Monday, July 9, 2007

Manic Monday List - Part, the first

So, here it is. The reason these songs are on my playlist:

Love Will Keep Us Together by Cap'n & Tenille - I remember listening to the 8-track of this album on the way to visit Steve and Becky (was it in Phoenix? not sure, I just know they had a redwood hottub that my dad had helped them with).

Pachelbel Canon in D - In high school, my friend Cathy went on a cross-country road trip with her parents and this was their sound track. Later, when Mr. Triumph & I went to Tom and Linda's wedding we listened to it all through Iowa and Nebraska. I can't hear this music and not think of rolling grain, corn and soybean fields.

Sweet Baby James by James Taylor - A friend introduced me to James Taylor's music just after high school and I've enjoyed it ever since. Mr. Triumph and I attended an outdoor concert of his with Steve and Shamae. James Taylor is definitely one to enjoy on a blanket under the stars.

Groove Is In the Heart by Dee Lite - Mr. Triumph bought this album for me. I think we had danced to this in the 'Soul Room' of the Ivy Tower. I used to get my groove thang on. Sigh...

ABC by the Jackson 5 - Didn't we all love Michael when he was cute rather than 'pretty'?

I Send a Message by INXS - Uncle Tom introduced me to this group in the orange-carpeted basement of Grandma B. Thanks, Tom. This group has a great sound best enjoyed on an awesome speaker system.

Goody Two Shoes by Adam Ant - I think this was my theme song my junior and senior years of high school. Unfortunately, not so much during my sophomore year - I blame that on junior high-hangover.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T by Aretha Franklin - The girl who won the talent contest on our cruise to Mexico sang this - just like Aretha. I keep looking for this girl's name (Casey Spitts) to be in the music news somewhere because she could really sing!

She by Elvis Costello - Mr. Triumph introduced me to Elvis, and I just love his unique voice. We've seen him in concert, and I've never seen a better showman. Also, I don't think he sweats, and you've just got to admire that in a man.

Thank God by John Denver - also another 8 track we listened to on the way to the 'Ponds' although this song wasn't on it. The one I remember most was "I'm Leavin' On a Jet Plane" - Stacy and I could really get into it.

King of the Road by The Proclaimers - Of course Johnny Cash sings this better, but we like this updated version with a Scottish twist.

Fishin' in the Dark by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - We used to close the fast food restaurant I worked at to this song. Who knew the cooks could sing like that?

What's Up by 4 Non Blondes - This is a fairly recent acquisition to my music palate. I never knew who sang it until I put it on the playlist, but I remember hearing it the first time while I was driving past the golf course early in the morning. It could almost be the theme song for my down days, the ones when I allow myself a tiny pity party.

Forever Young by Rod Stewart - I love Rod's voice and that he wrote this for his son.

Walkin' On Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves - My theme song on all the other days.

Under Pressure by Queen/David Bowie - Mr. Triumph is also responsible for my love of things Queen and David Bowie. Ty loves this song so I guess I do too.

Girlfriend in a Coma by The Smiths - also thanks to Cathy. We used to play at tennis. Mostly we'd dress for tennis and then retieve the balls we hit over the fence of the tennis court. Oh! and drink Fresca.

Back on the Chain Gang by The Pretenders - Yep, from Mr. Triumph again. Crissie Hynde really is talented.

Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers - I suppose it's unofficially 'our song' and interestingly enough it was sung to Tom & Jade at their wedding breakfast the day before our double reception.

If You Leave by OMD - Makes me remember the summer after ninth grade when I had my first real crush and snuck off with a group of girls to meet a group of guys for "Pretty in Pink". I so could not enjoy myself, I kept thinking my parents were going to see us, gasp- with boys.

Changes by David Bowie - just like it

I Only Want to be With You by the Bay City Rollers - Iliked this group again after watching So I Married an Axe Murderer, the only Mike Myers movie (ok besides Wayne's World) that I've watched. I tried Austin Powers and I guess I'm just too old to appreciate that kind of humor.

Safety Dance by Men in Hats - Junior High days dancing up in the girls room at the house with the spider-infested basement. Also Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart. What is junior high for if not to be all emo?

Take a Chance On Me by Erasure - originally an ABBA hit, I liked their version too. I went to this concert with Wendy in my post high school days. They are some very messed-up guys who happen to have a fun sound. Is there such a thing as secondhand smoke highs?

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham - I think Ben H-Smith was the first to introduce us to WHAM! We loved being on the leading edge of music. This was before they went all weird and started singing about S - E - X.

Rock Lobster by the B52s - Again that first crush. Noreen, do you remember Todd and Travis? Couldn't dance, but they were fun.

Forever Young by Aphaville - Obligatory slow dance song from jr high to high school.

Saturday Night by Bay City Rollers - Axe Murderer again.

Sea of Love by Cat Power - Of course the Honeydrippers sang it better, but I thought she had a unique voice. Might just have to replace it.

Big Time by Peter Gabriel - thanks to Mr. Triumph, and a cool video. You should check it out.

Let's Dance by David Bowie - reminiscent of Dance Magic Dance from Labyrinth, Kenna's second favorite movie growing up.

Only You by Yaz - more Benetton dressing, Fresca drinking, tennis attempting memories with Cathy.

Ahhhh, those were the days. Glad they're over, moving on now............

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

i remember reading a blog a couple years ago about the blogger listing all the songs she listened to while in highschool. she said how these songs helped her get through many challenging moments. she also said that even though there were the few questionable songs (because of their lyrics or underlying message) that because she didn't know what they meant anyway, that she felt protected being able to enjoy the beat that would often bring her out of her gloomy feelings. i couldn't agree more. while i love hymns there's nothing like a good upbeat song too!

Anonymous said...

Forever Young by Alphaville was one of my favorite songs once upon a time.
It was also the favorite song of a friend who committed suicide at age 16.
I felt I couldn't listen to it after that because of the memories associated with it. If it came on the radio I'd turn it or if I heard it at a dance I had to leave the room, I would be flooded with such strong emotions.
I actually still turn it out of habit if I hear it come on. I'm sure I could listen to it now, but don't really want too. It will always remind me of him and not in a happy way.
It really is amazing what an impact music can have, especially in our younger years, when life was such a drama accompanied by the songs we listened too all the time.

Elizabeth-W said...

As one of three LDS kids in my high school, Goody Two Shoes was regularly sung to me throughout my middle school/high school years :)
I think we were best friends in another life time purely based on your musical leanings ;)
The Ivy Tower....sigh.....when life was easy........

Lisa M. said...

This was WAY fun to read!

b. said...

great list!
She....I love that song! Wasn't it in Notting Hill?
We had a Helen Reddy 8track. Now that goes wayy back!
S-a-t-u-r-d-a-y...Night! Reminds me of the skatin' rink.