My 'I Heart Michigan' Mix

I love Michigan and I can't imagine living in any other state. Yes, it gets cold. But not extremely cold. Yes, it can be humid, but it doesn't generally get past 100 degrees.

We have very few killer tornadoes. We don't get hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis.

We have all four seasons. We have grass, trees, cultural institutions, award-winning restaurants and wine. We have National Coney Island, Faygo, Better Made, Garden Fresh, GM, Ford and my fave ice cream - Hudsonville. And the best part - we have lakes upon lakes covering our beautiful state.

Michigan has gotten a bad rap due to our reliance on the auto industry and high unemployment rates. But nowhere is perfect. Michigan is my perfect.

After being on the lake today, I've felt inspired to make a mix for Michigan. For a day on the lake, cruising the shore, tubing/skiing, watching a Michigan sunset - these are some of my fave jams to listen to that remind me of my fair state.

Especially in Michigan - Red Hot Chili Peppers

All Summer Long - Kid Rock

Free - Zac Brown Band

The Life - Kenny Chesney (just imagine Michigan, not Mexico!)

We're Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes

All This Beauty - The Weepies

Put Your Hands Up For Detroit - Fedde Le Grand

The Lighthouse's Tale - Nickel Creek

Lucky Man - Montgomery Gentry

One Piece At A Time - Johnny Cash

Boat Drinks - Jimmy Buffet

Northern Michigan - Jill Jack

Half Acre - Hem

Lie In Our Graves - Dave Matthews Band

If this weekend is a barometer for the summer ahead, we're in for a wonderful one. Cheers to the only state where you can use your hand to show where you live!

Sunday Song(s): Songs About Detroit

Check out this sweet Wikipedia entry of songs that were written about Detroit. I had no idea our fair city was so popular!

**Wiki entry on songs about Detroit**

There's your standard Detroiters on the list - Eminem, Kid Rock and a pleuthora of Detroit-area bands, but there's also a whole slew of other random artists as well.

Glad the city provides inspiration to some rockin' musicians! I feel a new playlist coming on...

Sunday Song(s): Jill Jack is where it's at

My dear friend Nikki and I have been wanting to see Detroit folk singer/songwriter Jill Jack and her band for months and last night we finally got the chance to do that with our Twitter friend Stacy at Callahan's in Auburn Hills.

Wow, am I ever glad we got to go! The concert was for the release of her newest CD, Songwriter Sessions, which features a variety of songs that she's written over the years but has never released on CD.

Jill definitely has a captivating appeal to her. Not only is she gorgeous (she looks absolutely fab for 47 years old!), but she's a natural storyteller, which to me, makes the music much more meaningful. She revealed what each song meant to her - from broken hearts to empty nest syndrome to insomnia and beyond. Each lyric is deeply personal and she isn't afraid to reveal her inspiration behind each song on her Web site, which just makes me love her even more.

I can't quite place who she sounds like since she's just unique and herself, but a cross between Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow came to my mind. And those are some lady singers I adore, so it all makes sense why I enjoyed her concert. :)

I've listened to her stuff on her site and plan to buy the CD/DVD combo for sure once its on iTunes, but if you get the chance to see her live, that's where the sweetness is. She's a great live musician and I hope to see her many more times in the future.

Thanks Jill and the band of talented folks for making Michigan proud!

*Image from jilljack.com.

Sunday Song: "Renaissance State of Mind" by Ro Spit and Monica Blaire

I am really digging this Detroit rendition of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" fittingly called "Renaissance State of Mind." Be sure to listen to the lyrics - great mentions of some of metro Detroit's finest land marks. Plus, this girl Monica can SING. Holy cow, these homegrown talents are going somewhere...watch out world, Detroit's about to takeover!

Sunday Song: "When Fall Comes to New England" By Cheryl Wheeler

Fall is by far my favorite season...I just love the colors of the changing leaves, the change in wardrobe, stopping by cider mills and most of all, just being outdoors taking it all in.

