Christmas Week: Day 7

"O Holy Night"

Yes, out of all the versions I could have picked of this song, I chose 'NSync.
What can I say? I have a soft spot for JT and good A Cappella.

"O Holy Night" will always remain my most favorite Christmas song.
It holds so many precious memories of my father singing.
It also perfectly captures the feelings of reverence, praise, and glory for the Savior Jesus Christ, who of course, is the center of Christmas.

May you all have a very Merry Christmas and feel the love and joy of the Savior in your lives.

Christmas Pick: Day 6

"Carol of the Bells"

There is a legend that at the stroke of midnight on the evening when Jesus was born all the bells on earth suddenly began pealing joyously together of their own accord - and there was never a sound like it for majesty and grandeur. "Carol of the Bells," based on an old Ukrainian motif, probably springs from that legend, as it tells of the "sweet silver bells" that pealed joyously in unison. Traditionally, the "Carol of the Bells" is sung quietly in the beginning, grows louder and ever louder as each voice adds to the tintinnabulation, and finally dies away to a pianissimo as the pealing gradually ceases.

(from Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook)

I love everything about this song -
and it will always remind me of Home Alone :)

I'm also a bit skeptical as to whether this is actually the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing this version.
It doesn't sound like them to me.
Plus, the album cover says "Leonard Bernstein."
Hmm...

Christmas Pick: Day 5

"I Celebrate the Day" by Relient K

I heard this on Pandora the other day for the first time and loved it.
I had to stop and listen to the entire thing.
It's very Dashboard Confessional meets Secondhand Serenade.
I've never heard of Relient K before. Have you?
Regardless, I'm diggin' this Christmas song.
It definitely has been added to my favorites.

Christmas Pick: Day 4

"Christmas Song" by Dave Matthews

I just love this song.
And I just love Dave Matthews.


*So...I know the Christmas Picks are backwards on the playlist, but this way you can hear the current pick first. Hope you don't mind too much :)

Christmas Pick: Day 3

"Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant

I can remember the first time I heard this song. I was alone in the car, pregnant, driving somewhere - probably Christmas shopping - and this song came on the radio. I cried through the whole thing and it became a favorite.

The words and feelings of this song are so precious and sacred.
I still cry whenever I hear it.

Christmas Pick: Day 2

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is one of the carols that was sung by the waits, those municipal watchmen in old Englad who, like the town criers, were licensed to perform certain duties, such as singing seasonal songs, including those of Christmas, to the proper people. It was first published in 1827 as "an ancient version, sung in the streets of London." Charles Dickens used it in A Christmas Carol: Ebenezer Scrooge, the rich but miserly curmudgeon, hears it sung jauntily in the street and threatens to hit the singer with a ruler if he does not cease immediately. Fortunately, Scrooge is about to be vouchsafed the true meaning of Chrsitmas, and to be made merry - and generous - himself.

(from Reader Digest's Merry Christmas Songbook)

I picked this version because I love the smooth voices of Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan.
I love classic songs redone well.
This will always be a favorite of mine.

Christmas Pick: Day 1

"Joy to the World"

Though the triumphant words "Joy to the world" exemplify the Christmas feeling, this familiar text is actually a translation based on five verses from Psalm 98 in the Old Testament. Isaac Watts, the Engish hymnist and cleric, published his Psalms of David, which contains these verses in 1719. More than a century later, in 1839, American composer and music educator Lowell Mason decided to set them to music, modestly including the phrase "From George Frederick Handel," apparently to honor his idol, the composer of Messiah and many other masterpieces. For nearly 100 years, the world accepted this ascription, until musicologists pointed out that not a single phrase in the music can be said to have come straight from any work of Handel's.

(from Reader's Digest Christmas Songbook)

Even though no phrase comes straight from Handel's work, I can see how this song could be a tribute to Handel. It is very Handelesque.

