It is a big year for celebrations in my family this year. Both my parents are turning 60, my stepfather is turning 65, my younger sister is turning 25, my youngest sister turned 5 and I'm turning 35 (eeek!!)
The next event is Dad's 60th birthday later this month. To celebrate he is holding an open house followed by a family dinner. I'm actually really looking forward to it now. Lots of our family are travelling interstate and intrastate, and I haven't seen some of them since my grandfather's 80th 4 years ago. Even the ones I last saw in September are cause for celebration.
In the last year or so I've felt that my life is coming full circle in a lot of ways. I seem to have been picking up connections from my past that I've dropped. I think I've been more at peace with myself, and more comfortable facing my fears, and knowing that I'm living up to my expectations, not anyone else's. I'm really looking forward to Dad's birthday party - both my parents will be there, many of their friends from my childhood and so much of my extended family.
Dad called me tonight. He wants me to arrange the music for his birthday. I'm really excited to do it. It is something that I can do which will contribute to the mood of the day, but is so very personal. He has asked for music of the 60's and 70's. It will be the soundtrack of his life, but in so many ways the soundtrack to my childhood too. My mind is whirring with the possibilities.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Blast from the past
Yesterday I spent 57 minutes trying to find a car park at one of my local shopping centres. Fun isn't the first word that springs to mind. I didn't get as frustrated as I could have done though, as they had an endless musical loop playing.
For a lot of people, the constant playing of the Urban Cookie Collective's "I've got the key, I've got the secret" would be one of the circles of hell. It catapulted me straight back to the summer of 1993 - 1994 when I lived and breathed cheesy pop music for 3 months. I volunteered at a community radio station during test broadcasts. The whole point of the test broadcast was to prove that the station could meet community needs and had an audience.
Driving around the carpark yesterday, I flashed back to the songs that just didn't stop that summer - Sing Hallelujah, What is love by Haddaway (responsible for one of the worst jokes of all time - What is love? If I haddaway I'd tell you), Dur dur d'étre bébé, Boom Shake the Room, No Rain by Blind Melon, All that She Wants, a remix of Walk this Way, It's alright, Oh what a night, Can we talk, One, I will always love you, End of the Road, This is it (the Ruth Campbell version), Gimme little sign, I've got the key, I've got the secret, the Chipmunks version of Achy Breaky Heart and Agro's version of Ballroom Blitz. Some of those songs I'd still be quite happy never to hear again. I was quite surprised to find myself thinking fondly of a lot of them yesterday though. I'm more stunned to realise how many of them are already on my ipod.
I thought that most of that part of my life was over. I don't expect to find myself back in the adult version of school camp ever again. I don't think my liver could cope with it again. I know my sleep patterns couldn't. I left the group about 18 months later - I couldn't stand the politics, and the constant jockeying for positions. Now, thanks to that song, and Facebook, that part of my life has come back.
I wonder if I can keep the good things, and let the bad things go.
For a lot of people, the constant playing of the Urban Cookie Collective's "I've got the key, I've got the secret" would be one of the circles of hell. It catapulted me straight back to the summer of 1993 - 1994 when I lived and breathed cheesy pop music for 3 months. I volunteered at a community radio station during test broadcasts. The whole point of the test broadcast was to prove that the station could meet community needs and had an audience.
Driving around the carpark yesterday, I flashed back to the songs that just didn't stop that summer - Sing Hallelujah, What is love by Haddaway (responsible for one of the worst jokes of all time - What is love? If I haddaway I'd tell you), Dur dur d'étre bébé, Boom Shake the Room, No Rain by Blind Melon, All that She Wants, a remix of Walk this Way, It's alright, Oh what a night, Can we talk, One, I will always love you, End of the Road, This is it (the Ruth Campbell version), Gimme little sign, I've got the key, I've got the secret, the Chipmunks version of Achy Breaky Heart and Agro's version of Ballroom Blitz. Some of those songs I'd still be quite happy never to hear again. I was quite surprised to find myself thinking fondly of a lot of them yesterday though. I'm more stunned to realise how many of them are already on my ipod.
