So, I haven't updated the blog in a while...not that anyone likely cares or noticed...haha. It has been a busy month or so...trip to Saskatoon for work....hard drive meltdown at work....new lady in my life...working on two magazines simultaneously...lots to do.
What's in the news?
- Swine Flu. Be diligent and careful people...but don't overreact. Like most flu, it will affect the very young and very old the most, and most of the rest of us will just have a lousy week. Kind of reminds me of the media hysteria when West Nile hit a few years back. We need to be aware of washing hands and tracking the virus, but the alarm raised by the media about swine flu has become insane. And they all seem to be at fault...CNN, CBC, BBC....all are devoting huge blocks of time to alarming us.
- Mulroney Inquiry. If it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck and looks like a duck...it probably pocketed a bunch of money from a German sleezebucket. Can we get past this now? Mulroney is so yesterday's man. So much more important uses for time.
- Hockey Playoffs. Meh. I have become a less than energetic hockey fan of late. Perhaps the Leafs have lulled me into a hockey coma that I haven't come out of yet. I have watched precious little playoff hockey this spring...even if the quality of games has been great. That and I've had plenty to do lately. Plus, I've been watching more Blue Jay games...go Jays!
- Star Trek movie. Awesome. Went with Sandy last Saturday....love the "reboot" to the franchise, allows them to move forward with more creative freedom. Casting was brilliant...Simon Pegg as Scotty is superb. Looking forward to the next one already!
- Financial Crisis. Looks like things are on the mend. Once again...a bit overblown. Canada is already starting to level out on job losses. As the market continues to rebound, things will improve. In the long run, this will be a huge positive, as at least for the foreseeable future, investors will be more careful with their investments, over-extended multinationals will feel the pain of irresponsible practices, and new, innovative companies will have a chance to break through. Hopefully we can also learn lessons about embracing innovation and diversification, rather than continue being beholden to industries like the auto sector that are so vulnerable to collapse. I just wish I could afford a house right now....no better time to buy!
It's going to be a busy spring....off to Winnipeg at the end of May, Halifax at the first of June. Likely home to the Island in August.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Tilting at windmills....
That is a somewhat misleading title for sure, as it implies that I have a major axe to grind...but things are really just fine. A few random thoughts:
- For those wondering after seeing my FB statuses for the past few days...no, I don't work for In Flight Safety. However, I am loving their new album, and they are a band that I would love to have find a larger following! Got a chance to catch up with their drummer Glenn, who I went to high school with back in Summerside. He was so realistic and down to earth about the whole thing...I hope they have a great tour.
- I didn't watch much of the Juno awards, because Nickelback's success makes me sad inside. Loved the Sam Roberts performance though. Russell Peters was pretty great as well.
- Yet another reason to dislike Stephen Harper....Fox News loves him. That's about wraps it up. I will not vote Conservative federally until they have a leader other than Stephen Harper. Iggy is looking like a much more acceptable alternative.
- CBC is facing tons of cuts. I hope that they don't cut programming too deep, because I actually find much of CBC watchable these days! The two new shows Being Erica and Wild Roses have had good storylines and pretty good acting. I have a big time crush on Erin Karpluk...she's a great actress and cute as a button. Plus, add 22 Minutes and Rick Mercer and Strombo and others...loads worth watching.
- I looks like winter is finally over in Southern Ontario. Too bad the rest of Canada can't say the same. This sure has been a long old winter...hopefully we get a crackerjack summer to make up for it.
- I am up to my ears in work right now. Jersey magazine due ASAP, Shorthorn magazine not far behind, and preparations for a Jersey AGM in SK soon...loads to do. Easter will be a nice break, I hope!
- For those wondering after seeing my FB statuses for the past few days...no, I don't work for In Flight Safety. However, I am loving their new album, and they are a band that I would love to have find a larger following! Got a chance to catch up with their drummer Glenn, who I went to high school with back in Summerside. He was so realistic and down to earth about the whole thing...I hope they have a great tour.
- I didn't watch much of the Juno awards, because Nickelback's success makes me sad inside. Loved the Sam Roberts performance though. Russell Peters was pretty great as well.
- Yet another reason to dislike Stephen Harper....Fox News loves him. That's about wraps it up. I will not vote Conservative federally until they have a leader other than Stephen Harper. Iggy is looking like a much more acceptable alternative.
- CBC is facing tons of cuts. I hope that they don't cut programming too deep, because I actually find much of CBC watchable these days! The two new shows Being Erica and Wild Roses have had good storylines and pretty good acting. I have a big time crush on Erin Karpluk...she's a great actress and cute as a button. Plus, add 22 Minutes and Rick Mercer and Strombo and others...loads worth watching.
