Inevitably in Love

Sometimes life seems too good to be true. And though I have my bad days (really bad days), nothing can overpower the good ones. This past Saturday was a genuinely good day. Full of surprises, love, spontaneity, good friends, cold beverages and plain old fun. Sometimes songs seem to fit too perfectly into our lives. And the music is able to say everything we wanted to say, so that even in silence, feelings spill out. I heard "Stolen" this weekend after a long Dashboard hiatus and I haven't been able to stop listening to it since. Dashboard Confessional has smart lyrics with deep meaning that really pull at my emotions. Not to mention the super hot, tatted-up lead singer. Either way, this song reminds me of those bad days that inevitably exist, yet being so madly in love with one person, in a way that feels so natural, that you forget about all the crap.

So, song of the day is "Stolen" by Dashboard Confessional. This version of the song is paired with the movie Never Back Down, which while cheesy, I get chills when I see the looks that this couple gives each other on screen. (Ugh...sigh)

Rhymes with Cheddar

Oh, how I love Eddie Vedder. A man of many amazing musical collaborations, in my opinion, and I discovered a new band of his a few weeks ago. I am a Girl Talk fan and about 2 minutes and 30 seconds into their song "Play Your Part" off the Feed the Animals album, I've been hearing this awesome, addictive guitar melody and I decided that I had to find out what song it really was. To my surprise and joy, it was a song called "Hunger Strike" by Temple of the Dog, for which Eddie Vedder did vocals. Now, maybe I'm crazy, but I don't believe I've ever heard of this song or this band before, but I love it...and yes, it just has this amazing guitar melody throughout.

According to Wikipedia (Great source...I know, right?), David Fricke of Rolling Stone said, "Cornell and Vedder...turn its four minutes into a veritable opera of rock-star guilt...Cornell turns on the Robert Plant-style napalm full blast, but it is Vedder's scorched introspection that brings the conscience in the song to a full boil. "Hunger Strike" was his first starring vocal on record; it is still one of his best."

Well said, David Fricke. Well said. And without further adieu, here is the awesome 80s music video to go along with it.

Ask and I shall tell

Sometimes, you have to ask people what's wrong to really find out what's wrong. And sometimes that means bugging the heck out of them until they tell you. Or showing them you love them so that they trust you and then tell you.

Sometimes life sucks. Everyone knows that. And sometimes you need someone to break down the walls you put up...especially when you are stubborn and not always willingly forthcoming, like me. But when you find someone who can help you break the walls down, and make sure you know that everything will be OK, it's amazing. And I'm lucky enough to have some people that do that for me.

And hence, the song of the day is "Walls" by the Rocket Summer. This song is really growing on me. It was a bit eerie at first, but now it gives me chills, in a good way. The lyrics are simple, the sound is simple and the message is about real life. Enough said.

Nerd Central Station

So, I am obsessed with One Tree Hill. It's been a guilty pleasure ever since high school and I just can't bring myself to give it up. I even tweeted #SOSOneTreeHill because I cannot bear the thought of this show not existing. Also on the list of teen dramas that I am addicted to: Dawson's Creek. I have to admit that I own all six seasons, plus the finale, on DVD. Yup, I'm a nerd.

Also, because I know you want to hear more of my nerdiness, I fondly refer to the show in code as OTH811...(Dawson's Creek was DC711 for anyone that cares)...and yes, those are the abbreviated letters of the show's title, plus the time they run in CST and the channel they are on here locally in STL. Oh the things you learn about me when I write blogs...

Here is a song from tonight's episode of OTH811 that I am in love with. Grubbs was SO adorable singing this on the show and there's nothing I love more than a good, innocent slow dance. Well, that's not true. Earlier today I was actually thinking about how I wanted to go to a club and get wild to a little Usher "OMG." But, "Dance So Good" by Wakey Wakey will be gently rocking me to sleep tonight. Check it out!

He's got 'em...

