Music for the Soul

I like to think I’ve got pretty broad taste when it comes to music. I’m not a music snob by any stretch of the imagination (although even I try and hide the fact that, yes, I do like some of Mcfly’s songs, shhh). Usually though, if I like something, I like it and that’s it. Doesn’t mean I have to be a fan of everything the person or band does, I pick and choose what I like and move on.

But even I’m a bit surprised by this one:

How beautiful is this? The West Wing fans will recognise it from episode 7A WF 83429. I find it really affecting, maybe because of that episode, and what’s happening while it’s playing, but it’s just a stunning piece of music. And if you recognise the lady’s voice, it’s because she’s also responsible for the incredible score from Gladiator.

Anyway, just thought I’d force this on you all. It’s making my working day slightly more bearable.

Take It Easy Baby, Make It Last All Night

On my mp3 player, nicely settled back to back, I listen to men sing about the wonders that are American women. This got me to thinking, where are the songs about British women, huh? Are we not inspiring men to write songs about us? Are we not interesting enough, pretty enough, cool enough? Or have I just missed them?

The songs in question are Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, American Girl, and Counting Crows, American Girls. There’s also American Woman, which springs to mind, either by Lenny Kravitz or…someone else, depending on your preference (or age). And California Girls. A bit of a Google search shows there are lots more that are similar. For us, you can find some that have obscure references to London, but none spring immediately to mind when I try to think of them, there’s no rousing chorus hiding anywhere in my brain.

Adam Duritz’s American Girls are all weather and noise. Tom Petty’s were raised on promises. What would British Girls be? Would they make reference to our lack of sunlight, our pasty legs, and if written by an American they’d mention our bad teeth I’d bet, (which, sidebar, can’t we get over this now? We have dentists!) or possibly make mention of Cockney rhyming slang. Oh! They could talk about our love of tea! And biscuits. And…er…hmm, even I’m having trouble thinking of something worthwhile about us to stick in a rocking song, so maybe it’s no wonder there haven’t been any.

Did You Try Looking in the Sofa in Hell?

Songs that have been stuck in my head today:

Walk Like a Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Working my Way Back to You, because I’m going to see Jersey Boys. Lots of opportunity to go ‘Oooh oooh oooh’ etc. My work colleagues love me.

Fernando by Abba, because I realised I’d like to see Mamma Mia! And that is the best Abba song.

Play that Funky Music White Boy. I dunno why.

Hemorrhage by Fuel. I’m guessing because I’m thinking about what’s in my head and that’s part of the lyrics.

Don’t Stop Believing by Journey. On the MP3 player. Classic. As is REO Speedwagon’s Keep on Loving You…

OK, so for some people this must be like having your brain hijacked by a radio station from a hell dimension, but for me, it’s more than ok. I’m waiting for Cher to pop up next…