For You, America: A Happy Playlist

Study: 27 Million Americans on Antidepressants
Tuesday, August 04, 2009

WASHINGTON — Use of antidepressant drugs in the United States doubled between 1996 and 2005, probably because of a mix of factors, researchers reported Monday.

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It's headlines and news leads like this that inspire me to attempt to help make people smile.

And since I'm only here in cyberland, I've decided instead to make a happy music playlist and dedicate it to anybody out there feeling down.

Below you'll find my HAPPY playlist. Download/Google these tunes and listen up. Hopefully the peppy beats and cheerful words will bring a smile to your face.

ABC - Jackson Five

Easy as 1,2,3 baby!

Great Day to Be Alive - Travis Tritt

This may be the song for A.A., but darn it brings a smile to my face.

Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield

Love these lyrics. Fave happy line: "Drench yourself in words unspoken // Live your life with arms wide open"

Just Dance - Lady Gaga

It'll be OK, do-do-do-do. For the record, I hated this song when it first came out. Now I love it!

Don't Stop Believing - Journey

Hold on to that feeeeeling.

Hold On - Wilson Phillips

Just hold on for one more day!

Jamiroquai - Canned Heat

Napoleon Dynamite, anyone?

Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves

One of the best one hit wonders ever!

New Shoes - Paolo Nutini

Nothing like new shoes to make you feel better when you're depressed. :)

What are your happy songs?

(Yes, I will make you a mix soon, Sarah! xoxo)

Sunday Song - "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men

Since I can't make the Boyz II Men concert that's coming to the D in August, I'm giving the "Boyz" a tribute here.

I would LOVE to see these old school guys live. As an alto singer, they are my harmony heroes (well, on the man front at least!) and I don't even care if many of their hits are over a decade old -- they are timeless!

Motownphilly is one of my favorite song's of theirs. Maybe it's because they reference Motown or maybe it's because Cooleyhighharmony was one the first cassette tapes I ever bought with my own piggy bank money. I have many fond memories of this song -- one being doing the M.C. Hammer and Roger Rabbit on the boat to Bob-Lo Island (R.I.P.) when I was just six years old.

And who can forget the music video??? It is def one of the best of the '90's. Gotta love that Philly style!

Here's the scoop on the song, according to a fun Web site I came across -- http://www.songfacts.com/:

In the US, this was Boyz II Men's first single. It confused DJs for a few reasons: many didn't know how to pronounce the band name, and some thought the song was called Boyz II Men and the group was named Motownphilly, since the words "Boyz II Men" are in the lyrics and the chorus states, "Motownphilly back again."

The song tells of the group's dreams and how they were discovered. The song includes a rap by Michael Bivens explaining how they sang to him one day. Bivens was a former member of New Edition who was part of Bell Biv Devoe, who were a very popular group at the time.

The lyrics talk about the "East Coast Family." "ABC" is the group Another Bad Creation and "BBD" is Bell Biv Devoe. ABC and BBD weren't around a few years later, but Boyz II Men were wildly successful. (thanks, Andy - Arlington, VA)

The title implies that Boyz II Men were bringing the Motown sound to Philadelphia. Motown is a legendary record label from Detroit featuring black artists. (really? j/k. We're proud they signed with Detroit record label Motown Records!)

All I know is that these BOYZ can sing and beat out any modern day boy band! Be sure to listen to their latest album, Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville, U.S.A. It's absolutely gorgeous -- especially their rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon In The Sky" and the Commodores "Easy."

They may not be from Motown originally...but we're surely happy to have adopted such a wonderful group!

Sunday Song: "Vienna" by Billy Joel

Billy Joel has been one of my favorite singers since I was a little girl. Everytime I hear the familiar sound of his voice, it takes me back to my childhood...falling asleep to Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) in the back of my parent's car, laughing at the "cadillac-ac-ac-ac" lyrics in Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) and dancing to Uptown Girl with my dad at countless Daddy-Daughter Dances.

Billy Joel and Elton John were the first musicians I ever saw live. I remember it well. It was '95 and my mom randomly got tickets and when she picked me up from school that day, she surprised me with the news. I was in heaven. We had horrible seats, but that didn't phase me -- I was experiencing two of my heroes. Live. I danced and sang my little heart out to the millions of hits the two uber successful "piano men" have made throughout their careers.

So the other day...

I had a long, tiring day at work and was flustered because I started thinking about the millions of tasks I wanted to accomplish this weekend. I hit shuffle on my iPod and, like fate, I heard this week's "Sunday song" (Vienna) and I really listened to the lyrics for what felt like the first time in my life. I thought, "Dang Billy, are you reading my mind?"

