I'll admit it, I'm kind of a fall girl.
Although I'm pretty sure most of you know that.
I know I talk a lot about how much I love the sweaters, cicadas (just so long as they're not on my face, head, or within fifty feet of me), leggings and jeans, pumpkins, apple cider, and the like. And it's true, I absolutely adore those things. I love the idea of back to school supplies, carrying around Vera Bradley purses and bags, sitting in the backyard with my camera, and all those lovely things that just come with autumn.
However, there is something that I don't talk about a lot in relation to autumn, and that is music.
To me, each season has a "sound" in music. Spring is a conglomeration of beautiful indie music and the beginning of summer music. Summer music is some good rock music, ranging from Southern rock like Lynyrd Skynyrd to some good "hard" rock (at least in my terms) like Anberlin. Winter music is usually just Christmas music. Incessantly. Constantly. Every second of the day. I listen to a little bit of other stuff, you know, a little bit of Coldplay awesomeness, but really. Christmas music is really all I need during winter.
But as for autumn, it has probably the most distinct sound. It's just the most beautiful of sounds. To me, autumn sounds like The Avett Brothers, Relient K, Paul Colman Trio, Michael Buble, Ella Fitzgerald, Nickel Creek, David Crowder Band, and Dashboard Confessional. It's a mix of light rock, bluegrass, and the good 'ol 40s classics.
I know to most people some of these bands might not sound particularly "fallish," but to me they have particular memories attached to them. I remember finding the song "Stolen" by Dashboard Confessional last autumn and absolutely falling in love with it, listening to it incessantly. I remember listening to Michael Buble and Ella Fitzgerald the past two years, and especially last year; that music helped me through so much. I remember blasting The Avett Brothers and Relient K while driving down the interstate with my brother. Paul Colman Trio reminds me of Chicago in the fall. These things are just lovely to me.
Since autumn is coming, I decided to follow the trend of posting playlists from Spotify to my blog. This is an August playlist. You'll definitely hear a mix of summer sounds and autumn sounds. It could go from Anberlin to Ella Fitzgerald in a heartbeat, so be prepared for anything. *wink*
To me these songs bring a roaring end to swimming in the river, eating frozen yogurt, driving down the interstate in the heat of summer, and watching summer flicks at the theater, while heralding in watching White Collar, drinking hot tea, cider, and chai incessantly, sitting outside with blankets and hot, homemade popcorn, and festivals.
So long summer. Welcome autumn.
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Summertime Journaling
I love writing at any time of the year. Different seasons put me in different moods to write in different styles. Summer always puts me in a laid-back kind of feel, and my journaling strongly reflects that. As I was sitting up late one night a few days ago, I wrote this:
"It's 1:17 in the morning, and life is a virtual popsicle. Except filled with the most lovely feeling the heart can't describe. I'm sitting here listening to my favorite Alison Krauss songs, and it brings me back to being a little kid. It reminds me of riding in the back of Dad's black truck down a country road, or of driving through the Smokies at dusk. It brings me back to my five year old days. It makes me feel young. And sometimes it feels good to feel like a little kid again. Being reminded of being young makes me feel trusting. It makes me feel safe. It makes me feel like that country girl whose mind didn't wander very far past the oak tree in the back yard. The feeling I get is one I can't quite capture in words found in Webster's. It's an earthy, real feeling. It's beautiful, almost mysterious, in a very simple, understandable way. It makes my heart go crazy, while making my mind so peaceful that I feel like a mist hanging over pines in the mountains. I want so badly to capture this feeling in a song, but I can't write a song. I want to write poetry, a story, something. But not all things are intended for words."
I love summer.
I love watching fireworks while listening to Anberlin.
I love reading books on a stormy afternoon.
I love swimming at the river with my friends on a Saturday.
I love eating watermelon and strawberries.
I love going to coffee shops and frozen yogurt places with my mom.
I love eating green beans picked an hour beforehand from the garden.
But mostly I just love writing about how much I love these things in my journal.
Summertime is good.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
My Life in Song Lyrics - BEDA #10
I have always loved relating song lyrics to life. And since I know that it would be obnoxious to post lyrics that apply to my life on Facebook every hour (trust me, I could), I am compiling a list on here to give a weaving of my life lately.
You give me hope, and hope it gives me life. You touch my heavy heart, and when You do You make it light. As I exhale I hear Your voice and I answer You, though I hardly make a noise. And from my lips the words I choose to say seem pathetic, but it's a fallen man's praise. Because I love You.
{relient k, when i go down}
You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of dust. You make me new, You are making me new.
{gungor, beautiful things}
I swear I'm trying to give everything but I feel like I'm falling, oh make me believe what I need is resurrection, what I need is for You to put back on my feet.
{david crowder band, let me feel you shine}
Well I tried to be apart from You, away from You my first love. And I lost my way without You close, without You near to me. All the universe without Your name is so alone, my God. And so I run into Your arms, for You are love.
{paul colman trio, into your arms}
The lyrics to this song and the skit. (this is the skit I told y'all about back in January that I did with my youth group about a month ago)
The tricky thing is yesterday we were just children, playing soldiers just pretending, dreaming dreams with happy endings. In back yards winning battles with our wooden swords, but now we've stepped into a cruel world where everyone stands and keeps score. Keep your eyes open.
{taylor swift, eyes open}
You can hear voices loud and sing out a song that nobody knows, but to her it sounds like home. But the nights can't hide the days that the tears roll down her face and the light hits those eyes, as she's dying to say just take me away.
{parachute, all that i am}
I get up in the evening and I ain't got nothing to say, I come home in the morning, I go to bed feeling the same way. I ain't nothing but tired, man, I'm just tired and bored with myself. Hey there baby, I could use just a little help.
{bruce springsteen, dancing in the dark}
They are turning my head out to see what I'm all about, keeping my head down to see what it feels like now. But I have no doubt one day we are gonna get out.
{coldplay, lovers in japan}
What you don't have you don't need it now, what you don't know you can feel it somehow, what you don't have you don't need it now, don't need it now, it was a beautiful day.
{u2, beautiful day}
Forged in the fires of human passion, choking on the fumes of selfish rage, and with these our hells and our heavens so few inches apart, we must be awfully small and not as strong as we think we are.
{rich mullins, we are not as strong as we think we are}
Even when it's dark before the dawn I will feel your grace and carry on, and with every breath of me, you'll be the only light I see.
{boyce avenue, every breath}
I remember when we used to laugh about nothing at all, it was better than going mad from trying to solve all the problems we're going through, forget them all, cause on those nights we would stand and never fall, together we faced it all.
{skillet, those nights}
Lay down your armor, put down your sword, there's no one here to protect yourself from anymore. Scale back your defenses, set down your shield, I'm not here to harm you, I'm here to heal. Why are you so stubborn? Why are you so closed? I'm so afraid you'll stay this way and quarantine your soul. Oh please stay open, oh please believe, there's nothing wrong with you that's not wrong with me.
{josh bales, quarantine}
The night was young and so were we, talked about life, God, death, and your family, didn't want any promises, just my undivided honesty, and you said oh oh, things are gonna change now for the better, and oh oh, things are gonna change.
It's not that I hang on every word, I hang myself on what you repeat. It's not that I keep hanging on, I'm never letting go.
{anberlin, dismantle.repair.}
I don't quite know how to say how I feel, those three words are said too much, they're not enough. If I lay here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world? Forget what we're told, before we get too old, show me a garden that's bursting into life. Let's waste time chasing cars around our heads. I need your grace to remind me to find my own.
