Polar Express

I won't bore you with any of my normal reasons why I love a song. Today I just want to share this song because it puts me in the mood for Christmas. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Merry Christmas. I love you all!

Train's Shake up Christmas:

He Who Sings Brand New Day Gives us Two Brand New Songs

It's been a while. I realize that. I've had a lot going on with work and with the Masquerade Ball I threw last week with some friends...So my apologies, please.

The other night I watched the movie Adam which is about a man with Asperger's Syndrome who begins a relationship with his new neighbor. The movie was good, but the soundtrack was even better. I may be a little biased because they had not one, but two Joshua Radin songs on there. Not to mention the Weepies song I like, Can't Go Back.

The song that I will be sharing today plays during a time of self discovery toward the end of the movie while Adam is walking down the streets of a New York City suburb in the snow. It begins with a series of chilling chords. Joshua perpetuates the mood with a somewhat lugubrious first verse. Josh is joined by Maria Taylor at the chorus where we eventually find a bit of solace from the cold, but even sitting by the flickering warmth of their voices, the cold still seeps through the seams of our coats.

Listen and let me know what you think.



Okay, you may have to check this one out as well...It's from his new album The Rock and the Tide. You're gonna love it.

A Diamond in the Rough

I have three things to say:

1. I have never heard a lullaby more beautiful than this—Jewel's Angel Standing By. She sings of angels and she is an angel singing. This version is from her new album, so appropriately named, Lullaby.

2. I first heard this song on the movie Return to Me. It plays when David Duchovny walks into his house after the fatal car wreck that took his wife from him. His tuxedo is stained with blood, bandages cover his own wounds and the sleeve of his shirt has been torn off. His dog comes over to him and he breaks the news to him that "She's not coming back." He slumps to the floor and cries like a child...My sister introduced it back into my life on the way back from our family reunion earlier this month.

3. Jewel, I want to marry you. I've been in a weird-like funk lately and I think you're helping me pull out of it. I present the evidence:

I drove past a group of "protestors" on Center and University yesterday with picket signs offering "FREE HUGS." I almost stopped.

I also went on a walk yesterday and just walked and walked without direction just so I could think and feel lonely.

Last Friday I went to the library and checked out no less than eight library books.

and, coming into work today I pulled youtube up and listened to this song and almost had to close my office door. It just hit the spot.

Things I've Left Unsaid List #2

On Your Way, Eastmountainsouth

When the Pope Demands, You Listen

Okay, last night I had another reminiscent moment with a song that I have loved for months, but have never mentioned here on my blog. Not only is it a song I love, but it comes from one of my favorite artists. Crap, I may actually have to post two of his songs because both of them are on my top 20.

I discovered Ron Pope several months ago and introduced him to my friends through the medium of Toons and Spoons, which you're all invited to if you ever feel so inclined. A Drop In the Ocean is a a bathtub song while Shoot Out the Lights is a T-shirt song. Let's just forget that I heard A Drop In the Ocean blaring over the speaker system at Pioneer Pool last Monday night and focus on how good the lyrics are. I love Ron's voice and his emotion even more.

In Shoot Out the Lights he does something that makes me cock my ear and listen even more: He unleashes. I don't really know what he is singing about, but I believe him. It's almost like his unadulterated devotion to his song demands your undivided attention—and I'm more than willing to give it to him. Here you go:

A Drop In the Ocean


Shoot Out the Lights

Midnight (45) Musings

Sometimes when I know I need to go to bed, but I don't really want to face the reality of knowing I will feel drugged in the morning if I wait any longer, I will lie in bed and listen to my iPod. I find that in these moments, I get some very productive listening in. My mind is clear and I can truly appreciate a song that I've listened to a hundred times or find one that I never knew I had. Last night I experienced the former of the two. It was about midnight 45 and I thought, "Crap, I need to get some sleep." I got ready for bed and then I laid down and stuck my earphones in. I was listening to some Justin Nozuka, but then I came across something that I haven't listened to in a while and it just hit the spot.

