I’ve been thinking a lot about music lately. And not just about my favourite songs (mostly from the 80s and 90s) but about the songs that I feel have had a huge impact on my life; songs that I will NEVER tire of; songs that bring back some amazing memories; and songs that I have learnt some lessons from.
So here they are:
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson (and an amazing cover by Miles from Nowhere). My late teens and early 20s clubbing revolved around this song. Even when I go out now and it comes on, I go nuts. It brings back amazing memories of nights out at the Jazz ‘n Blues bar with the girls, dancing to MFN. It was a must-play at our wedding.
Stuff and nonsense – the cover by Missy Higgins (original by Split Enz). This song made me realise that no matter how much you want someone to give you their all, you might not be the one they can give it to. Heartbreaking, but a very important lesson to learn.
I like giants – Kimya Dawson. Loved this song the first time I heard it. It’s a very honest and practical look at body image. Now whenever I hear it, I really listen to the words and it reassures me that “I am just a speck of dust inside a giant’s eye.”
Stuck in the middle with you – Stealers Wheel. Brings back all my memories of living in Scotland. Erin and I ring each other whenever either of us hears this song! And it’s a favourite for cover bands which totally suits me.
The Nosebleed Section – Hilltop Hoods. I never used to like hip-hop, and although I’m not entirely converted (Hubs is still trying), I do love this song. Hubs told me I should listen to the words instead of dismissing it for a style of music I’d never enjoyed, and I realised their lyrics were quite clever. Plus this song samples Melanie whose music I grew up with, courtesy of my Mum! I love watching Hubs get all hip-hop when he sings along to this tune. *sigh*
Somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world – Israel Kamakawiwo Ole’. Hubs and I danced to this at our wedding and every time I hear it now I’m reminded of the most amazing day of my life. Tear jerker for sure.
Call me Al – Paul Simon. One of my favourite songs. EVER. So much fun to dance to and a fab bass solo. No matter how blue I am, this song will always cheer me up.
Time After Time and True Colours – Cyndi Lauper. Two of the songs I grew up with thanks to my Mum’s mixed tape. Cyndi sang them both at her concert Mum and I went to this year – such a great night. I didn’t really understand the lyrics as a kid, (and perhaps sang a few wrong words) but I really appreciate her music. Plus I LOVE the 80s…
More than words – Extreme. Reminds me of my late teens and a good friend of mine in Sydney. Whenever this plays on the radio I am suddenly on stage, singing this song to a crowd of screaming fans. Hey! A girl can dream!
This is more a list of songs that changed my life, rather than “favourite songs”. That would be a longer and slightly different list, though most of those songs would feature I’m sure.
Aaaaah Dvorak. I think I have that on CD already. I’ll have to dig it out. My parents have the record I think!
I was listening to classical radio the other day and Dvorak’s New World Symphony came on!! I loved playing that at high school, it was one of my favs. I think I’ll have to buy the cd.
No classical music in your list?!?
Thanks neil. No… REALLY. Thanks for that mental image. 🙂
I know you’d never watch it because it’s far too bloody for your G-rated standards, but if you’d seen Reservoir Dogs (Tarantino), you’d have a different association with “Stuck in the Middle”. It’s playing on the radio in a cheerily-creepy way as a bank robber dances around a cop tied to a chair. After finishing his little mock-dance the robber proceeds to slice off the cops ear with a razor. Nice. See what your movie standards have you missing out on??? 🙂