Tag: playlist

Mood music

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First of all, not that kind so get your mind out of the gutter.

Back in the day, I used to make mixed CDs like it was my job. They reflected my mood at the time and all I can say looking back is “Why wasn’t I diagnosed as clinically depressed years earlier?”

Oh, and also, “I can’t believe I liked country music that much.” Note to self: Find more of those for #tbt hilariousness on here…

Now it’s all about the playlist, and for the first time in a while, I made one recently. I call it “Songs I’m currently obsessed with.”

They’re not necessarily new, but I can’t stop playing them for whatever reason. So now I share them with you.

You’re welcome.

1. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” by Meghan Trainor and John Legend because JOHN LEGEND MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER.
Sidetone: He’s not on my old list or my soon-to-be updated one, but if that man just sang to me, personally… I would do whatever he wanted. Told me to rob a bank? Yes, John Legend. Whatever you want.

2. “Make It Rain,” by Ed Sheeran
It was on the final season of Sons of Anarchy, which I recently binge-watched in its entirety and what caused me to update the aforementioned list because CHARLIE HUNNAM YES PLEASE. Plus Ed Sheeran can do no wrong.

3. “Locked Away,” by R City feat. Adam Levine
So. Damn. Catchy.

4. “Uma Thurman,” by Fall Out Boy
Can we talk for one second about how Fall Out Boy is seriously underrated? Their albums are the shit.

5. “3 Things” by Jason Mraz
This would probably be on a mixed CD (were I to make one now) about three times, because it’s so good. And my mindset these past few months kinda.

6. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
Overplayed on local radio and I’m still obsessed. Makes me want to jump up and down. Constantly. So there’s that. Is that moshing? I’m old.

7.  “Drag Me Down” by One Direction
Do not judge. This is a damn good song.

8. “Only Love,” by Mumford & Sons
Actually, just add the entire Wilder Mind album here. Some didn’t like it. I haven’t gotten anywhere close to being tired of it yet.

9. “Someone New,” by Hozier
Just add the entire Hozier album here too. Except for “Take Me to Church” because it’s overplayed and also my youth group kids keep suggesting it for singing at church because I don’t think they listen to lyrics.

10. “Cookie,” by R. Kelly
Because Magic Mike XXL. Therefore, listen to at your own risk. But NSFW. Ok so now that one does fit the title.

Looking for recommendations for new stuff though as well. What do you all recommend I listen to?

#TBT Tunes: Double trouble

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I’m writing this whilst suffering from insomnia. But posting it later – the magic of technology.

But what better way to entertain yourself when probably everyone else is asleep than to go through old CDs and laugh at your taste in music 10 or more years ago?

Yeah, so, we already revisited my old mixes numbers one, two, three and four.

Tonight? Five and six.

Lawa CD 5, y’all
Track 1 – “When You Say Nothin’ At All,” Alison Krauss.
That breakup took a LONG-ass time to get over. Dang. Apparently we are now at the “But he was so great, not a total asshole, remember the good times” stage. Pfft.

Track 2 – “Underneath Your Clothes,” Shakira
See comment on track one.

Track 3 – “Leavin’ On A Jet Plane,” Chantal Kreviazuk
I wore out this version.

Track 4 – “Baby Mine” Alison Krauss
I think I had just seen O Brother, Where Art Thou and was obsessed with Alison Krauss’ voice and found everything she’d sang that wasn’t on that soundtrack that I’d already listened to 19,000 times. Also this is the song from Dumbo that is heartbreaking.

Track 5 – “We Danced,” Brad Paisley
Yeah I wasn’t completely out of the country phase at this point..

Track 6 – “First Date,” Blink 182
Well this is a change from the previous track. Shit.

Track 7 – “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Britney Spears
*hangs head in shame*

Track 8 – “Think Of A Reason Later,” Leann Womack
Catchy as hell. And the lyrics are funny.

Track 9 – “Bring On The Rain,” Jo Dee Messina
Ohhh country music is really good for depression.

Track 10 – “You’ll Be In My Heart,” Phil Collins
YEP. FROM DISNEY’S TARZAN. YOU CAN’T JUDGE ME ANY MORE THAN I’M JUDGING MYSELF RIGHT NOW.

Track 11 – “#1,” Nelly
Because that’s naturally what should come next, duh.

Track 12 – “I Got You Babe,” Sonny & Cher
I don’t even…

Track 13 – “Wherever You Will Go,” The Calling
You guys, this CD is making weird noises in the laptop and I’m afraid it might break it. So that totally means I need to break/rid the world of this CD. You’re welcome.

——————–
Lawa CD 6 is subtitled “Country Mix 1.” Um, young Laura, I beg to differ. I believe there have been a couple country mixes preceding this one. But whatever.

Track 1: “Prayin’ for Daylight,” Rascal Flatts
Fun fact: I saw these guys in concert like, four times.

