Year 3, Day 159

Hey. So today's song is Pumpin Blood by NONONO.

So apparently when I missed a call from my sister yesterday it was because she was sending me info on condos to buy. It was a nice gesture on her part, but seriously I can't. I'm only 21 and still have school debt to pay off, I can't exactly afford a $200,000 apartment in a neighborhood that is too far away from my life. I wont be ready to move out for awhile yet, but I know I will eventually. I'm trying to stay positive and who knows what might happen? Maybe by the time I'm done this year's blog I'll have everything set. Doubtful, but I mean that gives me about 200 days to see what I can accomplish. I'm challenging you guys to try this to. Find something you want to have accomplished that seems unattainable in that time frame, a goal of where you want your life to be and work towards it. Let's both see how far 200 days takes us.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 158

Hello. Today's song is Be Okay by Oh Honey.

 Okay so I went for my interview today and it was pretty good. The girl I met with seemed cool and after talking for three minutes she said she liked me so chances are I'll be getting a second interview and (crossed fingers) a job! In preparation for my interview I had gone shopping and bought $500 dollars worth of professionalism! That may seem like a lot, but I haven't actually gone shopping in 3 years and I usually do one big buy and then nothing until everything I own is falling apart. I also chopped all of my hair off so now I look different, more grown up which is a good thing and am trying to get my life set. Hopefully it all works out.So this song relates my optimism right now. I have been so upbeat since leaving the office today and it's been a long time since the weight was off my shoulders so much. If I could describe the feeling to you, it would be this song. Just jammin out while driving in the sunlight knowing that everything will work out. It's the ultimate pick up song so I hope it makes your day great!

Peace.

Year 3, Day 157

Morning! So today's song is Kick Drum Heart by The Avett Brothers.

So I got another message about a job yesterday. I've gone this entire year of blogging with nothing on the job front, and now I get three interview requests after applying for one job. I don't understand. I mean yes, it was summer so I had to compete with summer students but there were two months where all the kids were back in school and I was still getting nothing....well there's a lesson. Apparently best time to job hunt is the end of September, who knew? Anyway today's adventure will be me deciding if I call back all these companies, me doing the thing I hate which is shopping because I need business clothes and cutting my hair short again. It should be an either good or terribly terribly bad day. I'm trying to start it out well with a good song so we'll see what happens from here.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 156

What's Up. So today's song is No Scrubs by TLC.

The last few days have consisted of me trying to finish the projects that I've had going for months and surprisingly I managed to do it. I've been taking all the pictures from the last seven years off of Facebook and printing them to put into photo albums so my whole life isn't online. It's something my teacher suggested doing, is filtering what you have on your online profile because employers are likely to Google you. Seeing a bunch of pictures of you drunk out of your ass is never good. That one doesn't really apply to me since I'm not a big drinker, but the point is a good one. Show the pictures of you volunteering and doing things you love (which are also appropriate) and it gives you a better image. Another thing I did for you guys is go through every single blog post on here and check that the links were working. That's almost 900 posts and took me a looong time so you better appreciate it. Anyway this is an older song that is still great, and people have been singing it all the time so I thought I would share it.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 155

Hiya. So today's song is Pop 101 by Marianas Trench.

Okay, first an update on the job front. By 9:30 I still was too chicken to call, so they called me. I recognized the number and all but threw the phone in terror...so I never answered. One voice mail and another email later I finally nutted up and dialed. So now I have an interview for Monday. We'll see what happens. I really shouldn't be worried because the odds of me getting hired are at like 65%, but I still am absolutely freaking out. It's my nature, I'm irrationally nervous over new things. Then something weird happened. My phone rang and I didn't recognize the number so I didn't answer it, and I had another voice mail waiting. I opened my mailbox and started to listen to this mystery caller's message when my cheek deleted it. All I heard was my name...so I panicked and hung up which is NOT what you are supposed to do. So the message is gone forever and I am too scared to call back and be like "heh heh funny story..." On the off chance it would work I put the number in Google, and it took me to an HR person at a different company: one I had never heard of, let alone applied to. I can only assume the message was about coming in for an interview. I'm stumped. First of all how did you get my phone number? and secondly why would you want to hire me? I mean I'm used to searching out and convincing people that I'm competent. I am not used to companies coming to me and asking me to work for them. It feels like the system is backwards and I don't know what to make of it! Anyway for the song it's making fun of how pop music is and it's hilarious because it's so true. And considering that I do love pop and used to be known for a source of bubblegum power pop I thought I should show this off to you guys. Hope you like it!

Peace.

