Song of the Day: Saturday

I had oral surgery on Friday. I'm not really in pain, but that could be these pain killers. :D I've been groggy and sleeping off and on all day. The kind of grogginess in which music does not naturally present itself.

When I began thinking of what to blog, this song came to mind.

Song of the Day: Friday

Last night I went to the Met with some friends. We saw Verdi's Macbeth. While I know the story of Macbeth I have never read it. And, I had never before heard the opera.

Macbeth wasn't horrible. But, I have this thing: I need to know the music to anything musical that I go to see. Otherwise I spend my time trying to understand words and what is going on. It was like that with me and Wicked. I knew nothing about it the first time I saw it; it was okay. I listened to the soundtrack and watched videos of different performances before I saw it a second time and I was in love! (Would have been better if I'd seen it with the original cast, but beggars, choosers, and all....)

So, despite not having the music ahead of time, I did find some things that I like and have a desire to listen to the recording even if I never get to see it again.

Anyway, this song comes to mind when thinking Verdi. Only it wasn't Aida.

Song of the Day: Thursday

Earl Scruggs died on Wednesday. Scruggs was a North Carolina native like me. He is the inventor of the finger picking style go banjo playing. Anyone who plays banjo in this style has Scruggs to thank. Before him, banjos were just background rhythm instruments.

Although I listened to some country growing up, I didn't quite get around to listening to Earl Scrugs. But, Uunbeknownst to me, I was familiar with his work. I grew up watching the Beverly Hillbillies. Apparently Scruggs is the banjoist on the theme song.  I loved this show and the theme song.

Rest in Peace, Earl Scruggs.

Song of the Day: Wednesday

I cannot be bothered to get into my motivation tonight. Let's just say this is the song that is currently playing in my head. I loved this album. I love Prince. When I was a little girl I wanted to marry him. As an adult, I have a problem with dating a man who is prettier than I am.

Song of the Day: Tuesday

Back in 2007 I spent a semester in Rome. It was nice to get out of the States and experience a new culture, travel and eat! One of the bonuses for me was the music.

By a stroke of luck I got access to a television and vegged out on MTV Italia. Nice and trashy, which is what one needs when vegging. My exposure gave me a sense of the fashions that were coming to the States the following year (MTV Italia was broadcast from Milan) and the music that I missed because US radio stations are so genre driven. Calvin Harris, a Scotsman, is one such discovery.

Harris is a DJ with a retro, 80s style. They music is highly synthesized. It took me a bit to get out of my US radio coma to appreciate Harris, but I really like him.

One interesting fact about him is that he is 6'5.5". There is a guy at my place of work who is about that height and comes in wearing Beats headphones. Whenever I see this guy, I start humming this song. It's kinda funny and ironic. I love it!

Song of the Day: Monday

Today was painful. I didn't take much time this weekend to regenerate. And, when I finally tried to go to sleep (outside of a nap during the day) I couldn't get any real sleep. I kept waking up wondering why I wasn't falling asleep.

My personal mood was not for public consumption. Luckily most of my work required me to be in my office today. I did go out for a bit to get some fresh air, but what I really needed was to be home.

One thing that may have hindered my rest was the personal annoyance yesterday. Last night, while I tried to sleep, I had weird dreams and kept thinking of ways to react if the behavior continued: slapping, hitting, punching, arm twisting, hair pulling. Nasty stuff! I light of my violent fantasies, I provide a bit of Culture Club. When this song came out, I was still trying to determine whether Boy George really was a boy.

Song of the Day: Sunday

Had I written this post about 4 hours ago you would have gotten this song by Sara Bareilles as my song of the day. I was tired but bouncy enough to be coherent. I spent the weekend with friends and had had a good time despite the fact that it cut into my alone time.

But I went to a party this evening with some of the same friends. I was tired. I knew I was tired, but I was trying to be sociable. Two hours was my limit. But I tried.  A friend asked me to do something for her and  when I began toward that she became obnoxious, even when I told her numerous times to stop. I kinda knew it would be a problem, but I was trying to be sweet and give the benefit of the doubt. GRRRRR!

So, instead you get the Cranberries. This was one of my moody songs in college and right after. Still works well!

Song of the Day: Saturday

Today was my day off. I went with my Italians to the Brooklyn Flea Market. Fun, but my feet started aching from the walking. When we were done, we went to a local pub. From there we went to Battery Park and walked around for a bit. Then we went to dinner with some other friends. Eating Chinese in Battery Park City is not cheap, but it was good.

So, during the visit to the pub I began humming this Pearl Jam tune. [We mistakenly attributed it to Nirvana, but this is definitely Eddie Vedder.] I'm not sure why. But, for the rest of the night we sang it off and on.

Song of the Day: Friday

Friday was a much anticipated end of a long week. I got a little panicky because I had so much that I wanted to get done. And, blessedly, I was able to achieve the one deadline that I wanted to meet.

