My Gift is My Song

As my final "required" entry, I wondered what to write about. I could do a complete over view of what I have discussed over the course of this blog, but that would be boring. I could introduce a brand new artist that would entice all of my avid readers to come back and check up on things. Or perhaps just ramble about life lessons I have learned from being apart of this blog. However, all of those things are boring and not in the least bit interesting.
So, seeing that it is almost December and Christmas is right around the corner, I can't help but think of how Christmas has changed throughout my years. When I was a little girl, as most kids do, could hardly sleep in the anticipation of all the presents Santa would bring me. Although I still enjoy receiving gifts and giving gifts, the older I get, the more I realize how little gifts actually have to do with Christmas. My family is so important to me, and the time I get to spend with them during this holiday season is a time that I cherish and look forward to, even more that the baby doll dentist chair I got when I was four.
My family is very musical and, most of the time, when we get together some form of singing occurs. Even if it is "Happy Birthday" we usually have four part harmony. Music enhances life to its greatest potential. Without it our lives would truly be missing out on life's greatest gifts! I'm reminded of the song "Your Song" from the movie Moulin Rouge. "My gift is my song, and this one's for you." Give a gift of a song this year. Write a song, give a song, or a whole album to someone you love. Spread Christmas cheer and love to all this holiday season!

Girl Power! Peace!

With the come-back tour of the Spice Girls and Posh on every magazine cover, lately I drift back to those middle school days of "girl power" "peace" and "wanna be." Sometimes you just need a little "Girl Power" for a boost in this man-driven world. Sure, we give the guys opportunities to accompany us, but it is only to make them feel better about themselves. Look out fellas...us girls aren't going anywhere and we have voices that will be impossible to ignore!

Taylor Swift "Our Song"

High school senior and country ingenue Taylor Swift has created a lot of buzz this year. Not only because she has had a number one album and two hit singles under her belt before her 18th birthday but also because she wrote or co-wrote every song on her debut album. Third single from the set, "Our Song", finds Taylor getting reassurance from her significant other that they don't need a particular tune to call their own: "...Our song is the way you laugh/The first date..." "man, I didn't kiss her, and I should have..." Heavy on the fiddle and banjo "Our Song" showcases Taylor's ability to bang out country hits with her pen as well as her voice.

Rihanna featuring Ne-Yo "Hate That I Love You"

Sometimes it only takes one spin of a song to know that its destined to be a hit. Such is the case with the third single from Rihanna's stellar album "Good Girl Gone Bad." With the assistance of R & B's singer/songwriter of the moment Ne-Yo, we are given a fun and catchy melody to sing along with. "And I hate how much I love you boy/I can't stand how much I need you/And I hate how much I love you boy/But I just can't let you go/And I hate that I love you so." A chorus that sticks with you long after the song has ended "Hate That I Love You" is mid-tempo ballad of excellence.

Kid A

With the semester coming to a close and stress reaching its all time high, I find comfort in music. When I study I like to have music on in the background. My study mix usually consists of some mild, familiar music then topping off with some instrumental. Here are some options for study music and hopefully will help everyone make the A+ we all strive for.

John Mayer has a smooth, soulful, sultry voice that touches the soul. My top picks for study music: "Gravity" "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" and "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" from his "Continuum" album; "New Deep" and "Kid A" from his "Heavier Things" album; "City Love" and "St. Patrick's Day" from his "Room Full of Squares" album.

Nickel Creek has enormous talent ranging from Chris Thile's unmatched mandolin playing to Sara Watkins amazing fiddle playing and topped off with Sean Watkins incredible guitar strumming. Top picks for study music: "Speak," "This Side," "Sabra Girl," and "Brand New Sidewalk" from their "This Side" album; "Doubting Thomas" from their "Why Should the Fire Die" album.

Noah Jones. If you are not aware of her talent, voice, and incredible way to fill your heart and soul with love then you need to immediately buy her albums- all of them. Top Picks for study music: "One Flight Down," "Nightingale," "The Long Day is Over," and "The Nearness of You" from her "Come Away with Me" album and "Humble Me" from her "Feels Like Home" album.

Now for the instrumental. I have many albums I could choose from that would suffice for the instrumental section of the study music album, but only one would be perfect. The "Finding Neverland" soundtrack is hands down the best album for studying. Not only is it all instrumental, but every track tells a story. If you have not seen the film then you are truly missing out. However, even if you have not seen the movie you will be able to fall into a fairyland world which is perfect for sparking creativity.

Just Say the Words

More than almost anything, I love going to concerts. Concerts with huge, big name bands, concerts with small, little known artists, all of the above, I am always in for a good concert. Something about the energy of the performer and the way the music seems to take over your thoughts and mind just pleases my soul. I am lucky to be able to go to two concerts this week. Dave Barnes/Matt Wertz featuring Gabe Dixon Band in Birmingham, AL and Josh Kelley here in Nashville. Barnes and Wertz (and Gab Dixon) are on their "Two Birds/One Stone" tour. Gabe Dixon is known for his amazing piano skills and incredible lyrics. Barnes and Wertz are two crazy guys who kill the guitar. They have been friends for many years and decided to collaborate their talents and hit the road. They play in Nashville December 1. That is a show you do not want to miss. Josh Kelley, who is engaged to Kathrine Heigl(Gray's Anatomy), has been in the acoustic rock scene for some time now. His new album "Just say the word" is a final goodbye to his past lover reassuring they will always have love and friendship between them but it is time to move forward. He is playing at Exit/In this Saturday (10th) opening up for

Nothing Left to Lose

Here are some of my favorite songs in very different genres.

Sugarland "Settlin'"

The hits keep coming from country duo Sugarland. Jennifer Nettles delivers another signature performance with the follow-up to the country smash "Want To." Channeling the right amount of twang and honesty with her vocal she makes you believe she is reaching for the top. She says to "raise the bar high" and we have no reason to doubt her after 3 minutes and 27 seconds of country gold.

Gwen Stefani w/ Akon "The Sweet Escape"

Gwen gets back to the business of making fun and memorable music that made her first album a smash. The quirky sound of this single is the closest she has come to paying homage to her No Doubt days. However, Akon's high pitched chanting throughout the song may prove to be the scene stealer.

Mat Kearney "Nothing Left to Lose"

Nashville based Mat Kearney makes a strong debut on the pop scene with his single from the album of the same name. Taking you on a journey with his lyrics you can appreciate his song writing ability and talent. His gamble payed off with a solid song that stands out among the guy and his guitar genre.