Happy Monday folks. And what a Monday it was. For me it was filled with rain, frequent trips to the "Fresh Air" deck and making old man jokes about Brett Favre. Overall...not a bad way to start the week. And now that the pleasantries are over with....let's shuffle.
Take It on The Run by REO Speedwagon - Can anyone explain to me why I get laughed at every time I admit to liking REO Speedwagon? This song in particular is pretty damn awesome. It is one of the ultimate challenge song. There is something oddly sexy about the line "If you leave tonight keep running and you need never look back again." I also like the reality of it, in the sense that at the beginning he doesn't believe it but by the end of it he basically slams the door in her face. It's just a good tune. It is an easy song to sing along because lets face it, you know some of the words even if you don't want to admit it. Best Line: If that's the way you want it baby then I don't want you around."
Thick as Thieves by Dashboard Confessional - OK now here is a song of devotion. This guy is ready hang for this chick and its clear about one third of the way into the song that she doesn't deserve. What is it about dumb men sticking up for bitchy women? Oh well...not really the point. Vocally and lyrically this song is phenomenal though it is not one of the more popular DC songs. Another plus of the song is that fact that it is quick. It is not one of those songs that drags on forrrrrrrevvvvvver. Its in and out in less than 3 minutes but totally gets the job done. Again...another great little tune. Best Line: I swear I'll make it right."
Joey by Concrete Blonde - This is such a sad little song for me. I am not sure why it makes me sad because I sure that there is a chance that Joey and his love worked things out but I don't really think so. If the guy is passed out on the floor I'd say that the ship has sailed. What makes this song so great is the unabashed pleading for another chance. I think that deep down most of our egos yearn to have someone plead and fight for our love like that. I also think we all want to love someone so much that our hearts refuse to let them go. Or maybe its just me. Best Line: But if its love you're looking for then I can give a little more."
You Will Love This Song by Amber Rubarth - If you have never heard of Amber Rubarth before, don't feel bad....most people haven't. Now that being said...go out and download this song. It is one of the most well written story telling songs I have heard in a long time. The details of this song make it easy for you to picture the way that the whole relationship played out which is cool. More significantly, anyone who has ever been dumped can relate to the song so that takes it up a notch on the greatness charts. But best of all, it is not a depressing song. Her bubbly and sweet voice is catchy and pleasant to listen to. So yeah...download this song. Best Line: Now I'm wondering if I imagined it or if it was ever really there?"
OMG! I have officially seen the BEST COMMERCIAL EVER.
Seriously, how funny is this commercial? I don't what sets above the rest except for the fact that I cannot stop laughing when I see or even think about it. It is fucking hilarious. And so I have decided to immortalize it on my blog so I can laugh at it anytime that I fee like it.
Oh and Congrats to Peyton Manning for leading the Colts to victory today. Once again I say...In Peyton I trust! The Colts are going all the way!
By now you know that I am a huge fan of covers. Mo help me but I really love them. There is something about them that touches my heart. I think that it is the fact that they offer a new spin on an old song. I don't know...but that is not the point. Tonight's point is that when it comes to covers...one band has it all over another other cover band.
There is only one cover band to span multiple decades...covering hit after hit after. There is only one cover band that your child will listen to now while your mother sings along. You know who I am talking about...
C-H-I-P-M-U-N-K-S!!!!!! Holla!
So in honor of the most successful cover band of all time...here are my five favorite songs covered by those lovable furry little rodents. Take a few minutes to embrace your inner child and sing along with Alvin and The Chipmunks.
#5
Daydream Believer - So I fully admit that this song makes my list because I am quite the sentimental sap. You see, this song has been a favorite of mine since I was a girl and The Chipmunks have always been a favorite of mine. Put the two together and Millie is in music heaven. Yes I said it, this song is music heaven for me.
#4
Only You - Now the original version of this song was good but this cover is better. I absolutely love this song. The Chipmunks sing with such passion that I actually believe that Alvin really does love only me. You cannot listen to this song without smiling...and that is a Millie Guarantee.
#3
I Want To Hold Your Hand - See now this I own all of my music knowledge to this cover. You see, I probably never would have been exposed to The Beatles music if The Chipmunks hadn't covered this song. Call it a generational thing but this song is what made me start to listen to The Beatles. Music critics be damned.
#2
Rock And Roll - I think that this is my number two pick because I find it to be such an inappropriate song for The Chipmunks to sing. I mean...isn't the song about a "dry spell"? I don't know and don't really care. In spite of its inappropriateness I think it is awesome. I love it!
#1
Livin' On A Prayer - So the Bon Jovi fan in me cries at the thought of anyone but Jon singing this song but all is well when I hear Alvin belt out this classic tune. The Chipmunks manage to capture all of the passion that Bon Jovi put into the original which is why this is my favorite cover EVER by Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Happy Monday Folks. I hope that all of you had pleasant long weekends. Now enough with the pleasantries...let's shuffle!
Every Little Step by Bobby Brown - The best part of this song is that it serves as a reminder that there was once a time when Bobby Brown was cool. True it was long ago and never likely to have a revival but that is not the point. For a moment in time we were singing and bobbing our heads along to this catchy tune without getting laughed at. Truth is that this is a fun little song to jam to which is why you still catch people listening to it today. It is a peppy love song for the guy trying to get the girl. I don't seek this song out but I always enjoy hearing it. Best Line: "No matter what your friends try to tell you, we were meant to fall in love."
Together by The Kin - So a couple of months ago I had no clue who in the hell The Kin was and now I absolutely love them. They opened up for my beloved Joshua Radin in NYC and it took all of about 45 seconds of them being on stage for me to fall in love with them. If you have no clue who they are do yourself a favor and YouTube them. They are cute and talented which is awesome. So here is your typical song about about staying together even after all the pain. It reminds me that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Nothing fancy but enjoyable. Check it out! And yeah...that is me with one of the brothers from The Kin. Don't ask me which one because I have no clue. Best Line: "Its all gonna be the same when you get there."
Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey - I think that this was the last song by Mariah before she went crazy. It was sweet and not slutty and I loved it. I miss the sweet and sober Mariah of my youth....but that is not the point. Remember how cute the video for this song was? The two kids away at camp and how in love with the girl the little boy was? It was adorable. The song itself is pretty adorable. I'll admit...I still like to sing it today. It is a confident little love song which is why it works. There is not much too it. Lyrically nor vocally is it one of Mariah's best songs but that is okay. Not every song can be a Hero. It is kind of like sangria. It doesn't pack a heavy punch but it is always enjoyable. Best Line: "Boy don't you know you can't escape me, oh darling cuz you'll always be my baby."
Set Fire to the Third Bar by Snow Patrol - OK so this song is FUCKING AWESOME. I hate that haven't listened to it as much as I want to and am doing everything that I can to fix that without overplaying it. I kid you not, I listen to it at least three times a day. I would listen to it more by I feel bad for Pat who can hear everything in my cube. Anyone who has been to a movie in the past three months has heard this song because it is used in the trailer for Dear John. If that didn't hook you I don't know if I can help you but I am trying. Just listen to it once in its entirety and tell me it is one of the sexiest and most awesome songs EVER. I dare you. Best Line: "I pray that something picks me up and sets me down in your warm arms."
Good Girl Gone by MIKA - Again I submit to you that I am truly grateful for the awesomeness that is MIKA. How in the world did I ever get out of a bad mood without him? I swear to you that you cannot be in a bad mood when listening to MIKA. His peppy beats mixed with his ass shaking beats always result in an outstanding song. This song is my favorite off his latest album. I think that I tend to personalize this song a little bit which would account for my near obsession with the song. This is another song that I listen to at least once a day. If you do one thing to better yourself this week, make it downloading a MIKA song. Best Line: "Needs somebody to notice but the goodness gets her down."
So for the record...I have always been a fan of Conan O'Brien. I have never "got" Jay Leno. I am sure that it is generational thing but that is not the point.
In light of all the talk about Team Leno vs. Team Conan I feel compelled to make it known that I am Team CONAN all the way.
I love me some Conan. He is another one of those rare oddities that is not the most attractive but still manages to be incredibly sexy. He is funny, charming and can laugh at himself. How awesome is that? Love me some Conan.
And now you have douche bag Jay Leno making trouble for everyone. It is all too similar to the whole Favre situation if you ask me. Or like the guy this week who tried to make me feel bad that he drills for points only. Why can't these old guys just let go?
Seriously....wouldn't you rather be remembered in prime and go out with some dignity rather than be remembered as the leech that didn't know when to say when.
Fuck Jay Leno. Fuck Brett Favre. Fuck Points Only Guy.
So once again we have another big weekend of football ahead of us. Quite honestly...I only care because there is nothing else sports-wise to focus on. My Yankee withdrawal is getting worse by the day and football is simply a diversion. Now that being said it is time to get my predictions out of the way before the craziness begins. On Sunday we will revisit and see how I did.
Arizona vs. New Orleans:
Who I want to Win: Arizona
Who Will Win: Arizona
In spite of the total self-destruction of the Cardinals last week I still think that they will win this game. Yes I know that the game is in New Orleans and yes I know that the Saints are the better team and yet I am still picking the Cards. Why? One reason...Kurt Warner. I don't know if the man sold his soul or what but the man always manages to find a way to keep his team in the hunt for the Lombardi trophy. They rarely win it but he keeps the dream alive. So yeah...I'm betting on Kurt to outplay Drew which will result in the Cards advancing to the NFC Championship.
Baltimore vs Indianapolis:
Who I want to Win: Indy
Who Will Win: Indy
So help me Mo if the Colts don't win I am going to give up on football. No NFC/AFC Championships, No Superbowl for me, nothing. I don't care what anyone says, the Colts are the best team in the NFL and if they lose to the Ravens I am going to be pissed. Now that being said, if the Ravens win I do hope that they ride this wave all the way to end and that Flacco earns himself a trip to Disney. I won't be watching but I'll be happy for them nonetheless. That being said...IN PEYTON I TRUST.
Dallas vs. Minnesota:
Who I Want to Win: Dallas
Who Will Win: Minnesota
Damn it all but I think that Brett is going to lead his team to victory. If there was a way for the Vikings to win and Brett to lose I would be all for it. Sadly it is a package deal and so I will root for the Cowboys. I will just feel slightly dirty for it as I do. Maybe I will watch Twilight again during this game.