Year 3, Day 154

Hello everybody. So today's song is I Write Sins Not Tragedies by Panic! At The Disco.

It's been a relatively interesting morning so far compared to the last two weeks. By 5:30 I had already done a job search and completely rewrote my resume and a new cover letter to apply for a job. By 6:30 I had received an email from the human resources manager saying they read my resume and wanted me to call to talk about a potential job with the company. I wasn't expecting to hear back so soon, but I think it's a good sign? I still haven't called back yet... No matter how old I get, I will still be nervous about calling people I don't know. I'm kind of weird in that I don't like phones. It scares me that you can't tell who is on the other end of the line if it's a number you've never called before. Unfortunately this is something you can't be afraid of in business, and is even worse to be afraid of in marketing. It's all about communication. I read somewhere that a guy had once responded to someone saying they had butterflies in their stomach with the response being "digest them." It's a pretty clever thing to say honestly and I keep thinking that to try and convince myself that I should just pick up the phone and call. It's not working. This is normally when I call my sister freaking out because of my phone anxiety and she talks me into being brave enough to go through with it, but of course we still aren't talking so I'm alone on this...I will call eventually because I need a job and this is honestly the only posting I've been optimistic (even excited) about in six months. Let this be a lesson kids, try your best to get over any fears you have about interacting with people before you have to do it professionally. It will help you.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 153

Hey. So today I give you Last Night by The Vamps.

The mini McFly's are back! I'm sorry, but I will never think of them as not under the wing of those British dorks. Although The Vamps have gotten pretty ridiculously famous as of late. I see their name everywhere. It's weird to think of these guys singing with R5 and Demi Lovato when I can remember them just chatting with Carrie in the bed and singing McFly songs. I'm glad though. You can tell this is what they really want to do with their lives and it's fabulous. I really enjoy that they just threw a big party and made that their video. It really goes with the song. I would like it better without the product placement, but that's inevitable nowadays. I really enjoy this band and I know it should be under my guilty pleasures list, but it's not. If anyone has a problem with it, I really don't care. So enjoy the song, I hope you do like it too and if you have a band or song for me to feature leave it in the comments.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 152

Hello. So today's song is She Looks So Perfect by 5 Seconds Of Summer.

I know everyone one is sick of boy bands that seem to roll out of the music factories being exactly the same, but these guys don't fall under that category in my opinion. We need to talk about this song and these guys. I have never wanted to endorse a newer band so much in my life after watching this video. I had found it when I was at home studying late, with Much playing videos on TV. I had been about to turn it out and go to bed when this song started. I legitimately stopped everything I was doing and sat on the corner of my couch watching this entire video in awe. The concept of everyone, no matter what they look like or how old they are, seeing the beauty in themselves makes me so unbelievably happy. It's an amazing video so watch it. These guys are from Sydney, Australia and got their start on (where else) YouTube. Originally it was the three front-men, but then the drummer joined them and a band was formed. They were pretty big on YouTube, but once One Direction lent some of their fame to these guys....things blew up. Personally I think these guys are better than One Direction, but props to those guys for helping out a great group. Anyway that's all for today, hope you enjoy!

Peace.

Year 3, Day 151

Morning! So today's song is Catch My Disease by Ben Lee.

I had never heard Ben Lee's music before, but he was mentioned in a book by one of my favorite authors a few years ago and that's how I discovered his stuff. I had put up a song by him in one of the previous blog years, and left it at that...but sometimes music comes back to you when you least expect. One night I had found a playlist that someone made of happy songs, and there was about thirty of them, but I had time. So I listened to the whole playlist. I had it playing in the background while I did other stuff, and suddenly I recognized the voice. Of course, it was Ben Lee. If I could only use one identifier for the music he creates, it would be happy. I always feel my heart lift a little bit when I listen to his stuff, and I hope it'll do the same for you today as well. 

Peace.

Year 3, Day 150

Hi. So today's song is Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson.

I got some old school Kelly Clarkson for you today. This one is never the first one that comes to mind when I think of Kelly, but that doesn't mean it isn't good. It's so funny seeing the fashion changes depending on the years. For example 2003 (when this came out) long and skinny scarves were really in. I had a few myself. I kind of miss how normal the singers were dressed back then. Kelly is wearing something that I would (and probably did) legitimately where when I was in junior high/ high school. I would never wear a leotard to school nowadays, and yet that's what all stars seem to have now. I was definitely born and grew up in the last bit of time before the world went crazy and I'm so glad for it. Anyway I'm pretty tired so I don't have much else to say right now.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 149

Hiya. So today's song is Got Me Good by Ciara.