I thought that most of that part of my life was over. I don't expect to find myself back in the adult version of school camp ever again. I don't think my liver could cope with it again. I know my sleep patterns couldn't. I left the group about 18 months later - I couldn't stand the politics, and the constant jockeying for positions. Now, thanks to that song, and Facebook, that part of my life has come back.
I wonder if I can keep the good things, and let the bad things go.
Monday, September 03, 2007
I need some suggestions
As some of you may know, my brother is getting married in less than one month. As a favour to him, I've been putting the music for dinner and dancing at the reception together. We've got the dinner music sorted, but I'm looking for suggestions.
What songs make you get up and dance at parties and at weddings? We've got a very mixed age group, so any suggestions will be gratefully received.
I promise I'll post the final list of songs used for all parts of the night - either before or afterwards.
What songs make you get up and dance at parties and at weddings? We've got a very mixed age group, so any suggestions will be gratefully received.
I promise I'll post the final list of songs used for all parts of the night - either before or afterwards.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Soundtrack to the music of my life
My writing has been a bit scrambled this week. I haven't been happy with anything I've written so nothing has been posted. I've had this meme kicking around for ages, so I'm hoping it will free up my writing a bit.
If you want to do it, copy the categories below, open your iTunes and hit shuffle. Refresh for each category and hit next song.
Opening Credits: Those Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer - Bob Downe
Wow - iTunes is picking up on my mood today - I've half written three things about summer and the way time changes.
Waking Up: I am a Man of Constant Sorrow - The Soggy Bottom Boys
Yep, that sums me up until I can hit the shower and caffeine.
First Day At School: Alone with you tonight - The Sunnyboys
I love this song. This was the live version from the 25th anniversary concert for Mushroom Records. Even more resonant because I was there. I used to get Sunnyboys from the school canteen, but that is probably the only connection between school and this song.
Falling In Love: Simply Irresistible - Robert Palmer
I don't really associate this song with love. Lust maybe, but all of a sudden I'm feeling an overwhelming desire to pop into some Lycra, a short black skirt and bright red cfm lipstick.
Fight Song: Sleeping Satellite - Tasmin Archer
"I blame you for the moonlit sky, and the dream that died" I've had those completely irrational fights.
Breaking Up: Heavy Heart - You am I
Somehow, I think iTunes said it all for me.
School Formal (Prom): Beyond the Sea - Robbie Williams
I love both Robbie and Bobby's versions of this song. But right now, all I can think of is Homer Simpson wanting to live under the sea with the friendly crustaceans. Now, my brain has just headed off on a sea monkey tangent. I've got no idea how music ended up with sea monkeys. In lounge suits. And cocktail frocks.
Life: Changes - David Bowie
"Time to face the strange" Quite appropriate really. Life is full of change, and there is so much that is strange. Strange and wonderful. I've used lines from this as titles before on this blog, and they are often responsible for random visits from Google.
Mental Breakdown: I honestly love you - Peter Allen
Um, OK. I'm not sure how this one happened, but OK. If it was going to be a Peter Allen song, I think Tenterfield Saddler would fit better. iTunes, you forgot to keep reading my mind.
Driving: Headroom - Josh Abrahams and Amiel Daemion
Where was this one for the mental breakdown? iTunes, A for effort, but you must try harder. Having said that, I do find driving is a good way to get some headroom.
Flashback: The Last Night - Bon Jovi
This is still a very new addition to the music library, part of an album that is still growing on me. Still a good title for a flashback. The last night of what? A relationship? A holiday? A friendship? A house?
Getting back together: I only have eyes for You - Ella Fitzgerald
Ooooooh, Ella.
Wedding: Fame - Irene Cara
This should really be a big musical number, but I'm feeling dudded because it has already been used for musical numbers. Oh, sod it. Bring on the leg warmers and headbands.
