Music Monday – Maybe I Will
Maybe I Will – Julia Nunes
Music
Music Monday – Rolling in the Deep
Rolling in the Deep (Jamie xx Remix) ft. Childish Gambino – Adele
Music Monday – Rumor Has It
Rumor Has It – Adele
Music Monday – Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa – Vampire Weekend
Music Monday – Cameo Lover
Cameo Lover – Kimbra
Music Monday – Barton Hollow
Barton Hollow – The Civil Wars
Not Just a Dance Teacher
Warning: An uncharacteristic “sappy” post follows. My dance teacher of 7 years, Shirlene Gills, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2011. Ever since I learned of her death it has been on my heart to write down just what she meant to me.
In 1995, I changed dance studios to a relatively new one in my hometown. Rather than have my mom traverse 45 miles – one way – at least once a week for classes, we joined Shirlene School of Dance and never looked back. At the time I would never know what a blessing it was that she would be my teacher, nor would I realize what a positive impact she would have on my life – not only as a dancer, but as a human being as well.
Her studio was across the street from the courthouse in an old office building. The door was painted hot pink and in the window she had placed a “life-size” ballerina sculpture she had created in college from scrap metal that sat atop a record player. If it wasn’t for that sculpture, you’d never even know it was a dance studio.
Her studio was nothing fancy – the waiting room held dark green plastic patio chairs, but once you passed the half wall that separated the waiting room to the studio and watched Shirlene teach you knew something amazing would go out that hot pink door. When she wasn’t she was sitting in her vintage wheeled office chair taking choreography notes or picking out costumes, she was on the plywood studio floor dancing full out with us. Whether it was for a fair talent show, a regional dance competition, a nursing home performance or her annual recital, every piece of her choreography was special.
Shirlene was a rare talent in a small southern Arkansas town. She had studied dance under some of the greats, like José Limón and Bill Cratty, and imparted so much of her training and knowledge to small town girls who otherwise would have never been exposed. Mrs. Shirlene is the reason I know who Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan are and I credit her for my appreciation of contemporary choreography today. In any genre of choreography, Shirlene was never afraid to stretch our abilities, never afraid to think outside of the box. From ballet, tap and jazz, to hip hop and modern to liturgical, we danced it all under her guidance.
She challenged us, especially the seniors by requiring us to choreograph our own solo. It was like our dancer’s rite of passage. She was there to offer suggestions and encourage us along the way but ultimately the piece was up to us. From the style, to the music, to the costume, we owned that piece of the recital and while stressful, I think every senior who had to go through that process came out more confident and creative.
I remember my senior solo rehearsals like it was yesterday. I wanted to do a tap piece, so I rented all of the great Gregory Hines videos I could get my hands on, ultimately falling in love with the movie “TAP!”. I came in to my first “rehearsal” with Mrs. Shirlene excited about all of the steps I had seen in that movie and impatient to begin working them into my solo. The whole time, she sat by her desk to the right of the studio floor – which was covered in mountains of CDs – while sipping on her Sonic Route 44 drink, smiling and offering gentle guidance here and there. We’d listen to the music together, I’d try to fit a step in and when it didn’t work we’d start the process over again. She had more patience than anyone should be given.
No matter what, Mrs. Shirlene supported us, not only in the studio but outside of it as well. She had a vested interest in each and every one of her students. She wanted us to succeed.
And at that final “senior solo” rehearsal? She’d present a graduation gift: “Ten Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Lives” by Laura C. Schlessinger. She made me promise to read it before going off to college. It was her way of pushing us out of the studio nest and I still have that book to this day.
Mrs. Shirlene, Thank you for being such an amazing role model for all of your students. Thank you for challenging us, listening to us and molding us. I hope you know just how many lives you impacted through your dance and your character. You will always be an inspiration in my life and for that, I am forever grateful. May you rest in peace.
If you ever did a warm up with Mrs. Shirlene, chances are you danced to “Wasted Time” by The Eagles at least once. It was one of her favorite songs to use and has been in my head ever since I learned of her death. It’s only right that I end this post with that song.
(the song begins at the 1:26 mark)
Music Monday – Swim Good
Music Monday – Pumped Up Kicks
Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People
Music Monday – Lifeline
Lifeline – Imogen Heap
Music Monday – Amy Winehouse
Music Monday is bittersweet this week.