New York vs. San Diego:
Who I Want to Win: New York
Who Will Win: San Diego
This one could get ugly for me. I totally want the Jets to win and I am pretty scared of the Chargers winning. I want the Jets to win because when in doubt, root for the New York team. The Jets might not be my preferred New York team but I will cheer for them nonetheless. I also want them to win because no Colts fan can ever go into a game against the Chargers totally confident. The Chargers are a damn good team and it will take every ounce of talent that the Jets can muster to defeat. "LETS HEAR IT FOR NEW YORK!"
As fun as this has been...Mo help me I miss baseball.
So help me Mo... I am so excited for the remake of Nightmare Before Elm Street.
I can't quite explain it but there is something about Freddy that I absolutely love. OK so the odds of it being a life-changing movie are slim but what I can promise is that it is going to be great. All Freddy movies are.
So tonight I present you with my Top 5 favorite Freddy lines.
#5 - Tell 'em Freddy sent you! (Nightmare on Elm Street 4)
#4 - I said "Where's the fucking Bourbon!" (Nightmare on Elm Street 3)
#3 - Welcome to my world bitch! (Freddy vs. Jason)
#2 - Welcome to prime time bitch! (Nightmare on Elm Street 3)
#1 - Help Yourself Fucker! (Nightmare on Elm Street 2)
And yet just another reason to look forward to April!
So for those of you who are new to the blog...(Mo Bless You)...my favorite part of the blog is the Monday Night Shuffle. The Monday Night Shuffle is when I sit down in front of the computer, put the iPod on Shuffle, and write about whatever song comes on. Most of the commentary is the view from my driver seat but you can't really complain about that since it is my blog. My hope is that you are reminded of a song that you had previously forgotten and maybe...maybe just maybe...I manage to get you to laugh at my take on them. Enjoy my friends!
Blame it on the Rain by Milli Vanilli – OK so I am assuming that you probably have tears in your eyes from laughing at me for having this on my iPod…dry your eyes and keep on reading. Aside from being one of the most laughable songs on my iPod this song happens to be one of the worst for getting stuck in one’s head. I think that is why I still like after all of these years. Say what you will about it about I am pretty sure that you have sung this song at least once in your life. Blame It on the Rain has to be the all time greatest bull-shit excuse ever written…opening the door for songs such as “It Wasn’t Me”. It is such a ridiculous excuse that one might be tempted to let the injustice pass simply because it is so ludicrous. And when you think about it…there is some truth to it. I mean…you have to blame it on something so why not the rain? I am pretty sure that they got it right when they said that the rain doesn’t care. So where is the harm? Nonetheless…I will forever think of this song whenever it is raining and my hope is that after reading this that you will too. Best Line: “Whatever you do…don’t put the blame on you.”
80 by Green Day - So the truth is that you really have to be a fan in order to know and appreciate this song. While it has received virtually no play time the undeniable fact is that this song is fucking awesome! The idea behind it is nothing new but the lyrics are so clever that it stands above the rest. It is early Green Day which means that the song is a bit raw but that's okay. Early Green Day tends to be better Green Day (American Idiot album excluded). This is a fun punk song that sings out for help. It begs to be rescued from the love that is driving you crazy. You know this part of the relationship, you know that you need to escape or lose your mind but you also know that you are too in love to actually do it so you beg anyone and everyone to help you be free. This song is truly a forgotten gem. Best Line: "Is there any cure for this disease that some call love.
Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys – Let’s hear it for New York indeed. There has not been a better shout out song to the greatest city on the planet since Ole Blue Eyes sang about waking up in the city that never sleeps. I think that it has a special part in my heart because of the live performance of it prior to Game 2. It was such a great performance that I can’t even be mad about the fact that the performance was supposed to be done at Game 1 while I was there but got moved to Game 2 which I missed. Oh well. The reason that this song is so solid has to be the fact that it is not some dumb “cool city” song that is just made up of catchy lines. This song is real and therefore manages to captures the greatness that is New York. Dreams truly are made there and if you doubt that, take someone who has never been to the city into Times Square, or Rockefeller Center, or Yankee Stadium and look into their eyes as they try to absorb the sights. I was lucky enough to share all three places with NYC Virgins and it was a lifetime memory experience. Only a place as grand as NYC can inspire a grown man to run away with a skip in their step, light in their eyes, and a smile on their face. Kudos to Jay-Z for capturing this in five minute song. Best Line: “The concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do.”
Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden – I tend to be unkind to this song and mostly because it was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo overplayed in its heyday. However when I force myself to get over that not so minor fact I am reminded of the fact that it is actually a damn good song. Sure it is a pretty sappy love song but as far as sappy love songs go this one is better than most. The feeling that I get from this song is that the love is enough and that is no small thing. He promises to love her and her alone, as well as love more with every breath until the end of time. Now I am no longer stupid enough to believe that such a promise could ever be honored but that doesn’t mean that I don’t wish that it could be. Musically there is nothing special about this song but lyrically it is impressive. While it is a bit mushy and flowery at times, it is not overly so to the point that it makes me want to vomit. I guess it boils down to the fact that though I know that no one person could be my everything I still want someone to try…and this song is the promise of that. Pretty fucked up when you think about it. Good thing that I usually push past this song when it comes up on the shuffle because it is enough to push me closer to brink of insanity. The song gets bonus points for having the best line of the song being the opening line…you know what a sucker I am for opening lines. Best Line: “ I’ll be your dream, I’ll be your wish, I’ll be your fantasy.”