Flyleaf - "All Around Me"

In the spirit of seeing the midnight showing of New Moon last night and just because I love this song, this week's pick is "All Around Me" by Flyleaf. This song should be on the soundtrack to one of the Twilight movies. It is perfect. Along with anything by Evanescence. And since Stephenie Meyers loves Muse so much, and because they are awesome, they should thrown in a little of them too.

Watch the video.
Watch the trailer.
Watch a hilarious spoof.

Shania Twain - "You're Still the One"

Wow. Sorry for the two months of Styx.

This week's pick should have been the pick one month ago. Husband and I celebrated our anniversary in October. This tune by Shania should have been our wedding song. I am not a Shania fan AT ALL, and as I have previously mentioned I'm not a huge country fan either, but the lyrics to this one fit my marriage perfectly, all cheesyness included. I really can't help but think of Husband and the feelings surrounding our wedding day when I hear this song.

Thus, it has made my life soundtrack. Under any other circumstances it most definitely would not have.

Read the lyrics.
Seriously, could have been written about us.
Boy, am I glad "we didn't listen" either.

Styx - "Come Sail Away"

This week's pick is in honor of our much needed vacation. Tomorrow morning I am going on a cruise with Husband.

Bon Voyage!

Beyonce - "Halo"

Remember this performance on So You Think You Can Dance? Well, I LOVED it. It just made me happy. And I have been in love with the song ever since. It is just pure joy.

I am unsure if I'm a Beyonce fan or not. My first reaction is no (nothing against her, just not my style), but then there are a bunch of her songs that I do really like. So...I'm not sure. All I know is I am a fan of this song.

Enjoy!

Aerosmith - "Don't Wanna Miss A Thing"

In the spirit of this post on my other blog, this week's pick is "Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith. This song has new meaning to me now that I am a momma. Every word describes how I feel. My kids are growing up so fast and I don't want to miss one moment of it.

Aerosmith is easily one of my all time favorite bands and one of the best bands of all time. I was incredibly lucky to see them perform in my (and their) hometown of Boston, MA. Let me tell you, that concert was incredible. Over three hours long and every second was amazing. One of the best memories of my life.

So here's one of my all time favorite songs (that I have dubbed my life's theme song) by one of my all time favorite bands.

Enjoy!

Hellogoodbye - "Oh, It Is Love"

Husband sent me a little email the other day with a link to this song. It made him think of me and that completely made my day.

I don't really know anything about this band or this song, just that I like it and it will now always remind me of my husband. If I had some more time right now I would find some more info, but I'm going to go have an at-home-date with my hubby. Honestly, I'd rather do that...

Enjoy!

Mom Song

While trying to find a pick of the week this week, this came to mind.

Daughty - "I'm Going Home"

Because literally this week I am going home.
On Wednesday we're leaving on a jetplane and heading back to MA.
I can't wait.

We will be there for 9 days. Chance are I won't post for the next 2 weeks, but who knows, I just may. Great tunes always come to mind as a drive through my old stomping grounds and get all nostalgic.

Oh, and by the way - I wanted Chris Daughtry to win American Idol Season 5.
Too bad.

Pearl Jam - "Better Man" and Memories Mix

For my little brother's birthday this year, I made him a Memoris Mix full of songs that remind me of each of our siblings. Since we are all pretty spread across the country, I love listening to these songs and thinking of them. Makes me not feel so far away for an hour or so while listening to this mix.

Pour Some Sugar On Me: Def Leppard Jen/Dan
Smooth: Santana ft. Rob Thomas Dan
Viva La Vida: Coldplay Brian
Two Step: Dave Matthews Band we all love DMB
The Freshman: The Verve Pipe Andrew
Walking In Memphis: Marc Cohn Dan
Mr. Jones: Counting Crows Andrew/Dan
Machinehead: Bush Meg
Better Man: Pearl Jam Dan
Senorita: Justin Timberlake Meg
Livin' On A Prayer: Bon Jovi Jen
Satelite: Dave Matthews Band see above
You've Got A Friend: James Taylor Mom
Bye Bye Bye: NSync Meg

The pick of the week this week is off this mix.
"Better Man" by Pearl Jam. This song probably has the most vivid memory out of them all. Every time I listen to it I picture my brother Dan sitting on his bed, home from college over Thanksgiving break, playing his guitar (that he used scholarship money to buy) and singing "Better Man." I even remember him calling me into his room to play it for me. One of my fondest memories of him. And ever since, I always hear him singing it when I listen - not Eddie Vedder.