{snow patrol, chasing cars}
And I can't always be part of you and you can't always be there for me and I can't always be where you are. But if you could look past everything and realize that you are the one for me and nothing can break us down then you would rescue me for me.
{the incredible sandwich, where you are}
I wanna break every clock, the hands of time could never move again. We could stay in this moment for the rest of our lives.
{anberlin, inevitable}
You give me hope, and hope it gives me life. You touch my heavy heart, and when You do You make it light. As I exhale I hear Your voice and I answer You, though I hardly make a noise. And from my lips the words I choose to say seem pathetic, but it's a fallen man's praise. Because I love You.
{relient k, when i go down}
You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of dust. You make me new, You are making me new.
{gungor, beautiful things}
I swear I'm trying to give everything but I feel like I'm falling, oh make me believe what I need is resurrection, what I need is for You to put back on my feet.
{david crowder band, let me feel you shine}
Well I tried to be apart from You, away from You my first love. And I lost my way without You close, without You near to me. All the universe without Your name is so alone, my God. And so I run into Your arms, for You are love.
{paul colman trio, into your arms}
The lyrics to this song and the skit. (this is the skit I told y'all about back in January that I did with my youth group about a month ago)
The tricky thing is yesterday we were just children, playing soldiers just pretending, dreaming dreams with happy endings. In back yards winning battles with our wooden swords, but now we've stepped into a cruel world where everyone stands and keeps score. Keep your eyes open.
{taylor swift, eyes open}
You can hear voices loud and sing out a song that nobody knows, but to her it sounds like home. But the nights can't hide the days that the tears roll down her face and the light hits those eyes, as she's dying to say just take me away.
{parachute, all that i am}
I get up in the evening and I ain't got nothing to say, I come home in the morning, I go to bed feeling the same way. I ain't nothing but tired, man, I'm just tired and bored with myself. Hey there baby, I could use just a little help.
{bruce springsteen, dancing in the dark}
They are turning my head out to see what I'm all about, keeping my head down to see what it feels like now. But I have no doubt one day we are gonna get out.
{coldplay, lovers in japan}
What you don't have you don't need it now, what you don't know you can feel it somehow, what you don't have you don't need it now, don't need it now, it was a beautiful day.
{u2, beautiful day}
Forged in the fires of human passion, choking on the fumes of selfish rage, and with these our hells and our heavens so few inches apart, we must be awfully small and not as strong as we think we are.
{rich mullins, we are not as strong as we think we are}
Even when it's dark before the dawn I will feel your grace and carry on, and with every breath of me, you'll be the only light I see.
{boyce avenue, every breath}
I remember when we used to laugh about nothing at all, it was better than going mad from trying to solve all the problems we're going through, forget them all, cause on those nights we would stand and never fall, together we faced it all.
{skillet, those nights}
Lay down your armor, put down your sword, there's no one here to protect yourself from anymore. Scale back your defenses, set down your shield, I'm not here to harm you, I'm here to heal. Why are you so stubborn? Why are you so closed? I'm so afraid you'll stay this way and quarantine your soul. Oh please stay open, oh please believe, there's nothing wrong with you that's not wrong with me.
{josh bales, quarantine}
The night was young and so were we, talked about life, God, death, and your family, didn't want any promises, just my undivided honesty, and you said oh oh, things are gonna change now for the better, and oh oh, things are gonna change.
It's not that I hang on every word, I hang myself on what you repeat. It's not that I keep hanging on, I'm never letting go.
{anberlin, dismantle.repair.}
I don't quite know how to say how I feel, those three words are said too much, they're not enough. If I lay here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world? Forget what we're told, before we get too old, show me a garden that's bursting into life. Let's waste time chasing cars around our heads. I need your grace to remind me to find my own.
{snow patrol, chasing cars}
And I can't always be part of you and you can't always be there for me and I can't always be where you are. But if you could look past everything and realize that you are the one for me and nothing can break us down then you would rescue me for me.
{the incredible sandwich, where you are}
I wanna break every clock, the hands of time could never move again. We could stay in this moment for the rest of our lives.
{anberlin, inevitable}
Sunday, April 8, 2012
This is the power of Christ in me - BEDA #8
Luke 24:3-7
But when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”
Christ is alive.
And because He is alive, we are alive in Him.
That is the power of Christ in me.
But when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”
Christ is alive.
And because He is alive, we are alive in Him.
That is the power of Christ in me.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Sunday is Coming - BEDA #7
Friday seemed like the end.
Friday seemed like the destruction of hope.
But Friday was a beginning.
A promise.
The New Covenant.
We are now able to be alive in Christ.
We didn't have to pay the price.
He payed the price.
On Friday.
And Sunday is coming.
Friday seemed like the destruction of hope.
But Friday was a beginning.
A promise.
The New Covenant.
We are now able to be alive in Christ.
We didn't have to pay the price.
He payed the price.
On Friday.
And Sunday is coming.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
For Your Daily Smile - BEDA #5
This is my current favorite music video. It makes me giggle with happiness every time I watch it. It's so creative and adorable. Tessa (the girl) reminds me so much of myself in this video.
This song is adorable and happy and the video is absolutely presh.
Tomorrow I'm going to be talking about my favorite movie and why it means so much to me, so be looking out for that.
Goodnight and see all of you tomorrow!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Yeah, well I didn't die...
So no, I really didn't die or fall off the face of the earth.
I honestly have an excuse y'all... no, I'm serious. Lots of them. Don't believe me? Fine. Here's why:
Just so I don't leave you with one of those ridiculous posts where the awful blogger makes excuses of why she hasn't blogged (cough cough), I will leave you with five good things.
Good thing #1 - Poetry
Read this poem. Currently my favorite poem.
Good thing #2 - Music
Currently one of my favorite songs. Not a huge fan of Boyce Avenue, but this one is gorgeous and has so many good memories attached to it. <3 :]
Good thing #3 - Funnies
This literally never stops being funny... some people. Wow.
Good thing #4 - Smart things
I promise I'm not a nerd. But really. This is so cool.
Good thing #5 - Photography
I love this place. <3
So. I'm done here. I'll try to do more posts soon. I got a Pinterest and I feel like I have enough pins now that I can actually do a post on it. So, I'll try to be doing that soon if that sounds interesting to anyone.
Love, happiness, flowers, and all that dandy stuff.
-Madison
I honestly have an excuse y'all... no, I'm serious. Lots of them. Don't believe me? Fine. Here's why:
- State mock trial competition (we're talking 10 hours a week of work y'all)
- Piano evaluations
- Latin word studies, Latin homework, Latin quizzes, National Latin Exam....
- AP Government quizzes, papers, books, and text
- Reading wedding magazines (okay, so yeah, I don't know if that counts)
- Used book sale
- Writing papers for composition
- Catching up on math & psychology
- SAT prep
- Photography
- Pinterest (yes, that is a legitimate excuse, and you know it)
- Hunger Games (!!!!!!!)
- Chilling out with my buddies
- Laughing hysterically at stupid jokes. "I'm so bright, my mother calls me son." I'm sorry... sorry... I'll stop.
- Dirty dishes. More dirty dishes. Laundry. Dirty dishes. Oops. I ate again. More dirty dishes...
- And so on....
Just so I don't leave you with one of those ridiculous posts where the awful blogger makes excuses of why she hasn't blogged (cough cough), I will leave you with five good things.