Living in a larger city, away from nature, is tough for me at times...and I often miss my days of growing up in the country. So when I read about a cool trail in The Oakland Press just a few miles from my house, I knew I need to check it out. The spot is called Friendship Woods and its in Madison Heights off of 13 Mile.

This little haven is perfect for a 2-mile walk and is especially stunning during this time of year. The photos included on here are ones I took when Jason and I checked it out. We'll definitely be back for future walks to escape the big city without going too far.

There's just nothing sweeter than enjoying the beauty of nature, all the while being close to amenities!

This spot reminded me of a folk song I like called When Fall Comes to New England by Cheryl Wheeler. Even though I technically don't live in New England, the lyrics paint a picture of what's happening in Michigan, too. Listen to it, take a drive down a country road (or a walk in a city park) and take in the beauty that has been painted for all of us to enjoy.

Sunday Song: errr...music - GOSPEL

This past week I had a spiritual experience.

It all started when I was talking to my mom a few weeks ago and she mentioned she was organizing a trip to a gospel concert at Joe Louis with some of her church choir friends.

Knowing her choir is an older crowd of white folk, I was quick to say, "Hm...mom, I don't think you're really going to fit in there."

She was then quick to reply, "I don't care. I think it will be a great experience."

Curious, I agreed to go as well...after all, I've never heard gospel live and thought it might be a cool experience outside my typical musical box.

Wow, she was right...it was quite the experience. I had no expectations, but was pumped to see some of the region's best church choirs after reading up on them. The concert was part of the How Sweet The Sound gospel series, presented by Verizon, which seeks to find the "Best church choir in America."

Dang, these choirs have got to be good then, right? Ummm yeah! The word "good" doesn't even do the music I heard justice.

I am a fairly religious person, but spirituality aside, hearing these choirs raised the hairs on my arms and the giant sound produced was nothing short of AMAZING. The vocals, harmony and instrumentation were gorgeous...but more than anything, these people were singing with their hearts and it showed by hand motions and facial expressions. It touched me to see how passionate these people were about the music and about singing for the big man upstairs.

We all left the concert inspired and now I have a new appreciation for gospel music.

Check out the top two choirs from Detroit here. I enjoyed all of the choirs that performed, but I have to say that the Calvary Church was my favorite and the folks of Detroit agreed when they won the people's choice award. It's one thing to watch the video on here, but it was a whole different experience seeing it live.

If there's one thing "outside your box" you should do this year, it's to go see the finals of all the regions across the U.S. perform on Nov. 7 (in Detroit, woot woot!). Check out additional information and purchase tickets here.

Major props to Verizon for putting this together. I know a good event when I see one and this one was flawless and I am already looking forward to next year's show.

Sunday Song: "Keep Me in Your Heart for Awhile" by Warren Zevon

Last night I saw the new-ish Adam Sandler/Seth Rogen movie, "Funny People." Although it definitely had the classic Adam/Seth voices and one-liners that have me LOLing every five minutes, it wasn't the BEST movie of the summer by any means. Regardless, as a typical Judd Apatow movie, it was pretty entertaining and besides, there was one thing that trumped the plot line anyways: the use of music. The soundtrack was stellar, incorporating music from some of my old-time faves: Paul McCartney, Robert Plant and James Taylor.

One song that I kept in my head throughout the whole movie (so I could go home and download it) was "Keep Me in Your Heart for Awhile" by Warren Zevon. I liked it the instant I heard it playing in the movie.

Upon Googling a portion of the lyrics so I could figure out who sang the song, I came across the reason the song was written in the first place. Warren Zevon had been diagnosed with cancer before writing this song and knew he only had a short time to live, so this was written as a gift to his family. The lyrics are somewhat sad, but lead the listener to believe that regardless of his looming death, he's still in his family's heart as well as with the listener. When you watch the movie, you'll understand why this is so fitting.