Yup, this is my jam today. He's got them...all the right moves, that is. Song of the day is "All the Right Moves" by One Republic. I know it's a popular song right now. But, I like the sound of it and literally just listened to it about 10 times on replay. Enjoy!

Back to Blogging

I am returning to the blogging world.  I tried to talk about my music likes and what not on Twitter with the #nowplaying hashtag, but it just didn't feel as gratifying.  I am a writer by nature and sometimes it takes more than a line of lyric to express how I feel.  And, I feel things through music a LOT.  After all, we have feelings 24/7.  If you don't, you are dead.  Wake up and turn on your radio!  Haha.  

Anyway, I have two songs stuck in my head right now.  I would much rather be asleep, but I can't sleep, and hence me throwing in the towel to start this blog again.

#1 "Why Do I" by Joe Purdy

I must credit my friend Danielle for introducing me to this song.  I feel like it totally applies to my life in this moment.  I spent the weekend with my boyfriend and had an amazing time.  Yes, he is pretty wonderful, not gonna lie.  And tonight, coming home, back to my own bed without him is difficult.  So, I'm sitting here wondering: "Why do I get so lonely?/ When there really ain't nothin' wrong/ I can sleep just fine when you hold me/ Can't sleep at all when you're gone."  For anyone in a long-distance relationship, or anyone that's ever been in one, it's not easy.  Absolutely nothing is wrong.  I'm a strong girl, but coming home to a quiet room and empty bed just isn't a feeling I enjoy thoroughly.  From what I can tell, Joe Purdy is wonderful.  A little twangy at times, but a lot of feeling, and some great guitar.  A nice chill song for a rainy day.  Check out "Why Do I" and some of his other tunes on this music player from Danielle's blog...and check out her other posts too, because she's awesome.

#2 "Somewhere In Between" by Lifehouse

I have this horrible addiction to Lifehouse and while I feel that all of their songs sound very similar and are totally mundane, I find myself hooked.  "I can't be/ Losing sleep over this/ No I can't...What is real/ Just a dream."  I never thought I would be that person who confused real life with dreams.  But lately, things have been good and I feel a little like I'm floating.  The smooth sound of Jason Wade's voice somehow makes me feel like all is right in the world.  I just LOVE this song lately.  That's a lie.  I LOVE the verses.  The chorus is mediocre.  But the verses...the verses make me melt.  Not exactly sure why...

Spent and superficial

Yup, you. I'm talking to you. OPEN.YOUR.EYES! Listen...some people are not blind literally, but they are totally blind and oblivious to what other people need in life. I see this as a serious problem. When you don't see what I need out of you as a parent, friend, boyfriend, etc., it's just not going to work. Simple fact of life. Some people are completely unable to reach this level of understanding. They are void of any depth, and it often seems impossible to reach them. And I think that's the message Snow Patrol is trying to get across with their song "Open Your Eyes." I LOVE the way this song builds up to the climax, and that climax is almost fist pump-worthy...but in a more classy, non-Jersey Shore type of way.

Regardless, this song really makes me think of some of the internal stuggles I've had in relationships of all kind. It reminds me of relationships that haven't worked because some people consistently fail to open up to you. When everything is on the surface and you can't see what the other person needs, it becomes lifeless. And it takes a LOT out of those people emotionally. And that's how I feel today: a little emotionally spent. So, here is an amateur video that is not great by any means, but I still enjoy it because it get's the point across. And here are some lyrics for your reading pleasure.

"Get up, get out, get away from these liars
'Cause they don't get your soul or your fire
Take my hand, knot your fingers through mine
And we'll walk from this dark room for the last time...
I want so much to open your eyes
'Cause I need you to look into mine."

Phoenix? Phoenix, Arizona? Ummm, no.

