Playlist Part I

As I sit here typing on my very old, very slow laptop I have my earbuds in and my iPod going at full blast.  I always feel like I can concentrate better, and do everything better, if I am listening to music at the same time.  I'm not sure why that it is, but it's always been true.  My parents were always confused how I could study Algebra in high school with Motley Crue cranked full blast on my stereo.  I always just told them "don't fight it people, just go with it."  I just feel like my life needs a soundtrack, and I've always had one.  From LP records, to 8 track tapes, cassettes, cds, and finally to MP3s, I've always made sure that I had my favorite music on hand.  Everything also reminds me of music.  Someone could say to me that they're taking care of business and suddenly Bachman Turner Overdrive pops into my head and I might start humming.  I used to partly embarrass/partly amuse my mother when we would go grocery shopping because I could sing along to just about every song they played on the overhead speakers whether it was Barry Manilow, The Supremes, or Madonna.  I must know the words to hundreds of thousands of songs.  I know songs in French, Spanish, Italian, and German.  Yes, I'm a freak.

What I'm getting at is that there are so many songs that have shaped my life or taken part of some scene in my life that they have become intrinsic to these events.  If I tried to discuss all of them this blog would be more like a book so I'm just going to touch on a few for now and write about the rest as the mood hits me, hence the reason this is Part I.

"Irvine" by Kelly Clarkson
     I don't care what anyone says about Kelly Clarkson, she is the best vocalist to ever have come out of American Idol and she will always be my favorite winner.  Kelly has many great songs and I feel that her album My December was unfairly judged by critics and fans due to all of the controversy that stemmed from Kelly's disagreement with Clive Davis.  In any event, this album contains the single "Irvine" which strikes a very resonant chord with me.  It's about reaching the end of your rope and asking God if he's still paying attention and for a little help.  I know where she's coming from.  I sometimes can't hear this song without crying. 

I know you're busy, I know I'm just one
But you might be the only one who sees me
The only one to save me
Why is it so hard?
Why can't you just take me?

That's exactly how I feel when I get into my depressive moods.  EXACTLY.

"Hurt" by Christine Aguilera
     This is another song that makes me bawl like a baby.  I heard it shortly after my Mother's death and it seemed like it was written for or by me.

There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again
Sometimes I wanna call ya
But I know you won't be there

Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just wanna hide 'cause it's you I miss
And it's so hard to say goodbye
When it comes to this, oooh yeah
Would you tell me I was wrong?
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?

There's nothing I wouldn't do
To have just one more chance
To look into your eyes
And see you looking back

I'm sure Christina or whomever wrote this song is talking about a break-up of some kind, but you can see how I could interpret the words to fit my situation. 

Just in case you think I'm having a dark day my next song is a lot cheerier...

Oye Como Va - Santana
     This song brings back so many childhood memories.  It's really just the same couple of lines over and over, and I was really little when it came out, but I just remember riding around in my cousin's red Malibu car with the little red fabric balls that hung off of the top of the interior, wearing a hooded, red sweatshirt that had a "Chicano Power" patch on the sleeve and being happy.  For the life of me I can't remember if the car belonged to David, Alex, or Michael (my cousins, brothers to each other), but I'm pretty sure all of them were there.  The three of them, along with my cousins Joe and Robert, instilled in me a pride in my Mexican heritage that I've carried with me all my life.  I don't know if I could ever thank them enough for that.

I think I'm going to do one more song and then call it a day.

Waiting for a Girl Like You - Foreigner
     Don't ask me why, but this is one of my favorite songs of all time.  I just like the idea of a guy who has been waiting for his dream girl and has finally found her.  I just think it's romantic, and I've always wanted to be that girl.  It hasn't happened yet, but fingers crossed.

Okay, I've embarrassed myself enough for one day, although it's not like anyone is even reading this besides myself, but I still have fun writing it.  Also, if you're not familiar with these songs, check them out.  They are great, and "Irvine" has the bonus song "Chivas" attached to it which is HILARIOUS.  My favorite part?  When she says:

I take the Chivas instead.
Over Your Bed
It wasn't even good,
Trust me
I must have been so, so, so, so lonely
You are crap, yeah

Kelly can be kind of bitter at times, but she always entertains!