For anyone who has dealt with the death of a close loved one, this song seems just as comforting as it is beautiful.

Sometimes when you're doing simple things around the house

Maybe you'll think of me and smile

You know I'm tied to you like the buttons on your blouse

Keep me in your heart for awhile

Sunday Song: "Beautiful" by Eminem

Love him or hate him, Eminem writes some pretty powerful (and controversial) songs. Although his lyrics aren't exactly something I plan to share with my grandmother, his words reach my generation more than many other artists' songs. Couple his amazing lyric-writing ability with the fact that he shows mad Detroit love in a lot of the things he does and I'm happy to say aloud that I'm a big fan.

Eminem's latest track - "Beautiful" - from his new-ish Relapse album has got me in a fit of emotion. First off, I love the lyrics for the simple fact that they can be interpreted in many different ways -- always keeping in mind that Em wrote the song in part while in rehab and finished it when he was sober -- lyrically spitting a myriad of emotions. And second, the vid was shot in Detroit and anything that shows the raw emotion, passion and grit of the D gets to me because it's a side so many people want to shut out and forget about. But it's real.

The video starts off with a caption stating "In 1950, Michigan was 1 of 8 states in America that collectively produced 36% of the world's GNP [gross national product]" and that "Detroit was the greatest manufacturing city in the world."

The video then begins to highlight the city in present day, showing Em walking through abandoned buildings (Michigan Central Station and the former Packard plant) and later shows footage of old Tiger Stadium being demolished.

The images that haunt me the most during the video though are the people profiled - just the "average joe's" / scenery that make up Detroit - autoworkers leaving work, boys playing basketball on the street, a youth baseball team, burnt out crack houses. The American flag flies high in a dark sky during a scene, symbolizing to me that life does exist in the city that America seems to have forgotten about.

Although I believe Em wrote many of the lyrics to help ease the pain of overcoming addiction, I also think he had Detroit on his mind while in rehab. Much like the process of overcoming addiction, Detroit has a long way to go to again become the city it once was. Those of us that live here cannot apologize for our city. Just like an addiction, it takes time and love to heal and repair the damage. There's no reason to feel sorry for our city. She is who she is and is beautiful in her own way. It's just up to the viewer to choose to see the beauty among the harsh realities seen on the surface.

"Don't let 'em say you ain't beautiful
They can all get f*cked, just say true to you."

Amen, Em.

If you're curious, check out the video here.

Sunday Song: "Toes" by Zac Brown Band

Summer is finally here - thank God! With this welcome seasonal change official, a song I cannot get enough of is Zac Brown Band's "Toes."

My mother-in-law introduced me to the song and it has just been the absolute perfect summer jam and a great way to escape the curve balls life has thrown me as of late. I am looking forward to playing it many, many times as I venture up north this coming week....

Cheers to summer and to my husband's cute toes, as shown above! :)

Sunday Songs: Nobody writes a song like Disney

There's nothing more I love than Disney songs. In fact, I've been known to download them onto my iPod and when they randomly come on, an instant smile is brought to my face.

Each song reminds me of my childhood. I could even blame my love for Disney songs on my passion for singing. I remember singing the words to EVERY song from all the classic princess movies from a very young age.

To gear up for the Disney On Ice show I'll be working to promote in the fall, I've decided to list out my favorites and make a playlist to listen to whenever life has got me down. In no particular order, here's my faves:

"Circle of Life" from The Lion King

One of the most powerful intros of any Disney movie IMO. (ask me to sing the intro if you want a laugh)

"A Whole New World" from Aladdin

Aladdin and Jasmine give little girls across the universe hope that love really will take you somewhere new and offer endless possibilities. Whether you agree or not, that's up to the listener.

"Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas

A very deep song for children for sure. I absolutely love the animation that happens during this scene!

"A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella

Oh Cinderella, you prove that anything can come true.

"Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid

Eric, why can't you see Ariel is SO in love with you?

"Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King

No Disney mix is complete without this anthem. It means no worries for the rest of your days....and who doesn't crack up at sidekicks Timon and Puma's lyrics?

"Belle" from Beauty and the Beast

Probably my favorite Disney song ever. As a kid, I loved doing the voices from all of the characters from the movie and the girls I used to babysit would beg me to sing it to them. It's very Broadway-esque, so I'm guessing why I love it so much!

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" from Mary Poppins

Whoever thought up this song was crazy. And I love it!

"Reflections" from Mulan

This song/movie showcases girl power. This song teaches young women that girls can do anything boys can do.

"Once Upon A Dream" from Sleeping Beauty

If only I was a soprano...I would sing this to my husband!

Have I missed any? What are your favorites?

Sunday Song "This one's for the GIRLS" by Martina McBride

This post is for the girls.

This past week has been full of girl power. Between enlightening conversations with many of my faves, I also had the privilege to hear Martha Stewart speak and see one of my great friends, Lyndsey, star in as Sandy in the play Grease (her second play ever, p.s.). I feel very fortunate to have TONS of great gals that help me through each day and show me what true girl power is.

I absolutely adore being married and couldn't ask for a better mate...but there is just something about dishing with a gf that just simply isn't the same with a male! (Jason, you know at the end of the day you have my heart!)

Hence, this week's song choice - "This one's for the girls" by Martina McBride. With the lyrics of that song dancing in my mind, here's my tribute to my life's leading ladies...

Thank you to all my girlfriends and all my amazing female family members. From my friends who I've grown-up with...to my college friends who always encourage me and share life's events with me. To all my other friends, whom I know from work, volunteering, church, through Jason, and several other places - thank you for enriching my life with your friendship.

Thank you to all four of my grandmas (including J's grandmas). You've all given me great words of advice and have given me the greatest blessings of all: my moms...I only wish I was able to see you all more. (Grandma N. below never wears a frown)

Thank you to my mother-in-law for raising such a wonderful man. Thank you also for opening your home and your family to me...and for making me feel so welcome in your family.

Thank you to my mom, who is my best friend. Thanks for being so strong and teaching me to be the same way. For laughing and talking with me about every insignificant detail of my life...and for giving me a perspective I generally don't think about. And of course, thanks for loving me with your HUGE heart.

To all the ladies in my life: THANKS for everything!

Sunday Song: I'm Alive by Kenny Chesney + Dave Matthews

I know I've been awful about blogging lately...I promise I will try to get better, but as you all know, it's tough when the weather gets as beautiful as it has been as of late!

Regardless, I wanted to share this song as a Sunday Song...by two of my favorite artists across two different genre's - Kenny Chesney (looking forward to seeing him in August!) and Dave Matthews, one of my favorite singers EVER (have seen him in concert several times)!

I was so excited the first time I heard this song. I absolutely adore when singers team up across different genres; to me, it's like peace on earth. Some other faves that have collaborated on a song/album include: Jay-Z + Linkin Park (Collision Course album), Aerosmith + Run DMC (song - "Walk This Way) and Black Eyed Peas + Jack Johnson (song - "Gone").

With that said, this song is just beautiful and serves as a great reminder when things get tough, just remember you're still alive. And, go Kenny & Dave!!!

I'm Alive
So damn easy to say that life’s so hard
Everybody’s got their share of battle scars
As for me I’d like to think my lucky stars that
I’m alive, and well

It’d be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you set and watch go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me, I’m alive

And today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathing in and out is a blessing can’t you see
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I’m alive, and well
I’m alive, and well

Stars are dancin’ on the water here tonight
It’s good for the soul, and there’s not a soul in sight
But this motors caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I’m alive, and well

And today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathing in and out is a blessing can’t you see
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Now I’m alive, and well
Yeah I’m alive, and well
I'm Alive

Listen to the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts-DCKDacEc

Sunday Songs: Songs of LOVE

So sitting in church yesterday I learned it was World Marriage Day. How fitting, considering I was hoping to write a post of Sunday songs full of love in anticipation for the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday....

