When I got a new computer last year, I was able to successfully transfer almost everything from my old computer. Unfortunately, one of the things that took a hit during the transfer was my iTunes library. I lost dozens of songs and albums, which I have been working to restore via iTunes support (for purchases) and old backup CDs I found. One of my favorite songs from the ’80s, “Only the Lonely” by the Motels, was one of those song casualties. It’s since been restored to my library, and in honor of that — and the fact that I still love this song so much — I’m sharing the video for it here. I have to say, even decades later, lead singer Martha Davis‘ voice still amazes me.
“Beam Me Up” by the Swedish DJ duo Cazzette is yet another song introduced to me by satellite radio a few months ago. And, oh, how I love it. I’m not a dancing person — and certainly not in public — but every time I hear this song, I’m right there in spirit with all the people dancing in the video. I’m waving glow sticks in the air and dancing in perfect time to the music while looking fabulous in short shorts. In my head, of course. And as I slowly get back on the fitness wagon, this song is at the top of my list for my new workoutplaylist.
Tonight we’ll run away / Speeding faster than a midnight train / Somewhere to such a place / Where the stars come out to light your face / We’ll leave behind a world in darkness / Go where no one’s broken hearted / Take off without a trace / Neon angels, up, up and away
Ride my clouds / I think we’re getting closer / Don’t stop now / Off the ground / Higher than a supernova / Don’t look down [x4]
Beam me up [x4]
Ride my clouds / I think we’re getting closer / Don’t stop now / Off the ground / Higher than a supernova / Don’t look down [x2]
After we kissed the sun / We can burn our names into the sky / Feel my electric touch / Taste my supersonic lullaby
Ride my clouds / I think we’re getting closer / Don’t stop now / Off the ground / Higher than a supernova / Don’t look down [x4]
Beam me up [x4]
Ride my clouds / I think we’re getting closer / Don’t stop now / Off the ground / Higher than a supernova / Don’t look down [x2]
Ride my clouds / I think we’re getting closer / Don’t stop now / Off the ground / Higher than a supernova / Don’t look down [x2]
As with most new-to-me music these days, I first heard this song by The Neighbourhood on Sirius XM. I was entranced by singer Jesse Rutherford’s smooth-as-velvet voice and the overall British sound (to me, anyway) of the song. From start to finish, it feels almost hypnotic to me. Add in a noir-esque black-and-white video, and I’m completely sold on this L.A. band. Why exactly would I label this moody, dark song as “My Happy for the Day”? Because it really does make me happy to hear it: It’s unlike most new music these days and really stands out to me. It also excites me to think about hearing more music from The Neighbourhood, which most definitely makes me happy.
I think I found help / I think I found something / I think I found something in my TV screen / I think I found out, that I have nothing / That I have nothing in this place for me
I watched it all in my head / Perfect sense / They’ll take me from my bed / Leave everything that is worth a single cent and just take me instead / That TV show that I saw as I fell asleep / Had me on both knees / Praying to whatever is in heaven / Please send me felon / And don’t let the police know …
I think I can tell / I think I can tell them / Tell them they were made for me / I’m thinking they’ll know / Know it already / I’m thinking they’ll know just about everything.
I bet they planned it all out / Like the shows / Went everywhere I go / Walked in the store right behind me / Stood in line right beside me and followed me to my home / I’m sure they figured it out / Early on / That I would never run / That they could shoot but that’s no fun / ‘Cause then they’re killing their stolen son
Through the spouse, I was introduced to David Guetta‘s music. While I’ve enjoyed most of what I’ve heard by him, my favorite of his songs has to be “Titanium,” which features Sia. There are a lot of interpretations out there as to the song’s meaning — that it’s about standing up to an abusive spouse, coping with verbal abuse, and being bullied. No matter how you interpret it, I interpret it as saying that it will take a lot to knock me down and that I’m stronger than others (and even I) realize. However you interpret it, I think it’s a pretty kick-ass song.
You shout it out / But I can’t hear a word you say / I’m talking loud not saying much / I’m criticized but all your bullets ricochet / You shoot me down, but I get up
I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose / Fire away, fire away / Ricochet, you take your aim / Fire away, fire away / You shoot me down but I won’t fall / I am titanium / You shoot me down but I won’t fall / I am titanium
Cut me down / But it’s you who have further to fall / Ghost town and haunted love / Raise your voice, sticks and stones may break my bones / I’m talking loud not saying much
I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose / Fire away, fire away / Ricochet, you take your aim / Fire away, fire away / You shoot me down but I won’t fall / I am titanium / You shoot me down but I won’t fall / I am titanium / I am titanium / I am titanium
Stone-hard, machine gun / Firing at the ones who run / Stone-hard as bulletproof glass
You shoot me down but I won’t fall / I am titanium / You shoot me down but I won’t fall / I am titanium / You shoot me down but I won’t fall / I am titanium / You shoot me down but I won’t fall / I am titanium / I am titanium
I still can’t believe this week marks the 15th anniversary of Jeff Buckley‘s death. I had heard “Last Goodbye” a few times and liked it, but it wasn’t until after he died that I discovered how amazing his first and only complete studio album, Grace, truly was. And as much as I love the album as a whole and so many of the songs on it, “Last Goodbye” is one of my all-time favorites. It’s such a beautiful, heartbreaking song about the end of a relationship, perfectly describing what it’s like when love dies, the regrets, the doubts, the gratefulness for all of it. Listening to Grace this week for the first time in too long is a bittersweet experience. The album is so amazing to listen to, but it serves as a sad reminder of what could’ve been had Jeff lived past the young age of 30. I’m grateful, though, that at least his music lives on.
Today’s Flashback Friday is one of my favorite early-’90s songs, one that perfectly fit into the whole alt-rock music scene I was so into at the time. While the Soup Dragons are probably better known for their cover of “I’m Free,” it was “Divine Thing” that really floated my boat. The lyrics, the sound — for me they came together perfectly in this song that always, always lifts my spirits whenever I hear it.
Welcome to this week’s Flashback Friday. This week I’m trotting out one of my late-’90s favorites, “Your Woman” by White Town*. On first listen, I loved the quirkiness not only of the unique music (setting it apart from all the grunge that was prevalent then), but its gender-bending lyrics. Was he singing from the woman’s point of view? The man’s? Either way, it was incredibly catchy and fun to listen to. I think the video is perfect for the song — it’s an equally quirky, black and white mini-movie about a woman’s single-minded pursuit of the man she thinks is for her. Like the song, the video ends on just the right note.
Since buying Little Mo, I’ve been enjoying the free three-month Sirius XM subscription that came with it. What do I primarily listen to on my nice, fancy, commercial-free, cutting-edge satellite radio? Why, ’80s and ’90s music, of course. Oh, and some BPM. What I’m enjoying most listening to the ’80s and ’90s stations is hearing songs I haven’t heard in years. Sometimes it’s even been songs I forgot existed. (I’m looking at you, “A Nightmare on My Street” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince.) Which is why I’m starting Flashback Friday, where I’ll feature some long-forgotten — or just not heard often enough — song. At least songs that are long-forgotten — or not heard often enough — for me. First up, Luscious Jackson‘s “Naked Eye.” I still remember the first time I saw the video. All I could think was “Brodie!” Now, watching it again, I can’t help but think of all those ABC Pan Am promos. I have no plans to watch Pan Am. And I think Luscious Jackson’s trip through the airport is much cooler.
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