You guys know I love Teens React right? Well for those who don't know what that is it's a series on YouTube offered by TheFineBros which is just epic. I've seen basically every react video (teens, elders, kids, you-tubers, and cats) but they've started up a new thing that takes the cake. On a new REACT channel they're doing a Teen's React to gaming. Now I wouldn't classify myself as a gamer, because honestly I don't play enough and I suck at it when I do, but I love gaming. So much. It kind of came with my sister having video games that she would never play unless with her friends, so I would try them out. I also had a natural talent over her at head to head battle games, and I crushed her every time she did play. I get really into it. I actually had to stop playing Assassin's Creed because I shanking people in my sleep...it happens. Anyway, I couldn't sleep so I was surfing YouTube since there were no new TV shows to watch, and I found some of these gaming reactions. It was pure gold. One in particular that has me dying of laughter was the goat simulator. Sometimes the girls in the video piss me off because they are so.....ugh. They don't understand gaming. Like asking why play a game with no objective. Well, why play a game at all? It's not like it leads up to real life achievements so shut up and play. I shouldn't be mean, but come on! I attached the link to the game so you guys can check it out. Eric (in the grey) and Tom (in the blue) are basically me when I play anything... mostly Tom which is why I love it. I see their reactions and I'm like YEESS. I'm not alone, other people think like me too! So I hope you find it funny. Side note I should mention is that I do know how crazy I am that this makes me excited, and I have never questioned my life more than when I was giggling at people being goats in video games at four in the morning. So I am aware, but I don't think I care at all!

Peace.

Year 3, Day 148

What's up. Today's song is Old Town Blues by Boy & Bear.

So I didn't mention this before, but awhile ago I went with Anna to take Rebecca to SAIT for a social exam. I had to do the same thing when I was taking social correspondence so the idea didn't seem to shocking. I wasn't really needed, but as long time readers know, I just graduated from SAIT in April. When we got up there we saw that there was a ton of construction going on. They're expanding all the train stations in the city so the platforms are longer so they can expand the trains for more people. So that's one thing under construction I saw. The other immediate one was  happening inside the same building as Becca's test. I don't know what they were doing....but the whole thing has given me a perfect excuse for this song. This music video has shots of a Calgary train station and also the group goofing around in the Odyssey coffee shop on campus. The coffee shop is right near where construction is happening which made me think of it. This is a pretty recently released video by Boy & Bear which shows them goofing around while on their tour. They hit the Gateway at SAIT which is why they were on campus. Their music is great so check them out and tell me what you think.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 147

Hi! Today I give you Sunshine by Matt Costa.

Well, hello France and Romania! You guys gave me a bit of a fright, I thought the high view count was Anna trying to catch up (she's like a year and a half behind) but no it was you guys! I'm glad. So I'd just like to say welcome to the blog, and I'm sorry in advance for the things I say or show that are odd. I honestly never expect anyone to be reading my blog, mostly because most people who know me have no idea it exists. Then I somehow manage to attract all you guys from different countries and I'm so flattered and humbled that you are looking. It makes me a little nervous too, but just that you may not like it. Music is my solace from reality and I like being able to share what I find. So on to this song. It just makes me happy and want to sway. It definitely fits my mood today so it's the perfect time to show it off. I love how the video is showing the progression of what's happening in the room as far as the art goes. It's always cool to see the stages it takes to become a masterpiece. That's why I find speed painting so cool because you watch this person just throwing colors and dabs together and it seems like there's no real rhyme or reason to how they're doing it then at the end everything falls into place. The first thought I always have when that happens is "whoa." This is the kind of thing I'm talking about. It's so cool, I wish I had talent like that. Well that's it for today. Enjoy the music and the art!

Peace.

Year 3, Day 146

Hey everybody. So today's song is Miserable Girl by Heigh River.

Okay chances are none of you will know this band. They are local where I am and I didn't even know about them until Steph mentioned the group while we were in school. I think her cousin might be in it? If I remember correctly that's what it was. We were doing a project that involved pricing out a party as if we would really have to throw it for our clients, so we used these guys as a model of budget. When we did that I saved this song so I would remember to show it to you when I started up my blog again, so here we go!  The band is made up of five dudes: Kyle Donauer, Jerrick Dela Rosa-Keys, Forrest Eaglespeaker, Josh Ramos,and Gerry Datahan. They've been gaining popularity here doing lots of live shows, indie battles and being featured in many different local media things. They also performed at the Stampede last year and you can find that on YouTube too. They're really high energy on stage which is awesome, you can tell they want to be there. I highly suggest looking up more of their stuff and if you really dig them, follow them on Twitter.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 145

Hey. So today's song is Mason Jar by Smallpools.

