"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?

My-Life-Is-Pretty-Awesome Playlist

      A couple of months ago, I made a broken hearted playlist. I haven't needed it in quite some time, however, because as it turns out, my life is pretty awesome. These are some of the delightful tunes I have been listening to lately, and if you are as awesome as me, or your life is pretty awesome, you should probably start listening to this playlist as soon as possible. 

    You'll note that there are many Canadian artists on the list, and that is due to the influence of the incredibly cool and 100% fantastic Protagitron.

   "Carmensita” – Devandra Banhart

This is a great song to listen to in the car on the way to work. I love the rhythms, and while I have absolutely no idea what he is singing about since I don’t speak Spanish, I can’t help but crank it up nice and loud and dance in the car. More than once I have pulled into the school parking lot dancing as much as humanly possible in a car. Yeah, I’m crazy, but it makes me happy. 

"Can’t Get No Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones

It’s true. I just can’t get not satisfaction, and it certainly isn’t for lack of trying. It is more for lack of talent and general attractiveness, but whatcha gonna do? The Rolling Stones and I have had a long standing relationship. Plus, singing along to this song and dancing in my pajamas is much healthier than feeling sorry for myself, not to mention it is just a good song. 

"Bret, You’ve Got it Goin’ On” -  Flight of the Conchords

While Bret is looking for a woman who is “needy for a weedy shy guy”, I am looking for a man who wants a clumsy, stubborn, over-excitable, kind of crazy woman. And if Bret has got it goin’ on, then I feel like I do, too. Unlike Bret, though, my friends have never admitted to putting a wig on me while I was asleep to deal with their own loneliness.  Also, none of my friends have complimented my beard, or my ability to find short cuts in this part of town.

 “Nothing More to Say” – Joel Plaskett and The Emergency
I love, love, love the opening to this song. Right now, this song couldn’t be truer, either. All the leaves ARE gone, and winter is definitely here. Also, I have nothing more to say to him. This is another great one to sing and dance to in the car in the morning, although the language is not exactly appropriate, so I can’t listen to the beginning really, super loud as I pull into the parking lot, just in case there are children around. But there are almost never children in the parking lot in the morning. Once there was a dog, though. 

  “The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World

As always, this song makes me feel better. It is one of those songs that really pumps me up and gives me energy and reminds me that sometimes it is only in my head that I feel that way. While I may feel like I am struggling to stay afloat, I can’t write myself off yet. And if you know me at all, you know that whenever I hear this song, I dance like a crazy person. It really does not matter where I am when it comes on. I have been lucky so far never to have heard it in an interview or in the middle of an important meeting.

“Don’t Let Us Bring You Down” – Bend Sinister

I was introduced to Bend Sinister in August by my extremely wise former roommate (the Protagitron), and I actually really enjoy a lot of their music. This one reminds me not to let all the little stuff bring me down. You should listen to it and learn the words, because it is awfully fun to just belt it out.
  
"Baba O’Riley” – The Who

Again, this one is just a classic that has been with me throughout my entire life. I remember listening to it in the backseat of my dad’s car and him having to rewind it again and again because we both enjoy it so much. When I think back to all that time I spent listening to music with my dad when I was little, it is really a miracle I can still hear at all.

“Time Breaks Down” – Bend Sinister

Bend Sinister. They’re awesome. Look them up.

“Won’t Back Down” – Tom Petty

This is my theme song. I am stupidly, ridiculously stubborn, and it is something I am learning to accept about myself. It is my belief (even though I have proven myself wrong many times) that if I just keep trying and I don’t give up, I will eventually succeed. To be clear, there have been plenty of incidences in my life where I should not believe this, but logic and reason are completely overshadowed by my stubbornness. Sometimes I think I really could be stood up at the gates of Hell, and I would stand my ground. 

“A Kiss is Not A Contract” – Flight of the Conchords

A kiss is not a contract, but it’s very nice. I can’t go around loving anyone! I just wouldn’t get anything done! To be honest, though, it isn’t like there is a line. Please see number 2 on the list. I just think this song is silly.

“Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side” – The Magnetic Fields

This goofy ditty makes me giggle a little bit every time. It is fun and funny. You should listen to it while doing dishes. That’s what I do.

