rolling down the windows

In the spirit of warm, spring weather, I'm just really loving being able to roll down the windows and play country music. I know, I know, that sounds like a country song in and of itself, but there's something about warm weather and driving that makes me even more obsessed with it. So here's my playlist for when you're in my sort of perfect moment: driving with the windows down, warm weather, and nothing to do.

1. Beat This Summer (Brad Paisley)- This one's new, but I know it's going to be the summer anthem. I love Brad Paisley and I LOVE this song. Its message is pretty simple: "But the sun keeps settin', the days go fast and the sand the beach is like an hourglass...I ain't gonna beat this summer" and I just love it.

2. Out of Summertime (Scotty McCreery)- "OH MY GOSH I LOVE SCOTTY MCCREERY HE'S MY HUSBAND" screams every teenage girl. I love him, but I'm obsessed with this song. Hopefully we're not out of summertime (considering it hasn't even started), but you can't help but smile when you're listening to this.

3. Highway Don't Care (Tim McGraw feat. Keith Urban and Taylor Swift)- The reason I put this song on here was because the first lines are "Bet your window's rolled down and your hair's pulled back and I bet you got no idea you're going way too fast" and even though this could apply to a million girls, my windows were in fact rolled down, my hair was pulled back, and I was going too fast (don't tell my mom). So then I got hooked and I love the chorus (*everyone lets out a collective groan against T-Swift*) and it's just pretty catchy.

4. Get Your Shine On (Florida Georgia Line)- This is the ULTIMATE summer song (as well as their other popular song, Cruise) and it's a song that just makes me happy.

5. The Road and the Radio (Kenny Chesney)- It's from 2005, but as a Kenny Chesney fan, it's one of my favorites. Most of these songs don't have any direct application to my life (other than them being good to sing along to), but 'the road and the radio' is what I like to do and what this playlist is about.

Honestly, I could put a million other songs on here (most of them being by Billy Currington and Eric Church, or just from the Country Top 40), but these highlight some songs good for the windows down and the music up.

Just because I had to: Wagon Wheel, I Drive Your Truck, Sure Be Cool If You Did, Like Jesus Does, Good Directions, Until You, 1994, Big Green Tractor, Highway 20 Ride, Summertime


(shameless self-promotion: I run another blog and posted this same post on it as well- monogrammeredith.blogspot.com)

Disney Playlist

Classic Disney songs have always been at the top of my playlists. I don't think I could ever be tired of them or not want to sing along with them. It's hard choosing only five but if I had to, it would probably look something like this: 

1. Hakuna Matata from Lion King: This song is at the top of my list because I absolutely love the Lion King and I think this song captures the nature of the film pretty well. The characters are adorable and the tune is catchy. 

2. Trashin' the Camp from Tarzan: This one made the list simply because it was my favorite scene in Tarzan. It's always the very first thing that comes to mind when I think of the film and it always makes me laugh every time.

3. I'll Make a Man Out of You from Mulan: As a kid I used to think Mulan was scary but I remember liking this song because I thought it was amazing how a group of weak and weird looking people could be turned into great soldiers. 

4. A Whole New World from Aladdin: I don't actually remember that much from this movie, but this song has always been one of my favorites. It's really pretty and plus, who wouldn't want to go on a date on a magic carpet ride? 

5. Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast: This song is just beautiful! 

Powerful Music

The best type of music is those songs, those albums that just hit you really hard. Usually they are strong and heavy ballads that induce cold chills, but they can also be songs just with a great instrumental that makes you want to get up and dance. Whatever the case, these songs just move me in a certain emotional way.

1. The Unforgiven-Metallica (1991/Metallica)
One of my favorites from Metallica, if not the favorite song by Metallica for me. Metallica usually brings up images of Kirk shredding the guitar, Lars going buckwild on complex drum solos, and James screaming about violence, drugs, crime, death, and partying among other things. But here we have a HEAVY ballad that has the power to give shivers to any fan of any genre. The heavy and slow verse, speaking of a man oppressed by his superiors and society, losing his humanity. Then the chorus comes and the song becomes more airy, calm, and ultimately more powerful with soft guitars and ballad vocals. Best song off the album.

2. Pjanoo (Club Mix)-Eric Prydz (2008/Pjanoo-EP)
Here we have the best club song I have ever heard. I can't really go into detail about what the song uses in it's music since it is mostly electronica, but it does have an excellent, catchy piano "riff" that continues for most of the song and a lot of electronic background track. It is really a trance song, repeating over and over, but that riff is just amazing and makes the whole song. Basically think the Pink Floyd meets house music. Great song to dance to for seven and a half minutes.

3. Rooster- Alice in Chains (1992/Dirt)
Wow, just wow. If you are a big fan of rock and ballads, you've probably already heard this song before. But if you haven't, the song starts with a slow, distorted riff from the bass and lead guitar. Every time this song comes in with the melancholy and chilling atmosphere it really hits me. Lyrically, the song is talking from the view of a man sent to die in the Vietnam War, and how he's not going to die. The best thing is you can easily fit into the shoes of the singer, and instead of dodging bullets, you are saying you will never change and that you will not suffer abuses from others. Also this song goes from ballad to powerful metal in a beautiful way, check it out.

4. Wet Sand- Red Hot Chili Peppers (2006/Stadium Arcadium)
Another ballad here, and a great one at that. I really don't know what to say about this song it just all came together well, nothing really steals the show. Anthony Kiedis does his job and throws down some great vocals in what sounds like a tribute to a lost romance. The drums are great as usually, and John Frusciante really shows his prowess here, notably in the song's ending. First a series of usually three chords, that he repeats in a emotional buildup, aided by Kiedis' loving vocals. Then he closes the song out with one THE most powerful solo the RHCP have ever made, pouring his heart out and releasing the tension the song's built up to. YouTube this right now and go to 3:38 in, you will not be dissapointed.

5. When You Say Nothing At All- Kieth Whitley (1988/Don't Close Your Eyes)
Yeah, I put a country song on here, make fun of me for it. Oh wait this is a blog, you can't. If ya'll didn't know Kieth Whitley is from Kentucky, which makes me really proud that this amazing song came from my homestate. Surprise, surprise it is a ballady love-song as well. Whitley just goes full-out in this masterpiece and serenades a girl he's hanging with, saying that her actions speak louder than her words. It all comes together excellently here with the acoustic guitar, the bold piano that supports the chorus, the moving vocal performace, and that stand-up slidy guitar-thingy. It all just works like a watch.

Car ride Playlist

Being Spring break I found that this blog post was at a rather conveinent time for me considering that I have a sixteen hour car ride approaching and I am going to need much more than five songs to make up the entirity of my playlist. In fact Ill probably just end up listening to pandora for a good portion of the ride home. But if I had to select five songs to start of my journey I think I have a couple good ones. Nothing too exciting like workout music because I don't want to get pumped for such a monotonous and dull journey. So I picked mostly rap or alternative rock to get my mind in the right place for the ride.

1. Rocky Raccoon by the beatles.
This song is way out of right field for many reasons. Mainly though if you're going to pick a beatles song, this is probably not even in your top forty. But I heard it when I got the white album for christmas and paul's voice has given me the most misplaced case of a song in my head that I can recall.

2. Poetic Justice by Kendrick Lamar
The smooth beat and relaxed style of this song make it a great hip hop song to mellow out and maybe even try your vocal chords because the lyrics are that easy.

3. Skyfall by Adele
Along with music I brought one of the greatest bond movies and this song is probably the best bond song ever made (barely passing goldfinger and/or diamonds are forever and/or live and let die). although live and let die is pretty freaking cool I mean its the stones. I'm still undecided on the issue.

4. Hate Being Sober by Chief Keef
Although I need to seriously rethink my life by admitting I like this song I like this...sadly I like this song. Don't listen to it. I don't think I could handle the disappointment in your eyes when you tell me you listened to it.

5. Top Back by TI
Best TI song ever. That's it.

Woods Odyssey

Now that it's spring, I feel compelled to get outside and soak in the warmth and vigor. I usually satisfy this compulsion by venturing into the woods of Veterans Park adjacent to my neighborhood. When making such a journey, I find that the experience can be greatly enhanced by bringing along some music that perfectly reflects the moment and reveals the more latent marvels of the woods. The following five songs represent the highlights from my 100-song playlist that I constructed for walks through the woods.

1. "Lazy Day" - Beach Fossils - Beach Fossils (Captured Tracks - 2010)
2. "Photojournalist" - Small Black - New Chain (Jagjaguwar - 2010)
3. "Art Vandelay" - Ducktails - Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics (Woodsist - 2011)
4. "Heart (feat. Keep Shelly in Athens)" - MMOTHS - EP (SQE Music - 2012)
5. "god takes care of me" - Ricky Eat Acid - Blithe Field/Ricky Eat Acid Split (Primitive Patterns - 2013)

Beach Fossils' self-titled debut is bedroom-recorded bliss. The guitars echo around in lo-fi delay as they bleed with sun-washed jangle. The entire album is perfect for any warm day, but this song in particular fits the mood of the walk through the woods. Though the activity may not be as lazy as I usually am, the aimless wandering that I tend toward makes the day feel lazy in the best way. This song comes first because I think it sets a good mood for the rest of the day.

Small Black's debut album may be my favorite from the initial burst of chillwave back in 2010. Layered dreamy and psychedelic synths, lightly-grooving bass, over-compressed drum machine beats, and lazy, slightly-obscured vocals make for a perfect spring sound. This track itself features an earworm of a melody with a wobbly synth waving in and out of tune. The sound again feel sun-washed like the previous track, and when I walk through the woods, that is exactly what I want. I don't want some high-tempo pop banger; I want a hazy blend of sweet melodies and psychedelic production. Small Black's "Photojournalist" captures this perfectly.

Ducktails comes from the same one-man bedroom-pop place as Beach Fossils. However, instead of making jangly dream-pop, he puts out some lo-fi psychedelia with effect-laden guitar and a constant kick drum reminiscent of Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavillion. Panda Bear of Animal Collective even lends some soaring harmonies on this version to further solidify the comparison. His aesthetic again matches the feeling I'm trying to capture, and he begs the listener, "don't go killin' the vibe." This vibe is one that I think captures spring for me, and I wouldn't want anyone killing it.

MMOTHS debut EP came out last year, so while not in the core of the trend, he clearly takes heavy inspiration from the chillwave of 2010. The dreamy production and poppy electronics insist on transporting the listener to a twilight zone of eternal spring. The track features vocal form Sarah P of chillwave duo Keep Shelly in Athens, only adding to the appeal. Her voices winds around the tracks with a light layer of delay and reverb to make it seem more ethereal and almost heaven-sent. When the beat drops out and she sings "float around," I almost feel my feet leave the ground. This song is not upbeat and sunny; it is contented and sun-bleached and so perfect for this playlist.

The final track comes from Ricky Eat Acid who produces music under many names and flavors but always feels genuine. His tracks always feel somehow electronic in composition but with very organic origins. This song specifically has a driving kick and open-hat beat that doesn't feel at all harsh or dance-floor oriented. Instead it serves as a constant rhythm to contrast the other layers which fluctuate sporadically. Glitchy sampled acoustic guitars lay over random blips and drones. The track has a quiet warmth to it that truly comes out when listened to walking through the woods. After my most recent odyssey, this song was stuck most noticeably in my head, and I think it serves as the perfect closer to this playlist.

Songs to Sing Obnoxiously in One's Car

I'm a huge fan of singing, but I'm not particularly good at it. Therefore, I tend to spend a lot of time singing loudly in my car when no one else is with me so that I don't offend anyone. There are tons of songs that are fantastic to belt out, but I've narrowed it down to these five for now.

1. Forget And Not Slow Down by Relient K
This song is one of my favorites, though I tend to forget how much I like it until I hear it again. It's full of energy, and the fast pace makes it so easy to jam to; the best part, however, is the bridge. It builds and blends harmonies on top of each other and then pushes back into the main melody.

2. Everybody Talks by Neon Trees
I'm usually not really into the pop music that always plays on the radio, but I love love love this song. (When I first heard it, I listened to it on repeat almost enough to wear it out.) It kinda speaks for itself; who doesn't want to belt it out and slide into all the ends of phrases in the chorus?!

3. Spaceman by The Killers
Another of one of my all-time favorites! The Killers have a knack for writing really catchy music that never gets old. Like the others on this playlist, it has so much energy and is really upbeat. The underlying rhythms give it so much depth and originality.

4. Poison Apple by Charlene Kaye
Confession: when I first heard this song, I didn't like it, even though I really wanted to. The next time I listened to it I loved it. Of course it's humanly impossible to match her voice, but screaming along with it while driving home after school is pretty perfect.

5. Bruised by Jack's Mannequin
As is suggested by the title, this song is fairly sad. It starts out pretty simply, and then picks up gradually til it reaches the first chorus and keeps building throughout the song. Maybe it's just one of those songs that really only clicks with me, but I'm always ready to listen and sing along to it.

Blog Post #22--Allow me to educate you!

So, I've actually already done this blog post (refer to our second blog assignment here)! If you're interested in seeing what I wrote then, here's the link for that!  I still stick by what I wrote then; those are some really good songs!

However, I don't really think I was considering how I could further educate everyone's taste in music! Granted, most of those songs most of you have probably never heard of... Still.  I think I'm going to use some completely obscure artists for this blog post.  Alright, so I guess for you all this would be an "Obscure-But-Totally-Awesome Artists" playlist!  Here we go:

1.  "Into The Wild" by LP:  (First, let me say for any of you Doctor Who fans that I accidentally typed "Wilf" instead of "Wild" hehe ^.^)  Anyway, so I think LP is an obscure artist, but I checked iTunes, and her songs are listed as $1.29, so... maybe I'm clueless.  So, this song is just really... nice?  Wrong word, but I'm at a lack of a better one.  When I first heard this song, I thought that her voice was kind of... weird.  It's certainly different.  But it's really captivating!  That's the right word!  The rhythm is easy to enjoy, and like I said, her voice is different, but really enjoyable!  Anyway, enjoy the song!  It's awesome.
Listen to this song here!