I love when bands do music videos like this. It's just all the footage of them goofing around and performing while on tour. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy music videos too, but there's something so honest about showing them how they are in life instead of in a scripted scene. It allows you to see how much they care about their craft, and all the cool stuff they're doing. In this particular video, it's documenting Smallpool's trip to England. A trip "across the pond" as they say. Why is that a saying? It's not a pond, it's a huge fucking ocean, but I'm curious as to why that saying became a thing. Looking it up it just tells me what I already knew, meaning it's across the Atlantic. Apparently though there is an Across The Pond study abroad program for Canadian students partnered with a bunch of UK schools. Wish I had known that while I was still in school, not that I would have been able to afford it anyway. I had thought about going to school in Aberdeen (Scotland) once upon a time, but that had been when I was contemplating journalism. I've changed a lot since then. Sorry that kind of went off topic haha! Anyway this is an amazing song and an equally awesome story in the video so check it out.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 144

Hi. So today's song is Gimme Twice by The Royal Concept.

Oh look a video about kidnapping a band! You guys honestly can't imagine how many times my friends and I have joked about kidnapping guys, musicians, actors etc over the years. Way too many times for a normal person. Fond memories of a time that's passed... I would never actually kidnap someone, let's make that very clear. I know it seems like a ridiculous notion, a strange thing to have to say, but you guys only know me through this blog and who's to say I'm not a serial killer....I'm not. Just to clarify. I would never be able to kidnap someone because I'm so worried about being an inconvenience to other people. Actually though, I wont even park in a certain area on the street if I know there is normally a person who parks there. That's how crazy about not being a burden I am. There's probably some big psychological thing to explain why I am so afraid of disturbing places, but I don't really care at this point. Anyway, I bet this band loved it. Having a video where these girls are hanging all over them, a kidnapping is a great excuse to have that. Although I have to admit even if that bottle was made to be broken, I would not want it smashed on my head. No thanks, it still looks like it hurts. I do enjoy how the band just all of a sudden breaks the walls and ditches out leaving the singer to do his thing until he follows. It's an enjoyable video for a good song, so check it out.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 143

Hey guys. So today's song is Candy by Robbie Williams.

I want to get back to the happier music, because it just helps the mood of the day. What's better than this? I've been reading nonstop the last couple of days because I had the time, and one of the books I was reading mentioned Robbie Williams. I knew it sounded familiar and so when I checked I found that I did indeed save a song of his to show you. It was meant to be, so who am I to argue. I have to admit that I found this song from Dance Download which is a children's TV show in England....what I find weird stuff scrolling YouTube at night okay? Because of that show though, I can't hear this song without wanting to do the dance moves, which are dangerous when I'm driving! It's probably good I'm not working at Wholesale anymore because I don't think I could handle the looks of people finding me in the warehouse doing those moves. It was bad enough when I was doing the kinect dances while taking inventory. Anyway I hope you enjoy it and maybe will want to awkwardly dance as well. I hope so, that way I'm not alone.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 142

Morning guys. Today's song is Battlefield by Lea Michele.

So about a year ago there was huge coverage in the news about a certain Glee stars death. Corey and Lea were engaged and  not to far out from their wedding date if I remember correctly. He was a Canadian, and I always loved the story of his audition for the show. I really felt awful for Lea and I'm glad most people respected her need for privacy. She worked the emotions of losing Corey out in making this album, compiling songs that would showcase what she was going through. "I have to acknowledge what I've been through this year. It was really difficult, which I think is represented in "If You Say So" and a song like "Cannonball" represents finding strength and hope. These are the two sides of my life right now. The grief, but also the search for strength and hope. I really wanted those two songs to bookend the album. Really let everyone know where I'm at." I didn't use either of those songs because I enjoy this one, but definitely look them up if you're interested.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 141

Hey. So today's song is Long Time Traveler by The Wailin' Jennys.