So I hope you enjoy this week's pick and the accompanying mix.
Music makes memories. The most vivid.

30 Seconds to Mars - "The Kill"

Well, I missed my patriotic pick for 4th of July, and I missed my MJ tribute week, so I guess life will just go on...

This week's pick is "The Kill" by 30 Seconds to Mars. This song is on My Life Soundtrack. I've loved this song from the first time I heard it. It is very powerful and I was immediately drawn to it. It may seem like a strange addition to my soundtrack, but this song got me through some rough times a couple years ago and has become my anthem of inner strength and taking control back of my life.

I went through somewhat of an identity crisis about 2 years ago after having my second baby. I was having a hard time finding myself and knowing how to be happy. I'm pretty sure I was going through postpartum depression. One day I heard this song in a whole new light when I was listening to it very loudly in my car (as it is best listened to), singing along, with tears streaming down my face. All of a sudden this song was about me.

I was sick of being sad. I was done. This song, to me, is about being strong. It's about turning away from depression, not letting feelings of self-doubt, insecurities, or self-esteem issues bring me down, and about overcoming those dark, negative feelings. Standing on my two feet, and being who I want to be. Being me. That day was a turning point for me.

These lyrics are extremely powerful and will always be somewhat of an anthem in my life.

What if I wanted to break
Laugh it all off in your face
What would you do
What if I fell to the floor
Couldn't take all this anymore
What would you do?

Can't break me down
Bury me, Bury me
I am finished with you

What if I wanted to fight
Beg for the rest of my life
What would you do?
You say you wanted more
What are you waiting for?
I'm not running from you.

Can't break me down
Bury me, bury me
I am finished with you
Look in my eyes
You're killing me, killing me
All I wanted was you.

I tried to be someone else
But nothing seemed to change
I know now
This is who I really am inside
I finally found myself
Fighting for a chance
I know now
This is who I really am

Can't break me down
Bury me, bury me
I am finished with you
Look in my eyes
You're killing me, killing me
All I wanted was you
Can't break me down
Break me down
Break me down

What if I wanted to break?

On a somewhat related topic, check out this dance about addiction shown on this week's episode of So You Think You Can Dance. So incredibly powerful.

Hilary Duff - "Coming Clean"

I know I know...
Hilary Duff.

But this song just keeps coming to my mind this week for two reasons:
1) It has been raining a lot, and I love the rain!
2) My girls insist on listening to "girl song" all the time and we just picked up a Hilary Duff CD at a garage sale that we have been listening to non-stop.

So this pick of the week just seems to fit.

All Smiles

Sorry about the inconsistency lately. I plead three kids....

This should make up for it though:

Watch this and thank me later.

Bush - "Glycerine"

For some reason this song has been in my head lately. Not surprising, but still a little random.

This song is a blast.from.my.past. Anyone who knows me (or I should say, anyone who knew me when I was 13) knows about my Bush days. Wow. Saying I was obsessed was a bit of an understatement. I was in love. I was a bit fanatical. It was fun and it was great.

It was this song that introduced me to the love of my life, Gavin Rossdale, and the band Bush. I heard it for the first time when I saw the video on MTV (back when they actually played videos) and that was it for me. For me, any song from Sixteen Stone will forever remain classic to me. In my humble opinion, Sixteen Stone is one of the greatest albums of all time. (But I might be a little bias).

Watch the video.
Watch my favorite performance I'll never forget the first time I saw this either (he is gorgeous!)
About the band.


There's nothing like a sunny summer Friday to make me feel nastalgic.
(And in case you were wondering - yes, I went to their concert, and yes, I did cry)

Kanye West - "Heartless"

Great artist. Great song.

