Music Week: Summer Songs

Originally I think I had planned to do songs that you can't help but dance to. And that may show up one day, but I thought with summer here that this list would be appropriate.

All of these songs are those ones that make you want to hop in the car, roll the windows down and let your hair blow around your big sunglasses while you drive to nowhere. Or to the beach. The beach is good too.

1. American Woman by Lenny Kravitz * Yeah, I know this is a remake of an original. But I like it better. Always on the mp3 player when I'm at the beach.

2. Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon * These guys are a newer discovery for me. But I LOVE this song. It just makes me happy when I'm in the car and get to turn it up.

3. Summertime by Sublime * This is currently the tone when I get a text message. Because I am THAT ready for summer to be here.

4. Fly by Sugar Ray * I mentioned the love of Sugar Ray on Monday. This song is the most summerish to me though. And it doesn't matter that it's old, I still love it.

5. School's Out by Alice Cooper * This song sticks out in my mind from a Simpsons episode. Then I believe I heard it in my dad's truck. And I decided I loved it then and there. Because really, who doesn't love a song that reminds you there's no school for a few months?

6. Island in the Sun by Weezer * I hear this and I want to sip a cold beverage while lounging in a comfy chair and checking out my bright pedicure.

7. Amber by 311 * This song makes we wish I lived at the beach. Well, I already wish that. But I imagine this song would be played every morning as I watched the surfers from my patio and sip my coffee.

8. All Summer Long by Kid Rock * I don't normally like Kid Rock. But this song reminds me of barbecues and a lot of alcohol with friends. You know, a good time.

9. Peaches by The Presidents of the United States of America * This almost made the high school list. But it had to make the summer list. Peaches are a summery fruit, why wouldn't it get a spot here?

10. Rollercoaster of Love by Red Hot Chili Peppers * I may have danced to this one at a summer barbecue. It's just perfect. There's no arguing with it.

MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

So this week was actually pretty fun (for me). I may have lists pop up from time to time. For now, happy Friday!

Music Week: Songs I'm Ashamed to Like

I could use the phrase "guilty pleasures" here, but I'm not sure it fits the bill for each song. I actually own most of these songs through one method of acquisition or another.

1. Buttons by The Pussycat Dolls * Okay, I'm actually ashamed to admit I even like them. But I just do! I know they're skanky, I know they're a horrible example for little girls, but their music is just catchy! And of course this is one of the worst possible songs, which is why I chose it.

2. If U Seek Amy by Britney Spears * Yes, the song is arguably nasty. But I can't help but sing along with it. That girl makes 'em catchy.

3. Fergalicious by Fergie * Everyone knows I have issues with Fergie. She has an amazing bod with a face worthy of a paper bag. The song is stupid, but I just can't help turning it up and singing along. Even my cousin is ashamed to love it so much!

4. Ring of Fire, the version sung by Adam Lambert * I'm only ashamed of this one because it's a Johnny Cash song and I feel like I should be so loyal to the man that I throw out funky remakes. But I LOVED it when he did it on the show. It's so different and he was so good... sorry hubby. I know you don't approve.

5. Lips of an Angel by Hinder * I won't beat around any bushes here. It's a song about cheating. It's whiny emo sound. But I like it.

6. Just Dance by Lady Gaga * Let's get something straight: I AM NOT A FAN OF THIS WEIRDO. Her constant state of pantslessness, her funky hair, her trannyishness... not a fan. But this song is catchy. And I hate her for that.

7. Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas * Remember when the Peas used to be good? Yeah, I can barely remember that too. This song is so... I can't even describe it. My nephew could write it. That's how much there is too it. But when I saw them perform it on Idol, I sadly enjoyed it. And I regret to say that I have enjoyed it each time I've heard it since them.

8. Time of My Life by David Cook * I like David and all, but I'm slightly horrified that I like this song written by those horribly writers at Idol.

9. Lost in This Moment by Big and Rich * Big and Rich annoy me to no end. I would love to never see their faces again. And I tried to fight this song, but it just didn't work.

10. This is Halloween by Marilyn Manson * This version was done for an anniversary edition of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Marilyn Manson is gross, so I have issues with the fact that I enjoy his version of what is (in my mind) a classic. Hubby doesn't like it, and struggles with me liking it.

MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Tomorrow's the last day! And it's not going to be what I listed last week. I thought about it this week and thought of something appropriate to the timing.

Music Week: Crappy Songs

Originally this post was supposed to be all about songs that I have a negative association with. Then I realized that there really aren't that many that make me want to poke my eardrums and/or punch somebody for any particular reason. So I extended it and included some songs that I could do with never hearing again.

1. How You Remind Me by Nickelback * So like every girl, I had bad judgement once or twice with my boyfriends. One weenie in particular ruined this song for me. It was really popular when we were dating so it was constantly on the radio. And one day, while doing his whiny "don't-ever-leave-me" bit, he said, "If you ever break up with me, this song will make me cry. I always think of you when I hear it." Thanks whiny girl. You succeeded in ruining this song for me now.