Anytime I hear the word "Phoenix," I automatically think Arizona. DUH! But no, I'm not talking about Arizona here. I'm talking about a wonderful band called Phoenix that has become my new obsession. I first discovered their song "1901" on the new 2010 Cadillac SRX commercial. It is a fun, slightly techno-undertone, good for driving in your car type of song. And if you know me, you know that I enjoy techno to some degree...for example, in high school, I went to a lot of mixers and the last song was typically "Sandstorm" by DaRude, and that was my cue to get my groove on! Haha. Sooooo, yeah. I'm cool.

After a couple of weeks of rocking out to "1901" and my boyfriend laughing at me for what I like to call "car dancing" I was listening to Pandora at work; the song "Litszomania" by Phoenix started to play. I instantly recognized the voice of the lead singer and the easy-going, free-flow of the song. And....dun, dun, dun....fell in love with yet another Phoenix song. I have no idea what this song is about...something about rhinos, maybe? I guess I could look up the lyrics and think about it, but to save us both some time, I'm not going to. I'm sure it's not literally about rhinos, but rather in some sort of wonderfully artsy figurative way. So, check it out and let me know what you think.

Doing what's right, even if it's wrong

I wish I could be fearless. And although I really despise Taylor Swift at times for her giddy, heartfelt pre-teen tunes, I thoroughly enjoyed this song on my drive in to work this morning.

It's a song that makes me re-feel every emotion of falling in love. And love is truly is about diving "head first, fearless." I think I'm learning to be this way about relationships...just jumping in, taking chances and facing challenges as they come.

As much as I hate it and as much as it stresses me out sometimes, I love that feeling of not knowing what's going to happen next. I've always seen myself as more guarded...more of the "planner/organizer" type and not so much "go with the flow." But I've made a conscious effort to change that, and overall, I've been HAPPIER since making that decision. So, sometimes you have to block everyone else out to be selfish and confident, and do what you feel is right...even if it ends up being completely wrong.

Beyonce - Double time!

Today is a DOUBLE feature day, because one song from this artist is never good enough alone! Hahaha! Beyonce. The queen. Not only does she rock as Jay-Z's arm candy at a variety of events and in videos, but also Beyonce lights up the scene (or at least YouTube) with a number of creative, jealousy-reaping dance videos. And since my friend made me hate the song "Single Ladies," I had to come up with some quality Beyonce songs that don't remind me of her.

The first song, "Halo" will hit you with sweet melodies like an 80's rock ballad. No matter how hard I try to sing this song, it just doesn't sound as good as BK (maybe it's 'cuz she's from Texas?!) And yes, I used to sing in a number of choirs professionally and took voice lessons, so I'm realistically somewhat musically inclined.

I am also a huge fan of the clapping noise in the backround. See Mute Math's "Spotlight (Twilight Remix)" for more of this, more intensely. And if you're really looking for a good time, be sure to watch Robert Pattinson exit a car with an ear-to-ear smile and vintage RayBan's while you listen to this one.

The second song of the day is most definitely "Ego," a title that Beyonce shares with mastermind Kanye West. His lyrics and cocky tone throughout the song really make it a feel-good piece. Beyonce couldn't do this one alone, that's for sure. This song is the perfect playful mix.

And the honorable mention goes to: "Sweet Dreams"

All three songs are GREAT for getting you into the Valentine's Day spirit, which I was initially boycotting, but now am deciding to embrace. All about how you approach things...

Just kidding with Kid Cudi

Thank God for great friends that pull you out of stupid funks.  Suddenly, I am feeling refreshed.  Got home from work, ate a delicious cheeseburger and sat down at my computer in hopes of finding the perfect song for the day.  I chose a playlist on my iTunes that I like to call "Dani's Lake Mix" and I cannot take credit for all the good content of the playlist.  I spent a significant amount of time at my BFF's lake house this past summer (yes, I just said BFF).  Now listen: this was my first time going to THE lake and I experienced a lot of firsts in my life.  Here are a few:

1.  First time swimming in a lake

2.  First time jumping off a dock

3.  First time jumping off a boat

4.  First time cliff jumping (painful...)

5.  First time tubing

6.  First time on a 4-wheeler

It was a pretty fabulous summer, I'm not gonna lie.  And the soundtrack of the summer gives me nothing more than GREAT memories with GREAT friends!   So, the one song that got me out of this funk today was Kid Cudi's "Made Her Say."  A wonderful collaboration of pop culture that stimulates the senses and makes you want to get up and dance...at a place with mirrored walls, fuchsia lighting and disco balls!  You know, the usual.