(You Want To) Make A Memory by Bon Jovi – Funny how time changes things. The thoughts that came up with this song a year ago are definitely not the thoughts that I have this year. For me this song will now be known as my World Series song. This song came on my iPod as I was driving back to the base after having been blessed to see the Yankees win the 2009 World Series. Nothing was said for the duration of the song. For my part I was thinking of the impact that the night had on me. The New York Yankees stole a piece of time for all of Yankee Universe that night. They made history that night and I was there to see it. I remember parts of the night as clearly as if they happened yesterday, while other parts are unclear but clouded with bliss. I might never see or speak to some of the people that I spent that night with again but for that night we were the closest of friends. Even if the stars align and the same thing happens again next year it will not be the same. There was nowhere else for me to be that night and I will never be back there again in that very same place but that’s OK. I stole a piece of time that night and it is locked away in my mind and heart forever. Best Line: “Baby just breathe, there is nowhere else that we should be.”
I am forced to write this letter to ask you one simple question and that question is “Why do take such pleasure in torturing me?” This is a question that has been plaguing me for some time now and I can no longer leave it alone. Below are a few of the examples that I have complied of your unwarranted and unjust behavior towards me to prove my point.
The first would be the snow. Must you make it snow every damn time I have duty? I mean, sure every now and then is fine and even expected but EVERY DAMN TIME that I am on duty? Is there something extremely comical about the way in which I try to shovel snow? Sure the snow shovel is almost as large as me making it quite difficult to wield but I fail to see the humor in such a thing. Perhaps it is the fact that you tend to create some magnificent snow drifts that I fail to navigate properly and therefore usually can be counted on to end up waist deep in. I fail to see the humor in this as well, being that by the time this occurs I am usually on the urge of freezing this tends to push me over the edge. Or maybe it is the fact that I simply hate snow and you enjoy the constant stream of swearing that can be heard during my encounter with it.
The second would be the wind. If you must make it snow, must you always accompany it with hurricane-isk winds? Is that really necessary? I think not. Perhaps I would hate the snow less if it wasn’t joined by the wind that blows it into my eyes even when I wearing glasses solely to keep it out. Perhaps I would curse you less if the wind didn’t blow snow back to the same damn spot that I just finished shoveling. But no…you break out the big wind guns EVERY DAMN TIME that I on duty, making an already miserable day twice as bad as it needs be. Wind that exploits my daily inability to walk a straight line…causing me to crash into parked cars, snow-covered bushes that I couldn’t see to avoid, and to fall on the sheets of ice(we’ll talk about the ice later) that the stupid wind help creates. Is there nothing more amusing to you than seeing me struggle to put one foot in front of the other as I try to navigate the snow covered, ice rink that is normally known as a parking lot? Can you find no better source of entertainment that to watch me use every ounce of strength that I have to try to observe Colors?
But the killer is the fact that when you add the above two items together you get the sucker punch of it all…the ice. Really???? Is it that amusing to make it so cold, snowy, and windy that ice forms everywhere that I am suppose to go? I mean, the reality of the situation is that I am a walking disaster on a good days but when you add ice to the picture all chances of an injury free day pretty much go out the window. Are you so bored that you need to coat the ground with ice, hit me with a gust of wind so strong that it knocks me to ground just to get a laugh? Sure it must have been funny the first time that it happened, resulting in me crawling across the ice over to a nearby crane which I had to use to pull my ass up on but must you do this EVERY DAMN TIME that I am on duty? Even the funniest of jokes gets old with repetition so I am struggling to see why this continues.
The bottom line is that I am sick of being your source of entertainment. Never did I sign up to be your Fool, Jester, or Personal Stooge. While I am not foolish enough to believe that this letter will change anything I would like to point out that I am not completely defenseless against you. Every time you behave this way towards me it makes me less inclined to do anything to better your situation which need I remind you is not that great to begin with. Keep this shit up and maybe I will start buying aerosol hairspray cans instead of the spritz kind. Perhaps I will choose not to recycle my next can of coke but through it into the ocean instead. Perhaps I will trade my hybrid car in for a gas guzzling SUV and drive it all over the place just to pass the time. The list of possibilities is endless…
My next duty is the 11th. The ball is in your court.
Clearly my prayers for the new year have not been answered. I just had the unpleasant misfortune of seeing the new Free Credit Report.com Commercial...which sucks even more than the previous ones.
More surprising to me than the fact that these commercials are still being made is the fact that no one has taken it upon themselves to stop the source...Eric Violette.
Someone needs to stop the madness...someone needs to punch him in the face.
In fact, he has now become the #3 on my list of people that I want to punch in the face. If luck is ever on my side...I will get to punch them all before I die.