Amy Winehouse consistently appeared my most played iTunes tracks and this weekend we lost her. She was an incredible talent and it’s terribly sad that she ended up succumbing to her demons.
In her memory, here are a few of my favorite songs from her catalog.
May she rest in peace.
In My Bed – Amy Winehouse
Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse
Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
Music Monday – Goody Goody
I had a blog long ago [okay, not all that long ago – more like a year and a half] where I had a different “feature” or “topic” every weekday. After 2 months, it became a chore and I stopped all feature posts cold turkey. Then, as I was telling some friends at Jazzercise about a week ago about an artist I love, I had a lightbulb moment – I’ll bring back Music Mondays to the blog!
I now bring you the first installment of Music Monday: Goody Goody – Marie Adam & the Three Tons of Joy. Sit back and enjoy!!
Let the Music Play 2.0
Happy Fourth of July!!!
This weekend was a time of road trips, cookouts, laughter, humidity, buying wedding bands and being us. There was also a little dinner meeting of our parents – wherein I learned a secret about Adam and his family. It was low-key and perfect, even if Adam had to drive back to Texas today…
Oh well, his loss, as I’ve spent the afternoon watching DVRed episodes of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and cross stitching a sampler for our home. I know he’s jealous.
I also spent today reflecting a bit on my blog. It was during this reflection that I realized it was time for my traditional “30 songs” post. For this post, I put my iTunes library on shuffle and then [stupidly] tell you the songs that play. You may click here for last year’s post.
I’ve told you before that my taste in music is schizophrenic, so let’s see just how random it is this year!
- Breakout – Swing Out Sisters. Am I the only person who thought this was Gloria Estefan? Shamefully, I admit I just realized it’s not.
- Speak Like a Child – The Style Council. This is 80s pop music at its finest. This song is like candy.
- So Lady – Mary J. Blige. I looooove Mary J. Her songs always have a great beat and you can always count on her vocals to be spot on.
- I’ll Never Be – Reel Big Fish. You can thank Adam for this one, he insisted I put Reel Big Fish in my library earlier this year. Truth be told, they aren’t that bad – in fact, I might kind of like them…
- Irresistible Delicious – Missy Elliott. I’ve loved Missy Elliot ever since high school. I remember wearing out her Miss E…So Addictive album while driving around town in my Jeep Liberty with the windows down during the summer of 2002.
- Rumors – Timex Social Club. When I rediscovered this song a little over a year ago I cannot stop jamming to it EVERY. TIME. IT. PLAYS. Have I mentioned I’m a hip hop fan?
- Straight Up – Paula Abdul. And then the cat gets let out of the bag. Yes, I have a Paula Abdul song in my iTunes library. In fact, I own every single one of her albums and I’m not at all ashamed.
- I’ll Be Doggone – Marvin Gaye. R&B music is the most versatile genre out there. You can dance to it, you can chill to it, you can cook to it and you can drive down scenic highways while it plays in your car. Marvin Gaye delivers every. single. time.
- Missing You – John Waite. 80s. Enough said.
- I Can’t Wait – Nu Shooz. Yet another hip hop/pop tune from the 80s. Are you sensing a theme yet?
- Better be Good to Me – Tina Turner. I would give anything for her legs. Seriously.
- Blame it on My Youth – Jamie Cullum. I will take Jamie Cullum over Michael Buble any day of the week. If you haven’t ever heard of him or his music, YouTube him immediately. You’ll thank me and I’ll say, “You’re welcome”. And thus will begin our mutual appreciation of Jamie Cullum.
- Graceland – Paul Simon. I was raised on Paul Simon. I will forever be grateful for this.
- I’m a Believer – The Monkees. I was also raised on oldies like this. Many a summer vacations were spent stuck in a van [or suburban] being forced to listen to these songs. Now, I’m glad I was – they just don’t make music like they used to. (For the record, I’m 27 not 72)
- 1, 2, 3 – Gloria Estefan & the Miami Sound Machine. Gloria is my go to karaoke artist. Speaking of which, it’s been over a year since I’ve sung karaoke. Who wants to go??
- A Fifth of Beethoven – Walter Murphy and the Big Apple Band. Yes, I have 70s remixes of classical pieces in my iTunes library. You don’t?
- Heavy Traffic – Elton John. After seeing him live in concert with my sister, I appreciate Elton even more than ever before. He’s a legend, an entertainer and a chameleon. Plus, who can’t resist a guy behind the piano decked out in bedazzled jackets?
- Get Up! (Before the Night is Over) – Technotronic. Early 90s dance music = it’s how I clean my apartment.
- My Guy – Mary Wells. Every time I hear this song I think of “Sister Act” and sing “My God”. It’s a classic.
- Hole in My Life – The Police. Favorite! Band! Of! All! Time!!!
- Hate on Me – Jill Scott. After a rough day at work, I get in my car, roll down my windows, open the sunroof and BLAST this as a I drive home. I may or may not also sing along at the top of my lungs. Oh, who am I kidding? I SO sing along. Works. Like. A. Charm.
- It Takes Two – Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock. Another 90s dance track – for use when cleaning my apartment.
- Joseph’s Dreams – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. After seeing this musical over 4 times, and being of the children’s choir in middle school, it’s safe to say it’s in my Top 5 favorite musicals. I know every word to every song, and I’m close to knowing the choreography too.
- Elenore – The Turtles. Another oldie from my childhood. Thanks Mom and Dad for showing Maddie and me what real music sounds like.
- It’s Not Right, But It’s Ok – Whitney Houston. In her heyday, she could not be touched. As far as I’m concerned she’s still on top of the pack when compared to most everyone who has followed her.
- Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) – Digable Planets. Old school hip hop delivers yet again.
- All Day – Lisa Loeb. Ever since the summers of my childhood, when I listened to her cassette tapes in my Walkman while reading The Boxcar Children, I have loved Lisa and the simplicity she has in her music. It’s like medicine to me.
- You Got Yr Cherry Bomb – SPOON. Another band I’m thankful Adam introduced me to – or rather informed me that they had good songs other than I Turn My Camera On.
- Overkill – Men At Work. Have I mentioned I looooove 80s music? 🙂
- I Need A Man – Eurythmics. Actually, I don’t, but this song rocks – as does the band.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Last night, along with some co-workers, I went to the Grace Potter concert at the Rev Room. I had recently become a fan of hers thanks to a rocking Jazzercise set, so when I found out that she would be in Little Rock last week I was stoked at the possibility of seeing her live. I introduced her videos to my co-workers and they were sold. We were going.
She strutted on stage wearing a gold lamé mini-dress which showed off killer Tina Turner-esque legs that I long for. Accompanied by an incredible band, she put on a great show. Rocking out in all the right places, slowing it down for only two songs and picking it right back up flawlessly. She is a true talent and a joy to watch on stage. I know her popularity will explode very soon and I highly recommend seeing her and her band live if the opportunity presents itself!
Since there’s not not enough words to accurately describe just how incredibly talented she is, take a look at these videos – not recorded from last night, but almost exactly the same as what I saw live.
Medicine
cover of Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit
Songs to Hear Before You Die
What makes a good playlist? Is it the cohesive group of songs, eclectic mix full of the unexpected or, maybe, one that gets you in the mood to boogie down? For me, it’s a combination of all of these qualities. I love a random playlist full of good beats, memories and similar styles.
2 weeks ago, I stumbled upon a new [to me] station on Songza called 1000 Songs to Hear Before You Die. Ever since, it’s been my source of musical motivation and inspiration at work, in the kitchen and while I blog. For me it’s perfect, because it combines all of my favorite playlist qualities: the unexpected, the nostalgia, and the good beats. Obviously, I’m addicted.
Last week I decided to keep up a list of songs from it that I must add to my iTunes library – some I’ve never heard before, others about which I had forgotten. You know, because music is my soul, my pulse, and my comfort. It’s even been recently said to lower your blood pressure. Who doesn’t want in on that free piece of medical advice, right?
Ooh, I wonder if this means my insurance will cover music downloads? Oh Happy Day!
Ahem.
The point of this whole post is to share my list from the Songs to Hear Before You Die station that will be downloaded during my next iTunes shopping spree.
Once in a Lifetime – Talking Heads
Buffalo Gals – Malcom McLaren
The Night – Frankie Valli
Give it Away – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Hoppipolla – Sigur Ros
Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye – Ella Fitzgerald
Ain’t No Love – Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland
The Model – Kraftwerk
Stay With Me – Ruby Turner
Laid – James
Ode to Billie Joe – Bobbie Gentry
Out of Space – The Prodigy
Mambo No. 5 – Perez Prado
Mykonos – Fleet Foxes
Vienna – Ultravox
Cornflake Girl – Tori Amos
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