Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Innate Talents: Does Everyone Have Them?
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Monday, August 1, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge: A Song That Makes Me Fall Asleep
I know a lot of people that fall asleep to music. I do not fall into this category; rather, music has a tendency to wake me up, to make me think. Therefore, I'm once again kind of failing at The 30 Day Music Challenge.
That being said, there's a category of music that relaxes me, that reminds me of my childhood, and that's probably the closest I come to meeting this criteria.
My dad is very proud of his Irish heritage (yeah, I know none of you are surprised that I'm Irish ... the quick temper, the beer, the love of all things potatoes, and so on), and Irish folk music was a staple of my childhood soundtrack as a result.
His favorite "band" was The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, and that passion transferred directly to me. This song is my favorite from a live concert performed by Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem.
Totally love it!
That being said, there's a category of music that relaxes me, that reminds me of my childhood, and that's probably the closest I come to meeting this criteria.
My dad is very proud of his Irish heritage (yeah, I know none of you are surprised that I'm Irish ... the quick temper, the beer, the love of all things potatoes, and so on), and Irish folk music was a staple of my childhood soundtrack as a result.
His favorite "band" was The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, and that passion transferred directly to me. This song is my favorite from a live concert performed by Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem.
Totally love it!
Friday, July 29, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge: A Song I Know All the Words To
It's going to take me about three months to get through The 30 Day Music Challenge, at this rate, but I guess that's kind of the story of my life ;-)
This one's kind of a toughie, not because there aren't a lot of songs that I don't know all the words to but for the opposite reason--I know every word to pretty much every song that I listen to. What can I say, I'm a lyrics freak? Must be an English teacher thing ...
But just for the heck of it, here's one from way back ;-)
This one's kind of a toughie, not because there aren't a lot of songs that I don't know all the words to but for the opposite reason--I know every word to pretty much every song that I listen to. What can I say, I'm a lyrics freak? Must be an English teacher thing ...
But just for the heck of it, here's one from way back ;-)
Monday, July 18, 2011
The 30 Day Music Challenge: A Song That Makes Me Happy :-)
For the next installment of "The 30 Day Music Challenge", a song that makes me happy. Let me know in the comments if you're up to doing "The 30 Day Music Challenge" so I can be sure to check it out :-)
There are many songs that make me happy. Like a lot of people, music has been a huge part of my life ... in fact, the idea of creating a "life soundtrack" has more than once crossed my mind.
Of course, I guess that's why iTunes has playlists ;)
Anyway, here's one of the many songs that makes me happy ...
There are many songs that make me happy. Like a lot of people, music has been a huge part of my life ... in fact, the idea of creating a "life soundtrack" has more than once crossed my mind.
Of course, I guess that's why iTunes has playlists ;)
Anyway, here's one of the many songs that makes me happy ...
Saturday, July 16, 2011
The 30 Day Music Challenge: My Favorite Song
Well, I ran into something called "The 30 Day Music Challenge" over on Is That a Promise Or a Threat? Seeing as how music has maintained my sanity through a rather interesting life, I couldn't resist. Here are the categories for each day.
So, to begin with, since it's Day One ... my favorite song, "Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam.
So, to begin with, since it's Day One ... my favorite song, "Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam.
Day 01 – Your favorite song
Day 02 – Your least favorite song
Day 03 – A song that makes you happy
Day 04 – A song that makes you sad
Day 05 – A song that reminds you of someone
Day 06 – A song that reminds of you of somewhere
Day 07 – A song that reminds you of a certain event
Day 08 – A song that you know all the words to
Day 09 – A song that you can dance to
Day 10 – A song that makes you fall asleep
Day 11 – A song from your favorite band
Day 12 – A song from a band you hate
Day 13 – A song that is a guilty pleasure
Day 14 – A song that no one would expect you to love
Day 15 – A song that describes you
Day 16 – A song that you used to love but now hate
Day 17 – A song that you hear often on the radio
Day 18 – A song that you wish you heard on the radio
Day 19 – A song from your favorite album
Day 20 – A song that you listen to when you’re angry
Day 21 – A song that you listen to when you’re happy
Day 22 – A song that you listen to when you’re sad
Day 23 – A song that you want to play at your wedding
Day 24 – A song that you want to play at your funeral
Day 25 – A song that makes you laugh
Day 26 – A song that you can play on an instrument
Day 27 – A song that you wish you could play
Day 28 – A song that makes you feel guilty
Day 29 – A song from your childhood
Day 30 – Your favorite song at this time last year
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
10 Things
Carrie over at 2 Girls 2 Dogs 2 Cats posted a "10 Things" list, so I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon. I always enjoy reading these ... and I actually really enjoy writing them as well :-) Consider yourself tagged, if you want to make your own "10 Things" list ... leave a link to your blog in the comments.
