Summer Jams

Here are a few songs on "repeat" on my playlist. I hope you enjoy them. They are fun to cruise around with the windows down in this summer heat!

All Saints!

Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
Words: John A. L. Ri­ley
Music: Lasst Uns Er­freu­en, (Ger­ma­ny, 1623); har­mo­ny by Ralph Vaughan Wil­liams, 1906
Played by Healey Willan (1880-1968), on the organ of St Mary Magdalene, Toronto

Latest Discovery for the iPod: The Music of Audrey Assad

I fell upon this talented Catholic singer courtesy of Modestia blog. She's a twenty-seven year old convert from Protestantism and she has a gorgeous voice! Read her conversion story here and a great interview here. Also, check out her latest album The House You're Building and this youtube video where she explains her inspiration of the title track. I'm hooked.

Safe Travels Jules!

Julian is driving cross country right now (and I, for one, am SO jealous!). Here's a little tune to help her on the way. (It is my personal favorite driving song!)

Our lady of the highways, pray for us!

Road Trip Soundtrack

Next week I'll be driving west to Denver to help a friend move. I've already learned how to drive a stick shift car, so now I'm moving onto the less practical, but more fun, task of creating several soundtracks for various parts of our journey. I've divided the music into three categories: 1) "Fist pump" music/first leg; 2) "Mellow/the middle of the country is very flat"; and 3) "We're sleepy and need some R&B hits."

The first category is very easy for me. I have 7 hours worth of songs right now, ranging from CCR to Springsteen to The Killers to Regina Spektor. Safe to say, the first leg of our journey is going to be incredibly fun.

The second category is a little more difficult for me. I have some Rosie Thomas, Ingrid Michaelson, Nickel Creek, and some music from a dear colleague (which, by the way, you should all check out!), but I could use suggestions. Agatha has worn me down enough to accept bluegrass suggestions. Really Agatha, this is a triumph.

The third leg is proving to be even more difficult! Don't get me wrong; I do enjoy the beats of hip hop and R&B. But I also want songs with decent lyrics. Beyonce is proving to be about 75% helpful, but I'm still seriously lacking in selection. I think this is a serious problem though, since this genre of music is so influential on culture. Look, I know this isn't a new hypothesis or anything, but I really do think we could use some of these amazing beats paired with better lyrics. It's time, people. Anyway, suggestions are welcome.

For the Girl With a Guy on Her Mind's iPod: Madeleine Peyroux

I don't know if you love jazz as much as we sisters do, but if you have a man on your mind, whether real, ideal, or nowhere near, cozy up and have a listen:

On the iPod

I love Imogen Heap and the band Frou Frou. I have been loving the song, Hear Me Out, from Frou Frou's Details album. It's not a workout song, but it is more of a posh dinner or cocktail party song. Here's the recording of the song from youtube and lyrics - enjoy!



I join the queue on your answer phone
And all I am is holding breath
Just pick up I know you're there
Can't you hear?
I'm not myself

Go ahead, enlighten me
You could say anything
Small talk will be just fine
Your voice is everything
We owe it to love
And it all depends on you

So listen up
The sun hasn't set
(I refuse to believe that it's only me feeling)
Just hear me out
I'm not over you yet
(It’s love on the line, can you handle it?)

So how do I do normal?
A smile I fake
the permenant wave of
cue-cards and fix-it kits
Can't you tell?
I'm not myself

I'm a slow motion accident
Lost in coffee rings and fingerprints
I don't wanna feel anything but I do
And it all comes back to you

So listen up
"This" sun hasn't set
(I refuse to believe that it's only me feeling)
Just hear me out
I'm not over you yet
(It’s love on the line, can you handle it?)

So listen up
Look at me straight
Just hear me out
Don't make me wait
I'm not myself
I can't take this
Love's on the line
Is that your final answer?

I join the queue on your answer phone
And all I am is holding breath
Just pick up, I know you're there...

So listen up
"This" sun hasn't set
(I refuse to believe that it's only me feeling)
Just hear me out
I'm not over you yet
(It’s love on the line, can you handle it?)

Why I Like Glee

I confess: I've become a Glee Groupie. I originally began watching it to see what the big fuss was when my students would come in on Wednesday mornings chatting about the previous night's episode. However, what started out as research became a really fun-filled hour on Tuesday nights. I love musicals, and I love music from all different eras and genres. This show has it all. I also think Glee does a really good job tackling important issues (most particularly their regular stories about persons with disabilities and anxiety disorders like OCD). I'll be really happy if they continue to explore the many dimensions of their lead characters. Oh, and the cast does all of its own singing, which is pretty cool.

Above all, I have to say, I love the character of Sue Sylvester. She is downright hysterical in her meanness...not because it's okay to say the things she does, but because she is so over-the-top that she makes me giggle. But even Sue has many layers, no doubt not all of them exposed yet. Jane Lynch does an amazing job playing her.

If you don't watch it, I say give it a shot. If nothing else, you'll be singing along to a song or two that you forgot you loved so much!

For the iPod: Death by Chocolate by Sia

The title of this song caught my eye first, since anyone who knows me for about 30 seconds has a run down of my almost inordinate desire for chocolate. Then I realized how much it pertains to my particular emotional sensibility at this time in life, and I liked it even more. And it relates to something most people can relate to, namely, the experience of feeling broken-hearted. the lyrics are simple and a little witty. I'd recommend Sia's music in general; she has a very unique sound to her music. So here it is - I don't think it's an official music video, but at least it plays the song. Enjoy!

href="">

Death by chocolate is myth
This I know because I lived
I've been around for broken hearts and how
Lay your head in my hands little girl
This is only right now

Death by crying doesn't exist, though
The headaches feel a bit like it
You might explode
But you reach the end of the road
And you, little tree
I'm certain you will grow

Tears on your pillow will dry and you will learn
Just how to love again
Oh my weeping willow
Let your leaves fall and return
Oh darling the seasons are your friend

Death by anger this is true
Just let him go he can't hurt you
Oh little girl this is such a cruel cruel world
This is the first, of a million broken hearts

Tears on your pillow will dry and you will learn
Just how to love again
Oh my weeping willow
Let your leaves fall and return
Oh darling the seasons are your friend

Oh it won't be long you will grow strong
Up up and away

He's but a falling leaf, he's but a falling leaf, he's but a falling leaf

Guillame Dufay "Inclita Stella Maris"

Lent Fail

I fail at lent.

It's only been nine days and I've already messed up my resolutions about 50 times. Including missing mass on both wednesday and thursday. SO, to cheer myself up a bit--and refocus on the season at hand--here's a beautiful meditation sung by Anonymous 4



It is, I think, a responsory dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Probably, technically, it belongs in the Christmas season, but it's haunting harmonies a quiet pace calm the heart and call us all to attention.

Boy Wanted (by the Gershwins)

A funny take on the idea of a list describing your perfect mate (from the Gershwin musical A Dangerous Maid and made popular by an Ella Fitzgerald recording).

I've just finished writing an advertisement
Calling for a boy.
No half-hearted Romeo or flirt is meant;
That's the kind I'd not employ.
Though anybody interested can apply,
He must know a thing or two to qualify.
For instance:

He must be able to dance.
He must make life a romance.
I said a boy wanted,
One who can smile;
Boy wanted, lovable style.

He must know how to say "Yes!"
When I look at a new dress.
Oh, I'll be ready when the right one calls,
And I'll start vamping him until he falls;
Yes, if he proves to be the right little laddie,
I'll make him glad he answered my ad.

He must like musical shows,
And he must wear snappy clothes.
Yes, that is my story,
And to it I'll stick;
No glory
In having a hick.

He needn't be such a saint,
But, Oh! he dassent say 'ain't.'
I don't care if his bankroll totals naught,
For we can live on love and food for thought.
If he's a scholar, when I see him I'll holler,
My lad, I'm glad you answered my ad!'

For the Playlist

I, too, wanted to have a profound post ready to go. However, it's been a really long week at work (i.e. I thought it was Friday on Tuesday). So, here's a song from one of my new favorite bands Lady Antebellum. I think they are fabulous! Their song out right now is called "Need You Now," which I love, but I especially wanted to share this song called "Hello World." Enjoy!

Love Songs

Here is some monday morning silliness. Because Mondays are hard. Also, because I have been thinking a lot about weddings since EDITH AND PETER ARE GETTING MARRIED IN ELEVEN DAYS!!!!! If I ever do get married, I would like very much to have "The More I See You" as my first dance. That is, if Mr. X likes it too...

The most well known recording these days is Michael Bublé's (and it is quite dance-worthy). But there are plenty of other recordings, some really stunning. And, though it isn't really danceable, for pure jazz sophistication, check out this stunning version by Sarah Vaughan.


Nat King Cole croons it well.


Frank Sinatra really rocks it.


Chet Bakers is a little whiny.


And Julie London's is sultry and entrancing.


The more I see you,
The more I want you.
Somehow this feeling
Just grows and grows.
With every sigh I become more mad about you,
More lost without you,
And so it goes.
Can you imagine
How much I'll love you
The more I see you
As years go by?
I know the only one for me can only be you.
My arms won't free you;
My heart won't try.

Carols

Hey Girls! Sorry for the late posting--I ended up having to help around the house all day in prep for a family lunch.

Tomorrow we'll be posting our new year's resolutions; today I'd like to keep in mind that Christmas is not over--indeed it is only about half-way through. We still have 3 days in the Octave of Christmas, and another 6 days till Epiphany. So, for your listening pleasure, here are some Christmas Carols, from many centuries and all over the world:













This last, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree seems fitting for us sisters:

The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit and always green:
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the apple tree.

His beauty doth all things excel:
By faith I know, but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought:
I missed of all; but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

I'm weary with my former toil,
Here I will sit and rest awhile:
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

(Also, aren't all those choir boys SOOOOO cute with their white frocks and ruffles!)

I Know That My Redeemer Liveth

Julian and I went as saw The Messiah last night, and the aria "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" really struck me, as a Magdalene sister. It is always sung by a Soprano, so I suppose it could be Mary Magdalene singing it. Anyway, that's who I heard sing it. It was lovely.

Here it is, a version from 1956, that isn't nimble enough for my tastes, but it's the best I could find quickly:

Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Every year, around the feast of the Immaculate Conception, I try to find 45 minutes to sit down and listen to the entire Vespro della Beata Vergine 1610(or "Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary") which he composed in 1610 for St. Mark's in Venice.

I haven't had time to listen to them yet this year, but I wanted to share with you this, "Dixit Dominus," which is one of my favorite psalms of the Vespers service. It is Psalm 110.

Also really amazing is the tenor aria, Nigra Sum, which is taken from the Song of Songs:

While We're At It

So, Michael Bublé has a new album out (Crazy Love). And on that album there is a song that is so overwhelmingly POP that it just makes my head spin. But--is it the peppy beat? the piano and solo voice bridge? those soaring backround singers? the idea of floating on a bed through a confetti strewn supermarket with Mr. Bublé?--I feel compelled to post it here for my fellow single sisters.



Personally (with a thanksgiving break just around the corner), I'm more in the mood to sing this (even if the music video is rather riduculous):

For the Single Lady's Playlist

I was driving to work yesterday and was too tired to articulate my own prayers, so I turned on the Christian radio station. This song came on, and it really expressed my feelings about my single vocation right now. I hope it serves as some inspiration!

More for the Playlist

I feel like the resident music reviewer! I just downloaded the most recent (although about a year-old) album from Snow Patrol called A Hundred Million Suns, and I highly recommend it! I love Snow Patrol for their instrumental versatility, lyrics, and ability to put me in a good yet always-reflective mood. I think they are the perfect soundtrack for any road trip. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. You can tell why giving up music during Lent is a really difficult thing for me!