What I'm Listening to This Month: April

Hello there! I made it just in the nick of time with my 2nd playlist for the month. I'm discovering that Spotify doesn't always have some of the songs integral to my list...so I have had to skip or replace some songs. (Two songs excluded that you should definitely check out: Blow by Beyonce and Stay With Me by Sam Smith). Otherwise I have a mixed bag for you this month: 

Playlist

April Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 5/ Sing by Ed Sheeran

This song doesn't really sound anything like the Ed Sheeran I'm familiar with. It's more upbeat and reminds me of Justin Timberlake's Justified days- which is why I think I like it so much! I guess I've just been on a JT kick lately (if you didn't already notice that I have TWO songs on this playlist alone!).  I always thought Ed Sheeran was a talented vocalist and his new single is showing a whole other side to him.

- Track 9/ Bruises by Chairlift

I don't recall where I found this song, but I really like the contrast between the "black and blue" lyrics and peppy beat. Chairlift is like Rilo Kiley's kid sister, and add in a male-female duet and something about strawberries, and I'm sold.

- Track 17/ Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter

Similarly to the previous song highlighted, I like most things where strawberries are involved. In the search for songs to add to my western playlist, I found Deana Carter and was drawn in by the title. This is a good one for reminiscing about your first love in high school-- and make sure to break out the Arbor Mist.

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Whinny for a Western

Howdy Ya'll! My playlists are comin' to ya a little late this month, and I apologize for that. This month has been a busy one for the music therapist side of me: some ups and downs at work, including leading an in-service drum circle for my coworkers! Phew, glad that went pretty well!

One of my coworkers also had a Western-themed party and I was inspired to create her a playlist with party tunes and some of my favorite classic country songs. I've modified the playlist here to include more country songs. (Because I know thats what you've always wanted, MORE Country!) All that's missing is a pair of cowboy boots:

Playlist

Whinny for a Western

Highlights

- Track 3/ Honky Tonkin' by Hank Williams

You can't have a country playlist without Hank Williams, which is why I have included 2 of his songs for your listening pleasure. This song just makes me smile, and kind of reminds me of being drunk in a goofy dive bar. His voice even kind of hiccups, further convincing me that he probably had a good ole time in one of those Honky Tonks back in 1948.

- Track 12/ I Fall to Pieces by Patsy Cline

This song is one in a handful of songs that are dearest to my heart. I sang this song every week for a patient I would meet with during my internship at the Veteran's Home in Napa Valley. He was a mountain man, friend to raccoons, and stubborn as hell. He liked country music, so I learned a couple classics, and this one became our song. Only Patsy Cline can make the toughest of men cry.

- Track 14/ Bright Sunny South by Alison Krauss and Union Station

I love Alison Krauss's voice: There are only a couple of singers in this world whose voices can completely calm me down on a horrible stress-filled day, and hers is one of them. (This list also includes Eva Cassidy and Sonya Kitchell.) I got turned on to her by my dad, but also got into Union Station after watching Oh Brother Where Art Thou. Even if you're not that into bluegrass, picturing George Clooney as the lead singer just makes it even more appealing!

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook