Busy Fall Playlist

This fall has been a busy one, especially between work and the developments in my romantic relationship with the handsome Mr. Sturm. I seem to not have enough time to go out for nachos with friends, do my dishes, or even hang the pictures back on the wall that have been sitting on my living room floor since I painted in August.

Still, this fall has been a good one, and I am feeling stressed, but confident and happy, so I have compiled a playlist to enjoy on an autumn day. The days are getting shorter and colder, the leaves are falling off the trees and crunching under your feet when you walk, work demands every waking minute from Monday to Friday, but the weekends are yours.

Manic Monday - The Bangles
This classic off of The Bangles’ album “Different Life” was played quite often during my childhood. I’ve been thinking recently about the cassette tapes that were played repeated as a child, and this was one of them. I often feel like Manic Mondays aren’t necessarily on Mondays, and I disagree that Sunday is the fun day. It really all depends on the week. Still, the sentiment is accurate, even if Susanna Hoff’s Manic Monday is my average day, plus it is incredibly catchy and fun to sing along with. Sometimes I imagine I have shoulder pads, hoop earrings, and awesome bangs.

Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve
This song always brings me back to 6^th grade English class with my teacher, “H”. He used to play music rather loudly while we  did our independent work. While he played many different songs, he really cranked this one and Sugar Ray’s “Every Morning”. All around, this is a good song, whether looked at musically, emotionally, or lyrically. In fact, Chris Martin from Coldplay was, on the record, heard saying that he wished he had written this fabulous song.

I Put a Spell on You - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Halloween is nearly upon us, and so I put a spell on you, my friends. Now you are all mine. Just try to listen to this song without singing along and doing dramatic, slightly witch-like hand gestures. I dare you.

Crimson & Clover - Tommy James & The Shondells
While perhaps on the long side, this is an excellent song. Also, if you are looking to learn the lyrics to about five minutes worth of music, this song is the song for you. There really are not that many words. Still, it is fun to listen to and sing along with, and even my music-listening-in-the-car-ADD can be staved off, despite the repetitiveness. Might I also recommend the Jimmy Eat World rendition?

Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John
I wish I could still whistle, but after the unfortunate rollerblading accident several years ago, alas I cannot. Still, when alone, I pretend to whistle along to this or replace the whistling with “doo”s and puckered lips, which is almost as effective.

Don't Bring Me Down - ELO
 Mr. Sturm is convinced that there is no word after the “Don’t bring me down!” part, but I disagree. I’m pretty sure they are either saying “Grrrrrruuussss!” or possibly “Bruce!”, and I am also completely convinced that it is an integral, intentional, important part of the song. One day, it will just come to me, then I will know the secret of life.

Hot Blooded  - Foreigner
Poor Mr. Sturm had to hear part of my off-key, ear-damaging rendition of this song this past weekend. It had been a little too long since I had last eaten, and I was getting a little slap-happy, so I was singing this and being goofy. Politely, he asked me, “What is that from?” To which I responded, “From? It is a song by ‘Foreigner’! Can’t you tell?” When I resumed singing, he concluded, “We need to get some more food into you.” That’s how I got caramel brownies.

Keep Your Hands to Yourself - The Georgia Satellites
While not really a country music fan, nor do I believe the whole “getting the milk for free” thing, I enjoy this song a ridiculous, almost embarrassing amount. Best cranked to an almost uncomfortable volume, the sing-alonger must mimic the inflection and vocal tics of the singer in order to truly enjoy the experience. It is also really important to kind of act out the parts. For example, when he says, “That’s when she started talkin’ about true love, started talkin’ about sin,” the sing-alonger must put their hands out and place an incredulous, almost confused look on their face.
Oh man, is this a fun song. 

Let's Spend the Night Together - The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones need to make most playlists. I really quite enjoy The Rolling Stones, and some of my favorites don’t really belong on this particular list. I am getting what I want, I can get some satisfaction, I am not a Honky Tonk Woman, and I don’t need anyone to give me shelter, I’ve got that taken care of, thank you very much. And so, I can focus on other things. And after all, “This doesn’t happen to me every day. Let’s spend the night together. No excuses offered, anyway.”

Pocketful of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingford
The first time I heard this song, I did not like it. The second time I heard this song, I still did not like it. Somehow, I managed to hear it enough times that it has wormed its way into my heart. And you know what? I do. I do have a pocketful of sunshine and a love that is all mine, so there.

You Don't Know How it Feels - Tom Petty
You don’t know how it feels. You don’t know how it feels – to be me. While I am not about to go roll a joint, I do love to sing the chorus if I am mildly frustrated. Just get to the point already! Come on, people!

You Always Make Me Smile - Kyle Andrews
 This happy song is fun to listen to in the parking lot at work before going in. While Mr. Sturm does not wear colorful gym shoes (in fact, he wears black, non-tennis shoes), nor is his hair particularly messy (unless I’m purposely messing it up), it still reminds me of him because he always makes me smile. And smiling is good. Smiling is fun. Smiling makes you happier and want to smile even more.


