30 Day Song Challenge Day 21 Happy Song with Lions

Aaaah, Saturday and the hunt for a song I play when I'm happy. Honestly, nothing popped. But one I find cheery and always leaves me feeling chirpy would be The Lion Sleeps Tonight. I always thought it was a traditional song (aka folk song), however, if you're curious click on the song title (just above here) to go to the Wikipedia listing and see the interesting history this song has had on the copyright front.

It's been around awhile but more recent history is an appearance in The Lion King - movie and musical. A great movie that has much sentimentality tied to it as well.

The version I'm linking to today cracks me up with the animation of the hippo and the dog. I love the gestures both facial and body. Enjoy!

Oh, and I can never listen to it just one time.....there's always at least a second....or a third.....

30 Day Song Challenge Day 20 Emotions Begin, Today Anger

Wow, I've kept with this and find myself in the final 10. For the next few days it's choices tied to emotional states. Today it's anger. Discovered something interesting as I trawled through my playlists. I don't listen to music when angry. Lower levels of that state, frustration, annoyance, aggravated I may listen to some things, but when angry - nothing. Having a very hot temper (that is on a very, very long fuse), when I hit anger it's more about calming down afterwards.

So, with that in mind, I've chosen a song from a playlist I know I use when I've been angry and am looking at finding my balance again. Besides, listen to the lyrics......

30 Day Song Challenge Day 19 - Playing Favourites

A song from the favourite album. Oh that's not hard. Not hard at all.....yeah, right. I have some albums I've kept for years because they're favourites. I have others that are newer to the collection & I'm thinking they'll become perennial favourites. How does one choose?

Speed of Purple is a band created and led by Sallie Campbell. Yes, Sallie has appeared elsewhere in this list so it's no surprise that she should appear here. I love the sound she creates, and her music choices always leave me inspired. There is a reason why any of her work, no matter where she is, I tend to seek out and enjoy immensely (the fact she is an awesome person is an added bonus). Some of the others Sallie has been tied with have been Tulipan, Deep Blue Orchestra, Kate Miller-Heidke, string quartets & collaborations with many others.

This song is from Beautiful Things and I've chosen Puppet, the opening song to use here. It's one of my favourites but really every song on this album I love and repeatedly listen to.

30 Day Song Challenge Day 18 So Many Choices & the Radio

Today's choice is about a song I wish I heard on the radio. Sheeesh. What a loaded selection. I know many wonderful and very talented musicians and wish I could hear all of them on the radio (one of the reasons I no longer listen to the radio as much anymore).

Problem this morning was not just picking only one but working out who had the easiest link out so you can hear them do their thing. So, as a result I'm going to list a few that I'd like to hear on the radio....they would be Sunas (though they are getting play with their new CD Celtic Road just released), Speed of Purple, led by a good friend, Sallie Campbell (who is currently very busy with the Deep Blue Orchestra <--- another group I'd love to hear on radio) and Liz Lecoanet who is one very talented vocalist (but her song is not out for public release as far as I know and I can't link anywhere).

So, with all those wonderful people is another fine singer, Wendy Rule. I heard her live last year at one of the house concerts she did (at friend Mil Clayton's place). Wendy's voice is amazing to hear live - hence why I used a live rather than studio version of the song. Really, the cds (& I own nearly all of them) are a cleaner recording but no changing her tone, depth and strength of voice.

Enjoy The Wolf Sky......

30 Day Song Challenge Day 17

A song heard often on the radio. Hmmm, I don't really listen to the radio that much, and, the one I do listen to isn't focused on music. Doesn't help matters, the one time of day I do have it on (aka the alarm clock) they're going through a retro one hit wonder phase (& therefore I can't remember any of them....plus the fact I'm waking up).

So, I'm going with one I hear/see regularly on the weekend music programs on tv. Plus, I know I've gone into my son's room (who does have a music station as his alarm) & heard this one too. Not to mention it's one I can tolerate reasonably well (hey, I could've picked something really annoying & earworm making).

I still feel sorry for him, lugging his piano around. Times like those, playing the piccolo = win.