- I looks like winter is finally over in Southern Ontario. Too bad the rest of Canada can't say the same. This sure has been a long old winter...hopefully we get a crackerjack summer to make up for it.
- I am up to my ears in work right now. Jersey magazine due ASAP, Shorthorn magazine not far behind, and preparations for a Jersey AGM in SK soon...loads to do. Easter will be a nice break, I hope!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Top Ten: Songs to instantly put me in a good mood
I had the idea for this list on my way back from Ottawa this past weekend, and I had just noticed that one of my mix CDs had two songs in a row which never fail to put me in a positive mood. These are not ranked, but are just some songs that always pump me up.
1. "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates. I actually discovered this song relatively recently, but it's so catchy and upbeat. You can check out the video on YouTube here.
2. "Believe It or Not" by Joey Scarbury. Also known as the theme to the Greatest American Hero. It's a super sappy song, but it's very uplifting. I recently got ahead of a row of snowplows on the 401 with Joey on the way to PEI with this song playing....vindication! Link (Youtube)
3. "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" by REO Speedwagon. This list is looking to be very 80's centric...but you can't help but just rock out to this song, bombing down the highway in your own "speedwagon". Link (Youtube)
4. "The Irish Rover" by The Irish Descendants. "We had eight million bales of nanny goat tails in the hold of the Irish Rover." Great drinking song!
5. "Heave Away" by The Fables. Another great Newfoundland party band with a song that always makes me want to dance. Link
6. "Call Me Al" by Paul Simon. Back to the 80's. A great mix of interesting lyrics, strong brass instrumental, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Terrific. And the video with Chevy Chase is pretty decent too. Link (Youtube)
7. "Backsweet Sweetheart" by Two Hours Traffic. If you haven't heard of this Charlottetown band and their power pop beats....do so. Links on Youtube are just crappy live footage. But you can listen to them on the CBC Radio 3 playlist.
8. "Shoebox" by Barenaked Ladies. This was not one of their most successful singles, but I always loved the catchiness of this song. Interesting video, which was initially supposed to feature Joey and Phoebe from Friends, and then it was going to have Neve Campbell...and then just ended up with a bunch of mugging Ladies. Oh what could have been. Link
9. "Sweet City Woman" by The Stampeders. Great Can-Con from the 60's...makes me nostalgic for summers in the tractor on the farm, listening to oldies radio. Link
10. "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers. Everyone's party favourite. Check out this video, plus this homage from Family Guy :)
1. "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates. I actually discovered this song relatively recently, but it's so catchy and upbeat. You can check out the video on YouTube here.
2. "Believe It or Not" by Joey Scarbury. Also known as the theme to the Greatest American Hero. It's a super sappy song, but it's very uplifting. I recently got ahead of a row of snowplows on the 401 with Joey on the way to PEI with this song playing....vindication! Link (Youtube)
3. "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" by REO Speedwagon. This list is looking to be very 80's centric...but you can't help but just rock out to this song, bombing down the highway in your own "speedwagon". Link (Youtube)
4. "The Irish Rover" by The Irish Descendants. "We had eight million bales of nanny goat tails in the hold of the Irish Rover." Great drinking song!
5. "Heave Away" by The Fables. Another great Newfoundland party band with a song that always makes me want to dance. Link
6. "Call Me Al" by Paul Simon. Back to the 80's. A great mix of interesting lyrics, strong brass instrumental, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Terrific. And the video with Chevy Chase is pretty decent too. Link (Youtube)
7. "Backsweet Sweetheart" by Two Hours Traffic. If you haven't heard of this Charlottetown band and their power pop beats....do so. Links on Youtube are just crappy live footage. But you can listen to them on the CBC Radio 3 playlist.
8. "Shoebox" by Barenaked Ladies. This was not one of their most successful singles, but I always loved the catchiness of this song. Interesting video, which was initially supposed to feature Joey and Phoebe from Friends, and then it was going to have Neve Campbell...and then just ended up with a bunch of mugging Ladies. Oh what could have been. Link
9. "Sweet City Woman" by The Stampeders. Great Can-Con from the 60's...makes me nostalgic for summers in the tractor on the farm, listening to oldies radio. Link
10. "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers. Everyone's party favourite. Check out this video, plus this homage from Family Guy :)
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Blogging the Grammys...