Anyway, other songs on this mix include (because I know you care): "Paper Planes" by MIA, "US Placers" by Lupe Fiasco, "I Love College" by Asher Roth, "This Town" by OAR and "Dirt Off Your Shoulders (Bittersweet Symphony)" by Jay-Z and the Verve.  BEAUTIFUL!  

But seriously, go watch this video from Kid Cudi if you haven't yet and prepare to be dazzled.

Stress and self-sabotage

Today has been uber frustrating and I can't find the right song to fit. I've been overwhelmingly unproductive and there is not one clear thought in my mind right now. The fact that my contact lens is messed up and making my right eye blurry, just seems like a metaphor for my life right now. I'm leaning toward the following:

"I hate everthing about you" - Three Days Grace
"Reckless" - Papa Roach
"All the same" - Sick Puppies

Needless to say, I had a rough weekend full of stress and self-sabotage. And now, just letting it all sink in. Kind of makes me sick. Things I would need to make myself feel better about life/my weekend: a private chartered jet from St. Louis to Columbia (at any and all times of the day), a glass of lemonade...oh, and my sanity. Yes, please! But really, not even that would make it right.

However, there were some good things about my weekend: McDonald's iced coffee, awesome friends, live music, Budweiser, my delicious chili, pinot noir, catch phrase, football and going running in the snow. Not too shabby, eh?

Still sipping Mai Tais

I love anything and everything NEW YORK!  My family is from Long Island and I dream of living there someday...maybe...for a few months.  Not sure if I'm cut out for NY living, but I'd like to try it.  This song is overplayed now, but I think it really captures the essence of the Big Apple. Being in NY is feeling free for me.  Thank you Jay-Z for feeding my "Empire State of Mind."

"Yeah I'm out at Brooklyn
Now I'm down in Tribeca
Right next to DeNiro
But I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra
And since I made it here
I can make it anywhere
Yeah they love me everywhere
I used to cop in Harlem
All of my Dominicanos 
Right there off of Broadway
Brought me back to that McDonalds
Took it to my stash spot
560 State Street
Catch me in the kitchen like Simmons whipping Pastry
Cruising down 8th street
Off-white Lexus
Driving so slow 
but BK, is from Texas
Me I'm out that BedStuy
Home of that boy Biggie
now I live on Billboard
and I brought my boys with me
Say what up to Ta-ta
Still sipping Mai Tais
Sitting courtside
Knicks and Nets give me high-5
N**ga, I be Spiked out
I could trip a referee
...tell by my attitude that I'm MOST DEFINITELY FROM...

New York!!!!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can’t do,
Now you're in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York."

Check out the music video here.

First.blog.EVER!

I've wanted to write a blog for the longest time, but had no idea what to write about.  It's taken a lot of time and a lot of thought. But today, things feel different; better.  And I realized that the music we listen to says a lot about us.  I relate to music a LOT and "I Feel It All" by Feist inspired me write this to some degree, hence the name of the blog.  Although my boyfriend says that this song "freaks him out," I think it's fabulous and intelligent and true.  

So, this blog will mainly be about music and whatever my "song of the day" is that correlates with my mood, but other random ramblings may occur.  

"I feel it all I feel it all
The wings are wide the wings are wide
Wild card inside wild card inside

Oh I'll be the one who'll break my heart
I'll be the one to hold the gun

I know more than I knew before
I know more than I knew before
I didn't rest I didn't stop
Did we fight or did we talk

Oh I'll be the one who'll break my heart
I'll be the one to hold the gun

I love you more
I love you more
I don't know what I knew before
But now I know I wanna win the war"