
I always say this… but this time, and after Sunday’s post, I definitely mean it… we will be going award free here at Crystal Cats. I have really appreciated everybody who has thought of me, and as a collector, I have been privileged to receive at least one and sometimes more of the WordPress tags and nominations that go around, for which I will always be grateful.
But here… William, of A 1000 Mistakes offered me ice cream (I’m so shallow) to participate in this music tag, as created by Life In A Blogshell, so how could I refuse…Thank you William – please go and visit him for a great blog and music and the history behind the songs…
For “The Shuffle The Music Tag” just put whatever device you use to listen to your music on, and press the shuffle button, and write a little something about the first fifteen songs that come up, what they mean to you, their history, whatever takes your fancy. Then nominate seven or more people to participate, obviously letting them know.
Here we are then – this is my go at the Shuffle tag…. And I warn you now I have somewhat eclectic music taste!
1. “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones
One of my earliest memories as a little girl was seeing the last of the American troops returning from Vietnam, on an English children’s news programme, and this song, among others is inextricably tied in my memory to the troubles of that time.
2. “I Love My Life” by Robbie Williams
Everybody needs a bit of Robbie in their lives – this was the second song released from his eleventh studio album, written to encourage positivity and hope. Love you Robbie!
3. “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” from “Jesus Christ Superstar” music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice, sung by Yvonne Elliman
I saw the film of this amazing rock opera for the first time when I was about seven and was totally blown away by the music… thus beginning my lifelong love of music, theatre and the musicals. It actually came to my home city on tour, and although the actress playing Mary did a creditable job, no-one has ever matched the soaring splendour of Yvonne Elliman’s rendition.
4. “Pompeii” by Bastille
No idea what this is doing on my phone; to be honest, the first time I listened to it was for this tag. A pleasant enough tune though.
5. “Empire” by Shakira
Ah yes, I have my son to thank for this one… he likes her. Me? I’m not so fond, considering she lost me a bet of £10.00…
6. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
Mad for it! This song was released in 1995, some years after my student days, but I will always remember being in Manchester for the birth of Britpop, and even now, this is still one of their most popular songs.
7. “Somewhere Only We know” by Keane
This was popularised by Lily Allen and the John Lewis Christmas advert, but its poignant lyrics struck a note with me during its initial release in 2004. Just listen – and feel.
8. “Symphony No.25 in G Minor, K. 183” by Mozart
Another film reference… “Amadeus”, a magnificent epic – somewhat glamorised – about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, released in 1984. I went to the cinema to see it and was at once captured by the eloquent beauty of Mozart’s music. “Too many notes!” Never!
9. “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus
The first song that made me feel like a parent… when I saw the video to this, I thought: “What on earth is her father thinking, letting her do a music video dressed like this..?” However, it’s a great song, actually, and I should think that her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, is justifiably proud of his beautiful and talented daughter.
10. “Especially For You” by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue
Cheesy? Oh yes. Wonderful? TOTALLY! I loved Jason in “Neighbours”, followed his music career with interest and was over the moon when he came to my home city on tour with “Priscilla Queen Of The Desert”, playing Tick. Kylie? Oh, she’s all right too…
11. “Baby’s On Fire” by Die Antwoord
I have my son to thank for introducing me to this South African Zef hip hop rap-rave group, Ninja and ¥olandi Vi$$er. They also starred in the film “Chappie” and are actually pretty cool…
12. “Grace Kelly” by Mika
Flamboyant and fabulous – to me, this song is about the confidence you can have in just being yourself.
13. “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran
The lyrics to this song are just hauntingly sad.
14. “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” by Baccara
Oh I love this song! A real “feel good” hit from the ‘70’s – I vaguely remember my father dancing to this, for some reason, and I was overjoyed when the song made a reappearance on the Dairy Milk advert, with the lovely Brendan Gibson playing the boogeying boss… chocolate, a spinning office chair, a nice man and a good tune – recipe for a great advert!
15. “Take Me To Church” by Hozier
A line of this song stayed with me: “I’ll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife…” an almost-love song, but very dark… banging tune though.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this wander through my music… my nominations are: The Canadian Cats, Angels Whisper, Ella, Caz, Lady Joyful, GarfieldHug, Gillyflower and Gary. A truly wonderful group of people I am delighted to call friends… it’s over to you!