2. Baby Blue by George Strait * My mom and other people who know me are shocked that George Strait made the bad list. I STILL LOVE THE MAN. But in moments of (unsuccessfully) trying to be cute, the aforementioned weenie boyfriend would sing this. Badly. Which made no sense to me, seeing as how MY EYES ARE AS FAR FROM BLUE AS YOU CAN GET! He was an idiot, and I despise him a bit more for sending a George song to my bad list.

3. Picture to Burn by Taylor Swift * I get it, it's the ultimate "I hate you" song and it's cute and funny and so girl power. But the first time I heard it was an attempt to make me love it. I believe my response was, "Yeah, it's okay. I would have liked it in high school maybe." Which led the person forcing me to listen to get butthurt and act insulted. I'm sorry. I'm an adult woman, I have no angsty relationships.

4. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion * Aside from the fact that the song was overplayed, I have a good reason to be irritated when I really want to think about it. My "friend" went with my ex (of two weeks who she had actively been trying to convince he should break up with me) to this movie. Then "accidentally" gushed all about their "date" while I stood not four feet away. If I had been a violent person, she would be missing teeth. And it still irritates me that I stayed friends with her and didn't put her in her place.

5. Tubthumping by Chumbawamba * Stupid song, stupid band name.

6. I Wanna Know by Joe * I knew a guy who had this at the beginning of his voicemail message. I was an idiot and didn't see it as a sign that he was a MASSIVE PLAYER. This song reminds me of those scumbags that think they're the sh*&.

7. Who Let the Dogs Out by Baha Men * Isn't that who sings it? Whatev. Again, ONE OF THE MOST ANNOYING SONGS TO EVER EXIST. Throw in an aunt with no musical taste who tried to convince me of how great it is, and I can skip it.

8. Macarena by Los Del Rio * How did a song sung by pervy old men get to be so popular? I unfortunately existed in the time that PE teachers and DJs at dances thought they HAD to play it. I've heard it about six thousand more times than is necessary.

9. Hey Baby Que Paso by Augie Meyers * If you don't know this song, I am so unbelievably envious of you. Really, you can't even imagine how much I wish I was you.

10. We Are Family by Sister Sledge * Overplayed and not that great. Then of course there's the fact that I heard it far more than necessary because my aunt who I like to not claim declared it "the family song." Um, no. I want out of the family.

MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Tomorrow is guilty pleasures/horrible songs that I'm ashamed to like. Including bubblegum pop, and glorified strippers who think they can sing.

Music Week: Good Songs

So I can't really just say that these are good songs. But when I hear them I can't help but smile because they remind me of something that made me happy. It was hard to find songs that weren't all about hubby. But I couldn't help but include two of them...

Music player follows the list again.

1. She's Everything by Brad Paisley * I've mentioned my love for Brad Paisley before. This song came out after hubby had proposed. We thought we had our song, but then this one came out. He asked me if I had heard it one day, and I said no. He told me, "This is our song. As soon as I heard it I decided." Then the next time we were in the car it came on and he turned it up. And being a big, fat, sissy girl I almost cried. So in case you had no clue, that's our song from our wedding.

2. Little Moments by Brad Paisley * This was going to be our song. The first time we heard it hubby laughed because he does remember the first time he heard me curse. And he was dying laughing when he heard it, because I didn't know he heard it. So we can't help but laugh when this one comes on.

3. I'll Be by Edwin McCain * Every girl should have something sung to her by a guy who can actually sing. This song was that first (actually only) song sung to me. And even though the guy ended up being more self-centered than I originally realized, I can't help but still like the song.

4. Roxanne by The Police * I mentioned this on my dad's birthday. Dad gets credit for my appreciation of classic rock. Especially this song. I hear it and think of dad. It's even his ringtone on my phone.

5. Slow Ride by Foghat * My nephew sings this. It was the first song he learned that didn't come straight from the kids' section at a music store. He still loves it, and I love to watch him play his air guitar with it.

6. Where It's At by Beck * So it's funny that I had a comment about omitting this song yesterday. I knew all along it would be used today. The summer between my freshman and sophomore year we had two interns from church staying with us. I was always the oldest so it was weird having these two college guys at our house. I automatically got two older brothers. And this song was big that summer. So it was sung (A LOT) in the car. Complete with sound effects.

7. Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi * Hubby and I argue about this song. He says it's the Young Guns song. For me, it's the Me & Ed's song. My brother worked at this pizza place when we were in high school. And this song was in their juke box. And everyone sang it loudly while closing. And to this day, my brother and I can't hear it without singing it - loudly.

8. Low by Flo Rida * Did I even spell that dude's name right? I don't listen to this type of music much. But some of you may recall that we had the upstairs neighbors from hell last year when we moved in. Well, we were pretty stoked when we found out they were leaving. One night, I came by the apartment with my sis and two of my cousins. Sis, one cousin, and myself were pretty toasted. So we pulled up with the radio loud. Then this song started. So the three of us got out of the car while my other cousin kept it running for us. And we danced. And sang. Loudly. There may have been some unnecessary dancing around the neighbors' truck AS THEY PUT CRAP IN THE BACK OF IT. Yup, we pretty much celebrated their departure as they made it.

9. Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera * I was obsessed with the movie before I got to see the performance on stage. And I knew that this song would be the one that would make or break it for me. And when we saw it in Vegas a couple years ago, I teared up a little at this song. Because it was that good, and I knew I would not be disappointed. (And actually the version on the player is from the movie, oh well.)

10. The Fishing Song (I'm Gonna Miss Her) by Brad Paisley * It's a funny song in the first place. But my grandpa LOVES it. And we were pretty stoked to get Brad Paisley tickets for him last summer. So the song ends up reminding me of grandpa, which is fine by me.

MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

There's your happy/good songs from me. Once again, my buddy James is participating if you want to wander your way over there. And feel free to leave me some comments sharing some of your favorites!

GRRRRR

I'm working on the music player issue. I hate computers sometimes.

Music Week: Songs From High School

It's music week! You get to judge me by my taste in music, yay!

As I made today's list I realized that my tastes were all over the place back then, much like they are today. Also, I was going to post a youtube video for each song. I realized that it was a MASSIVE PAIN IN THE REAR. Especially when so many labels/artists disable the embed feature. Laaaame. So my music player is at the end. Read through, then listen. Or listen as you read. Whatever you want to do.

So, songs from high school (I am totally dating myself with some of these).

1. Everybody by The Backstreet Boys * Oh yeah, I LOOOOVED the Backstreet Boys. My mom will tell you. I had the CDs, posters, VIDEOS... I was going to marry A.J. My girlfriends and I knew the moves for this ENTIRE VIDEO. If you don't remember it, and you feel like reminiscing (mom, you know you want to), you can click here for the video. I'm not gonna lie, I was totally singing the song as I wrote this blog.

2. Someday by Sugar Ray * Okay, I could have posted anything by Sugar Ray here. I had a crush on Mark McGrath. A guy with tattoos to a high school girl? Yup, automatic love. I remember going out and buying their album and listening to it ALL THE TIME. Actually, it was a pretty good one, maybe I should bust it out and have some good times...

3. Don't Speak by No Doubt * I got the Tragic Kingdom album my freshman year. Or maybe just before my freshman year. That was the start of the girl-crush on Gwen Stefani. I loved that she was kind of punk, but still girly. I had never wanted platinum blonde hair and red lips so badly in my life. This song still stands out the most though because I was a high schooler. Boy doesn't like me? Play this song. Break up? Play this song. Just plain bad day? Play this song. This is also the first concert I was DENIED and I still give my dad a bad time to this day.

4. You Were Meant For Me by Jewel * I got this CD my freshman year also. And I loved it. So what if Jewel had some funky teeth? She was cool. She played guitar and wrote amazing songs. This one was another one that was probably the anthem of many a high school girl. I mean, what girl didn't think her crush was meant for her?

5. Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews Band * I don't think I SERIOUSLY got into DMB until junior year. That's probably when I bought my first CD from them. Then I quickly went back and got the rest of the ones I could find. This was their "pretty song" that every girl liked though. And in high school, I was just like a lot of the other girls. And I am BEYOND STOKED THAT I WILL SEE DMB IN CONCERT IN TWO AND A HALF MONTHS!!!!

6. What I Got by Sublime * This was the CD that EVERYONE owned by the time we graduated. The stoners liked it, the preps liked it, the jocks liked it. If CDs could get STDs, this album would be the dirtiest one of the '90s. Easily. Everyone wanted to borrow it, or copy it, or just steal it from others. And every time I hear this song, I automatically flash back to the north parking lot at school, sitting in the back of my pumpkin orange monster of a truck.

7. California Love by 2Pac and Dr. Dre * This was as "gangsta" as I got. And 2Pac became decidedly "ungangsta" by the year 2000. Mostly because of this song. It was played at every party, every dance, and blasted from every car in our parking lot. It was just catchy, you couldn't NOT like it.

8. Tonight Tonight by The Smashing Pumpkins * Another one purchased freshman year. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness was another one that was owned by just about everyone. It was a 2-disc album which was a great thing for us high school kids. And it was just a great album! I still listen to it. And I still love this song in particular.

9. How's It Gonna Be by Third Eye Blind * I loved Third Eye Blind, much like the other females. And I loved this song. From the very first time I heard it. It was kind of depressing, which angsty high school girls like. I never owned the album though, I think it was just one that was consistently borrowed from friends.

10. Lovefool by The Cardigans * Right now, at least half of you are wondering what song this is. You are lost. It was from the Romeo and Juliet remake (with Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes). And it was on the radio ALL THE TIME. It was just catchy. And I was a freshman at the time that it got big, so you can't expect me to demand a lot from my music at that age.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Alrighty, there ya go. I had a seriously hard time narrowing it down and almost named albums, but I wanted actual songs to post here. Also participating with me is my buddy James, although his lists may be slightly different. I'm pretty excited for tomorrow, songs associated with good memories. Expect a lot of them to be about hubby, just deal with it.

OOPS!

As I discussed a video with my mom she said she hadn't seen it. I told her it was on my blog Friday.

It totally wasn't.

The Cheeseburger Song wasn't supposed to be there. It was supposed to be THIS one that reminds me of my brother. So enjoy it now.