Music – Page 2 – Not Your Mom's Playlist

90s Songs, Classid, Oldies, Rock Music, Singer/Songwriter

Song of the Day – “Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

October 4, 2017

Well, it has been another somber week. It seems like they just keep coming. Sometimes I start to feel fatigued by the amount of heartbreak in the world. Mixed in the middle of many traumatic events, on Monday night we lost a rock legend and a musician that I just loved – Tom Petty. This one really makes me sad and it just feels like I need to post a song by him today.

Listening to Tom Petty’s music stirs up memories of days past, good times, challenging times … just a piece of the soundtrack of my life. I imagine that there are many people my age who feel the same way.

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, During his induction speech, Tom Petty said,

“The music overcame me at a very early age and has consumed my life.”

Aren’t we all so lucky that it did! Tom Petty was an incredibly talented songwriter and musician who really made a mark on the music world and the history of music. I struggled to decide which song to post today as there are just so many that I truly love. I encourage you to go back and listen to his incredible legacy of music … you will understand why my choice was difficult today.

I decided on a song that still resonates with me as much today as when it was released. “Learning to Fly” is from the 1991 album, Into The Great Wide Open and is a classic. The music is amazing the the lyrics are beautifully poetic. I hope you find it as moving as I do. Rest in peace, Tom Petty.

“Learning To Fly”
Well I started out down a dirty road
Started out all alone
And the sun went down as I crossed the hill
And the town lit up, the world got still

[Chorus:]
I’m learning to fly, but I ain’t got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing

Well the good ol’ days may not return
And the rocks might melt and the sea may burn

Well some say life will beat you down
Break your heart, steal your crown
So I’ve started out for God knows where
I guess I’ll know when I get there

I’m learning to fly, around the clouds
But what goes up must come down

Song of the Day – “I Wouldn’t Dance” by David Myles

February 14, 2015

❤ ❤ HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! ❤ ❤

I am not a flowers and chocolate kind of girl on Valentine’s Day, but I love taking the opportunity to tell those I love how much I love them. I hope that you have been lucky enough to spend time today with the one that you love.

Establishing a tradition that I started last year, I am posting a song by David Myles for Valentine’s Day. I love him and his music and this song is just the perfect sentiment for the day. On top of that, David Myles is maintaining his Valentine tradition of giving away a free little love song. Click here to make sure you get your free copy of this sweet love song.

70s Songs, Mellow Songs, Rock Music, Sad Songs, Singer/Songwriter

“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

October 9, 2014

It’s Throwback Thursday! Today’s #tbt song is one of my favorite songs of all time by one of my favorite musical groups of all time. This song was originally released in 1975 on the self-titled album, Fleetwood Mac.

Growing up, Fleetwood Mac was my favorite group and I knew every word to every song … actually I still do.

I decided to post a song from them today because they just started a reunion tour (On With the Show) and everyone is back this time, including Christine McVie. Earlier this week, the band played at Madison Square Garden and, although I was not able to attend, I am dying to see them perform live during their reunion tour. If I was picking one band that I have always wanted to see live, they would be at the top of my list. It sounds like I will be lucky because, just this morning, they announced that they are expanding their reunion tour and adding 28 more shows, including a return to NYC. If you are an American Express holder, it sounds like tickets will be available on October 13; otherwise, they go on sale October 20. I plan not to miss it!

After listening to them perform live today on the Today Show, I have to admit that I still love Fleetwood Mac and their music. It was a difficult decision to choose just one song by them because they have so many good ones, but I have always loved this incredible song. They lyrics have such deep meaning and emotion and I love the guitar rhythms – just an awesome song. I also have to say, Steve Nicks’ voice is still as amazing as ever.

Alternative, Rising Artist, UK Artists

“Worry” by Jack Garratt

October 7, 2014

I just got home from visiting my son in South Carolina for a few days for his 16th birthday. It was awesome to get to spend time with him! I have been trying to decide if I came home less worried or more worried about him. Haha!

It is such a strange feeling to go visit your teenage boy in his “apartment” and say “yep, that is how I would keep my space.” Yikes! Teenage boys are messy. He keeps reminding me that his apartment was one of only two that passed house inspections … so I should be pleased. Hmm …

Anyway, he is doing incredibly well at his new school and loves it. He is happy, settled, social, and motivated! As much as I miss him, this makes me very happy. I am very proud of him, even if I do worry about him and miss him every day.

