I have neglected my Blog as of late. I have had every intention to update it, however I really have been very busy. University is NOT as easy as you would think.
Anyway, my Earworm of the day is a song I have loved for years. Laura Marling - Ghosts.
This is a song I personally love, for no specific reason other than, it sends chills down my spine. I could listen to her voice all day long.
This video compliments her voice and matches her quirky personality perfectly, although it is kind of morbid, it is still sweet.
The paper cut outs which tell the story are cute and girly suiting her and the song well. Gentle and harmless are two words I think are fitting for both her voice and this music video.
It is different and I think that is why radio and music channels do not do Laura Marling enough justice.
She is played once in a while and it always makes my day to hear. Someone with her talent and originality needs some recognition.
She has several fantastic songs such as New romantic. Have a listen.
WOW I've just done some research on her to do my info bit and learnt that today is her 21st birthday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA MARLING keep up the fantastic work.
She has:
Been nominated for the Mercury music prize in 2008 and 2010
performed at a few festivals including the 02 wireless festival and was personally invited to tour with Jamie T after her second ever solo gig.
She was in the original line up for Noah and the Wale and was scouted from Myspace.
She once chose to perform on the street because she was denied entry to her own gig for being under age.
My ChristmasEarworm of late has been The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl - Fairy tales of New York.
This song has just been everywhere lately, way more then any of the others. I have had so many conversations about this particular Christmas song and was in shock when my boyfriend claimed not to know it. (He did he's just a bit silly).
I guess this song is fitting to my recent mood as I have been feeling far from Christmassy due to recent events, yet as it is that time of year I have to spread 'joy and happiness'.
I like to think I'm always joyful and happy but I can't help but feel negative lately so I feel this Christmas song is the most appropriate one really.
This song is so often voted the best Christmas song of all time. Especially after it was re-released in 2005.
The song is about a Christmas eve shared by a couple who's lives have been ruined by alcoholism and drug use.
My favourite lyrics from this song are "you scum bag you maggot you cheap lousy faggot." Which just generally amuses me. The song faced controversy over the term 'faggot' in 2006 but was disregarded as there had been no complaints about the song in the 19 years it has been around.
Another lyric is "You took my dreams from me, I kept them with me babe I put them with my own, can't make it out alone." It's just great, a real contradiction to the spirit of Christmas. Isn't Christmas supposed to be about hope and dreams.
These pessimistic words are just a few within the song that make me question how it has been voted the greatest Christmas song ever year after year. Surely it would be songs like John Lennon - Happy Xmas (war is over) which has a much more positive message. Or Slade - Merry Christmas Everybody. Which is generally a joyful tune, simply wishing the world a Merry Christmas.
This is definitely one of my favourites.
I don't know about everyone else but I'm just not feeling the Christmas atmosphere as much as usual. Is it just me being a Scrooge or is there less effort this year.
This year is the tenth year since Kirsty MacColl was killed in that horrible boating accident. Brave Kirsty dived to her son to push him out of the way of the unmanned boat and instantly died when hit. She had a massive fan base and has a memorial bench in Soho square where all her fans gather to celebrate her life around her birthday.
Little fact about Kirsty and the song: She was never meant to be a part of it. The female vocal should have been the bands bassist but she left in 1986, the year before it was due to be released. Kirsty's husband was the producer and he asked her to fill in, the band loved her part so much it stuck.
It seems to me all the best songs come about in some kind of 'disaster averted' way.
This may be a less than Christmassy song, but nevertheless, it is one of my favourite Christmas songs. Despite some of my opinions towards it.
It has always rated high in the charts and always will I think. Does everyone love this song? Is it one of the Best Christmas songs?
My top five Christmas songs (not in order, don't ask me to do that) are:
Yes I'm well aware there is more then five there but I couldn't narrow it down. Whether I'm in a bad mood or not, I still love Christmas and it's songs.
So have a great Christmas followers and Thankyou for supporting my blog, whether you were bribed or not.
This song is from her debut album - Do you want the truth or something beautiful but it was never released which is a shame because I do love this song.
It is my favourite of hers.
Obviously there isn't a video for this as it was never released. I think it was just made to fill the album up but I think it deserves more credit.
Lyrics such as 'I ask you for a letter so you emailed, have we failed.' and 'Now I'm carrying my own bags up, 17 flights of stairs, love.' Really amuse me.
It is pretty accurate. Effort these days is so effortless and the things that really mean a lot to us girls GUYS LISTEN, is something special, no money necessary. Flowers or even some evidence you've listened to us OR just opening a door for us.
