I've had the inspiration for this blog for some time now and I figured what better time than to start at the very beginning (of the year, that is), a very good place to start. Don't lie, you just read that in song ;)
If you know one thing about me, you know how much I love music. But even more than that, you know how much music is a part of me. Whether I'm listening - well more like singing along - to a song, dancing, or proudly reminiscing my days in the band (don't knock it 'til you've tried it), music pushes me along, constantly a part of the events of my life.
And whether you are cognizant of it or not, music drives you too. Think about it, how many times have you been in a situation where you are humming a tune and you can't for the life of you remember how that song got stuck in there? What about your ringtone, or a ringtone you hear while you're out - you're totally judging that person based on their choice, aren't you? Or when someone says something that instinctively reminds you of a song and you can't help but sing that one simple lyric? Or on the flip side, you hear a song somewhere and it instantly brings you back to a specific moment in your life - the people you were with, how old you were, how good or bad you felt at that time?
There's a reason why movies have soundtracks; songs evoke emotions and bring the scene to life. So, why not do the same in real life? Here, I am going to soundtrack my life... and yours! While I will write about things happening in my life, share what events are coming up in your life, and we can compare suggestions for the best song(s) for that occasion.
I'll begin with the start of a new year. At the cornerstone of one end and one start, people are filled with a jumble of thoughts. Looking back on the year you are leaving behind, you are often torn between fond memories that you are not quite ready to let go of, and swift good-riddance's of the times you are only too happy to forget in exchange for the excitement and hope of a new beginning.
In that 10-second countdown to the ball drop your stomach tenses, you can't believe another year has gone by. You smile half through the nerves of the unexpected, of what the next 365 days will bring, and half with the elation that you're about to embark on another journey. Then, just like that, your anxious hand-shaking or foot-tapping turns into a kiss (if you're lucky) and undoubtedly a flourish of hugs and "happy new year's," all promises that exciting things in the future await, that it's okay to say goodbye to yesterday, that we're all in this together.
So what song do we innately revert to at this momentous second in time? "Auld Lang Syne." But with everything going on in your head on New Year's Eve, does the classic "Auld Lang Syne" really cut it? Why is that the song we associate with the stroke of midnight on January 1st? I don't want to start my year for OLD time's sake. Isn't it called the NEW year? And what about that whole part of "old acquaintance be forgot"? I think "Auld Lang Syne" missed that day in kindergarten where we sang the song "Make New Friends but Keep the Old." Don't get me wrong there are definitely people, places, and things you might want to leave in the past, but you probably don't want to sing about it. Leave that to the munchkins ("Ding Dong the Witch is Dead"- anybody get that one without my help? Anyone? Bueller?)
Once we inevitably sing that song and officially move on from 2011, let's bring in 2012 with a party! When I think about ringing in the new year I think a happy, upbeat, celebratory song should be playing. So what song do I want playing on my soundtrack? First, "Let's Get it Started" by the Black Eyed Peas for obvious literal reasons because any good soundtrack truly mimics the occasion. But moving out of the super literal and sticking with the same band, my second choice is "I Gotta Feeling" (tonight's gonna be a good night). Even though some people think it may be overplayed, I think that you can't deny that catchy beat or the positive outlook you want to start the new year with. Who doesn't want to wish for every night to be a good night this year?
So raise your midnight champagne with me as we toast to the music of the night! Here's to a year filled with love, laughter, health, happiness, and most of all, music. I leave you with two of my favorite songs about music: Madonna's aptly named "Music" and The Doobie Brothers' "Listen to the Music," which also happens to be my ringtone ;) I look forward to sharing my soundtrack with you and hearing what you have to say about your own.
For this, and every blog post moving forward you will find links to the songs I have alluded to through YouTube. Comment below on what song you want your soundtrack starting with this New Year's!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEodUg43Zpo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5EeUTMlPCs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKqV7DB8Iwg&ob=av2e
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY-FNeheml8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVgMzKMgNxw
