Show Your (Pride) Colors

"As progress spreads from State to State, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect -- our Nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, we celebrate victories that have affirmed freedom and fairness, and we recommit ourselves to completing the work that remains."- Presidential Proclamation -- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2014

In honor of Pride Month and all of the Pride celebrations going on in different cities all over the country, I wanted to create a playlist of some of my most colorful songs. As a proud Ally, the rainbow is an important symbol for me, and thus sparked my idea for this month's collection of songs. Although this one is a shorter playlist, you will find a song for each color of the original rainbow flag! Did you know each color symbolizes a different meaning? A little history lesson for you:

hot pink: sexuality

red: life

orange: healing

yellow: sunlight

green: nature

turquoise: magic/art

indigo/blue: serenity/harmony

violet: spirit

The flag itself symbolizes pride and diversity, which should be celebrated! See? Even Obama thinks so:

"I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people." - President Barack Obama

Playlist

Show Your (Pride) Colors

Highlights

- Track 3/ You Make Me Sick by Pink

My view on prejudice and the fact that gay marriage is even an issue is expressed in the title of this song. Also, I'm pretty sure Pink feels the same way. I don't know about you, but this song reminds me of Save the Last Dance- I mean, you really can't beat a teen movie with ballet and Sean Patrick Thomas. 

- Track 10/ Your Every Color by Train

You probably haven't heard very much Train pre-Soul Sister, except for maybe Drops of Jupiter- but they were putting out some great music (more than) 10 years ago! My teenage self was groovin' to this album My Private Nation, Starsailor's Silence is Easy, and The Rocket Summer's Calendar Days for my poprock fix.

- Track 12/ (Can This Be) The End of the Rainbow by Judy Garland

I did not include her iconic song, and opted for an Ingrid Michaelson cover instead, but thought this one was a nice way end to the playlist. Judy Garland's is one of those voices I could listen to endlessly, and personally I think hers is representative of the classic warbling style of her time. 

Thanks for listening (colorfully)!

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What I'm Listening to This Month: May 2014

I'm late! I went on vacation this last week for my sister's graduation and to visit my brother in DC- so here's the post I was supposed put up at least a couple days ago... (Whoops!)

It's gonna be May! Am I the only one that pictures the meme of Justin Timberlake's face? I might be a little late, but I'm still cracking up about it. Unfortunately I did not include any JT this time, and I've been on more of an alternative kick. Check it out:

Playlist

May Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 4/ Cool Kids by Echosmith

I don't know much about Echosmith, but I find myself bobbing along whenever this chorus hits the radio. Lately I've been listening to more of 98.7 for my alternative rock... KROQ just isn't the same anymore, unless you're listening to Loveline (those of you who grew up in LA know!). I like to think of this song as a soundtrack to my teenage patients' lives: all of them cite bullying as a stressor and  I think we all have times where we wish we were cooler. Plus, I always love a good breathy alternative female vocal. 

- Track 11/ Addicted to You by Avicii

I am obsessed with the vocals on this track! Avicii has been pulling in some awesome featured musicians, and this is probably my favorite collaboration. Her name is Audra Mae, and her soulful approach to the hook absolutely makes the song. I also adore this track because it combines some hints of Beatles' influence in the intro/verse and then becomes more of an 80s dance club anthem.

- Track 17/ Home by Johnnyswim

Going back to my singer songwriter roots, I always find myself digging male-female duets: some of my all time favorite artists or tracks have this dynamic, from Civil Wars to Swell Season. This duo is actually a married couple, and there is a sweet balance in their singing that I imagine only comes with such a relationship. It's really all about the man's voice and his genuine expression of emotions in the words he is singing. This song makes me imagine a knee-slapping, foot-tapping, back-porch kickback with old friends. Hopefully there's some fresh squeezed lemonade waiting when I get there. 

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook