Chloe

I was given the opportunity to be a part of a music video. This music video talks about finding the beauty within yourself.

To be honest, when I got to the shoot and found out that I was to write what makes me beautiful on the poster... I didn't know what to put. So I texted Harrison. Part of the reason I was unsure was because I had seen some of the other girls posters and I knew I needed to write something different.

Another part of what was difficult about it, is that I don't always feel beautiful. I do have the best husband ever who tells me I am beautiful all the time, and I know he means it by the way he looks at me. But still, there are days when you just don't feel as beautiful as you did yesterday. Since the video was filmed I have thought a little more about it. I have been comfortable with life lately, but I haven't been as creative as I use to be (as you well know since I hardly ever write in this blog...) but creativity is a big component of my perceived beauty. I love to create things, and one of those things that I miss the most is creating dances. I think my favorite time in college was in 2008 when I coached the Collegiate Ballroom Team and got paid to watch dance videos and create and teach dances!  I also felt beautiful in 2010-2011 when I would take photograph walks--where I worked on camera skills and found the beauty in the things around me.

It can be hard to look inside yourself and tell other people what makes you beautiful. I am not making any sweeping declarations here, but I do hope to be more creative because of this experience opening up my eyes to that missing part of my life. 

So take a few minutes to watch this video and then leave a comment about what makes you beautiful.

Click here for video

Thank you to DateNight for having this idea and helping all of us involved to feel beautiful. And a very special thank you to Harrison for doing what I asked him to do in the video, and for loving and adoring me.

Why am I beautiful?
I am caring.
I am loving.
I am a great cook/baker.
I am passionate.
I am dedicated.
I am Quirky!!
I find details of beauty around me.

DateNight - "Girl" (Official Lyric Video)

It's time for an Artist spotlight, and today it is for this new band called DateNight.

Their first single is called Girl, and it features the beautiful Lauren Francom. Her voice is an incredible, light and sultry sound. You know how some people are trying to make their voice sound one way or another? Lauren does not try to do anything, her voice is just naturally this beautiful. Sandro, the lead singer, has a great voice too, but for some reason I can only think of how great Lauren is in this song!!

The song came out at the end of May and I think it is the perfect summer romance song. She wants him to hold her hand, and then she asks for her heart back because she doesn't want to be heartbroken but he is too into her to give her heart back now.

Everything about this song just works for me.  It is light and beautiful, it is what a summer picnic feels like, one of those dates that ends up never ending because neither of you want it to end, so you keep finding things to do and it is relaxed and wonderful. This song is like a nap in a hammock with the perfect breeze. This song is perfection.



One of their other songs is called Chloe.

This song is a little slower, and it is more like a conversation that happens late at night, when he is looking into your eyes, pushes the hair behind your ear, and tells you he loves you for the first time.

It is a beautiful song about how beautiful this girl is.

My favorite line is "makes my heart stutter la-la-like a vinyl record"

The lead singer Sandro is accompanied by Zach Collier and they are able to harmonize in an incredible way.

It is a sweet and simple lullaby that is guaranteed to make you smile and think of the first time you fell in love.

UPDATE! 6/14: So last night DateNight had a show in front of the Provo Library, and it was super good! One thing I loved about this band is that they all switched positions. There was a time that one person would play guitar, one would sing, one would beat on the box, and one would play the tambourine. Next song they all switched! And the harmonica, don't even get me started! Incredible.

They have some really good covers, and some really funny original songs like Girls, talking about their dating life and how it isn't going how they had planned.

Look up this band, listen to them, and love them!!

Go, Don't Stop

I recently joined the Chuck bandwagon, I know it is about 3 years late... But hey, I finally got there. One of the things I love about the show, aside from how perfectly adorkable Chuck is, is the music!!

Down River: The Temper Trap: When I found out this song was by The Temper Trap I was excited because I LOVED their song Sweet Disposition. Down River is just about as intoxicating to me, especially in the scene of Chuck it is in, the whole Go, Don't Stop lyric is perfect. 4 Stars.

Boy & Bear: Southern Sun: The first part of the song doesn't really make you think this song is going to hit you in any way... but there is something about the music and the chorus that I just get. I get a nostalgic vibe from this song, it's been a good song for me to do some spring cleaning to, but it also makes me think of driving in the country side, windows down, arms out, hair blowing in your face. There's something so simple about it yet it hits me deep. They also sound a little like the Shins, who I don't normally love... but man... 4 Stars

Take It Or Leave It: Cage The Elephant: This song reminds me of the Beatles a little, in the chorus. I guess I am in a slightly retro mood, where I want a new song to have the retro feel to it. I love the line "I move to the right and you move to the left" makes me think of the dating scene, when you don't know what someone wants and you make a move and they don't like it, especially with the whole Take it or Leave it... 3 Stars

Little Games: The Colorist: Just a good song, I don't really have any analysis beyond that, I heard it on the radio and wanted it! 3 Stars.

I Choose You: Sara Bareilles: While the name of the song makes me think of Pokemon, the lyrics are so sweet. I absolutely adore the whole, "Lifetime Love Letter" alliteration and notion. Every so often Harrison and I leave each other little love letters, and I never want to throw them away because wouldn't it be so cute to have a book of all those notes one day? (#thenotebook {also, one of my fears is losing my mind through Alzheimers...}) 3 Stars (I think I might get tired of it soon, but it is a good song.)

Holding On For Life: Broken Bells: Don't let the very start scare you off, it sounds alien, but then when they start they sound like a band I know (Death Cab for Cutie?).. and then the chorus makes me think of the BeeGees, (again, sticking with my new/retro sound...) and there is something about it that I just love. Even though yesterday when I was singing it in the car to Harrison I made the chorus sound super weird... haha 3 Stars

There Is No Mathematics to Love and Loss: Anberlin: just like a classic Anberlin song, I love how they layer lyrics over each other. 3 Stars

Flaws: Bastille: Quickly becoming a new favorite band, I love how this song builds in this kind of techno electric sort of way going into the chorus. 3 Stars.

8 Songs Reviewed.

Colors

Razzle Dazzle Rose: Camera Obscura: I love the instruments in this song, it sounds a little retro and very muted. It seems like a very romantic song, very soft. She is from Glasgow, and I remember thinking about her when I was in Edinbugh, walking past the Camera Obscura! 2 Stars.

Red: Taylor Swift: I like the idea of this song, it lets you decide what it means when loving him is red, is that passion? Losing him is blue, missing him is dark grey, I just really love this concept. Not to mention it is catchy and I like the stutter haha. 3 Stars.

Pink Bullets: The Shins: I go in phases where I remember loving the Shins so much when I first saw Garden State, to remembering a past relationship who loved the Shins and then he cheated on me so I kind of lose my interest in them... I think they do make good music. It is mellow, I really do like the stories they tell in their songs. This is a sad song about a ending, and it was beautiful. 3 Stars.

Yellow Submarine: The Beatles: I do like the Beatles... but this song... hm..  It kind of repeats a lot and kind of gets on my nerves, so I will delete this one. I still love you Beatles!

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Elton John: Honestly, I want to go see Elton John down in Vegas. I can't decide if I genuinely love his music, or if I want to be that girl with the unique and quirky music taste... But he was the first concert I went to... And I do really like his sound. So this song is one I would expect not to like, because I have never liked the Wizard of Oz, but this song is great. It is so perfect on those grey days where you don't want to do anything and it is rainy out, and you just need that anthem to sing... this is it. 3 Stars.

That Green Gentleman: Panic! At the Disco: I like this shift in their music, it is a little discordant, a little off, but that pulls me in more. Its a good song for when things have changed and you are happy about it, like it was your choice and its good. 2 Stars. 

Grey or Blue: Jaymay: I am not usually a big fan of ukelele type music, but I love this gals voice. I have always been big on eye color, so this song reminds me of that. I never thought I would end up with someone with brown eyes, mainly because I was always obsessed with Donna Lewis's song Always and Forever and how she mentions his blue eyes... but anyway, Harrison's eyes are the best brown eyes I have ever seen, and I can see how much love he has for me shining through and that gets me every time. But back to this song, it is sweet and cute, nice and light. 3 Stars.

Blue and Yellow: The Used: Oh there was a time in my life (2005?) Where I was actually really good at the screamo voice... I remember driving down Pac highway on my way to work at the bank, and I would be listening to the Used and I could scream it perfectly... Then walk into the bank and smile. I used music to cope with my emotions for sure. This song is nice because it isn't a screamy one, but it does have those feelings wrapped into it from that time in my life. 2 Stars.

Blue Suitcase: Erin McCarley:  I like her voice, it is simple and nice. Listening to this song makes me want to listen to her whole album, and then to look up more stuff by her. I think I first heard her from the He's Just Not That Into You soundtrack (which was the soundtrack for my life for some time). 2 Stars.

Black and Blue: New Found Glory: Ahh high school! It is a short song, nothing too special. 1 Star.

Ruby Blue: Roisin Murphy: This song is chaotic and beautiful. My old dance team has a routine to it, and it is good but the lighting is not so great. It has a grainy sound to it that I don't love, I wish it was a more clear sound, but that is part of what makes it what it is. 3 Stars.

Black Hole: She and Him: I do like Zooey Deschanel, but I loved her most in Failure to Launch.  This song paints a very vivid picture in my head, I'm alone on a bicycle for two. I like her retro sound, sometimes it is a little more country than I normally like, and her New Girl personality is one that I think tries too hard. This song scores 1 Star.

Black Velvet: Alannah Myles: Oh this song is dripping and intoxicating. I have loved it for as long as I can remember, I loved hearing it on the radio as a kid, and I love it now. It is a saucy song, a good little West Coast Swing song (which is such a flirtatious dance). It makes me think of the south on a hot day, you're fanning yourself with a lace fan, a light breeze through the curtains at dusk, and that romantic man coming home. This is one of the ultimate kitchen dancing songs for me. 5 Stars.

Black Sheep: Brie Larson: This is from Scott Pilgrim VS the World, which was a clever movie! I like this song, it just feels good to me. The lyrics are kind of nonsense, and that's what makes it work. 3 Stars.

14 songs rated, 1 deleted.

Love Songs (G-Z by Artist)

Let Love In: Goo Goo Dolls: As I am listening to this song now I can only think of Frozen! But then on to something more mature... I think there comes a point in many peoples lives where they have to make that choice to let love in, to set aside their cynicism. I think that was me, I had become quite jaded as I had been in the dating world and graduated from college without getting married or having met someone to marry, and when I moved to Utah and met Harrison, it took me a bit, but then I finally let love in, and now I can't stop saying it! So, this song turned my quite deep. 3 Stars.

Love Just Is: Hilary Duff: Don't just me! This happens to be the only H artist with a song about Love... hahaha This is a pretty good Viennese Waltz song, it is floaty and soft, makes me see pink curtains blowing in the wind with way too much smoke on the ground, swirling around and just being happy. As cheesy as this song is, it is true, Love just Is. Sometimes you can't explain it! 2 Stars.

While We're In Love: Ivy: I always forget how much I love Ivy until I hear them randomly on shuffle. I love how their music sounds so effortless, it has always made me think of how music would sound like underwater. It is soft and rolls together so easily. This song is actually kind of somber and sad, I think it fits when you're in a relationship that you know is not going to last, but you still enjoy it well enough and don't want to do anything to change it. 3 Stars.

Oh My Love: John Lennon. 5 STARS. Maybe 85, I LOVE THIS SONG. I have loved it ever since I saw Heartbreakers (which is easily one of my most favorite movies), and I just can't get over how incredible this song is. It is so sweet and honest. Here is a clip of the song with the movie. I may have wanted a shorter wedding dress because of this movie... Anywho, this song is just intoxicating to me, I love everything about it.

Someone To Love: Kate Earl: this song is a great blend of sadness, her sweet voice, the orchestra... it is just simple and beautiful. 3 Stars.

My Love Follows You Where You Go: Lori McKenna: As I am listening to this song, I don't think it is about a stalker... but I think it raises the question, when you love someone and the relationship ends, does that love end? Or does that person take what love you had given them with them? Her voice is a nice blend of a country singer, folky sound, and just deep and cuts into you. 4 Stars.

 Mestizos Love Song: Mêlée: I think I realized how true this song was in 2007, twice. I remember finally ending things between one guy I had dated, moving to California for my internship, and running in the park near my apartment to this whole album, but especially this song. Realizing that someone never loved you like they said they did is a hard thing. I learned it again later that year when I dated someone else who ended up cheating on me, he also did not love me like he said he did. This song is a great mix of anger and being well worded. 3 Stars. 

I Need Love: NSync: Obvious choice right? In the fall of 2004, Sarah and I embarked on BYU-Idaho. We listened to Nsync all the time, mixed with some Yellowcard and Ashlee Simpson. We occasionally would run into our roommate Emmalee's room, and serenade her with out lipsyncing and sweet dance moves to any song from this NSync album. This song is so terrible, and so great. 1 Star. I can't get rid of this one. It is perfect for road trips. 

Love Love Love: Of Monsters and Men: this is a soft and kind of sad song. It is mellow and doesn't stick out too much for me. Deleted. 

She Is Love: Parachute: It's a nice and sweet song, I like this guys voice. I decided I like the full band version of this song better than the other, it adds another element to the song that gives it more depth. 1 Star. 

Crazy Little Thing Called Love: Queen: Great upbeat song, makes you want to snap along and sway. and I always whip my head when the music drops out for a second. My mom has always wanted me to do a dance to this song. 3 Stars. 

Be Be Your Love: Rachael Yamagata: I remember hearing this song first from So You Think You Can Dance. I loved it then, but never remembered who is was by and wasn't able to download it. Fast forward to when Harrison and I were engaged and started sharing music (Scandalous!) that I found he had a whole album by her, and I knew it was the song because it had haunted my memory. So I snatched that up right quick! I think I actually prefer her live version more than the studio one, but both are good. It is a romantic and sad song, hauntingly beautiful and filled with emotion. I think the song does go on a little too long and ends a little crazy. 3 Stars. 

Elevator Love Letter: Stars: Oh how I love this song. "Her heels so high, my hopes so low" Great lyrics. Great voices. I loved this band for a few years before I finally heard this song. This song also makes me think of Grey's Anatomy, and all of the Elevator scenes. 5 Stars. 

If It's Love: Train: I hated Train for a long time, but Harrison really likes them and I have grown into them a little more. This song overall is pretty catchy and fun, but he has some really strange beliefs that he puts into his music... I want to buy you everything except cologne cause it's poison? ....weird. 2 stars.

DJ Got Us Fallin In Love: Usher: Just a fun club song. Makes me think of every dance movie, meet in a club, tragic thing, end in love. In defense of that though, I did fall in love with Lee, a Welsh/English Salsa dancer in Chester England, oh dang he smelled SO GOOD. And he was a great lead, such a fun partner. I went twice just to dance with him and I was only in Chester for like a week. haha! 1 Star. (not my favorite Usher song)

 This Love: The Veronicas: Yeah, I forgot that I had this song. It is dripping with teenage angst and lust. I am over this song for sure. Deleted. 

I Will Always Love You: Whitney Houston: Duh! So I remember being younger and this song coming out, and boy did I belt it out any chance I got... and I told people that my middle name was Whitney so it was like I wrote the song. It is a classic. 3 Stars. 

Forward to Love: Ziggy Marley: This is a great reggae song, you start groovin along. I am not a huge reggae fan, but I like this one because it makes me feel like it is a perfectly warm summer night, eating some food outside with a nice breeze, enjoying the company of friends and good music. 3 Stars.

California Love: 2Pac: I wouldn't feel right if I didn't include this song! It is funky and fun, perfect for road trips and cranking the volume up and the windows down, makes you want to wave your arm out the window like you're flying... 2 Stars



19 songs reviewed and 2 deleted.

Love Songs (A-F by Artist)

Well it's that time of the year, where everyone is hosting their "Not A Valentines" or "Singles Awareness" whatever party, so I thought I could review some love songs! (Which I have around 272 songs with some form of "love in the title...")

I am kicking it off with a wonderful and funny love song written by my own brother in law!

It's called Pokemon Love Song. It is very clever, reminds me of being in 6th grade when my best friend Brad was trying to get me to watch Pokemon but I never caught on. It also takes me back to one year as an EFY counselor trying to be super cool and compete in the Pokemon name-off (I obviously failed).  Anyway, Zach is very talented and a funny and cool guy, hope you enjoy his song!

Slammin Kind Of Love: A*Teens: This song takes me back to doing yard work, listening to my CD walkman. I don't even know how to rate this song, it's obviously terrible, it is obviously a song that inspired the whole High School Musical empire, but it will stay in my playlist, so I guess that earns it 2 stars!

Lovers of Loving Love: The Aquabats! No Valentines day would be complete without hearing Lovers of Loving Love! I think this song encompasses how you feel when you finally say you love someone and they say it back. Which makes me think of the dance scene from Joseph Gordon Levitt in 500 Days of Summer (not the best Valentines movie...) 2 Stars. (plus one star for nostalgia)

How Deep Is Your Love? The BeeGees. Ahh, the smooth romance of the 70's! My first year at BYUIdaho, there was a ballroom routine to a whole medley of 70's songs, and there was a beautiful night club two step to this song, they had the mirror ball shining, their white suits with purple shirts gleaming... this song just transports me to a different time and I feel the love. 3 Stars.

Another song that would be make this list incomplete, Love You More: Celine Dion (in fact, I had about 6 different songs with the word Love in the title to choose from...) When I hear this song I remember seeing it performed this way, and lets just take a moment to remember how terrible the 90's were for their white...I was once a Model at the mall, we were called "Style Board", and for one fashion show we did, I was put in a white prom dress very similar to the violinists, and it was as terrible, and I had my hair done similar to Celine's... haha Anyway, great song, 2 stars!

Light My Fire: The Doors: I can't remember if this was a cd one of the couples had brought in or if we made a cd with some songs for them to choose a wedding song from... but either way this song was an option for a couple that I helped create a wedding dance to when I did my internship in 2007 for Arthur Murray. I couldn't and still can't imagine anyone dancing to this song as their wedding dance! But it is funky and fun, and you know it lights that fire for a lot of people. I can see some couple dancing to this song as they are making dinner. (is it only me who finds the kitchen to be a romantic place? I seem to mention dancing in the kitchen quite a bit) Anyway, the song gets a little weird and out of control at the end. 2 stars.

Crazy In Love: cover by Emeli Sandi from the Great Gatsby Soundtrack: I love this cover, it is so fun as a Charleston type of song! Makes me want to dance with my darling cheek to cheek, kickin out our feet as we boogie. It's fun and upbeat, 3 Stars.

The Dumbing Down of Love: Frou Frou: 5 stars. Oh how this was the anthem I sang in 2005, once I heard it I knew my life had changed. How was it possible for someone to convey the loneliness of a lover without love in lyrics, in music, in this song? I do believe the first time I heard it, I did break down and cry. I was in a relationship of sorts at that time in my life where I put so much in and got nothing back. I tried to get that guy to hear the song, but even when I played it, he only heard with his ears, and not his heart. It ended up being another year before I realized I couldn't save it, and what it was doing to me. But oh, this song really did change a lot for me. (Thank you Ben for ever introducing Frou Frou into my life)

Your Body is a Weapon

One of my new favorite songs is called Your Body is a Weapon by the Wombats. The music video is... something else. I do think it is clever with the words coming in at random times, and especially when it spells out solo when there's a solo... but it is weird. I love when he says his body is the Temple Of Doom, I just love it! Overall, 4 Stars.

I'm also really digging a little of a retro, rockabilly, ska type of sound....

The Blue Aces sing Velvet, and it is a sweet little song. I absolutely adore the line: I've been waiting for the sun to turn to blue, for a call from you. (3 Stars) One of their other songs, Tried To Warn You, (3 Stars) is cheeky and reminds me of These boots were made for walking.  I am really loving their sound, and they are a local band for me!

Metro, by the Vincent Black Shadow is a song that brings me back to when I loved Save Ferris so much! It is a fun and punchy song. I think I might think it is so fun since I work at a treatment center and the girls are always saying their drugs aren't working, when really they just don't want to be feeling the emotions they are feeling. 3 Stars

I can't get over how much I love the harmonica? in Timber, but Pitbull and Ke$ha. (2 Stars) Again, I am really into this retro sound, so I almost prefer this cover of the song by the Postmodern Jukebox. I absolutely love that clash of the hard and soft, hard lyrics of today with the softer sound of the 40s, I've always been into that.

Lies by Chvrches is a hypnotic song, whose beat will get stuck in my head all day. 2 Stars

I can't remember if I heard this song first or saw them play on SNL first, but either way I really enjoy The Wire, by Hiam, and I love how they filmed their music video! It's nice to see a strong woman and a sad pathetic man every so often, though sometimes they way they broke up with the guy was a little juvenile... either way, the music video is very clever! 3 Stars.

7 Songs Reviewed.

New Year

It may be cliche, but I looked up some songs with "New" in the title for this new year.

The New Year: Parachute: "What a way to start the new year" Well, I think a great way to start the new year is with good music! This song is pretty good, catchy, nice beat, and his voice is just clean and clear. 2 Stars. "This could be my year"

New Year's Eve: Nina Gordon: Oh this song it pretty good for when you're feeling down, when you have had plans fall through, or you're at a dance or party and you are expecting that special guy to show up so you keep glancing at the door... It's a good song, takes me back to those moments where you're in that big group but still feel alone. 3 Stars.

Together We'll Ring In the New Year: Motion City Soundtrack: Another song for when you're feeling down and forgotten, where you're wearing a mask and don't feel like you can be yourself around anyone. This song really takes me back to the dating scene, partially because I was introduced to this band by an ex-boyfriend, and how one of my roommates at the time and I would drive around and sing/scream this song... Especially the lines "Heads Up! Damage control, there's a ring around her finger, last chance for changing lanes and you missed it by a mile" We would then follow up this song with "I Hate Everyone" (I am excited to review that one! haha) 3 Stars

Brand New Day: Joshua Radin: Just a nice simple song about starting over, and how that can be OK. Maybe not great, but okay. 2 Stars.



Brand New Day: Dr. Horrible: Epic rocking rap love song, It is a great song, but doesn't really stand on it's own, I think this is better in Dr Horrible's Sing Along Blog. <deleted>


New Day: Mêlée: I think this is one of the songs on a free CD one of my friends got, makes me think of road trips, long car rides, not my favorite of the CD, but still a good song. 1 Star.


Nothing New: Ashlee Simpson: A nice, good pop song. Reminds me of my first semester of college (when I bought the CD) cleaning my room, pretending to study... 1 Star.

Pastures New: Nickle Creek: I had that phase, I think summer of 2005 where I was really into the folksy music and loved the mandolin...  but now I am not feeling it. It does put me in a happy mood, it could be good for cleaning the house because it makes me want to move a little faster... but I won't be keeping it. <deleted>


The World Is New: Save Ferris: Oh the days of Ska! Are you still alive? Do people still listen to you? It makes me want to jump up off the couch and do the typical ska dance, or watch 10 Things I Hate About You (they aren't in the movie, but there is a similar band in the movie). Another nice simple song, great instruments in the background. 2 Stars.

(9 songs reviewed)

Ratings

This year I rated 250 songs, only 212 listed below because the others were Christmas songs. There are 3957 songs in my iTunes right now! EEK!

5 Stars (6 songs)
Single Ladies: Beyonce
Ola Chica: Chico Fernandez
Bennie and the Jets: Elton John
No Sleep Tonight: Faders
Paris: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Screaming Infidelities: Joanna

4 Stars (13 songs)
Now That I've Found You: Alison Krauss
Break The Ice: Britney Spears
Lock You Heart Down: Churchill
New Heights: A Fine Frenzy
Crazy: Gnarls Barkley
Canned Heat: Jamiroquai
You Got What I Need: Joshua Radin
Green Garden: Laura Mvula
Sun Hands: Local Natives
Beggin': Madcon
Mistakes We Knew We Were Making: Mae
Waiting: Mae
Crash Course: The Spill Canvas

3 Stars (37 songs)
It Ends Tonight: All American Rejects
Cold War Transmissions: Anberlin
It's Oh So Quiet: Bjork
Rain, Rain, Go Away: Breaking Benjamin
Late Night Swing: Casey McGill and Spirits of Rhythm
Saturday In The Park: Chicago
Dirrty: Christina Aguilera
Magic: Colbie Caillat
Kissing You: Des're
Who Makes You Feel: Dido
Satellites: Doves
At Last: Etta James
Open Season: High Highs
Dark Blue: Jack's Mannequin
Running On Sunshine: Jesus Jackson
Brand New Day- Reprise: Joshua Radin
Sweet Home Alabama: Lynryd Skynyrd
Ready And Waiting To Fall: Mae
I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week: Mandy Moore
Ladie's Choice: Mandy Moore
Reasons to Love You: Meiko
Got It All: Melee
Eclipse (All Yours): Metric
Fade To Black: Nina Gordon
Too Slow To Ride: Nina Gordon
Nightingale: Norah Jones
Back in Time: Pitbull
Killer Queen: Queen
Somebody to Love: Queen
Maria: Ricky Martin
Ramalama (Bang Bang): Roisin Murphy
Bom Bom: Sam and the Womp
Need You Around: Smoking Popes
Polygraph, Right Now: The Spill Canvas
Secret Oath: The Spill Canvas
Cough Syrup: Young The Giant
Last Love Song: ZZ Ward

2 Stars (70 songs)

Set Fire To The Rain: Adele

Mr. Saxobeat: Alexandra Stan

All My Days: Alexi Murdoch

Audrey, Start the Revolution: Anberlin

Knights of Shame: AWOLNATION

Something: The Beatles

Can U keep up?: Beyoncé

It Will Rain: Bruno Mars

Feel So Close: Calvin Harris

Good Woman: Cat Power

Yellow: Coldplay

Friday Night: Dance Mix 3

Show Stopper: Danity Kane

Debussie: Daphne Loves Derby

Ghost Of A Good Thing: Dashboard Confessional

Rooftop: Dave Matthews Band

Warwick Avenue: Duffy

Waltz #2: Elliot Smith

We Will Run: Fefe Dobson

Only A Rainbow Away: Fefe Dobson

Dog Days Are Over: Florence and the Machines

Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words): Frank Sinatra With Count Basie & His Orchestra

Solid Ground: Frozen Lakes

Only Happy When It Rains: Garbage

You Look So Fine: Garbage

He Danced With Me / She Danced With Me: Gemma Craven & Richard Chamberlain

Variations On The Kanon By Johann Pachelbel: George Winston

Whatever Lola Wants: Gotan Project

Mistake Pageant: Idlewild

Road Runner: Imelda May

Stellar: Incubus

Ghosts: James Vincent McMorrow

I Won't Give Up: Jason Mraz

The Forecast: Jason Mraz

The Boy's Gone: Jason Mraz

Last Goodbye: Jeff Buckley

Jen: Jimmy Eat World

When It Rained: Josh Groban

Star Mile: Joshua Radin

Don't Push Love Away: The Juliana Theory

My Love: Justin Timberlake

Unlike me: Kate Havnevik

Bulletproof: La Roux

Journey to the Past: Liz Callaway

Once upon a December: Liz Callaway

Wide Eyes: Local Natives

Cubism Dream: Local Natives

Telescopes: Mae

Hey stranger: Mêlée

Kissing A Fool: Michael Bublé

The Phantom Of The Opera: Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman

New Low: Middle Class Rut

Words Cannot Describe: Mirah

This Is For Real: Motion City Soundtrack

Let's Dance: Mya

Crazy For You: 'N Sync

Better Off Dead: New Found Glory

Turn On Your Radio: Nina Gordon

Sunrise: Norah Jones

Young Folks: Peter Bjorn And John

1901: Pheonix

So Damn Clever: Plain White T's

What Do I Do: Sam Phillips

Let the Rain: Sara Bareilles

Many the Miles: Sara Bareilles

Punk Rock Princess: Something Corporate

Family Theme: Sondre Lerche

Connect The Dots: The Spill Canvas

Midnight Coward: Stars

I knew you were trouble: Taylor Swift

1 Star (86 songs)

Bouncing off the ceilings: A*Teens

Sugar Rush: A*Teens

Journey to the Past: Aaliyah

Will You Still You Find Me?: Aereogramme

Kingdom Celebration: Alan Menken

Don't Leave Me: All American Rejects

You Lie: The Band Perry

Piazza, New York Catcher: Belle & Sebastian

Turn Me Up: Benni Benassi

Eyes on Fire: Blue Foundation

The Last Time: Bread

The Chemicals Between Us: Bush

Honestly: Cartel

Midnight Bottle: Colbie Caillat

Tailor Made: Colbie Caillat

Butterfly: Corinne Bailey Rae

Golden Years: David Bowie

Rolling In On A Burning Tire: The Dead Weather

See You When You're 40: Dido

Klimbim: Don Ross

Sacrifice: Elton John

So Stylistic!: Fannypack

Fire in the water: Feist

Dead Wrong: The Fray

Hundred: The Fray

Over my head: The Fray

Everyone Else In the World: Frozen Lakes

Wait: Get Set Go

Ooh La La: Goldfrapp

Another Dumb Blonde: Hoku

Cover Up: Imagine Dragons

Die Alone: Ingrid Michaelson

Worry About You: Ivy

Good People: Jack Johnson

Staple It Together: Jack Johnson

Holiday From Real: Jack's Mannequin

Make It Mine: Jason Mraz

Evidence: Jimmy Eat World

Cut: Jimmy Eat World

Here We Go: Joshua Radin

Spin Around: Josie & The Pussycats

One Of The Boys: Katy Perry

He's Not A Boy: The Like

You're the Ultimate: Lindsay Lohan

Something I never had: Lindsay Lohan

Royals: Lorde

Crush: Mandy Moore

Umbrella: Mandy Moore

Fantasy: Mariah Carey

PayPhone feat Wiz Kalifa: Maroon 5

Can't Break Her Fall: Mat Kearney

Crazy Little Thing Called Love: Michael Bublé

Black or White: Michael Jackson

Feel Like Rain: Motion City Soundtrack

Uh-Huh (Feet. Zooey Deschanel & Von Iva): Munchausen By Proxy

The End.: My Chemical Romance

Bulletproof Heart: My Chemical Romance

Your Surrender: Neon Trees

Reasons Why: Nickel Creek

Raccoons: Ohbijou

Gold: Owl City

Reason Why: Rachael Yamagata

Raindrops: Regina Spektor

Better: Regina Spektor

Right here, waiting for you: Richard Marx

Waiting : Rocket Summer

A Good Thing: Saint Etienne

Twistin The Night Away: Sam Cooke

The Light: Sara Bareilles

Track 14: Selena

Pressed in a Book: The Shins

Phantom Limb: The Shins

Dan And Marie Melody: Sondre Lerche

Beginning After The End: Stars

Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway): Straylight Run

Rain: SWV

State of Grace: Taylor Swift

MoonDance: Van Morrison

1000 Miles: Vanessa Carlton

Lets Dance: Vanessa Hudgens

Forever: Vertical Horizon

Say It Ain't So:  Weezer

Such A Pretty Lie: The Wrens

One Year, Six Months: Yellowcard

Shake: Ying Yang Twins
Feel Like A Feather In The Breeze: Unknown

Songs in iTunes: 3957

Christmas Music Review 3

Last year Harrison and I got the CeeLo Green Christmas album, Magic Moment. It is unexpected and pretty fun!

1. What Christmas Means To Me: This song makes me want to dance "The Carlton" because of its beat. Makes me snap my fingers and sway side to side. This song seems to list a lot of different things someone might do to help it feel like Christmas, those things that if they don't happen you notice and it makes a difference. 4 Stars! He does kind of go crazy towards the end, but it is too fun.

2. Baby It's Cold Outside--featuring Christina Aguilera: I think this is the first version of this song I think is not creepy! I like their voices together. I wish they had made a music video to this song because I can picture it in my head and I love it. Christina gets a 5 on this song, her voice is so smooth like some perfectly hot chocolate and her voice also has that retro quality. I like what they've done with the background music... 5 Stars!! 

3. This Christmas: This is a solid song, but not my favorite on the album. I like the chorus better because that's when he is belting it out, and I like that. 2 Stars.

4. The Christmas Song: This song is a total R&B song, this song is a miss for me. I don't think I care much for this song to begin with, and there isn't anything that makes it different enough to catch my attention. 1 Star.

5. White Christmas: What sets this song apart from others, is the key change within the song. It isn't anything too special to me, but it is done nicely. 2 Stars.

6. All I Need Is Love--featuring The Muppets: This is a silly and fun new song. I mean, it's the Muppets and Cee Lo having a Christmas party, what else can be said about this song! 3 Stars.

7.  You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch: I am not a big fan of this song to begin with, but this is a fun little a capella version, with the background singers making the beats with their voices, which adds a nice creative flair and makes it pop. 2 Stars.

8. Please Come Home For Christmas: I think Cee Lo's voice in this song is like gravy, thick and delicious. He does a good job on this song, though he doesn't do much to change it. 3 Stars.

9. Run Rudolph Run: A pretty typical version of the song, plus a gospel choir. 2 Stars.

10. All I Want For Christmas: I feel like this song is redundant, because he has a song about All he Needs (is love) so... now to say all he wants is you... well, whatever.  This is not an attempt of Mariah, but he puts his own spin on it, and it works. 3 Stars.

11. Mary Did You Know: Not many people seem to attempt this song, but Cee Lo does a great job. I like how he slowly builds up his volume, it's a smooth and mesmerizing song. 4 Stars. I don't love too much the slower songs, but he really does a great job with this one.

12. River: This is mainly a song about Christmas, but not a Christmas-y tune. Not a favorite...It seems to drag on a little bit for me. 1 Star.

13. Merry Christmas, Baby--featuring Rod Stewart: Now, I don't know why, but I have never cared much for Rod Stewart, then there is a weird synthesizer in the background... and I am not loving this one. 1 Star. (Though it probably deserves two...)

14. Silent Night: Classic song, and Cee Lo does a nice job and adds a little twist. 3 Stars.

Christmas Music Review 2

Mittens: Carly Rae Jepson: This song caught my attention just because it was so cheesy... I fell for you like crazy ( and I always hear glue here... haha) I have been obsessed with watching the worst and most cheesy Christmas movies on Hallmark and Lifetime, and I think this was a song from one of those... it is perfect... perfectly cheesy. 3 Stars, it's catchy!

I had someone recommend some T-Swift Christmas music.. but I am not so sure myself.
Christmas Must Be Something More: I was expecting something more from this song... Not sure I will keep this one.
Christmases When You Were Here: sounds like she is trying too hard to make her voice catch at times, this one just sounds like a reason for her to write a song about how she's broken up with and it happens to be Christmas. Don't like.
Last Christmas: I am not a huge fan of this song, and it seems like a follow up for the last song... Not sure I can even make it through the song...
Silent Night: No. I do not like this version.
White Christmas: Already sounds too country for me, and I mentioned this is one of my favorite songs and I am very picky about remakes... not impressed.

My personal thought, don't spend your money on Taylor Swift's Christmas Album.

Christmas Music Review

If you were to have asked any of my roommates in College if I liked Christmas, I think most of them would tell you NO. For some reason, I didn't like it much then, but now... I started listening to the Christmas Radio station a week BEFORE Thanksgiving.  So... something is different.

I heard a few songs off of Kelly Clarkson's Wrapped In Red Christmas album, and I decided to review it for you all and give you my opinion of the cd as a whole, as well as what songs I will be playing on repeat.

1. Wrapped In Red: I think this is a good new Christmas song, talking about taking a risk for love. I like the description of colors. It's a cute one. 4 Stars
2. Underneath the Tree: This is where I like to spend some time, under the tree looking up at all the lights, just relaxing and smelling that tree (if it's real...) That is something some of my best girl friends will relate to, mainly because it is a scene from Grey's Anatomy. This is a cute and fun one, I can see myself dancing around the apartment with a nicely scented candle or cookies in the oven and the Christmas lights on. 5 Stars
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: Simple, Classic song. She does it right, she doesn't push too hard (well, maybe a little at the end), it is just soft, sweet, and makes me want to watch some snow fall. 3 Stars
4. Run Run Rudolph: A fun little Swing number, makes me want to do a little jive. 3 Stars
5. Please Come Home For Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing): Soulful, a little sad, and she rocks it.  2 Stars
6. Every Christmas: It didn't quite capture my attention, but it is alright, I think I like the music more than the lyrics. 1 Star.
7. Blue Christmas: Not my favorite Christmas song... and she doesn't totally sound like herself on this track. 1 Star.
8. Baby It's Cold Outside: Not super impressed, I don't care too much for the man in the duet. The piano solo is very jazzy and makes me feel like I am in a piano bar where Kelly is in a slinky red dress draped around the piano... 1 star.
9. Winter Dreams (Brandon's Song): First off, loving the beat, love that this is a song for her husband, I am a sucker for those moments where the music drops out... its cute and new and I like it. I think this song captures the feeling of having a great snowball fight, warming up with hot coco... building that perfect snowman, and just snuggling with that perfect someone watching the snow fall, no responsibilities, no where you need to be. That's the dream!5 Stars
10. White Christmas: I am quite biased on this song, White Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas films, and no one can really compare to Bing Crosby... This is a lot slower version and it is nice, but since I am biased, I will be giving it a lower score. 1 Star.
11. My Favorite Things: I do like this version of the song better than Julie Andrews--Sorry! It's a little bit more upbeat, it would be a fun Viennese Waltz to do.  2 Stars.
12. 4 Carats: This is really upbeat and I think it is catchy and fun! Not totally a Christmas feel, but it is light hearted and silly. 4 Stars.
13: Just For Now: A remake from Imogen Heap, it is not originally a Christmas Song... she sings it well, and it is a different version of the song... I do like that I don't feel as song when I hear this song by here, but it still has a frantic and rushed quality to it, and it is no Christmas song... 1 Star. (maybe more when not featured on a Christmas Album)
14. Silent Night: Well the rest of the album did not prepare me for this more Country version, with Reba McIntyre and Trisha Yearwood joining in. I have been enjoying watching Trisha on Food Network, but I am not super interested in this countrified version of Silent Night. I don't think you'll hear me singing along to this one... 1 Star.
Bonus Songs:
15: I'll Be Home For Christmas:Oh what a welcome relief to my ears after that country trio! This is the voice of Kelly's I like. Again, it has a smoky piano bar feel, but I am digging it. It is a little breathy, like a mix of Jessica Simpson and some high notes like Mariah Carey, but overall I like the instruments that join in. 2 Stars.
16. Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel:  Slow, smooth, soft. This song leaves you wanting more, it is a classic song and she doesn't try to hard, it just happens. 5 Stars.

I think this is a great album, it is a nice addition to anyone's Christmas music collection!

SoundHound

I kind of wish I could get paid by SoundHound because I do use their app ALL.THE.TIME.

I used it many times this week to catch the names of some songs I heard on the radio, then I took a screen shot so I can download the song!

Changing Of The Seasons: Two Door Cinema Club: I was surprised but not at the same time to find out it was this band, I recently bought and entire album by them and it seems like I might have another to get soon! They just have a smooth sound and I just find myself really digging it. 3 Stars.

If So: Atlas Genius: Another smooth song, I love the chorus the most. This is a foot tappin kind of song. 2 stars.

Miss Jackson: Panic! At the Disco: This song reminds me a lot of Fall Out Boy, but I am just addicted to the chorus in this song. When I'm in the car you can find me hitting the steering wheel along to this song. There is some language issues I have, but I do like the song. 3 Stars.

Slow Down: Selena Gomez: Its such a fun girlie song! "You know I'm good at mouth to mouth resuscitation" Ha! It has some fun pops and I like when it does slow down a little. I think it would be a good song to dance around to. 4 Stars (at least until it is overplayed and I hate it!)

Fade to Black

Fade to Black: Nina Gordon: This is a great song when you are feeling a little sad and angsty, it came out in 2000 which was about the time in my teenage years for that to fit right in! I really like this gal's voice, it's easy to sing along to, you feel the emotions and you kind of get a little sad with her. 3 stars.

Almost Lover: A Fine Frenzy: I think I got this song in the summer of 2008 when I went through a rough and weird breakup, Its a good one to sing in the car with all you've got. I don't think I will keep this song because it reminds me of that summer, and I don't care to remember it. I do like the piano in the song, and I will look for more stuff from her.

What Do I Do: Sam Phillips: This is from my Frozen Lakes list of songs, found in 2005, its a sweet little love song, 2 stars.

We Will Run: FeFe Dobson: I think this could be a good workout song, a nice beat and she says she will run with you... 2 stars.

My Love: Justin Timberlake: I didn't understand the Justin craze for a long time... until SexyBack. I'm a believer now. I like this song, its smooth. It gets a little repetitive, and sometimes his voice is a little too high, but I can see a rumba danced to this song, 2 stars.

Bom Bom: Sam and the Womp:  I heard this one because of Dancing with the Stars, and the music video looks like something from the 90s! It's quirky, weird, and fun! This one also goes into my workout mix. 3 stars.

Show Stopper

While I was watching Grey's Anatomy this week, Callie talks about how she doesn't dance in her underwear anymore... I can relate, and part of that includes not writing in this blog! So I thought what better way to start writing again, than to put together a great dance playlist, one that inspires dancing alone in your house with reckless abandon!

Break the Ice: Britney Spears: For me, Britney is an obvious choice for a dance mix. I love how the line, "We can turn the heat up if we wanna, we can turn the lights down low" ends with the word low being so low! It's just fun and makes you want to move. I find myself fanning myself with she says "Hot hot hot" 4 stars

Crazy: Gnarls Barkley: I had to go to my Grey's Anatomy list to find a song, since this is what inspired this post anyway. This song really makes me want to go West Coast Swing dancing... specifically in Seattle, they have a different WCS scene than Salt Lake does. I was extremely disappointed in the club I went to when I first moved to Utah in 2011. This song is smooth and lets you groove. 4 Stars

No Matta What (Party All Night Long): Toya: This is a song from my dance mix from 2001 or something... I have no idea where I got it.... But its a silly fun song, especially good on Fridays!  2 stars

Need Your Around: Smoking Popes: This is from the Clueless soundtrack, and it is just a great song to jump around to, shake your head, and go a little crazy. It's also a sweet little love song. Three Stars.

No Sleep Tonight: The Faders: I remember when this song was on the radio, I would blast it in my car and give one of the best car dances you ever saw! And then it was in She's The Man, which is just such a fun movie. (Please come back Amanda Bynes...) This song is cheeky and sassy, makes you want to jump off the furniture in your house, and give a real good shake, some nice body rolls and an incredible ending pose. 5 Stars.

Paris (Ooh La La): Grace Potter: This is one of my favorites lately, its a good hip shakin' tune, a little retro, a lot rock and roll, and totally fun. This is one song you'll want to grab your hairbrush or remote and let your inner rockstar shine. I love the music video for its musicality, though it is a little vegas showgirl-y or burlesque in nature.  5 Stars. 

Green Garden: Laura Mvula: First off, you want to clap right along to this song... then you think you're a runway model stomping it out, then you just melt into the music and let it transport you. The music video is great too. I love her background singers. 4 Stars

Beggin': Madcon: I have choreographed to this song in my head. If I had ever auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance, it would have been to this song. Since a major part of the song is "Beggin you to put your loving hand out darlin" I would incorporate a lot of moves that don't use my hand, elbow spins, knee catches, neck rolls, and then towards the end I would start using my hands more, and we would end in a cute pose showing I do love him. It's a funky and fun tune. 4 stars. 

I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week: Mandy Moore: This is a sassy and cheeky song, and of course I need a little bit of Mandy in this playlist. The music video doesn't make a lot of sense to me... but she looks great so... 3 stars.

Show Stopper: Show Stopper: A total throwback to 2006, dancing in my roommate Katie's room where she, a total sporty and cowgirl trying to teach me and our other roommate, sweet Trish, how to drop it. We got ghetto and this is a classic song for me. This song has a total "Revertago" syndrome (refer to How I Met Your Mother) 2 Stars

Single Ladies: Beyonce: Duh.  5 Stars.


What are some of your favorite songs to dance to?

World Spins Madly On

World Spins Madly On: The Weepies: My brother in law Zach is obsessed with music like I am, and it was about time we met! He mentioned loving this band, and I already had a song by them. As we listened I noticed how clean the music was, in a crisp and beautiful way. Her voice is unique, the harmonies are lovely. This song is one of their sadder songs, where it doesn't matter what you do... the world goes on. 4 Stars.

Now That I've Found You: Alison Krauss: Okay, I liked a little country, some blue grass... I love this song for being in my favorite Girl Power Chick Flick... Heartbreakers. There is something so mesmerizing about Alison's voice. This is one of the ultimate dancing in the kitchen songs. It is also on my computer because of a couple I was teaching dance to at my internship with Arthur Murray back in 2007, they had this as a potential wedding song. It is a good rumba, great song, 4 Stars.

Mr. Saxobeat: Alexandra Stan: This is just a great summer tune, I first heard it from Just Dance or one of those dance games, it has a fun beat and I think it would be good to run to as well. It is almost repetitive to a point of annoying, but not... 2 Stars.

Brick by Boring Brick: Paramore: Ahh the perfect blend of angst, guitar and a girlie voice... while I like it, it isn't my favorite song by them.. and her voice gets too loud at times (probably just my copy or computer...) But I will get rid of this one.

Heart Break Lullaby: S Club 7: I think I put this on a CD for my dance party birthday when I was 15 or 16... It was a great party! I had cleaned my dad's garage, hung Christmas lights.... but if this song is an indicator of the party... I would be surprised by how long everyone stayed! But this song is not an indicator, the party was a blast... I think I can get rid of this song.

Follow Through: Hotel Lights: This is a song from my Grey's Anatomy playlist. I remember making a word document with all of the songs they had listed for each episode and I would go through and download them... I like this guy's voice, I like some of the lyrics, "If you're leaving then leave" He is just asking for you to follow through on what you say. Overall I am not feeling a big connection with this song.

Give It Up: Sean Paul: This is a Samba. I have this from a girl at the studio I did my internship at, she wanted to learn some dances to more contemporary music and had brought this in on a mix. Another song I think I can live without, if I wanted to keep contemporary music for ballroom I think this one is a little outdated so...

Unlike Me: Kate Havnevik: Another from the Greys Anatomy mix, this is a haunting and mesmerizing song to me.  The music builds and becomes so intense, only to drop out... It isn't one I will turn to a lot on it's own, but I want to keep it. 2 Stars.

Journey To The Past: Liz Callaway: Anastasia Soundtrack: This is one of my favorite animated movies, and I have such a strong connection to it since I have not only been to Russia but also to the Summer Palace Anastasia would visit... 2 Stars.

Crying Shame: Get Set Go: Another from the Grey's Anatomy playlist... they have some really punchy songs, this one is more tame...I can relate to the depressed tones in this song, sometimes you don't want to get out of bed, you don't want to look for a job.. Not my favorite.

Can U Keep Up?: Beyonce: I think this is a great song for running, it is upbeat, has a good pace to it. It also sounds like a marching band in the background, which is kind of fun. I will put this in my workout playlist, 2 Stars.

Ghost: James Vincent McMorrow: Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 Soundtrack: I like how thin this song is, how it floats in the air above your ears... I think I might just keep it with this soundtrack, but 2 Stars.

A Good Thing: Saint Etienne: Another from the Grey's playlist (this post is full of them!) This song makes me think of it as Euro Pop (not that I know what that is) But it just seems a little bubbly, has an accent. I like the story it is telling. 1 Star.

Canned Heat: Jamiroquai: I know this song is famous because of Napoleon Dynamite... but I knew about it from Center Stage (which started my dream of being a ballerina dancing to linkin park... don't ask.)  This song is best listened to when home alone, doors locked, floor cleared and volume UP! Makes me think of my roommates from Hillcrest, when taking a note from Grey's Anatomy we would just "Dance it Out" Ahh such good memories, good song... 4 Stars.

Ramalama (Bang Bang): Roisin Murphy: Guess what? Another Grey's Anatomy Song! (honestly, I pressed shuffle.) I love how quirky this song is. I once was in a contemporary dance class and my partner and I danced to this as photographers and high fashion models. Rats... I don't have a video to link to... but I do have one of my beloved Pacific Ballroom Dance team doing a samba to it! Fun, quirky, 3 Stars. Oh, Also Wade Robson choreographed a dance to it for So You Think You Can Dance.

15 songs

Richard's Playlist

One of my friends on facebook has sent out a call for a road trip playlist, and I thought to myself... I might as well write one for him here on my blog! I will try to use all songs from my personal collection, but I might deviate too. So, without further ado, Here is the list of song types he wanted and my responses.

1. Song that makes you think of a National Park:  first song that comes to mind is Biggest Ball of Twine, I do not have this song in my collection. It isn't so much about a National Park as it is about a tourist attraction... but similar! Songs in my collection... I would choose Saturday In the Park by Chicago.

2. Song from your Birth Year: First song I think of is Walking on Sunshine, but I actually can't stand it! My mom said it always reminds her of me... and yet, I do not like the song. Rock Me Amadeus by Falco would be my pick, or from my collection I'd say Take My Breath Away by Berlin.

3. and: Well, I can't decide if this is a typo or not... but lets think of a song with AND in the title. AND If My Heart Should Somehow Stop by James Vincent McMorrow, maybe its not the best road trip fast paced song... but a beautiful song. I think I listened to this song a million times the summer of 2011.  Bennie AND the Jets, Elton John or I would go with Saints AND Sailors, by Dashboard Confessional... though, I have heard on a good playlist you never have the same artist twice, and they are in my next pick...

4. Same song by TWO different artists: Screaming Infidelities by Dashboard Confessional and Joanna. I LOVE her rendition, and it is a classic song, for the 2000's at least.

