What I've Been Listening to Lately: September 2018

1.  Classic by The Knocks.  This has been my commuter jam lately.  Nothing gets you into the mood to work (and be awesome) than this on a Monday morning... or any morning!

2.  Guys Like You by Taylor Acorn.  This song is just so... true.  I love the line "your confidence is magic" - it so accurately describes certain people who effortless exude composure.  

3.  Stand Out by Duly Noted.  I recently found a movie clip from A Goofy Movie on YouTube, and it took me baaacckkk!  Does anyone else remember that movie?  It reminds me of sleepovers, and getting to watch a movie in the middle of the day at school.  (You knew it was going to be a great day when they wheeled in the huge television on the rolling cart...right!?)

4.  Selfish by Virginia to Vegas.  This is another commuter song for me now.  In a few more months it will probably remind me of the beginning of fall.

5.  Chandelier by Vitamin String Quartet.  This instrumental version of Chandelier sounds so dramatic.  As you may remember I love covers, but I think it's hard to do a memorable instrumental version of a cover.  The Vitamin String Quartet also makes me want to get married again, just so I can plan the ceremony music!

6.  Church Cells by Carrie Underwood.  Carrie Underwood has a VOICE.  This song makes me think of female empowerment, not because of the content, but mostly just because Carrie sounds so powerful singing it.

7.  You Are My Sunshine by Jasmine Thompson.  You Are My Sunshine is one of my son's favorite bedtime songs right now, so this classic folk song just makes me happy.

8.  I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues by Alessia Cara.  Cover alert!  You gotta love a Billy Joel cover, especially one as catchy as this.

9.  Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen.  It's a throwback!  This song still makes me happy.  I find myself wanting to sing and dance when it comes on, so it's been in my rotation recently.  It also reminds me of this lip-synching video from the 2012 Olympic Swimming Team.  (This song was big 6 whole years ago?  Where has the time gone.)  

What I've Been Listening To Lately: September 2015

1.  Billie Jean by the Civil Wars.  Just this past week, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts Love, Sex and Money (check it out!), and they had an interview with Joy Williams, who is part of the duo known as The Civil Wars.  It was a really great interview, and of course I had to check out her music... and got a little hooked.  I especially love this cover.  You can find the interview here.  

2.  Ways to Go by Grouplove.  I actually first heard this song on the movie trailer for The Intern.  It's one of those typical feel good and super upbeat movie trailer songs, which I'm usually a sucker for...  I honestly think the use of songs in movies is one of the reasons I majored in Cinema Studies.  I love how a great song can evoke the perfect emotion for what you are seeing on screen.  Who knows if it's a good movie - but I liked this song in the trailer!

3.  Good For You by Selena Gomez.  So I have to have a little Top 40 in the mix!  This song was playing in the salon when I was having my hair and makeup done the day of my wedding with my bridesmaids, and something about it got me really pumped up for the day ahead.  It was one of those "this is really happening" moments... and now it reminds me of that moment.

4.  On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons.  This song is my "feel happy" song of the moment.  How do you not feel happy listening to that chorus!  "Cuz I'm on top of the world...been waiting on this for awhile now... been dreaming of this as a child...been holding it in for awhile."

5.  Stiches by Shawn Mendes.  The beat of this song grabs me, especially the chorus.  Something about the way it builds.  Good to listen to while walking around downtown.  

6.  Perdon, Perdon by HA-ASH.  On my honeymoon in Mexico, I heard this song at a fish shack we were eating lunch in.  We were eating some awesome ceviche!  I remember listening to it and having to write down some of the spanish lyrics I could pick out, so I could look it up later.  It reminds me of a good Whitney Houston power ballad, but in spanish.  I love it!  I've also been listening more to this Spanish girl due HA-ASH, and recommend them!

7.  How It's Going to Be by Third Eye Blind.  Throw back song!  I think I was in junior high when this actually came out, but it reminds me of college, when I felt the lyrics really meant something to me.  Somehow it's made it's way back on to my playlist, and reminds me of being younger.  

8.  Running Out of Moonlight by Running Out of Moonlight.  Gratuitous country song of the month!  I  was recently listening to country music at work, and realized that almost every other song I heard was  only about one thing - riding around in a truck with a chick.  I immediately messaged one of my friends from Texas to ask "is this something people do?" and she was like "absolutely!".  Who knew - I guess guys don't own enough trucks here in Seattle!  

What I've Been Listening to Lately: December 2014

Disclaimer: a couple of the songs in this playlist have some mature themes…  By mature themes, I mean marijuana use and sexual attraction.  (Or in other words, what makes the world go 'round!  Ha ha…ha….. okay, maybe not?)  Anyway, these songs have been speaking to me lately.  They seem to have a sort of bluesy folksy theme about them…  although a few are also current hits.  You can definitely expect me to be strolling around downtown Seattle listening to these songs for the next couple of weeks!

1.  Another Story by The Head and the Heart - This song makes me want to take a deep breath, relax, and just smile.  The rhythm, sounds and lyrics inspire me to appreciate life, which makes me love the song.  You know how some songs just touch you?  This one touches me.  

2.  Jump (For My Love) by the Pointer Sisters - When I was in college, my friend and I spent a Friday night choreographing an intricate dance routine to this song, and video taping ourselves.  It was silly and ridiculous and wonderful.  (No, we no longer have the video…!)  I heard this on the radio recently and it brought me back to that time, and I've been listening to it ever since!

3.  Take Me to Church by Hozier - Much like Another Story, this song touched me, but in a totally different way.  Unlike the former, it has a harder/ heartbroken edge to it.  I find the melody and lyrics powerful.  "She's the giggle at a funeral…"

4.  Sex and Candy by Maroon 5 - Have I mentioned that I love covers?  This song takes me back to junior high, and this cover gives it a whole new life.  While the original by Marcy Playground had this grungey/rock vibe, this version makes it almost a blues song.  Whenever I listen to it, I picture a couple (who is hopelessly attracted to one another) dancing.  (I have no idea why!  Blame my Cinema Studies major - I subconsciously invent plot lines and movie scenes to certain songs.)

5.  The Heart Wants What it Wants by Selena Gomez -  I must admit that I am a bit of a celebrity gossip junkie.  I'm getting better over time (the first website I visit on my phone in the morning is now The Seattle Times as opposed to Perez Hilton), but it's still a weakness of mine.  When I heard that this song was Selena Gomez's response to her relationship with Justin Beiber, I was curious… and then couldn't stop listening to it.  We've all been there, girl.  

6.  I'm Not the Only One by Sam Smith - This is a sad song about a marriage breaking up, but I can't get enough of the bluesy beat and vibe!  His voice is the perfect R&B response to the melody, and I just love it.  

7.  Habits (Stay High) by Tove Lo - This is probably the most "mature themed" song… but I think it's super raw and honest.  I also really like the beat.

8.  Heartbreak Warfare by John Mayer - Another throwback song.  I love the use of strings, and how the song builds over time.  It starts off as song you might have on in the background, and before long you're nodding along and getting into it.  This was one of my favorite songs about 5 years ago.  

What I've Been Listening to Lately: May 2014

My theme for this month seems to be mostly love songs.  It's pretty funny how I can look at the songs I've been listening to and notice a totally subconscious similarity… it's really pretty telling, I think!  I guess that's what an engagement will do to you.  In any case, I've certainly had my moments of listening to melancholy music as well!  Why not love songs for a change.  :)  Anywho, enjoy!

1.  Cop Car by Keith Urban - I think this song is so fun.  I'm drawn to songs that tell a story (which is probably why I'm unconsciously drawn to Country music), and this one tells a fun, light hearted story about falling in love in a unique circumstance.  It makes me happy.

2.  Gold Dust Woman by Karen Elson - I watch Revenge, and I heard this song on an episode recently.  I believe it is a Fleetwood Mac cover.  It's a good song to have on in the background when you're cooking dinner in the evening.  :)

3.  Arms of a Woman by Amos Lee - Amos Lee reminds me of another favorite singer/songwriter of mine - Ray LaMontagne, who I have included a song by in this same playlist!  They both seem to write thoughtful, acoustic songs with memorable lyricisms, and this song is no exception.  I love how he sings the simple line: "when she wakes me, she takes me back home."  

4.  In Your Shoes by Sarah McLachlan - Sarah McLachlan is one of my favorite singers, and she has a new album coming out this month - meaning there will probably be more of her songs on my next playlist…!  This is one of her new singles.

5.  Higher Love by James Vincent McMorrow - Love this cover!  Especially the beginning.

6.  You've Lost the Loving Feeling by The Righteous Brothers - I watched Top Gun recently (I hadn't seen it in a lonnnnng time), and the final scene with the Jukebox is SO GOOD!  Him hearing this song playing in the background, and then there she is…  ::sigh::.  

7.  Not a Bad Thing by Justin Timberlake - A current song on the radio that I find myself turning up whenever it plays.  Gotta love JT.

8.  Shelter by Ray LaMontagne -  Another example of a lovely acoustic love song.  :)  

What I've Been Listening to Lately… March 2014

Now that I have compiled all of my songs together for this month, I'm realizing that they are mostly very acoustic-y and slow… I'm not sure what the says about me this month!  At least there is still The Script in there to liven things up, not to mention Phoenix.  Anywho, enjoy!  

This March, 2014, I have been listening to:

1.  1901 by Phoenix - This is such a fun song.  It's a really good one to drive to on a sunny day - put your sunglasses on, roll down the windows (if it's not too cold…) and feel GOOD!  Love it!

2.  1901 by Birdy - As I've mentioned before, I love covers.  I came across this cover of the previous 1901 by Phoenix, and it's a perfect example of how a well done cover can completely change a song. Whereas Phoenix's version is fun and upbeat, Birdy's is thoughtful and almost melancholy.  Fascinating - I can't get enough.

3.  Ho Hey by The Cast of Nashville - Yes, I watch Nashville.  If you like music (especially if you like country music), or even just some old fashioned dramatic television with some music thrown in, you might want to check it out.  This song was featured in one of the first episodes, and so far I think it's one of the best songs of the show.  Have I mentioned that I love a well-done cover version of any song?

4.  Big in Japan by Ane Brun - Every once in awhile, Spotify randomly plays a song for me that knocks my socks off.  This was a song like that.  I was immediately drawn in by how she sings this - rhythmically and with an undercurrent of emotion.  It's subtly powerful.

5.  Hall of Fame by The Script and will.i.am - I've started playing this song when I get off the bus, and am walking through the streets of downtown Seattle on my way to the office in the morning.  It's inspiring and motivating - nothing better to start off your day than something upbeat!

6.  Clown by Emili Sande - I LOVE her voice in this song!  It's like you can't help but listen to the story she's telling.  Apparently she wrote this song about her experience with the music industry, and losing control of her art.  It's a poignant story, and I've enjoyed listening.

7.  Dirty Rain by Ryan Adams - I have a soft spot for Ryan Adams.  The emotion and lyrics in his songs kill me.  This one is no exception.  The images his lyrics build along with the slightly jazzy melody is simply dazzling.  His music (a song like this), a craft project and a good cup of tea is my idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon.

8.  California by Joni Mitchell - Yes, I may be on a Joni Mitchell kick at the moment.  More specifically, a Joni Mitchell "Blue" kick.  Well, I am now of the opinion that there is a reason this album is said to be "one of the single greatest album's of all time."  This is my favorite line, in reference to the state of California:  "Will you take me as I am, strung out on another man…"  Good songwriting!

What I've Been Listening to Lately… February 2014

 

Do you remember the iTunes Celebrity playlists?  I don't think they do them any longer (perhaps to be replaced by the iTunes radio, where celebrities can create their own "radio station" on iTunes instead), but I LOVED the iTunes Celebrity playlists!  I don't know why, but I found it very entertaining to see what kind of music, say, Alanis Morissette liked to listen to in her spare time.  Not only did it have the song there to preview (just preview - this was not the streaming world of music it is today, people), but there was usually a little blurb about why the celebrity chose that particular song.  "My husband and I loved listening to this on repeat during a recent road trip..." or "My father would play this after dinner sometimes in the evenings, and it makes me feel like home..."  You would get a little glimpse into that person's life and inspiration, and the song would suddenly take on a whole new meaning. 

I discovered a lot of great music that I still listen to through iTunes Celebrity playlists (Patty Griffin and some old Otis Redding, to name a couple), and I have even been so enamored with the concept that I had Jon and I both make our own versions to share with each other when we first started dating.  (Haha, I know...  ridiculous!  But I totally enjoyed it.)  Anyway, I love learning about other people through the music they listen to.  

Since this blog is all about inspiration, and music is indeed one of the things that inspires me, I wanted to start sharing some music that I've been listening to lately.  I hope it introduces you to some new tracks/artists!  If anyone else has the urge to make their own periodic playlists, I would LOVE to check them out - send them to me!  :) 

February 2014:

1.  'A Case of You' by Joni Mitchell - The first time I heard this song was in the movie "Practical Magic", when Nicole Kidman's character is driving in the dessert and singing along.  I just heard it again recently, and it hit me in a different way.  Lovely lyrics.

2.  "Everyday" by Fiona Apple - I have a thing for covers, especially covers of classic songs done a little differently.  This is a nice/different cover of Buddy Holly.  I first heard it in a coffee shop - sounds like a coffee shop song, doesn't it?  :) 

3.  "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry - Can't get enough of this song right now, especially when walking to the bus after work.  Definitely an "after work" song!

4.  "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes - I recently came upon Linda Perry in one of my Google tangents.  (I have been known to go on Google, YouTube or Wikipedia tangents that last for hours...but it's amazing the random stuff you find!)  I had no idea she sang this song, but it's a good one to sing along to in the car...!  Takes me back to the 90's, and don't you just love her voice?  So powerful. 

5.  Empire State of Mind by JAY Z - This song has been the poster song to our Seattle 12th Man fandom on a few local radio stations - so I had to include it.  I have certainly been listening to it lately!  "In New York...where dreams are made..."  :)

6.  Banner by Siberia - Spotify recommended this song to me recently, and I actually kept it around.  I like the sweetness of her voice, and the gentle rhythms.

7.  I Got You by Jack Johnson - Gotta love Jack Johnson.  All his songs make me feel like I should be on a beach in Hawaii.  This is a sweet (but not overly sweet) song to listen to when you're feeling romantic. 

8.  Corona and Lime by Schwayze - This song is just fun.  Another good one to play after work when you are ready to get into the "party" mood.  It just makes me happy!