Again, there was a number of songs that played in my head, but I cannot pin down one song that represents the day. So, instead, I give Frou Frou.

I'd heard of Imogen Heap and found her a little disturbing. I'm really not quite sure why. But, when I heard Frou Frou, I discovered that I like her voice. And, now I am open again to listening to Imogen as a solo artist.

Anyway, when I think of Imogen or Frou Frou, this is the song that comes to mind. This version is a live performance.

Song of the Day: Thursday

I am so happy the weekend is just a day away. Really long week and still a lot to get done before I can call it quits for the weekend.

Honestly, there were so many songs going through my head today that there wasn't one that just stuck with me. Instead, I present you with Adele.

This song reminds me of the Chicks' Taking the Long Way. Not sure why. Maybe it's just because it's the emotional reminder of going home, the good the bad and the unspeakable. Different stories but the same.

Song of the Day: Wednesday

This has been a busy week so far, but I feel as if I have gotten so much done in a little amount of time. Kinda cool!

Anyway, this song has been haunting me all week.  It's another Amy Grant hit from the 80's. It's a good sad song. That's probably why I latched onto it. It's also a nice prayer to remind me to do what is right when I want to veer off in the wrong direction.

There aren't any videos of the song that I like so here's one with the music and the words.

Song of the Day: Tuesday

I have loved Simply Red ever since I was a teen. I think my Uncle C introduced me to their music. I was fascinated by the curly red-headed Brit with the soulful voice. And, after Mick Hucknall, I was fascinated with just about every red-headed man.

It was during my junior year their album Stars came out. I still remember that during the chorus trip to England we had a layover and spent the night in a really posh hotel on our way home. When the song came on the tv, C and I cranked up the volume, singing and dancing at the top of our lungs. It's the same song that was playing in my head today.

Today the video looks a bit dated today. I'm not sure what was up with the ruby (?) in his tooth! I guess he was childhood fascination and, hopefully, I have grown up. To prove it, here's a ruby-less version of the video!

Song of the Day: Monday

Today was a great day. It started with me oversleeping. But, I felt so refreshed when I woke up that I wasn't overly stressed about it. Nice, right?!

I had a number of things running through my head, but no single song. The one currently in my head is by Poe. Most people might know it from Romeo + Juliet. I didn't see that movie, but I couldn't escape the radio stations playing it over and over. It's sweetly haunting and scary.  What exactly is she crooning about doing to Johnny?

Anyway, it got stuck in my head because my eReader has a picture of Edgar Allan as the screensaver. Whenever I see him, I start singing this song.

Song of the Day: Sunday

It's been a busy weekend and outside of lack of sleep, I feel good. I was on a Lenten retreat today with friends that I really love. And if I could go to church with them all the time, I would.

I've also been doing my quiet times. This past week's passage has been on Psalm 84, on which this song is based. I've been humming the song all week, but today was my first chance to blog it.

Song of the Day: Saturday

Apparently when I was in high school I was emo before there was emo. One of my favorite emo bands was the Smiths.  I gobbled up as much of their stuff as I could get.

This was one of my many favorites. It was sort of twisted lullaby for me when I was tired or really, really moody. I choose it today because I am wicked exhausted and it's the first song that comes to mind when I thing of sleep.

The video is not the Smiths, which is great because it's about as morbid as the song itself.

Song of the Day: Friday

Today Lady Z and I celebrated St. Paddy's day at what is to become my new local. It's on my way home from work and I "know" the bartender JFlo.

As good Catholic girls [*snort*], Lady Z and I had oysters, fries and beer in honor of our favorite Irish saint. Then we went to the bar where JFlo showered us with attention. We chose lots of fun, moody music and sang what words we could remember. Good times!

Anyway, we didn't get to play this song, but it's one of my favorites from those Irish boys! But, this one is always a favorite, too! I have yet to meet a song of theirs that doesn't worm its way into my heart. That's a good thing.

May the road rise to meet you on this St. Paddy's day!

Song of the Day: Thursday

A few weeks ago I started a regular quiet time five times a week. It's set up so that the daily theme stays the same but every week I apply the theme to a new psalm.

Day two of the quite time theme is called Truth No. 2. For some reason, every time I get to Day 2, I start singing this song. Apparently this is a Patty Griffin cover, but I love the Chicks. So I chose the Chicks.

Song of the Day: Wednesday

Today I received my first pair of cowboy boots. I've wanted a pair for so long, but I never bought them. I'm from the country and not a cowgirl. That, of course, presents a question of authenticity. Does wanting cowboy boots make me a wannabe?

Well, I decided I don't care what others think. I ordered them this weekend and they arrived today. They are a dark grey that seem to have a green undertone. I tried them on to see how they feel. Then I hid behind the door of my office and danced around in them to see how they felt. They felt really, really good. Anyway, while I was dancing around I began singing this song to myself. I sang it in high school chorus and it pops into my mind every once in a while. This version is by Dolly. Too bad it's not about North Carolina!

