Two is Better than One?

In my opinion, duets fall into two categories: incredibly awesome or next-level cheesy. Depending on the day, I prefer one over the other. And yes, technically, the majority of rap songs are duets...but I'm talking one artist coming up to another and saying "I have a really awesome song that I would love your help on" (This is how I picture the music world...so clearly not how it is). So here are some of my favorites.

Incredibly Amazing:

1. Come Home-OneRepublic feat. Sara Barielles. Why was this never released? Or maybe it was and I missed it. Whatever. It's perfect.
2. Over and Over-Nelly feat. Tim McGraw. What a great team. I love when music blurs the lines between genres and this totally does. I wish Nelly would come to Rites of Spring...
3. Lucky-Jason Mraz and Colbie Cailliat. This song is adorable. It always makes me smile
4. Odds of Being Alone-Amy Stroup and Trent Dabbs. One of my most-played songs. It has one of my favorite lines ever in a song (I'm not telling you what it is for fear of further exposing my emo-ness that is already so evident, haha)
5.Carry You Home-Nashville Skyline. This might sound like a band, but it's not. It's Matthew Ryan and Courtney Jaye. This song was written for the season finale of OTH last year. It was written in Nashville by a group of people with the show. It's beautiful.
6. Jackson- Johnny Cash and June Carter. One of my favorite songs ever. I love, love, love Johnny Cash.
7.The Boy is Mine- Brandy and Monica. Do I even need to explain the magic that is this song??


Next-Level Cheesy

1.Picture- Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. Why did this happen? Kid Rock? Really? Lyrically and vocally, it's great. I just can't get the image of Kid Rock in a fur trench coat and cowboy hat out of my head long enough to take it seriously.
2. Two is Better than One- Boys Like Girls and Taylor Swift. I will be the first to share my love of Taylor Swift..but this song is straight-up silly.
3. Endless Love-Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross. Any time I hear this, I think of Happy Gilmore.
4. Ebony and Ivory- Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. What?
5. Beautiful Liar- Beyonce and Shakira. Wack. Wack. Wack.
6. Magic Stick- 50 Cent and Lil Kim. Ehhhhh. So awkward.


Okay, that's all I have for now. I had a good time searching my iTunes for these. Yeah, I have them all. I wish I had a reason why...but I sure don't.

Love, love, love.

New blog name, same blog stuff

I've decided it was time for a new blog name and background. My reasons (if you need reasons..if not, hang on til Sunday and I'll post some music) are as follows

1. That old background was straight-up blah. This one is pretty, but chill. I like the peacock feathers. And the cool font.

2. The blog has moved on from my 100 songs and is now just about any song or groups of songs. My list is still on here and I still believe that everyone should make their own because it has been one of the most reflective things I've ever done.

3. I like this new name. Wanna know why? Sometimes, there are those moments where there just aren't words. Sometimes those moments are really happy, like first-kiss-happy. Sometimes, those moments aren't so happy, like first-heartbreak-tragic. So, for me, when I'm going through stuff like that, I might not be willing to talk about it. Mostly, because when I'm really happy or really nervous/upset, I ramble. It gets rough. So, instead of mulling over every time when I said this instead of saying that and playing the moment back in my head, I turn on some music. I put on my iPod, crank up Pandora, or turn on my record player and just listen. So, for me, choosing music over silence is the most obvious thing out there. It's how I celebrate all the good and make sense of the bad.

So, there it is. Thank you for reading this. And if you ever need a first-kiss-with-someone-new mix or a really tragic breakup mix, I got your back.

Love, love,love.

Songs about the South

While my parents are from the north, I was born and raised in the fine state of Georgia. Despite our Conservative tendencies and occasional moments of nationwide attention for the weirdest stuff ("Pants on the Ground"...remember that?? Or, the ridiculous stickers in the front our our science books about evolution???), I love my state. Nothing will ever compare to humid summer nights, finding the best sweet tea, or that famous southern hospitality. I never even looked at schools out of the south nor do I plan on ever really leaving it (unless my husband ends up becoming President. I could kick it in the White House for a few years, I suppose).

So, here are some songs about life in the South. I love listening to them when driving down the road in summer. Or winter, because they give me hope that it won't always be 20 degrees when I'm walking to class.

