Year 4, Day 99

Hey. Today's song is Apologize by Timberland.

Otherwise known as the thing I will never do. I mean I'm Canadian so obviously sorry comes out of my mouth about ever five words, but I'm talking about real apologies. I don't do them. Apologizing doesn't take back anything I said or did, and truth be told I wouldn't want to. I will acknowledge that I was a bitch, or the maybe it was a poor choice of words, but it's done and I fully meant to do what I did at the time. No take backs, so no apologies. This infuriates my friends and family, but I don't care. Call it one of my weird quirks and deal with it, or leave. Natural selection for my friend group at work. What weird quirk do you guys have that infuriates everyone?

Peace.

Year 4, Day 98

Morning! So today's song is Today's The Day by Pink.

This is kind of the flip side of the feelings I got from yesterday's song. This is how optimistic me feels. You know when you get that spurt where you're like "you know what? I'm gonna do all the things and it'll be great and I'll be happy." Optimistic me. Then reality hits and I slip into Snow Patrol laying around forgetting the world. I'm a bad role model, don't follow my pattern. Choose Pink over Snow Patrol haha. Today's the day so whatever you've been putting off, get up right now and do it. I believe in you.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 97

Hiya. So today's song is Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.

You knew it was coming. There's no way I could skip Snow Patrol if I'm going through old music. I know I said that other song was my anthem for a bit, but this song did and still does speak to me. The lyrics are spot on to how I'm doing right now, although only when you take it out of the context of love. I don't have someone I want to lay here with me because I'm forever alone. I've come to terms with it...kind of. That's okay, he's lying around places alone in the whole video so I can just do that to. Maybe freak out so commuters on the train. We'll see.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 96

What's Up. Today's song is No Air by Jordin Sparks.

This song became my anthem when it came out. I loved it so much. Of course this was before I realized how much of a tool Chris Brown is (he's featured on the track) so now I'm a little soured about it. Jordin is still good though. Crazy how this was released in 2008. I was a totally different person 8 years ago. I assume you guys were too so I want to hear about how you've changed since this song came out. Let's compare notes!

Peace.

Year 4, Day 95

Hello. So today I give you Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis.

Going back to my childhood again, thank you BuzzFeed for reminding me this song exists. I haven't heard it in years, but you never forget songs. I still know the words and get really into it. Once again this is another song I would sing to all the time yet didn't even think about what exactly I was singing about. Apparently a break up? Or the feelings after a break up... maybe about people trying to get her out of a bad relationship... okay so I still don't know. Whatever I enjoy this song and you should too.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 94

Hey guys. Today's song is Realize by Colbie Calliat.

I had to sing one of her songs in school for choir, and since then I've really enjoyed her music. She's got a nice voice and it makes me calm which is what I kind of always need from music. I'm sure you guys have probably heard this song a million times since it's been in practically all romantic movies. If you have and don't know the words, you're in luck because the video I'm attaching has the lyrics so you can learn them. Then you'll be able to belt this song at people after only five minutes of prep. Your welcome.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 93

Hi. So today's song is Hiding by This Is Me Smiling.

Bless people who upload album songs to YouTube if the artist doesn't. This is another song that I got from the wedding movie I had told you about awhile ago. I basically have the entire soundtrack for it spread throughout since they chose such great music. I don't know if this one really counts as a sad song, but I felt like this was the time to show it so it's a bit of a reprieve from the slow upsetting songs. Enjoy it.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 92

Hey. So today's song is Wasn't Expecting That by Jamie Lawson.

 Back before my birthday in February, my family went to an escape room in town with family friends. (Technically today because I'm writing this in advance to use for a later date, who knows what the actual date is!) None of us have even done one before so I was pretty nervous, but it was actually quite fun. It would have been funner for me if my family wasn't like a pack of aggressive squatting parakeets, but beggars can't be choosers. We had to get three hints, but we did finish it! It was about solving a murder kind of and we had to go through a closet and a phone booth in people's dreams. It took us 54 of the 60 allotted minutes. Considering the level was one of the harder one, I'm proud of us and would recommend you guys go to one as well. I will say though that it would have been better with only a few people (like four instead of our seven) and try not to overthink everything like we did. If I ever find the picture they took of us after completing it, I'll attach it for ya.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 91

Hello. Today I give you Change My Needs by Scars On 45.

This is also a new group for me. It's the kind of thing I'd have playing on my ipod while working on a paper or project from school, because it's very calming. Something that allows me to do my work while still passively listening without getting distracted. The song though is ridiculously beautiful so I would recommend actively listening to it at least once. I'm talking like headphones on, lights off, laying in bed with your eyes closed active listening. File this one away for people who have panic attacks because I anticipate this will be helpful for them.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 90

Hello everybody. So today's song is Brielle by Sky Sailing.