The alligators down there also worry me! 🙂

I have been wanting to post this cool new song and I thought the title was just perfect today. Jack Garratt is a young artist from London, England who just released his first EP, Remnants, a few months ago. His music is very unique and is difficult to box into a genre. He has an incredible amount of soul and emotion in his music. It is an interesting song to add to my playlist, but I think Jack Garratt is extremely talented and creates incredibly interesting music. Listen to the unique beat, rhythm, and lyrics that he uses in his music. I hope that you enjoy this new song by a young, rising artist. I am sure we will hear much more from him in the future.

Folk, Folk Rock, Rising Artist, Rock Music, Singer/Songwriter, UK Artists

“Show Me Emotion” by The Dunwells

October 1, 2014

I am posting a song today by a band that I have posted from before – the English, folk-rock band, The Dunwells. I saw The Dunwells perform live back in 2012 while living in Dallas, and I immediately liked them. They have a great sound, wonderful song-writing, fantastic harmonies, and just a cool vibe.

The band is made up of brothers David and Joseph Dunwell, and cousins Robert Clayton and Johnny Lamb. (The band used to be five members, but guitarist, David Hanson, left the band to start his own band.) They just released their second studio album on September 8, 2014. The new EP is entitled, Show Me Emotion and it does just that. It is a different sound than their first album and I loved their old sound … but, I also really like this new sound too.

The Dunwells just finished touring in the UK in September and are headed to California this month. They are great live performers, particularly in an intimate setting where you can really hear those incredible harmonies. If you get a chance to see them, take it! I am hoping they make it to the east coast and will be keeping my eye out for them.

Sometimes at the end of a long day with a lot of moving pieces I do feel overcome with emotion for some reason. Sometimes I feel incredibly happy and other times I feel on the verge of tears. Today has been one of those days. This song just seemed like a perfect fit, just enough emotion to let me settle into my end of day. I really hope you enjoy this new song.

Indie Rock, Motivational Music, New York Artists, Pop Music, Upbeat Songs

“CARRY ON” by Fun.

September 28, 2014

I know this is an older song and it is not Throwback Thursday, but after an experience I had yesterday morning, I just had to post it as my Song of the Day today. One of my all time favorites!

Yesterday morning I went running in Central Park with my husband. We ran past the stage setup and security for the Global Citizen Festival on our way to the reservoir. The festival was last night and the stage was all set up ready for the show. After running around the reservoir we were headed back to the Columbus Circle area when we heard music playing. I stopped and said, “That is Fun.!.” We immediately turned around and ran back to the stage. They were doing sound checks for the concert and Fun. was on stage running through their set. We sat there and watched their entire set. They sounded amazing! We heard four songs, but they finished with this one and then we “carried on” and finished our run.

I have always loved this song and find it so inspirational. It truly is one of those songs that can help you through a difficult time. My favorite line – “May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground.” I have been singing it ever since yesterday morning. Funny how an older song gets a new spark. This song has been on my playlist for several years now, but it is now back at the top.

Just wanted to share this cool experience with you today. You gotta love NYC! Only there would I just happen upon Fun. playing in the park at 9:00 am on a Saturday morning!

Acoustic Songs, Love Songs, Rising Artist, Sad Songs, Singer/Songwriter, UK Artists

SONG OF THE DAY – “LET IT GO” by James Bay

September 25, 2014

Just a quick note tonight with a song by one of my favorite new artists – James Bay. I have posted a song by him before (“Need The Sun to Break” back on February 3, 2014 where I give more background on the artist) and love his music. This is an incredible song and James Bay makes amazing music. I love a guy with nothing but his guitar and a voice that expresses vulnerability, depth, and passion. I could listen to this song over and over again … which, to be truthful, I often do. It has become one of my favorite songs.

The song is from his new EP, Let It Go, which was released this summer. This is his third EP and I can only imagine the hype when he releases his first full length album.