Michael Warren's You Changed Me came on and I had to listen to the whole thing even though I was quickly nearing the one o'clock hour. I would like to dedicate this post to Mike's ability to mix the smooth flow of lyrics and sound with just enough bump to make it interesting.



If you liked that, you should also check out You and Love Has Found Its Way.

Playing For Keeps

So, I've had two friends ask me to make wedding playlists for them within the past couple of weeks. Aside from Nobel Peace Prizes and having kids and stuff, I can't think of anything that would make a man more proud than to be asked to provide the music that will be played at someone's wedding. Ha. They have definitely come to the right place. I'm really not one to brag, but I will admit to having impeccable taste in music. But, let's face it. I'm entirely biased...

Now, let's get back to business. I was listening to an old favorite last night. Okay, maybe I'm not being completely honest. I was listening to an old favorite last night, but I wasn't the only one listening to it. Mindy was also listening to it and she may or may not have been in my arms while it was playing. Crap, we may have even been slow dancing to it—I know, I know, but a guy's gotta have a little romance in his life, right? Anyway, this one is one of my all time favorites. It comes to us from Peter Bradley Adams and is called "Keep Us".

I love it because if you listen to the lyrics, it's not so much a song as it is a prayer. I can only hope to have the same desires when I am wed and lying in bed with my bride. But seriously, if I were told to choose 20 of my favorite songs ever, this would be on that list.



Peter's got some other crazy smooth songs you should look up. I love Song for Viola, Ohio and Los Angeles. Check them out. You'll be glad you did.

We'll Just Be Dreaming of Bear Lake

http://the-dane-train.blogspot.com/2010/07/blts-and-wasperry-shakes.html

Here is a post from my personal not-music blog. It includes a clipit of music at the end so I thought I would post it here as well. The song is Sooner or Later by Rookie of the Year. Ever since I heard it running along the beach at Bear Lake, I can't shake it. And all I can think of to describe it is how it would be played at the end of a movie instead of at the beginning because there is too much resolution in it. Let me know what you think.


All right! Here is the actually embedded video in case you don't want to read the book I wrote on my personal blog. I'm a good friend.

Let Freedom Ring

I suppose I'm a couple of days late with this post, but I need an excuse to continue feeling patriotic. I'm afraid once a year just isn't enough for me—and don't even get me started on how I am going to miss Pioneer Day this year.

I'm reaching into my back pocket for this one. It isn't anything new, but it is something I've carried with me for a while and it comes from one of my favorite artists.

One of my favorite things about music is the inspiration behind it. "Freedom", by Amos Lee was inspired by a small dispute between two boys in one of his school classes. The first boy told Amos he was hit by the other and asked if he could punch him back. A conversation ensued about retaliation and how it would really make the boy feel. I hope you enjoy it...and happy Independence Day.



If you liked that, Amos has a whole slew of others songs that are equally as good and better. Here are a few to tickle your fancy:

1. Southern Girl (My personal favorite)
2. Colors (Pretty famous and on the movie Just Like Heaven.)
3. Makin' Love (Awesome, but PG-13. You've been warned.)
4. Arms of a Woman
5. Sweet Pea
6. Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight
7. Skipping Stone

Not Forgetting Otis Redding

As you might already be aware, I am a huge sucker for white hot covers. I honestly don't know what it is—the novelty of something familiar packaged differently or the thrill of discovering someone else's interpretation of something that I've always enjoyed. To me it's almost like watching my prom date come down the stairs all dolled up like I've never seen her before.



I've got to thank my friend Lana for this one. I've always loved (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay. Not only is it a great song, but it was the first ever posthumous No. 1 single in U.S. Chart History. Otis Redding and Steve Cropper recorded it in 1967 shortly before Otis' death. The record wasn't released until the following year.

Here, Sara Bareilles sings an acoustic version of the 1968 hit. Let me know what you think.

Friday's Song: Pour It On My Pancakes

Back when I was really ambitious about vitalizing my team at work, I used to send an email every week called "Friday's Song." Basically it was my chance to share my music with the masses and provide a musical snack to my coworkers. I would hyperlink a youtube video to the email. That video was usually a song that I was loving at the time, or one appropriate for the events surrounding the day. I never really knew if it was more annoying than anticipated so I just kind of stopped doing it.

Today I would like to revive the tradition by posting a "Friday's Song" on my blog. Now, I understand that it isn't Friday, but because I am running my race tomorrow, this is like my Friday.



Today's selection comes to us from Canada. 21-year-old Justin Nozuka, has a voice that someone once described as "so smooth, I could almost pour it on my pancakes." When I said that, I was listening to his song "I'm In Peace" off of his album Holly. I've embedded it below for your listening pleasure. Enjoy this week's edition of "Friday's" song!



P.S. On behalf of my trainig for the Wasatch Back these past couple of months, I have compiled a somewhat extensive and entirely delicious playlist for the perfect run. Stay tuned for its grand debut in the not so distant future.

Joshua Will Make You Weep

Okay, so I don't usually like to mix artists on a post, but I feel the need to share something Joshua and something Weepies at the same time.

I'm a huge fan of Joshua Radin and it seems like each one of his songs speaks to me. Whether it's his calm way of saying just the right thing lyrically or his knack of smoothing things over with guitar and voice—he has a powerful ability to make things right. Here is his "What If You." Rub this salve on a sore spot at least twice a day.





And here is one that I just heard on last.fm by the Weepies. I have enjoyed a couple of their songs here and there, but I never had anything burr to my shoelace until this one. It's called "Can't Go Back Now." Don't let the muppets fool you. This song is seriously good. I don't know, I may just like the Weepies now.

The Quintessential Josh Kelley Playlist

Once again, I had a soundtrack moment driving up to my parents' house in the Woodland Hills. Josh Kelley's song, "Unfair" came on...Well, to be completely honest, I was the one that selected it, but only because I heard it the other day and wanted to listen to it again. I was able to truly listen to the lyrics and it just seemed to hit the spot.

I was first introduced to Josh Kelley through his song, "Fools Like Me." I had to find more, so I bought four of his albums. I've gone through those four albums and I have selected the best songs for what I would like to call the Quintessential Josh Kelley Playlist. Here it is (Don't forget to listen to the embedded "Unfair" music video included after the playlist):

1. Fools Like Me
2. Unfair
3. Lover Come Up
4. Only You
5. Almost Honest
6. Amazing
7. Masterpiece
8. Justice
9. More Than Love
10. Didn't Hear That From Me
11. Too Good to You
12. Heartache

There you go, if I find anymore (I haven't had a chance to really dive in.) I'll update the list.



Oh, what the heck. Here's "Fools Like Me" as well. I mean this is the one that got me hooked, right?..Okay, I couldn't find it, but here's one that's almost as good. "Only You" was released in 2005 and has been played on the radio. The music video features Katherine Heigl. Apparently this was where the two met. They are now married and have a little girl named Naleigh. Katherine is the muse for Josh's song, "Katie's Song"—which I'm not a huge fan of, but you're more than welcome to check it out on your own.

Perfect Miming

Yes, I do realize that it is after 2 a.m. but I had to document this one...

For someone who has as much music as I and for someone that loves it as much as I, I find it rare that the perfect song comes on at the perfect time. I call it a soundtrack moment--one in which a group of people have spent several weeks/planning sessions/failures selecting just the right music for a specific part in their movie. As I was driving home after a somewhat difficult day, Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" came on my radio.

It's a little ironic, but Justin was saying how I seem happier than I have felt in a long time. I told him it was probably just a facade for how I am really feeling...I have been fretting about a lot of things lately and I've been a little down in the dumps, but I find myself happy despite everything. Because of that tenacious happiness, I share Charlie Chaplin's original "Smile" from his film Modern Times. Enjoy.



Here's a modern take on "Smile" provided by the cast of Glee whom we've grown to love (especially Quinn!)...

Crossing An Unexpected Bridge to Friendship Called Music

Hooray for embedding videos! I just might be getting the hang of this blogging thing. It originally started as an experiment in professional development (as public relations people, we are encouraged to stay abreast of all social networking avenues), but enough expounding, let's get to the music.