So Things I have done so far today is rewatch the entire Firefly series, which isn't much since it was unceremoniously cancelled after one season. It still pisses me off to this day that it was cancelled because the cast, the storyline and the execution was epic. As I insinuated, I have seen the series before, but I had never seen the follow up movie...until now. I just finished watching Serenity and I was not prepared for how gut wrenching it would be. There was the usual quips as in the show, and all of the original cast were in it, although not everyone was on the ship. The reavers were absolutely terrifying and I was as on edge watching as if I was on Serenity with them gliding through infested territory. I never expected any of the crew to die. Ever. I always thought of them as the renegade crew who could never be taken down. Well as you can guess from my song choice I was very very wrong. When I saw the Preacher was off the ship, I figured he would be the casualty if any, so I wasn't too surprised at that although it still made my heart hurt. After Preacher I thought that was it, it was over. I got through basically the entire movie and a huge battle before imminent death was coming in the form of a ship crashing. They stuck the landing though and were totally fine until a fucking thing impaled Wash! He was speaking and then dead in less than two seconds and was one of my favorite characters! SCREW YOU JOSS WHEDON. I was horrified and beyond shocked. I just paused the movie and sat there for a good five minutes before backing it up to make sure I wasn't imagining it. Nope. Still dead. After that sudden exit of the character I was shell-shocked until the end of the movie, watching each and every character take what should have been mortal wounds. Thankfully, the rest survived by sheer luck, but damn. I loved the movie, but I almost wish I hadn't watched it for the shock value I got. Anyway I thought this would be a pretty appropriate time to put this song up, since I really don't want to hold on to it as if expecting someone in my life to make a swift exit as well. nopenopenope, knock on wood. So that's all for today.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 140

Hi. Today I give you Can't Blame A Girl For Trying by Sabrina Carpenter.

Today's a little better of a day. I shouldn't have freaked out so much yesterday, but you know how emotional girls can be haha. I haven't talked to anyone except my grandparents today, and I was able to have a legitimate conversation with them, which sometimes doesn't happen because I'm being too moody. I guess I just needed to get it out of my system. One thing about my grandparents that you don't know is that everyone absolutely adores them. They are honorary family members for more people than I know and are treated as such. Like today! In a few hours my grandpa will be walking a bride down the isle, and him and my grandma will be giving her away. Now this is a girl I've never even met, but the fact that she cares so much about my grandparents makes me happy. And I feel so blessed that they actually are mine by so much more than blood. More than anyone else I'm related to, they are my family...the only family I need. The gentleness of this song fits the way I'm feeling right now, even if the lyrics may not be applicable to me. There is love in the air though (since there's a wedding today) so I can justify it. This song is actually sung by a girl on the new Girl Meets World show, which is a spin off from one of my childhood favorites Boy Meets World. I'm not a big fan of the new show, although why would I be since it's not geared to me and is pretty different than Boy Meets World, but I do enjoy that they're making something which will give good life lessons to kids today. I know Boy Meets World taught me a lot of stuff that I needed to know with loveable characters teaching them to me. I'm kind of all over the place today so I think I'll end it here, before I go off on something else random.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 139

Hello. So today's song is We Share Our Mother's Health by The Knife (Shaken Up Version).

Well today is just shitty. I mean it, I am having the worst day I've had in awhile. The snow has set in full force and is trying to destroy the city, resulting in power being out all over my neighborhood and trees breaking to fall onto the road, cars and even people. But the trees are not the only things breaking today, so are my relationships. My sister and I are no longer speaking after getting into a huge spat over something insignificant like always. Except this fight isn't like the other ones we've had. After a few minutes of silence I started to try and apologize for my behavior. I started to explain why I was acting how I did. Key Word: started. I don't know if she was just over everything already, or my reasons weren't good enough, but Sammy set in on me in her typical attack dog fashion, going for the hits that cut me to the nerve.

"I buy you things. I fill your tank with gas." Yes, fine. I don't have a job right now meaning my money in nonexistent, but I have never asked (nor do I expect) her to buy me things. She filled my car with gas because she was using it when she was driving my car around which I GAVE TO HER when she broke hers. "I didn't break my car." Really? Well let's see, the car flat out died while you were driving it too fast over a large divot and has been in the shop for a week, but no. Clearly that was my fault since I was the passenger. "You're too picky as a new driver."   Yes I'm picky in my car because mine has had less fuck ups than yours and I want to keep it that way! P.s. don't refer to me as a new driver because I have been driving longer than you since I didn't have a boyfriend to play chauffeur. "You haven't been driving longer than Will!" OH OKAY. So I'm still considered a new driver because your boyfriend (who is five years older than me) has been driving longer. With that logic everyone is a new driver because there is always someone who has been driving longer!! "You tell everyone that you do all the work for me and that I'm stupid." No I don't. That is the assumption since you seem to not be able to do your homework without calling me to come over and sit there with you while you work on it, until eventually it becomes me writing it out nicely. I haven't said I do your work, but I've done a lot more than I should before so it's not an inaccurate assumption. And I don't think you're stupid, but sometimes you bite off more than you can hold in your mouth, let alone chew. RAUGH!!

