Blog #23

It's unbelievable that my junior year is almost over. I remember being crazy stressed for this year because everyone talked about how it was all about college planning and tons of work. Surprisingly, this year was not so bad. I'd say it was filled with exponentially more successes than failures. My homework was almost always completed (aside from 2 times where I felt very bad for not doing it), my grades have all been favorable, and I survived the ACT. Granted, I still have AP exams and finals to worry about, but my worrying is not being wasted on subjects that I am certain to pass. Over summer I plan to begin my mentoring project, go on college visits, and generally read as many books as possible. I try to beat my record of the number of books read per summer, and my current record is 20 books. As for my senior year, I simply want to enjoy it and experience as much high school as possible. I'm extremely excited for all my classes I am going to take and I believe I'll have a lot of fun next year. Like Tristan, I'm going to try to become more involved in school activities because I, too, sit at home and wish I had something to do. Overall, I hope senior year is amazing, will prepare me for my future, and lessen my debilitating fear of the future.

EL FUTURO

Your done!  - well almost
Your Junior year (nearly) OVER.Tell us about it.


First off, please note that it is *You're. 

Okay, I'm done being sassy. Actually, maybe not. Because for me, this year can be summed up in the frank hashtag of #thesassisreal. Junior year has been incredibly stressful for me because I've been juggling piano, school, standardized tests, volunteering, applications, club requirements, you know, the usual. And just like everyone else, I've had a few all-nighters and nervous breakdowns which have resulted in high levels of relentless sass. I guess that could count as my risk taken. If I see you twisting a story because you suffer from a severe case of self-victimization, then you better BELIEVE i will point it out. That's just one example of my sass. Usually, my facial expressions give it all away. Rumor has it that I do some serious, blatant eye-rolling without knowing (or do I). Basically, I've decided to be sassy because that is WHO I AM am i right ha. ha. ha. I sound like Adam Kiser AM I RIGHT. 
I spent a nice, long time trying to be a sweetheart like Annie Bradford (it is physically impossible to be mean to her) but I realized that I am just not that nice of a person. I am sassy. (euphemism for obnoxious and bratty?)

I'll sum up my very extensive list of successes (jk jk jk) with one word: March. March is always an Asian's busiest month. I'm serious; ask any Asian and I GUARANTEE that he or she will concur with me. This March, I had two piano competitions, followed by the ACT and the SAT in the same week, KHSSL state for Speech and Debate, and a very important summer program application to complete. I know that might not sound like too much, but they all overlapped so I almost died. 

This summer will probably be the greatest and most educational summer of MY MEAGER EXISTENCE. 

Here's some background on what I'm about to gush about:
The Medill School of Journalism has been consistently ranked as the #1 or #2 school of journalism in the country. They host the Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute, which is a 5-week summer program for experienced high school journalists. The 84 students live in a dorm on Northwestern's campus and take classes in print, broadcast, digital, and audio journalism. Basically, the program prepares high schoolers for college and media careers. Students receive individual instruction from famous journalists and current Medill professors, and visit professional media outlets like CBS Chicago and the Chicago Tribune.

So a while back, I annoyed all of my friends with incessant comments regarding this journalism program I just happened to come across over the Internet. My interest transformed into an all-out unhealthy obsession that literally drove me to insanity.
 Fortunately, however, that insanity led me to create probably the strongest application of my life. Y’all have no idea how many edits were sprawled across my desk, how many nights I fretted over my writing samples, how many times I daydreamed of an acceptance letter.And so it happened. When I got in, my tear ducts decided to think, “you know, now would be a great time to make an appearance.” I started crying that really ugly cry we all have; i’m talking the whole shabang—skewed face, heaves, sputtering breaths, quick tears.I’m super pumped about this. This has been a crucial part of my dream for a very, very long time. I still can’t believe I got in to begin with!!

Sure I'd love to make friends with some of the international students (they're from Guam, France, Indonesia, El Salvador, etc!!!!) and explore Chicago, but above all else,  I hope to grow and be challenged and walk away from the program as a more coherent and forceful writer.

Walking on a Bed of Grass on a Windy Day Getting into a Bubbly Mood

"Walking on a Bed of Grass on a Windy Day Getting into a Bubbly Mood"
1. Pick the perfectly temperatured, windy day.
2. Put on something that flattering
3. Put in Headphones
4. Walk towards the nearest open field while listening to this playlist and you should get into a bubbly mood.