Well, the Grammy Awards are worth watching again! They've decided (mostly) to reward talented artists for great music, not just glorify people like Britney and Madonna. I'm sure there will be exceptions, but this line-up of acts has got me all excited, so I'm blogging on the goings on...
8:02 - I'm kinda "meh" over this new U2 song. And isn't it a tad pretentious to use the screens behind to show every single word of your song's lyrics? I'm a U2 fan...but....
8:07 - The Rock should stick to movies...that monologue was painful
8:10 - The Rev. Al Green kicks ass. I might have to pick up a copy of his new album. Timberlake was alright...more useful than Boyz II Men or Keith Urban, who apparently helped.
8:23 - Chris Martin and Jay-Z....better than it sounds on paper. I bet Whitney didn't appreciate that Bobby Brown reference! Also, Chris Martin got his wardrobe from a very colourful hobo.
8:35 - I don't really like country music, but the women of country music make it easy to watch. Question for Tony Romo....you went for Jessica Simpson over Carrie Underwood? Really?
8:42 - Hooray for Viva La Vida....love that song. Good quote on the Sergeant Pepper line...I was just thinking that, but you said it before I did ;)
8:45 - Normally I would argue that Kid Rock is the embodiement of all that is wrong with America, but that first song was a good song. He's still a waste of resources, as a rule, which he proved with his 2nd song, which is a recycling of "Sweet Home Alabama" of the worst kind. It all comes around.
8:55 - Apparently Miley Cyrus has the words to her song written inside her eye-lids, explaining why her eyes are always closed. She will have a much shorter career than the lovely Taylor Swift
9:03 - Hip-hop/rap artists apparently have a handbook, and Rule #1 = Never smile at an awards ceremony, unless you are the one winning an award.
9:10 - Stevie Wonder and the Jonas Brothers...what a waste of Stevie. I definitely think that this flavour of the year boy band was a little too "familiar" with old Stevie...but the brought it all around with "Superstition"
9:16 - The simplicity and sincereity of Chris Martin's acceptance speech was refreshing. He has a rep for being a bit of a yuppy douche, but that was great. And three cheers to Kings of Leon for their nomination...that's a great album.
9:25 - Not that I'm surprised in the least, but Katy Perry's voice without studio enhancement is completely average. But, Britney has made a career out of it, so she's not going anywhere likely.
9:40 - Just for Ryan C.....Herbie Hancock! And did no one tell Adele to leave the gum at home?
9:53 - I had never heard of M.I.A. But she's got some guts to perform on her friggin due date. Even if she had an outfit that apparently made out of pantyhose and a picnic blanket. Would have been better if she had her water burst right there, and Lil Wayne could have caught it in a giant pimp cup.
9:57 - Kate Beckinsale should in be in more movies where she isn't a vampire or vampire fighter. Gorgeous girl...with that glorious ultra-proper British accent. Paul McCartney still has the chops, that's for sure.
10:06 - Mayer showed up without Aniston? Will she never be happy?
10:12 - I desperately want leggings to go back out of fashion as soon as possible. Yuck. And Adele has a lovely voice and bad hair. End of catty comments.
10:28 - Sam Jackson is also rockin' the "hobo-chic". T.I. got tips on his wardrobe from Relick on The Beachcombers. Quite a night for male fashion. I'll try and remember to wear my dirty jeans and orange toque to work tomorrow.
10:40 - Four Tops tribute was great. Jamie Foxx is definitely a versatile performer...
10:49 - Neil Diamond had decided to do the Shatner version of "Sweet Caroline." When. It. Began...KHAN!
10:55 - I'm just talkin' bout Shaft! Can you dig it?
11:08 - Forget Lil' Wayne...what we need is Lil' John! Yeah! OK! What?!
11:18 - Zooey Deschanel makes my Top 10 celebrity crushes list...and she sings too...
11:25 - best line of the night from Robert Plant - "in the old days we would have called this selling out, but it seems like a good way to spend a Sunday" good stuff
11:27 - ending on Stevie is always a good plan. Definitely one of the better award ceremonies I've seen in a long time, no drama, just good music.
8:02 - I'm kinda "meh" over this new U2 song. And isn't it a tad pretentious to use the screens behind to show every single word of your song's lyrics? I'm a U2 fan...but....
8:07 - The Rock should stick to movies...that monologue was painful
8:10 - The Rev. Al Green kicks ass. I might have to pick up a copy of his new album. Timberlake was alright...more useful than Boyz II Men or Keith Urban, who apparently helped.