The song for the day was supposed to be American Girl, which is a song we both like. Some sort of sick cosmic joke that just ignited the fury once more. I'm sorry for all this ranting, but in the real world, in real fights I don't get the chance to say my side because I'm so introverted compared to the other one screaming at me. The fight actually played out with her saying all those things to me before saying "go fuck yourself" and storming out like the self righteous ice queen she can be when angry. Suffice to say we aren't going to be talking for a long while, and I changed the song because that cosmic joke offended me. So now the song is something that fits my mood more, less happy and poppy and more primal noises. Enjoy.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 138

Morning! So today's song is Come With Me Now by KONGOS.

Have you guys ever just had a day where you stayed inside curled up in a blanket and tried finding new music? Probably in the winter right? I know it's only the first week of September, so I should not be starting in on my wintery shut in ways, but remember I live in Canada. And today is snowy. And wet. And cold. And overall just a blech day. Don't believe me? This is the difference 24 hours makes in my city. Funny enough it's good news for you guys since I've been collecting songs for about four hours now. This isn't one I found today, but I've been using it to put myself in a good mood so I actually do things around the house. These guys are all brothers and are from South Africa. I'd say that's pretty awesome. I love showcasing people from other places because music really is universal. I know I've mentioned it before, but there is a video that shows that everyone (even if not musically talented themselves) has the ability to understand music...but I'm starting to ramble. Anyway, hopefully this song has the same effect for you guys, and keeps you moving today.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 137

Hey guys. So today's song is We Are Stars by Virginia To Vegas ft Alyssa Reid.

I figured now would be as good a time as any to get the more mainstream songs I like onto the list, starting with this track. I have nothing bad to say about this song, I love the whole thing. Before this song, I had never actually heard of Virginia To Vegas, but I had heard of Alyssa. So naturally I decided to look up the band to learn a bit about them. When I googled the name though, the first thing I saw is that it would take 33 hours to drive from Virginia to Vegas.... thanks Google that was helpful. Whatever, I don't mind digging up information. So what I've learned since then is that of course I hadn't heard of them, this was their debut single (yay I'm not slipping!). How they got Alyssa to be on their first track I do not now, but I'm glad she did it. I also learned it's not a band, it's one dude: Derik Baker. His official Facebook page describes his as enigmatic which basically means mysterious in this context. Mysterious indeed newbie. He's a 24 year old from Toronto, and got discovered on YouTube by Wax records who signed him this year. Apparently he has been an opening act on Hedley's last tour along with Alyssa Reid. Long time readers know that is a significant detail to me because Hedley has great live shows and only tour with the best people. Example: when I went to a Hedley concert, the opening acts were Classified and Kay. Anyway, that's all the information I have about Derik, although I really wish I had found out why he chose the name Virginia To Vegas.... His website is just a picture of him and a new song that he's done since his debut which is actually pretty awesome too, so you can check it out there. Enjoy!

Peace.

Year 3, Day 136

Hi. So today's song is Little Bitty Pretty One by Thurston Harris.

Thurston Harris first appeared in the music scene as the singer in an R&B group called The Lamplighters in 1953. He stayed in the band while it went through a bit of an identity crisis, changing the name multiple times before finally landing on the name the Sharps.  In 1957 he got a solo deal, and recorded Little Bitty Pretty One, with his old band backing him on the track. Like I mentioned a few days ago, this song was actually written by Bobby Day, but was made famous through Thurston. The song sold a million copies, and reached #6 on the Billboard 100. Through going solo, I believe he still remained part of his old group, and after Thurston's success the band changed names again, settling on The Rivingtons. Thurston did have other top 20 hits after this one, but he is most remembered by all generations with this song, as it's been featured in hit movies such as Matilda, Christine and Telling Lies In America. Many other groups have covered it since the release including the Jackson Five, Aaron Carter and Frankie Lymon. Fun Fact: Frankie Lymon's highest charting solo hit was actually his cover of this song in 1960 which made it to #58 on the R&B charts. So that ends our oldies week, it'll be back to the newer stuff tomorrow. I do still have about two weeks worth of oldies saved up so if you're craving more let me know and I'll set up another one later this year.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 135

What's up! Today's song is Book Of Love by The Monotones.