Always Like This -  Bombay Bicycle Club

Here we are provided with almost an introductory song into the realm of bubbliness as we introduce a piece that uplifts the spirits of the listener with drum beats, soothing melodies, and euphoric rhythmic patterns. 

This Head I Hold - Electric Guest
This song is perfect for beginning your transition into a bubbly mood as its upbeat temp and leading vocalist transform your emotions into a swirl of upbeat emotions. (the actual song doesnt have the random cut scene the music video does but im still showing you it because its hilarious and provides a perfect satirical analysis on today's society.)

Money - The Drums
This song provides a sense of urgency towards happiness and the main chorus to the song is "before i die, id like to do something nice."

Kites - The Geographers
Now that the past three songs have transitioned the listener into a bubbly enough mood it is time to progress from simple bubbliness to a feeling of true, unwarranted happiness. This songs synthesized beats and tenor of a vocalist combined with an intense back beat take the listener towards happiness.

Doses and Mimosas - Cherub
In order to ensure your happiness continues for the rest of the day you need a song that has such a strong rhythmic vibe to it that you feel a sudden urge to dance. Cherub's, Doses and Mimosas , though it may contain an explicit message, provides the listener with a sense of relentless euphoria and happiness through dance.

done/

Future

Every day at school is a drag. I feel like I’m there forever. And then suddenly I wake up and there are only 20 days of school left? This year has gone by so fast, but it’s been a good year for me. The schoolwork wasn’t as hard as I thought (people always say your junior year is the worst). One thing that makes this year really special for me and that I’m sure some people have noticed is that I really came out of my shell and am more comfortable talking and participating. In past years if a teacher even mentioned having to talk in class, I would have a mental breakdown. But now I’m pretty okay with it, and sometimes I’m even a class disruption, which I find ironic. It doesn’t bother me though because it just shows how far I’ve come.

Now the year’s almost over which means tests are coming. And freshman year I thought finals were bad. This year, I have an EOC, 4 AP tests, and 6 finals. Great. But I feel like I’ll be okay. I’m pretty confident now since I got a 31 on the ACT, and 36 on the English section. I even got a 30 on the science section, which quite literally made me cry tears of joy. I really need to study though. I’ll get around to it

This summer I have to do practically my whole mentoring project, but I’m cool with that. I’m interning at a vet clinic. I’m also going to be volunteering at Saint Joseph East, and hopefully at the Humane Society as well. I don’t want to just sit around this summer, and I want to do something productive with my life. But I have no clue what.

Future

The year is almost over but right now its crunch time. I plan on studying non stop until my eyes bleed and then napping and studying some more to prepare for all these AP tests / the ACT because these next few years will determine whether im the richest man in the world or the poorest. I know I am going to go into medicine, specifically neuroscience and do research with genetic engineerign on the side hopefully with interspecies modification. Essentially I plan on patenting a way to genetically modify fetuses to full grown adults and captialize on it to progress the human race. this year is the first time in my whole high school career ive slept during class and ive been doing it like crazy but that is only becaue I learn at home.bye.

The Future!

Well I have finally reached my last blog post. That's exciting! So I think I will just go in order of the prompt to finish it off.

Successes? Well this year I have somehow managed to balance being Band Council President, 4 music ensembles and school work. I would consider that a success. I also got a great score on my ACT so that's an accomplishment.

Failures? I didn't do so well in seating this year for band and I have gotten a few "B's", but beyond that I wouldn't say I have had that many failures.

Lesson Learned/Risks Taken? Well I learned that even a semi-severely asthmatic kid can march in a 6 mile parade and have the time of her life! I would also say that was a risk, that ended up working out quite well! I also learned that you are going to mess up and you won't always succeed but you just need to try harder the next time an opportunity arises.

Mistakes made? Too many to mention them all. Mainly I wish I had been better at time management during marching season so I wouldn't have had to play "catch-up" at the end of the semester.

Summer? This summer I am spending two weeks in Wyoming on a family vacation. I dont know why my parents decide to take me to a ranch when I am most allergic to horses, but I just plan on taking all my meds as often as possible! I will also have band camp!

Senior year? For senior year I would love to be drum major for the marching band, auditions are in about two weeks so I am working to get there. Also, I want to be seated higher in band (practice practice practice). I would like to be accepted to a great college, right now my favorite option is Purdue. I also want to just have a good time and enjoy senior year, and be as involved as I reasonably can be. I know all my friends and I will be going off to college in different states after we graduate so I would like to make the most of it.

Sorry for all my band blogs! and that is all I have to say. It has been great blogging with y'all!

Fictional Character

If I could be any fictional character, I think I would most like to be Ginny Blackstone from Maureen Johnson’s 13 Little Blue Envelopes. Ginny gets to go on this fabulous fully funded international adventure following, as the title would suggest, 13 little blue envelopes. How cool would it be to say you traveled around Europe by yourself following letters your dead aunt left you? Slightly sketchy, but nevertheless a fun story. With her aunt’s quirkiness, she finds herself meeting new people who are equally as quirky, but somehow have some sort of deeper meaning in the jigsaw puzzle that her aunt has created for her. Wouldn’t you love to go to a dumpling place in New York and find a plane ticket to London? Or donate a couple hundred pounds to a cute, British, starving actor who ends up taking you to Scotland? And of course, there is the slightly bitter sweet ending that doesn’t seem at all realistic, but hey, everything gets solved in the sequel so that’s always a plus. 

Sorry that this was late Mr. Logsdon! 

Assignment 23: The Future

With the near a close, I just wish I could go back. While I had fun outside of school, I didn’t do as well in school as I would have liked. Part of it stemming from just not being interested in the class and part of it from just being lazy, I did not do as well as I should have. I am excited to start next year, though, and am very optimistic. I’m glad to have made National Honor Society and I’m happy with my ACT score (especially English, thanks to you, Mr Logsdon!). Senior year I want to stay on top of everything and have a lot of extracurricular. I don’t want to get behind and have things looming over my head. And I want to be involved at school too, because I hate the feeling of just coming home and not having anything to do. I hope that my classes will be more interesting and I am also very excited to not have a first hour. Outside of school, senior year will be a blast. I love my class and am excited to spend the last year of high school with them. Hopefully I can accomplish everything and get into a good college, but we will see!

Assignment 22: the perfect playlist

My perfect playlist would be one for being at the beach.

1.)  The Only Place // Best Coast – This song is perfect for a sunny day at the beach. It has a fast tempo which is always nice when you’re having fun in the sun. The chorus sings “Why would you live anywhere else? We’ve got the ocean, got the babes, we’ve got the sun we’ve got the waves” which is just a perfect description for the beach, and honestly, why would you want to live anywhere else?

2.)  Stella // San Cisco – I love when a song has lyrics having to do with what I’m doing, so naturally I love the first verse of this song while laying out at the beach “Your heart's down, down in the ocean Don't get burnt put on your sun lotion”, but not only does this song have fitting lyrics but it’s also a very uplifting song. It fits the beach perfectly because I love being at the beach, so obviously I want to listen to happy music.

3.)  Seafarer // Tennis – This song just has the perfect “summer” vibe. It’s cool, uplifting and just bright. It has to do with the ocean and it’s just perfect.

4.)  Before the Dive // St Lucia – Again, this song just has a cheery feel to it. The synth makes it pop and stand out.

5.)  Deadbeat Summer // Neon Indian – This song just makes you want to dance, it’s retro but fresh and I love the fact that it’s about summer.

Assignment 21: Fictional Character, Fictional Life

If I could be any fictional character from anything I would be Bruce Wayne. No matter what, Bruce Wayne always comes out on top. He can’t even die. He is rich, powerful and lives a double life—all of which are awesome. I would love to have all the money he does and then be able to live another life where you give back to the world by saving it. Both of his “lives” are well known and, for the most part, respected as well. Batman is a hero to nearly everybody and Bruce Wayne is a local celebrity. But the most important thing to me is how rich he is. I mean he’s #8 on Forbes’ richest fictional characters! I can’t think of anything I wouldn’t like about being Bruce Wayne. Yeah he gets beat up a lot and yeah he may have more than a safe amount of near death experiences, but I’d say everything else more than makes up for it. Through the good and the bad, I would always love to be Bruce Wayne.

Epic Playlist of Epicness

Okay so literally the majority of my songs in my itunes library are soundtrack. So I shall stay true to that and compile my playlist of absolutely epic soundtrack songs, whether they may be tear-jerking or make me want to fight in a battle FOR NARNIA! And when I say soundtrack, I mean the scores from movies/tv shows. So here are my top five, with a representative song for each movie that has a wonderful score.

1. Freedom/The Execution/Bannockburn- James Horner (from the soundtrack of Braveheart) This song falls into both previously mentioned categories, though the battle would be for Scotland and not for Narnia. Okay so this 7 and a half minute long song pretty much spans the entire end of the movie starting from, as you can probably guess, the execution of William Wallace. I am just very attached to this song/movie because I think I might be way too close emotionally to my Scottish heritage. We watched most of this movie in seventh grade in World Civ. and I just got really into it. So when we started watching the scene when they are killing Wallace, and with his dying breath, he shouts FREEDOM and the music swells, I just lost it and broke down into tears. He just wants Scotland to be free! I still lose it when I watch it. Especially since at the end, the men who fought with Wallace finally battled the English at Bannockburn and won their freedom! That part of the song makes me cry too. I credit it to the soundtrack a lot, though. Because as we all know, the music sets the tone and ultimately makes a movie. I listen to the song when I'm in a revolutionary mood and want to take down the English for Scotland. Also there's lots of bagpipes, which is always fantastic.

2. The Battle- Harry Gregson-Williams (from the soundtrack of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) I'll stick with the theme of battles and such for now. So this one, as you might have guessed, is from the battle scene from Narnia, where they take down the White Witch and her army of evil Narnians. Most of the criteria for what makes this song so great were mentioned in the first song listed. Makes me feel like I'm wielding a sword in battle and that is always a super feeling. Perhaps I was a warrior in a previous life.

3. Old Friends- Howard Shore (from the soundtrack of The Hobbit) I would include the entire soundtrack of this movie if I could, but alas, I cannot. It is all pure gold, just like the kind that Smaug is hoarding in Erebor. This song seemed like the best choice because it just seems to encapsulate the spirit of the Shire in a song. It's cheerful and carefree, just like most Hobbits. Plus it feels nostalgic for the Lord of the Rings films to hear the similar themes throughout the movie.

4. Mischief Managed- John Williams (from the soundtrack of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) I couldn't get through this without putting an HP representative in here. Like with the Hobbit, I wish I could include the entirety of each score from all eight movies, and it was truly difficult picking just one. There are many other songs from the various movies that I absolutely love, but I picked this one because it seems to capture the real feel of Harry Potter, and it's probably one of the most recognizable themes from the movies. I almost feel like it's cheating to pick this song because it's a twelve minute song that plays during the credits of the movie so it fits all the themes from throughout the movie into one song. It's the genius of John Williams rolled into one nicely compiled song. Plus it's my favorite HP movie (I think), so it's like a little summary of the tone of the movie in one song.

5. He's a Pirate- Klaus Badelt (from the soundtrack of The Pirates of the Caribbean) Yes one of the most recognizable movie themes, but it's popular for a reason. Once again, it's a powerful song with a strong orchestral arrangement that makes me feel much more epic than I actually am. In this case, I'm a pirate, which in my opinion is pretty awesome.

So it was hard to have to leave out tons of other film scores but this will have to do. And I have made a revelation that I apparently really like battles.

Assignment 23: The Future

You're done!  - well almost
Your Junior year (nearly) OVER.
Tell us about it.
Successes? Failures? Lessons Learned? Risks taken? Mistakes made? What will you do in the Summer?  What do you want for your Senior year? How do you plan to reach your goals?

Minimum of 150 words - due on Sunday, April 28 at 11:59 pm

A Play Down Memory Lane

Personally when I can link music into my life and my relationships the music becomes far more powerful than ever before. Growing up on country music it holds a place in my heart and has allowed me to connect with people in very unique way. My playlist consists of songs that connect me to the most important people in my life.

"Finally Friday" by George Jones

My father and I sang this song every Friday on the way to school from early elementary school into late middle school. George Jones was my dad's favorite artist and his music never fails to conjure memories that we share.

"He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones

This was the Monday song for my dad and me. It lacks the energy of the former, but even now as I listen to it I can picture my father randomly bursting into his own heartfelt rendition.

"Boney Finger" by Hoyt Axton

My father and I stumbled across this song on an old mixed tape and it became an instant joke between us. Anytime one of us is working away on a project the other chimes in with the chorus which is always rewarded with laughter and a smile.

"A Boy Named Sue" by Johny Cash

When I was younger my dad's parents took my cousin and me on a trip to Gatlinburg. The entire was we listened to the same Johny Cash album over and over again. A Boy Named Sue developed as my favorite song, but i ironically never knew the full lyrics. Every time the words came around to the one profain word in the song my grandaddy would lower the volume quickly and precisely. I didn't learn about the dirty word's place in the song until much later in my life.