8:23 - Chris Martin and Jay-Z....better than it sounds on paper. I bet Whitney didn't appreciate that Bobby Brown reference! Also, Chris Martin got his wardrobe from a very colourful hobo.
8:35 - I don't really like country music, but the women of country music make it easy to watch. Question for Tony Romo....you went for Jessica Simpson over Carrie Underwood? Really?
8:42 - Hooray for Viva La Vida....love that song. Good quote on the Sergeant Pepper line...I was just thinking that, but you said it before I did ;)
8:45 - Normally I would argue that Kid Rock is the embodiement of all that is wrong with America, but that first song was a good song. He's still a waste of resources, as a rule, which he proved with his 2nd song, which is a recycling of "Sweet Home Alabama" of the worst kind. It all comes around.
8:55 - Apparently Miley Cyrus has the words to her song written inside her eye-lids, explaining why her eyes are always closed. She will have a much shorter career than the lovely Taylor Swift
9:03 - Hip-hop/rap artists apparently have a handbook, and Rule #1 = Never smile at an awards ceremony, unless you are the one winning an award.
9:10 - Stevie Wonder and the Jonas Brothers...what a waste of Stevie. I definitely think that this flavour of the year boy band was a little too "familiar" with old Stevie...but the brought it all around with "Superstition"
9:16 - The simplicity and sincereity of Chris Martin's acceptance speech was refreshing. He has a rep for being a bit of a yuppy douche, but that was great. And three cheers to Kings of Leon for their nomination...that's a great album.
9:25 - Not that I'm surprised in the least, but Katy Perry's voice without studio enhancement is completely average. But, Britney has made a career out of it, so she's not going anywhere likely.
9:40 - Just for Ryan C.....Herbie Hancock! And did no one tell Adele to leave the gum at home?
9:53 - I had never heard of M.I.A. But she's got some guts to perform on her friggin due date. Even if she had an outfit that apparently made out of pantyhose and a picnic blanket. Would have been better if she had her water burst right there, and Lil Wayne could have caught it in a giant pimp cup.
9:57 - Kate Beckinsale should in be in more movies where she isn't a vampire or vampire fighter. Gorgeous girl...with that glorious ultra-proper British accent. Paul McCartney still has the chops, that's for sure.
10:06 - Mayer showed up without Aniston? Will she never be happy?
10:12 - I desperately want leggings to go back out of fashion as soon as possible. Yuck. And Adele has a lovely voice and bad hair. End of catty comments.
10:28 - Sam Jackson is also rockin' the "hobo-chic". T.I. got tips on his wardrobe from Relick on The Beachcombers. Quite a night for male fashion. I'll try and remember to wear my dirty jeans and orange toque to work tomorrow.
10:40 - Four Tops tribute was great. Jamie Foxx is definitely a versatile performer...
10:49 - Neil Diamond had decided to do the Shatner version of "Sweet Caroline." When. It. Began...KHAN!
10:55 - I'm just talkin' bout Shaft! Can you dig it?
11:08 - Forget Lil' Wayne...what we need is Lil' John! Yeah! OK! What?!
11:18 - Zooey Deschanel makes my Top 10 celebrity crushes list...and she sings too...
11:25 - best line of the night from Robert Plant - "in the old days we would have called this selling out, but it seems like a good way to spend a Sunday" good stuff
11:27 - ending on Stevie is always a good plan. Definitely one of the better award ceremonies I've seen in a long time, no drama, just good music.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
"Rhode Island is neither a road nor is it an island. Discuss."
I thought a great SNL reference would be a good start to my 2009 blogging. I'm feeling a little verklempt! Talk amongst yourselves!
So, holidays were great. Unlike last year, I had a solid two weeks off from work, with lots of time with family and friends. Joe and I escaped storms on both the way to and from the Island...we were much better off than those struggling with cancelled flights and lost luggage. And the cost of gas was about half the cost compared to my trip home in the summer, so it was golden! Big thanks to Joe, who is a great travel companion, a good tunes selector, and helped share some the driving load as well.
Things at home were great...family game nights, touring the barns with Dad and getting the update on all of the new heifers and cows, some baby calves of several breeds, a litter of puppies at Grandpa's, and decent weather all around the important days. It definitely felt like home.
I was able to catch up quite a bit with friends as well. Some get-togethers in Summerside with old friends and new significant others of old friends was great...many old stories, some new stories. I feel very blessed to still be quite close with many of my best friends from high school...so many people lose touch with high school friends, but I have been able to not just keep in touch with them, but continue learning from them and sharing time with them.
Joe and I then detoured to St. Stephen on the way back to "Upper Canada" for a New Years Eve/25th wedding anniversary party. Initially I had just planned to stop in an see Shelley and Will and Hannah due to them not being in PEI over the holidays, but then this big pub party was launched, with Will playing with a band (the mighty Will-power). For those that know me well, I'm not always completely comfortable in social situations where I know very few people...I tend to move to the back of the room and keep to myself. Nonetheless, I took this opportunity to meet new people and just have fun...not worrying about maybe looking a bit foolish or not knowing many folk. That being said, it's easier to do this in a room full of welcoming, hospitable folks. To sum up...it was one of my better New Years Eves by far. Thanks to Shelley and Will for helping with accommodations and introductions!
Getting back into the groove back in Guelph has been somewhat of a challenge...but no excuses. I'm hoping that 2009 will be a year of great personal development for me. I feel like change is in the offing. I have identified room for improvement in several areas, and I hope to make headway in these areas. Here's hoping for a year of accomplishment for me and for all of you!
I'll close with the top 5 albums (in my opinion) from the drive to and from PEI.
1. Flight of the Conchords. "Who's the boom king? I'm the boom king!"
2. Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns. I know Snow Patrol is kinda sappy....but I enjoy it.
3. Fall Out Boy - Folie à Deux. This albums feels like an entire record of singles. I don't like a lot of "emo-rock", but Fall Out Boy have moved beyond this label in my opinion to be quite original, energetic, and accomplished.
4. My mix CD of 80's rock. I will always now associate Joey Scarbury's "Believe It Or Not" with getting ahead of a row of 6 snow plows on the 401...hooray! CD also featured the ever catchy "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall and Oates....classic.
5. Patton Oswalt - Werewolves and Lollipops. I like listening to comedy on a long drive, and this album was played a few times. Hilarity ensued.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Top 100 Songs: 20-1
Time for the final 20 songs! Some will be no surprise for those that know me well, but I'm sure there will be a couple that will raise eyebrows!
20. Blues Traveller - Run Around. This was one of the first songs that I taped off the radio. I have always loved in the inventive instrumentals and the lightness of the lyrics.
19. Ronan Keating - When You Say Nothing At All. I know tons of people have covered this song...this is just one of many versions. But I like the quality of the vocals, the tin whistle evident in the song, and the schmaltz of the song. It will definitely be played at my wedding...whenever that is ;)
18. Barenaked Ladies - Alcohol. Never a released single, this is a great upbeat song from my favourite BNL album, a song of both the fun of alcohol in life, as well as the lessons learned the morning after...
17. Billy Joel - Miami 2017. This is truly a different song...not one of Joel's best known. In fact, it took me a while to find the real name of the song, because I just knew it from the lyrics - "see the lights go out on Broadway." Powerful piano in this song, and Joel's traditional powerful lyrics to accompany.
16. The Verve Pipe - Freshman. In some ways, a depressing song. But this song screams high school for me, and still find myself singing along with it whenever I hear it.
15. Snow Patrol - Open Your Eyes. I love this song, because there are so many people that I could sing this to and mean it :) Snow Patrol has definitely been one of my favourite bands of the last few years.
14. Elton John - Tiny Dancer. I always loved this song, but that scene from "Almost Famous" helped to cement this song in my top 20. Hold me close up, Tony Danza!
13. Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al. Not only does this song have a great music video (best thing Chevy Chase ever did), I once again love the instrumental of this song...not to mention the addition of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the background.
12. Doobie Brothers - Listen to the Music. One of my favourite driving songs ever. Great guitar groove that just makes everything seem fine in the world.
11. Elton John - Rocket Man. "burning out his fuel out there, alone." Do yourself a favourite...look up William Shatner singing this song on YouTube and laugh yourself silly. But a fantastic song.
10. Jackson Browne - Running on Empty. Another great driving song...I tend to appreciate songs that are great on a road trip, as that's where I listen to a lot of music!
9. Rush - Limelight. Or, as Beth calls it, "Guilded Cage." haha. Classic Rush is all of their high pitched, percussion driven wonder. Neil Peart's drum solo in this song is a thing of beauty.
8. Edwin McCain - I'll Be. Once again, a bit schmaltzy....but I don't care. I want this to be the song on my first dance one day, because it talks about being there for someone, no matter the situation. Love it.
7. The Fables - Heave Away. "Come get your duds in order cause we're bound to leave tomorrow, heave away, me jollies heavy away!" Favourite all time East Coast party song, in part because it's about coming home!
6. The Tragically Hip - Blow At High Dough. Not one of the most lyrically complex of all Hip songs, but one that always gets my blood pumping.
5. The Proclaimers - I Wanna Be. Everyone knows the lyrics, everyone can sing along, everyone gets happy when they hear this song.
4. Stan Rogers - Barrett's Privateers. Probably the first song I knew all the lyrics too :) How can I not love a drinking song with my name in it! The harmony of this song is just great...rest in peace Stan Rogers...we miss you.
3. The Beatles - Let It Be. "and in my hour of darkness, she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be." Amazing.
2. Elton John - Levon. This would be the song I would sing if someone got me drunk enough to try out for Canadian Idol. Driven by a strong piano melody, it tells a complex story that still makes me think every time I hear it!
1. Barenaked Ladies - Call and Answer. I associate this song with having my heart broken once, but it's still my favourite song. It's touching, it's introspective...and it talks about being there for someone, being the foundation. That's much of what I want to be.
Well, that's it. Disclaimer - this list is of course subject to change...no list can remain set in stone. I keep discovering new music, keeping hearing amazing new stuff. But that's how I see it today.
Barenaked Ladies make the most appearances in the Top 100, but the Beatles and Tragically Hip were strong contenders. The list is also heavy in Canadian content (about 40%), which I'm actually quite happy with...I love that I can appreciate Canadian artists for the quality of their music and not for political reasons.
Enjoy!
20. Blues Traveller - Run Around. This was one of the first songs that I taped off the radio. I have always loved in the inventive instrumentals and the lightness of the lyrics.
19. Ronan Keating - When You Say Nothing At All. I know tons of people have covered this song...this is just one of many versions. But I like the quality of the vocals, the tin whistle evident in the song, and the schmaltz of the song. It will definitely be played at my wedding...whenever that is ;)
18. Barenaked Ladies - Alcohol. Never a released single, this is a great upbeat song from my favourite BNL album, a song of both the fun of alcohol in life, as well as the lessons learned the morning after...
17. Billy Joel - Miami 2017. This is truly a different song...not one of Joel's best known. In fact, it took me a while to find the real name of the song, because I just knew it from the lyrics - "see the lights go out on Broadway." Powerful piano in this song, and Joel's traditional powerful lyrics to accompany.
16. The Verve Pipe - Freshman. In some ways, a depressing song. But this song screams high school for me, and still find myself singing along with it whenever I hear it.
15. Snow Patrol - Open Your Eyes. I love this song, because there are so many people that I could sing this to and mean it :) Snow Patrol has definitely been one of my favourite bands of the last few years.
14. Elton John - Tiny Dancer. I always loved this song, but that scene from "Almost Famous" helped to cement this song in my top 20. Hold me close up, Tony Danza!
13. Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al. Not only does this song have a great music video (best thing Chevy Chase ever did), I once again love the instrumental of this song...not to mention the addition of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the background.
12. Doobie Brothers - Listen to the Music. One of my favourite driving songs ever. Great guitar groove that just makes everything seem fine in the world.
11. Elton John - Rocket Man. "burning out his fuel out there, alone." Do yourself a favourite...look up William Shatner singing this song on YouTube and laugh yourself silly. But a fantastic song.
10. Jackson Browne - Running on Empty. Another great driving song...I tend to appreciate songs that are great on a road trip, as that's where I listen to a lot of music!
9. Rush - Limelight. Or, as Beth calls it, "Guilded Cage." haha. Classic Rush is all of their high pitched, percussion driven wonder. Neil Peart's drum solo in this song is a thing of beauty.
8. Edwin McCain - I'll Be. Once again, a bit schmaltzy....but I don't care. I want this to be the song on my first dance one day, because it talks about being there for someone, no matter the situation. Love it.
7. The Fables - Heave Away. "Come get your duds in order cause we're bound to leave tomorrow, heave away, me jollies heavy away!" Favourite all time East Coast party song, in part because it's about coming home!
6. The Tragically Hip - Blow At High Dough. Not one of the most lyrically complex of all Hip songs, but one that always gets my blood pumping.
5. The Proclaimers - I Wanna Be. Everyone knows the lyrics, everyone can sing along, everyone gets happy when they hear this song.
4. Stan Rogers - Barrett's Privateers. Probably the first song I knew all the lyrics too :) How can I not love a drinking song with my name in it! The harmony of this song is just great...rest in peace Stan Rogers...we miss you.
3. The Beatles - Let It Be. "and in my hour of darkness, she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be." Amazing.