It's easy to make a girl feel special but you guys don't get that, even when we tell you.
So thank you Paloma Faith for this song, maybe some guys will take into consideration what you have to say.
Todays Earworm in my opinion is one of the greatest songs ever made. Strong comment I know but I really do love this song.
The Calling- Wherever you will go.
There are two versions of the video. This is the first to be made and is shot in Mexico. The other is much more popular and is shot at the LA River. The girl gets her boyfriends name tatooed on her only to find him in bed with another woman. I think we all really sympathise with this character.
This song is absolutely spine tingling for me. I find that you really listen to the lyrics of it.
I'll go wherever you will go - the main title and lyrics that sum up the whole song and are just generally really nice. I hope someone wants to go wherever I will go one day.
All the lyrics within it are fantastic.
So lately, been wondering who will be there to take my place when i'm gone you'll need love to light the shadows on your face.
The 3 opening lines which define the song and tell you straight away this is a love song, and quite a haunting one at that.
This is pretty much the only song The Calling ever successfully made and released but that is not lead singer (Alex Band) or Lead guitar (Aaron Kamin)'s fault. They were never able to get a steady band together and the label didn't help them out in the right places.
Band and Kamin are the original and only 'real' two members of the band and I don't know why they didn't just try to make it as a duo.
The song was named number 1 Adult Pop song of the Decade by Billboard magazine.
They were the band that appeared in the background of the first club scene in Coyote Ugly.
It was also featured on Love actually and was confused as the Theme tune for Star Trek: Enterprise, when really it just featured.
So thats my Earworm of the day and I've got to say i've enjoyed writing about this one the most as one of my top 5 favourite songs ever. COME BACK CALLING. I'll buy your albums.
My Earworm today is Busted's Year 3000. I think it's a cracking song and not only is it their most famous song but also my favourite.
I had this stuck in my head not that long ago and for almost a week all due to my 'strange' boyfriend, who is the last person you would expect to hear singing Busted.
I used to think Matt was the lead, I'm not sure why but when I watch their video's now he really isn't. If anything he is the least talented out of them.
I've got to admit though I lovedMatt when I was younger, quite fancied him infact, I think he was most girls favourite.
I think James used to be every bodies least favourite, I've got to admit he was mine. Now I look at him and don't understand why.
He is dead cute, he is the lead guitarists, vocalist and is the songwriter for the group. I also found out he taught Tom Fletcher from McFly how to write songs.
What ever happened to James? Come back James.
Busted were the boy band that changed boy bands, the previous being Westlife, Take That, East 17 or whatever that only sung and danced. This boyband introduced instruments and talent (not that I don't love Take That and Westlife. Great Take That are back together, love their new song.)
But anyway I loved my song today hope you guys do too.
Did you know:
The band was originally called Buster, Geri Halliwell introduced them as Busted by accident and the band liked it so it stuck.
Tom from McFly was in the band for 24 hours when 3 members left, leaving just Matt and James but he lost his place to Charlie.
The kid in the year 3000 video is James's brother. James is the glue that holds the whole band together being the song writer and lead guitarist.
So my Earworm today is an old classic. Eric Clapton-Tears in heaven.
I was totally shocked to find that two of my housemates, thats fifty percent of my house didn't know this song. I thought everyone knew it. I've known it from a young age.
I don't quite know what it is about this song that I like but I do really really like it and consider it a nice treat when it comes on shuffle in Itunes.
It was written in1992 and was about his four year old son who had died falling from the 53rd floor of a building in New York.
Did you know:
The song has received 3 grammys and has been inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame 3 times!
He came 4th in the rolling stones magazine list of 100 greatest guitarists of all time despite originally struggling to learn the guitar when he was younger.
Today's Earworm is by one of my favourite artists. Frank Turner - Photosynthesis.
Over the summer I saw Frank at Leeds Festival and loved him even more. Although he has a new album out, (Poetry of the Dead) He did perform a lot of songs from his second album (Love Ire and song) which is the album this song is from.
It's also my favourite of his three current albums.
'I won't sit down and I won't shut up. and most of all I will not grow up'
Lyrics of my life. I can be quiet, I can be sweet but I have my own mind lets say and I definitely do not intend on growing up.
It is not my favourite song on the album, that would be 'long live the queen' a song made for the breast cancer campaign in honour of a friend who suffered from the disease. However, I do love this song and it is one of his best in my opinion.
Did you know:
Frank Turner went to school with Prince William.
He was in a post hardcore band until 2005 when the band split but he wanted to continue.