This is one of the rare ones that's new for me and you guys too. I really should have left it for the next year with all new artists, but it felt right for this. If you listen to this and think he sounds like Owl City, that would be correct. This was a solo project Adam Young started in 2007 with recordings from before he started touring as Owl City. The album was released in 2010 and described by the man himself. "Long before Owl City was ever a spark of a flame, a lot of blue-collared working days were spent absentmindedly daydreaming about what would ultimately become this collection of songs. From the perfectionist musician's perspective, a song is never truly 'finished' but rather 'abandoned' and thus, after a lot of inspiration and reckless experimentation, I emerged from the basement with an 11 song record which I affectionately entitled "An Airplane Carried Me To Bed." So if you like Owl City I can almost guarantee this song will be for you.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 89

What's Up? Today's song is Whatever It Takes by The Faders.

 See? Told you it would be sad music for the next little while. These guys had a pretty short career in the group, only two years, but all three of them have their own musical careers now. The drummer Cherisse Osei joined a Swedish band called Calaisa, then played for Mika, and has now joined the band for Bryan Ferry. The bassist (and keyboardist) Toy Valentine does have a new music project, but I can't seem to find out what it is. And then of course there is Molly Lorenne who was the frontman and guitarist, who performs now as Molly McQueen. I'm sure you've heard No Sleep Tonight which has been used in a lot of movies, including She's The Man which is where I know it from. There, you get a bonus song and another band to check out, not too bad for one day.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 88

Hiya. Today's song is Save Today by Seether.

I need to rant about a pet peeve I have because it just happened and I'm annoyed. Does this happen to anyone else where you're family subconsciously undermines you. I don't know why it's a thing I notice now, but I cannot get through even five minutes of a conversation with my grandma without her telling me I'm wrong about something. Even if I'm right about the thing. I put up with it because she's my peer or whatever and you don't talk back to your elders (or you at least try to let most of it go.) Well...Sammy just did it to me. I can't believe it, why are you arguing with me about a synonym for the word you wanted me to use. What the fuck. I'm just really tired of my family assuming they always know more or know better. It takes a lot for me to not scream "I'm smart too!" in their faces. I may be the youngest, but my personality dictates that I'm always listening and try not to open my mouth unless I'm sure about what I'm saying. It's aggravating. Urgh...but at least you get a song with my pain.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 87

Hey guys, so today's song is Hanging By A Moment by Lifehouse.

Oh man, the song that I think everyone my age loves without realizing. I haven't heard it in so long! Thank god for re-watching old shows or so many tracks would be lost to me forever.I think a lot of the love I have for this song is because I can so easily sing along (perfect for my range) and that means I can really get into it. As you can probably guess, this is leading us into a lot of slower, sadder songs so be forewarned that the next little while this will not be the place to lift your spirits. It'll be more adequate for dwelling in your emotions which is something I condone... as long as afterwards you move on from it. Anyway, enjoy this song for now.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 86

Morning. Today I give you Budapest by George Ezra.

This is another popular song that I really appreciate. George's voice is incredible and the simplicity of the song makes it's impact even stronger. I will also say that I super enjoy this video because it's a new concept. Simple like the song, but with a strong impact, at least on me. I love how many people are shocked by his looks. People can have low voices and not be huge burly men, same way men can have high voices like Mitch from Pentatonix. It keeps life interesting. And the unusualness of what you expect in looks versus the truth is why things like the voice intrigues people so much. All that matter is that the song is great, so give it a listen.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 85

Hi. Today's song is Pompeii by Bastille.

This song will never get old. To me there's no limit on how many times I could listen to it because it's so perfect. I don't know a lot about the thing it's named after, just that the city (Pompeii) was basically obliterated, but for the featuring of this song, I decided to look it up in reference to the song. I guess that the song was actually inspired by photos of the aftermath of Pompeii. Specifically: the people. The website that connected the ancient situation to the current one was trying to use the symbolism of the song to decipher the meaning. It said: In the end, the song seems to be saying, rather than becoming paralyzed by "the rubble of our sins," we've got "to be optimists about this" and get out of our Pompeii. Regardless of what the song means, it's great to listen to so enjoy.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 84

Hello. So today's song is the William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini.

Okay so it's not the whole this, it's only the final part because that's what everyone knows and if it was the whole overture you'd be here for three times longer. If you are a classical nerd though, the link to the full thing is here, but I know most people wont be interested. You guys know how I feel about classical music, I've mentioned it before. There is something amazing about it regardless of how long it's been since those composers were around. I chose this one in particular because I watched this video which is hilarious. And yes, I know the controversy tied to the creators of this. I don't watch for them, I watch for the teens who are giant dorks. You can watch it or not, but please don't complain to me about reasons not to be a fan because I literally give zero fucks. Yeah.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 83

Hiya. Today's song is Oh Happy Day from Sister Act 2.