2.  "Black Sheep" by Gin Wigmore:  Okay, this song is just so catchy.  I don't even know why; her voice is pretty enough, and the rhythm is decent, and the instruments are fine... But I really don't know.  It's just so much fun.  This song kind of makes me feel like I'm about to go out and rob a bank or shoplift or do something equally bad (don't worry, I have no intention of doing any of these things).  It's a bit empowering, I guess!  PS--In the words of Josh Day, "She sounds a bit like Gossip!"
Listen to this song here!
Listen to Gossip here!

3.  "One Day Like This" by Elbow:  Love the combination of the lead singer's voice and the instruments in this song.  The beat is really repetitive (duh, Anna. It's a beat. Sheesh.), and it's definitely a song I could listen to on repeat for a while.  It's relatively upbeat; one of the lines says, "Well, anyway, it's looking like a beautiful day!"  I don't know, I guess it's just really pleasant!
 Listen to this song here!

4.  "Come Back Down" by Greg Laswell (feat. Sara Bareilles):  Harmony, harmony, HARMONY!  Seriously, I am obsessed with the harmony in this song.  Sara and Greg do such a great job at it!  Okay, I realize that Sara isn't exactly an obscure artist, but Greg is!  I just picked my favorite song by him, and it just-so-happened to feature Sara.  So sue me.  Anyway, great harmony, love the piano in the song, and beautiful lyrics.
Listen to this song here!

5.  "Little Numbers" by Boy:  Okay, despite the name, this band is comprised of two girls!  Crazy.  Anyway, these girls are from Europe, and well, they're just awesome.  The song is very catchy, and so cute!  It makes me feel happy and cheerful.  Maybe it will do the same for you!
Listen to this song here!

6.  "I Love It" by Icona Pop (feat. Charli XCX):  This song is a bit explicit, so don't blast it really loud when your parents are home.  I would call this song the perfect running song.  The beat is fast enough to run to, and the lyrics just make you want to run.  Like "Black Sheep," this song kind of makes me want to run around and do some illegal activities, not gonna lie.  When I'm home alone, I blast this so loud; I'm sure the neighbors hate me.
Listen to this song here!

So, there you go!  Honestly, I went and checked, and all of these songs are $1.29 on iTunes.  Sorry.  But, that doesn't make them extremely popular!  I also checked the artists' numbers of followers on Twitter... Let's just say, there aren't an insane number of people.  Anyway, maybe this will help the artists!  I hope you enjoy the songs as much as I do!  Here's a link to this playlist I made on Spotify, which will have some other mostly-obscure songs in it in case you're interested in anything else I listen to (though these six are at the top of the list so you can find them)!  Note the "mostly-obscure" because some of the artists in the playlist aren't obscure... It's just the songs that are!

Pump it up Playlist

Yes, this is boring and fairly typlical for a playlist. But, I couldn't think of a better playlist to create sitting in the lobby of a hotel in Pennsylvania. So, this playlist can be used to pump you up for anything. It can be used to pump you up ofr a sports event, a meeting or presentation(if thats really what you are up for), or anything else you may need pumping up for. Yes, these are not songs I typically listen to but, I must admit to listening to them when I am preparing to go fence at a tournament.

1)Let's Get it Started- The Black Eyed Peas- I picked this song for the first song of the playlist because it is titled "Let's Get it Started." It is the perfect song to start of a pump up playlist. It's the starter of this fantastically awesome playlist. :)

2) Seven Nation Army- The White Stripes- "Seven Nation Army" has a fantaastic rhythm to it. The song simply seems encouraging. I definately feels hyped up for whatever I need to be after listening to this song.

3) Midnight City- M83- This song is similar to "Seven Nation Army" for me, I can't help but to bob my head when listening to this song because it has such a fantastic rhythm. It is a up beat energetic song with a fun, kinda quirky rhythm to it.

4)Yeah Yeah- Willy Moon- "Yeah Yeah" also has an upbeat fun sound to it. Just like all of the other songs on this list, I feel entirely energized after listening to it. The up beat "Nah nah nah nah" of the song help to really pump a person up for what ever they need to be pumped up for.

5) We Ready- Archie Eversole- This song definately a perfect song to finish this list with. "We Ready" to do whatever we need to do. I ready to go fence and destroy. You ready to go knock out that presentation of your scientific findings wihtout breaking a sweat. "We ready"is the perfect song to listen to before you go to do somthing important.

This is a perfect little "pump it up" playlist. Yes, it is slightly cheap to do on this but, it was the best I could think of. I find it entirely fair to say that this is only the music I listen to when I need to be pumped up. I honestly prefer Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Green Day and other bands of that style but a song like "Hey There Delilah" is not going to pump me up to go fence a ton of people and win.

DC Metro Playlist

I was in DC earlier this week visiting colleges and this playlist was very helpful in preventing potential boredom on the DC Metro System, in which a majority of the tunnels do not have cell phone service.