My buddy Tanner is my exact opposite according to Myers-Briggs personality typology and we never realized we could be friends until we crossed a somewhat unexpected bridge to friendship called music. One day we sat and discussed bands. He shared one. I shared one, and the rest is history—a sweet percussive, lyrical and melodic history.

This is one of the groups he exposed me to. The example song he chose was not quite what I like, but this one I discovered later and it is exactly what musical dreams are made of. The band is B. Reith and the song is Just for You and it is just for you.

Music and Humor's love child

If you want to know how I am feeling, you can try asking, but if you want to know how I am REALLY feeling, you should look at my "recently played" ipod playlist. How I am feeling on any given day governs what I listen to.

Dave Barnes' Carry Me Through is my musical journal entry for today. I could tell you why, but once again, the music is much more honest than I.



P.S. Dave Barnes is amazing. Not only can he sing, but he is funny! I'm pretty sure Music and Humor fell in love, had an unrestrained night of steamy passion and nine months later, Dave Barnes popped out. The music part is obvious, but the more reticent humor part can be found in his youtube videos such as Balumtine'th Day and every one of his Christmas Extravaganzas.

P.P.S. Crap, I just found this one and it's awesome. You might have to listen to it as well...

Build Me a Sunset with Your Set of Paints

I had never heard of Ari Hest before I heard this song, but now that I have, I will never forget his name. There is a lackadaisical almost daydreamy-like quality to his song, Cranberry Lake. Build me a sky, build me a scape, build me a rice house on Cranberry Lake. Float on our backs, drawing figure eights, we drift for miles on Cranberry Lake.


I've never been to Cranberry Lake, but every time I listen to this song, I feel like I've been there every summer since I was a kid. More than anything I just want to fill a bathtub up with this song and sink my tired body into it and forget about life for a while.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tRttUGoG0k

The Mummies are the Drums and the Astronauts are the lyrics

Not much to say about this one. It kinda speaks for itself. I will tell you that my buddy who does a lot of work with local movies showed this to me yesterday and I am a fan of Daft Punk. I like the simplicity of the video and the fact that each set of characters respresents a different part of the music. The synthesizer girls just might be my favorite.

I've been doing a lot of acoustic as of late, so I thought a little techno punk might be in store. Hope you like it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9MszVE7aR4

The Angel Has Landed

Here are the two songs that acted as a backdrop for an unexpected trip to St. George and Zion's National Park. As we drove through God's exhibit of sculpted red rock, we listened to Coldplay and took pictures from the car window. We clung to chains and scratched the underside of heaven.

2,000 miles is a beautiful ballad with piano accompaniment that conjures up thoughts of winter, longing and relationship loss.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tV6aHJ0z-g&feature=related

Til Kingdom Come has a folky feel to it that is reminiscent of riding on a train in the back country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NMxT1DYfaM&feature=related

and the acoustic version isn't half bad either, check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZFCeiVEEcc&feature=related

One of these days I'll learn how to actually hyperlink the music videos to each of these songs. Until that day, you may just have to look them up manually...I think I just figured it out.

I could spell confusion with a K

What can I say, I'm a sucker for a heart-melting ballads. And I can honestly admit that I have some Something Corporate on my Ipod, but I can't name one song they sing, but when Konstantine came on my Ron Pope Pandora station the other day, I couldn't help but drop what I was doing. Maybe it's the cascading arpeggios of the piano or the troubled teen-like quality of Andrew McMahon's voice. Either way, it makes for an achingly poignant reminder of how difficult relationships can be. Enjoy...Oh, and P.S. While writing this post, Drunk Girl by Something Corporate has been playing. Guess I can name one more of their songs after all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMwI1DlZpyY

Rock Like a Christian

I think it only fitting that my initial post be religiously themed. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Christian Rock. Brandon Heath is pretty good. His music has some great messages, but also has a bump to it that makes you want to be a better person. Let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1ZgtCRO-KY

Other Brandon Heath songs you should check out:

Give Me Your Eyes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY

No Not One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61GT6J01vxM

In the beginning...

In the beginning, God created man. Then He created music. Tune in to The Mark of Dane for my latest musical musings and come share your own.