30 Day Song Challenge Day 16 or how I've turned on a song

Today is ANZAC Day here in Australia which is a day of reflection & for once an early start in the household as my son walked in a march representing his school (though they are on holidays, the senior leaders chose to do it). As a result I've been up for a lot longer than usual before posting here on this challenge.

The song to go in search for is one I used to love but now hate. Really, there aren't many in that category. Sure, I was a teenager in the 80s and for that there are a number which hold cringe worthy affection. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to hate them. I put it down to nostalgia for my first loves, and all those 'first' experiences as you grow up.

Kokomo by The Beach Boys was released in 1988 in conjunction with the movie Cocktail, starring a much younger Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown. Personally, I was more enamoured with Bryan over Tom (he never held that huge an appeal for me - I think it's too many teeth in that smile....)

I've tried to give you a whole experience, finding a link that has movie snippets throughout......now go wash your brain out with something.

30 Day Song Challenge Day 15 The Inner Me

Choose a song that describes yourself. I'd be curious to see what others would pick for me in this category. Doesn't help there are two songs I'd use here. Even had a discussion with the other half on it and we couldn't split them apart.

The one I'm going with the link to is Bitch by Meredith Brooks. I think it really does encapsulate all aspects of myself. We all have light and shadow.

The second option would have been Did It Again by Kylie Minogue. Again a song about light and shadow or perhaps better described the many faceted sides that humans have.

30 Day Song Challenge Day 14 - Surprise Loving, Gaming & Opera

Now back on track to today's selection - a song no one would expect you to love. This is a fun one to choose - I mean, how do I know what people expect of me? Especially, since music, like my reading is very omnivore-like - pretty much anything goes?

Well, I thought of one. And I loves it. Really do. I think the most amused by my lurve of this one is my son - since it's the end credits to one of his favourite games of all time - Portal (which btw has had the long awaited sequel,  Portal 2 was released only a few days ago).

I loves the lyrics, the intent, the style and delivery....*sigh*. I'm also amused to have discovered the singer is a classically trained soprano opera singer, Ellen McLain.

I'd even contemplate it as my wedding arrival song next year but you know, good taste and all that (you have to listen to and know the lyrics)....

Now don't you feel like chocolate cake?

30 Day Song Challenge Day 13 - Guilty Pleasure with bellydancing

Oops, running late. I blame car trouble, lengthy road trips (four hours one way) and no sleep. Today's choice is a song I find a guilty pleasure. I think it can be interpreted two ways and am taking the view that it may be uncool to like this one type. Who knows with these things.

Shakira's Hips Don't Lie just appeals. I like it without watching the filmclip but the bellydancing she does in the clip also appeals (note to self, get organised and resume classes one day). Also appealing, the trumpet and beats in this song. Time to get hip flicking!

Song Break via way of Playdate

I have completely lost track of time this year. Today I'm having a playdate over at Kylie Griffin's blog discussing the hows and whys of what I write.

Kylie is a lovely lady who I met via  Romance Writers of Australia. She is busy working on her books with Vengeance Born due out in February 2012 (an awesome time to be doing anything in my opinion). You can find out more at her website http://www.kyliegriffin.com/Home.html

I'm looking forward to catching up in person again at the August conference. Much celebrating will be had!

30 Day Song Challenge Day Twelve

A song from a band you hate. Tough one on the basis that a)really can't think of one at the level of hate and b) why would I play something here if I hate it so much?

Rather I can think of soloists that I intensely dislike - enough to turn off the radio, switch the tv channel or avoid the product (if they've gone & sold the song for advertising). I'm going with one from this pile.

I suspect it's as much a case of overkill AND the fact that the "farewell tour" thing is so overdone it's beyond a joke. Just retire already. Or don't. None of this taking a last bow, on and on and on and on.....

So, if you dare to play it - some John Farnham......

30 Day Song Challenge Day Ten - Why Must I Choose

A song from your favourite band. Well, right there is a dilemma. I have a couple of favourite bands but went for one that I've known and heard the longest.  The Ink Spots. They now fall into the "Nostalgia" section of the music store but I think they had a resurgence in the gaming world thanks to Fallout 3.

My favourite song by them would be 'Taint Nobody's Biz-ness if I Do but can't find a sample. Intead I've gone for one of the more well known ones (Fallout 3, The Simpsons are two I know of who have used it).

Enjoy I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire

Seasons, Sleep & 30 Day Song Challenge Day Ten

A song that makes you fall asleep. I've chosen a song that helps me fall to sleep rather than one that is so blargh you fall asleep to avoid it.

The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi wins this round. Years ago, when I had trouble sleeping as a kid (it's been an issue for a long time) my  mum would play a cassette (yep, technology ruled) of the Four Seasons to help distract my brain as I drifted off to sleep.

The result is each season means something slightly different to me. Depending on which side of the tape we were up to (that fangled technology required these accommodations) meant I either started with Spring or Autumn. So, those were the signals for my brain to start getting to sleep. If I heard Summer or Winter start I knew I was having one of 'those' nights aka taking forever to get to sleep.

Spring and Autumn are such triggers now, that I tend to almost not-hear them. I've gone with an excerpt of Winter as the show'n'tell. Plus I think the link is kinda awesome (I'm a sucker for fancy masques). Enjoy!

30 Day Song Challenge Day Nine - Dance Day

Today's selection is a song you dance to. Amusing aside, it's Monday and raining. Finding this one and relistening is a good way to start the week too :-)  

There's a number of songs that fall into this category but Love Shack  is the no brainer.

Love Shack by B52s - it's just got the right beat for bopping along at any level of sobriety. I remember enjoying the video back when a teenager and still find it brings a smile. This song also meets other categories such certain event & know the words.

2011 30 Day Song Challenge Day Eight - Where I'm forgetful

I've amused myself no end this morning. I'm notorious at not remembering things.....like song lyrics (or even better, mishearing them), or for not singing. Only a precious few have heard the event. Long story why. It just is.

So, I'm thinking, racking my brain, trawling through my various songlists for a song that I know ALL the words to. Sometimes, I'm slow.

It's no secret that I'm a Joss Whedon fan. Being able to Joss this meme has made my day.
I know all the words to all the songs in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode "Once More With Feeling" aka the Buffy Musical Episode. Then I realised I know all the words also to Dr Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog AND Commentary! The Musical (the commentary that comes along with Dr Horrible dvd)....

Aaaah, I'm spoilt for choice now. Decisions. Decisions. In the end I went with ......"Something to Sing About" - I tend to sing it (even if it's silently in my head) as soon as it starts.

So many choices and picking one very hard to do especially when you add all the Dr Horrible choices into the mix.

30 Day Song Challenge Day Seven

Certain event + song association = today's choice. Another no brainer for me. It's short and sweet, not to mention one I could use for tomorrow's selection (knowing all the words to). Welcome to Green Day, Time of Your Life

For many, this song may remind them of the end of the TV series Seinfeld but for me, it's my divorce song. 

Yup, this came out as I was going through a tumultuous period in my life. The lyrics were, and to this day are,  poignant. I have no regrets about my marriage nor our eventual separation and the lyrics reflect my view of our relationship. 

I posted the recorded version, but this is a song that also is amazing to hear live versions of, which alas I've yet to do but YouTube is a wonderful place to waste time, lose hours, er, find things.

2011 30 Day Song Challenge - Day Six

Oh the relief! Finally, an easy and no-thinking-required choice. Today's selection is Stasia by Tulipan. A group that has since disbanded but through an amusing twist of fate I've become friends with one of the members, Sallie Campbell (via uni and that is another story).

I hear the opening notes of this song and I'm immediately transported back to The Woodford Folk Festival I attended at the turn of the century (1999/2000). It was a huge year for me personally and professionally and with some friends we bought full season passes and pitched our tents.