Enjoy your sweater weather!

"I Want a Spring Romance" Playlist

The sun was actually shining today, and it was warm enough that I wore a t-shirt and no jacket today. This is amazing because it actually snowed twice last week.

This warm, bright, happy weather has lifted my spirit. Sure I am currently searching for two jobs, my future is extremely uncertain, my allergies are making my voice husky and nose runny, and so what if a fourth grader basically told me my life was pathetic and I was a lost cause. (Correction - not "basically", that is what the fourth grader said.) The sun is out, the sky is blue, and I feel happy.

All this happiness is making me want to direct my efforts towards cultivating a spring romance. I'm turning into a dopey, lovesick sixteen year old girl, I guess. But I suppose worse things could happen.

In honor of my loss of insanity as well as the recent glimpse of spring, I present to you an "I Want a Spring Romance!" playlist. Please enjoy and make sure you sing along nice and loud. Dancing is also required for most tracks.

Spring Romance - Bend Sinister

Obviously this song makes the cut for a number of reasons. The reason it is at the top of the list is, of course, the title of the song. Besides that, Bend Sinister is awesome, the album is awesome, and I really enjoy the song musically. The content speaks to me as well. On the first listening, you might not be too impressed, so I encourage you to listen to it two or three times in a row, then come back and re-listen the next day. You’ll end up really liking it.

I Want You to Want Me - Cheap Trick

I’ve already discussed this song before, but it is truly a great song. Not only does it necessitate crazy dancing and singing out of tune, but, as I’ve asserted before, it is extremely fun to quote in a serious, conversational tone to friends.

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers

This annoyingly catchy song has been a part of my life since about the time I learned to ride a bike. It is one of those songs that is both irritating and fantastic simultaneously. In fact, I have recently recovered from a couple-year-spell where I did not particularly care for this song, but now I can listen to it a couple of times in a row and enjoy it more with every playing. It is kind of a sweet song. He’d walk 1,000 miles to fall down at her door. That’s a lot of miles. No one is proclaiming they’d do that for me.

Also, I don’t know what “havering” is, and I know I could easily look it up online, but at this point I feel like it would ruin part of the magic of the song.

And Then He Kissed Me -  The Crystals

This Crystals' hit is one of the many songs on my playlist consisting entirely of 1960’s girl group songs. It is a pretty amazing playlist of cliché lyrics, predictable melodies, non-existent harmonies, and fantastic story lines. The Protagitron was once compiling a playlist of teen love tragedy songs, and I suppose this is my not-as-depressing version. “And Then He Kissed Me” is so delightfully upbeat and fun to sing along with. I also enjoy making funny faces and shaking my hips to this ditty while scrubbing the stovetop. It makes chores more fun.

(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones

Though it certainly isn’t for lack of trying.

In a Different Light - The Bangles

This eighties hit is a little creepy, but to be fair, many songs from the eighties were creepy or inappropriate. While most people know “Walk Like an Egyptian” and “Manic Monday” off of this album, this track is actually the name of the entire album. It certainly has a driving beat and a catchy refrain. 

She's So High - Tal Bachman

This song really brings me back to middle school. I know that I was a huge dork in middle school, and I know that I am still an enormous geek, and I am ok with that. Recently, Dani went back to our middle school where one of our favorite and most beloved teachers tried to tell her that we were not huge dorks. While I appreciate her effort, I’ve embraced my uncoolness. Anyway, this song was basically on the radio non-stop one year – possibly 7^th grade?

It should be noted that while this song was released on cd, it was also released on cassette tape. Remember cassette tapes? I tried to explain what a walkman is to my first graders last week. It did not go well.

 

Love Man - Otis Redding 

While I'm not a man, six feet something, 210 lbs, nor do I want to take out a bunch of girls, I somehow still connect to this song. I don’t know how. It is in many movies that I enjoy, and I really like to circle my hips and skip around while this song plays.

Syrup and Honey - Duffy

 You may recognize the distinctive voice from the incredibly popular “Mercy”, but I think this song is just as good. I completely agree with her, too. I don’t want any future significant other wasting money on syrup and honey, because I am sweet enough. Also, I don’t want them spending every minute “making a living” because I’d probably like to see them sometimes, too. I assume we are together because we enjoy each other’s company. Anyway, good song, and should I ever be in a real relationship again, I’m sure I’ll feel something similar.

Oh! Darling - The Beatles

Ever since I got my driver’s license, I’ve loved – LOVED – listening to this song at an alarmingly loud volume on repeat while basically screaming the lyrics and using my entire upper body to emphasize certain words. 

If You Wanna Be Happy – Jimmy Soul

I once had a good friend tell me this song gave her hope. She’s of course ridiculous since she is an amazing and beautiful person, although she’d probably deny it until her face turned blue. As someone who is not, shall we say, “pretty”?, I get a kick out of this song. Sure I’m not gorgeous, but there are certainly good things about that. Plus, I love the screaming in the song that reminds me of Scuttle from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”.

Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side - The Magnetic Fields

Again, I know I’ve already discussed this song, but I really, truly enjoy it. It is one of the songs that really got me interested in The Magnetic Fields. It is quirky and funny and real, and I certainly appreciate that.

Ain't We Got Fun - Doris Day with The Norman Luboff Choir; Paul Weston & His Orchestra

Off my album “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, I can’t help but raise my eyebrows and pretend like I know how to dance like they did back in the Roaring Twenties.

Hold Me Tight - Evan Rachel Wood (from "Across the Universe")

A Beatle’s cover, I actually prefer the version from the movie to the original. “Hold Me Tight” is a good song to belt out at while really shaking it at a stop light on the drive to work. It sounds better if the window is rolled down. It is simple science, really.

You Really Got Me - The Kinks

I actually really like The Kinks, and while this is definitely one of their most popular songs, it should not be discounted because of it. One of the best parts of this song is mimicking some of the interesting vowel pronunciations. Did I mention I’m a huge geek?

Another Playlist

The following playlist is ideal for cleaning, commuting, or doing tedious tasks. It is meant to be listened to alone so you can really belt it out and dance like a crazy person.

Manic Monday – The Bangles

This marvelous song off The Bangles’ album “Different Light” was fairly popular back in the day. I remember listening to it on cassette tape quite loudly in my father’s car. My mother, too, played this tape, though not quite as loudly. I enjoy it partially for nostalgic purposes, partly because of its upbeatness, and mostly because I feel like most days of the week are “manic Mondays”. Really, this song applies to almost every day.

Resistensen – Kaizers Orchestra

Recommended to me by a man who apparently knows his stuff, this song really reeled me in. After the first listening, I was intrigued, and after the third listening, I was hooked. Can I understand what they are saying? No, not other than the occasional word such as “revolver” or “Hong Kong”, which seem to be the same in Norwegian and English.

I Can Change – LCD Soundsystem

This song was played often on The Current last month, and when I was too lazy or in too much of a hurry to plug in my ipod, my morning choices were The Current or nothing. Please know that I really do enjoy The Current, it just seemed that they were playing the same three songs every day on the way to work. This one kind of grew on me.

Walk Like an Egyptian – The Bangles

Another one from my childhood, this particular Bangles hit is known even by those who don’t know The Bangles. It is fun to dance to in the car, and fun to sing along with. Way-o! Way-o! WA-a-a-ay-O!

I Want You to Want Me – Cheap Trick

While I certainly enjoy the cover by Letters to Cleo, Cheap Trick definitely deserves props for this song. How wonderful are these lyrics? Pretty wonderful. How fun is it to sing to song? Pretty fun. How much more fun is it to recite these lines in a very serious speaking voice to your friends? Incredibly so.

Time is on My Side – The Rolling Stones

This underrated Rolling Stones song is worth a listen, especially if you only know the super-duper big hits. This one is fun to sing while swaying back and forth and gesticulating forcefully (as if drunk) when saying “Yes it is!”

Vare Demoner – Kaizers Orchestra

So much did I enjoy “Resistensen” that I began listening to other songs by Kaizers Orchestra. The opening to this one reminds me of surfing and makes me dance kind of goofy in the car. Granted, I always dance goofy, especially when in the car, but when this song comes on, goofy is my intent.  Unfortunately, since I can’t understand anything, I am having a beast of a time singing along. Mostly I just mumble nonsense syllables.

How Can I Love You If You Won’t Lie Down – Silver Jews

Just the title of the song gets a giggle out of me. After that, I enjoy the opening tambourine roll. All in all, a short little song that is fun to sing along to.

Mother’s Little Helper – The Rolling Stones

Somedays, even though I am not a mother, I feel like I could use one of those little helpers.  Sometimes colleagues recommend margaritas, and yet I remain sober. While work may make be extremely batty somedays, I do love my job. Also, as a feminist, I find this song both amusing and repulsive.

What’s Victoria’s Secret – Rick Springfield

After seeing Rick Springfield in concert (which was awesome and not at all lame), I did add a couple of his other songs (songs that are not “Jessie’s Girl”) to my playlist. I like this one because it is so remarkably close to “Jessie’s Girl” it was easy to learn. Good old Rick Springfield found a hit, and tried to make it work again with different lyrics.

A Chicken With Its Head Cut Off – Magnetic Fields

The Magnetic Fields are awesome, and if you don’t listen to them, you should. This one gives some very interesting and amusing imagery. Also, I really love the lyrics and tune during the bridge. “We don’t have to be stars exploding in the night or electric eels under the covers. We don’t have to be anything quite so unreal, let’s just be lovers.”

Mercy – Duffy

This one is super fun to sing and super fun to flail around (ahem…I mean “dance”) to. Not only good for the car, like all others on this list, it is wonderful for cooking or doing dishes to, as well as cleaning the floor, folding laundry, or whatever, as long as you don’t have to have any sort of steady hand. I guarantee that if you start singing along, you will start moving, too.

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers

This one I like to sing in a silly, pretend serious voice while making a funny face.  Of course it is necessary to sing all parts, especially when it comes to the “dadadada”s.