The Monotones are also from the fifties, forming in 1955 with seven members, although one left the group pretty much right after forming. So really we only count the six members Charles Patrick, Warren Davis, George Malone, Frankie Smith, John Ryanes and Warren Ryanes (the seventh member had been Charles' brother). Charles was a lead singer while Warren and George were tenors, Frankie and John were basses, and Warren was a baritone. All the guys began by singing in the New Hope Baptist Choir, then started their group career by appearing on a television series and winning with their rendition of a song by the Cadillacs. In 1957 they recorded this song with a small record company, and then it blew up. When it got so popular, the record label couldn't cope with the popularity and was reissued to a larger label in 1958. Book of Love hit #3 on the R&B charts and #5 on the pop charts, selling over one million copies. Fun Fact: the idea for the most memorable line in the song actually came from a toothpaste commercial that Charles heard. After this song The Monotones never really hit big again and eventually disbanded in 1962. Even so, Book Of Love still reigns supreme, being used for theme songs, performed in movies and even references in the song American Pie. I especially enjoy this one because of all the parts, and the real choir feel it gives, so check it out.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 134

Hello. So today's song is Rockin Robin by Bobby Day.

This is probably one of the most well known songs of the old hits I'm showing you. This one in particular I remember the most from my childhood. We also used to go to a restaurant called Rockin Robin's when I was a kid. It was set up as a 50's diner and I always loved that. So let's talk about the artist. Bobby Day isn't his real name. Robert James Byrd used Bobby Day for his stage name throughout his career. He started using it when he was a member of The Hollywood Flames. He had some minor success on his end for a few years and even joined the original Bob & Earl duo. After that he started his own band called the Satellites in 1957, and recorded some songs still considered rock and roll classics. One thing Bobby Day is most known for is songwriting. Many songs written by Bobby Day have been made historic throughout the decades by other singers, in face one is being featured on Sunday. Rockin Robin is a song performed solely by Bobby Day in 1958, and made it to #2 on the Billboard 100. The song was actually written by Leon Rene under the pseudonym Jimmie Thomas. He didn't use his pseudonym all the time, so I'm not sure why he had one, but to each his own. Since it's release the song has been covered by such greats as Bob Luman in 1958, The Hollies in 1964, Gene Vincent in 1969, Michael Jackson in 1972, and by McFly in 2006. Despite Bobby Day releasing and writing so many songs, many people still consider him a one hit wonder, since nothing ever got into the top 40 since Rockin Robin. He died of cancer almost 25 years ago, but we should still remember all that he contributed to the genre.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 133

Hey. So today's song is Maybe by The Chantels.

Just like The Crests yesterday, The Chantels and another group noticeably more progressive than the time was.  They were the second African American girl group to gain Nationwide success in the US, second only to The Bobbettes. The Chantels formed in 1957 when they were in high school in the Bronx. The original members consisted of Arlene Smith, Sonia Goring, Rene Minus, Jackie Landry Jackson and Lois Harris. The five of them got the name for the group from the name of a rival school, which I though was kind of an interesting fact. Arlene Smith was the lead singer of the group and was the only one with classical training. She wrote the music and lyrics for the group and in the summer of 1957, they were discovered by the lead singer of The Valentines, Richard Barrett. The Chantels got signed to End Records and started releasing tracks. This song was their second single, and hit #15 on the Billboard 100 in 1958. The next singles didn't do as well, but the  record company still released an album for the group. Originally the album was released with a picture of the group on the front, but that apparently didn't go over so well since they re-released it with an album cover of two white teen girls searching for music. Finding this out enraged me. Why can't a picture of the group be appropriate for their album cover, no matter the ethnicity. I'm glad society has come farther since these times. In 1959 their label dropped them, so Arlene Smith decided to try a solo career and Lois Harris decided to go to college. That same year, a subsidiary of their old label decided to release singles of theirs which I deem unprofessional. In 1960, Sonia Goring, Rene Minus, and Jackie Landry Jackson were joined by Annette Smith to form a quartet and joined Carlton Records. They managed to get one big hit and then went downhill from there. Meanwhile, End Records decided to release another album of previously recorded material.The Chantels had a few more changes and switched label a couple of times throughout the 1960's. In the 1970's, original lead Arlene Smith formed a new Chantels group featuring Carol Douglas and continued performing. The remaining original Chantels reformed as well, hiring Noemi Ortiz as the lead. In 1999 the surviving original members reunited on a Doo Wop 50 special, dedicating this song to Jackie Landry who died in 1997. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002 and was on the ballot for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame between 2001 and 2009 before finally receiving enough votes to be inducted in to the Hall in 2010. The group's website is still functional and is dedicated to their fallen member Jackie Landry. Look it up if you're interested.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 132

Good Morning! Today's song is Sixteen Candles by The Crests.