Escapee by Architecture in Helsinki- This song has a really nice rhythm and is a smooth introduction into any playlist. The music video is also pretty good as the group is seen playing in the background while the narrative unfolds. I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Ghosts N Stuff by deadmau5- You could probably consider this to be a summation of the entire Electronic/Dubstep/Dance/WhateverYouWannaCallIt Genre. It's up-tempo style makes it perfect for the hustle and bustle of DC.

Sleep Alone by Two Door Cinema Club- This song is great because it talks about a certain sense of freedom and opportunity about being out on your own. That's the kind of feeling I would get if I ended up moving to DC for college.

Labor Day (It's a Holiday) by The Black Eyed Peas- I think this song is kind of the opposite of the work-oriented nature of DC as a whole. I think it's important to be relaxed and not let the stressful atmosphere get to you. This song can also be used to energize the work day.

Midnight City by M83- This song really encompasses the electric nature of any major city. I found DC to be a exciting place in almost every aspect. I think that this song can easily be related to the transition to and from school/work on the subway, especially at night.

Cry

Lets face it, we all have those times where we just gotta break down and cry. Everyone needs a good tear drainage once in a while, so why not make a playlist that flushes it all out? This playlist you're about to read is 5 songs that have the potential to make you cry. Each song has a different element of sadness or joy so that there is something for everybody!*

1. Angel- Sarah McLachlan-- C'mon, we've all heard the song on that ASPCA commercial, the one where you instantly change the channel whenever it comes on. And why do you change the channel?!? Because it is so sad! McLachlan's powerful tones ring through your ears, sombering about until it strikes the little chord of emotion within you. The slow and gentleness allow the heartbreak to bleed through to the forefront, making this song one of the all-time greats when it comes to crying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1GmxMTwUgs


2. Hey Mama- Kanye West-- Look I know Kanye is hated by most of society (T-Swift fans), but this song is back when his music was good, in my opinion, it had heart. This song addresses his mama (obviously) and speaks on the support she gave him and the hard times they went through together when Kanye was Ye high. It's more of a joyful song, but for some the gentleness could break down those emotional barriers and start the flood, because there is a joyful sadness about the whole thing. Seriously, check this one out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZXlnJ5o63g

3. My Heart Will Go On- Celine Dion-- Aaaw man this song is so sad. From the movie Titanic, Celine Dion pours her heart and soul into this one to make for an immensely powerful listening experience. There's just not much more I can say about it, take it for a whirl and see if you tear up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmbw8OycJrE

4. Ordinary People- John Legend-- The man with the voice like honey, John Legend kills it on this song, just him and the piano, belting it out. If you just had a breakup, this is the song for you, and you'll relate to it in a way that will make ya tear up for ya lost lady.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIh07c_P4hc

5. Stan- Eminem-- Of all the songs on here, this is the one that is probably the toughest to swallow, but most likely won't make you cry. Eminem borrows Dido's chorus, and takes on the role of an obsessed fan, Stan, with plenty of issues, who keeps writing Em, only to get no reply. We hear him kill himself and his pregnant girlfriend after the third verse, only to have Eminem come back on the 4th verse, finding out that at the end what Stan has done. Pretty dark right? Its a sad but expertly told story, laced with darkness and storm clouds throughout, making for an intense listen. Do you tear up for the obsessed fan Stan? Check it out with this live version at the Grammy's, performing with Elton John.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x146q8_eminem-feat-elton-john-stan-live_music

*Crying not guarunteed

Shamelessness

This turned more into a boy band playlist more than anything, but you know what, its okay.

Larger than Life – Backstreet Boys

               We all need a Backstreet Boys song in our life, especially the little 5 year old girl in me. For some odd reason, Backstreet Boys songs are never played on the radio anymore and there’s an automatic “Oh….” when you mention the band. No matter, this song is amazing and deserves more recognition for the aweomeness that it is. 

Bye Bye Bye – *NSYNC

               Let’s face it: nobody can resist the frosted tips that were Justin Timberlake’s hair in this music video. And the fantastic boy band dance moves that were pulled out as choreography. Just for the awkwardness that is the fashion choices and “innovative” dance move of the moving talking hand it belongs this playlist.

It Happens Every Time – Dream Street

               There’s nothing like 5 Justin Bieber’s singing to you at once. And guess what? You get to experience that when listening to Dream Street. It’s honestly as simple as that. There are also the touching lyrics, of course. No one can deny a sincerity of the profession of “magic when we meet”.

Beautiful Soul – Jesse McCartney

               Remember the days when you would hear this and you would just squeal because you thought Jesse McCartney was singing to you? No? Oh. Well, you know this song serenades your inner romantic regardless, and it’s quite fun to jam out to as well.

Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely – Backstreet Boys

               Circling back to Backstreet Boys, there must be an obligatory sob story song on the playlist. This is perfect for those days when ice cream alone doesn’t cut it. And for belting in the safety of my room. 

The "Unstressful" Playlist

The "Unstressful" Playlist:

1. "Dark Days" by the Punch Brothers

• This song is a part of The Hunger Games album and never becomes fast paced. The soft strumming of the banjo and guitar combined and the viola (or violin/fiddle-I'm not quite sure) create a relaxing song that calms me not matter how stressed I am. 

2. "The Living Sculptures Of Pemberley" by Jean-Yves Thibaudet 

• This song comes directly off the sound track of Pride and Prejudice bringing me, when stressed, into that part of the movie when Elizabeth is looking around at the beautiful sculptures in Darcy's house.I placed this song on this sound track because there are no words just a piano, a clarinet, and a few string instruments which helps me to take deep breaths and calm down from what ever I was doing. 

3. "Keep Breathing" by Ingrid Michaelson

• I was introduced to this song last year as part of an english project. I fell in love with it because the words and the back ground, the entirety of the song is a reminder to value what you have and to keep breathing because everything will come out okay. The reason it is on this play list is because it reminds me that everything will be okay in the end no matter how bad it seems-just keep chugging away at it.

4. A recording lasting 5 minutes of "Rainy Mood" (it is a website)

• The sound of rain comforts me and so having this on my playlist will allow me to be unstressful by relaxing to the sound of rain. The reason I put this in the "Unstressful" playlist at #4 is because I would rather relax to music that I can think about and sing along with to clear up my mind than one that lets my mind wander. 

5. "Collide" Howie Day

• I remember this song from a long time ago, well actually, since I can remember I think. This song means so much to me because, when listening to the words, I think about picking myself and continuing what ever thing I was attempting to do. This song comes in fifth because it has drums which, for me, don't seem "unstressful".

All of these songs ended up on my playlist because I can relate to all of them at different times and combined, so much more. This "unstressful" playlist works for me and I hope it would would for you too!

Playlist!

Ever since I was like 7 my dad has had me listen to Broadway and classical music so here is my top 5 songs to listen to when I am riding in the car with my father...

1) Nothing Like the City- Ragtime

            Ragtime is my dad's all-time favorite musical (he has seen it performed about 8 times) and so this is one of his favorite songs to sing. Its got a female and male part so we always sing it together. Thats why this is number one!

 

2) 1812 Overture - Tchaicovsky

            Pretty much this piece is just awesome.

 

3) Finale - Les Miserables

            This piece is also just great!

 

4) Come to Me - Les Miserables

            Well though this is an insanely depressing song about her dying (like all of Les Mis), my dad and I sing it together and its really pretty!

 

5) Who am I? - Les Miserables

             Its really dramatic making it fun to listen to and fun to sing along to. So it has to be the last on the list!



Windows Down Bass Up!!

There are many perfect playlists to play during the summer time when your driving/riding with your brodies/girlies. This is just one in my eye of those many perfect playlists... (songs not in order of importance, just what came to my head first):
1. Baby*- Justin Bieber: You can never go wrong with a Justin Bieber song (said no one EVER), but still it's always good to throw in a J Biebes song for the ladies and Luda is on the track so you can rap hist part and still feel like a man.
2. We are never getting back together*- Taylor Swift: Once again more for the ladies, but us guys like to show off are vocal range and this song gives us the opportunity to show our talents with one of the best choruses ever...
3. Birthday Song- 2 Chainz ft Kanye West: With the emergence of the athlete turned rapper, it seems like everything he says is golden. This is a great song to bang with the windows down while driving.
4. All Gold Everything- Trinidad James: This rapper is even more new to the rap game than 2 Chainz. He has busted onto the scene with his Golden Single, "All Gold Everything," this song has some of the most well-known lyrics... "Pop a molly I'm sweating Woo/ Pop a molly I'm sweating Woo!"
5. And to round out the 5 songs I was thinking an Adele song but I think We Are Young- F.U.N.: is more summer appropriate since we are teens trying to live life to the fullest, and it just has some great sing-along-to lyrics.
* These are setting-appropriate songs, they should be played in only certain areas of Lexington, and be very cautious if you are singing along- for you will be judged.

The playlist that I'm going to be creating for riding around Lexington is as follows:
1. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepson- This is just a great song to sing along to, it has its own little dance, and it's catchy.
2. "Boyfriend" by Justin Bieber- Justin Bieber is a great young artist, and this is another great song to sing along to, because you start off whispering like the first verse and then he starts and then he even raps a little, so it has a lot of variety in it.
3. "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz- This is a just one of those that you have to sing along with; and the song just makes me want to "Ayyy-yoo! Baby, Let's Go!!!"
4. "Riding Solo" by Jason Derulo- This is one of my favorite songs, not just because it's by Jason Derulo, whom I love; but because I can relate to the song, since I'm single too.
5."Just Dance" by Lady Gaga ft. Colby O'Donis- And then of course #5, you can't have a party unless there is some Lady Gaga playing. This song will always be one of my favorite party songs, because it just makes you want to get up and grooove...