“Middle Management” – Bishop Allen

Another good one for the ride to work, “Middle Management” will stick in your head at least long enough to entertain you for the walk from the car to the classroom. I know I don’t work in an office setting, but every once and a while I feel like it still applies. We don’t have a water cooler, but we do have a lounge. And I have never felt like this isn’t the job for me, but I have felt frustration. But it is just a good song, and I get to yell “ALRIGHT!” in the car, which I like. 

“Non, Je ne Regrette Rien” – Edith Piaf
This one is fun to sing along to in the car, while doing dishes, while folding laundry, or whatever. You just need to make sure that you have the energy and wind power to sing along as loudly and dramatically as possible. Over-exaggerated facial expressions are a must, as are dramatic operetta-esque arm and body movements. And I suppose it is true. My life is not so bad, and everything that has happened before now has put me where I am now, and so I don’t regret it. My life is pretty awesome, even though I seem to meet one disaster after another. But that is just because I am accident prone and terribly unlucky. But I am lucky in that I have wonderful friends and family who are amazing, I have a job, I have a comfortable home, and I can play the piano, which brings me a lot of joy. 

  “Things Will Get Better” – Bend Sinister

If I am having a rough time, I still love to listen to this song. After “Won’t Back Down” it exactly describes how I feel about life. If things aren’t perfect right now, don’t worry about it. Keep working. Keep doing your best. Keep your head up. Things will get better (even though it might take forever)!

If you have any songs or artists you think I need to add or consider adding, let me know. I am thinking of doing some more research on Joel Plankett. I got a kick out of his song about the teacher as well, but I don't know it as well. That is probably because I listen to "Nothing More to Say" quite a few times during the week, but I've only heard that song once all the way through. I may have to remedy that.

Broken Hearted Playlist

I was feeling particularly blue the other day, and my very wise and wonderful former roommate suggested a song to me. It is a wonderful song that repeats what I have been telling myself for months now. It inspired me to get myself a nice cup of tea and work on a little playlist to make myself feel better.

Here is the playlist so far:

1.“Things Will Get Better” – Bend Sinister
This was recommended by my fantastic Marty. I love the upbeatness (real technical music term, there. You can tell I studied music.) and how it so precisely speaks to how I feel and how I keep trying to talk to myself to get through it. I whole-heartedly recommend you give this a good listen, especially if you have ever been thwarted by love.

2.“When Will You Love me Again?” – The Magnetic Fields
I used to be a big fan of the Magnetic Fields’ quirky love songs. Their ability to capture just how awkward but wonderful love can be, how sometimes silly and confusing it can be. Now those songs just upset me, and remind me how I am not with him. Luckily, The Magnetic Fields also have a plethora of songs about lost love. The lyrics to this song are often similar to what runs through my head a few times a day, between me telling myself that it might take forever, but things will get better.

3. “Maybe” – Ingrid Michaelson
Because right now I really hope that maybe, someday, in the future, he might come back. Because I still find myself reaching for him some mornings. Because I feel like I am sitting on the pavement, trying hard not to cry. Because right now, his is the last hand I want to hold, but all I can do is continue on and maybe, just maybe, someday in the future, he just might come back.

4.“Maybe” – Janis Joplin
This is another song about maybes, but sung by Janis Joplin, so you really feel it in your gut. Even though he has broken her heart, she says maybe he might come back home. You can feel her pain as she sings about being hurt, but being willing to forget all about it, if only he would come home and talk to her. “Now come on! I said come back! Won’t you come back – come back to me?”

5. “I Thought You Were my Boyfriend” – The Magnetic Fields
This song is kind of silly, and doesn’t really apply to my situation other than he told me that he loved me, but the joke was on me. I thought he was my boyfriend. I thought I was just the girl for him, that we were going to stick together (like glue) forever. I don’t know how long I was strung along.

6.“I Fall to Pieces” – Patsy Cline
Much like Janis, you can just feel Patsy’s broken heart. Unlike Patsy, though, I don’t even get the friendship part. I lost him as lover and friend. Recently I’ve been trying to determine what would be more painful – the way it is now, where he is completely absent, or if I could only have him in my life again, even as a friend. However, like Patsy, I do fall to pieces just a little bit every time I hear his name, every time I am reminded of him, every time I catch myself from telling a story about him or of something we experienced together. Also like Patsy, time seems only to add to the flame. Which is why I have to keep reminding myself that things will get better, and I need to be patient because it just might take forever.