Good thing #1 - Poetry
Read this poem. Currently my favorite poem.
Good thing #2 - Music
Currently one of my favorite songs. Not a huge fan of Boyce Avenue, but this one is gorgeous and has so many good memories attached to it. <3 :]
Good thing #3 - Funnies
This literally never stops being funny... some people. Wow.
Good thing #4 - Smart things
I promise I'm not a nerd. But really. This is so cool.
Good thing #5 - Photography
I love this place. <3
So. I'm done here. I'll try to do more posts soon. I got a Pinterest and I feel like I have enough pins now that I can actually do a post on it. So, I'll try to be doing that soon if that sounds interesting to anyone.
Love, happiness, flowers, and all that dandy stuff.
-Madison
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas here's to many more
As I sit on my bed with my Christmas, knee-toe socks, listening to my favorite Relient K Christmas songs, I can barely believe it's almost here. It feels like the season just began. And now it's almost over.
I've spent the past few days doing typical Christmasy things. Thursday was my baking fest: two batches of cookies, a batch of fudge, and two pecan pies. Three hours in the kitchen. It's not very often that I have the time or inclination to bake for three (or maybe it was four...) hours, but it just seemed like a classic Christmas thing to do. And oh how I do love baking. It fills the air with a scents of Christmas. (aha. Look at what I did there. Isn't that funny? No? Okay...)
Christmas presents galore today. My cousins, my brother, and I all went out mid afternoon today to do last minute Christmas shopping. Shops bursting at the seams with lots of folks and people smiling more than usual. Boots and hats and sweaters if you felt like being Christmasy even though it was in the 60s or 70s. It's so lovely to see everyone with Christmas in their hearts.Despite the fact that I'm 16, Christmas holds a certain magic to it. I've almost always been one of those starry eyed, head-in-the-clouds kind of girls - reading the whole Anne of Green Gables series didn't help matters much. And so when something that's generally known as magical comes around, I'm all the more starry eyed, head-in-the-clouds. If you had been looking out the window of one of the houses in my neighborhood today, you might have spotted me skipping down the street gleefully looking at the pretty clouds and bright blue skies listening to Christmas Lights on my iPod. Every Christmas, and this year particularly, certain songs, smells, sights remind me of being a little kid. It's so beautiful.
I love how there is one time in the year that everyone wants to spend it doing traditional things, and spend it remembering, loving, cherishing those dear old memories of long ago (or not so long ago). Everyone becomes a child around Christmas. Everyone comes together, and there's a sense of love and that wintry color of blue in the air.
One thing that has changed since when I was kid was that all I ever used to think about were the presents. Sure, I liked looking at lights and watching Christmas movies, but it all led up to the day that you actually opened presents. Now I couldn't care less about the presents. I just love the general mood. The beauty and wonder of the smiling heart. I care about the love that is spread. And I care about the childlike wonder that people are more likely to feel around Christmastime. It's a beautiful thing.
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world
Merry Christmas!
Here's to many more
{and I'm off to enjoy the typical Christmas Eve traditions - crab soup, opening one present, and watching a delightful Christmas classic... most likely It's a Wonderful Life or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Oh how I love them both. Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss and Jimmy Stewart?}
Friday, August 12, 2011
A Taste in Music
Or rather, my taste in music.
My taste in music has grown over the years; when I was younger, about all I would listen to was Christian music, and even then I was very particular about it - it had to be Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Third Day, or some such very well known band that my parents enjoyed. Then people started getting me to listen to other music. Like. Pop music. Which terrified me at first. Yes. Really. But as I began to discover new music, I found that, hey, it's actually pretty good. But the stuff that I first started listening to was stuff like Taylor Swift and popular Miley Cyrus songs. Mostly just pop music, and a little country here and there.
That has changed again quite recently. I've found that tho, yes, I still do enjoy pop music (-gasp-), I'm much more likely to enjoy something along the lines of alternative or singer/songwriter or some rock music than I will enjoy pop music.
So. With that being said, here are a few of my favorite bands and singers, why I like them, aannndd if you're even slightly interested, some songs by them that I highly recommend. Soherewego....
Band: Parachute
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: I've honestly only been listening to this band for a matter of a few months. But ever since I heard the first song I ever heard by them, I was in love with them. Will's voice is so unique and beautiful. Their music pretty much sums up what I like in a band, and that is... okay this is gonna sound weird... but my favorite kind of music is the kind that sounds like a big city. What I mean is whenever I'm listening to "White Dress" or "Kiss Me Slowly" or some other song by them I'm automatically transported to Chicago or New York. It just sounds like something that I would listen to riding through some big city at night. They may not be very popular, but I honestly can't imagine why they aren't, because their music just seems so perfect to me. And of course it doesn't hurt that they're all gorgeous. ;) But honestly, their music just sets me into this nearly perfect mood. I'm pretty much hooked.
My favorite songs by them: She (For Liz), White Dress, What I Know, Kiss Me Slowly
Band: Lifehouse
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: Of course their most popular song is "You and Me", and I do love that song, but what really hooked me was their song "Everything." Ever since I heard that song, I have loved this band. My boyfriend randomly bought me their first CD a few months ago, and at first I wasn't incredibly impressed with their music. Most of it sounded the same. But the more I listened to the songs, and really listened, the more I fell in love with their music. I discovered that not only was their music the most perfect driving music in the world, but their lyrics were so filled with emotion. Also, like Will from Parachute, Jason has such a unique voice. It can make you want to laugh, cry, whatever. Their music is so filled with feeling and real emotion I can't help but love it.
My favorite songs by them: Blind (listen to this one. just do it.), Everything, Halfway Gone, You and Me
Band: Paul Colman Trio
Genre: Christian
A tidbit about why I like them: I guess I'm honestly a tad biased simply because I've grown up listening to this band. We have two of their CDs, tho I've only really listened to one all that much. But I must make a statement: the Newsboys are overrated. Yeah, that Australian Christian band. They're overrated. Because Paul Colman Trio is an Australian Christian band too, who honestly have a great deal better musical taste, and Paul has a fantastic voice. They're one of the best bands I know, and definitely one of the best Christian bands I know. Their music has the same effect Parachute has on me... it just makes me feel like I'm in some big city. Nooo idea why. But they're fantastic. You should go listen to them.
My favorite songs by them: It's honestly almost impossible to pick only a few favorites because they're all my favorites, but I suppose they would be - I'll Be With You, Solution, Into Your Arms, I Dream.
Tho, really, go buy their CD "One." I'm serious. Go do it now. Now. I mean it. Or I'll come and find you. And make you buy it.
Band: Jonas Brothers
Genre: Pop
A tidbit about why I like them: STOP. I see where you're going. You're running away screaming because I just said that the Jonas Brothers is one of my favorite bands. It's true. But you should stop running because I have an explanation to make. And that simply is: I'm not one of those crazy girls who runs around screaming "JONAS BROTHERS AHHHH." Nope. Yesh, they are quite beautiful, but I really don't care that much. I like them because I adore their music. Not really their earlier work, but their most recent album, Lines Vines and Trying Times is a wonderful work of music. And yes, I'm serious. Just because they're some post-popular boy band doesn't mean they can't play music. Because they can. These guys really are talented, and I appreciate that. Just because I tend to enjoy some chill alternative rock music doesn't mean I don't know a good pop song when I hear it. So that is my explanation. And stop freaking out. I'm serious.
My favorite songs by them: When You Look Me In The Eyes, Fly With Me, Black Keys, Turn Right
Band: U2
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: Simple - they're an 80s British band that has the best taste of music ever. And that is all I have to say about these wonderful men who know how to put a tune together.
My favorite songs by them: I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, With or Without You, Bullet the Blue Sky
Singer: Chris Rice
Genre: Christian/Folk
A tidbit about why I like him: This guy is my childhood. I grew up with this guy. He's always been one of my favorite singers in the whole world. There's really nothing special about him. He just plays some chill laid-back music. It sounds like the kind of thing you would wake up to on a bright early summer morning. And I have so many memories tied to the songs that he plays. The only bad thing I can I say about him is if you're looking for deep theological Christian music, he isn't the guy. Tho many of his songs are "Christian" they're not very deep. But if you want just some music to chill to, this is the guy to go for. But I'm going to warn you right off the bat: this guy is gonna make you smile.
My favorite songs by him: The Other Side of the Radio, 8th Grade, Circle Up, Nonny Nonny, My Cathedral, Everything's OK, Deep Enough to Dream, Smell the Color 9, The Face of Christ, Home Tonight, Smellin' Coffee, The Power of the Moment, Live By Faith, Lemonade, Wind and Spirit, Missin You.
Yeah... sorry for that many songs. But I adore these songs. If you're interested in getting a CD, get Run the Earth and Watch the Sky, and if you're a Christmas nerd like I am, get his "The Living Room Sessions: Christmas."
Singer: John Mayer
Genre: Blues Rock/Acoustic Rock
A tidbit about why I like him: John Mayer had me with "Why Georgia." There is nothing I appreciate more than a good chill song that I can listen to on the road. And this song is absolutely one of those songs. And his music is just like that. Again, his voice is pretty unique. And his skills on the guitar never fail to impress me. I don't know a lot of songs by him, but the ones that I do know I really adore. They're the kind of songs that I can get stuck in my head and not be annoyed. His soulful music is something that I can't help but love.
My favorite songs by him: Why Georgia, Half of My Heart, Free Fallin (not by him, but I love his cover), Heartbreak Warfare
Singer: Josh Groban
Genre: Operatic Pop
A tidbit about why I like him: If you can reach perfection in singing, this guy has reached it. I've never heard a voice that can make your soul want to fly more than this guy. Every time I listen to his music, I feel like I'm taken to some chill place where I can just sit and think. The soft piano, the perfect opera voice, the melodic movement of the music is near to perfection. The first song I listened to by him was "You Raise Me Up," and as one of my friends Alana continued to go crazy about his music, I kept listening to him more and more, and I became more and more impressed. I haven't listened to all of his songs, but I have to put him as one of my favorite artists simply because his music has made such an impression on me. I really appreciate the realness of his music.
My favorite songs by him: February Song, You Raise Me Up, Bells of New York City
Band: Coldplay
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: As I said about Josh Groban, if perfection of a band can be reached, Coldplay has reached it. I remember the first time I heard of them was when my cousin told me about their song "Viva la Vida," and I thought the lyrics were weird, so I ignored them, generally, as a band. But I kept listening to the song, and I liked it. A lot. I slowly began to hear more and more of their songs, and although I still don't own all of their CDs, I can say without hesitation that Coldplay is one of my top favorite bands. Ever. Their music just sounds like British rock, and there is almost nothing better than British rock. They have the ability to want to make you dance and the ability to make you want to just sit and think. If a band has the ability to do that, they've got to be pretty talented. Coldplay. Rocks.
My favorite songs by them: Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, The Scientist, Violet Hill, Life in Technicolor ii
Singer: Steven Curtis Chapman
Genre: Christian
A tidbit about why I like him: Last of his kind, I promise... but I had to include one more of the guys I grew up with. He's the guy that nearly every Christian will recognize right off the bat, but I'd say there are few people who truly like him as much as I do. I love the sound of his music. You can tell immediately it's him every time, because it just sounds like his music. I can't really go into much detail, because I'd say all of you are Christians and have heard of him. But I simply had to include him because he really is one of my all time favorites!
My favorite songs by him: Speechless, Whatever, Dive, The Change, Live Out Loud, God Is God, See the Glory, All Things New, Only Getting Started, Heaven Is The Face, I Will Trust You, Spring is Coming, Beauty Will Rise
Once again I have to apologize for all these favorites. But I've grown up with this guy... so impossible to choose!
Singer: Michael Buble
Genre: Big band/jazz
A tidbit about why I like him: Well. Maybe his beautiful, soulful voice and big soulful eyes and his way of looking so annoyingly preppy and yet so absolutely perfect that you just want to scream. Once again, my friend Alana kind of got me hooked on his music. I had heard it before, and had some of his music, but it's really been just recently that I've really fallen in love with his perfect voice and 40s/50s jazz-like music, and yet his ability to make it sound so modern and merry. There really isn't anything to not love about his music. His music just makes me so gleeful and bubbly.
My favorite songs by him: Hold On, The Way You Look Tonight (his cover on it), Hollywood, Haven't Met You Yet
Band: The Wallflowers
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: *SQUEE* I love these guys more than I can possibly express. Their music is absolutely driving music. Just that stuff that you want to drive on a long stretch of road to. Jakob is Bob Dylan's son, and he has such a unique voice. This music is so chill and so perfect. My mom bought one of their CDs only a few months ago, but I'm not even joking when I say that we've listened to it hundreds of times. Not an exaggeration at all. My mom and I basically adore this CD, and I don't think I can ever get tired of it, considering that we've already listened to it hundreds of times and haven't gotten tired of it.
My favorite songs by them: One Headlight, Bleeders, Angel On My Bike, The Difference
Singer: Justin Bieber
Genre: Pop/R&B
A tidbit about why I like him: And now you are freaking out as much as you were with the Jonas Brothers. And understandably. Because JB is the big heart throb among girls today, or as Plugged In online astutely described him, "the latest mop-topped poppet." But as I said, I do know a good pop song when I hear one. Also, I think at least a tiny portion of the reason I like him is simply because so many people are such freaks about him. I don't mind poking a little fun at pop singers, but when it gets to the point where people are jokingly say they want to kill him, please shut your face. It's tiring and immature. Also, I'm sick of the gay jokes about him. I mean honestly, he does have impressive musical talent. And although not all of his songs have made a particular impression on me, I do like a lot of his music. If I just feel like dancing around my room to some music, he's a good choice. His musical skill is pretty fantastic, and even if his voice is higher pitched than most, that doesn't mean it's not super impressive and awesome. So yeah... that's all I have to say about this fantastic mop-topped poppet.
My favorite songs by him: Pray, One Time, Never Say Never, Somebody to Love, Next to You (actually a Chris Brown song, but I love this song, and Justin Bieber's contribution to it, a lot), Love Me, U Smile
Band: The Avett Brothers
Genre: Folk Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: I've grown up listening to a lot of bluegrass music, and these guys are the epitome of awesome in that department. They are a perfect mix of bluegrass and rock. I heard of these guys a while ago, but I really got into their music a few months ago when I had the opportunity of hearing them in concert. And these guys. Are. AMAZING. In concert. They make you want to scream, go wild, and heck, they're playing bluegrass. That's pretty talented. I love the excitement and energy they put into their music. They're so creative. I love that their voices aren't flawless. They're almost a little off key, but it's so perfect for their kind of music. And what I love more than anything is that in one CD or one concert, they can sound like a rock band, The Beatles, and a bluegrass band. It's so amazing, because they all seem to go perfectly together. They're fantastic.
My favorite songs by them: Will You Return, The Ballad of Love and Hate, I Would Be Sad, Kick Drum Heart, Die Die Die, Paranoia in B Major, January Wedding, Swept Away, Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise, And It Spread, Pretty Girl From San Diego, Slight Figure of Speech
Band: Relient k
Genre: Punk Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: Um. What is not to like about these guys? They nearly reach perfection of music. In one song you're dieing laughing, and in the next they're pulling your heartstrings. This band is one of the best. I remember I used to be a little ticked because they called themselves a Christian band, but didn't really play that much Christian music. And yeah, it is annoying they call themselves a Christian band. They may be Christians, but they don't play much Christian music. But that doesn't bother me much anymore, because I do appreciate their music. In fact, I love it. Adore it. It's typical fare for me and my brother to be driving down the road blasting some good 'ol Relient k. Lovelovelove their music.
My favorite songs by them: Forward Motion, Be My Escape, In Love With the 80s, College Kids, I Am Understood?, Getting Into You, Trademark
Oh. And get their Christmas album. Best. Christmas album. Ever. Not even joking.
Singer: Taylor Swift
Genre: Country/Pop
A tidbit about why I like her: So. For a while, I was afraid of saying Taylor Swift was one of my favorite singers. Because I didn't want to seem like that girl who was so crazy obsessed with Taylor that she was all she ever listened to. And, admittedly, I used to be that girl. But after my music tastes started broadening and maturing, I didn't really want to say that she was one of my favorites. But now I shall FEARLESSly say that she is one of my favorites. ;) Reason being, like with Justin Bieber and the Jonas Brothers, I know she is talented. Why else would she be so famous? Who can write songs like her, or sing like her? I refuse to deny talent just because it's popular. And I can't help but love her music. Tho I won't claim her to be my favorite singer like I used to, I will never deny that she is one of my favorites. Not only is she talented, but her maturity and her humbleness and her clean music in a world of trash will never stop impressing me. She is one of the first pop singers I started listening to, and I love her to this day. It's kind of hard not to.
My favorite songs by her: Fearless, Hey Stephen, The Way I Loved You, Speak Now, Enchanted, Best Day, Last Kiss, Long Live, Tied Together With a Smile, Stay Beautiful, Should've Said No
Band: Nickel Creek
Genre: Bluegrass/Alternative
A tidbit on why I like them: I remember the first time I saw this (^) CD cover. I looked at my mom. I looked at the CD. I looked at my mom again. I pointed at Chris and said, "He has weird hair." My opinion of them has changed a great deal since that first time I saw them. My favorite CD is absolutely their self entitled CD, as shown above. This is the kind of music that makes me want to go to the Smoky Mountains, go to a remote cabin during cold weather, wrap up in a huge sweater and fuzzy blanket, and listen to this music. They get more into alternative music as their CDs go on, but they still are tied to their bluegrass roots.
My favorite songs by them: The Lighthouse's Tale, When You Come Back Down, Robin and Marian, The Fox, Spit on a Stranger, Speak, When In Rome, Jealous of the Moon
Singer: Ella Fitzgerald
Genre: Swing/Jazz
A tidbit about why I like her: Why? Because dang that lady can sing.
My favorite songs by her: They Can't Take That Away From Me, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
And her Christmas CD is fantastic!
Singer: Josh Bales
Genre: Country
A tidbit about why I like him: Ladies and gentleman, I have come here today to introduce you to the most musically genius man ever. I'm about 99% sure you've never heard of Josh Bales. And that's because he's a pretty much unheard of guy. But this guy has one of the best, most unique voices you'll ever hear. And you really need to go look him up on iTunes right now and buy all his music. I'm honestly a bigger fan of his earlier music that isn't technically country, but even his country music is a joy to listen to. And also, his Christian music is some of the deepest, most worshipful music you'll ever hear. Give him the support he deserves. Because this guy with a beautiful voice should be heard and everyone should know who he is. He's fantastic.
My favorite songs by him: A Hymn For All the World, Good Day, Grey T-shirt (the acoustic version, not the version off of "If I Was a Prince"), Dark Haired Darling, Wind in My Sails, Satisfied, Intimate, The Trial, I Need You, Only the Sinner, Nature of a Romance, Boardgames
(and if you read my Summit post, you'll know that I got to hear him for two weeks straight at camp, and met him the last day! whoooo!)
Band: David Crowder Band
Genre: Christian Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: Saving best for last.... this band is definitely in my top three favorite bands. I'm usually not a huge fan of Christian music, simply because it all sounds the same. But David Crowder, the second I hear any of their songs, I automatically just want to worship. They're so different. And David? Not only does he look like the local coffee shop type guy, but his voice is incredible. I'm so upset they're breaking up, but the music they have out now is something that I know I'll continue to listen to for years to come.
My favorite songs by them: O Praise Him, Only You, Here Is Our King, Wholly Yours, The Glory of It All, How He Loves, All Around Me, Alleluia Sing
So sorry for this unbelievably long post. But hopefully I haven't completely bored you to death. -giggle-
Goodnight all.
My taste in music has grown over the years; when I was younger, about all I would listen to was Christian music, and even then I was very particular about it - it had to be Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Third Day, or some such very well known band that my parents enjoyed. Then people started getting me to listen to other music. Like. Pop music. Which terrified me at first. Yes. Really. But as I began to discover new music, I found that, hey, it's actually pretty good. But the stuff that I first started listening to was stuff like Taylor Swift and popular Miley Cyrus songs. Mostly just pop music, and a little country here and there.
That has changed again quite recently. I've found that tho, yes, I still do enjoy pop music (-gasp-), I'm much more likely to enjoy something along the lines of alternative or singer/songwriter or some rock music than I will enjoy pop music.
So. With that being said, here are a few of my favorite bands and singers, why I like them, aannndd if you're even slightly interested, some songs by them that I highly recommend. Soherewego....
Band: Parachute
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: I've honestly only been listening to this band for a matter of a few months. But ever since I heard the first song I ever heard by them, I was in love with them. Will's voice is so unique and beautiful. Their music pretty much sums up what I like in a band, and that is... okay this is gonna sound weird... but my favorite kind of music is the kind that sounds like a big city. What I mean is whenever I'm listening to "White Dress" or "Kiss Me Slowly" or some other song by them I'm automatically transported to Chicago or New York. It just sounds like something that I would listen to riding through some big city at night. They may not be very popular, but I honestly can't imagine why they aren't, because their music just seems so perfect to me. And of course it doesn't hurt that they're all gorgeous. ;) But honestly, their music just sets me into this nearly perfect mood. I'm pretty much hooked.
My favorite songs by them: She (For Liz), White Dress, What I Know, Kiss Me Slowly
Band: Lifehouse
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: Of course their most popular song is "You and Me", and I do love that song, but what really hooked me was their song "Everything." Ever since I heard that song, I have loved this band. My boyfriend randomly bought me their first CD a few months ago, and at first I wasn't incredibly impressed with their music. Most of it sounded the same. But the more I listened to the songs, and really listened, the more I fell in love with their music. I discovered that not only was their music the most perfect driving music in the world, but their lyrics were so filled with emotion. Also, like Will from Parachute, Jason has such a unique voice. It can make you want to laugh, cry, whatever. Their music is so filled with feeling and real emotion I can't help but love it.
My favorite songs by them: Blind (listen to this one. just do it.), Everything, Halfway Gone, You and Me
Band: Paul Colman Trio
Genre: Christian
A tidbit about why I like them: I guess I'm honestly a tad biased simply because I've grown up listening to this band. We have two of their CDs, tho I've only really listened to one all that much. But I must make a statement: the Newsboys are overrated. Yeah, that Australian Christian band. They're overrated. Because Paul Colman Trio is an Australian Christian band too, who honestly have a great deal better musical taste, and Paul has a fantastic voice. They're one of the best bands I know, and definitely one of the best Christian bands I know. Their music has the same effect Parachute has on me... it just makes me feel like I'm in some big city. Nooo idea why. But they're fantastic. You should go listen to them.
My favorite songs by them: It's honestly almost impossible to pick only a few favorites because they're all my favorites, but I suppose they would be - I'll Be With You, Solution, Into Your Arms, I Dream.
Tho, really, go buy their CD "One." I'm serious. Go do it now. Now. I mean it. Or I'll come and find you. And make you buy it.
Band: Jonas Brothers
Genre: Pop
A tidbit about why I like them: STOP. I see where you're going. You're running away screaming because I just said that the Jonas Brothers is one of my favorite bands. It's true. But you should stop running because I have an explanation to make. And that simply is: I'm not one of those crazy girls who runs around screaming "JONAS BROTHERS AHHHH." Nope. Yesh, they are quite beautiful, but I really don't care that much. I like them because I adore their music. Not really their earlier work, but their most recent album, Lines Vines and Trying Times is a wonderful work of music. And yes, I'm serious. Just because they're some post-popular boy band doesn't mean they can't play music. Because they can. These guys really are talented, and I appreciate that. Just because I tend to enjoy some chill alternative rock music doesn't mean I don't know a good pop song when I hear it. So that is my explanation. And stop freaking out. I'm serious.
My favorite songs by them: When You Look Me In The Eyes, Fly With Me, Black Keys, Turn Right
Band: U2
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: Simple - they're an 80s British band that has the best taste of music ever. And that is all I have to say about these wonderful men who know how to put a tune together.
My favorite songs by them: I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, With or Without You, Bullet the Blue Sky
Singer: Chris Rice
Genre: Christian/Folk
A tidbit about why I like him: This guy is my childhood. I grew up with this guy. He's always been one of my favorite singers in the whole world. There's really nothing special about him. He just plays some chill laid-back music. It sounds like the kind of thing you would wake up to on a bright early summer morning. And I have so many memories tied to the songs that he plays. The only bad thing I can I say about him is if you're looking for deep theological Christian music, he isn't the guy. Tho many of his songs are "Christian" they're not very deep. But if you want just some music to chill to, this is the guy to go for. But I'm going to warn you right off the bat: this guy is gonna make you smile.
My favorite songs by him: The Other Side of the Radio, 8th Grade, Circle Up, Nonny Nonny, My Cathedral, Everything's OK, Deep Enough to Dream, Smell the Color 9, The Face of Christ, Home Tonight, Smellin' Coffee, The Power of the Moment, Live By Faith, Lemonade, Wind and Spirit, Missin You.
Yeah... sorry for that many songs. But I adore these songs. If you're interested in getting a CD, get Run the Earth and Watch the Sky, and if you're a Christmas nerd like I am, get his "The Living Room Sessions: Christmas."
Singer: John Mayer
Genre: Blues Rock/Acoustic Rock
A tidbit about why I like him: John Mayer had me with "Why Georgia." There is nothing I appreciate more than a good chill song that I can listen to on the road. And this song is absolutely one of those songs. And his music is just like that. Again, his voice is pretty unique. And his skills on the guitar never fail to impress me. I don't know a lot of songs by him, but the ones that I do know I really adore. They're the kind of songs that I can get stuck in my head and not be annoyed. His soulful music is something that I can't help but love.
My favorite songs by him: Why Georgia, Half of My Heart, Free Fallin (not by him, but I love his cover), Heartbreak Warfare
Singer: Josh Groban
Genre: Operatic Pop
A tidbit about why I like him: If you can reach perfection in singing, this guy has reached it. I've never heard a voice that can make your soul want to fly more than this guy. Every time I listen to his music, I feel like I'm taken to some chill place where I can just sit and think. The soft piano, the perfect opera voice, the melodic movement of the music is near to perfection. The first song I listened to by him was "You Raise Me Up," and as one of my friends Alana continued to go crazy about his music, I kept listening to him more and more, and I became more and more impressed. I haven't listened to all of his songs, but I have to put him as one of my favorite artists simply because his music has made such an impression on me. I really appreciate the realness of his music.
My favorite songs by him: February Song, You Raise Me Up, Bells of New York City
Band: Coldplay
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: As I said about Josh Groban, if perfection of a band can be reached, Coldplay has reached it. I remember the first time I heard of them was when my cousin told me about their song "Viva la Vida," and I thought the lyrics were weird, so I ignored them, generally, as a band. But I kept listening to the song, and I liked it. A lot. I slowly began to hear more and more of their songs, and although I still don't own all of their CDs, I can say without hesitation that Coldplay is one of my top favorite bands. Ever. Their music just sounds like British rock, and there is almost nothing better than British rock. They have the ability to want to make you dance and the ability to make you want to just sit and think. If a band has the ability to do that, they've got to be pretty talented. Coldplay. Rocks.
My favorite songs by them: Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, The Scientist, Violet Hill, Life in Technicolor ii
Singer: Steven Curtis Chapman
Genre: Christian
A tidbit about why I like him: Last of his kind, I promise... but I had to include one more of the guys I grew up with. He's the guy that nearly every Christian will recognize right off the bat, but I'd say there are few people who truly like him as much as I do. I love the sound of his music. You can tell immediately it's him every time, because it just sounds like his music. I can't really go into much detail, because I'd say all of you are Christians and have heard of him. But I simply had to include him because he really is one of my all time favorites!
My favorite songs by him: Speechless, Whatever, Dive, The Change, Live Out Loud, God Is God, See the Glory, All Things New, Only Getting Started, Heaven Is The Face, I Will Trust You, Spring is Coming, Beauty Will Rise
Once again I have to apologize for all these favorites. But I've grown up with this guy... so impossible to choose!
Singer: Michael Buble
Genre: Big band/jazz
A tidbit about why I like him: Well. Maybe his beautiful, soulful voice and big soulful eyes and his way of looking so annoyingly preppy and yet so absolutely perfect that you just want to scream. Once again, my friend Alana kind of got me hooked on his music. I had heard it before, and had some of his music, but it's really been just recently that I've really fallen in love with his perfect voice and 40s/50s jazz-like music, and yet his ability to make it sound so modern and merry. There really isn't anything to not love about his music. His music just makes me so gleeful and bubbly.
My favorite songs by him: Hold On, The Way You Look Tonight (his cover on it), Hollywood, Haven't Met You Yet
Band: The Wallflowers
Genre: Alternative Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: *SQUEE* I love these guys more than I can possibly express. Their music is absolutely driving music. Just that stuff that you want to drive on a long stretch of road to. Jakob is Bob Dylan's son, and he has such a unique voice. This music is so chill and so perfect. My mom bought one of their CDs only a few months ago, but I'm not even joking when I say that we've listened to it hundreds of times. Not an exaggeration at all. My mom and I basically adore this CD, and I don't think I can ever get tired of it, considering that we've already listened to it hundreds of times and haven't gotten tired of it.
My favorite songs by them: One Headlight, Bleeders, Angel On My Bike, The Difference
Singer: Justin Bieber
Genre: Pop/R&B
A tidbit about why I like him: And now you are freaking out as much as you were with the Jonas Brothers. And understandably. Because JB is the big heart throb among girls today, or as Plugged In online astutely described him, "the latest mop-topped poppet." But as I said, I do know a good pop song when I hear one. Also, I think at least a tiny portion of the reason I like him is simply because so many people are such freaks about him. I don't mind poking a little fun at pop singers, but when it gets to the point where people are jokingly say they want to kill him, please shut your face. It's tiring and immature. Also, I'm sick of the gay jokes about him. I mean honestly, he does have impressive musical talent. And although not all of his songs have made a particular impression on me, I do like a lot of his music. If I just feel like dancing around my room to some music, he's a good choice. His musical skill is pretty fantastic, and even if his voice is higher pitched than most, that doesn't mean it's not super impressive and awesome. So yeah... that's all I have to say about this fantastic mop-topped poppet.
My favorite songs by him: Pray, One Time, Never Say Never, Somebody to Love, Next to You (actually a Chris Brown song, but I love this song, and Justin Bieber's contribution to it, a lot), Love Me, U Smile
Band: The Avett Brothers
Genre: Folk Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: I've grown up listening to a lot of bluegrass music, and these guys are the epitome of awesome in that department. They are a perfect mix of bluegrass and rock. I heard of these guys a while ago, but I really got into their music a few months ago when I had the opportunity of hearing them in concert. And these guys. Are. AMAZING. In concert. They make you want to scream, go wild, and heck, they're playing bluegrass. That's pretty talented. I love the excitement and energy they put into their music. They're so creative. I love that their voices aren't flawless. They're almost a little off key, but it's so perfect for their kind of music. And what I love more than anything is that in one CD or one concert, they can sound like a rock band, The Beatles, and a bluegrass band. It's so amazing, because they all seem to go perfectly together. They're fantastic.
My favorite songs by them: Will You Return, The Ballad of Love and Hate, I Would Be Sad, Kick Drum Heart, Die Die Die, Paranoia in B Major, January Wedding, Swept Away, Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise, And It Spread, Pretty Girl From San Diego, Slight Figure of Speech
Band: Relient k
Genre: Punk Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: Um. What is not to like about these guys? They nearly reach perfection of music. In one song you're dieing laughing, and in the next they're pulling your heartstrings. This band is one of the best. I remember I used to be a little ticked because they called themselves a Christian band, but didn't really play that much Christian music. And yeah, it is annoying they call themselves a Christian band. They may be Christians, but they don't play much Christian music. But that doesn't bother me much anymore, because I do appreciate their music. In fact, I love it. Adore it. It's typical fare for me and my brother to be driving down the road blasting some good 'ol Relient k. Lovelovelove their music.
My favorite songs by them: Forward Motion, Be My Escape, In Love With the 80s, College Kids, I Am Understood?, Getting Into You, Trademark
Oh. And get their Christmas album. Best. Christmas album. Ever. Not even joking.
Singer: Taylor Swift
Genre: Country/Pop
A tidbit about why I like her: So. For a while, I was afraid of saying Taylor Swift was one of my favorite singers. Because I didn't want to seem like that girl who was so crazy obsessed with Taylor that she was all she ever listened to. And, admittedly, I used to be that girl. But after my music tastes started broadening and maturing, I didn't really want to say that she was one of my favorites. But now I shall FEARLESSly say that she is one of my favorites. ;) Reason being, like with Justin Bieber and the Jonas Brothers, I know she is talented. Why else would she be so famous? Who can write songs like her, or sing like her? I refuse to deny talent just because it's popular. And I can't help but love her music. Tho I won't claim her to be my favorite singer like I used to, I will never deny that she is one of my favorites. Not only is she talented, but her maturity and her humbleness and her clean music in a world of trash will never stop impressing me. She is one of the first pop singers I started listening to, and I love her to this day. It's kind of hard not to.
My favorite songs by her: Fearless, Hey Stephen, The Way I Loved You, Speak Now, Enchanted, Best Day, Last Kiss, Long Live, Tied Together With a Smile, Stay Beautiful, Should've Said No
Band: Nickel Creek
Genre: Bluegrass/Alternative
A tidbit on why I like them: I remember the first time I saw this (^) CD cover. I looked at my mom. I looked at the CD. I looked at my mom again. I pointed at Chris and said, "He has weird hair." My opinion of them has changed a great deal since that first time I saw them. My favorite CD is absolutely their self entitled CD, as shown above. This is the kind of music that makes me want to go to the Smoky Mountains, go to a remote cabin during cold weather, wrap up in a huge sweater and fuzzy blanket, and listen to this music. They get more into alternative music as their CDs go on, but they still are tied to their bluegrass roots.
My favorite songs by them: The Lighthouse's Tale, When You Come Back Down, Robin and Marian, The Fox, Spit on a Stranger, Speak, When In Rome, Jealous of the Moon
Singer: Ella Fitzgerald
Genre: Swing/Jazz
A tidbit about why I like her: Why? Because dang that lady can sing.
My favorite songs by her: They Can't Take That Away From Me, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
And her Christmas CD is fantastic!
Singer: Josh Bales
Genre: Country
A tidbit about why I like him: Ladies and gentleman, I have come here today to introduce you to the most musically genius man ever. I'm about 99% sure you've never heard of Josh Bales. And that's because he's a pretty much unheard of guy. But this guy has one of the best, most unique voices you'll ever hear. And you really need to go look him up on iTunes right now and buy all his music. I'm honestly a bigger fan of his earlier music that isn't technically country, but even his country music is a joy to listen to. And also, his Christian music is some of the deepest, most worshipful music you'll ever hear. Give him the support he deserves. Because this guy with a beautiful voice should be heard and everyone should know who he is. He's fantastic.
My favorite songs by him: A Hymn For All the World, Good Day, Grey T-shirt (the acoustic version, not the version off of "If I Was a Prince"), Dark Haired Darling, Wind in My Sails, Satisfied, Intimate, The Trial, I Need You, Only the Sinner, Nature of a Romance, Boardgames
(and if you read my Summit post, you'll know that I got to hear him for two weeks straight at camp, and met him the last day! whoooo!)
Band: David Crowder Band
Genre: Christian Rock
A tidbit about why I like them: Saving best for last.... this band is definitely in my top three favorite bands. I'm usually not a huge fan of Christian music, simply because it all sounds the same. But David Crowder, the second I hear any of their songs, I automatically just want to worship. They're so different. And David? Not only does he look like the local coffee shop type guy, but his voice is incredible. I'm so upset they're breaking up, but the music they have out now is something that I know I'll continue to listen to for years to come.
My favorite songs by them: O Praise Him, Only You, Here Is Our King, Wholly Yours, The Glory of It All, How He Loves, All Around Me, Alleluia Sing
So sorry for this unbelievably long post. But hopefully I haven't completely bored you to death. -giggle-
Goodnight all.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Climbing the Summit
For the past two weeks, I've been at a marvelous summer camp called "The Summit." It's for all those nerdy, intelligent people out there who actually like to think (and care about thinking). It's a worldview camp where you sit through 7 hours of lectures per day (and no, it's actually not all that bad, as you'll be able to decipher from the pictures). You have plenty of free time as well. Oh, and guess what - there aren't any nerdy looking people there! Amazing, right?In any case, instead of going through a boring narrative of what I did the past two weeks, I thought I would prefer to give you a list, and to show you. So here are the amazing things that I did in the past two weeks:
-Was surprised by my roommate from camp from last year, Megan, who decided to show up at Summit without even telling me, and then attacking me as I attempted to drag my luggage up to our room.
-Met a guy at camp who I met on the computer and I've been a good friend with for about three years, Jordan, and guess what! He wasn't a psycho! (okay, maybe a little.... more like a cynic, but whatever)
-Was told by a random guy while I was playing the piano down in the basement that I was the best sounding pianist out of the four or five that were playing around the basement, when I was actually just picking out a cover for "How He Loves."
-Had frizzy hair for three days straight
-Had the best small group ever
-Ate M&Ms, Cheez-Its, and Fudge Rounds with Megan past midnight
-Learned how to draw something besides a stick man and stars
-Had the most lame food fight ever. As in, throwing a potato covered in tomato sauce at Jordan. And just for the record, it was an awesome shot.
-Drank caffeine to stay awake for the first time in my life
-Saw both pain and joy at its core
-While riding in a bus, almost got killed by a 18 wheeler that had lost control of it's brakes, coming down a mountain. Thankfully, it passed our four school buses. Unfortunately, he went off of a drop off, and had a terrible wreck. But, again, thank God, he is alive.
-Ran in the rain
-Sung "Our Song" with a group of people in a bus
-Died laughing, cried, screamed, hurt, danced
-Had several difficult conversations
-Dreamed
-Failed at meeting my hero (Josh Bales - coolest indie singer eevverr), as he came up to me and asked me where the silverware was in the cafeteria, and I stared blankly, said I didn't know, and stood there silently until he walked away, and then hated myself because of it.
-Discussed James and the Giant Peach and Alice in Wonderland
-Wore a hoodie in the middle of summer
-Kissed a lion
-Prayed
-Sang my guts out to David Crowder
-Missed my bestest friend a heck of a lot
{and if you can't tell from this picture that she tagged me in on FB, she missed me too}-Met someone who had the same dreams, talents, sense of humor, type of family, and mindset as I do
-Learned how to put my hair up in a bun
-Got approximately six hours of sleep a night
-Cried my guts out for an hour and a half over losing Winston
-Ate meat that was questionably either horse meat, dog meat, or spam painted with nail polish made to look like meat.
-Learned about abortion, cosmic humanism, homosexuality, Islam, how to ask questions, evil, how to read the Bible, law and government, economics, entertainment, postmodernism, feminism, marriage and family, evolution, how to be a leader, Marxism, and secular humanism, to name a few things, in two weeks.
-Screamed when a cicada was dropped on my leg
-Got to listen to Josh Bales lead worship every night for two weeks
-Watched a girl play an impressive piece on the piano in the talent show..... playing with her back on the piano bench, so she couldn't see the keys.
-Had the best small group leader ever
{i freakin love her}-Bought eight books, two Josh Bales CDs, and a Summit T-shirt (and was given a Josh Bales T-shirt and Josh Bales CD from Megan for my birthday. best. birthday. present. ever.)
-Was deprived of nail polish for two weeks (I almost died)
-Was deprived of coffee for two weeks (They took me to the ER I was so bad off.....)
-Made my own Summit T-shirt for people to sign
-Didn't have an iPod for two weeks
-Sang "Hey Soul Sister" for a week with Megan
-Went to a local coffee shop and got a Snickers frapp
-Read Cat in the Hat at said local coffee shop
-Got dressed up....
-Only to proceed to do an "interpretive dance" to "Life is a Highway" and....
-Run through a huge field.
-Caught a cold
-Olive Oyl. Don't ask.
-Got chased around with the nastiest worm on the face of this green earth
-Got poked in the stomach more times than I can ever even begin to count
-Had my shoe stolen, and had to walk around a building in front of a ton of people with just one of my Converse.
-Looked pretty hot with Megan
-Spilled water down my shirt twice in one day
-Screamed, talked, and sang so much that I lost my voice
-Got lots of mail. Including a 9 page letter from my biffle. Which made me laugh incessantly.
-Got lots of awesome hugs
-Doodled on one page with three people
-Ate Lucky Charms for breakfast almost every day
-Got to talk to some of the wisest people I've ever met in my life
-Used eyeshadow just because I felt like it. Hah.
-Embraced my artsy side a lil
-Skipped wearing my retainers.... *sshhh*
-Got told I have an awesome boyfriend. Yeah. I knew that already.
{my new favorite picture of us. ever}-Got a piggy back ride
-Listened to Weird Al. Party in the CIA and The Saga Begins. yesh.
-Finally got to meet my hero, Josh Bales, even after the embarrassing incident. He was awesome. And I wanted to scream and dance and run around. But I figured that would be kind of. Well. Yeah. That. Anyways, I was kinda super excited. I'm that cheesy fan who has all of his CDs and a T-shirt. Unfortunately not a gray T-shirt. Sorry. You don't get that because you aren't exposed to his awesome music.
-Made friends. Made stronger friendships I already had.
{my buddies from camp: Jordan, me, Daniel, Megan, and Spencer}
-And followed that super cliched, cheesy statement that you can find on pretty much any cross stitched pillow or picture frame.... I "lived, laughed, loved."
Hope you vaguely begin to grasp how incredible the past two weeks have been for me, and maybe even comprehend a tad why I'm so sad I had to leave.
And to show you even more, I'll be doing a YouTube video about it as soon as I get my voice back and no longer sound like Miley Cyrus.
And so goodbye Summit... I miss you. I miss the people I met there. I miss the millions of Winston Churchill and C.S. Lewis quotes I wrote down every day. I miss the deep thoughts. I miss the stupid jokes every morning. I miss the Smeagol/Gollum impressions. I miss screaming and singing with Megan. I miss it all. I wish you hadn't gone, but I'll always treasure these memories.
I'll always remember you from my favorite quotes from the speakers and the wise people who even they look up to....
"If a word is not worth fighting for, what on earth is?"
-G.K. Chesterton
"The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it and ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is."
-Winston Churchill
The comparison of these two quotes:
"My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the world. I hope you will join with me as we try to change it."
-Barack Obama
"Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid."
-John Wayne
(thanks for the infinite wisdom, John Wayne)
"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but every virtue at the testing point."
-C.S. Lewis
"Free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love of goodness or joy worth having."
-C.S. Lewis
"It does not matter what the verse means to you, it matters what the verse means!"
-John Stonestreet
"If you don't have an attention span, grow one."
-John Stonestreet
"The problem isn't that we love pleasure, the problem is that we're easily pleased."
-C.S. Lewis
"When people stop believing in God, the problem is not that they believe in nothing, but that they believe in everything."
-G.K. Chesterton
"Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day."
-Charles Dickens
"The most dangerous ideas in society are not the ones being argued, but the ones being assumed."
-C.S. Lewis
"Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may Your kingdom come in all the earth as it is in heaven, may Your will be done. In all the world, in all our hearts, Jesus You are King. We wait, we hope, we trust, we know, Your face we soon shall see."
-Josh Bales, A Hymn For All the World
"If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning."
-C.S. Lewis
Miss you Summit.
(P.S. to those of you who are reading this: I will be posting a YouTube video soon all about Summit. Watch for it. Wait for it. Anticipate it.)
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