The past two years of my life after college have flown. I haven't had a single moment to rest -- consuming my life with adulthood -- a career, a car payment, a mortgage, multiple bank accounts, a 401k and marriage.

But Billy (or God?) sent me a reminder.

When life gets crazy, we all just need to slow down, stop and smell the roses and remember, our versions of "Vienna" will come when the timing is right.

Slow down you crazy child

Take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while

It's alright, you can afford to lose a day or two

When will you realize...Vienna waits for you?

Thought for Music Lovers

"What is love?

Great minds have been grappling with this question through the ages, and in the modern era, they have come up with many different answers. According to the Western philosopher Pat Benatar, love is a battlefield. Her paisan Frank Sinatra would add the corollary that love is a tender trap. The stoner kids who spent the summer of 1978 looking cool on the hoods of their Trans Ams in the Pierce Elementary School parking lot used to scare us little kids by blasting the sweet hit "Love is Like Oxygen" -- you get too much, you get too high, not enough and you're gonna die. Love hurts. Love stinks. Love bites, love bleeds, love is the drug. The troubadours of our times all agree: They want to know what love is, and they want you to show them.

But the answer is simple. Love is a mix tape."

- Rob Sheffield, contributing editor for Rolling Stone and the writer of Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song as a Time. The book traces Sheffield's relationship with the love of his life through stacks of revealing, worn-out cassettes. It's a wonderful book given to me by my dear friend, Meredith. Music lovers: This is a summer must-read!

Don't Stop Believing: Gaganda Rin 'To (Things Will Get Better)

While waiting to catch a plane home from my honeymoon in Mexico last week, I bought a People magazine. Not something you typically see me read, but shoot, everyone has their guilty pleasures and there wasn't a lot to choose from that wasn't in Spanish.

I never buy People for the worthless celebrity gossip at the front of the mag, but the stories in the back about the "real" people that make a difference in this world. I told Jason, this is my chocolate and porn in a sense -- I literally am addicted to seeing and reading about others doing inspiring things.

Well, part of my excitement while reading the mag was over a celebrity/real person mash-up composed of one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time -- Journey and a 'real' person.

In case you haven't heard the story yet, Journey's front man, Steven Perry left the band to do his own thing years ago (BOOOO!)... To replace him, they grabbed Jeff Scott Soto, but ended up firing him last summer. In my mind, the band members must have figured they'd never find a voice quite like Steve's (streetlights, people -ah-oh-ah!), until one day...they stumbled upon YouTube and ran across a Journey song video with a singer from the Philippines -- Arnel Pineda. (Oh the effects of social media!)

The coolest thing about Arnel is his story. The guy began singing at age 5. His parents, both tailors, encouraged him to enter amateur singing contests. When Arnel was 12, his mother died of illness, leaving his family in some serious debt. Arnel's father took his three younger brothers to live with relatives, but Arnel, the oldest, had to quit school and collect scrap metal, bottles and newspapers to earn money. He was living in the streets, sleeping at a park or on a wooden bench at a relative's house. In a TV interview, Pineda described waiting and watching while his relatives ate breakfast in the mornings, hoping some food would be left over for him to eat. Reflecting on his childhood, Pineda said he felt no self-pity. He always kept a positive outlook, thinking, "Gaganda rin 'to." (Things will get better).

Pineda was discovered while he was the lead singer for the group "The Zoo," which covered American classic rock hits from bands such as Journey, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith.

Videos of The Zoo performing cover songs began appearing on YouTube in February 2007. In June, Neal Schon of Journey contacted Noel Gomez, a longtime fan and friend of Arnel who uploaded many of these videos, to ask for Arnel's contact information. Neal sent an e-mail to Arnel inviting him to audition to be Journey's front man. Arnel initially dismissed the e-mail as a hoax, but after being persuaded, he finally replied to the e-mail. Ten minutes later, Arnel received a phone call and in August, Arnel flew to the U.S. for a two-day audition.

In December, he was announced as the lead singer of Journey. CNN Headline News ran the story as part of their "News to Me" segment. They called it a rock n' roll fairytale. And that's exactly what it is. From a kid who grew up collecting scraps to know being in a band he once idolized...Dreams really do come true -- Any Way You Want It! As long as you have Open Arms. (feeling punny today)

Watch a video about the new singer and hear him belt the lyrics to "Don't Stop Believeing" here. He's pretty flippin' good if you ask me! They are coming to DTE in Clarkston in September. I am seriously contemplating going. If you need some faith, this just may be the show for you, too.

*Cough* Sarah: B-day Present???

Sunday Song: Especially in Michigan

Gotta love this catchy tune by one of my personal faves -- the Red Hot Chili Peppers (from their awesome album, Stadium Arcadium). The only thing is, what the heck is the meaning behind the song's lyrics? Any thoughts out there? All I know is I am ecstatic that my beloved state is included!