The finding a link so you can hear it for yourselves is another thing. They were just on the turnaround of the internet music explosion. I couldn't find anything on you tube but found this link and page over on myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/tulipan/music/songs/stasia-73534800

So very many memories. It was awesome and all I need to do to bring back the feelings of laying on the hill under the night sky in the amphitheatre is start this song.

2011 30 Day Song Challenge - Day Five

A song reminding me of someone.

Oi vey! These are getting tougher not easier. In part I have a bad memory and being slightly stubborn, I didn't want to pick something from more recent times. Music has always been a big part of  my life. The maternal line of my family like singing (I'm the odd duck and that would be a post for another time). Since my Nana got a mention yesterday, decided today it was my mother's turn.

She has done yoga since I was a teenager - sure it's why she is so (relatively) zen dealing with life. This song was one on a cd she gave me when my son was born. She would sing along with it to him, and sing it without the cd. She loves kirtan, an Indian form of sacred chanting and meditation.  This particular song has been done with a choir (and yes, it is long - in part the form of song to achieve a meditative state) but it works.

The interesting thing I found with this song selection was it wasn't so much the song or its lyrics that reminded me of someone, it was the situation/event/memory associated with someone and the song.

Saying that, this one does manage to combine to the two - the person and the memory association.

30 Day Song Challenge Day Four

I really should get consistent with my subject titles, ah well.

And so we reach the Song that Makes You Sad. It wasn't until I had to choose I realised I don't really have any that make me sad. So, after much thinking and surfing through songs I came to one that the memory and association brings about a melancholic state and if done right, tears can occur.

My sister (who is a trained soprano) sang this in honour of my Nana at her funeral a few years ago. I've always found this song soul reaching but, now if sung by a female it is sure to throw me back to the day of the funeral.

I've chosen Celine Dion from the choices available on You Tube.....I'd much prefer to give you my sister's voice, but she hasn't gotten around to uploading stuff on the interwebz much.

Regardless of where it is in this challenge songlist, I think Ave Maria is a beautiful song and when done right, by instrumental, male or female vocal can move the soul.  As a friend of mine also doing the challenge via facebook, has shown by her choosing Ave Maria as song that makes her happy (we are astrologically flip sides of the same coin so it makes sense....I think).

30 Day Song Challenge

Today it's about making one happy. I noticed that happy comes up again later in the month.

One thing I've realised is a number of songs I enjoy, serve many masters so it's been interesting to work out which one I want to place where. Today is a good example. I could think of a few songs that land in the world of "make you happy" but I want to use them more elsewhere.

Whether I remember this as the days move by is a completely different thing.....

So....without further ado...Monty Python's Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

There are a number of Python songs I could use here. A close and tied second would be The Lumberjack song and The Philosopher's song.....

2011 30 Day Song Challenge - Day Two

Today is Least Favourite Song.

I'm fairly tolerant of a lot of styles but it was a close call between these two songs. I'm only going to inflict one here - to spare brain cells and earworms.

Chain Reaction by Diana Ross & She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals are the unfortunate winners of this category. Both of them still to this day have me mute or change the channel on tv or radio.

The fact that both of these songs come from my teen years and I still to this day I switch them off says possibly as much about radio/tv overkill on playing them as much as the songs themselves.

Enjoy isn't the word to use. Tomorrow should be something better......

30 Day Song Challenge

So. I've finally succumbed to a music meme. It was bound to happen. I've played music since primary school & I suspect if I'd been able to talk myself into the idea of a touring and itinerant lifestyle I would've pursued music as a career choice.

Music was one of those crossroad major decisions one makes in life. Thanks to the school system at 15 I had to choose between music and ancient history. Ancient history won as I was able to continue instrumental music until I finished school.

Given I ended up with a double major in ancient civilisations for my first degree it was the right way to go. Not least as I never did convince myself of a wanting musician lifestyle - and to this day I see a live production of something I always want to be down in the pit with the musos (not on stage with the performers).

So, without further ado - here is day 1 of the  meme.

Your favourite song. I went with the Elvis version of Suspicious Minds. I also enjoy the Pet Shop Boys version (& suspect if I heard, or more importantly, remembered others I'd like them too).