Musicalology...is that even a word (lol)

OK – I know it's not a word. The correct word is "musicology"...but damn it - it should be. I love musicals. I can’t get enough. In fact, I’m happy they are starting to come back to the big screen. So – this month I have decided to pick some of my all-time favorite songs from musicals. Which was very hard to do – every time I thought “yes, this is the list” I would remember another song I love. I decided on these because not only do I love the words and the performances, but also the addition of some great personal memories helped to narrow down the list.

For example, you may not know this about my brother, but he probably knows every song from My Fair Lady…no, not by choice, but because I was obsessed with it when we were younger. That poor kid had no option, I would plan the movie again, again and again…sorry, Eric but that’s one of the down falls of being the younger brother. You might think he hates me because of this, but in fact he is one of my biggest supporters. He has always encouraged me, though at this time in our lives he encouraged me to sing “far away”. LOL – I love you Eric, You’re the best!

OK – so here’s my list. Let me know your thoughts. What are some of your favorite songs from musicals and why?  

1.       Singing in the Rain - Singing in the Rain

2.       I could have danced all night - My Fair Lady

3.       I feel pretty - Westside Story

4.       Pure Imagination – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

5.       Luck be a Lady – Guys and Dolls

6.       Big Spender – Sweet Charity

7.       Over the Rainbow – Wizard of Oz

8.       Dentist! – Little Shop of Horrors

9.       Tomorrow – Annie

10.   Beautiful Things – Doctor Dolittle (performed by Bobby Darin)

Enjoy!!! Until next time.

What gets me going!

This month I came up with a theme for my 10 Happy Songs…(drum roll, please)...theme is “motivation”. I broke it up into two parts…5 songs that generally motivate me when working or just helping me get through traffic with a smile. The other 5 help me when I am out training for the marathon…because honestly there are times when I want to stop, but this music just won’t let me.

I know I am lucky, but I don’t live in a musical where I can break out in song and it be ok…but I can break out one of these songs and SING along…which I think you might do as well after listening to them.

1.       Beautiful - by Nneka

2.       I can - by Minnutes

3.       Whole Wide World - by Mindy Gledhill

4.       Upside Down - by Paloma Faith

5.       Beauty in the World - by Macy Gray

Funny thing - I just noticed all of the above songs were done by women…things that make you go - hmmmm

As for my running motivation – I need something with more of a-in-your-face-beat. Something that makes me WANT to more...these 5 really do the trick for me.   

6.       New Day - by Alicia Keys

7.       Breakin’A Sweat - by Skrillex featuring members of The Doors

8.       Goin’ In - by Jennifer Lopez featuring Flo Rida

9.       Anything Could Happen - by Ellie Goulding

10.   Gangnam Style - by PSY

Bonus Song – Monster Mash - by Bobby "Boris" Pickett

I had to, it’s October and this songs is not only awesome, but comes with years of happy memories. What is one of you happy Monster Mash memories?

Ok I’m done with October, so – tell me, what songs motivate you? I would love to know…I’m always looking to add motivational songs to my play list. Also – if you have a theme idea, let me know. I’m thinking December might be holiday songs, but first I have to create my November list…help is always welcome. I hope you enjoy my list of 10 Happy Songs!

10 Happy Songs - Challenge begins

Ok, so my brother challenged me to find 10 happy songs a month. How did this all start? Really it started when I was young, he always said I listen to depressing music (not true, but its his view point so go with me on this). Last month we were out having lunch a super yummy mexican food restaurant when the music topic came up...and the CHALLENGE began.

Rules - none of the songs can be I'm-happy-we-broke-up, man-hater, I-hate-the-world songs. Song without words must be explained as to WHY they make me happy.

Here they are my 10 Happy Songs for September 2012:

1. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
2. Put Your Records On by Corrine Baily Rae
3. What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
4. Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
5. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
6. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cindy Lauper
7. Try Again by Aaliyah
8. You Gotta Be by Des'ree
9. Appletree by Erikah Badu
10. Golden by Jill Scott

My next 10 Happy Songs will be posted in about a month. Feel free to send me your 10 Happy Songs for September (you might just inspire my October list).