5. Song of Summer: Crush by Jennifer Paige, No Sleep Tonight by the Faders.

6. A Duet: Come What May by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. Beautiful. I also think of You're So Vain, originally by Carly Simon, but I am thinking of the version from How To Lose A Guy in Ten Days with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey.  Come Along by Cee Lo Green and Vicci Martinez.
7. A Friendship Song: Don't Let Your Enemies become Friends by The Spill Canvas, You're my Best Friend by Queen, or Tell All My Friends I'm Dead by New Found Glory

8. Song w/ a Color: Too obvious, Yellow by Coldplay or Dark Blue by Jack's Mannequin. 

9. Song that reminds you of Richard Templeman: I Think I Love You by David Cassidy, in 10th grade Richard and I were in the film class together, and we paired up to make a music video, and we chose this song, though I think we had a different version of it? Either way, it makes me think of Richard and our one day romance... ahh...

10. Song that reminds you of Kelly Tolley: Well, I don't even know this girl cause Richard met her sometime after we had move apart... but the song Legs by ZZ Top keeps coming to my mind... 

11. A Song about Working: All The Small Things by Blink 182, "work sucks! Carry me home..."

12. A song about Vacation: Miami by Will Smith. DUH.

13. Favorite Disney Song: Won't Say I'm In Love by Meg from Hurcules or anything from Tangled.

14. A Medley (aka Mash Up):  Not My Name and Hey Mickey

15. Favorite Broadway Song: SISTERS White Christmas!

16. Favorite TV Show theme Song: Here With Me by Dido, theme song from Roswell. FAVORITE.

17. Traveling Song: Daisy Cutter or India Ink by 311, not so much songs about vacation, but they make me think of road trips.

18. A Jewish Song: Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani

19. A Grunge or Hipster Song: Elevator Love Letter by Stars

20 A PRIDE Song: Waka Waka by Shakira I don't know why this one makes me think so much of Pride, but it does... Or Wave Your Flag by K'naan

Connect the Dots

Dan and Marie Melody: Sondre Lerche: Dan In Real Life Soundtrack: I should probably just rate all of the songs in this soundtrack together... but I won't. It's a good soundtrack and mostly done all by Sondre, this is a short little song, One star, keeping it with the soundtrack.

Klimbim: Don Ross: This is from a dance show soundtrack, BYU-Idaho Collegiate showcase 2008. It's actually not a bad song, good for background music when you're studying or cleaning, you know how sometimes you need a break from singing and you just need a song to listen to while you're getting nostalgic looking through old photos when you're suppose to be cleaning? Yeah. And I found out the name of this song through using SoundHound, it was free and I basically don't get an app if it isn't free. Haha. One Star.

Another Dumb Blonde: Hoku: Oh Disney channel, you were so good at introducing me to some crazy stuff... This is just a classic song that I won't part with. Especially since I've been a blonde for a long time. The music video is just... perfect. The dancing... so terrible!  One Star, and I am really only keeping this one cause it is funny... and funny that I know all the words. This one goes into the Cheesy Girlie Mix.

Connect the Dots: The Spill Canvas: This song is actually kind of seductive. Makes me think of the movie Serendipity, where she has freckles on her arm in the shape of Cassiopeia, and he traces them, connecting the dots. Two Stars.

Phantom Limb: The Shins: I definitely through myself into loving this band because of a guy I dated. I also did like a song they had on the Garden State Soundtrack. And I liked that it was a band my brother also liked, not a common thing for him and me to have similar music tastes. The music isn't bad, I sing along a little, The question is now, do I have any connection? Its smooth and makes me think it would be a good beach tune. One Star.

Cough Syrup: Young the Giant: I don't know what it is about this song that just draws me in, but I love it! It's easy to sing along to. The music video has a lot of elements I really like, the Rorschach fish tank, the speakers with water, the glitter, those swimsuits, the water balloons and tennis rackets and baseball bats! I appreciate the creativity. Three Stars.

Forever: Vertical Horizon: I loved their first album, listened to it religiously almost. And I never took the time or got the chance or something, to do that with this album, I don't recall when I got this one, but I still haven't heard all the songs. This song is sweet, I really like the chorus. One Star.

Waltz #2: Elliot Smith: It's a waltz, and you don't hear many songs like that outside of the ballroom. I like it, its a little sad, a little romantic... Two stars.

Something: The Beatles: this is a slow and sultry type song. Harrison and I really enjoyed this part of the Cirque du Solei LOVE show. Two Stars. (not my favorite, but I do like it.)

At Last: Etta James: Soulful, sultry, classic. It's a great song, incredible vocals, and I have listed it under my Dancing in the kitchen playlist, also a good ballroom song. Three Stars. 

Hey Stranger

Eyes on Fire: Blue Foundation: Twilight Soundtrack: This song takes me right to the movie, I feel the dark greys, deep greens, and a little red come up around me. It's not really a song I see myself turning to on it's own, but I think it is one I will keep, One star.

Whisper: Evanescence: As soon as this song started I thought, I bet I will delete this one. Evanescence was such a phase of my life... tied to an ex-boyfriend and overall I just don't love how dark their music is to me now.  Her voice is beautiful, I don't argue that. And overall I think this song is a lot lighter than some of her stuff... but I just don't feel like I need to keep it.

Lock Your Heart Down: Churchill: ahhhh! One of my new favorites! It's just fresh and clean and happy, so sweet. It's so easy to sing along to, kind of a kitchen dancing slow song, but a little more country and upbeat, it just makes me happy. Four Stars.

Too Slow To Ride: Nina Gordon: I really do enjoy this whole album by Nina, it takes me back to high school, to reading the Fearless series. It is a lonesome song, I can see myself turning to this when I am feeling sad or moody and need something good to sing along to (if Mandy isn't cutting it ya know...) Three Stars.

Let's Dance: Vanessa Hudgens: Another song that I don't know how I got. No, I am not embarrassed and saying oh how did I get this! but, honest, do not know where it came from. It is kind of fun, but it seems to be a little too much whispering, like I am waiting for it to pop... but it is staying a little subdued. One Star... could be good on a workout mix or as a warmup song for dancing.

Hey Stranger: Mêlée: I like this guy's voice. I learned of this band based off a CD my friend Sarah got from our community college, the song was called Francesca, and I decided to buy this whole cd based off of liking that song. It's a pretty easy song, good for a road trip, Two stars. Oh yeah, it kind of stops and then has a trailing ending... don't totally love that part of it.

Reflections: Mae: This is one of my favorite bands, and mark my words, I will one day name a child with the name Mae. This song is a little slower, but I still like it. I really like the line, "tonight I'll wake up twice and both times find your gone" I like the idea of reflections. Two Stars.

Wait: Get Set Go: This is one from my Grey's Anatomy collection. Kind of a cute and simple song, makes me think of this guy I was obsessed with, Devo, and wanting to run over to his place and like in She's The Man, kiss him, kiss the crap out of him, but I waited. And waited. And he never kissed me, and he was gone. (Which ended up being just fine as I married an incredible man.) One Star.

Cold War Transmissions: Anberlin: I can't tell you how many times I played this on the overnight bus we had to take in Russia one night... One of my favorites, obviously a good road trip song... haha Three stars.

Here We Go: Joshua Radin: Well I got really into Joshua Radin the summer of 2011. My love for a man named "George" turned me to Joshua, and I was almost religious in my listening to him... haha Now, this does not mean I love all his stuff. Luckily I do enjoy this one, it seems like the kind of a song a movie that a couple had a difficult patch would end with. One Star.

 Beginning After The End: Stars: This is actually just an instrumental to start off the CD. It's a nice little instrumental though. With just a little talking at the tail end of the song.  One Star.


11 Songs rated in this post