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