WSMGS

Avril Lavigne - "When You're Gone"

2011-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of First Daughter's birthday on Sunday, this week's pick is one of her all time favorites - "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne. She's six and she loves to belt it out along with this ballade. I love it when she does too.

I can't help but share the video.

Beware::you will probably cry.

This song is also featured on this year's Girl Mix. You can request a copy over at So Buttons if you're interested.

Hope you enjoy!

Happy Birthday First Daughter!

Led Zepplin - "Fool in the Rain"

2011-04-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs of all time.

I saw Jimmy Page & Robert Plant in concert summer of my freshman year. I had no idea how lucky I was to go. My cousin and I scored the tickets from a friend of mine. When I went to the concert, the only Led Zepplin song I knew was Stariway to Heaven. In fact, I didn't even know Jimmy Page & Robert Plant were in Led Zepplin until they started playing that song. Embarrassing.

I don't remember much of the concert. I remember Stairway to Heaven and I remember Jimmy Page playing his guitar with a violin bow. Crazy good.

I just wish so badly that I had gone to this concert a couple years later, because Led Zepplin turned out to be one of my most favorite bands and one I listened to most often. Fool in the Rain could frequently be heard in my car.

It just makes me happy.
Everything about it.
And I can't help but get a little giddy and start to dance every time I hear it.

Hope you enjoy!

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - "Free Falling"

2011-04-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
Another annual summer concert in MA.
I went to this concert at least once {maybe twice} in high school.
So much fun.

Anything by Tom Petty reminds me of high school, but Free Falling is the ultimate high school tune. It makes me think of warm sunny afternoons before a soccer game, driving with the windows down, feeling the wind in my hair and the sun on my arm hanging out the window. I felt on top of the world.

And the best part about this song - it always sounds better if you sing along at the top of your lungs. No matter how bad your voice is - it always sounds awesome.

And it feels awesome too.

Check out the John Mayer cover too.
I've added it to the playlist.
Oh! And Stevie Nicks. I love her.

Paul Simon - "You Can Call Me Al"

2011-04-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

I can't remember if I was junior or senior in high school, but one day at the dentist's office I scored two tickets to the Paul Simon/Bob Dylan concert. Good seats. I can't remember all of the circumstances, but I remember I ended up going with my Mom and we had a great time.

I was (and still am) a Simon & Garfunkel fan. At that time I was actually going through a Simon & Garfunkel kick, and was constantly listening to their Greatest Hits albums. Again, one of my favorite albums ever.

I'm not very familiar with much of Paul Simon's solo work. In fact, You Can Call Me Al is one of the few that I actually do know well because 1) it is played at almost every sporting event, including our lowly Needham High football games, and 2) Chevy Chase is in the video and that always caught my attention. He's a funny guy! (plus I was a huge SNL fan)

I was bummed that it wasn't actually a Simon & Garfunkel reunion concert, but I was psyched to see Bob Dylan, since I was a fan of his as well. I actually know more Bob Dylan songs than Paul Simon's solo songs.

The coolest part about the concert (which I was desperately hoping for) was that they actually performed quite a few Simon & Garfunkel songs together - Sound of Silence, Bridge Over Troubled Water, the Boxer, Scarborough Fair - all favorites of mine. It was pretty awesome. And I was far enough away that I could just pretend that Bob Dylan was actually Art Garfunkel (minus a few inches and some crazy curly hair).

Good times.

Allman Brothers - "Sweet Melissa"

2011-04-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Allman Brothers Band is another annual summer concert in MA.
I saw them summer after my senior year.
It happened something like this:

"What should we do tonight?"
"I don't know."
"Isn't there an Allman Bros concert tonight?"
"Ya, we should go."
"Alright. Let's do it."

It was that kind of concert. So laid back. And I loved it. Sitting out on the lawn on a hot summer night, listening to an old school legend of a band jam. It was awesome.

You don't hear much about the Allman Brothers, but their music is so familiar. Sweet Melissa is an all time favorite of mine. So smooth. It just feels like home.

Hope you enjoy!

Aerosmith - "Dream On"

2011-04-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

One of the best songs ever written.
You can never go wrong with this song.

I saw Aerosmith in concert summer after my senior year in high school. I saw them in Boston {their hometown} and it was incredible. My friends and I showed up hours before the show without tickets in hand. We were banking on someone selling tickets out front. Luckily, we scored some lawn seats and got in to the show. The concert was three hours long. Incredible.

