Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Monday, 11 February 2013
Music Monday: Girl Power
There seems to have been a wave of anti-sexism on twitter today as the No More Page 3 campaign gains momentum, and that kind of reminded of Girl Power - which apparently wasn't invented by the Spice Girls after all. So here's some 90s pop cheese for you to listen to while you go and add your voice to the Page 3 backlash :)
Monday, 7 January 2013
Music Monday: Changes
I know I keep saying I don't go in for the whole resolution thing at New Year, but there's no avoiding what is on my mind: Changes
I feel the need to leave the stream of warm impermanence, but while I work out what that actually means (both literally and in my life), enjoy some classic Bowie. I'm sure this theme will recur in a few days...
I feel the need to leave the stream of warm impermanence, but while I work out what that actually means (both literally and in my life), enjoy some classic Bowie. I'm sure this theme will recur in a few days...
Saturday, 22 December 2012
Why I celebrate Christmas
I haven't been a Christian long, but long enough to recognise a leading question. Like, when somebody who doesn't share my beliefs asks why I celebrate Christmas, I'm fully expecting a detailed explanation of how Jesus wasn't born in December and Christmas trees are just something we carried over from the pagan festivals and blah blah blah whatever.
To which, my response is a resounding 'So what?' If we didn't celebrate the birth of Jesus in December, we'd just do it in June or some other date that someone decided was as good as any. And so what if we have kept on a few old traditions. If you want to celebrate Yuletide or the Winter Solstice or Hogmanay or me and animal's anniversary, knock yourself out. I choose to celebrate the birth of my saviour at this time of year.
So, to answer the question: I've celebrated Christmas all my life; it's just what we do. In this country we need a bright spot in the middle of the depressing wet winters we usually get, and Christmas is it. It's an excuse to get together with loved ones, and at least be civil to those we don't love quite as much. And that's good; peace and good will to all man is a good thing, whatever you happen to believe in, God-wise. Family get-togethers are... well ok, they can be a bit fraught, but it's once a year. If I only saw my sister once a year we get on far better I expect...
So Christmas is a good thing, and I don't have any issue with non-Christians celebrating it. After all, I celebrated 24 myself as a non-Christian...
But, dates aside, as a believer it obviously has a deeper meaning now. And it doesn't matter that Jesus never said 'celebrate my birthday'. He didn't say don't celebrate it. Why would the event be described in such detail in the Bible if it wasn't important?
I've posted this here before, but this song pretty much sums up the religious reasons why I celebrate Christmas:
I don't know if that answered the question, but there you go. That's me done blogging for 2012.
Merry Christmas, and I'll be back next year.
To which, my response is a resounding 'So what?' If we didn't celebrate the birth of Jesus in December, we'd just do it in June or some other date that someone decided was as good as any. And so what if we have kept on a few old traditions. If you want to celebrate Yuletide or the Winter Solstice or Hogmanay or me and animal's anniversary, knock yourself out. I choose to celebrate the birth of my saviour at this time of year.
So, to answer the question: I've celebrated Christmas all my life; it's just what we do. In this country we need a bright spot in the middle of the depressing wet winters we usually get, and Christmas is it. It's an excuse to get together with loved ones, and at least be civil to those we don't love quite as much. And that's good; peace and good will to all man is a good thing, whatever you happen to believe in, God-wise. Family get-togethers are... well ok, they can be a bit fraught, but it's once a year. If I only saw my sister once a year we get on far better I expect...
So Christmas is a good thing, and I don't have any issue with non-Christians celebrating it. After all, I celebrated 24 myself as a non-Christian...
But, dates aside, as a believer it obviously has a deeper meaning now. And it doesn't matter that Jesus never said 'celebrate my birthday'. He didn't say don't celebrate it. Why would the event be described in such detail in the Bible if it wasn't important?
I've posted this here before, but this song pretty much sums up the religious reasons why I celebrate Christmas:
Merry Christmas, and I'll be back next year.
Monday, 8 October 2012
Musical Monday: Cliche
The official video for the new single from one of my fave rock chicks of the moment, Eowyn. It's kind of a fun video, but the song is about how sometimes as Christians we just go through the church/bible study/prayer routine the same way every week until it loses any real meaning... and we become a cliche.
