Mormon Tabernacle Choir - "Come, Come Ye Saints"

In celebration of Pioneer Day tomorrow, I have chosen "Come, Come Ye Saints" as this week's pick. This hymn has become the anthem of the Mormon Pioneers. I can't help but feel the spirit, strength, courage, and faith of those pioneers as I listen to or sing this hymn. I am always deeply touched by these lyrics and this music.

This hymn was also sung at the prayer assembly at BYU on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, hours after our country was attacked and the Twin Towers fell. It was a surreal and powerful experience to be in the Marriott Center, filled with thousands of BYU students, who met together to pray and sing for strength and comfort during that scary time. The lyrics of this hymn were a source of much comfort to me, as I'm sure they were to others, on that horrific day when the future was so unsure. I remember singing this hymn, with tears in my eyes, thinking that perhaps that day would be the closest I would ever be to understanding a fraction of what the Pioneers may have felt during their experience. Though their future was unsure at times, and they faced much persecution and hatred, it was their faith in Jesus Christ that gave them comfort and hope to sing the words, "All is well!" I am amazed and overwhelmed with gratitude for the faith, strength, and legacy the Mormon Pioneers have left us with.

Happy Pioneer Day!

Read the lyrics + brief history of the song.
Read about the Pioneers.
Learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I am also intrigued with this project by Australian composer Glenn Gordon. I have been listening to some excerpts and all the buzz about it on 89.1 KBYU FM.
Can't wait to get a recording.

The Allman Brothers - "Ramblin Man"

I've been trying to think of songs that remind me of summer. The list was so long it was hard to choose, but I had to go with "Ramblin Man" by the Allman Brothers. Pretty much any classic rock song reminds me of summer. Anything by The Allman Brothers, for sure. The Allman Brothers concert at Great Woods (or I guess it's now called the Tweeter Center) is a staple summer event back in MA. I went to a couple of their concerts myself. This song just reminds me of hot summer nights, hanging out with my friends, doing whatever.

If you're not familiar with the Allman Brothers, some other favorite songs of mine are Jessica, Sweet Melissa, Win Lose or Draw, and The Whipping Post. Check them out.

Travis Mccoy ft. Bruno Mars - "Billionaire"

Careful with this one. Make sure you are listening to the CLEAN version.

I heard these guys on Jay Leno the other night and loved it. This song just makes me smile.
Once again, I know nothing about this guy or this song, I just love it. Perhaps I should do some research...

Augustana - "Boston"

Did you know I'm from Boston?
Probably - since all of you that actually read this blog know me pretty well.

Well, you can imagine why I like this song.
There's a pride us Bostonian's have. Anything that has to do with Boston we instantly love and feel like it was made just for us. And then we feel ownership of it. Even though I don't know anything about this band or this song (all I know is that it's about leaving CA and moving to Boston, which is nothing that I can relate to at all) I still just love it. Probably because of the title and the Cheers reference in the chorus. It's those little things that remind me of home and therefore I love it.

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!