Previous to becoming a singer he was an investment banker.
I know it is late but being a student I am terribly busy doing assignments etc..
Anyway my Earworm today has been inspired by the fact that my housemates and I HAVE PUT UP CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. I know a lot of you may be thinking, it's a bit early isn't it...
Well I say... Bah Humbug Get some Christmas Spirit. It only comes once a year.
The song I've chosen isn't the most popular but it is still one I sing every year.
12 drummers drumming 11 pipers piping 10 lords-a-leaping 9 ladies dancing 8 maids-a-milking 7 swans-a-swimming 6 geese-a-laying 5 Gold Rings 4 calling birds 3 french hens 2 turtle doves And a partrige in a pear tree
It excites me that Christmas is around the corner and I've already done the majority of my shopping.
Doesn't this song just take you back to your youth and give you a great Christmassy feel. We are all ready in this household.
So what you all getting me for Crimbo?
Did you know:
It is sung in France, Scotland and Australia too and they all have totally different lyrics, the French sing each number as if it is another addition to the dinner plate.
It was first published in England in 1780 but some evidence shows it to be from earlier than that and of French origin.
The twelve days of Christmas don't start until after Christmas. I may sound daft for not knowing that but i'm sure i'm not the only one. This surprised me. I don't think it makes complete sense.
It's great though, for that Christmas vibe. The count down starts soon hope you all have your advent calenders ready!
Unless your a massive Ke$ha fan like me, you will not know this song.
Ke$ha - Dancing with tears in my eyes is one of my favourite songs from her album, Animal.
There isn't an official video because it hasn't been released. I think it should be because it's a lovely song by her.
In it she keeps to her Ke$ha style and sings about going out. However, we do see a different style at the same time. Her songs usually involved her getting slaughtered and thats about it really, all about having fun.
They match her party girl status/persona.
This song shows her in a different light and shows us Ke$ha is capable of heartbreak, love all that kind of soppy stuff.
Lyrics such as:
'here we go welcome to my funeral, without you I don't even have a pulse.'
and 'I'm dancing with tears in my eyes, just fighting to get through the night'
Show that this is a love song, and although the lyrics make this obvious it doesn't feel to me like your ordinary love song, but then in my opinion, Ke$ha isn't an ordinary artist.
Her songs really express who she is I think and seem to have something behind them that link to her, whereas other artists sound like they have put some words together that sound good and you don't feel the connection between them and the song.
I say this because Ke$ha's songs match her personality. She is a party girl and I can imagine some of the songs relate to an experience of hers.
Ke$ha grew up very very poor and never knew her father. Changing the S in her name to the $ symbol is 'ironic' and is supposed to show an opposite effect than the emphasis of money being important.
Did you know:
Ke$ha is really a do gooder. She held a benefit concert in June and all the proceedings went to aids victims. She also donated 1,000 pounds worth of dog food to dog shelters.
She is the female voice in Flo Rida's single right round, but took no money for her part and didn't want to be in the video.
She has worked with Katy Perry, Britney Spears, The Veronica's and Miley Cyrus before she became a successful artist.
She also played host to Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie in an episode of the Simple life in 2004. I thought that was quite cool.
I thought my earworm today was quite odd. Not because it's by Elton John. I think Elton John is fantastic. 'Your song' is quite slow and not really the kind of song you would usually get in your head, in my opinion.
However the chorus could be. "I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind that I put down in words, how wonderful life is when your in the world." Yeah. It definately is, bet it's in your head's now.
This is one of Elton Johns most famous songs. It was the song which made him a recognised recording artist although it never reached number one, or even number 2. It did get into the top 10 at number seven.
It has been described as a 'near perfect song'.
Elton John has had 56 top 40 singles and 9 number one hit's. He has won 5 Grammy awards, a Golden Globe award, an Academy award and a Tony award.
Did you know:
Bernie Taupin (Johns song writing partner) wrote the song over breakfast, then John took ten minutes to write the composition for the song.
It is one of Johns favourites from his collection of songs. He performs it at almost every concert.
The song came to 136 on the Rolling Stones list of 500 greatest songs of all time.
My Earworm today is one of my favourite songs of all time. 'Eagle eye cherry - save tonight.'
Unfortunately, it is probably the only one of Eagle's songs out of four albums which is well known and if you don't know it.
I love this song, I think he has a lovely voice, it isn't too strong and it's calming. The background music is fantastic and is the bigger part of the song which I get stuck in my head.
I get it stuck in my head all the time.
This is his first song ever released, that was in 1997.
It was the first song on his first album Desireless.
Eagle Eye Cherry got his name when he was Christened. He was actually Christened Eagle Eye because the first time he ever looked at his dad he only did it with one eye open, therefore he became Eagle Eye.
Cherry is his last name.
He was born in Sweden then moved to New York to study at the age of twelve. He stayed on after to pursue an acting career.
When that wasn't working he moved on to pursue a singing career and moved back to Sweden to work on his album. Desireless which he released in 1998.
His songs have been used on loads of films including Billy Elliot.
The film is based on her attempt to get back home after a tornado blew her and her house to an alter universe.
She makes three friends, the cowardly lion, the scarecrow who doesn't have a brain and the tin man who doesn't have a heart. They all set out on a quest to get the things they want from the wizard. As odd as it sounds it really works and is a wonderful film.
The Wizard of Oz was made in 1939 and was one of Judy Garlands most famous roles.
The film won Two Oscars and 5 other awards. It has had a special edition released and everyone knows the film.
It was based on the 1900 novel by L.Frank Baum and the film was released 20 years after he died.
It was MGM's most expensive film up until that time and although it is a favourite classic and one of the best known movies of our time now, back then it only had average rates and didn't profit much, around one million. It sounds like a lot but for a film it isn't.
Judy Garland died at the age of 47 after an accidental overdose leaving behind three kids, Liza Minelli being one.
She was married Five times the first 4 ending in divorce.
Throughout her career she was told she was unattractive and criticized despite being a versitile and brilliant actress and singer.
She won a tony award, a golden globe award and twogrammy's. Along with many others.
She also won a grammy lifetime achievement award and was inducted into the grammy hall of fame.
The video is so fun to watch. The idea that they have a massive fan base and girls passing out around them is a bit egotistical, yet true.
I love how they make it look like there is a big band when infact there is just two of them. However the band in the video consists of seven clones of lead singer 'Andre 3000' and the other member 'Antwan "big boi" Patton' is nowhere to be seen, this is because this particular album is separated into two albums, one for each artist.
It's very clever and such a random idea.
This is not your standard kind of chart song. It's not romantic and it's not about heartbreak, Andre 3000 is simply singing about wanting no strings attached, claiming to not want things such as love.
"Seperates always better when there's feelings involved." As this lyric shows us.
This is just an upbeat, funny song that just makes you want to shake your hips a bit (as I always do) so just do it, have a little shake and it usually makes my day a bit better.
The band Outkast only consist of two men. They were originally called The Outkast brothers but later shortened it.
They have released six studio albums and a greatest hits and won 6grammy's
They originally wanted to be called '2 shades deep' or 'Misfits' but when they found those names had been taken they simply looked in a dictionary for the synonym of Misfits where they found the name we all know so well today, Outkast.
This is the first chart song i've done so far and i've got to say, I am a fan of chart music. For some reason I come across a lot of people these days that seem ashamed by the fact they like chart music.
WHY?
It's chart music for a reason, yes a lot of it is bulls**t but the same can be said about any genre or style of music. Chart isn't my favourite kind, to be honest I don't have a favourite kind but I do personally get tired of some people judging others for liking chart music, claiming they don't like it themselves in some desperate attempt to be 'different'.
Now some people may genuinely not like chart and fair enough but the majority do. What ever happened to Each to their own? That's what makes people different.
I think Bruno Mars is an individual. He has his own sense of style is an extremely versatile artist and an incredible songwriter.
I love this song as do many other girls I know and a lot of boys. It's quite soppy but happy, romantic. Every girl wants to hear their boy sing to them (or at least say)...
"If perfects what you're searching for then just stay the same." awwwwww.
It's a lovely song and I am personally glad to hear Bruno get out there and sing a solo song totally by himself and get more of the credit he deserves.
He has done a lot of different songs either with another artist such as 'nothin' on you - B.O.B' and 'Billionaire - Travie McCoy' and I think he did the better parts in these songs yet they are better known to be by B.O.B. and Travie McCoy. Unfair.
Did you know:
He was Hawiian raised and his real name is Peter Hernandez. He recieved the nickname 'Bruno' as a baby because he was chubby like a famous wrestler at the time.
He has been nominated for seven awards this year. (Mostly for his collaboration with B.O.B on 'Nothin on you'
He has writen songs or partially writen songs or sung with: B.O.B, Alexandra Burke, Travie McCoy, Adam Levine, Brandy, Sean Kingston, Flo Rida, Sugababes, Far East Movements and Cee Lo Green.
I think it may have been inspired by their Greatest hits album released this week.
Bon Jovi is one of my all time favourite bands and I always thoroughly enjoy this song.
It was released as a single in 1994 and taken from their Album Crossroads. It was their biggest selling single making it high into the top ten in a few different country's such as:
Australia
Germany
U.S
Bon Jovi have released eleven albums, 3 compilation albums and one live album. They formed in 1983 and are still going now.
Did you know:
In 2006 they were inducted into the UK music hall of fame.
in 2004 they got the Award of Merit at the American Music Awards.
Jon and Richie (two band members) were inducted into the song writers hall of fame in 2009.
I've really struggled to find an earworm today. Infact i'm not sure you can call it an earworm if you got it in your head by default.
Never the less I do have a song in my head now. Its been a long day involving a long drive down to Devon. My boyfriend and I made a 'road trip' play list and the old classic 'Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something' happened to come on.
I sang my heart out at the chorus to say the least. As did he (even if he doesn't want to admit it).
"I said what about,
Breakfast at Tiffany's,
she said I think I remember that film and
if I recall I think we both kinda liked,
and I said well thats, the one thing we've got."
Deep Blue Something released this song in 1995. It hit the number one spot in the UK and was their best song to date.
The background to the story is quite simply that he and his girlfriend are having issues, pretty much breaking up and in a desperate attempt to save the relationship he searches for something they still have in common. This is the Film Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Therefore, Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired the song.
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a popular 1961Audrey Hepburn film.
For those who haven't seen the film Holly (Audrey Hepburn) is an extrovert, classy young care free woman who eats pastry's whilst staring into the jewellery shop Tiffany's. She then continues on, to get stuck in romantic, dramatic love triangle.
"How many roads must a man walk down, before you can call him a man?"
Symbolizes his view. Taken from picsearch
I think it's a fair few to be honest.
This is quite a relaxed song. Most people view it as a song questioning freedom and peace. The Lyric:
"How many times must the cannon balls fly, before they're forever banned."
Is a good example of why people would consider it just that. It questions, perhaps whether or not these weapons will ever be banned because maybe if they were, peace may be more likely.?
I don't personally think it would make any difference and this world is one where peace is rare in all forms. Anyone agree?
'Blowin in the wind' was one of the first songs he release back in 1962 on his second album 'The Freewheelin''.
Dylan is a man of many talents, he has published three books with his drawings and paintings in. He has released 54 albums since 1962, almost one every year sometimes two a year. He expresses himself creatively and has a lot to say.
Did you know:
Blowin in the wind (as well as a couple other songs by Dylan) became anthems for the US Civil rights and anti-war movements.
In 1999 it was conducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
It came 14th on 'The Rolling Stones' magazine list of 500 GREATEST SONGS OF ALL TIME.
I've never had a blog before. I've often considered making one but only recently had the inspiration to do so.
I could write a casual blog about day to day life but realistically, who wants to hear about my life?
For those of you who do not know, an earworm is the term used when you have a song stuck in your head.
I don't know about the rest of you but I know I have a tendency to get random songs stuck in my head.
The idea of this page is to share with you all the random, often irritating, often great songs I get in my head and fill your heads with this crap too. I'd love it if you could all comment and tell me what song you've had in your heads today.
The one song i've had stuck in my head more then most recently is the childrens classic
The classic main lyric of "there was an old lady who swallowed a fly, I don't know why she swallowed a fly, perhaps she'll die." Is a lovely morbid lyric. Would I say it was suitable for a nursary rhyme, probably not but it is so funny. Pessimism at its finest.
I just love how the lady swallows a fly, then a spider, then a bird, then a cat, then a dog, then a goat, then a cow and then finally only when she swallows a horse does she die.
I understand the theory or spiders eating flies, birds eating spiders, cats eating birds and the dogs chasing cats. But a goat getting a dog!! and then a cow getting a goat then a horse finally finishing them all off. The food change doesn't quite go like that, I would personally have used more ferocious animals like lions, tigers and bears. (Did that make anyone else think of Dorothy? Classic.) but hey ho, strangely it works.
I've got to say I love the song, it is definately an old classic from the days of nappies and dummies. 'Good times.'
It was written in the 1950's by Canadian folk singer Alan Mills and I think he did a great job.
I've also got to sadly admit that I have had christmas songs stuck in my head for a few weeks now.
The main ones have been:
dreaming of a white christmas
rocking around the christmas tree
winter wonderland
jingle bells
I know this is unacceptable considering it started in october and christmas isn't for another two months but I love it and i'm totally in the spirit.