Monday, 17 September 2012
Musical Monday
Just because I didn't want it to end, and to celebrate the awesomeness of Team GB. Again.
And because it's an awesome video to a classic tune, naturally!
And because it's an awesome video to a classic tune, naturally!
Monday, 3 September 2012
Musical Monday: Velodrome
Just because I'm gonna miss it now it's done its job for London 2012...
Oh, and by the way, sorry it's been so long!
Monday, 16 July 2012
Monday, 2 July 2012
Musical Monday: Halfway Down the Stairs
Indulge me for a day while I have a short girlcrush moment, would you?
You can sit on my stairs any time you like Amy. I don't suppose Animal will mind...
Monday, 25 June 2012
Musical Monday: Arms of Grace
Just lurrrrve this song that we sang in church yesterday, so I thought I'd share it :)
I love the imagery of being welcomed home, the truth that He always takes me back, the look in the drummers eyes when he gets lost in giving his music to God...
Ok, maybe that last point was a little of topic, but honetly, I was right there with him, this is one of my favourite worship songs (although I do have an increasing number of 'favourites!')
Monday, 18 June 2012
Musical Monday: Mr Blue Sky
Call me optimistic, but I'm feeling summery. And there's something about Lily Allen - her cheery don't give a fig voice, the cheeky cockney accent that she sings in - that just makes me think 'Sod it, it's summer, throw your cares away and have some fun!'
And in that spirit, here's a summery cover version you might not have come across yet (but should).
Monday, 14 May 2012
It's Musical Monday, dummy
You know that moment when you hear a song that you've been aware of for ages but it suddenly starts to mean something? Well I heard this one on tv a while back, when I hunted it down, I was pretty blown away by the lyrics....
All that stuff about being tired of playing, of being a 'tempteress', and leaving the other girls to play? That was me a couple of years ago. Then Someone gave me a reason to love Him, and I was unchained, I got a new frame of mind... and a real man, who isn't afraid to cry sometimes.
For that was the beginning of forever, and ever...
All that stuff about being tired of playing, of being a 'tempteress', and leaving the other girls to play? That was me a couple of years ago. Then Someone gave me a reason to love Him, and I was unchained, I got a new frame of mind... and a real man, who isn't afraid to cry sometimes.
For that was the beginning of forever, and ever...
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
I always cry at weddings
I can't even begin to say what an amazing day it was. Spring had sprung and it was just a beautiful day to be doing anything, and so finally marrying my soulmate was just perfect. The service was lovely, and so nice to be surrounded by my lovely family and friends (old and new) for the whole day (although, truth be told, it was nice getting away from being the centre of attention afterwards!). It might not have been the biggest or flashiest wedding ever, but I was treated like a princess for the entire day, and isn't that what every girl wants? (Yes, fellas, it is!)
And yes, obviously I cried.
One thing we didn't quite plan for though, was the wedding night being an hour shorter than it should have been. Really should have seen that coming... Still, I can assure you we made up for the missing hour, even if we do still have a lot of time left to make up!
Somebody managed to pull a string somewhere and got our seats upgraded on the flight out to Italy too, which was a bonus; but maybe I'll go into the honeymoon a bit more some other time.
For now though, as it's Musical Monday, grab yourself a bucket, I want to relive one of those classic wedding party songs...
Yes, we danced to that (although not quite as well as in the video) - so sue me! It seemed a wholly appropriate song for Mr and Mrs Animal to depart on, and never a truer word was sung. I couldn't have hoped for a better wedding day; and I still feel like the luckiest girl alive.
And yes, obviously I cried.
One thing we didn't quite plan for though, was the wedding night being an hour shorter than it should have been. Really should have seen that coming... Still, I can assure you we made up for the missing hour, even if we do still have a lot of time left to make up!
Somebody managed to pull a string somewhere and got our seats upgraded on the flight out to Italy too, which was a bonus; but maybe I'll go into the honeymoon a bit more some other time.
For now though, as it's Musical Monday, grab yourself a bucket, I want to relive one of those classic wedding party songs...
Yes, we danced to that (although not quite as well as in the video) - so sue me! It seemed a wholly appropriate song for Mr and Mrs Animal to depart on, and never a truer word was sung. I couldn't have hoped for a better wedding day; and I still feel like the luckiest girl alive.
Monday, 19 March 2012
Musical Monday: Yet More Wedding Music
Last time, I promise! After all, next Monday it will all be over...
So here is the background music that will play while we sign the register and do the official stuff. It was a tricky decision, because although the music sounds wedding-friendly, I wasn't entirely sure about the words. But in the end we decided that it does in fact reflect the way that our love for each other is centred in our love for Jesus. And that's an important thing to me, because although some people may claim they could spend their lives with someone who doesn't share their faith, that doesn't sit right with me. That would mean my heart was divided, whereas both Animal and I are Christ's and His alone, and Animal has done nothing but strengthen my faith (as, apparently, I have strengthened his). I guess this song is my prayer that we both will continue to love God first and foremost, then each other, and put ourselves and our own needs after that.
Failing that, of course, having personal meaning for the bride should be good enough reason to play anything :)
And then there is the first dance song, and running a close race with the Snow Patrol track, is this:
Don't read anything into the rocket launch imagery in the video though..... ;)
So here is the background music that will play while we sign the register and do the official stuff. It was a tricky decision, because although the music sounds wedding-friendly, I wasn't entirely sure about the words. But in the end we decided that it does in fact reflect the way that our love for each other is centred in our love for Jesus. And that's an important thing to me, because although some people may claim they could spend their lives with someone who doesn't share their faith, that doesn't sit right with me. That would mean my heart was divided, whereas both Animal and I are Christ's and His alone, and Animal has done nothing but strengthen my faith (as, apparently, I have strengthened his). I guess this song is my prayer that we both will continue to love God first and foremost, then each other, and put ourselves and our own needs after that.
Failing that, of course, having personal meaning for the bride should be good enough reason to play anything :)
And then there is the first dance song, and running a close race with the Snow Patrol track, is this:
Don't read anything into the rocket launch imagery in the video though..... ;)
Monday, 12 March 2012
Musical Monday: More Wedding Music
Because at this point in my life, I am a wedding. So I might as well bore the twelve of you with the details, right? Well, if you're intertested, the traditional bridal procession music will be The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Handel's Solomon.
And the slightly less traditional (and much more... me) recessional music, is entitled The Throne Room, by some composer called John Williams. And it goes a little something like this:
I know, too cool, right? I'll almost be sad to have walked out before the end of that piece of music.
Almost.
And the slightly less traditional (and much more... me) recessional music, is entitled The Throne Room, by some composer called John Williams. And it goes a little something like this:
I know, too cool, right? I'll almost be sad to have walked out before the end of that piece of music.
Almost.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Musical Monday: Wedding Songs
Three weeks time, and I shall be living it up in the Alps as Mrs Animal :D.... but in the meantime, we have the tricky final touches to put to this wedding thingy. So we've spent a bunch of time this weekend picking songs with the band, given the sound guy the CDs for the bride's entrance and the happy couple's exit (one of which will be more traditional than the other!).
Only one musical dilemma remains though: the First Dance.
Neither of us is really into the kind of music that lends itself to slow dances, so we spent a pleasant evening listening to a variety of love songs on Spotify, desperately trying to find something appropriate that wasn't horribly cheesy.
You see, I love I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders, but it starts off 'Why do you look so sad?' and if either us looks sad by that point, something has gone drastically wrong. I think Make It With You by Bread is pretty cool too (if somewhat ancient), but possibly a little saucy for the some of the church crowd (yeah I know, what do they think we're gonna do when we leave, play Star Wars Monopoly?). Some smartarse suggested Lady In Red, but he got taken off the guest list as a result.
At the moment, we're looking at either slightly cheesy 80s songs or slightly predictable motown ballads. There are a couple of slightly cooler alternatives though; here's one that looks like it could be a contender:
Any more suggestions for a non-cheesy, romantic tune suitable for the first dance? Something a bit unusual would be nice - no Westlife! Feel free to drop us a comment with your suggestions :)
Only one musical dilemma remains though: the First Dance.
Neither of us is really into the kind of music that lends itself to slow dances, so we spent a pleasant evening listening to a variety of love songs on Spotify, desperately trying to find something appropriate that wasn't horribly cheesy.