The people who know me well know that they should never watch Sister Act and Sister Act 2 with me. Unless of course they are prepared for me to also burst out singing every slightly musical part from the movie. It's physically impossible for me not to. So I have a fun story that pertains kind of to this video. In the middle of the song you can see that should makes them do an exercise that immediately changes their sound for the better which seems like of load of crap to non-musical types. But we would do something like that when we were in choir. One day our teacher had a guest there, someone who is involved with a different musical group, and he listened to us sing a bit of a song. We sounded alright but nothing special. So then our teacher has us do a warm up in different voice levels (elementary school choir, middle school choir, high school choir, college choir). Keep in mind we're high school students at this point. We get to the college choir level and then she makes us restart the song and the change was palpable. The guest seemed super impressed by it. A lot of singing has to do with your mindset, and that's what you see here. They had done that warm up so much that it calmed their nerves and instinctively reminded them how to perform correctly. I love it.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 82

Morning. So today's song is Summertime by Charlotte Church.

I already have been showing you powerful pieces with the Smash stuff so I'm just going to throw some more in here from movies that I've seen. This one was one I fell in love with and instantly looked up more of her stuff. Her voice is awe inspiring. And yes that is Craig Ferguson playing her father because this is a movie clip from I'll Be There. It's actually quite a funny movie if you are ever curious. For now though just check out the song.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 81

Okay last one. Today's song is That's Life from Smash.

This one is by far my all time favorite song to ever come from the TV show. I listen to it constantly when I'm upset or freaking out and it instantly makes me feel better. After Megan Hilty and Katherine McPhee spent the whole show competing with each other and basically ruining their lives this was the moment that they buried the hatchet. This moment was them basically saying "hey we spent years hating each other, but you know what? We're the same." More than any other song this one felt like a goodbye to the fans and the characters. It gives me that warm feeling that you get when a show ends just perfectly how you wanted. Although this isn't the last scene, it will always be the end to me.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 80

Hey. Today I give you Original from Smash.

So this song is from a time when they were working on a different play (so it has nothing to do with Marilyn) and I love it. I showed another song from this one with the newer character, but this one is still Katherine McPhee. It's a song about famous singers, specifically referencing Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga. I like the way they created the performance, using all their extras as a resource rather than a hindrance. Actually the whole concept for that show within Smash looked like it would be fantastic. I'm surprised that when the show was cancelled they didn't use the material to actually create those shows for the stage. It was a missed opportunity on their part.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 79

What's Up. Today's song is Let's Start Tomorrow Tonight from Smash.

With the show being about Marilyn and the main actresses being women, there aren't a lot of male performances. This is one that was a pleasant surprise with one of the newer characters that they introduced at the time. Unfortunately the actual clip is on Youtube anymore, but if you ever see it, it's so cool. I love the atmosphere of it. I've always wanted to be at a party and have an impromptu performance while someone plays piano. We kind of did that in choir, but it's not the same when everyone at the party is doing the same thing. This is sung by Leslie Odom, Jr. who is currently in a Broadway play called Hamilton. He also has a lot of songs he's done that you can look up, it's fantastic. His range is impeccable and truly this is a man that has his art mastered. Enjoy!

Peace.

Year 4, Day 78

Hi. Today's song is Don't Forget Me from Smash.

Alright there are a couple versions of this song because the whole show is bouncing back and forth about who the star is. I prefer this version with Katherine McPhee singing, but there is also a version with Megan Hilty. It could be that you hear this one first in the series that I prefer it, but I also think it suits Kat's voice more. I mean there is a part where she goes a little country which isn't great for it, but overall the song seems right for her. It could also be that each version was from a different kind of play, the first was focusing on the end of Marilyn's life while Megan's was focused more on the men who surrounded her. I don't know, both versions are there so you be the judge.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 77

Hello. So today's song is Second Hand White Baby Grand from Smash.

This is a sadder sounding song from the show, so most people might not be interested but I absolutely adore it. This is honestly the one I find myself singing most often. And lucky for you, this video is the actual scene from the show. It's sung by Megan Hilty who, at this point in the show, is the background character and not the star, but come on. Listen to this and you know she's destined for great things. She was actually the only main star from the show that was actually a performer on Broadway. So she's totally in her element and feeling the emotion of the piece. It's haunting and beautiful. I honestly can't praise it enough. Cherish it.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 76

Hey. Today's song is Don't Say Yes Until I Finish Talking from Smash.

Oh this is my favorite song written for the musical they were focused on. It's so good!! I wish there was a YouTube video that had the dance part for it too because it makes it all so much better. If you have the means, look it up. This is sung by  Christian Borle whose character was actually the writer of the music on the show, so he was doing this just to show the actors the song. It was a musical about Marilyn Monroe so it's focused on a real life person, and it is flawless. If I could have even a tiny bit of the swagger required in this song I would be set for life. So listen to the song, look up the part it's from if you want to (doooo it) and tell me what you think.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 75

Hey everyone. So today's song is Cheers Drink To That from Smash.

This is another cover from Smash, which is supposed to be an impromptu song done by frenemies in the show. Obviously it wasn't actually like that (no one sounds this good improvised) but it is by far my favorite non-original song from the show. I play it over and over again. It was originally a song by Rihanna so I'll put that one here. Regardless of which version you prefer this is a great song so as the song says let it sink in.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 74

Hello. So today I give you Brighter Than The Sun from Smash.

We are having a Smash week! So I think I've talked about it before, but Smash was a TV show about creating a Broadway musical. Ultimately it got canceled and was super emotional in a soap opera way. I grew to almost hate the actual dialogue of the show, but the thing I never lost faith in was the music. Whoever was doing the song writing for it was very good at their jobs. I've showed a few songs before, but now I'm going to feature the other ones that are my favorites. Starting with the covers they did, because this song is originally by Colbie Caillat. I heard the Smash version first so I prefer it to the original, but I'll attach that one here so you can decide for yourself.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 73

Hiya. Today's song is Cool Kids by Echosmith.

Ah the sibling group again. I really enjoy their music, it's in a category all their own. I can see how it appeals to so many different kinds of people, and especially this song. It strikes a cord with everyone on an emotional level since it's about not fitting in. Did anyone truly fit in? I know for sure I didn't, I was a weird nerd who was a closet emo and didn't talk. Not even close to being popular. It's almost better for you to not fit in, because then you get a lot more adaptive and expand your personality. I can't really confirm that it's different for the cool kids, but I can speak on my own experience. And my experience says that I'm grateful not to have fit in from the start.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 72

Hi everyone. So today's song is Heartbeat Song by Kelly Clarkson.

This keeps getting stuck in my head. I don't understand why, I don't even listen to it that much but this month it's become the default melody in my brain. At least it's one I can actually sing this time. I've said it before, but Kelly Clarkson is the best example if you're ever curious about my vocal range. It's not super high or low, just kind of hanging out in the middle and that's where my vocals sit. So basically my go to karaoke should always be from her. Do you guys have one artist that is the same for you? I'm curious, so let me know in the comments.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 71

Morning. Today's song is Brokenhearted by Karmin.

I've shown you guys Karmin before, but there's always room for more. I don't now how I always end up liking their music. Clearly they know the target audience. This song was huge when it came out, and people still love it years later. Rumor is there's a new album that will be coming out sometime this year so we'll see if that one has songs as addicting as this. Tough I hope the music never changes, I would be happy if she didn't do the weird thing with her hair to give herself bangs. I know it's her signature thing, but she really doesn't need it. Other artists have shed their gimmicks, and these guys are popular enough she can shed hers.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 70

Hey. So today's song is Heroes by Alesso featuring Tove Lo.

Alright, moving in to well known stuff again. I don't know where I heard this song, but I've heard it a lot. Always low key though, almost like a subliminal message. So the first time I heard it on it's own on the radio I was very confused. I don't know if it's because I actually had music classes, but I'm always tuned to background noise. I swear my head snaps up if things get stringed together methodically. Fun story actually: Sammy and I were talking and looking at her homework while Will was playing a car racing game recently, and it started to quietly play a classical song in the background. It was pretty overshadowed by cars revving and sounds of him crashing into things, but her and I both whipped our heads up at the same time with this confused look on our faces. It was a little creepy how we clued in at the same time, but it's pretty normal for us. Do you guys do that too? Please tell me I'm not alone in this.

Peace.

Year 4, Day 69

Hi guys. Today I give you As Long As You Drag Me Down by BYU Vocal Point.

So this song is a mashup of two songs done by one of my favorite vocal groups discovered through YouTube. I will admit that in the same way people act about snobbish about sports I am when it comes to choirs. What I mean is that I assume my choir is the best (despite not being in it anymore) and so I don't like to listen to other choirs. Sometimes there are exceptions, and I know how ridiculous and counterproductive I am to the choral society so I'm trying to break the habit. Which led to me listening to this, and it's great! I love/hate finding all boy renditions of stuff because it's always the coolest things, but I could never be a part of it... because I'm a girl. It's one of the odd things that makes me sad in life haha. It's also from this recording that I became obsessed with the One Direction song, which I'm going to feature later on as it's own post. It deserves that because it literally took me months to figure out that's who the actual artist is. For now though, here are these amazing guys and please look up more of their stuff because it's excellent.

Peace.