During this particular mass, the priest was renewing the vows of couples that have been married for 20+ years. They went through the different milestones (20 years, 30 years, etc.) and at the end, the entire congregation was surprised when he announced a couple that has spent 71 years of their life together. 71 years! I started thinking about that...That means they were married around 1938. I can't even begin to imagine how much they have experienced together. And to me, that is absolutely amazing. In a world that sometimes feels filled with hatred, divorce and infidelity, I am glad there are couples like this defying the odds.

This playlist, full of some of my all-time favorite love songs, is dedicated to that couple, whatever their names may be...

1. At Last, Etta James

2. Cowboy Take Me Away, Dixie Chicks

3. Out of My League, Stephen Speaks

4. Ribbon in the Sky, Stevie Wonder

5. Everything, Michael Buble

6. Love Of My Life, Dave Matthews & Santana

7. You Make It Easy, Air

8. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You, Lauryn Hill

9. Forever, Ben Harper

10. Green Eyes, Coldplay

11.Grow Old With Me, Postal Service

12. I Cross My Heart, George Strait

13. If I Ain't Got You, Alicia Keys

14. Johnny & June, Heidi Newfield

15. God Bless The Broken Road, Rascal Flatts

16. Somersault, Zero 7

17. The Luckiest, Ben Folds Five

18. Me & You, Kenny Chesney

19. More Than Words, Extreme

20. My Favourite Book, Stars

21. When I'm 64, The Beatles

22. Sleeping To Dream, Jason Mraz

23. Stand By Me, Ben E. King

24. Ring of Fire, Johnny Cash

Sunday Songs: Best Movie Soundtracks

One of the best creations ever was movie soundtracks...not only do they heighten emotions in movies, but they can be some of the best mixes other than your own.

Here's a few of my faves, in no order:

1. Romeo & Juliet (circa '96)

This mix will sure to bring you to every emotion possible - hate to love to freedom to death. Fab compilation. My faves are "Kissing You" by Des'ree and "You and Me Song" by Wannadies.

2. Garden State (2004)

This mix always reminds me of walking to class during college. I can't pick a favorite song...they all are amazing. However, I do have a bit of a soft spot for "Blue Eyes" by the Cary Brothers because during that time in my life I was dating a blue eyed boy (and my future hubby)...

3. Almost Famous (2000)

One of my favorite movies ever. Plus, this reminds me of high school (I'll be honest - it's great to make-out to)! Great tracks: "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John, "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynrd and "The Wind" by Cat Stevens.

4. Elizabethtown (2005)

Mediocre movie, but great soundtrack to chill to. "Hard Times" by Eastmountainsouth has amazing harmony.

5. Hope Floats (1998)

Another mediocre flick, but I absolutely love this mix of romantic music with a bit of country. "Chances Are" by Detroit-native Bob Seger and Martina McBride and Garth Brooks' rendition of "To Make You Feel My Love" = GORGEOUS.

6. Forrest Gump (1994)

It just makes sense that I adore the soundtrack of my favorite movie of all time. It's all my favorite hippie-era groups, too: The Doors, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Mammas and the Pappas, etc. Can't get much better than that!

7. Twilight (2008)

The soundtrack makes the movie worth seeing, although the books are still better. Love Linkin Park, Paramore, Muse and Iron & Wine...but my favorite track doesn't even have words and it was written for the movie: Bella's Lullaby. It's beautiful and fits the books/movie to a T.

8. Sex and The City - the movie (2008)

Like the movie, this soundtrack is fabulous. I esp. love "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" by Al Green feat. Joss Stone and a remake of "How Deep Is Your Love" by The Bird & The Bee. I just bought vol. 2 and hopefully it's just as good!

There's many, many more I adore, but this list, my friends, are what I consider the cream of the crop. Are there any others out there I should look into?