I was going to just make a list of 10 random things, but I decided instead to list songs that make me think about things. It seems more interesting than "1. I have two dogs; 2. My favorite foods are cheeseburgers, lobster, and pizza" and so on. Not that I would have anyway, but ...
1. "My Own Worst Enemy" (Lit)
I've come to the conclusion that it is human nature to be your own worst enemy. Colleen McCullough ends The Thorn Birds, "The bird with a thorn in its breast, it follows an immutable law; it is driven by it knows not what to impale itself, and die singing. At the very instant the thorn enters there is no awareness in it of the dying to come; it simply sings and sings until there is not the life left to utter another note. But we, when we put the thorns in our breasts, we know. We understand. And still we do it. Still we do it." That says it all. (And, of course, there are many times I want to say, "Can we forget about the things I said when I was drunk?")
2. "Forgiven" (Alanis Morissette)
The concept of forgiveness is one I have long struggled with. Perhaps it's because of my Catholic upbringing, perhaps it's because I have much to atone for. I ponder sometimes on if forgiveness is even possible. I mean, no matter how much good you do, the bad is always there. There's nothing you can do about it, and there will always be a part of you that is being consumed by guilt ... and people to throw it in your face when you're least expecting it. Life is strange that way.
3. "Another Brick in the Wall" (Pink Floyd)
It's funny, the more we as a society claim to be moving toward creating individuals and embracing the unique characteristics everyone brings to the game, the more this song rings true. I find myself all the time conforming and doing things I don't necessarily want to do and saying things I disagree with because it's just easier than trying to be true to myself and having to deal with the consequences of that. I think that, back when there was a standard pat expectation of people, they were more likely to rise above it (or go to either side of it); now, there is this constant state of unspoken conformity that is all the worse because we try to say that the converse is true. It's strange. (Note--I think my iPod has a great sense of humor since this song seems to shuffle on more than any other just as I'm driving into the parking lot of the school I work at ;-)).
4. "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" (Patti Smyth/Don Henley)
You can love somebody to pieces and have them tell you that they feel the same way (and definitely have them act like they love you), but at some point you just have to realize that you're in different places. Books and movies might say otherwise, but "sometimes love just ain't enough."
5. "Tick Tock" (Ke$ha)
It's funny how time gets away from you. I am thirty-three, not exactly old, but my partying days are unquestionably behind me. I kind of wish this song had come out fifteen years ago, because I really like it. I could totally have related to it in my heyday. That said, it makes me very nervous because I worry about my daughters and about my students in terms of the sentiments raised here. I also question the veracity of a society where a song like this is so widespread; I mean, Belle knows the chorus to this song (thanks so much, Addie), and I'm pretty strict with my kids.
6. "The Boxer" (Simon and Garfunkel)
If you were to look at my high school yearbook, the quote I chose to accompany my senior picture is, "In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade, and he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down or cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame, 'I am leaving, I am leaving' but the fighter still remains." We are all in a fight with life, in a way. We are all going to get brought to our knees sometimes. We are all going to have times when we rise triumphant. And, ultimately, we are all going to lose.
7. "Yellow Ledbetter" (Pearl Jam)
There is something about a song with lyrics that are almost impossible to understand. It makes you listen a little harder, makes you pay a bit more attention. And to continue the boxing metaphor from number six, "I don't know whether I'm the boxer or the bag" is a sentiment I think we can all relate to in some way, shape, or form.
8. "Imagine" (John Lennon)
I spend much of my life dreaming, a great deal of time hoping. There is so much evil in the world, and there's just no need of it. I mean, we all bleed, we all hurt, we all smile. It would be so nice if everyone could just get on the same page and look at the big picture.
9. "What's my Age Again?" (Blink 182)
There isn't an adult alive that doesn't, at times, act like a five-year-old. It's kind of unfortunate, but it's pretty much human nature to be selfish and stupid sometimes. This song is so much fun (Am I the only person that yells, "I said I was the cops and your husband's in jail--this state looks down on sodomy" when this comes on?), but there's actually a lot to think about here even though, on the surface, it's kind of a fun and sort of dumb song.
10. "The City of New Orleans" (Arlo Guthrie)
Okay, confession time--I cannot hear this song without crying like a baby. It was one of my stepdad's favorites, and I can hear his voice singing it (hopelessly off-tune, natch) whenever the song is even mentioned. The cyclical nature of virtually everything, the rise and fall of empires and trains ... it's mind-blowing. Just mind-blowing.
I was going to just make a list of 10 random things, but I decided instead to list songs that make me think about things. It seems more interesting than "1. I have two dogs; 2. My favorite foods are cheeseburgers, lobster, and pizza" and so on. Not that I would have anyway, but ...
1. "My Own Worst Enemy" (Lit)
I've come to the conclusion that it is human nature to be your own worst enemy. Colleen McCullough ends The Thorn Birds, "The bird with a thorn in its breast, it follows an immutable law; it is driven by it knows not what to impale itself, and die singing. At the very instant the thorn enters there is no awareness in it of the dying to come; it simply sings and sings until there is not the life left to utter another note. But we, when we put the thorns in our breasts, we know. We understand. And still we do it. Still we do it." That says it all. (And, of course, there are many times I want to say, "Can we forget about the things I said when I was drunk?")
2. "Forgiven" (Alanis Morissette)
The concept of forgiveness is one I have long struggled with. Perhaps it's because of my Catholic upbringing, perhaps it's because I have much to atone for. I ponder sometimes on if forgiveness is even possible. I mean, no matter how much good you do, the bad is always there. There's nothing you can do about it, and there will always be a part of you that is being consumed by guilt ... and people to throw it in your face when you're least expecting it. Life is strange that way.
3. "Another Brick in the Wall" (Pink Floyd)
It's funny, the more we as a society claim to be moving toward creating individuals and embracing the unique characteristics everyone brings to the game, the more this song rings true. I find myself all the time conforming and doing things I don't necessarily want to do and saying things I disagree with because it's just easier than trying to be true to myself and having to deal with the consequences of that. I think that, back when there was a standard pat expectation of people, they were more likely to rise above it (or go to either side of it); now, there is this constant state of unspoken conformity that is all the worse because we try to say that the converse is true. It's strange. (Note--I think my iPod has a great sense of humor since this song seems to shuffle on more than any other just as I'm driving into the parking lot of the school I work at ;-)).
4. "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" (Patti Smyth/Don Henley)
You can love somebody to pieces and have them tell you that they feel the same way (and definitely have them act like they love you), but at some point you just have to realize that you're in different places. Books and movies might say otherwise, but "sometimes love just ain't enough."
5. "Tick Tock" (Ke$ha)
It's funny how time gets away from you. I am thirty-three, not exactly old, but my partying days are unquestionably behind me. I kind of wish this song had come out fifteen years ago, because I really like it. I could totally have related to it in my heyday. That said, it makes me very nervous because I worry about my daughters and about my students in terms of the sentiments raised here. I also question the veracity of a society where a song like this is so widespread; I mean, Belle knows the chorus to this song (thanks so much, Addie), and I'm pretty strict with my kids.
6. "The Boxer" (Simon and Garfunkel)
If you were to look at my high school yearbook, the quote I chose to accompany my senior picture is, "In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade, and he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down or cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame, 'I am leaving, I am leaving' but the fighter still remains." We are all in a fight with life, in a way. We are all going to get brought to our knees sometimes. We are all going to have times when we rise triumphant. And, ultimately, we are all going to lose.
7. "Yellow Ledbetter" (Pearl Jam)
There is something about a song with lyrics that are almost impossible to understand. It makes you listen a little harder, makes you pay a bit more attention. And to continue the boxing metaphor from number six, "I don't know whether I'm the boxer or the bag" is a sentiment I think we can all relate to in some way, shape, or form.
8. "Imagine" (John Lennon)
I spend much of my life dreaming, a great deal of time hoping. There is so much evil in the world, and there's just no need of it. I mean, we all bleed, we all hurt, we all smile. It would be so nice if everyone could just get on the same page and look at the big picture.
9. "What's my Age Again?" (Blink 182)
There isn't an adult alive that doesn't, at times, act like a five-year-old. It's kind of unfortunate, but it's pretty much human nature to be selfish and stupid sometimes. This song is so much fun (Am I the only person that yells, "I said I was the cops and your husband's in jail--this state looks down on sodomy" when this comes on?), but there's actually a lot to think about here even though, on the surface, it's kind of a fun and sort of dumb song.
10. "The City of New Orleans" (Arlo Guthrie)
Okay, confession time--I cannot hear this song without crying like a baby. It was one of my stepdad's favorites, and I can hear his voice singing it (hopelessly off-tune, natch) whenever the song is even mentioned. The cyclical nature of virtually everything, the rise and fall of empires and trains ... it's mind-blowing. Just mind-blowing.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Why Bad Music is Good for the Soul
For whatever reason, I have long been a fan of what my brother Adam refers to as "Velveeta Singles", better known as the cheesiest songs ever. My day was made yesterday (and I'm not even joking, embarrassing as this is to admit) when "Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco randomly came on when I was listening to my iPod on the way to work. Like, made my day : )
I should probably explain that Addie, Pythagorus, and I share an iTunes library (and even Belle has some songs on there, although I don't categorize anything by The Wiggles or the multiple renditions of "On Top of Spaghetti" to fall under the "Velveeta Singles" umbrella--nope, those are just bad). We all have our playlists, of course, but songs by Panic! At the Disco, Tokio Hotel, Madina Lake, My Chemical Romance, and Fergie (Addie) and Jimmy Buffet, Van Morrison, and Richard Marx (Pythagorus) are technically on my iPod. I'd lent my iPod to a student in a study hall, and they'd gotten out of my playlist (I can't imagine why ;)) and ventured into the wild world of my family's music.
So anyway, Falco came on and rocked Amadeus (and me) all the way to work (I have to alter my playlist, by the way ... I cannot imagine how that truly amazing song didn't make it on in the first place). Things then moved on to a random sampling of Skid Row, Vanilla Ice, Meat Loaf, Bon Jovi, Tupac, Chicago, Pearl Jam, Queen, Alanis Morrisette, The Clash, Celine Dion (can't believe I just admitted that one :)), The Eagles, U2, The Cure, and Nirvana, to name a few (to say that I have eclectic taste in music is an understatement). However, I found myself singing "Rock me Amadeus" all day instead of, say "Hotel California", which is clearly and without a doubt a better song.
All right, I'm stating for the record that "Rock Me Amadeus" is the most embarrassing song I love to hate, my ultimate Velveeta Single. What's Falco's competition (in other words, what song makes you cringe and sing loud and proud, all at the same time)?
My iPod needs some fresh blood : )
I should probably explain that Addie, Pythagorus, and I share an iTunes library (and even Belle has some songs on there, although I don't categorize anything by The Wiggles or the multiple renditions of "On Top of Spaghetti" to fall under the "Velveeta Singles" umbrella--nope, those are just bad). We all have our playlists, of course, but songs by Panic! At the Disco, Tokio Hotel, Madina Lake, My Chemical Romance, and Fergie (Addie) and Jimmy Buffet, Van Morrison, and Richard Marx (Pythagorus) are technically on my iPod. I'd lent my iPod to a student in a study hall, and they'd gotten out of my playlist (I can't imagine why ;)) and ventured into the wild world of my family's music.
So anyway, Falco came on and rocked Amadeus (and me) all the way to work (I have to alter my playlist, by the way ... I cannot imagine how that truly amazing song didn't make it on in the first place). Things then moved on to a random sampling of Skid Row, Vanilla Ice, Meat Loaf, Bon Jovi, Tupac, Chicago, Pearl Jam, Queen, Alanis Morrisette, The Clash, Celine Dion (can't believe I just admitted that one :)), The Eagles, U2, The Cure, and Nirvana, to name a few (to say that I have eclectic taste in music is an understatement). However, I found myself singing "Rock me Amadeus" all day instead of, say "Hotel California", which is clearly and without a doubt a better song.