So now that you know the #3 person...so let's go ahead list all five people that I would like to punch based on the fact that he/she has achieved a remarkably unprecedented level of being a douche.
#5: The Fake Umps from Toronto - Now I know that not everyone agrees with me on this one but that's okay. A lot of people find this guys funny which is fine. I personally think that they make up the biggest duet of douches in sports. I mean...really? It might have been funny the first time that you saw it but after awhile it is just damn stupid. I mean, the reality is that here are two grown ass men who are still playing the "copy cat game" and spending big bucks to do it. Give me those seats and go play your stupid game somewhere else. I think that I stand the best chance of getting the chance of punching one if not both of these douche bags based on our frequent visits to Yankee Stadium.
#4: Carl Pavano - I've said it before and will say it again...this douche is a liar, a thief and a terrible pitcher! I think that this douche deserves a punch in the face from every Yankee fan who feels like he ripped off the Yankees. I doubt I could do much damage to him...since he is significantly bigger than me but that is not the point. I want my chance to try.
#3: Eric Violette - So on one hand I kind of feel bad for the guy. I mean, he was a struggling actor who was just trying to make a buck and so signed up to do an American commercial. Little did he know that it would become the most annoying commercial OF ALL TIMES!!! I think what really drives me crazy about this guy is the fact that his narcissistic ass thinks so highly of himself that he actually has disclaimers on his website about all of the people who are pretending to him. Right...because everyone longs to be a goofy french douche. More like everyone wants to punch you right in the nose you stupid douche. I would like to think that of all of the douches on my list that this would be the one that I would have the best chance of hurting. He is just barely a man and therefore should be easy for me to hit.
#2: Kevin Youkilis - The nice thing about this particular douche is that depending on where I punched him...I am pretty certain that I would be defended by those around me. For example, if I somehow was lucky enough to do in the streets of the Bronx, I am confident that he would be not be able to punch me back because my fellow Yankee fans would protect me. I have given this thought because Kevin Youkilis is such a douche that he would more than likely try to punch me back.
#1: Donovan McNabb - So help me Mo...this guy is king of all douches. Everything about him pisses me off and everything he says and does makes me want to punch him in the face. Again, I know that the odds of said punch having any kind of effect on him are slim to none but this does not deter me in the slightest. I would still do it and be proud of it. I would then proceed to brag to everyone that little ole Millie punched the World's Biggest Douche in the face. Fucking McNabb, I hate him so much.
What a decade it has been for music. As with every decade we had some good songs, some terrible song, and few totally awesome songs. Thanks to things like Youtube, iTunes, and Rhapsody all of said mentioned songs were accessible to people everywhere and anywhere you could find a computer anytime you wanted. Gotta love it.
I took a few things into consideration when making my list such as overall popularity, music and lyric quality, and impact on pop culture. I tried to keep it from being a list of Millie's favorite songs but there are few that made this list soley for that reason.
Enjoy the trip down memory lane my friends!!!
20) Rehab – Amy Winehouse 2006 – Let me start by saying that I don’t really care for this song. It’s not bad but I just don’t see what the fuss is about. That being said, it is on my list because I cannot deny that was a staple of the decade. Everyone was singing it though I am not sure why. Do you remember that clip of Rosie O’Donnell singing it to her webcab? What the fuck was that about? But I digress…but I don’t really care so I’ll move on. Best Line – “No No No”
19) Can’t Get you out of my head – Kylie Minogue 2001 – La La La La…La La La La La La… can’t get you out of my head is right. Holy Shit was this song annoying. Everywhere you turned you heard it. It was on every radio station, played in every gym on the planet, and let’s not forget the extended remixes that graced every club on the planet. Personally this song drives me crazy but there is no denying that it earned a spot as one of the best songs of decade. Best Line – “La La La La…La La La La La…La La La La La”
18) Daylight – Matt and Kim 2009 – Thank you Barcardi for exposing this song to millions of music lovers like myself who might never have heard this song otherwise. You know the one that I am talking about…where they are going through time and everyone is dancing and drinking Barcardi. It was actually the perfect song because this song makes me want to hang out with my friends while having a few drinks. The lyrics are what takes this song from average to awesome. This song is all about just letting go for awhile. Forget the clocks, forget the job, forget the bullshit. Just kick off your shoes, run around and have some fun. No stress…just fun. I love this song. You can’t be in a bad mood when you hear this song. Best Line – “I hope someday I’ll see without these frames.”
17) Piece of Me – Britney Spears 2007 – Hooray for this song making it cool to like Britney again!!! It is catchy, clever and a ton of fun to sing. And it really is as simple as that. Best Line – “I’m Misses Oh My God That Britney’s Shameless.”
16) If I Were A Boy – Beyonce 2008 – Scorned women of the world united thanks to this song. This song was our generation’s answer to “I Will Survive”. Leave it to a woman like Beyonce could sing a song like this and make it work. Everything clicked on this song. There is no doubt that Beyonce belongs on every Best of the Decade list. Now I know that most other lists chose Single Ladies or Crazy in Love however I could not. Those songs are awesome but for me this song was her jewel of decade. The emotion that you can hear when listening to this song is what sets above all of her others. This song has soul, it has heart and to convey that in song takes real talent. Best Line – “If you thought I would wait for you, you thought wrong.”
15) Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani 2005 – This shit is Bananas indeed. Only someone as confident and talented as Gwen Stefani could have pulled off this song. Not only did she pull it off but she rocked the shit out of this song making her a bona fide solo star. I really don’t think that I need to say much more than that about this song. If you missed the awesomeness of this song you must have spent the mid-00s in a cave. Best Line – “B-A-N-A-N-A-S.”
14) Sundrenched World – Joshua Radin 2006 – Remember folks, my blog…my rules. So I can pretty much guarantee that this song is not on any Top Songs of the Decade List but it damn well should be! This is a truly beautiful song about the rejection. You try and try to make it work, then it gets weird, then it just sucks. I don’t know…I truly cannot describe all the reasons that it is great. This is one of those songs that you have to listen to in order to understand what I am talking about. But trust me…musically and lyrically it is my pick for the most beautiful song of the decade. Best Line – “I’m talking to you but you’re not listening.”
13) New Slang – The Shins 2001 – If you don’t know this song you should have someone kick you in the shin. Ok lame joke but still true. Everything about this song freaking phenomenal. It has made almost every bloggers Top Songs of the Decade which in itself is amazing since it has never been a mainstream song. So let’s start with the music, which is hypnotically awesome. It’s simple yet catchy beat scores in the playability factor. The tambourine is subtle but fits perfectly with the acostic guitar and nicely compliments the occasional whistling of the song. Musically it rocks. Now lyrically is where it gets a little tricky. I say this because the low monotone voice of James Mercer can be difficult to understand but trust me…it is worth the effort. This is a perfect song of how it feels when the magic fades and there is nothing left but the bitterness of reality. Best Line – “Turn me back into the pet that I was when we met, I was happier with no mind-set.”
12) Sexyback – Justin Timberlake 2006 – So I guess that I really hadn’t been aware that sexy had left but I do thank Justin for bringing it back with this fetish-filled song. This song made the bad girl in every woman want to break free. I had never thought much of Justin sexually or musically until this song came out and honestly my interested in him faded with the airtime for this song did. But for the year that it lasted, we all got our sexy onto this song and that is why I love it. Best Line – “I’ll let you whip me if I misbehave.”
11) She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5 2004 - Oh Adam Levine, why won’t you sing just for me? So this song was most definitely overplay songs of the decade but I freely admit that I never got tired of hearing of it. The lyrics of this song are powerful and so beautifully sung that there really is no way to resist it. The reality of the words is what keeps the song from being a sappy love song. This song is not a happy love song. It is not a happy woman and her Prince Charming. This song is about trapped women and the fool who longs to save her. He will put himself through hell to do it. Who doesn’t understand that? Who can sit and listen to this song and not hope that “everything works out” even though it is pretty clear that it never will. But in the end, what really does work out in this fucked up world that we live in? But I digress…this song is absolutely amazing. Best Line – “Tap on my window, knock on my door, I want to make you feel beautiful.”
10) Soul Meets Body – Death Cab For Cutie 2005 – Yes I know…Death Cab for Cutie already made an appearance on my list. I standby this decision. This is song is one of those songs that you decide if you are going to like the first time that you hear it. Either you get it or you don’t. Luckily I got it because it is one my all time most played and favorite songs ever. There is no way to pick out one or even two specific reasons that this song is so amazing. Much like the other songs that I have selected for this list, every aspect of this song comes together and knocks the song out of the perfect. Lyrically is freaking phenomenal, musically it is catchy and unique, and the boys of Death Cab for Cutie are flat out awesome. You add that all together and you get the music magic that is this song. I realize how bias I am towards this song and prevented myself from making it the #1 on this list but believe me…I wanted to. Best Line – “If this silence takes you than I hope it takes me too.”
9) Family Affair – Mary J Blige 2001 – It’s actually a little intimidating to write about this song because it is so awesome. I don’t want to miss anything. This might be the best “ass shaking” song ever produced. Oddly this song finally made me understand what Gloria was singing about when she said “The rhythm is going to get you”. This song grabs hold of your for the entire four and half minutes of the song and when it ends there is almost an urge to do it all over again. Mary J is DA WOMAN and she said it best in the best line in the song. Best Line – “You gots to dance for me”.
8) American Idiot – Green Day 2004 – It was tough for me to decide between this song, Wake Me When September Ends, and Boulevard of Broken Dreams. That’s right…three songs by one band from the same album and all three deserve in the Top 20 Songs of Decade list. But let’s focus on the winner. When I heard this song for the first time I was shocked. Not because it’s political message but because it was so damn awesome. For a punk rock song this song is remarkable insightful and incredibly catchy. This songs popularity spanned multiple generations as evidenced by the fact that my mother wanted me to set this song as her ringtone on her cell phone during the same week when a teenager in Washington got fired for wearing a shirt with the album cover on it. Let’s simplify this song and its greatness…it rocked, it made you think, and showed everyone that Green Day was the real deal. This song is a modern day protest anthem and America loved it. Best Line – “Everything isn’t meant to be okay.”