The original Crests

I don't care if I'm only 21, I absolutely adore doo wop music.  Alright prepare yourself for this one, because it will be long as possibly confusing. The Crests is also a group from the 50's, and was notable for being an interracial group since when they formed racism was still considered socially acceptable. It's worth mentioning too that the original member included not just colored men, but also a colored woman which added to the discomfort of bigots everywhere. So original members include J. T. Carter, Talmoudge Gough, Harold Torres, Patricia Van Dross and of course Johnny Maestro. Maestro's vocals quickly put them on the map by engulfing the teen market, and the group managed to get #2 on the Billboard 100 in 1959 with this song. The Crests performed live on a few shows including American Bandstand which was referenced in Grease. The first to leave the group was Patricia Van Dross in 1958. Then in 1961, Johnny Maestro decided to take his vocals and go for a solo career which took many different turns over the years. Eventually he ended up in a merged group called Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge. Meanwhile the Crests recorded a new singly with singer Tony Middleton, but things weren't the same without Maestro and it became their first hit to not make the top 100. After that, Middleton was replaced with James Ancrum as the group's singer. Not long after that, Talmoudge Gough left the group and was replaced with Gary Lewis (no not that Gary Lewis). For the next decade the group struggled to get major hits, and by the end of the 1960's another original member, Harold Torres, had left the group. So then J. T. Carter, Gary Lewis, and James Ancrum stayed a trio until 1978 when they split too. The last founding member J. T. Carter went on to sing with the Drifter's, but then decided to reform the Crests in 1980. After he auditioned 200 singers, the new Crests were made up of Bill Damon, Greg Sereck, Dennis Ray, and Jon Ihle. At some point in the next decade lead vocals transferred to Tommy Mara, and then in 1990 Carter sold him the trademark rights to the group, making it so all the original members from The Crests were gone. As of now, J. T. Carter is the only founding member still alive and is still performing in the US and Canada despite being halfway into his 70's. Now that's a man who loves his craft. Quite the history lesson so I'll just leave you with that.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 131

Hi. So today's song is Eddie My Love by The Teen Queens.

The Teen Queens were only active for about six years, but they still deserve the recognition for this song. Sisters Betty and Rosie Collins formed the group, and their brother Aaron (who was already in a group call The Cadets at the time) wrote two songs for them. Those songs were their debut single and this one. This song was released in 1956, and hit #14 in the Billboard 100 and #3 in the R&B Best Seller Charts. He also was the one who helped get them signed to RPM records in 1955 since his group was already signed with them. Fun Fact: the song Eddie My Love hit the charts in 1956 again, but sung by both The Chordettes and The Fontane Sisters. The song was one of the first of its time to target teenagers specifically and became a huge hit which caused the other artists to cover it. Although both groups made versions of the song, it is the original by The Teen Queens that stands the test of time. After such a great response to Eddie My Love, they never really hit as big again and kind of faded into obscurity despite doing some label switches to get better results. In 1961 the sisters disbanded the group and left the industry. Despite their short careers, this song has done a lot to make itself a classic, so give it a listen and I hope you enjoy it.

Peace.

Year 3, Day 130

Hey everybody! Today I give you La Bamba by Ritchie Valens.

So since today is not only the new start of a month, but also the new start of a week I have decided it's the perfect time to have an oldies week! I have so many awesome songs saved up that I have listened to since childhood so it's time to showcase them. We're starting with a super fun one to get us groovin. Ritchie Valens is known as a rock and roll pioneer, and is most remembered for this song. It was a Mexican folk song that he made into a rock song which blew the world away and kick-started a movement to Spanish music. He died in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly, JP Richardsen and the pilot Roger Peterson. The day of the plane crash (February 3, 1959) became known as The Day The Music Died, referenced by the song American Pie that I've shared previously. Ritchie wasn't actually supposed to be on the plane, but he won the seat in a coin toss with Tommy Allsup, a member of Buddy Holly's new band. Ritchie was only seventeen when he died, and the youngest member in the crash. Since his death, he has been inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame which happened in 2001. His nephew has also toured the world playing Ritchie's hits including revamping a new version of the tour he was doing at the time of his death. The revamped Winter Dance Party tour has been done with Ernie Valens and John Mueller (Buddy Holly impersonator) taking place in some of the same venues as the original tour had. There was even a nod to the untimely death in the novelization of Grease where the T-birds were discussing the plane crash in the first few chapters. A stainless steel monument to the legends now sits at the site of the plane crash on private farmland near Clear Lake, Iowa. So there's your little slice of history for today, and I hope you enjoy the sounds of a movement that changed history.

Peace.