"Ol' Red" by Blake Shelton

This song always takes me back to riding in the car with my grandpa. After his passing I hadn't heard the song in years, but when I stumbled across it on a CD it took me back to being a little kid in the backseat getting picked up from school by my grandpa. In that moment it brought tears to me eyes and occasionally its a hard song to hear, but I'm so thankful for the fact that a song can bring us back together again.

Relaxed and Happy

Anchor by Zee Avi- Well really anything by Zee Avi makes me happy. Described as a “whimsical jazzy singer” her tone is always calming. Most of her songs incorporate guitar as well as other not as commonly used instruments like the tambourine.

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers- I’m not sure if it’s the upbeat nature of this song, their strong Scottish accents, or the fact that it was a recurring song in How I Met Your Mother, but this song always effortlessly puts a smile on my face.

Sweet Pea by Amos Lee-  Just like Zee Avi I really love everything by him. This is one of his faster tempo songs but most of them are really slow and are great to listen to after a long stressful day. I always like to listen to Amos Lee whenever I’m really worried about something or need to unwind.

Little Liar by Paper Lions- I don’t know that I’ve ever paid close enough attention to this song to actually know what it’s talking about to be honest but I love voice and the beat to this song.

Nuvole Bianchi by Ludovico Einaudi- Let’s be honest we can’t have a relaxing playlist without having a classical song on there and this is probably my favorite one. 

HAPPY PLAYLIST

This is my happy playlist. They are a collection of my favorite songs and songs that simply make me happy.

Hey Girl- OAR- This has to be one of my all time favorites and its speacil to me. This song gives a relaxing yet fun feel to my playlist.

Thrift Shop- Macklemoore- This song is the best song in the world to drive to, I can promise you that. Its fast, funny, and upbeat, all of which make me happy. Who doesnt love poppin tags?!?!

Gone Gone Gone- Phillip Phillips- I think this song is really sweet and meaningful and whenever I hear the chorus I automatically get a huge grin on my face. "I'll love you long after you're gone gone gone"

Because We Can- Bon Jovi- This song is not only the most motivating song, but since Bon Jovi is a classic, it makes this song a classic. It adds motivation to my happy playlist.

Wannabe- Spice Girls- I am going to go ahead and admit that I was a HUGE Spice Girls fan. I had almost every Spice Girl barbie (minus ginger spice and posh spice ):). This song is a throwback and adds nostalgia to my happy playlist.

All of these songs work together to create an awesome playlist that turns regular old Caroline into happy Caroline. And when Caroline is happy, EVERYBODY is happy.

Blog #22

The Perfect Playlist: Best Songs from Musicals to Sing Along to Loudly

I can almost hear groaning in the background due to that title. Anyway, it's not too much of a secret that I absolutely adore musicals. There's something different about songs from musicals compared to "normal" songs (it's probably that the characters are singing what would be normal conversation for them, but just go along with it.) Songs from musicals are my favorite to sing to when I'm home alone, so here we go.

1. La Vie Boheme from Rent - No doubt the best freakin' song in the whole play. It's fast paced, every character sings in it, and it's a huge celebration of the bohemian lifestyle that is condemned by the world at this time. I also have the ability of singing every single word of this song without messing up the words so that's a big contender in why I chose this song.
2. Elephant Love Medley from Moulin Rouge! - Almost anyone who knows me knows that this movie is  my favorite movie and has been since I was five. This song is a mash up of many different love songs and it's quite a lot of fun to try to sing every single part by yourself.
3. On My Own from Les Miserables - I don't think I need to mention how everyone who has ever sung this song kills it, every time. Eponine is the character most easily related to since everyone knows how unrequited love feels. This song is also best sung in the most dramatic way possible, as loudly as you dare.
4. I Won't Say I'm In Love from Hercules - I know this doesn't technically count as a musical, but I'm counting it anyway. This is one of my favorite Disney songs, and Megara is one of my favorite Disney characters, so I had to include this song.
5. Hey Jude from Across the Universe - Also unsure of whether or not this counts as a musical, but there was no other way I could fathom ending this playlist. Hey Jude is one of my favorite songs ever (notice how many times I've said "my favorite..." in this blog post?) and it's a perfect ending for a playlist such as this one.

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.