Did anyone hear Kris Allen's version of this song on American Idol this week? I was BLOWN.A.WAY. I absolutely loved it. I have been a fan of Kris Allen's all season and hoped that he would make it all the way but knew his chances were slim. But what a move on his part. Pick a song completely unexpected and completely rock it. Great song. Great artist. Way to go Kris!

Watch a music video
Read about the song choice
Listen to The Fray's version

Kris's performance:

Cold Blooded @ Yahoo! Video

The Beatles - "The Birthday Song"

Happy Birthday Sweet Katie-Bear!

Israel Kamakawiwoole - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

After last week, I wanted to pick a song that just makes me feel good and makes me smile. That is exactly what this song does. I love EVERYTHING about this song - especially the fact that he flawlessly combines two great classics - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World"

Here are some other versions of these great songs:

Judy Garland: Wizard of Oz
Katharine McPhee
Jason Castro

Luis Armstrong



and of course, my favorite...

Lenny Kravitz - "Again"

Sorry for the weeks without any updates or posts...

This week's pick is off of my life soundtrack. Music has always been a huge part of my life. All the songs on my life soundtrack are songs that have special meaning to me, whether it reminds me of a specifc time in my life or I simply relate to the music/lyrics. "Again" by Lenny Kravitz is a little of both.

This song became a favorite of mine during my senior year of high school. It actually was the song I had with a guy I was with. I know it may be strange of me to have a song on my life soundtrack that reminds me of a guy other than my husband, BUT, this song has come to mean more to me than just this guy.

A little background:
This guy I was with was younger than me. He was actually quite a bit younger - a freshman - and I was a senior. Yes, I know...I was THAT girl. The relationship was actually kept a secret (as long as possible), which is what made it special. We had relationship completely separate from all the high school drama, gossip, and expectations. We actually had a relationship that lasted as a friendship. But, I don't want to get into details about the relationship. All I want to say about it is that it was a special relationship. This song became "our song" because of the lyric "I wonder if I'll ever see you again." The whole secret relationship thing...

Anyway...
when this guy was a freshman in college (I was a senior in college and pregnant with my first baby) I found out that he had committed suicide. It was heartbreaking for everyone. Suicide is always tragic, but having someone close to you commit suicide brings it to a whole different level. The strange thing about the experience, is that few people even knew that I was close to him. Few people knew that we had a relationship and even fewer knew that we had remained friends. My family was even surprised by my reaction because they didn't know that I even knew him. I felt like my mourning process became a secret, just like the relationship. Inside I was devistated. He was a dear friend of mine. Now the same phrase that originally made this song "our song" has a new meaning:
"I wonder if I'll ever see you again."

This song not only reminds me of this guy, it reminds me of a time in my life when I made time for the people that mattered to me even if it didn't make sense. It reminds me to stay connected with the people that matter. It reminds me that moments are priceless and to hold on to every detail because it keeps us connected to each other.

Braveheart - "Freedom"

In honor of the Oscars, this week I have picked (a little late) a theme from one of my favorite movies, Braveheart, which won best picture in 1995.

The scene when this music is played is one of the most powerful movie scenes and I believe it was due mostly to the music - and of course the incredible acting by Mel Gibson. It is the scene at the end when William Wallace (Mel Gibson) is being tortured so that he would surrender and swear allegiance to England. His most memorable response, while he was literally being gutted, was "FREEDOM!!!"

I LOVE the bagpipes in this theme and the drums. Really, I love EVERYTHING about this piece. It evokes so many emotions and is just beautiful.

Enjoy! And I hope you all enjoyed the Oscars last night!

Watch the scene.

Desiree - "Kissing You"

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Kissing You" is featured in this ^ scene of one of my favorite movies of all time, (which conveniently happens to be a great Valentine's movie as well) Romeo + Juliet. If I had this movie (which I NEED to own) I would most likely be cuddling up on the couch tomorrow to watch this favorite flick.

Enjoy!