Halfway through, after an intermission, the band came back on stage, but on another stage out on the lawn. We had nearly front row seats for the second half of the show! The first half of the show consisted of all their new stuff {which I'm not very familiar with} and the second was all of their old stuff. Score!

Steven Tyler was rockin' his Red Sox cap {backwards} to "Dream On," "Come Together," and "Living on the Edge," as well as many other classics. It was unbelievable. Easily one of the best concerts I've ever been to and easily one of the best front men in history. Absolutely love Aerosmith.

And I must add, I am loving Steven Tyler on American Idol. He is rockstar through and through and I love it! And watching him week after week has solidified a place for him in the top 10 famous people I would like to meet.

Hope you enjoy!

Bush - "Machinehead"

2011-03-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

This song is eighth grade for me.
I was the ultimate Bush fan. And that's a major understatement.
My small room was plastered with pictures of the band and Gavin Rossdale himself. I was in love. I was obsessed.

Sixteen Stone is another one of my all time favorite albums. I can still listen to it start to finish and sing you every word. In eighth grade I could listen to it in my head. Every chance I had I was listening to this album.

It was that year that their second album, Razorblade Suitcase, was released. I remember listening to the radio faithfully, waiting to hear a glimpse of their newest single "Swallowed." My heart skipped a couple beats when I heard the DJ announce that it would play "within the next hour." I kept my finger on the "record" button and caught it all on my cassette. It was an exciting day.

I did the same thing with music videos and television appearances. My friends and I compiled a video of all their performances, interviews, awards, TV specials, and videos. We would get together every Friday night, eat snacks, and watch the video.

Bush was the second band I saw in concert - shortly after No Doubt. 4/12/97. At thirteen, I was one of the crazy obsessed fans. I screamed and cried when I heard the opening chords to "Machinehead." {I don't admit that to too many people, but I thought it would give you an idea of how much I loved this band...} That night was a night to remember - seeing my favorite band in person, hearing my favorite songs live, running up to the stage multiple times and being tackled by security, scoring a backstage pass from a sympathetic stranger {only one of us could go back, and my friend was the lucky one. boo}, getting autographed tickets, T-shirts, and more. It was pretty awesome.

I heard this song at the gym the other day and have decided there are few things better than hearing an old favorite song on the radio.
And this is one of the best songs to run to.
Besides being one of the best songs ever...

I couldn't find it on playlist.com, so I'll just share the video with you.
I love it just as much. Gavin is ever so dreamy... {and possibly one of the most attractive human beings alive}

Hope you enjoy!

Yellowcard - "Only One"

2011-03-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

Where in the world has Yellowcard been?
I need more of them in my life.

I love this song. It's one to "scream my lungs out" to. I love it. I need more songs like that in my life. It's good for the soul. And the lungs.

Did you know that Yellowcard has a violinist in their band? Pretty awesome. Naturally, they are one of my favs.

Enjoy!

Destiny's Child - "Bootylicious"

2011-03-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

This song is on my life soundtrack.
I think it's self explanitory :0)

No Doubt - "The Climb"

2011-02-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

I was just reminded of this song from the available Rock Band downloads.

Tragic Kingdom is easily one of the best albums ever and was frequently found in my CD player or car through my middle school/high school years. One of the few I can listen to start to finish. Still. The No Doubt, Tragic Kingdom tour was the first concert I went to back when I was 13. It was awesome. I have wanted to be Gwen ever since. Especially when she married Gavin Rossdale. So dreamy.

Anyway...
The song still rocks my world.
Great music. Great lyrics. Great message.

Enjoy!

Playlist Over at So Buttons

2011-02-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

{today on So Buttons}

Bring Me to Life::Evanescence
I Don't Wanna Be::Gavin DeGraw
All Around Me::Flyleaf
When I Look At You::Miley Cyrus
Undiscovered::Ashlee Simpson
The Reason::Hoobastank
Viva la Vida::Coldplay
Only One::Yellowcard
Love Me for Me::Ashlee Simpson
I'm in Love with a Girl::Gavin DeGraw
Everytime::Britney Spears
Bubble Toes::Jack Johnson
When You're Gone::Avril Lavigne
Alone::Heart
Hanging By a Moment::Lifehouse
The Climb::No Doubt
Chasing Cars::Snow Patrol
My Immortal::Evanescence
You and Me::Lifehouse

A secret about me::I am a high schooler at heart.
Oh, and::I'm an Ashlee Simpson fan.

There is something very appealing to me about getting in the car, popping this baby in, and just driving. These songs speak to a part of my soul that doesn't get much recognition these days. I am a grown up now after all.

Some of these songs are from my past; some are more recent; all would have served as much needed therapy for my overactive teenage heart.

I made this mix for a friend of mine, but the truth...it's for me too.
Anyone want a copy?

Heart - "Alone"

2011-02-18T05:41:00.000-08:00

This song is epic.
It is classic.
It's timeless.
It's a favorite.

I made a mix for a friend of mine this week and couldn't help but include it. Even though the song is probably twice her age. At least.

This is an appropriate pick in honor of Season 10 of American Idol. Which, by the way, may end up being my favorite season. I am loving the new judges. I have a crush on Steve Tyler. "Alone" has been featured a number of times on Idol. My absolute favorite was by Carrie Underwood. That was the night Simon predicted she would win. And she did.

Watch her performance.
Another favorite performance on Idol. Why she didn't do better in the competition? I still don't know.

Dave & Meg's Wedding Mix

2011-02-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

What A Wonderful World::Louis Armstrong
But I Do Love You::LeAnn Rimes
This I Promise You::NSync
You Are So Beautiful::Joe Cocker
Danny's Song::Kenny Loggins
The Way You Look Tonight::Al Green {our wedding song}
Fools Rush In::Elvis Presley
Because You Loved Me::Celine Deon
Got To Get You Into My Life::Beatles
Don't Wanna Miss A Thing::Aerosmith
I Cross My Heart::George Strait
Groovy Kind of Love::Phil Collins
Every Breath You Take::Police
I Do (Cherish You)::98 Degrees
Completely::????!!!!!
Ice Cream::Sarah McLachlan
When I'm 64::Beatles
True Companion::Marc Cohn
Unchained Melody::Righteous Brothers
Thank You For Loving Me::Bon Jovi

Some of our favorite love songs.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Ashlee Simpson - "L.O.V.E."

2011-02-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's week, my pick is L.O.V.E.
Not at all a love song, but just fun.

And I'm coming out of the closet...
I'm an Ashlee Simpson fan.

Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto in E minor, 1st movement

2011-01-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. It is a piece dreamed about by most violinists and some non-violinists. It is truly a masterpiece.

I studied this piece in high school and instantly fell in love with it. Unfortunately I never was able to give it much justice and pretty much botched it at a recital. Regardless of my shortcomings as a performer, this piece still holds a very dear place in my heart. And lately it has been popping up everywhere. This week I heard it playing in my daughter's preschool class. It has been featured in an episode of Little Einsteins that my girls watching frequently. I woke up to it on the radio. I must say, if any piece of music is to pop up everywhere around me, this is a great one.

Read more about my experience with this piece here.
Watch a performance (not by me) here.

Oh how I love this piece.

Carol King - "You've Got A Friend"

2010-10-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

This week's pick is off of my life soundtrack.
I think this was the first song ever added.

My mother sang this song to me and my siblings while we were growing up. Whenever I hear it I am filled with deep memories of her and of my childhood.

Now that I am a mama, I sing this to my children, hoping to share a piece of my childhood, my mother, and the safety I felt when I heard this song.

It always has been, and always will be, one of my all-time favorites.

Kevin Rudolf - "Let It Rock"

2010-09-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Wow.
Has it really been almost 2 months since my last pick of the week?
So sorry.
One of these days I'll get my act back together on this blog.
For all three of you that actually visit :)

This week's pick is "Let it Rock" by Kevin Rudolf. No idea who he is, but I love this song. I was going through some unmarked CDs a week or so ago and found one of my kid brother's mixes. This song was track 3. I loved it instantly. It sounds like a high school weekend night. And it makes me miss my brother a little.

Hope you enjoy!
Don't be afraid to get up and dance a little. Or a lot.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - "Come, Come Ye Saints"

2010-07-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

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"

2010-07-16T23:20:00.001-07:00

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"

2010-07-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

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"

2010-07-02T10:41:00.001-07:00

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!

Girl Mix 2010

2010-05-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

We left yesterday on a roadtrip halfway across the country to visit one of my top three favorite brothers in Dallas, TX. Of course we burned some mix CD's for the 20+ hour drive. Among them is our annual mix CD that I send out to my siblings. This year, we went for a girl song mix, since that's what we get the most excited about these days. And when I say "we" I mostly mean me and my little girlies. :)

This week's pick of the week is any of the songs on the following playlist that I'm sure will get the most airtime in our car for the next few days.