Song of the Day: Tuesday

Another draggy day. It's spring break, but I forgot to take a break!  Oh well.

I've been in this strange mood where all of life seems to be fine, excellent. All of the compasses are pointing to true north and in the same direction. When life is like this, I believe in happiness and true love. This is one of those days.

Today's song is Paramore's "The Only Exception." It is a poignant reminder that I'm not the only one who questions this thing called" love." But it also provides a hope that love might actually be real and last longer than a second, longer than a minute, or even an hour.

Song of the Day: Monday

I'm late. I know. I'm a bit tired. I feel as if I've been running full-tilt for a long while. I haven't been running at all. Mostly dragging. Interesting that this is the song that was in my head all yesterday. I think it was yesterday.... Strange video.

Song of the Day: Sunday

So I am contemplating a big decision. Usually, when encountered with major questions, I spend quite a bit of time begging and pleading for an answer--especially when it appears to be the thing I wanted. Not this time.

I'm definitely praying and asking for direction on each step. But no whining and begging, which is good since it doesn't seem to work. I am trusting (!!!) things are as they appear, or better. It's not as complicated as it seems, but this is all I'm prepared to share.

Anyway, for some reason, this song comes to mind when I think about this situation. This is another one of my strange 80's hits.

Song of the Day: Saturday

Today was another crazy day. So much for my weekend plans of  being  recluse. But, I would gladly get up early on a Saturday morning for this friend.

Anyway, after an early morning funeral, I went to work. Today was open house. I began singing this song, when I saw a woman walk by me for a second time. It's Sixpence's cover of the La's. I love Leigh Nash's voice!

Song of the Day: Friday

I have been a little lax in my song of the day posts. I feel as if I've been running nonstop with little time to breathe.

I'm not sure why, but yesterday my head was filled with the General Public song from Clueless. Could be that Fridays are breezy days (even when they aren't) since they happen to be the end of the week. There's something so 80's and soothing about this song.

Song of the Day: Thursday

Today I got an exciting offer that I never in a million years would have anticipated. It gave my ego a bit of a stroke. And, I have gotten plenty of cheers on this opportunity as well as jeers about the timing. My job now is to pray about it, make my pro and con list and weigh the options.  Makes me think of this song by the Femmes. I know: Prayer and "Add It Up" don't seem to go together, but in my world they do!

Song of the day: Wednesday

This week has flown by quickly, and I am happy to say that the weekend is just around the corner. I can't wait to return to my apartment on Friday night and never leave again--until Sunday.  Still trying to regroup from the Cali trip. I always forget that I need time to myself when I am scheduling myself for an intensive weekend hanging out with friends. This weekend should make up for that.

Anyway, I have been repeating the phrase, "Don't ask me why" all week. So, obviously it's stuck in my head.

Song of the Day: Tuesday

As much as I like to travel and visit friends, it's a stressful endeavor. Toward the end I am tired and cranky and just want to crawl into my bed to sleep for days on end. Getting home late and functioning on about 5 hours of sleep because you have to go in is no fun. Add to that the horror of scarring and discoloration from a routine medical treatment and the nurse's dismissive response to it all, and you will find me a whiny pissed off mess. Yes, it's true!

That was my Monday. And it rolled over into Tuesday as well. Luckily Switchfoot sings lullabies to me in my head. Unluckily, I already used my lullaby in a previous posting. So, here's another one of Switchfoot's calming songs.

Song of the Day: Monday

Still processing the weekend. Here's today's song. Again, don't ask me why.

Song of the Day: Sunday

I spent a long weekend in LA. It was good to go. It was good to come home. As I think and process the weekend, this is the song that comes into my head. Don't ask me why.

Song of the Day: Saturday

This weekend I've been in California visiting friends. My original intent was to attend a conference that got postponed. So, instead I got to spend time with friends in the area. It was a weekend well spent.

I got to share on a deeper level with  a couple of my friends. We were vulnerable with each other. That seems to be the kind of thing that knits hearts together and I like that. They trusted me and I trusted them.

This Rich Mullins song, in a way, echoes that. It speaks of accepting friends as they come and helping them to be better versions of themselves. In essence, being your brother's or sister's keeper.

Song of the Day: Friday

In Cali today with my friend CLW. We've been dragging a bit today because my flight got in just before midnight. We didn't do a lot: eat, talk, eat, listen to music, eat, drink tea.

We talked a lot. It was strange because, in a lot of ways, we are strangers but we feel so comfortable around each other. The recurring theme that's come up in our convos today is getting permission from ourselves and others to be ourselves.

Thinking on this theme, this song seems apropos: a song that talks about standing on the outside of yourself because you are worried or afraid what will happen when you are fully yourself.

Song of the Day: Thursday

Today was yet another quick slow day. This was the song on my mind. For some reason, I kept thinking "But you know sometimes I'm a liar." Could be because someone has recently implied that I lie. Who knows. Anyway, the Violent Femmes.