so because aren't sure how to deal with these types of feelings and that's how they come out. The conflict of emotion here (happy and dreary) is intriguing and leaves me wanting more.

12. No Rain - Blind Melon (1993)

I've been in a very blah mood - maybe because it's gotten cold and rainy and I haven't felt very good lately. Although yesterday was a higher point for me than the rest of the week in that I felt good enough to get out there and do my practice run for Homecoming - still, it was cloudy and overcast in the morning and that has set the tone as of late.

Again, I feel bad I missed another post, so I've promised myself I'll try to step it up.

I love everything about this song - the singing, the lyrics (which at one point in my life I could connect with), the guitar, the mood - except maybe the dancing bee girl. Wow, she's unfortunate looking.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

11. Bad - Michael Jackson (1987)

So, my office space co-habitant has decided that today is 80s day. She got on Pandora and started with Madonna, and we went from there, which brings me to "Bad."

I always liked a number of Michael Jackson songs, including this one, but never really understood his full impact on popular culture and pop music until he died. That weekend was nonstop Michael Jackson music videos, songs, movie specials and more - all very impressive, especially crammed into one sitting, one after another.

This song also reminds me of a game we used to play in the DEN newsroom - Escape from Neverland. I feel kind of bad for the man, but it's all in fun.

Shamon.

10. U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer (1990)

One, I am sorry that I didn't feel well and laid around last night then fell asleep early and didn't get a chance to post this in time. Two, I am sorry that I couldn't think of anything for yesterday's song of the day and then landed on this one.

Typically, I like to choose songs that I love and showcase them on this blog, but from time to time I'll hear something silly while flipping through the radio on my way to or from work - which is exactly what happened in this situation.

I don't consider this music "good" by any means, but it does bring back a bit of nostalgia for the kid in all of us.

Break it down.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

9. John Carpenter - Halloween Theme (1978)

Tonight, I am watching a movie marathon based around the Halloween franchise with Brian and David - the perfect way to kick off Halloween season if you ask me - so this was an obvious choice.

Need I say more?

Halloween is my favorite holiday of all time and this theme is just as scary as the movie itself.

I used to have this as a ringtone on my phone, but I didn't know about transferring ringtones so I held off from downloading it to my new one and got "Thriller" instead. You can probably expect to see that on this blog sometime this Halloween season.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

8. AC/DC - Highway to Hell (1979)

It took me awhile to think of a good song of the day - but Brian's here this weekend and we've been watching scary movies, Final Destination movies to be exact, so this only seemed right.

The second movie is the scariest of the three, with the pileup scene especially. I don't have any other particular reason I like this song, I just do and I love AC/DC's energy.

What I wouldn't give to see these guys live...

Friday, October 2, 2009

7. The Beatles - Tax Man (1966)

I've liked the Beatles forever, I've loved them since high school, but I've never paid much attention to this particular song until Beatles Rock Band.

Sad, I know, but I love singing it on the game. I LOVE George's voice.

If you think about it, it's kind of a song for the times - with all the talk about public health care and people worrying about their taxes being raised crazy high.

Anyway, I couldn't find an album cover photo so I thought this photo from the game would suffice. Enjoy!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

6. Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining (2007)

Boring image, I know, but I love the song. And I just so happened to dig it out of my car and listen to the album its featured on, "Under the Blacklight" on my way to work this morning.

Kind of interesting for a dark, dreary day. The song almost sounds happy, but with its dreary overtones it's not quite there. Almost like you're in a dream state, a sort of limbo while listening to it. I love the crisp sound throughout the song - especially the part with the triangle in the third verse. And I LOVE her voice.

The song was my first venture into the world of Rilo Kiley, although I had inadvertently been a Jenny Lewis fan ever since her days in "Troop Beverly Hills," which was a favorite movie of mine growing up.

I watched the music video and loved who'd she'd become, pretty, sure and self-confident. From there, I got into her solo stuff and even caught a few songs live at Bonnaroo 2009. This song was the beginning for me.