"PANDORA" opens a box to new, awesome music

I am sure most of you that read this blog have already heard of the gloriousness that is Pandora Radio....but if I can just enlighten one person to the awesomeness of this site, my musical mission in life will be complete.

Pandora is like a friend with an endless music collection...who doesn't mind when you tell them the song they're playing is not your style. When you tell Pandora you don't like a song, it remembers and never plays that song again. Likewise, when you tell Pandora you like a track, it remembers and plays a music with a similar vibe.

How it works:

• You visit http://www.pandora.com/ and register for a free account.
  


• You create a custom station by entering an artist or a song you like (i.e. "Gwen Stefani" or "Piano Man").


• Pandora begins playing music it thinks you will like based on the hundreds of musical details their musician-analysts have attributed to each song in the Pandora library.
  


• You click thumbs up or thumbs down to tell Pandora what you think. (When you tell Pandora you don't like a song, it immediately skips to the next track...although I rarely don't like a song it chooses for me!)
  


• You waste the day away listening to quality music and along the way, you learn of tons of great artists you've probably never heard of.

Now visit the site and play away. You'll be amazed to learn how well Pandora can read your mind.

Summer's Approaching... Gear Up for Free Concerts in the D!

I am sure I will be posting all kinds of information about the awesome events that will be taking place in/around the D this summer, but I wanted to let you all know first-hand that I am finally able to spill the beans on who will be performing at the 8-week Friday concert series, Rockin' on the Riverfront!

Here's the sweet lineup:

• Pat Benatar – June 27 I can't wait to hear Love is a Battlefield live!
• Mark Farner and Mitch Ryder – July 11
• Starship – July 18 We built this city on rock and roll...
• Rick Derringer and Classic Rock All Stars featuring original members of Sugarloaf, Rare Earth, Iron Butterfly, Blues Image and Cannibal & the Headhunters – July 25
• The Guess Who – August 1 My personal fave band in the lineup!
• Kansas – August 8
• Blue Oyster Cult – August 15 More cowbell anyone?
• Foreigner – August 22 HOT BLOODED, baby!

If you haven't checked out the revitalized Detroit riverfront, you are missing out -- it's beautiful and provides the perfect backdrop for summer concerts!

As some of you may know, I've been on the PR-side of this series for the past two years and have loved every second of it. What better thing to promote than music -- well, FREE classic rock -- in downtown? Life is good. If you can make one of these concerts, give me a shout -- I'll even buy you a drink! Or, if you know the bands, but can't remember which songs they sing, let me know and I'll make you a mix CD. Anything to bring you downtown to see them live!

Downtown Hoedown Invades Motown May 9-11

I don't know about you, but I am PUMPED for summer concerts series' around the D to start up! After all, there's nothing like great, free music in a kick booty environment.

My dear friend estrellabella10 did a rockin' blog post on the Downtown Hoedown, coming to Motown May 9-11 and got me all excited for the sunny concert season to arrive. The Hoedown is a fabulous event put on by country station, WYCD and is sure to be a yee-haw of a good reason to spend some time soaking up the ambiance of downtown Detroit. And who knows, maybe the giant Red Wing boot will make an appearance yet again!

Nikki, Elizabeth and I ready to square dance in Hart Plaza @ last year's Hoedown!

It's going to be a fantastic line-up (if you enjoy country music, that is), so get git yer cowboy/girl boots and head downtown!

Some of the superstars of this year's event include:
Friday, May 9th
Jason Michael Carroll
Jewel
Josh Gracin

Saturday, May 10th
Little Big Town
Chris Cagle
Trisha Yearwood

Sunday, May 11th
Lonestar
Billy Currington
Gretchen Wilson

Check out WYCD's Web site for the entire line-up. And get ready for more posts about the other hot (and FREE) Detroit summer concerts to come (Rockin' on the Riverfront, Electronic Music Fest, Tastefest, Jazz Fest, OH MY!)

Ya'll better come to Detroit now, ya hear?

MUSIC: If life had a soundtrack...

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
Kudos to whoever originally made that statement.

When I am frustrated with life, I listen to good ole fashion rock n' roll. I scream out the lyrics and pump my fist or drum on the steering wheel, often causing stares when I am sitting in traffic.

There are days I have Jason on my mind and I turn on music with lyrics that reinforce my deep love for him. I belt out the song in my best voice, pretending he's there and I am really serenading him (...and yes, I do sing to him in real life too -- and he loves it ;).

Then there are times I just feel like rapping. I would never say I am good at it, after all, I am a white girl from the suburbs, but there's something poetic about rhyming that gets me jazzed for a long day of work.