Sunday Song: "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana

I won two tickets this week to see famed musician/composer Leonard Slatkin direct Carmina Burana today with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, so Jason and I went to check it out for our 6-month wedding anniversary. It was AMAZING! We had awful seats (upper balcony isn't recommended), but it didn't even matter...you could've heard a pin drop during the performance because the entire audience was in absolute awe with the talented musicians and singers.

The highlight of the entire piece, which is made up of 24 medieval Latin poems, is "O Fortuna." If you haven't ever heard it, go here NOW. It'll raise the hair on your arms.

We rounded out the night with dinner at Slows BBQ. As always, we had to wait nearly 45 minutes, but the amazing food totally makes the wait bearable. It was a perfect night to end a wonderful weekend.

Sunday Song: "The Winter Rose"

I absolutely love singing. I have been in choirs my entire life...except for the past four years. I was sad when life just got to crazy to make time for my favorite pastime. But as I've gotten a tighter grip on what to expect with my job, I decided I needed to make time to sing. After my dear friend Lyndsey joined her local community chorus, I decided to check if there was one in my area. And sure enough, there is and I've been singing with the group ever since.

I am by FAR one of the youngest people in the group, but I don't care. There is just some amazing inner peace I get within myself when I sing harmony in a large group.

One of the pieces we are singing in our holiday concert this Friday is "The Winter Rose." It chills me every time I sing it, and sometimes when I think about the words, I get choked up. The work tells the story of Jesus’ ministry, passion, death and resurrection, however, I believe it can be taken whichever way you like.

I can't find an MP3 online anywhere, but I thought I'd at least share the beautiful lyrics.

The Winter Rose

Joseph Martin

In the silence of the winter,

while stars shown high above,

God sent from heaven's garden,

a rose to show His love.

It opened in the dark of night,

While the world was fast asleep.

So perfect was its beauty,

It made the heavens weep.

The angels paused to wonder,

Upon that winsome sight.

And kings and shepherds gathered

To worship in its light.

They all breathed in its beauty,

A precious sweet perfume.

And in the bleak midwinter

The Rose began to bloom.

O let us now remember

When God put on the thorn.

And Love restored the garden

And the Winter Rose was born.

Oh, Love restored the garden

And the Winter Rose was born.

If you're in the Detroit area and want to check out the concert, here's the details:

Troy Community Chorus presents Joyful and Triumphant -- 30th Anniversary Concert

8 p.m. -- December 5

@Troy Athens High School

Sunday Song: "Changes" by 2Pac

It's a shame Tupac Shakur isn't alive today...

2Pac's song Changes has lyrics that say "And though it seems heaven sent / We ain't ready to have a black president." Yet, today, a little more than a decade after 2Pac's death, we obviously ARE ready for a black president.

This week, as you all know, we elected Barack Obama -- a president that doesn't "look" like a single past president. African American children in classrooms with photos of all the presidents lining the walls will now have a face that looks like them -- something many having been dreaming about for decades.

Through the years, slavery, segregation and mere ignorance have hindered the hopes of black progress time and again. Obama symbolizes the resurrection of hope and the restoration of belief in a country that has often failed to treat its black citizens as equals.

We gotta make a change... It's time for us as a people to start makin' some changes. Let's change the way we eat, let's change the way we live and let's change the way we treat each other. You see the old way wasn't working so it's on us to do what we gotta do, to survive. - 2Pac, Changes

Here's to the next four years.

Sunday Song: "Seasons of Love" (From Rent)

As mentioned in the previous post, my mom truly exposed me to everything possible since I was very young. One thing I got hooked to virtually right out of the womb, was live theater. Coming from a middle class background, heading into Detroit to see a show at the Fox or the Fisher wasn't always an affordable option, but nonetheless, we often made the trip downtown for a show at least once a year.