You see, I love I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders, but it starts off 'Why do you look so sad?' and if either us looks sad by that point, something has gone drastically wrong. I think Make It With You by Bread is pretty cool too (if somewhat ancient), but possibly a little saucy for the some of the church crowd (yeah I know, what do they think we're gonna do when we leave, play Star Wars Monopoly?). Some smartarse suggested Lady In Red, but he got taken off the guest list as a result.
At the moment, we're looking at either slightly cheesy 80s songs or slightly predictable motown ballads. There are a couple of slightly cooler alternatives though; here's one that looks like it could be a contender:
Any more suggestions for a non-cheesy, romantic tune suitable for the first dance? Something a bit unusual would be nice - no Westlife! Feel free to drop us a comment with your suggestions :)
Friday, 2 March 2012
Filth on Friday.... sort of
I know, I've been neglecting the bloggy goodness lately. I will get back on it soon (probably), but there's been lots of weddingy goodness going on just lately (23 days, for the record :D ). If you enjoy my rants and rambles, drop me a comment or something so I know it's worth carrying on.
Anyway, here's a little something in place of a Friday porn-related rant, but which is sort of related, being about slavery. Yeah, that thing we abolished 200 years ago.
Twenty-seven million. That's a lot of people involved in something that doesn't go on any more, right? And it fits in with Filth on Friday because a lot of sex workers and porn starlets are trafficked women. Modern day slaves.
I don't care whether you like the song or not, if you have a conscience, please go and download it, from amazon or iTunes, and help raise awareness of this issue. Proceeds from the download will go to the A21 Campaign to help fight slavery.
Anyway, here's a little something in place of a Friday porn-related rant, but which is sort of related, being about slavery. Yeah, that thing we abolished 200 years ago.
Twenty-seven million. That's a lot of people involved in something that doesn't go on any more, right? And it fits in with Filth on Friday because a lot of sex workers and porn starlets are trafficked women. Modern day slaves.
I don't care whether you like the song or not, if you have a conscience, please go and download it, from amazon or iTunes, and help raise awareness of this issue. Proceeds from the download will go to the A21 Campaign to help fight slavery.
Monday, 13 February 2012
Musical Monday: Our God
No rock chicks this week; one of Animal's favourite worship songs instead. He really gets to work out his frustrations on the drum kit during this one!
Despite it being a favourite for both of us (me mainly for seeing a lush drummer losing himself in his solo... <3) I vetoed it from the wedding playlist. No groom of mine is gonna be air drumming at the altar!
Despite it being a favourite for both of us (me mainly for seeing a lush drummer losing himself in his solo... <3) I vetoed it from the wedding playlist. No groom of mine is gonna be air drumming at the altar!
Monday, 6 February 2012
Musical Monday: Bring Me To Life
I don't have a girlcrush on Amy Lee. Not at all. Nope. Not me.
Well alright, a little one. ;)
Well alright, a little one. ;)
Monday, 30 January 2012
Musical Monday: Maria
This, as far as I can recall, was the moment. Seeing this song performed live on TotP and the like made me realise: Rock Chicks are hot as!
Debbie was 50-something when it came out. I was 12, and I just loved her attitude! I think I was one of the many new fans Blondie made when they came back.
The other thing I remember about Blondie back in '99 is that, while some long established female pop stars continued to try and look half their age, Debbie managed to dress like a woman of 54 should dress, and make it look a hell of a lot sexier than Madonna (ten years Debbie's junior) in her leotards and nonsense. I think at some point she paid a surgeon to mess up her face, which is a shame, because otherwise she had dignified, age-appropriate sexiness down to a tee!
Debbie was 50-something when it came out. I was 12, and I just loved her attitude! I think I was one of the many new fans Blondie made when they came back.
The other thing I remember about Blondie back in '99 is that, while some long established female pop stars continued to try and look half their age, Debbie managed to dress like a woman of 54 should dress, and make it look a hell of a lot sexier than Madonna (ten years Debbie's junior) in her leotards and nonsense. I think at some point she paid a surgeon to mess up her face, which is a shame, because otherwise she had dignified, age-appropriate sexiness down to a tee!
Monday, 23 January 2012
Musical Monday: Captivated
Animal is a church music geek. Me, I just know what I like - and what I love. And one church songwriter I love is Vicky Beeching. I expect regular visitors (do I have any yet?) will hear more from her on Mondays, but for now sit back, relax, and enjoy this...
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