7.“Breakeven” – The Script
When I put my ipod back in its case and put that case in a box in the back of my closet, this song was on the radio quite a bit. Where I used to listen to my ipod back and forth from school and work, I was now stuck with radio, and there seemed to be only this song and the “Soul Sister” song that I absolutely hate, since it reminds me that I am completely resistible. Anyway, “Breakeven” really spoke to me, and I spent many afternoons leaving work with tears welling up in my eyes because what am I supposed to do when the best part of being in love was him? Darn right when a heart breaks it doesn’t break even! And there’s nothing I can say when I’m all choked up and he’s just fine and dandy!

8.“Live and Let Die” – Paul McCartney & WINGS
Well, when I was young, my heart was an open book. I used to say, “Live and let live!” just to random people in Cub Foods. If you know me, you know I did. But then this world is always changing, so I just had to give in and cry, “Live and let die!” Then I started doing some crazy gymnastics in Cub Foods and while taking Henry for a walk through Evermoor. And you know what, what does it matter anyway? When you got a job to do, you have to do it well. You have to give the other fellow hell, because what else can you do with your time? And that's why I yell "Live and let die!" out my car window as I drive by parks where children play.

9.“Won’t Back Down” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
This has been one of my favorite songs since I was a small child. I like to think it justifies my ridiculously stubborn streak. There are times when I really think I could be stood up at the gates of hell and stick to my guns. Sometimes I don’t even back down when I know I should. When I get a bee in my bonnet, I can’t shake it. And I get tired of being pushed around sometimes. This song doesn’t really apply to being jilted in love so much as it is a reminder to me that Tom Petty says it is ok for me to refuse to back down.

10.“Be OK” – Ingrid Michaelson
There are moments in time when all I want is to be ok. I want that pain in my abdomen to go away. I want to feel like I used to feel, and I want to know that things are going to be wonderful again sometime soon.

11.“Change Your Mind” – Bend Sinister
Bend Sinister, a band I was just introduced to the other day, is making another appearance. This song reminds me that sometimes you do everything, but they still leave, and you can’t change their mind. Again, the music itself is peppy enough so that it gives me a little bit of energy even as it connects with me on the level that I feel a little used and a little bit of a failure. But it reminds me that it may always be on my mind, but it wasn’t my decision. I can’t change his mind.

12. “Crazy” – Patsy Cline
This song made the cut for a few different reasons. Again, you can just feel Patsy Cline’s broken heart. Her pain is my pain. Also, I’ve spent a lot of time feeling crazy myself lately for all the reasons that Patsy sings about.

13.“Por Que Te Vas?” – Los Super Elegantes
I get a kick out of Los Super Elegantes. I like the dance beat and the trumpet. I also really enjoy the matter-of-fact tone they use when asking, “Why did you leave?” It seems less an accusation and more of just a statement as they describe their feeling of loss. Plus, I like that it is in Spanish, even though I can’t speak Spanish.

14.“The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World
Much like “Won’t Back Down”, this song is one that has gotten me through some other rough patches. Never have I had to apply it to something that meant this much to me, but I’m working on it. Just listening to it makes me feel a little better about myself. I appreciate that Jimmy Eat World tries to assure me that it is only in my head I feel this craptacular. While I disagree that I am doing better on my own, I am going to continue being myself – my awkward, crazy, confused, stubborn, ridiculous self with a cornucopia of interesting health issues and an ability to have to struggle through simple, every day activities for no particular reason – even if I think it might not be good enough for someone else. I also like to think that I shouldn’t write myself off just yet, because there is a good possibility that things will work out just fine.

Also, this song makes me dance like a crazy person when no one else is around, so that’s another plus for it.

15.“Piece of My Heart” – Janis Joplin
Just take another piece of my heart! I don’t even care! It may be in pieces right now, but if you come back, you can have it all over again! I loved you then, I love you now, and I don’t regret giving you my heart! So little do I regret it, that I would do it all over again! So, come on! Just take another little piece of my heart!

16.“Things Will Get Better” – Bend Sinister
Yes. I realize that this is the first song on the playlist as well, but that’s where I am at right now. I am hoping things will get better. No - I know that it may take forever, but things will get better.