2. Elton John - Levon. This would be the song I would sing if someone got me drunk enough to try out for Canadian Idol. Driven by a strong piano melody, it tells a complex story that still makes me think every time I hear it!
1. Barenaked Ladies - Call and Answer. I associate this song with having my heart broken once, but it's still my favourite song. It's touching, it's introspective...and it talks about being there for someone, being the foundation. That's much of what I want to be.
Well, that's it. Disclaimer - this list is of course subject to change...no list can remain set in stone. I keep discovering new music, keeping hearing amazing new stuff. But that's how I see it today.
Barenaked Ladies make the most appearances in the Top 100, but the Beatles and Tragically Hip were strong contenders. The list is also heavy in Canadian content (about 40%), which I'm actually quite happy with...I love that I can appreciate Canadian artists for the quality of their music and not for political reasons.
Enjoy!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Top 100 Songs: 40-21
So, Ryan C. has chimed in with some of his cheers and jeers...it's open season! haha
40. Live - Dolphin's Cry. I find this a powerful song...when I listen to it, it makes me feel empowered. That is all.
39. OK Go - Get Over It. I heard this song for the first time on MadTV...what a place to find a band. But I love the rhythm of this song...and there are a lot of people I would like to tell to "get over it."
38. The Guess Who - Share the Land. For me, it's all about the bridge in this song...."shake your hand, share the land"....fantastic. Burton "Stache" Cummings rules again.
37. Barstool Prophets - Friend of Mine. This song screams late 90's rock, with a somewhat "Gin Blossoms" feel. Not really sure why this song grabs me so much...but find it and listen...it's a "comfortable song" that I feel talks a lot about friendship.
36. The New Pornographers - Use It. Many of you would recognize this song a lot more if I mentioned that it used to the be theme song for The Hour with Strombo. There is a lot of stuff by The New Pornographers that don't light my fire, but this song mixes some very strong piano and drum backing with interesting lyrics that gets me fired up.
35. Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow. A song that instantly cheers me up. Not much more to say. You should all let your love flow...good advice!
34. Barenaked Ladies - If I Had A Million Dollars. I got big eyebrow raises on this song during my premiere of the list...saying "aren't you tired of this?" Answer: was for a while...not now. I still have big sentimental props for this song. I know it's a big juvenile and not complicated...but it was one of my first favourite songs during my "musical awakening." And why don't they have pre-wrapped bacon?
33. Billy Joel - Only The Good Die Young. Yes, I know...what self-respecting Catholic boy would have this song on their Top 100 list. I'm sorry...but it's incredibly catchy...and it does pose some questions that sometimes we should think about...
32. Crash Test Dummies - Afternoons and Coffeespoons. Happy song, with great vocal talent. Too bad this band jumped the shark after just a couple of albums...
31. Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town. This song was on a mix CD I had when I was a kid called Wayne's World - The Basement Tapes. I listened to it countless times on the way to and from Ontario on vacation...and it's still a favourite...a great song for getting "geared up."
30. Green Day - When I Come Around. In theory, more from Dookie could be on this list...great album. The accessible edge of "punk" that I enjoy...
29. Frank Sinatra - I've Got You Under My Skin. Definitely the oldest song on this list. I've always admired the crooners (Martin, Crosby, Sinatra, etc), with music that never seems to go out of style. This song screams "cool."
28. Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes. Again, listen for the chimes on the "edge" of the music. "the light the heat, I am complete..." Fantastic whether holding a ghetto blaster above your head or not.
27. Journey - Don't Stop Believing. It's a shame that the best part of this song isn't until the end of the song, and only really lasts for about 30 seconds...but the power of this song is undeniable.
26. Stampeders - Sweet City Woman. Another song that instantly takes me back to summers on the farm listening to oldies radio...one of the truly fantastic Canadian hits of that era.
25. The Beatles - Penny Lane. A song that in some ways doesn't make tons of sense...but which has always been one of my favourite songs, ever since I was a little kid. "Penny Lane, is in my ears and in my eyes..."
24. U2 - Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. I have to thank Sandy for really indoctinating me to the power of U2 at AC...this song has undeniable power, speaking for either a search for a person or a search for a closer relationship with a higher power. Whatever way you wish to think about it...it still gives me goosebumps when those first few bars start to play.
23. Bruce Guthro - Ivey's Wall. You should really listen to this song, and listen to the story of a humble man that Bruce relates, along with an infectious tune. Again...more Guthro music appreciation needed!
22. The Tragically Hip - Wheat Kings. "Sundown in the Paris of the prairies. Wheat Kings of all treasures buried. All you hear are the rusty breezes, pushing around a weathervane Jesus." Some of the pinnacle of Canadian songwriting. This song is a great song for a summer afternoon drive on a brilliant summer day.
21. Moxy Fruvous - The Drinking Song. "And we drink." Sandy and I sang this at just about every coffeehouse at NSAC I think. Great song for harmony, great lyrics, and a lot of fun.
Next post is 20 to #1! Stay tuned.
40. Live - Dolphin's Cry. I find this a powerful song...when I listen to it, it makes me feel empowered. That is all.
39. OK Go - Get Over It. I heard this song for the first time on MadTV...what a place to find a band. But I love the rhythm of this song...and there are a lot of people I would like to tell to "get over it."
38. The Guess Who - Share the Land. For me, it's all about the bridge in this song...."shake your hand, share the land"....fantastic. Burton "Stache" Cummings rules again.
37. Barstool Prophets - Friend of Mine. This song screams late 90's rock, with a somewhat "Gin Blossoms" feel. Not really sure why this song grabs me so much...but find it and listen...it's a "comfortable song" that I feel talks a lot about friendship.
36. The New Pornographers - Use It. Many of you would recognize this song a lot more if I mentioned that it used to the be theme song for The Hour with Strombo. There is a lot of stuff by The New Pornographers that don't light my fire, but this song mixes some very strong piano and drum backing with interesting lyrics that gets me fired up.
35. Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow. A song that instantly cheers me up. Not much more to say. You should all let your love flow...good advice!
34. Barenaked Ladies - If I Had A Million Dollars. I got big eyebrow raises on this song during my premiere of the list...saying "aren't you tired of this?" Answer: was for a while...not now. I still have big sentimental props for this song. I know it's a big juvenile and not complicated...but it was one of my first favourite songs during my "musical awakening." And why don't they have pre-wrapped bacon?
33. Billy Joel - Only The Good Die Young. Yes, I know...what self-respecting Catholic boy would have this song on their Top 100 list. I'm sorry...but it's incredibly catchy...and it does pose some questions that sometimes we should think about...
32. Crash Test Dummies - Afternoons and Coffeespoons. Happy song, with great vocal talent. Too bad this band jumped the shark after just a couple of albums...
31. Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town. This song was on a mix CD I had when I was a kid called Wayne's World - The Basement Tapes. I listened to it countless times on the way to and from Ontario on vacation...and it's still a favourite...a great song for getting "geared up."
30. Green Day - When I Come Around. In theory, more from Dookie could be on this list...great album. The accessible edge of "punk" that I enjoy...
29. Frank Sinatra - I've Got You Under My Skin. Definitely the oldest song on this list. I've always admired the crooners (Martin, Crosby, Sinatra, etc), with music that never seems to go out of style. This song screams "cool."
28. Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes. Again, listen for the chimes on the "edge" of the music. "the light the heat, I am complete..." Fantastic whether holding a ghetto blaster above your head or not.
27. Journey - Don't Stop Believing. It's a shame that the best part of this song isn't until the end of the song, and only really lasts for about 30 seconds...but the power of this song is undeniable.
26. Stampeders - Sweet City Woman. Another song that instantly takes me back to summers on the farm listening to oldies radio...one of the truly fantastic Canadian hits of that era.
25. The Beatles - Penny Lane. A song that in some ways doesn't make tons of sense...but which has always been one of my favourite songs, ever since I was a little kid. "Penny Lane, is in my ears and in my eyes..."
24. U2 - Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. I have to thank Sandy for really indoctinating me to the power of U2 at AC...this song has undeniable power, speaking for either a search for a person or a search for a closer relationship with a higher power. Whatever way you wish to think about it...it still gives me goosebumps when those first few bars start to play.
23. Bruce Guthro - Ivey's Wall. You should really listen to this song, and listen to the story of a humble man that Bruce relates, along with an infectious tune. Again...more Guthro music appreciation needed!
22. The Tragically Hip - Wheat Kings. "Sundown in the Paris of the prairies. Wheat Kings of all treasures buried. All you hear are the rusty breezes, pushing around a weathervane Jesus." Some of the pinnacle of Canadian songwriting. This song is a great song for a summer afternoon drive on a brilliant summer day.
21. Moxy Fruvous - The Drinking Song. "And we drink." Sandy and I sang this at just about every coffeehouse at NSAC I think. Great song for harmony, great lyrics, and a lot of fun.
Next post is 20 to #1! Stay tuned.
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