Birth of Child: Born Free - Matt Monro
I don't know if this movie would have the birth of a lion cub, but that is the birth I would normally associate with this song.
Final Battle: I want it that way - Backstreet Boys
Or the highway? Isn't that what so many battles come down to? I don't think the Backstreet Boys are usually involved though.
Death Scene: Another one bites the dust - Queen
I just fell off the couch laughing. The cat thinks I'm mad. Yeah, cos he's qualified.
Funeral Song: Goodbye - The Spice Girls
This is a film clip I would have loved to be in as a kid. No, it isn't. I'm getting mixed up with the animation of Viva Forever. Look for the rainbow in every star. Goodbye my friend. I always thought that I would have 50 Years by the Uncanny X-Men. They would be very cool cars for the cortege though.
End Credits: Raindrops keep falling on my head - BJ Thomas
Sad, and yet still perky. Where there is life, there must surely still be hope. Watch out for the sequel; "thisisme - the phantom clones"
If you want to do it, copy the categories below, open your iTunes and hit shuffle. Refresh for each category and hit next song.
Opening Credits: Those Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer - Bob Downe
Wow - iTunes is picking up on my mood today - I've half written three things about summer and the way time changes.
Waking Up: I am a Man of Constant Sorrow - The Soggy Bottom Boys
Yep, that sums me up until I can hit the shower and caffeine.
First Day At School: Alone with you tonight - The Sunnyboys
I love this song. This was the live version from the 25th anniversary concert for Mushroom Records. Even more resonant because I was there. I used to get Sunnyboys from the school canteen, but that is probably the only connection between school and this song.
Falling In Love: Simply Irresistible - Robert Palmer
I don't really associate this song with love. Lust maybe, but all of a sudden I'm feeling an overwhelming desire to pop into some Lycra, a short black skirt and bright red cfm lipstick.
Fight Song: Sleeping Satellite - Tasmin Archer
"I blame you for the moonlit sky, and the dream that died" I've had those completely irrational fights.
Breaking Up: Heavy Heart - You am I
Somehow, I think iTunes said it all for me.
School Formal (Prom): Beyond the Sea - Robbie Williams
I love both Robbie and Bobby's versions of this song. But right now, all I can think of is Homer Simpson wanting to live under the sea with the friendly crustaceans. Now, my brain has just headed off on a sea monkey tangent. I've got no idea how music ended up with sea monkeys. In lounge suits. And cocktail frocks.
Life: Changes - David Bowie
"Time to face the strange" Quite appropriate really. Life is full of change, and there is so much that is strange. Strange and wonderful. I've used lines from this as titles before on this blog, and they are often responsible for random visits from Google.
Mental Breakdown: I honestly love you - Peter Allen
Um, OK. I'm not sure how this one happened, but OK. If it was going to be a Peter Allen song, I think Tenterfield Saddler would fit better. iTunes, you forgot to keep reading my mind.
Driving: Headroom - Josh Abrahams and Amiel Daemion
Where was this one for the mental breakdown? iTunes, A for effort, but you must try harder. Having said that, I do find driving is a good way to get some headroom.
Flashback: The Last Night - Bon Jovi
This is still a very new addition to the music library, part of an album that is still growing on me. Still a good title for a flashback. The last night of what? A relationship? A holiday? A friendship? A house?
Getting back together: I only have eyes for You - Ella Fitzgerald
Ooooooh, Ella.
Wedding: Fame - Irene Cara
This should really be a big musical number, but I'm feeling dudded because it has already been used for musical numbers. Oh, sod it. Bring on the leg warmers and headbands.
Birth of Child: Born Free - Matt Monro
I don't know if this movie would have the birth of a lion cub, but that is the birth I would normally associate with this song.
Final Battle: I want it that way - Backstreet Boys
Or the highway? Isn't that what so many battles come down to? I don't think the Backstreet Boys are usually involved though.
Death Scene: Another one bites the dust - Queen
I just fell off the couch laughing. The cat thinks I'm mad. Yeah, cos he's qualified.
Funeral Song: Goodbye - The Spice Girls
This is a film clip I would have loved to be in as a kid. No, it isn't. I'm getting mixed up with the animation of Viva Forever. Look for the rainbow in every star. Goodbye my friend. I always thought that I would have 50 Years by the Uncanny X-Men. They would be very cool cars for the cortege though.
End Credits: Raindrops keep falling on my head - BJ Thomas
Sad, and yet still perky. Where there is life, there must surely still be hope. Watch out for the sequel; "thisisme - the phantom clones"
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Aging
Standing in the queue at my local healthy burger place, I heard teenage girl say to her friend "this is the song, that if you play it backwards, it plays satanic messages" Her friend asked what the song was, and who it was by "oh, I don't know, I don't think anyone really knows the song or the group is"
I'm feeling a little old and bewildered today. The song was Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. I thought everyone just acquired it by osmosis.
I'm feeling a little old and bewildered today. The song was Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. I thought everyone just acquired it by osmosis.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Things that make me go :)
That last post depressed the bejesus out of me, so what it will do to you, especially if you are coming back from your holiday, I dread to think.
So, some of the things that make me smile today.
Did I mention that my boy was back? I did? Are you sure? Anyway, he is back, and there are prezzies for me too :)
So, some of the things that make me smile today.
- My boy is back, bouncing off walls, but back, and says he's missed me heaps. :) How do I know - I've spoken to him 4 times today, and been on messenger with him 3 times, plus texting. Wish he hadn't fallen asleep when I left work.
- Talking to my 17 year old cousin interstate using messenger.
- Swapping MySpace messages with my 15 year old cousin interstate.
- My current obsession playlist (yes, that's what I called it) on my iPod. Obsessed with music - me? Always. So, now I'm going to share them with you, in no particular order.
- Gone Daddy Gone - Gnarls Barkly
- Flathead - The Fratellis (I blame you apple)
- Ramalama (Bang Bang) - Roisin Murphy
- LDN - Lily Allen (I'm still trying to work out which West Indian calypso she has sampled)
- Hey Now Now - The Cloud Room
- The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (and yet, it reminds me so much of Forever your Girl, and a Kylie song)
- Suddenly I see - KT Tunstall
- And I am telling you I'm not Going - Jennifer Hudson
- God only knows - The Beach Boys
- Funky Tonight - John Butler Trio (he plays the mouth harp - how cool is that?!)
- Bang the Drum - Todd Rundgren
- The Way - Fastball
- I don't feel like dancing - Scissor Sisters
- Love in the first degree- Bananarama (I have to get me some stripey outfits, kind of like Where's Wally in black and white)
- Candyman - Christina Aguilera (the one song on her 2 disc album that screamed "hi, I'm a single")
- I just don't know what to do with myself - Paul McDermott and Marcia Hines
- Zoot Suit Riot - Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Did I mention that my boy was back? I did? Are you sure? Anyway, he is back, and there are prezzies for me too :)
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Shuffly pod
Velvetgirl's ipod post (blogger won't let me link - visit it here - http://misfit-of-suburbia.blogspot.com/2006/12/random-shuffle-ipod-sampling.html ) inspired me to put my ipod on shuffle and see what the first 40 tracks are - so here goes!
Please stay - Kylie Minogue *
Rebel Rebel - David Bowie
In a big country - Big Country
All or nothing at all - Frank Sinatra
Sparrow come back home - Mighty Sparrow *
War at 33 1/3 - Public Enemy
Groove is in the heart - Deelite
Bitter Tears - INXS *
You are my sunshine - Norman Blake
Boris the Spider - The Who
Simply Irrestible - Robert Palmer
Arima Bobolee - Lord Kitchener
Que Onda Guero - Beck
Ant Music - Adam and the Ants
Gypsy Woman - Crystal Waters
Fatal Beatings - Rowan Atkinson
I'm still standing - Elton John
Papa's got a brand new bag - James Brown
Boys - Sabrina
Six months in a leaky boat - Split Enz
Pedestal - Portishead
Someone to watch over me - Ella Fitzgerald
Vamos - The Gypsy Kings
The Power of Love - Huey Lewis and the News
Johnny B Good - Chuck Berry
One of Us - Joan Osborne (was I the only one who sang the lyric about stringbeans on the bus?)
Singing in the 80's - The Monitors
Music - Madonna
Another one bites the dust - Queen
I've got you under my skin - Frank Sinatra with Count Basie
The Girl is Mine - Paul McDermott *
New Sensation - INXS *
The Riddle - Nik Kershaw
Feel Good Inc - Gorillaz
Michael Row the Boat ashore - The Highwaymen
Be Prepared - Tom Lehrer
Too Young for Promises - Koo De Tah
Someone to watch over me - Judy Garland
Did it again - Kylie Minogue *
Sunny came home - Shawn Colvin
Anyone with an asterisk I've seen live. I'm a bit amused by the couple of duplicate artists, and the duplicate song by different artists. The 80's get a bit of a look in - although I don't know that I would normally have admitted to the Sabrina one. I never know what I'm going to get when I'm on shuffle - I've filled nearly 40 gb of my 60 gb ipod and it can be on shuffle for days before repeating
Please stay - Kylie Minogue *
Rebel Rebel - David Bowie
In a big country - Big Country
All or nothing at all - Frank Sinatra
Sparrow come back home - Mighty Sparrow *
War at 33 1/3 - Public Enemy
Groove is in the heart - Deelite
Bitter Tears - INXS *
You are my sunshine - Norman Blake
Boris the Spider - The Who
Simply Irrestible - Robert Palmer
Arima Bobolee - Lord Kitchener
Que Onda Guero - Beck
Ant Music - Adam and the Ants
Gypsy Woman - Crystal Waters
Fatal Beatings - Rowan Atkinson
I'm still standing - Elton John
Papa's got a brand new bag - James Brown
Boys - Sabrina
Six months in a leaky boat - Split Enz
Pedestal - Portishead
Someone to watch over me - Ella Fitzgerald
Vamos - The Gypsy Kings
The Power of Love - Huey Lewis and the News
Johnny B Good - Chuck Berry
One of Us - Joan Osborne (was I the only one who sang the lyric about stringbeans on the bus?)
Singing in the 80's - The Monitors
Music - Madonna
Another one bites the dust - Queen
I've got you under my skin - Frank Sinatra with Count Basie
The Girl is Mine - Paul McDermott *
New Sensation - INXS *
The Riddle - Nik Kershaw
Feel Good Inc - Gorillaz
Michael Row the Boat ashore - The Highwaymen
Be Prepared - Tom Lehrer
Too Young for Promises - Koo De Tah
Someone to watch over me - Judy Garland
Did it again - Kylie Minogue *
Sunny came home - Shawn Colvin
Anyone with an asterisk I've seen live. I'm a bit amused by the couple of duplicate artists, and the duplicate song by different artists. The 80's get a bit of a look in - although I don't know that I would normally have admitted to the Sabrina one. I never know what I'm going to get when I'm on shuffle - I've filled nearly 40 gb of my 60 gb ipod and it can be on shuffle for days before repeating
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Skunk as a drunk
Yes I am. But I'm still bouncing off walls and it is 2.45 am.
I just met someone from my list and he was a sweetheart. Anthony Morgan just moved himself further up my list.
I had my first work Christmas party tonight and out of the 100 odd people there I knew 3. Yep count the masses. They all left early and I mingled for a couple of hours later, but then I started feeling really lonely and like I was pushing myself into groups of people who knew each other well, and found myself hitting more champagne than was good for me. Oh and the barman asked for my number. Smile, ego, smile.
I sent my babiest brother a message to see if he was at work - luckily he was - and walked the couple of kilometres to his bar. I walked in and just felt so instantly welcome - more of a community than the disjointed groups at my work party. There was a group playing poker, and another group there having a bucks night, as well as small groups just having a few drinks. Everyone was very chatty and welcoming, and I found myself floating between groups of people, and being introduced to everyone. Did I mention Anthony Morgan? Oh well, Anthony Morgan. I got a kiss and a hug goodbye from him too. One guy and I kept pinching the same lines from each other - that was way more fun than is good for me. I laughed, I teased and I had a ball. All that and my lovely brother drove me home too.
Final count - champagne - 8 or 9, bottles of water - 1, glasses of water - 5, vodka, lemon, lime & soda - 5 or 6, glasses of semillion blanc (very hard to type right now) - 1. Bottles of water I've drunk since getting home - 1. Bottles of water I still need to drink before bed - 1. Hours until my hair appointment - 7. I have a bad feeling that a bacon and egg mcmuffin could be breakfast.
Did I mention Anthony Morgan - phwoar!!!
Sobriety - overrated. Ability to identify Patience by Guns'n'Roses by whistle - something to be pretty proud of.
My head is going to hurt when I get out of bed later this morning.
I just met someone from my list and he was a sweetheart. Anthony Morgan just moved himself further up my list.
I had my first work Christmas party tonight and out of the 100 odd people there I knew 3. Yep count the masses. They all left early and I mingled for a couple of hours later, but then I started feeling really lonely and like I was pushing myself into groups of people who knew each other well, and found myself hitting more champagne than was good for me. Oh and the barman asked for my number. Smile, ego, smile.
I sent my babiest brother a message to see if he was at work - luckily he was - and walked the couple of kilometres to his bar. I walked in and just felt so instantly welcome - more of a community than the disjointed groups at my work party. There was a group playing poker, and another group there having a bucks night, as well as small groups just having a few drinks. Everyone was very chatty and welcoming, and I found myself floating between groups of people, and being introduced to everyone. Did I mention Anthony Morgan? Oh well, Anthony Morgan. I got a kiss and a hug goodbye from him too. One guy and I kept pinching the same lines from each other - that was way more fun than is good for me. I laughed, I teased and I had a ball. All that and my lovely brother drove me home too.
Final count - champagne - 8 or 9, bottles of water - 1, glasses of water - 5, vodka, lemon, lime & soda - 5 or 6, glasses of semillion blanc (very hard to type right now) - 1. Bottles of water I've drunk since getting home - 1. Bottles of water I still need to drink before bed - 1. Hours until my hair appointment - 7. I have a bad feeling that a bacon and egg mcmuffin could be breakfast.
Did I mention Anthony Morgan - phwoar!!!
Sobriety - overrated. Ability to identify Patience by Guns'n'Roses by whistle - something to be pretty proud of.
My head is going to hurt when I get out of bed later this morning.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
It rocked
The U2 concert was fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt odd though because I think it was the first concert I had been to in my life where I didn't really dance. I love to listen to the music of U2, but I don't associate them with dancing. I found myself singing along most of the time, and swaying to a few things, but no hot sweaty, standing in the middle of a sports stadium with 80,000 people, getting carried away with the music and the people, not caring who you are dancing with or what you look like. Maybe somewhere in my brain I associate them with worthiness (sounds dull, doesn't it?) and message music, rather than dancing and fun. Odd.
Note to the Edge, yes we booed you. Melbourne is not Sydney, and we don't like being called that. Sorry, we love you, but that was an insult.
Note to Bono, getting a text from you after the concert is exciting. Thanks. I would love to have seen my face when I checked my phone for the beep and finding a message from Bono. Cool. Thanks
Note to the Edge, yes we booed you. Melbourne is not Sydney, and we don't like being called that. Sorry, we love you, but that was an insult.
Note to Bono, getting a text from you after the concert is exciting. Thanks. I would love to have seen my face when I checked my phone for the beep and finding a message from Bono. Cool. Thanks
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