I've seen tons of plays-- straight and musicals and have even been a part of a half dozen or so. Through my experiences, I would have to say my absolute favorite is Rent. The first time I heard the music, I fell in love and begged my parents to take me to see it during a family trip to Toronto in the 7th grade. Looking back, I may have been one of the youngest audience members, but regardless of the adult content, I LOVED it.

A bit of background: The play focuses on the year in the life of a group of artsy friends living in New York’s East Village. The friends remain close as they lead lives filled with the threat of homelessness, drugs, homosexuality and AIDS. To me, the play depicts truth to the core and I highly recommend open-minded folks out there to see it live, or if you cannot, at least 'rent' the movie. (Thanks Nikki for letting me borrow your copy!)

All of the music throughout the play is genius, but the headlining song, "Seasons of Love" may easily take the cake for being one of the best Broadway songs ever written. The lyrics discuss "525,600 minutes," which is the number of minutes in a typical calendar year. Throughout the song, various answers are suggested for how to measure a year (daylights, sunsets, midnights, cups of coffee), however, the conclusion is made that love is the only proper measure of a year in a human life. And I couldn't agree more.

Although I feel slightly guilty for spending the money to see the play for the second time, I can't help myself -- I am going with my girlfriends to see it when it comes to the Detroit Opera House in February and I couldn't be more excited. I just may be an official 'Renthead,' singing along with every lyric!

Check out the movie version of "Season's of Love" here.

Sunday Songs: Music by the Vitamin String Quartet

I flippin' love stumbling coming across random, great music.

Perhaps I'm out of the loop on these folks, but one of my most recent lucky finds is music by the Vitamin String Quartet. The songs they play aren't originals but orchestral versions of popular songs.

It's really interesting to hear a song that is so recognizable to you performed in a completely different style. But this isn't your average cover song...the strings being played can sometimes feel as if the entire meaning of the song has changed. Pretty amazing stuff.

The VSQ Tribute is a series of string quartet tribute albums, released by Vitamin Records and performed by several different groups of string quartets. From the Beatles and Paramore to Queen and Seether, the group has managed to bring a classical sound to some of the biggest songs in history by giving them a fresh, new sound.

Here's a few of my faves thus far:
Tribute to The Used - Taste of Ink
Tribute to Coldplay - Clocks
Tribute to System of a Down - Aerials
Tribute To The Killers - Mr. Brightside
Tribute to My Chemical Romance - I'm Not Okay

Tribute to Paramore - Crushcrushcrush
Tribute to Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

Give them a listen. Even if your generally not a fan of classical music, I guarantee you'll appreciate this stuff. And it's so fun to sing along, too...It's like karaoke with strings!

Check out all of the Vitamin String Quartet's albums at VitaminRecords.com.

Sunday Song: "Citizen/Soldier" by 3 Doors Down

Stop for a moment today to pray for a soldier. Remember what they give up to fight for you and me. Honor their sacrifice. Never forget that we live in the land of the free because of the brave.

There are days I forget we are in a war because I don't see it on a daily basis...To me, it's too scary to really think about the thousands of men and women my age (and much younger) fighting and dying in a war many do not believe in.

Citizen/Soldier was written by 3 Doors Down as a tribute to the National Guard and the lyrics convey the band's views regarding the actions performed by the military.

You may have already seen the music video, as it has appeared for awhile as a movie theater ads as part of a $24 million recruiting campaign targeting 18 to 24-year-olds. The campaign aims to build Guard enrollment as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to tap into the state-based units. Guard soldiers make up as much as half the ground troops in Iraq, with more than 224,000 members having served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. An additional 25,000 are leaving for Iraq this fall and 14,000 are deploying to Iraq and Kuwait in the spring.

The song's video explores the battles, victories and proud traditions of the National Guard from 1636 through today.

In general, I’m not a big fan of 3 Doors Down, however, this is a great tribute song and a great video. Check it out here and be reminded of why we need to be thankful for our troops that fight for our safety on a daily basis.