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Fisher - "I Will Love You"

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I thought I would pick one of my favorite love songs this week. "I Will Love You" by Fisher has been a favorite of mine since I heard it. Honestly, I can't remember the first time I heard it or who introduced it to me, but I know that it instantly became a favorite.

I love the simplicity of the music and lyrics. I really feel the vulnerability, the honesty, desperation, and exposure of her love. Those feelings of realizing how deeply you love someone, and needing desperately to know that the love is returned, are so vivid in this music.

And I need to know, will you stay for all time. Forever and a day.

I remember these feelings. Feeling like I needed to know that we would always be together and that we would always be in love. And that if I knew that, I could do anything.

By the way - I LOVE songs that make me feel something specific. If I can feel whatever emotion the artist is trying to portray - and even better, if I can relate those feelings to a specific moment in my life - then the artist has an incredible gift in my book, and the song becomes an instant favorite. This song definitely qualifies.

Read more about the band (pretty interesting).
Watch the video.

Enjoy!

Kansas - "Dust In the Wind"

In high school, I considered this my theme song. This was the song that I turned to when I was having a hard day, when I needed to relax, when I wanted to escape, when I just wanted "me" time. This song has meant a lot of different things to me over the years.

When I first heard this song, it hit me as a "don't worry too much about now - it will pass" song. The first line "I close my eyes. Only for a moment and the moment's gone" and "Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky" helped me cope with a lot of things. It helped put things in perspective for me knowing that time will pass, and things will be ok. Whatever I was dealing with in the moment would eventually go away and be over. The whole idea of "all we are is dust in the wind" also helped me realize that even though things felt huge at the time, in the grand scheme of things it would be a lot smaller than it felt at the time.

Toward the end of high school, the song started telling me how precious time is and that we need to live each moment to the fullest (very characteristic senior mindset). "All your money won't another minute buy." The good moments in life also won't always last forever, so enjoy, appreciate, and take advantage of the good while you have it. I loved high school and lived it up until the day I left.

Listening to this song recently, it is obviously a song about how fragile life is. We really all are dust in the wind. Instantly our lives can be changed, for the good or the bad, and turn in directions we never would have suspected. I still see the same messages as I did before, just some added dimensions.

Anyway, I have always loved this song. Mostly because of the feeling and meaning of the words, but also the soothing guitar and the string interlude. This song will always be a favorite of mine. In fact, it has made it onto my life soundtrack :)

Read more about the band
Read more about the song
Read the lyrics

Jared Salvatore

Jared Salvatore is my good friend from home. He is incredibly talents - always has been - and I'm so glad to share his music with you! I have added a link to his myspace page to this blog. Check it out when you get a chance.

Jared & I have known each other for years. We really became good friends our freshman year in high school. We had a few classes together and spent a lot of time together during the school musical "Damn Yankees" that year. We remained friends throughout high school and he is one that I have stayed in contact with over the years. He is a great friend with a HUGE heart.

I remember the first time I heard him sing. It was at the Pollard Pops (our middle school talent show) and he sang "The Freshman" by the Verve Pipe with his band. They were the stars of the show and I remember thinking back then "this kid is going to be famous some day." I think it's awesome that he is really pursuing his music and I hope so badly that he gets his big break.

I hope you enjoy listening to his music! I know I do...but then again, I might be a little biased. :)

Jason Mraz - "Mr. Curiosity"

I love hearing a new song on the radio and instantly falling in love with it. That's what happened with this song. One morning while I was running errands this song came on the radio and I was captivated with the first note. I think the instrumental part is beautifully written, the melody and vocals are very soothing, and very characteristic to Jason Mraz the lyrics are clever and smooth. I really love his style and love his quirky, but cool music.

Dave & I saw Jason Mraz perform live about 4 years ago. He opened for Dave Matthews. He was amazing! At that point the only song I knew of his was "Remedy," which I liked ok, but didn't necessarily love. Let's just say I liked it a whole lot more after seeing it performed live. Like I have said, I'm a sucker for an awesome live performance.

Jason Mraz is an amazing live performer and INCREDIBLY talented. He is extremely musical, very versatile, and funny. I thought it was pretty awesome in his concert when he mentioned that Dave Matthews was one of his musical idols and that he got a lot of his inpiration from him. How amazing that there he was opening for one of his biggest influences. Wow!

Read more about the artist
Read the lyrics
Get the sheet music (awesome!)
Watch a live performance

Hope you enjoy!

David Cook - "Permanent"

I thought this pick was very appropriate this week as the new season of American Idol has begun. David Cook was the winner of American Idol last season and I am a huge fan. I loved him throughout the season, but was convinced he was not going to win because my favorite NEVER wins - at least not until last season. I am a faithful American Idol viewer and fan, but I usually never vote. Last years' finale was the first time ever. Goes to show how true of a fan I am I guess :)

I love the strength and richness of David Cook's voice as well as the raw edge it has. I am obviously a fan of rock, but it's even better when a rock song has really good vocals, which I think David Cook has. I also love his vision as an artist. He had the best arrangements on the show last season - his Billie Jean performance is a perfect example. I think I was literally watching with my mouth open. I love when the contestants arrange their own songs because it shows us what to expect from them as an artist, plus it really makes the greats stand out. Last season I was really impressed with many of the contestants' arrangements.

I was able to see David Cook perform last summer at the American Idol concert. Yes, I actually went... and I'm glad I did. So many great performers. He was AMAZING. And it was interesting watching them all perform live - they are way more talented than we get to see on TV. And even though the teeny-bopping Utah girls that surrounded me at the concert would definitely not agree with me, the right David definitely won. David Cook has an incredible presence on the stage performing. It made me love him even more - but I am a sucker for great live concerts...

I got David's first album for Christmas. I love the whole thing. Definitley an album worth having. It is exactly what I expected it to sound like. His sound is very reminiscent to 80's rock, but with an edgier twist. Especially his ballads. "Permanent" is one of my favorites on the album. So much emotion and struggle behind the words and you can really hear it in his voice. Also check out other songs from the album on WSMGS Radio.

Read more about the artist.
Watch a live performance of this song.

Watch a music video.

Watch his American Idol audition.

Watch my favorite American Idol performance.

My mom pointed out last season that David Cook looked a lot like my own David. I didn't see it until he cut off those huge red bangs he had at the beginning of the season. Then I totally saw it. There's something also about his persona that reminds me of my Dave. Maybe that's why I'm so attracted to David Cook. :)

Here are both David's at 25 (when Dave & I were dating)

What do you think?

See any resemblance?

Movin' 100.7

For all of you local Utahns, check out Movin' 100.7 FM. Their slogin is "music that makes you feel good!" and boy is that true. Great dance music from the 80's 90's and today. Pretty much without fail, whenever I turn to that station I hear a song that makes me smile. Tonight when I turned it on I heard "Pump Up the Jam." Awesome! I'm not sure that there is any other station where I could hear that song playing! It's a great station to find songs with a good beat, that are great to sing along to, and many that bring back great memories.

To reunite with this blast from the past, check out WSMGS Radio on my side menu, as well as other great songs that I love.

*to listen to WSMGS Radio, pause the pick of the week and then press play on the Radio playlist. This will avoid multiple songs playing at the same time.

Dire Straits - "Romeo & Juliet"

Great song from my past.

This song reminds me of my carefree, relaxing days in high school hanging out with my friends, driving around town, riding on the bus to a game, or just sitting in my room. The simple music and storyline lyrics were soothing and relaxing to me. I could listen to this song while doing homework, talking to friends, or singing along. This song was among the songs that I turned to to escape from the world. I could listen to this song and nothing seemed to matter.

I wouldn't say I'm a huge Dire Straits fan, but I do enjoy their music, or the few songs that I know at least. This song I particularly love as well as other versions I've heard by the Indigo Girls and the Killers.

Read more about the song.
Read more about the band.
Watch a video.