James Bay is a young British singer-songwriter from Hitchin, UK who is one of the most awesome acoustic performers I have heard. The lyrics to his songs are honest, emotional, and introspective and the music is incredibly smooth. His performances are raw and unforgettable. He is currently on tour and if you are lucky enough to score a ticket (he is touring with Hozier and the tickets are selling fast!), it would be quite a performance. Just watch this incredible performance below and see if he does not become one of your favorite new artists, too!

Can I also just say, I LOVE his hats – he wears them even better than Pharrell.

Female Artists, Happy Songs, Movie Songs, Singer/Songwriter, Synthpop, UK Artists, Upbeat Songs

SONG OF THE DAY – “BOOM CLAP” by Charli XCX

August 29, 2014

With just a few minutes to post tonight, I wanted to give you a great song to help start off your weekend. This is a playful, cool song with a really fun beat.

This song is by Charli XCX (Charlotte Emma Aitchison), an English singer-songwriter who started writing songs at the age of 14. This song is on The Fault in Our Stars soundtrack – which, by the way, is an amazing soundtrack with an incredible list of songs and artists. (I have not yet seen the movie, but I absolutely loved the book.)

My son was playing the soundtrack earlier this week while we were driving in the car and this song just became one of my very favorites. I’m sure this “Boom Clap” will be the sound in my ears when my alarm goes off at 4am tomorrow morning! Yikes!

Have a great weekend!

80s Songs, Australian Artists, New Wave, Synth Rock, Upbeat Songs

SONG OF THE DAY – “DON’T CHANGE” by INXS

August 28, 2014

It’s Throwback Thursday! Today’s #tbt song is from the 1982 album Shabooh Shoobah by INXS.

I am posting a song today which brings back many memories from the 1980s.

I was inspired to post a song by INXS today because I just watched the Australian television mini-series called “Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS.” It was an incredibly well done show and I found it mesmerizing. It reminded me of so many things that happened during that time. I was also struck again at how many great songs the band put out during their run and how very talented they were. Their album, Kick, has to be one of the best albums of its time.

INXS was a tremendously popular band in the mid 80s to early 90s and at one point was even hailed to be the next U2. Michael Hutchence, lead singer, frontman, and lyricist, was absolutely a rock star and a heart-throb. They had a very unique sound to the time, bordering on New Wave, but certainly with a more edgy rock sound. This has always been one of my favorite songs from INXS, but there are certainly plenty to choose from. For those of you who grew up in the 80s, I hope you enjoy the throwback.

Family Songs, Happy Songs, Love Songs, Singer/Songwriter, Upbeat Songs

SONG OF THE DAY – “WHEN I’M WITH YOU” by Ben Rector

August 25, 2014

I am finally getting around to posting again. It has been a very spotty summer for me with this blog. This is another one of those crazy weeks, but I really feel that it will be good for me to get back on track.

My daughter left for China yesterday. She is doing a semester abroad in Shanghai and it was so weird to ship her off until Christmas. Although she has been away from home for two years in college, it just feels so far away now! Life changes too quickly. This has been the first year where it has really hit me that my little girl is growing up. I already miss her and am so grateful for wifi and international texting because I am not sure I could bear not being able to chat with her.

On top of that, my son was offered a spot at a Golf Academy for high school. We visited the school this summer thinking that we were looking at it as a potential post-graduate year after high school and then, within a two-week time-frame, he decided to go away to school THIS year. I went from thinking I was going to have my son home with me for two more years, to having my son home with me for three short weeks. I can’t even begin to express how much I am going to miss my buddy.

So, talk about a busy summer – my emotions have been all over the place! Lots of big life changes. Who knew that by the ages of 15 and 18, both of my kids would be moving out of our home and changing my life so completely. Although life will be different for me, I am happy that both of my children are pursuing their dreams and experiencing so many exciting life adventures. Time for new adventures for me as well.

I am posting a song today by one of my favorite artists. I love Ben Rector! This song is from his 2013 album, The Walking In Between. Ben Rector writes incredible songs and totally captures “the moment.” This song makes me think of my family and this particular moment of ours. On Monday, we were all home together – a family of 4. By Tuesday morning, we had become 3, and in just a few more days … we will be 2. I love my family and being with them brings a purpose to my life that I never expected. Enjoy this fabulous song.

“When I’m with you, I’m who I want to be!”

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