7) Lose Yourself – Eminem – 2002 - Hmmm…who would have thought that Slim Shady would give us a movie like 8 Mile that would have given us a song like Lose Yourself? Eminem gave us a ton of songs that made us cringe, made us dance, and made us laugh but this song was some unique. This song was real deal and even if you don’t like rap you can’t deny that this song is powerful. I don’t see how anyone could not find some sort of courage while listening to this song. When you add into the fact that this is some dumb “poser” song but a song about real life it takes it from awesome good to ironically great. Lyrically there is no denying that Eminem is on top of the rap world in this song. He paints a picture with this song so that even if you had never seen 8 Mile one could picture what the “character” is going through. Best Line – “Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted; one moment would you capture it or just let it slip?
6) Big Girls You Are Beautiful – MIKA 2007 – How did I ever survive without the joy of MIKA? Seriously… Almost any one of MIKA’s song could have made this list because everything he does is outstanding however I chose this particular song since it showcases all of the reasons why he is amazing and because it is the song that made me fall in love with him. I doubt that there is a music-lover alive who could resist doing the “head bob” to this sing. The beat is ridiculously catchy and is impossible to resist. The best part is that the lyrics make every woman want to smile because let’s face…this song celebrates female beauty as it is…and not as the media says it should be. Praise be to Mo for MIKA and for this dance floor anthem. Best Line – “Big Girls…you are beautiful!”
5) Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand 2004 – The funny thing about this song is that everyone has heard it, everyone knows at least part of it but most people still don’t know who did it. This song is the only song of the decade that was forever stuck in your head but never drove you crazy. There is not that isn’t made better by listening to this song. Hell, just listening to it right now is making me type faster. If there was one song from this decade that I could gift to everyone for their iPod it would be this. There is nothing offense about it, there is no guilty pleasure shame attached to it…it is simply an awesome tune that everyone loves. Nod your head with me Peeps…you know you want to. Best Line – “I want you to take me out.”
4) I Will Follow You Into the Dark – Death Cab For Cutie 2005 – If any of my old subscribers are still around (and bless you if you are) you already know my thoughts on this song. This is another song that I highly doubt made any other list from the decade but it seems like a crime to leave it off. This song is the best most romantic song of the decade, if not of all time. For that reason alone it deserves its spot on my list. Any man can say “Til death do us part” but you knows its real love when he promises to be there even after that. Musically the song is average but lyrically this song is one of my all time favorites. I don’t know what more to say. Listen to it, embrace it, and hope that you find someone to love you so much that he would follow you too. Best Line – “Love of mine, someday you will die but I’ll be close behind, I’ll follow you into the dark.”
3) Mr. Brightside – The Killers 2004 – So I’ll be honest when I hear the opening chords I always pause for a moment, catch my breath, and brace myself for the wonderful journey that is this song. I kid you not…I have to stop myself not to get lost in this song every time I hear it. This song is a flashback of the one who got away set to music. It is four minutes of reliving the bitter love story that haunts us all. If this had not been performed as a rocking pop song it would be one of those songs that breaks your heart as you sob along to it. Luckily for all of our sanity, The Killers were smart enough to make it a catchy, face paced song that moves too quickly for one to get thoroughly depressed. Lyrically they capture the misery that comes from knowing that the one you love is with someone else and yet musically it makes you want to dance around. This song is music at its finest. Best Line – “It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?”
2) I Miss You – Blink 182 2004 – So I have highlighted quite a few songs that kicked ass lyrically…this is my pick for the best song of the decade musically. From the drumline to the bassline, it is simple and yet freaking fantastic! Don’t get me wrong, it has awesome lyrics too but the songs hypnotic beat is what makes it stand above the rest. I think that it is one of the most underrated songs of the decade and that is a shame because it really does have everything. It is another song that captures me from the first note and doesn’t let ago until it’s over. Yet this is a song that is tough to listen to over and over again because it does hit so close to home. Lyrically they manage to mix iconic pop culture references with the simplicity of the title line and it makes a song that is almost haunting. Seriously…I love this fucking song. Best Line – “Don’t waste your time on me you’re already the voice inside my head.”
1) Hey Ya – Outkast 2003 – OK, I firmly believe that anyone who says that they never got caught dancing to this car, be it in your car, making copies at work, on the treadmill, etc is a LIAR! This song is why Mo gave us this ability to dance in the first place. J The thing that makes this song better than your average rump-shaking tune is the fact that it is deliciously naughty lyrically. (I’m pretty sure that I don’t need to say anything more than that.) But if there is any doubt that this song is the best song of decade let it be put to rest by the fact that this song created such a frenzy that Polaroid had to release an official statement discouraging customers from shaking their film “like a Polaroid picture” as it could damage the photo. Hands down…BEST SONG OF THE DECADE. Best Line – “Lend me some sugar…I am your neighbor.”
Here's hoping that the next decade brings us some equally good musical gems!
So that was one hell of a hiatus but yes I am back. I am non-semi back...but back for real. Daily posts, Monday Night Shuffles, Random ranting about whatever I damn well feel like. Why...because it is my blog and my rules. Always has been and always will be. But here's the deal...
I left for two reasons.