All right, I'm stating for the record that "Rock Me Amadeus" is the most embarrassing song I love to hate, my ultimate Velveeta Single. What's Falco's competition (in other words, what song makes you cringe and sing loud and proud, all at the same time)?
My iPod needs some fresh blood : )
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Musical (well, lyrical) Interlude
I have a lot on my mind at the moment. Too much, and too personal to blog about. Therefore, I came up with the genius (hahaha) idea of posting song quotes. That way, nobody will know who or what I'm talking about. Except maybe for you. And that's what I hope.
"If you don't expect too much from me,
You might not be let down."
--Gin Blossoms
"I think about you all the time, but I don't need the same.
It's lonely where you are, come back down ..."
--Goo Goo Dolls
"I don't want to be the sweeper of the egg shells that you walk upon
And I don't want to be your other half, I believe that 1 and 1 make 2
I don't want to be your food or the light from the fridge on your face
At midnight, hey
What are you hungry for
I don't want to be the glue that holds your pieces together
I don't want to be your idol
See this pedestal is high and I'm afraid of heights
I don't want to be lived through
A vicarious occasion
Please open the window"
--Alanis Morissette
"Just one smile on your face
Was all it took to change my fortune
Just one word from your mouth
Was all I needed to be certain."
--Madonna
"That's why I'm going to Katmandu,
Up to the mountains where I'm going to.
If I ever get out of here,
That's what I'm gonna do."
--Bob Seger
"Jane, divided, but I cant decide what side I'm on
Jane decided only cowards stay, while traitors run."
--Barenaked Ladies
"Danger in the game when the stakes are high
Branded, my heart was branded while my senses stood by."
--Starship
"Will you raise me up, will you help me down?
Will you get me right out of this godforsaken town?
Will you make it all a little less cold?
I can do that. Oh I can do that.
Will you hold me sacred?
Will you hold me tight?
Can you colorize my life, I'm so sick of black and white!
Can you make it all a little less old?
I can do that.
Oh oh now I can do that!
Will you make me some magic with your own two hands?
Can you build an emerald city with these grains of sand?
Can you give me something I can take home?
I can do that!
Oh, oh, now I can do that!
Will you cater to every fantasy I've got?
Will you hose me down with holy water, if I get too hot? Hot!
Will you take me places I've never known?"
--Meat Loaf
"If you don't expect too much from me,
You might not be let down."
--Gin Blossoms
"I think about you all the time, but I don't need the same.
It's lonely where you are, come back down ..."
--Goo Goo Dolls
"I don't want to be the sweeper of the egg shells that you walk upon
And I don't want to be your other half, I believe that 1 and 1 make 2
I don't want to be your food or the light from the fridge on your face
At midnight, hey
What are you hungry for
I don't want to be the glue that holds your pieces together
I don't want to be your idol
See this pedestal is high and I'm afraid of heights
I don't want to be lived through
A vicarious occasion
Please open the window"
--Alanis Morissette
"Just one smile on your face
Was all it took to change my fortune
Just one word from your mouth
Was all I needed to be certain."
--Madonna
"That's why I'm going to Katmandu,
Up to the mountains where I'm going to.
If I ever get out of here,
That's what I'm gonna do."
--Bob Seger
"Jane, divided, but I cant decide what side I'm on
Jane decided only cowards stay, while traitors run."
--Barenaked Ladies
"Danger in the game when the stakes are high
Branded, my heart was branded while my senses stood by."
--Starship
"Will you raise me up, will you help me down?
Will you get me right out of this godforsaken town?
Will you make it all a little less cold?
I can do that. Oh I can do that.
Will you hold me sacred?
Will you hold me tight?
Can you colorize my life, I'm so sick of black and white!
Can you make it all a little less old?
I can do that.
Oh oh now I can do that!
Will you make me some magic with your own two hands?
Can you build an emerald city with these grains of sand?
Can you give me something I can take home?
I can do that!
Oh, oh, now I can do that!
Will you cater to every fantasy I've got?
Will you hose me down with holy water, if I get too hot? Hot!
Will you take me places I've never known?"
--Meat Loaf
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