Girl Mix 2010

Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus
Hey, Soul Sister - Train
The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani
Behind These Hazel Eyes - Kelly Clarkson
This Love - Maroon 5
Love Story - Taylor Swift
Let the Rain Fall Down - Hilary Duff
I Don't Wanna Be - Gavin DeGraw
Since You've Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
One In a Million - Miley Cyrus
You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie
Baby - Justin Bieber ft. Ludacris
Naturally - Selena Gomez & the Scene
Try - Hayden Panettiere
This Is Me - Demi Levato & Joe Jonas
Pocket Full of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield
How Do You Sleep? - Jesse McCartney ft. Ludacris
One Step At a Time - Jordin Sparks
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Fly to Your Heart - Selena Gomez
Halo - Beyonce

As for me, my favorite is Baby.
Hope you enjoy!

Miley Cyrus - "When I Look At You"

2010-05-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

WOW.
It has been quite a long time.
And boy do I have a treat for you for this week's pick. Miley Cyrus. Yup. Hannah Montana. It has come to this.

Seriously though, this is a great song. I first heard "When I Look At You" when Miley performed on American Idol a few weeks ago and I was quite impressed. I have to admit, Miley Cyrus is an acquired taste. At least she has been for me. Perhaps not for everyone. It's hard to see pass the teeny-bopper, Disney child-star in her, but the girl really does have some talent.

The more I listen to her "more serious" songs, the more I hear Stevie Nicks in her. I don't know, perhaps that's a stretch. Not sure that I'm ready to put Miley Cyrus in the same category as Stevie Nicks, or anywhere close for that matter, but I can hear somewhat of a resemblance.

Perhaps I'm crazy.

Listen for yourself and see what you think.

Hope you enjoy!

Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"

2010-03-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

"Da-da-da-dada-da-dada-da" has been the number one requested song in this house for the past few weeks. It is our daughters' favorite "boy song."

This song makes me happy. This song reminds me of my brother. This song is perfect for a sunny day, in the car, with all the windows and sunroof down. Coldplay is becoming more and more a favorite of mine. Their music just feels good. And they are oh so talented.

There's nothing like tympani rolls, a string quartet, a big 'ole bass drum, and a church bell to make this girl happy. You know what they say...the bass drum is the new cow bell.

Watch a performance. (horrible video quality, but my favorite performance.)
Watch the video.
Remember this?

Kenny Chesney ft. Dave Matthews - "I'm Alive"

2010-01-29T11:36:00.001-08:00

I love this song.
I guess that's a given since it's this week's pick.
It also is on my life soundtrack.

1.) I love, love, LOVE Dave Matthews. Everything about him. Every song he's written, recorded, performed, sung, etc. If I had my way, he would sing this whole song. (Have I mentioned I'm not a big fan of country?)

2.) I love the lyrics. A reminder of the things that truly are important. The first verse is my favorite. I think I need to print it off and post it somewhere next to my bed.

3.) Aren't we all so lucky to be alive? I think so.

Read the lyrics.
Watch a video.
Watch a performance.
And here's some more Dave Matthews - just because.
And some more.

(Have I told you I love Dave Matthews?)

Samual Barber "Adagio for Strings"

2010-01-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

For my first classical pick of the week, I have chosen "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber. I love this piece deeply. Listen to it and I think you'll know why. It is painfully and hauntingly beautiful and overflowing with emotion. Everything I love about classical music.

I fell in love with this piece in high school. I played it in an All-State Orchestra (I think - I can't remember which orchestra) and then again in our high school orchestra. Pieces that I've played usually become my favorites. They become a part of me (or rather, I become of part of them) as I study, practice, and perform them. This is true of this piece as well. I can feel myself playing along as I listen. It brings to the surface the reason I am passionate about violin and orchestral work.

I fell in love with Samuel Barber as a composer in college. He is a remarkable man and an exceptional composer. He is a contemporary American composer who has written some true masterworks, Adagio for Strings being one of them, and arguably his greatest.

Read about the composer.
Read about the piece.

Christmas Week: Day 7

2009-12-24T00:22:00.001-08:00

"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

2009-12-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-12-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-12-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-12-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-12-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-12-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

"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"

2009-11-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-11-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-09-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-09-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-09-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-08-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

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

Daughty - "I'm Going Home"

2009-07-31T08:18:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-07-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-06-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

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

This should make up for it though:

Watch this and thank me later.

Bush - "Glycerine"

2009-05-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-05-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-05-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Katie-Bear!

Israel Kamakawiwoole - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

2009-04-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-03-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-02-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-02-13T12:34:00.001-08:00

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"

2009-02-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-01-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-01-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-01-15T21:21:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-01-09T14:14:00.001-08:00

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.