Track 2: “Tall Tall Trees,” Alan Jackson
What’s he doing these days?

Track 3: “I Breathe In,” Chris Cagle
And, what’s HE doing these days?

Track 4: “Write This Down,” George Strait
Take a little note…

Track 5: “What If She’s An Angel,” Brad Paisley
I forgot about this song. This is boring, are you bored?

Track 6: “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive,” Travis Tritt
‘Member how Travis and I are BFF?

Track 7: “Strawberry Wine,” Deana Carter
Oh man, this song. You know what it’s about? Well, one time I sang it with my best friend and my ex at karaoke and in the middle of it (after several alcoholic beverages) I called out the ex and said “Oh hey, remember that?” HAHAHAHA. Sorry again, Rebeck.

Track 8: “Forever and Ever Amen,” Randy Travis
I will always love this song.

Track 9: “The Lucky One,” Alison Krauss
Oh, there’s Alison Krauss again.

Track 10: “So Complicated,” Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Who?

Track 11: “Amazed,” Lonestar
This is a prom song.

Track 12: “What I Really Meant To Say,” Cyndi Thomson
These CDs are where one-hit-wonder country singers go to die.

Track 13: “When I Think About Angels,” Jamie O’Neal
See previous track.

Track 14: “I’m Moving On,” Rascal Flatts
Please tell me this song is a clue to the end of the depression/super-awful song choices on these mixes. At least for a little while…

Track 15: “She’s In Love With The Boy,” Trisha Yearwood
Fun fact: My sister hates Trisha Yearwood.

And with that, I’m sleepy. Hopefully CD 7 is much better..

#TBT Tunes

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After the last monstrosity, I honestly don’t know what to expect on this one. Your guess is as good as mine. So..here we go.

Track 1: “I Learned That From You,” Sara Evans
Obviously still in the depression. I’d definitely just been broken up with. ‘Cause that’s when I WORE THIS SONG OUT.

Track 2: “Come What May,” Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
I will never NOT love this song though. Real talk.

Track 3: “Something Like You,” NSYNC
Oh Lord. I have failed as a fan. Completely forgot about this song. So much so that the weird instrument at the beginning had me thinking it was Kenny G. Also: Baby Justin Timberlake!

Track 4: “Crush,” Dave Matthews Band
Fun fact: This was me and an ex’s “song.” Vomit. Hate him. Love the song though. Maybe I won’t throw this CD away like I did the last one.

Track 5: “Angel,” Dave Matthews Band
Another good one. Jennifer is judging right now but Matt is totally agreeing with me.

Track 6: “Selfish,” NSYNC
Really? Another lost NSYNC song. Didn’t remember this one either. I’m returning my NSYNC Christmas CD. Not worthy.

Track 7: “The Dance,” Garth Brooks
AKA one of the saddest songs ever written. I want to tell high school me about Prozac.

Track 8: “Your Song,” Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
Ewan McGregor, you have the voice of an angel.

Track 9: “The Healing Kind,” LeeAnn Womack
I can’t wait until we get back to my rap rebirth.

Track 10: “The Storm,” Garth Brooks
Every track has made me more disappointed in myself.

Track 11: “Cold Day in July,” Dixie Chicks
Is it over yet? Sidenote: You really can’t beat Dixie Chicks when it comes to belting songs in your car or drunk karaoke.

Track 12: “Without You,” Dixie Chicks
Another breakup standby. Bet this is on at least 3 other mixes, btw.

Track 13: “Two People Fell In Love,” Brad Paisley
AKA wedding/anniversary song schmoozefest

Track 14: “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” Garth Brooks
I love this song so much. And Rachel and I sing it loudly together and we especially like the part (and sing it EXTRA loud) when he says “Hello Samantha dear, I hope you’re feelin’ fine….and it won’t be long until I’m with you all the time.” Because sister.

Track 15: “Gone,” NSYNC
And I’m sad again. Good grief.

Track 16: “All My Life,” KCi & JoJo
Remember what I told ya ’bout these guys?

Lovey dovey

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I saw John Mayer in concert a long time ago. Twice, actually. I think? It’s been a while.

And I saw my girl Katy Perry a couple years ago. Best concert I’ve ever seen (until this summer’s NKOTB/Boyz II Men/98 Degrees amazingness). But we aren’t talking about that now.

Allegedly, John and Katy are together. And this makes me happy. Because they both make beautiful music that describes my life at various times and they’re just generally great and now…guess what. They made a song together.

And it’s glorious.

Seriously, I’ve had it on repeat for days and it makes me wanna fall in love so bad. And also makes me hope they never break up.

But yeah. Just give it a listen and tell me you don’t like it.

I especially like this part..

“My boy ain’t the one that I saw coming,
Some have said his heart’s to hard to hold.
It takes a little time, but you should see him when he shines.
Because you’ll never want to let that feeling go.”

