Rains, Sprains & Acts of God
It seems that everyone I know is a little stressed out, overwhelmed and/or wiped out as of late. DC has been bombarded by earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados; the rain won't stop, the economy shows little signs of improvement and the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 is upon us ... sometimes it's all just too much. I'm at the point of throwing up my hands this week as well with a fourth flood at my office and a sprained/fractured ankle to boot. It's hard to stay positive when life keeps throwing you curve balls. It got me thinking about another bad stretch a couple of years ago and how I found my silver lining - I wrote a post about the power of music and it really helped my out of my funk. Here's hoping to better times ahead for my friends, colleagues and readers. This too shall pass ... Umm, sooner than later puh-leeze!
Find Your Anthem - January 2010
2009 dealt out a lot of heartbreak to a lot of people. And since the answers to our problems are often hazy at best, sometimes the most we can hope for is a little enlightenment. Nothing moves me like music. A really great song can raise your heartbeat and your spirits. So as we step into 2010, let’s lift our heads and turn up the music. It’s time to turn this !@%$#% thing around!
- WHAT YOU WAITING FOR? -
Even a rock star like my girl Gwen can get held-up by her fears. This track from her debut album spoke to me when I was nervous about taking the next step in my career. It was the adrenalin push I needed to get on with it already!
- HUSTLE AND FLOW (IT AINT OVER) -
So you’re not a pimp from Memphis. If you’re feeling stuck, lost or left behind, you’ll find meaning in this song’s hook.
- I WILL SURVIVE -
A classic shout-out to all the ladies who are moving out and moving on!
- PRAISE YOU -
There are only four real lines in this song, but the title and chorus of Fatboy Slim’s track are so catchy, we don’t care. Who doesn’t want to hear the words “praise you” 25 times in a song?
- BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY -
Honest, aching lyrics strung into a beautiful melody by one of the coolest bands ever.
- YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE -
This song was released in the late 90s and directed at generation-Y, but would be an appropriate wake-up call for adult America in the new millennium.
- DREAM ON -
I remember this song blowing my mind when I was in grammar school. It still has meaning for me and Aerosmith still rocks 30 years later.
- LOSE YOURSELF -
The rhythm and momentum of this song raise your blood pressure and pull you into a specific moment. Anxiety, fear and hope are so tightly woven in both the music and lyrics of this song, it’s palpable. Brilliant.
- THAT’S LIFE -
Sinatra’s smooth crooning and upbeat tempo bring elegance to an otherwise melancholy song. Only the “chairman of the board” could pull the rug out from under you and leave you smiling.
* Favorite music sources: Pandora, itunes, Shazam and Metro Lyrics *