The first was that I was not cool with being "stalked" through my blog. I have since realized that I don't really care about that anymore. So "stalk away". You know who you are and you know that I don't give a fuck if you stay up all night analyzing this.
The second was because I was getting pulled in a direction that I didn't want to go. I went and it sucked but guess what....I'm back.
So there it is. I've missed my blog, missed my readers, missed my wacky little world but as I said...I'm back and I'm taking back what's mine.
Check back tomorrow for my Top 20 Songs of the Decade.
Happy Mother's Day Folks. Being a mom is a funny thing. No amount of preparation can prepare you for it. No amount of sleep can keep you ahead of it. And yet it is without a doubt the greatest adventure a woman could ever embark on.
So as tribute to all the Mom's of the World...here is my list of the Top Ten Pop Culture Moms.
# 10 - Endora from Bewitched: Sure she was terrible to Darrin but it was understandable. Think about it, your daughter is an all powerful witch and she marries a mortal? It would be like marrying a minor league bat boy when Derek Jeter is trying to court you. Yet for all of the abuse that she gave Darrin...she never used her magic to do anything too terrible to the man because she loved her daughter. She just did enough to keep Darrin in line. If you were a mom with that ability wouldn't you do it too? I would.
# 9 - Jill Taylor from Home Improvement: Jill deserves to be on this count as does any mother of three boys whose father's regularly blows himself up. Jill had a remarkable sense of humor considering how much shit Tim put her through. I also like that how well she played the nurturing mom in house with four males walking around grunting to show their "manhood". However I must point out that the house was always spotless which leads me to believe that they had a maid that we never saw or that Jill was popping Brad's Ritalin.
# 8 - Dorothy Boyd from Jerry Maguire: Now here is a real mom. Within her first five minutes of screen time in the movie she discusses her grown-up woes with and the proceeds to "misplace" her five year old son. Yet in spite of these things...you can tell that she really loves her boy. Her major momma moment comes when she tells her love Jerry that she has to leave because he can't afford for her to stay. It takes a lot to walk away from love and yet she was ready to do it to provide for her son.
# 7 - Marge Simpson from The Simpsons: Good old Marge. She might not be raising the picture perfect family but she is raising them nonetheless. For some reason today I am reminded of the time that her family had been brainwashed by The Leader. Marge fought off crazy bubbles, landmines, alligators and employed religion and flat out deception to save her family. Sure she isn't perfect but she is one hell of a mother. You gotta love Marge.
# 6 - Christine Collins from Changeling: Holy smokes...now here is a devoted mother. Christine was institutionalized as a result of her motherly instinct. You have to respect a mother who would be willing to take on an entire city police department for her kid. As I pointed out to someone this week...A Mother Knows.
# 5 - Kitty Foreman from That 70s Show: Who wouldn't want a mother like Kitty? She cooks, she cleans, and defends her children to everyone...including her husband. Kitty opened her home to all of the neighborhood kids and become surrogate mother to just about every one of them at some point throughout the show. Quick to offer advice and a hug...Kitty was THE MOM of Point Pleasant.
# 4 - Mrs. Gump from Forrest Gump: Now here is another mother who was willing to go the extra mile in order to provide for her son. Seriously... I think what sticks with me the most about Mrs. Gump was not sexual degradation that she endured for him...but the love she expressed for him. She loved her son because of and in spite of everything that made him Forrest. She was always seen beaming with pride which is pretty damn cool.
# 3 - Sarah Conner from Terminator 2: And here we have another mother who endured a mental hospital as a result of motherly instinct. What makes Sarah better than Christine is that Sarah didn't just get mad...she got violent. I bet that Christine would have gotten her kid back sooner if she would have rolled up with a shotgun. Sarah was willing to anyone and anything that threatened her son and she looked amazing doing. Probably not the most endearing mother to make my list but definitely the one you want if shit is going down.
# 2 - M'Lynn Eatentor from Steel Magnolias: So here is the deal with M'Lynn....she was not a picture perfect mother. She fought like hell with her daughter Shelby at points during the movie and that is what makes her a great mom. She was not afraid to tell off her daughter that she was making a bad decision because she loved her. We don't see enough of that in Hollywood Moms...the telling off of the kids out of love. I have seen the movie at least 100 times and it still makes me cry. I always think of the scene after Shelby's funeral and how much M'Lynn flips out. The anger and the passion...it sticks with me. Now that is a mom!
Ok...so we have established that all of the above mom's are pretty damn awesome. All of them are willing to go the extra mile for their kids. But there is one mom who takes that one step further and that is why she is the #1 Mom in Pop Culture...
# 1 -Diane Freeling from Poltergeist: It is one thing to go the looney bin for your kid...it is another thing all together to go to the beyond the boundaries of this world and that is what Diane did. Her is a mom who flat out refused to let her kids go and went into an unknown realm to get her kids back. Now that is love.
Honorable Mention - Annie Collins-Nielsen in What Dreams May Come: Annie missed the list because the movie suuuuuuccckkkked! That being said...I get Annie. I understand her breakdown at the loss of her kids. Too bad was so terrible that the her portrayal of the grieving mother is completely lost.
So all you readers...Happy Mothers Day. If you haven't called your mom yet...shame on you! Turn off your computer and pick up the phone.