*sigh*

Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn

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Did you feel a change in the atmosphere Tuesday? Like the world got a little better and colors were brighter and while life might still have been kicking your ass, at least it was wearing slippers instead of steel-toed boots?

It’s on account of The Album.

Mumford’s new one, DUH.

They played some of this stuff at their concert I saw last month wherein I confirmed my suspicions, that Marcus Mumford has the voice of an angel.

Download it/buy it/order it/watch it on YouTube/borrow it from a friend or whatever you need to do, just get it. It’s that good.

Current favorite obsession?

This one.

I can’t even…

What music does – what REALLY good music does – is takes you away. No matter the drama, no matter the day you’ve had, the week you’ve had, the year you’ve had, a good song (or better yet, a good album, which are few and far between) pulls you out of it. At least for the time you’re listening.

There are many times I’ve just sat and listened. Nothing else, just listened to a song and let my mind close off to all of the other stresses and problems and worries of the day.

It’s not something that’s happened as many times as I would prefer, and it’s a practice I’m reinstating. A few minutes a day, just to zone out and concentrate on nothing but listening to or singing along with a good song. A song that makes your heart and mind and soul smile. And I’m so serious, you guys, that song you just (hopefully) listened to, that’s one of them for me.

What’s your song going to be?

Little Talks. Lil’ bitty ones.

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Full disclosure – when I give you a song, I don’t watch more than about 30 seconds of the music video. Mostly I just let it play in the background while I write about it.

That is all.

Unless it’s OK Go, because those have the tendency to be RI-DONK.

This one is weird as hell. Like, Bjork weird. In fact, I think she’s in there. Or her doppleganger…But good song.

I came upon this song when it was on the radio randomly last week. And I didn’t get the name, because I was on my way somewhere and had to get out of the car before that robot girl on 102.3 told me what it was. She’s so reliable…

I also didn’t Shazam it, because, hello, DRIVING. Also, there are stupid amounts of orange barrels in the roads these days I have to pay special attention to avoid and I feel that Shazam wouldn’t be conducive to such activities.

So anyways, to find out the song – I listened to just about every song in the iTunes Top 10, not counting the ones I already knew, owned, or knew who it wasn’t. I did that until I found it. I knew it’d be on there too, because the radio is dumb these days and only plays songs once they know everyone likes it, they don’t really promote the whole “Get into some new music” thing. It sucks.

So yeah. Of Monsters and Men is the group, and Little Talks is the song. It has trumpets. And sounds somewhat Mumfordish. Plus a girl singer.

And I already did the detective work of finding out the who and what and the video for you!

You’re welcome.

Concert crush

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The last concert I attended was Katy Perry.

And it was amazing.

So, I had to follow it up with something equally as awesome, if not more.

And I think I did.

The other night I saw Mumford and Sons at the Waterfront. And it was ridiculous – and by ridiculous here I mean, of course, INSANELY good. And I’m kind of in love with it. Is that possible? I mean, in love with them?

This is their new song….I’m obsessed.

And to add a cherry on top of the amazing sundae the concert introduced me to Dawes.

LOVE IT.

It was like this. Only more live. And in Louisville.

Also, Marcus Mumford has the voice of an angel. There, I said it.

Now what do I do?

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The Olympics are over, you all.

We have to wait four more years. And don’t even say “Oh, but there’s winter games,” because those don’t even come close.

Ice skating is not as fun as gymnastics to watch and while I’ll tune in for some skiing, it’s no swimming and diving..

And it’s because of these Olympics I have a new song on rotation.

Yes, it’s by a guy that won American Idol, but.. it doesn’t sound like it’s by a guy that won American Idol.

It was the theme song of the Olympics and if you excuse me, I’m gonna go listen to it on repeat as part of my continued morning process that this year’s Games are over.

So sweet I got a toothache

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I’m a fan of sweet little love songs.

Yes, I love the ballads and the hardcore Adele-type love stuff, but my favorite songs about the L-word are more of the Jason Mraz, “I’m Yours” type.

Cutesy stuff and whatnot. With my generally tough exterior, who’d have guessed, right? Shh.

So it’s actually because of Jason Mraz that I found this little lady, Tristan Prettyman. She opened for him when I saw him in Nashville years ago, that one concert where we were so close to the stage and I swear he looked right at us, right Rebeck?

You might recognize it as that song from Juno. At the end. And it might be my favorite one of hers. I mean with lyrics like this, why wouldn’t it be?

If you were a wink, I’d be a nod.
If you were a seed, well I’d be a pod.
If you were the floor, I’d wanna be the rug.
And if you were a kiss, I know I’d be a hug.

If you were the wood, I’d be the fire.
If you were the love, I’d be the desire.
If you were a castle, I’d be your moat,
And if you were an ocean, I’d learn to float.

All I want is you, will you be my bride
Take me by the hand and stand by my side.
All I want is you, will you stay with me?
Hold me in your arms and sway me like the sea.

The sweetest.