Song #30- Your Favorite Song At This Time Last Year

Lady Gaga "Bad Romance"



Two years ago, I was listening to Lady Gaga's debut album, The Fame. It was the beginning of a beautiful musician/listener relationship. When "Bad Romance" was released as a single last year, I fell more in love with her as an artist. I already saw a huge leap in her career, and this was just the first song from The Fame Monster album. It was catchy as hell, full of powerful lyrics, and was accompanied with an amazing video (which won for Best Video at the VMA's).

Even a year later, I am still loving this song. I turn it up when it's on the radio and play it occasionally when hanging out in my bedroom. To me, this is one of my favorite songs of all time... but that could change, since her third album is due early next year.


I had so much fun doing this challenge, so much that I'm thinking of doing it again next year!! Of course I will choose different songs... I mean, there are thousands of songs out there that I love :-)

Song #29- A Song From Your Childhood

Sir Mix A Lot "Baby Got Back"



Yes, you read that right. "Baby Got Back" is a song from my childhood. When I was 6 or 7, I was getting into a van with family friends from Minnesota. When the ignition started, my sister and I were settling in our seats when we hear "I like big butts.." on the radio. We immediately get into a fit of giggles. We thought it was funny that a guy was rapping about his love for big butts (you also have to take in the fact that my sister and I were very young... and I bet you all remember that at that age, anything that had to do with butts was comical). Now that I'm older and wiser, "Baby Got Back" is not giggly-funny anymore. But I will always be reminded of the first time I heard it and how it made me laugh.

Song #28- A Song That Makes You Feel Guilty

Nine Inch Nails "Closer"



Guilty... in a good way! ;-)

I really like that Trent Reznor expressed the hardcore sex so bluntly; it made the song unforgettable. He is a very smart writer and I love that he used a more extensive vocabulary in the lyrics (desecrate, penetrate). This is one of very few songs that, when I hear it, I get so engulfed in the song... the rest of the world just disappears (if a song does that to you, then it not only speaks to you, but it needs to be on your lists of favorites songs). Whenever I decide to listen to it (which it HAS to be the unedited version, no kid stuff here) I tend to hit the repeat button a couple times.

Now, the video. The first time I ever watched it (which I'm going to guess was when I was about 14 years old), I thought it was very different from anything I had ever seen. It disturbed me a little bit (and this was the television friendly version). But, over time, I grew to see how unique it was and that it is one of the best music videos out there (I tend to like stuff that's dark and disturbing... probably why I love horror movies so much). I finally saw the actual version of the video earlier this year (which is the one I posted). I don't think I will watch the edited video ever again. I'm just one of those people who like to see things as they should... no "clean" versions.

Song #27- A Song You Wish You Could Play

Meatloaf "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)"



If I had a list of my favorite songs of all time, I would have this song somewhere on it. Probably in the top three. Meatloaf is one of the artists that my parents introduced me to as a baby (not surprising knowing they also raised me on The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Meatloaf was Eddie in that film). I love his powerful voice and his theatrical stylings of the music/music videos. Whenever I listen to this song (and it HAS to be the 12 minute version, which the music video is not), everything disappears. All that exists is this song... and me occasionally belting out the lyrics. A song that is powerful enough to do that to you is worthy to learn to play. Now I know that a lot of the musical arrangement is played by piano. I am someone who wants to play guitar, and I know that this song doesn't have very much of that.... but I don't care. I would still be happy and honored to play this song. Maybe it will happen someday, like when I actually get a guitar and start learning the chords!!!

Song #26- A Song That You Can Play On An Instrument

Hinder "Lips Of An Angel"



I actually don't have any experience with playing any instrument, although I've wanted to learn to play the guitar since I was 13 years old. So I'm going to cheat a little bit with this song. As a fan of Guitar Hero, I have been working on improving my talents with the game. I am really good at playing songs on Medium, and am a little intimidated to go up to the Hard level (how am I going to get my pinkie to reach the orange button??). I normally hit 94% to 98% of the notes when playing songs on Medium, and get sorely disappointed in myself if I hit below the 90% mark (which is why when I play "Through The Fire and The Flames" I stick to Easy). But the song that I love to play on Guitar Hero (actually, wait a minute... on Band Hero) and am thisclose to hitting 100% is "Lips of an Angel." I may not necessarily like that the song is about the temptation to cheat, but I just can't help but love playing it.

Song #25- A Song That Makes You Laugh

The Bloodhound Gang "Mope"



Wow... I learn something everyday. I never knew there was a music video for this song!

The Bloodhound Gang is famous for making some of the most vulgar sexual references out there... and I love them for that! After the initial shock of hearing the Hooray for Boobies album for the first time, I found myself cracking up... a lot! The song "Mope" cracks me up the most, from the confused reaction that Falco is the greatest "money making playa that ain't with us no more" to Pac Man getting high on crack. The ridiculousness of this song is actually pretty ingenious of the group and I wish that more people would have acknowledged their creativity... I mean, who else would come up with songs that challenge you to rhyme the word "vagina" with something legitimate???

"Holy macaroni!!!" -Homer Simpson

Song #24- A Song You Want To Play At Your Funeral

Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men "One Sweet Day"



For those who have ignored the lyrics of this song... it's not a love song, per se. I mean, it's beautiful and all but it's about someone who has died. "And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven, like so many friends we've lost along the way. And I know eventually we'll be together one sweet day. Eventually I'll see you in Heaven." I think what really misconstrued this as a love song is the video. It doesn't really depict the loss of a loved one. It's of Mariah and Boys II Men performing the song in a studio, plus the fact that all the artists are famous for love songs. Easy to do if you don't pay attention to the lyrics.

I think this would be a really sweet song to play at my funeral... you know, when it happens decades from now :-)

Song #23- A Song That You Want To Play At Your Wedding

The Rocky Horror Picture Show "The Time Warp"



I think it's pretty easy to guess that I go for atypical when it comes to weddings. What can I say? The Rocky Horror Picture Show lover in me would be ecstatic to dance to this in a wedding dress! Although I have been married once before, it was done in a courthouse: No dress, no family, no reception. So when the time comes that I will get married again (I am very hopeful for this to happen in the future), I want to do things right. If I want to dance to the "Time Warp," then I will... dammit (Janet... hehe, I couldn't resist)!!! As for my future spouse, I hope that he will understand my need to have this played... whoever that may be.

Song #22- A Song You Listen To When You're Sad

Papa Roach "Broken Home"



A couple days ago, I posted that I listen to Limp Bizkit's "Break Stuff" when I am angry. Well, in a few instances, I would follow up with Papa Roach's "Broken Home." This song has more of an emotional hurt than emotional anger, at least that's how I see it. That would change my attitude a bit and my feelings of anger would turn toward sadness. On more than one occasion, it led me to start crying. And as many of you know, crying makes you feel a lot better.

The video is very personal as well. Lead singer Jacoby Shaddix had it filmed in his childhood home, where he had a troubling childhood. Images of things Shaddix experienced are portrayed in the video, ending in the destruction of his former home. You understood the anger and that makes for a great song. I bet it was very therapeutic for him to write the song and help destroy the home that caused him a lot of pain in the past.

Song #21- A Song You Listen To When You're Happy

Avril Lavigne "Sk8er Boi"



I love songs that tell a story. You have a ballerina who likes a guy that's not her type. She doesn't seize the opportunity and years later, sees him as a successful musician while she's alone with a baby. This song is just so freaking upbeat that I just can't help but be in a very happy mood when (and after) listening to it. Avril Lavigne has a good way of mixing princess pop and punk together to create a fun, badass image. I would love to dress like her, and it helps that she has a clothing line at Kohl's... something that I can treat myself to whenever I lose enough weight to look good in those outfits!

Years ago, while browsing on IMDB.com, I discovered that MTV was working on a movie based on this song. I haven't heard of anything since then, but it didn't surprise me that the company would want to hone in on the concept. It would have been one of those movies that I would have seen... and loved! LOL

Okay, I can't help it... I actually had a different song of hers song listed first. I must be in an Avril Lavigne mood right now!

Avril Lavigne "Girlfriend"



Enjoy today's double dose of music!!!

Song #20- A Song You Listen To When You're Angry

Limp Bizkit "Break Stuff"



This is a very therapeutic song. I resorted to listening to this loud a lot when in my mid-teens. Sometimes it was for those angry moments after a breakup, other times it was when my family or my friends were frustrating the hell out of me. In fact, this song worked so well for me that I have never had to resort to further methods of therapy, like actually breaking stuff. All I need is a room to myself, a stereo, and this song. :-)

Song #19- A Song From Your Favorite Album

Katy Perry "Firework"



I admit, I do not YET own this album, but everything I have heard from it... I love!!! "California Girls" was my song this summer and the video was an explosion of bubble gum pop and tons of sweets!!! "Teenage Dream" has a nostalgic feel to it and "Peacock" is sexual, dirty, and fun! None of those songs can compare to "Firework."

I believe "Firework" is the best song that Mrs. Russell Brand has done! It has a great message to anyone who feels down, isolated, ugly, or in a situation that makes them uncomfortable. The video does the same. It shows many different young individuals overcoming their own obstacles, from a curvier girl a little weary of showing off her body to a shy gay male at a club experiencing love from another gay male. The visual representation of fireworks coming out of every body's chests was perfect! This song is one that I haven't been able to get enough of, and one that has a very enjoyable dance routine on Just Dance 2.

Song #18- A Song You Wish You Heard On The Radio

Hanson "Yearbook"



I honestly think that this song is the best one on the Middle of Nowhere album... well, actually, the best song Hanson has written! It was deeper than the other tracks. I could relate to the track. I remember people in grade school that you saw everyday, until you didn't. And for some of them, they didn't have a picture in the yearbook. You would wonder what happened to them. Did he/she move? Did they die? Does anyone know what happened to them??? I really wished that this was going to be one of their radio singles back in the late 90's, but it never happened. At least I have their CD, and added the song to my IPod.  I also geeked out about this song when I joined my high school's yearbook staff, hehe.

Song #17- A Song That You Hear Often On The Radio

Beastie Boys "No Sleep Til Brooklyn"



I have three stations that I listen to the most often and two of them (98.9 The Rock and Gen X Radio 99.7) play this song pretty frequently. It is one of the best songs by the Beastie Boys, and one that I love playing on Guitar Hero (it makes me feel like a rock star). When I was looking up the video on YouTube, I realized I had never seen the video. I wasn't disappointed. Even though they have progressed to a more techno sound in recent years, I think their sound in the late 80's was the best. I will always listen to this when it comes on the radio, especially since I feel it would be an insult to change the station to such a good song!

Song #16- A Song That You Used To Love But Now Hate

Baha Men "Who Let the Dogs Out"



Okay, I didn't LOVE this song, but it was enjoyable from time to time when you wanted something brainless and goofy. It's my son Truman's fault for my new found dislike for it. When we first started playing Just Dance on the Wii this spring, Truman discovered this song. I think he liked it because the dancer was dressed like a dog. Well, after playing it a few times, Truman loved it. Every time he plays Just Dance, he has to dance to "Who Let the Dogs Out" at least twice, or more. Like with what happened with the song "The Final Countdown" at Borders... the overplaying of the song has driven me to dislike. However, there is a part in The Hangover where Alan sings part of the song and does a little jig. I love that!!! Watching that never annoys me :-)

Song #15- A Song That Describes You

Christina Aguilera "Fighter"



I had a little trouble deciding this one.  I originally thought of putting "Walking on Sunshine" on here, because Sunshine is one of my nicknames. But after giving it some thought, I realized I had a different song that was much stronger and more meaningful to me.

"Fighter" is very much an empowering song. It's about getting over someone who took advantage of you and realizing how much stronger, better, and wiser you are afterward. It's very appropriate for me. I've always been a strong person, but after going through what I did in my marriage I became even stronger. I've become smarter when it comes to seeking out potential guys to date and avoid ones that resemble my ex. I've also learned how to be more confident as a person, especially this year. I've never felt so empowered, sexy, and happy in my life, and this song expresses that attitude.

I do love how the video expresses the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. It shows the evolution of growth and of beauty. It was visually a gorgeous video! Fun fact: This video and yesterday's video ("The Beautiful People") were directed by the same person: Floria Sigismondi. She does beautiful work. :-)

Song #14- A Song That No One Would Expect You To Love

Marilyn Manson "The Beautiful People"



I remember first hearing this song when I was in junior high. I was afraid to admit that I liked it. Why? For one, this was around the time that I was into all the boy bands and female pop singers. Marilyn Manson was the complete opposite of that (which I had the same opinion about Nine Inch Nails). I hated the fact that his album was called "Antichrist Superstar." Back then, I never questioned my beliefs in religion and the album title was one of the most ludicrous things I knew. Wow... how naive and closed off I was back then.

My sophomore year of high school changed that. I had discovered Eminem, Limp Bizkit, and Korn. I was liking music that was darker and expressed deeper emotions. I had a love for things that were dark and twisted. I went back to listening to Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails and realized that it wasn't much different than my newest discoveries in music. I learned that the Manson (aka. Brian Warner) had been on his yearbook staff at school, just like me. He collects nostalgic lunch boxes... that's actually really cool. I saw him as a person, and that allowed me to look beyond my own beliefs. I became a fan. "The Beautiful People" is my favorite Marilyn Manson song. I admit that I have not listened to all of the tracks on Antichrist Superstar, but I need to. I would love to have a copy of this album someday.

Oh, and I loved his cameo in the movie Jawbreaker! I can't think of The Scorpions "Rock You Like a Hurricane" without picturing him with that 70's style handlebar moustache.



Sorry, had a movie geek moment!!!

Song #13- A Song That Is A Guilty Pleasure

Prince "Pussy Control"



When I was working at Tunnel Town (my first job... a children's play place/birthday party center), I had a boss named Dave, who is gay. I *loved* him and he introduced me to a lot of new things, like giving me his copy of Mallrats, which started my love for Kevin Smith. One day, when hanging out with him, he played "Pussy Control." I instantly fell in love with the song. Back then, I could relate to the song because it was about a girl who found success in life before experiencing sex (like me). That's why I felt guilty for loving the song, but I couldn't help it!!!

By the time I was 18 and able to go dancing in bars/clubs, I found out that this was one of the best songs to bump and grind to. It got to the point where if that song was playing and my best friend Brandon and I were together... we would stop whatever we were doing and hit the dance floor. Even today, that song drives me to dance. Although Brandon and I live too far away to spend time together, I still send him a text message whenever I hear the song. I know he loves it when I do that, since all it does is bring back memories from 7-8 years ago.

Song #12- A Song From a Band You Hate

Insane Clown Posse "Miracles"



I mentioned in a previous blog about how I dated someone who considers himself a juggalo. So naturally, when I was around him, we listened to a lot of Insane Clown Posse. Now I am not really a fan of them, but this song "Miracles" was actually pretty good. I related to the innocent-like wonder and amazement of how things work in the world. I also liked the beat of the song. This, to me, isn't a normal ICP song since most of the lyrics are minimal when it comes to cursing, also virtually free of violence and hardcore sex themes. It's one of the few songs of theirs that could actually be played on the radio. So if you are around me when I'm listening to stuff on Pandora or YouTube and this song shows up on the play list, be assured that I am not a juggalo and that I just enjoy this song.

Song #11- A Song From Your Favorite Band

Poison "Every Rose Has Its Thorns"



I need to clarify... Poison is my favorite hair band, not my favorite band (they don't have anything new out, with the exception of Bret Michael's solo career). They are my favorite hair band for two reasons. One, because I watched Rock of Love, which if I am going to watch any of those reality dating shows, it's going to be one with rocker chicks fighting over a celebrity (the drama is expected). Two, a couple summers ago, my sister and I caught a local cover band called Poison Overdose. They were excellent! I proudly own The Best of Poison: 20 Years of Rock CD and listen to it every so often. I also wish to see Poison in concert someday (not just Bret... all of them).

I picked "Every Rose Has It's Thorns" because I felt like this was one of Bret's best written songs to date. Many people grasped that emotional connection of the song. This was also the first song that Bret performed this year after all his health issues. When Casey James started performing this on the American Idol season finale, I was freaking out because I realized that Bret was about to join him onstage... and he did! It was very exciting to see Bret, not to mention a complete shock to everyone (including his doctors). I hope for an exciting future for Bret and the boys... and maybe even a new album someday!