1. Sweet Southern Comfort- Buddy Jewel. The simplicity of this song is lovely. I also like the shoutouts each state gets.
2. Southern Girl-Amos Lee. I like singing this song while getting ready. Amos Lee has such a great voice. It's sort of sad, but I don't care.
3. Song of the South-Alabama. Have to throw it in here. Fun to sing along to. Plus, sweet potato pie is real good, y'all.
4. Dixieland Delight- Alabama. I love when this comes on at a bar. Everyone freaks out. It is so great to watch. Plus, I'm not sure there is anything better than a Tennessee Saturday night.
5. Sweet Home Alabama- Lynyrd Skynyrd. It does not matter if you are not from Alabama. Everyone recognizes that guitar intro. My sister has given me the habit of turning this on every time I cross the state border into Alabama. And remember, depending on where you are, watch out if you toss in a "Roll Tide Roll" or a "War Damn Eagle" in the chorus...
6. Where I Come From-Alan Jackson. This song always makes me laugh. And want some chicken and cornbread.
7. When the Sun Goes Down in Georgia-Corey Smith. Whoa. This was the only song I listened to for about a week about four years ago. It's not really about the south...but it talks about Georgia and pine trees. Good enough for me.
8. Carolina-Corey Smith. I love this song. I miss South Carolina whenever I listen to it. "It all makes one hell of a reminder, keeps me crying Carolina".
9. Mayberry-Rascal Flatts. Not a real town, but whatever. Someday, I want to raise my kids in a place like this.
10. Kountry Gentleman- Family Force 5. I love singing this and dancing around and being silly. The album is called "Business Up Front, Party in the Back"..I appreciate a good mullet shoutout. "My mama raised me in the dirty South, a kountry gentleman, so you best watch your mouth". Hahaha.
11. Georgia- Ludacris and friends. I LOVE THIS. I know all the words. Back off. "I got five Georgia homes, where I rest my Georgia bones, come anywhere on my land and I'll aim at ya Georgia dome" AWWW SHOOOOT. Clever.
12. Welcome to Atlanta-Jermaine Dupre, Luda, and some other dude- This song speaks da truth. Also, it's what we listen to when we cross back into GA from Alabama.


Enjoy. Y'all come back now.

:)

Creeper.

Have you ever been driving down the road, listening to the radio, and then all of a sudden a song just takes a turn for the creepy worse?? Like it's a great jam, but that one line is borderline uncomfortable. Naturally, I like to find these songs and play them a ridiculous amount of times. Here are some of my faves:


1. Please Don't Go- Mike Posner. "If you leave, I'm gonna find you". Please don't. That's stalking. Great song, otherwise.
2. Every Breath You Take-Sting and the Police. This is the ultimate creeper jam. "Every step you take, I'll be watching you". Unacceptable.
3. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend- Miranda Lambert. Okay, I get the whole "jealous ex-girlfriend" thing. But stalking out five bars and bringing your gun along..it's a little much.
4. The Mixed Tape- Jack's Mannequin. "I read your letter, the one you left when you broke into my house". Um..wait, since when is B&E romantically acceptable? The answer is never.
5. All Hail the Heartbreaker-The Spill Canvas. "What if I ripped your heart apart at the seams, maybe then you'd know how I feel". Whoa. Whoa. Chill....a little too aggressive.
6. Loving You From a Distance- Corey Smith. This whole song is just creepy. Like "guy standing in the corner staring down the pretty girl" creepy.


Okay, that's all I have for now. Creep on, playas.

Happy songs?

So recently, I was in a really happy mood. Not that this is unusual by any means, it was just one of those times when you can't stop smiling. As I was explaining this all to my lovely roommates and a wonderful friend of ours, I searched through my iTunes for some songs to illustrate how I was feeling. So I scrolled down..and down...and further down. It was then that I realized something tragically funny. I DON'T HAVE ANY FREAKING HAPPY MUSIC. Okay, okay so I have some really great rap jams and songs that want to make you dance around your room..but I don't have any of those "Oh, today was so magical and I have to share my happiness with everyone or I just might burst with joy" songs. (Typing that made me cringe..but I'm trying to broaden my musical horizons guys..reallllly trying here).


So...this is what I have found in terms of happy, optimistic songs that don't make me want to gag:

1. "She (For Liz)"- Parachute. This is about having the courage to go out on a limb for someone who seems really great.
2. "Better Together"- Jack Johnson. Ok, so yes, this is typical. BUT I LOVE IT. "Love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart"
3."When I Look to the Sky"-Train. Kind of slower. But the words are so pretty.
4. "Slide"-Goo Goo Dolls. This is about love, right? I think so
5. "Sparks Fly"- Taylor Swift. I like the old school, non-album edition better, but the one on "Speak Now" is good, too.
6. "Why Don't You"- Ingram Hill. This song is about asking someone who has been hurt before to trust that you won't do the same thing.
7. "Something to Lose"-Corey Smith. Innocently cute..which is weird since Corey's other songs include "F*** the PoPo"
8. "Follow Through"-Gavin Degraw. On repeat..love, love, love this. It's simple and direct, everything that I think a happy love song should be.
9. "Stolen"- Dashboard Confessional. I had to put a Dashboard one in here. I like the "Dusk and Summer" edition of this. It makes me want to put on a dress and spin around (which I often do...no apologies).
10. "Kiss Me Thru the Phone"- Soulja Boy. Didn't see that one coming, huh??? Ha! Seriously, this song makes me smile every time I hear it. But, real talk, do not call (678)999-8212...your phone will blow UP with texts from Soulja Boy's marketing team. Not that I did that..a friend told me........

Okay. That's what I have right now. If you feel inclined, let me know what songs make you feel all happy and smiley.

Happy holidays.


Love, love, love.

"Gasoline Rainbows"

I have not heard much about the Gulf oil spill lately. That makes me sad. Really, really sad. Our media has moved on to the next celebrity arrest, football player scandal, or the latest drama on "The Real Housewives of Blah, Blah Blah". There is still so much that needs to be done on the Gulf coast. There are families that lost their only means of survival when the water turned slick with gallons of gasoline. There are animals and wetlands that are forever damaged or destroyed.

I'm a big supporter of campaigns aimed to help the lives of others, whether they are in Africa or Alabama, Pakistan or Pennsylvania. I know, I know..this might make me a "crazy liberal", but I'd like to believe that someday, if I am in the midst of some natural or manmade disaster..there will be people wanting to help. Whether it's money, or food, or simply a place to get out of the cold that seems to cover our planet these days, the power that comes from one human helping another is just really awesome . I guess, more than anything, I believe in the human spirit. The perseverance and determination that it takes to stand up, look at surrounding despair, and believe in the power to fix it.

While the oil spill may be "over", its effects will continue to be felt. Maybe you can't go down to assist in cleanup or relief efforts, BUT, you can go on iTunes and buy the "Gasoline Rainbows" album. Put together by "One Tree Hill's" Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols, this compilation features Vampire Weekend, Amy Kuney, Phoenix, Passion Pit, and many other talented musicians. If you don't have the $15 now..wait til you get those iTunes gift cards for Christmas!! All proceeds go directly to Gulf relief. And the music kicks serious ass.


Love, Love, Love.

I'm really bad at blogging, but really good at procrastinating.

Hey, hey, hey.

Four months later. A third of a year. Almost an entire semester. Here we are. Wow. So much has changed in those four short months. I've seen my college raise over $70,000 for cancer research, spent time with some awesome freshmen who I get to watch fall in love in Vanderbilt, met some new friends that I now can't imagine life without, found new music (!!), and I've stopped making excuses for people who never could come up them on their own (had to slip in an emo one...have you met me?!)

Anyways, I'm getting ready to go home on Friday. It's been awhile and I'm really excited to spend time with my sweet family and friends. Any time that I go anywhere that requires a drive over 30 minutes, I make a mix cd. Yes, I have an iPod that can make playlists...but that's not the same. Nothing makes me happier than a blank CD. It's full of potential for something powerful and amazing. Before I make this new CD for t-giving, I'd like to share my first semester studying playlist. When I finally got tired of facebook stalking, or reading blogs, or online shopping..I'd put this playlist on and get to work. As we get ready for finals (SICK), maybe you'll listen to some of these too.

Happy Thanksgiving...we have a lot to be thankful for.

Love, love, love.

Me

My "Juniors Have to Study" Playlist

1. "A Falling Through"- Ray Lamontagne (Was on my 100 songs playlist..whatever, it's so beautiful)
2. "Please Do Not Let Me Go"- Ryan Adams (I've developed a huge musical crush on Mr. Adams..I also like that the title of this album is "Love is Hell"
3. "Come Pick Me Up"-Ryan Adams (See..total crush. This song drops the f bomb a few times..in case you need warning)
..also, this song has some killer harmonica in it)
4. "Colorblind"-Counting Crows (This song is in "Cruel Intentions"..and I love it!!!)
5. "I'd Rather be Lonely"-Tyler Hilton (Also on the 100 songs...I <3 tyler hilton)
6. "Bluebird"-Sara Bareilles (SHE ROCKS!!!!!!! Saw her at the Ryman last month. Whoa..this song is so pretty)
7. "I Won't"- Colbie Caillat (Good jam. I like her voice)
8. "Come Home"- OneRepublic and Sara Bareilles (One of my favorite duets EVER.)
9. "From Where You Are"-Lifehouse (This song makes me want to stand on a balcony at the beach on a cloudy day and just think..way descriptive..weird)
10. "Last Kiss"-Taylor Swift ("All that I know is I don't know how to be something you miss" or "You can plan for a change in weather or town, but I never planned on you changing your mind". I love T-Swift.)
11. "Notion"-Kings of Leon (I like to shout along to this song...try not to)
12. "Dear John"- Taylor Swift ("I'm shining like fireworks over your sad, empty town")
13. "She is Love"-Parachute (Just saw them live..so good!!!!!)
14. "Favor"- Rocca Delucca and the Burden (Heard this at Jackson's during brunch. A waiter came and gave me a piece of paper with the song on it as he watched me awkwardly try to Shazaam it on my phone. I'm convinced we're soulmates..no big deal.)
15. "The Lucky Ones"- Brendan James (He opened for Parachute and then I heard this song in the trailer for the new Jennifer Anniston/Adam Sandler movie...I LOVE when stuff like that happens...it's a cool song)


Okay. I'm going to do work now. 11pm on a Sunday is when I'm the most productive. Go figure.