No matter what is going on in my life, music is there for me. Music has moved me to tears, caused me to crowd surf at concerts, sing in choirs, karaoke to "Love Shack," change my clothing styles (Gwen Stefani, anyone?), make friends with perfect strangers and get over ex-boyfriends. It has caused my girls and I to dance to 80's music around the house like crazy people. Music brings my Church congregation together, uniting one voice for God. Music has been the backdrop to many Daddy-Daughter dances, family Christmas parties, birthday mix CD's for friends and topical conversations.

The list goes on and on of how music has played an integral role in my life thus far and helped me to have an epiphany today: Music just makes life interesting.

Since I am such a music nut, I was really excited when I came across a bulletin on my beloved friend Sarah's MySpace that asks people to make their own "life soundtrack." I copied it about a month ago, but haven't had the time to really think and plan it out and since I am constantly evolving as a person, the list I composed is fluid and will probably change tomorrow.

I've shared mine below and I suggest you all make one for yourself. It's so interesting to see what people choose as their songs -- there's SO many great songs out there to choose from! When I was selecting my songs, I was flooded with great emotions and memories from the past.

My Life -- Set To Music

• Opening Credits: All These Things I've Done -- The Killers
• Waking Up Scene: Ants Marching -- Dave Matthews Band
• Car Driving Scene: Stick Shifts and Safety Belts -- Cake
• High School Flashback Scene: Tiny Dancer -- Elton John
• Nostalgic Scene: It'll All Work Out -- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
• Bitter, Angry Scene: Headstrong --Trapt
• Break-up Scene: Stay -- Lisa Loeb
• Regret Scene: Colorblind -- Counting Crows
• Nightclub/Bar Scene: Saturday Night -- Bay City Rollers
• Fight/Action Scene: O Fortuna -- Carmina Burana, Carl Orff
• Lawn Mowing Scene: Every Ghetto, Every City -- Lauryn Hill
• Daydreaming Scene: Saturday In The Park -- Chicago
• Sad, breakdown scene: Mad World -- Gary Jules
• Death Scene: Ave Maria -- Pavarotti
• Funeral Scene: The Wind -- Cat Stevens
• Dreaming About Someone: You Are the Sunshine in My Life -- Stevie Wonder
• Contemplation Scene: All I Need -- Air
• Chase Scene: Devil Went Down To Georgia -- Charlie Daniels Band
• Dance Party Scene: The Way You Move -- Outkast
• Seduction Scene: Crazy -- Aerosmith
• Happy Love Scene: Everything -- Michael Buble
• Happy Friend Scene: We're Going To Be Friends -- The White Stripes
• Falling Asleep Scene: What A Wonderful World -- Louis Armstrong
• Closing Credits: Ecstasy -- Rusted Root

That's my soundtrack and it's funny how it ended up really being me in a nutshell -- thoughtful, eclectic and just plain random.

New green-inspired Jack Johnson album

I am super excited, the new Jack Johnson album, "Sleep Through the Static" is officially out. Check it out on Free Napster. Tune into the song "If I Had Eyes." I think that's my fave so far.

And the coolest part about the album is that it was recorded using 100% solar energy, printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper and it also carries the 1% For The Planet logo, which is a global movement of companies that donate 1% of sales to environmental organizations. Talk about being green. Way to go, Jack! Hope it's a hit.

Sunday Song: Dancing Nancies

My Sunday song of the day is "Dancing Nancies" by Dave Matthews Band. Download it or watch the YouTube vid and think about the lyrics. It's funny how life just plays out at its own pace... I just love the mysterious qualities of Dave's lyrics and how he interprets things in such a poetic way.

Don't you ever wonder
Maybe if things had been slightly different
You could be somebody else?

Don't you wonder
Maybe if you took a left turn
Instead of taking a right
You could be somebody different?

Don't you ever wonder?

Could I have been
A parking lot attendant?

Could I have been
A millionaire in Bel Air?

Could I have been
Your little brother?

Could I have been
Anyone other than me?

He stands, touch his hair, his shoes untied
Tongue gaping stare

Could I have been a magnet for money?
Could I have been anyone other than me?

Twenty-three and so tired of life
Such a shame to throw it all away
The images grow darker still
Could I have been anyone other than me?

Then I look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying? What's the use in hurrying?

Turn, turn we almost become dizzy
I am who I am, who I am well, who am I?
Requesting some enlightenment

Could I have been anyone other than me?

And then I'll Sing and dance, I'll play for you tonight
And thrill at it all
Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes, but I'll work it out

Then I Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying? What's the use in hurrying?

Turn, turn we almost become dizzy

Falling out of a world of lies
Could I have been dancing Nancy?
Could I have been anyone other than me?