Playlist

I have random playlists on my phone that don't really apply to specific situations, so this one is going to be a playlist to listen to when you are going home or feeling nostalgic. 

1) Home by Phillip Phillips

2) I'm Coming Home by J. Cole

3) Country Roads by John Denver

4) My Old Kentucky Home (If you live in Kentucky) by Nappy Roots

5) Yellow by Coldplay

Most of these songs are pretty obviously related to home through their titles and lyrics, so I thought they were perfect to put in this playlist. Other songs like Yellow don't mention home at all, but the slow pace and lyrics reflect a somewhat nostalgic ones. They make people feel comfortable in their homes, miss their homes, or further appreciate their homes. 

The playlist of champions

Dancing is an addiction. Some nights I will up in the middle of sleeping, my legs twitching, needing to dance to maintain homeostasis. My philosophy is that every songs a dancing song, and that all the world's a stage. Unfortunately for this assignment I can only pick 5 songs to really get me dancing. My playlist is composed of 5 songs as follows:

1.) Dance - Big Sean - This is the perfect beginning to a dance playlist. The word dance is said over 90 times, and the beat of the song can make even the shyest person slide onto the dance floor and shake it. This song gets you pumped up and ready to dance, and really forces the listener to appreciate dance, and love it just as much as Big Sean does.

2.) Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepson - Now that everyone is on the dance floor enjoying themselves, it's time to throw on something for the stereotypical white girls. This song is familiar to everyone age 14-20, and will have the white girls jumping up and down and giggling in no time. It may be an annoying song, but it has to be included in the playlist because no matter how much you dislike the song, you can't help but dance to it.

3.) Pursuit of Happiness (Steve Akoi Dance Remix) - Kid Cudi - Not a very popular song for day to day listening, but certainly a must-have for any dance party. You are able to hear the bass in this song in your soul. I guarantee that you will release adrenalin if you dance to this song.

4.) Thriller - Michael Jackson - A classic dance song. Revolutionary for its time the choreography for this song is easy to pick up, and is satisfying when you pair the dance with the song. This song had to be included not only for its brilliance, but also for its impact on modern dancing.

5.) I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas - Tons of other songs are better dance songs than this one, but as a closing song for a dance playlist, this seems like the smartest choice. This song is has a fairly simple beat, not as complex a song as previous ones. The tempo is a little slower, but still fast enough to go crazy on the floor. The ending of the song also gives a feeling of final closure, and you are able to feel okay with the playlist being over.

The Perfect Playlist

Though it is ridiculed as probably the worst decade for music in the 20th century, I love alternative from the 1980's. To create this playlist, I went through my iPod to find the best alternative I could think of that I listen to on a somewhat regular basis. I chose the following songs because I typically listen to them when I am stressed out and want to calm down though some are high-energy. 

Roxy Music- Avalon

This song totally chills me down after a stressful day because of its relaxing beat and good instrumental background. I like the singing, but it is the actual music that is the best.

Spandau Ballet-True

Like Avalon, Spandau Ballet adds a jazzy feel to my playlist encouraging me to remain calm when I am super busy. This song also adds a touch of relaxation in way that Roxy Music just cannot add.

The Fixx- Saved by Zero

Generally, my playlist maintains a relaxed tone though the addition of this song really spices the playlist up with a hint of rock and a fast beat. The change really seems to indicate a change in my attitude about this time, I begin to feel upbeat and ready for more...

Eurythmics- Here Comes the Rain Again

I love Annie Lenox's voice, it simply amazing, enough said. Overall, the addition of this song continues the upbeat tempo of the playlist to this point. However, the song also adds a electronic feel to it, a nice change.

Genesis- Follow You, Follow Me 

This song makes me really nostalgic for my childhood and the integration of Phil Collins into my playlist seems to make everything better because he has a really good voice for an American, no offense to American singers of course, but I am not really a fan of American singers from the '80's. 

Sing Sing Sing

I don't know if this is just a me issue, but when I'm home alone--actually, I do this even when I'm not home alone--I'll sing my heart out silently while pretending like I'm performing in a music video. I don't know, maybe you can relate.

Since I've been doing this for a few years now and consider myself an erudite scholar on the subject (ha ha) here are five songs that will fulfill all your belting needs:

1) Jessie's Girl-Rick Springfield.

This song is my number one because the tune is so catchy and fun to sing along to. Honestly, it's the classic head-bobbing, feet-thumping, finger-snapping song.


