Another fun new feature (for me at least) that I’m kicking off is Favorite Song Friday… each Friday I’ll share the song that has been stuck in my head all week.
This week I’ve had a great little song by The Band Perry stuck in my head, called “Better Dig Two”. I absolutely love the vibe to this song – the banjo part rocks! This is definitely a “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” kind of song! I’ve been very impressed with The Band Perry’s music so far – if you actually listen to their songs there are a lot of neat chord progressions and harmonies. Not to mention they’re super catchy!
Those of you that know me well know that I love music. I love live music the best – there’s something about a band or artist being able to seeing well without the aid of studio magic that really makes me happy. Every year I do my best to go see all sorts of musicians play live, whether it’s country music, opera, or pop, I love a good show. Here’s what I have lined up so far for 2013:
January 27: Rock of Ages
January 31: George Strait
June 2: Les Misérables
I’ll admit, it’s a little bit light. So far, there’s not a whole lot coming to the greater Northern California area, at least not right now. There are a few bands (Mumford & Sons and the Zac Brown Band come to mind) that I would love to see and am keeping an eye out. A major bet went down on New Years Eve as to whether or not Led Zeppelin will be making a 2013 appearance… if they do, we’ll definitely be seeing them!
Today the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced the 2013 inductees. There are four categories: Performers (singers, vocal groups, bands, and instrumentalists of all kinds), Non-Performers (people who primarily work behind the scenes in the music industry, including record label executives, songwriters, record producers, disc jockeys, concert promoters, and music journalists), Early Influences (artists from earlier eras, such as country, folk, and blues, whose music inspired and influenced rock and roll artists), and Side-men (musicians who have spent their career out of the spotlight, performing as backup musicians for major artists on recording sessions and in concert). Occasionally, they will add in a Lifetime Achievement Award. Artists are eligible for induction into the Hall twenty-five years after the release of their first record. The Hall of Fame also reviews the influence and significance of the artist’s contribution to the development and continuation of rock and roll.
Those are some pretty influential folks! I hope to visit the R&R Hall of Fame in Cleveland one of these days… maybe I’ll need to add that to the bucket list!
So yesterday the Recording Academy announced the Grammy award nominees. Justin Beiber and his management team allegedly think that he was snubbed (“Grammy board u blew it on this one” is the quote from his manager on Twitter). He continues with “Huge [successful] album, sold out tour, and won people over … this time he deserved to be recognized”. Well, Mr. Manager, I have news for you… just working hard doesn’t win you Grammys. There’s that little thing called musical talent… normally that’s how you win the award, not by selling out an arena to thousands of twelve year olds who don’t know a thing about music.
A couple of days ago the morning show that I listen to went through a list of the top ten most hated Christmas songs. I was actually blown away to hear some of the ones on the list (ok, not the Jingle Cats singing “Jingle Bells”). I love Christmas music. I wish I could listen to it all year long… there are just some great, moving songs out there. I actually have to consciously tell myself to not listen to it before Mike’s birthday and after New Years.Now that it’s officially the season, I thought I’d share what my top five favorites are.
1. “O Holy Night”: There are a lot of good versions of this out there – but there are a couple of amazing ones. Mariah Carey and ‘N Sync (seriously!) are a couple. My top version might have to be the Mannheim Steamroller instrumental version (titled “Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)”). Definitely give that one a listen!
2. “The Twelve Days of Christmas”: Until about two or three years ago, I hated this song. That’s when I was introduced to the group Straight No Chaser. I’m serious, they’re just about the coolest thing to happen to music. Watch this video and make sure you watch all the way to the end:
3. “Silent Night”: Hands down best version ever is Boys II Men. There’s no competition to the a capella version. Period.
4. “The Gift”: This is a little diddy by Garth Brooks. Yes, I know, not very traditional. This song almost always brings tears to my eyes when I really listen to the words.
5. “Carol of the Bells”: Again, Mannheim Steamroller really outdoes themselves on this one – I love how it builds… this is my go to song for wrapping presents!
This brings me to my big question… what’s your favorite Christmas song?
Down The Road I Go 