2) Defying Gravity- the Glee Version

Why is this song perfect for dramatic singing? Because it's in a musical! And not only that, it's the friggin Glee version. Lhea Michelle's voice is flawless and the high notes she hits just make Defying Gravity an ideal song to sing sing sing.

3) On My Own- Les Miserables

Just like Defying Gravity, On My Own is also from a musical. The reason as to why it's on the list remains the same as #1, too. The notes that the singer can hit are frankly mind blowing. It's quite emphatic, really. 

4) Best Thing I Never Had-Beyonce

Because she is Beyonce. Aaaaaand also because the things Beyonce does with her voice in this song are just incredible. She has a wide range and often bursts into the chorus with spine-tingling trills. Basically, Best Thing I Never Had is on this list because it's Beyonce, the tones, it's Beyonce, and it's perfect for a post-breakup. And as we all know, breakups are sometimes the cause for the necessity of dramatic singing to begin with.

5)  Snuff- Slipknot

Okay I know Slipknot is known for being really screamo and loud, but the lyrics in this song are just so depressing and perfect and thought-provoking that it made the list. It's a song to belt out when you have tears streaming down your face and you're just angry at the world. It's absolutely perfect for that, my friends.

Perfect Playlist to Induce Feels

**ANNIE BRADFORD YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO READ THIS**

1. Rose’s Theme - Murray Gold and BBC Orchestra (Doctor Who Soundtrack)
2. Doomsday - Murray Gold and BBC Orchestra (Doctor Who Soundtrack)
3.  The Doctor’s Theme - Murray Gold and BBC Orchestra (Doctor Who Soundtrack)
4.  Vale - Murray Gold (Doctor Who Soundtrack)
5.  Song for Ten - Neil Hannon (Doctor Who Soundtrack)

*****IF YOU DO NOT WANT DOCTOR WHO SPOILERS DO NOT READ*****

These are my top five Doctor Who Soundtrack songs in order of emotional trauma. 

Excuse me while I fangirl over this blog. I literally cried as I listened to these songs trying to pick the most traumatizing one. Each of these songs reminds me of certain parts of episodes when they were used, and of course each one of these moments just makes me want to curl up in a ball and sob for the rest of my life.

****SPOILER ALERT******

First is Rose’s Theme. This one definitely makes me the most upset. I remember once I was at Paige’s house and this song came on shuffle on her iPod, and I instantly started crying before I consciously processed what I was listening to or what was going on. As I stated in my previous post concerning Doctor Who, Rose and The Doctor are my OTP and I just love them so much. Rose’s theme was used in the most emotional Doctor/Rose shipping moments, such as in Season 4 when Rose comes back from her parallel world and The Doctor First sees her. They run towards each other all dramatically with this song playing in the background. I am literally getting upset just typing this and visualizing the scene *sobs violently*

Doomsday comes as a close second. This song is from the end of Season 2, when we lose Rose. This song plays as Rose gets ripped away from us right before our eyes, and trapped away from The Doctor forever. It also plays as she tries to find him and makes her final contact with him through a hole between dimensions on Bad Wolf Bay. This induces extreme feels because in these scene Rose tells The Doctor she loves him, and he starts to say it back, and THE HOLE IN DIMENSIONS CLOSES AND HE DOESN’T GET TO SAY IT AND THEN THEY’RE BOTH JUST CRYING AND ASKDJHGAJKDSHFLAADKHJGK

The Doctor’s Theme brings nostalgic feels as well as painful emotionally traumatizing ones. The Doctor’s Theme was mostly used in the days of Christopher Eccleston, or the 9th Doctor. So whenever I hear it, it reminds me of the good old days when I first sold my soul to Doctor Who. But then, even worse, The Doctor’s Theme plays in scenes right before David Tennant (the 10th Doctor and my future husband) regenerates. I can’t even right now

Vale is also pretty emotionally. In the episode where it’s used, an Ood sings to David Tennant right before he regenerates. The Ood (which is an alien if you inferior human beings don’t know what it is) sees the 10th Doctor for the last time and says “We will sing you to your sleep” and starts singing this song. David is crying. Of course I am too. Who isn’t? The first time I watched the 10th Doctor’s regeneration I was with Paige, and we were literally rolling around on the floor screaming and crying like someone just murdered our entire families. Doctor Who brings on some serious feels.

And finally comes Song for Ten. This one makes me cry happy tears. I can visualize exactly what is happening when this song is played. It’s in the first episode starring David Tennant as the 10th Doctor, The Christmas Invasion. At the end of the episode The Doctor goes back into the TARDIS to look at his new regeneration and change his clothes and get ready for dinner with Rose. This song is playing as he tries on his new clothes and looks in the mirror and he’s just so cute and I want him back and I miss him so much and I can’t even describe to you how I feel right now this playlist is ripping out my soul

Have a nice day.

^^^^^^^

**SPOILER ALERT above do not read if you don't want Doctor Who spoiled**