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Not music, but my thoughts about life

And Just Forget the World

Today was an exciting day, as I got my braces off! The single most exciting day in my adolescent career. Well, not really, but it was awesome none the less.

While the metal in my mouth was being yanked out, my one source to distract me from the agony was the radio. My orthodontist's office usually plays Mix 22, which is a channel on Satellite Radio. Today, the theme seemed to be Snow Patrol. Personally, I own their entire album. But my favorites are Chasing Cars (duh) and You Are All I Have. The first song I love because it's relaxing and sweet. The second one has a very Twilight-esque vibe, for those of you who have read the books. I don't know why, but it always reminds me Edward. And no, while I read the series, I'm not an over obsessed fan-girl ;)...well not anymore haha.

Well, today is the official last day of this blog project, which I started for my journalism class. However, I enjoy it, and I will definitely continue posting (though not quite as often as I did when it was graded!). I realized that blogging is a LOT of fun, because it's an outlet to express your thoughts for the world. So, with that said, Keep listening.

braces no more =]

"There is a darkness deep in you, a frightening magic I cling to."
--You Are All I Have

Tell Me, Did You Sail Across the Sun?

Drops of Jupiter by Train.

An old song. My new obsession. I love the lyrics and the melody and everything about it. But right now, it's 10 pm on a Friday night and I just came back from a Karate tournament. So, basically I'm tired. But check it out if you've never heard it; I know you'll love it.

Keep listening.

"Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken?
Your best friend always sticking up for you even when I know youre wrong
Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phone
Conversation
The best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me"
--Drops of Jupiter

Maybe You're Gonna be the One who Saves Me

Wonderwall. I decided to blog about this song because I finally mastered it on the guitar (thanks Evan for suggesting it)! Actually, I learned it last month, but I have it almost perfected now: Read as "I can get through the whole song without my fingers falling off. There are two versions of this song, one by Ryan Adams and the original by Oasis. So the first time I heard this song, I thought to myself What exactly is a wonderwall? I had never heard the term before, so I turned to the always reliable (ha ha) Urban Dictionary. What I found was this:

Aww! That's pretty cute! Then I read elsewhere that the song was based off a movie about a guy spying on a girl through a h0le in his wall. Ok, well, I liked the first version better. More romantic and less creeper-ish.

But anyways, why post Wonderwall? Aside from it being a great song that has a sweet meaning (well, depends on which way you look at it), this song has a personal significance to me. It was one of the first songs I learned how to play all the way through on the guitar. Everytime I hear this song, I think of the ages I had to spend practicing it to get the strumming pattern down and how proud I was when I finally achieved it. And that's why I love it.

Keep listening.

PS- I posted my attempt to play Wonderwall at the end of this video. It's not very good (actually, its pretty bad) but since the post was all about me learning to play it, I thought it would be fitting for me to post it. There are a ton of mistakes, but this was the best version I could get since my camera kept cutting off. Please, please keep in mind that I haven't even been playing half a year, so I'm FAR from pro. In a year, we can talk. :P Just kidding, but anyways, enjoy!

"So maybe, you're gonna be the one who saves me. After all, you're my wonderwall."
--Wonderwall

Makes me Want to Dance

Best Years of Our Lives. That's always what they say about high school, isn't it? Sometimes, it sure doesn't feel like it. When we're so stressed we can barely function normally. When we bomb a test that's worth 10% of our grade. When the world comes crashing down around us, and there's nothing that we can do to stop it. Yeah, I think most of us have felt it.

But today, with my iPod on shuffle mode, Best Years of Our Lives by the Baha Men came on. Man, that song brought back memories. I think the first time I heard it was during our 6th grade Spring Sing when the 7th and 8th grade harmonics group sang it (definitely a pleasant contrast to Hey Jude and the collection of Les Miserables song our grade was forced to sing.)

I wasn't even aware that I still had that song on my iTunes. But listening to it, I felt hopeful. Best years of our lives. Best years of our lives. And now I remember why they say high school is the best years of our lives. When else during your life are you young enough that everything (new romance, specifically. At least that's what the song is about) is so exciting that you literally want to get up and dance? And yet you are old enough to appreciate the significance, and you know that you should treasure it and enjoy what's happening while it's happening.

Keep listening.

"I get such a thrill when I look in your eyes. My heart skips a beat, oh I feel so alive."
--Best Years of Our Lives

We're Fated to Pretend

The first time I heard Time to Pretend by MGMT was during the opening credits of the movie 21 (a great film, by the way). There's no other word for it, this song is unique. The first time I heard it, I admit the grating background music did give me a headache. But after some time, the song (and the band) grew on me. When I looked for the YouTube clip to link my post too, I noticed one user commented that this song was "amazing! ...poignancy and a kickass beat" Those simple words, in my opinion, summarize MGMT's biggest hit better than I could've said it.

"I'll miss the playgrounds and the animals and digging up worms
I'll miss the comfort of my mother and the weight of the world
I'll miss my sister, miss my father, miss my dog and my home
Yeah, I'll miss the boredom and the freedom and the time spent alone."
--Time to Pretend

This song is dedicated to Priyanka Sharma, who is my movie buddy for life and was with me first time I heard this song

The Heart of Life

This song is dedicated to my awesome period one newspaper class, since this has been the most frequently played song as of late =]

Out of all of John Mayer's legendary songs, this one is my favorite. I love the lyrics so much that I'm actually going to post them here. It's simple, down to earth, and honest. This post is short, and I'll let the song speak for itself.

The Heart of Life by John Mayer

I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There's things you need to hear
So turn off your tears and listen

Pain throws you heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way, it should
But I know the heart of life is good

You know it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then the circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way, it should
But I know the heart of life is good

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood
But I know the heart of life is good

I know it's good

Keep Listening.

Throw it Away, Forget Yesterday

Boys Like Girls. This band defines my taste in music throughout my teenage years. Ever since the first time I heard The Great Escape in 7th Grade, I was hooked. What's not to like about this fresh group who epitomizes alternative music? Although some of their songs sound the same, there are a few that definitely stand out. Thunder, Heels Over Head, and 5 Minutes to Midnight are by far my favorite. I love the fact that their lyrics can range being young, crazy and just loving life to a heartfelt love song that makes you smile every time you listen to it. BLG brings back memories of karaoke at 8th grade graduation (we OWNED :D), endless summer days, and the feeling of being young and On Top of the World (which, admittedly, is another title of one of their songs). The downfall? They haven't released a new album in ages. But I'm sure when they do, it'll (hopefully!) be just as amazing as their first one.

Keep listening.


Singing "The Great Escape" at the top of our lungs during graduation =]

"You're a chance taker, heart breaker, got me wrapped around your finger"
--Heels Over Head

I Think You're Fine, You Really Blow My Mind

A blast from the past! Today, I was digging through old CDs and I found my Radio Disney CD from the 4th grade. Intrigued, I loaded it onto my laptop and hit play. I laughed as I remembered all the fun times I had with my friends listening and dancing to bad teen pop music. However, one song stuck out in particular. Hey Juliet by LMNT. Like most songs, I had a total phase with that track and then after a few months grew tired of it and never listened to it again. But even though five years had gone by since the last time I listened to that song, I found that I still knew all the lyrics by heart. And aside from remembering the lyrics, I also had a major flashback from my long-forgotten elementary school life, something that only the cheesy pop song could bring back to me.

And the moral of the story is....actually well there is no moral. It's just that music has an effect and sometimes, it can take you back to a specific time and place. To me, that was my elementary school days. How about you?

Keep listening.

"Hey Juliet, I think you're fine, you really blow my mind. Maybe, someday, you and me can run away."

Facebook Games Are Fun =D

I got this game from a Facebook note, and it seemed like fun so I thought I would share it here! My comments on each one are in blue. Enjoy =]

IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE? 1. Open your library (iTunes, iPod, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc) 2. Put it on shuffle 3. Press play 4. For every question, type the song that's playing 5. When you go to a new question, press the next button 6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...
Here's mine:

Opening Credits: These Words (I Love You) -Natasha Bedingfield
Hmm...

Waking Up: Put Your Records On-Corrine Bailey Rae

First Day At School: Freeze (feat. Chris Brown)- T-Pain
Um, not true. Haha.
Falling In Love: Anything I'm Not-Lenka

Fight Song: Living on a Prayer-Bon Jovi
Breaking Up: Beautiful- Akon, Coldby O' Donis, and Kardinal Offishal
Wow. That's an epic fail. :P

Prom: Fuzzy Blue Lights-Owl City

Life: Addicted-Saving Abel
That can't be good...but it may be true
Mental Breakdown: You're Not Sorry-Taylor Swift
I guess that kind of works...

Driving: Who Knows?-Natasha Bedingfield
YES 100% true

Flashback: Very Loud-Shout Out Louds
Getting back together: This is Your Life-The Killers

Wedding: Just Dance-Lady Gaga

Birth of Child: Universe&You- KT Tunstall

Final Battle: Hello Seattle-Owl City
Death Scene: Clumsy-Fergie
Oh my. But knowing me, that will probably end up being true.
Funeral Song: Yellow-Coldplay
End Credits: Shake It-Metro Station
Yay :)

Haha that was fun. Not the usual music appreciation, song review type post but it's cool to see which one's match and which ones don't. Try it out! Keep listening.

a butterfly =]
"I'm in like with you, not in love with you quite yet. My heart's beginning to slightly over rule my head"--Who Knows? by Natasha Bedingfield

Well I was Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

Jack Johnson. Man I love his music. As soon as I get good on guitar (yes, I'm learning to play!!), I will master all of his songs =] My favorite song by this talented, Hawaiian born singer is a toss up between Sitting, Waiting, Wishing and Banana Pancakes. Both have awesome lyrics and a relaxed beachy vibe that always makes me relax. Also check out Upside Down, from one of his earlier albums (it was on the Curious George movie soundtrack). Keep listening.

PS-I'll also post some pictures I take with some of my posts, so check those out too :)And I'll also add a quote from one of the songs I reviewed to the bottom of the page.

photo credit: me!
a very jack johnson esque vibe, dont you think?
"I want to turn the whole thing upside down. I'll find the things they say just can't be found. I'll share this love I find with everyone. We'll sing and dance to mother nature's song."
--Upside Down

Soundtrack to My Life

So basically what I've been doing so far on this blog is reviewing songs, telling you what's good for your iPod, and other things of the similar nature. But today I was thinking. This blog is called Soundtrack to Your Life. So why don't I share the soundtrack to MY life? Everybody has some songs that you listen to and feel like the song writer was in your head and knew exactly how you were feeling. So I'll share the top ten songs that describe my awesomely exciting fabulous life (haha kidding) and I'll tell you why.

The Playlist of Blue Headphones

1. Fifteen-Taylor Swift. The ultimate description of being a high school student, completely confused, curious about life, and feeling like you know everything even if you...don't.
2. With a Little Help from My Friends- Jim Sturgess&Joe Anderson (From the Across the Universe Soundtrack). Because obviously, life is a little bit brighter and more exciting with my friends by my side :)
3. Dark Blue-Jack's Mannquin. That one, I mentioned in an earlier post, but just to recap it has something to do with the sensation of being lonely and not letting life bring you down.
4. Heels Over Head-Boys Like Girls. =]
   
5. How to Save a Life-The Fray. I've been in way too many fights with my friends (although we always make up in the end) but this song is always the one I play on repeat when I'm feeling down.
   
6. The Middle-Jimmy Eats World. "It just takes some time/Little girl you're in the middle of the ride/Everything, everything will be just fine/Everything, everything will be alright." Enough said. My personal pump up song.
   
7. Woah Oh! (Me vs. Everyone)-Forever the Sickest Kids. A crazy song about crazy situations. The story of my life.
8. (You Want to) Make a Memory-Bon Jovi. An absolutely beautiful song with absolutely beautiful lyrics about, well, creating memories with those you love most.
9. Time After Time-Quietdrive. I have your back and you have mine. Forever =D
   
10. Who Knows?-Natasha Bedingfield. Another song about confusion. I have a lot of those. I think that means I'm a confused person

Well, there you have it. A look not only into my taste in music, but into my life. What songs describe your life? Comment and share!

PS-Sorry these songs aren't linked to the original. I'll put the links up soon, but for now if you want to hear them, check them out on iTunes or Youtube :)

photo credit: moi!
my first artistic photo, a major milestone in my life that i thought was worthy of sharing here =]

New Layout

So...I was getting bored of the old one and thought this looked better =]
The lyrics in the title are from the song Soundtrack to Your Life by Ashley Parker Angel

Blue Headphone's content will stay relatively the same too.
Keep listening

Have You Ever Been Alone in a Crowded Room?

While I racked my brain on what song to put on my next blog entry, this morning in Newspaper class inspiration hit me. As usual, music was playing from the stereo when Dark Blue by Jack's Mannequin came on. Honestly, I've heard this song a few times, but today I actually listened to the lyrics and was surprised--I really liked them. "This night's the perfect shade of dark blue/Have you ever been alone in a crowded room?/Well I'm here with you/ I said the world could be burning dark blue."

Huh. I think most people can relate to the feeling of feeling alone even with people all around. Well, at least I definitely could. And the song goes on to talk about how not to let life overwhelm you and appreciate the little. But that's just what it means to me. Lyrics can mean anything to anybody. Sometimes, what makes music good is being able to relate to and enjoy the lyrics, and letting them mean whatever you want them to mean to you.

So that's the moral of the story. Listen to songs like Dark Blue or whatever you can relate to and enjoy. Mix it up. Keep listening.

It's a Bittersweet Symphony

Released in the 1990s, Bittersweet Symphony is the British Rock Band The Verve's biggest hit. The lead singer Richard Ashcroft wrote this song about a somber look at everyday life (songfacts.com). The violins and profound lyrics create a mesmerizing combination that grips you and makes you think each time you listen to it. Also by The Verve, check out Love is Noise from their most recent album, released August 2008. While not as good as Bittersweet Symphony, it's still a decent song.

Nostalgia

Instead of the usual music review, I decided to take a series of photographs to express my thoughts. Why don't we use CDs anymore? Sure, buying an album off iTunes is more convenient, but isn't it nice to hold something tangible, something real? Throughout the years, my family has acquired a number of CDs, so I decided to share a few pictures. Enjoy!

The top of the rack


As much of the collection I could fit into my camera lens



Close up...John Mayer&Snow Patrol CDs contrasted with ethnic music

That's all for now.
Keep listening.

Lenka

The pop style songs (similar to those of Regina Spektor and Yael Naim) of this former Australian television actress have been slowly but steadily spreading. Lenka is most famous for her song The Show which has been used in advertisements (such as the one for Old Navy) and has been featured in television shows as well. But other songs on her self-titled album that are not as popular are just as good. My personal favorites (besides The Show) are Don't Let Me Fall and Knock Knock.

The Academy Is...

For those of you who like alternative music, here's a band to follow. The Academy Is... was started in Chicago in 2004. Since then, they have released 3 albums- Almost Here, Santi, and Fast Times at Barrington High. Check out Slow Down from Almost Here and Summer Hair=Forever Young and About a Girl from Fast Times.With their young sound and catchy lyrics, this band will have you singing along in no time.

Nick&Norah's Infinite Playlist

Usually, movie soundtracks have average songs that while fun to listen to, never make it onto your iPod. But one movie that I saw (non-musical) has made me reconsider. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings, follows the story of two teens and a crazy night in New York City. While the movie was good, the soundtrack was even better. The music style is far from mainstream (it's a rather Juno-esque style, actually), which adds to the charm of each one. Songs include Lover by Devendra Banhart, How to Say Goodbye by Paul Tiernan, Ottoman by Vampire Weekend, and many more.Look for the full album on iTunes.

Owl City

A few months ago, I was introduced by a friend to a band called Owl City. While their music isn't very popular yet, their techno-pop sound is the perfect feel good music, the kind you can just kick back and listen to when you're having a bad day. The best songs on their album "Maybe I'm Dreaming" include Rainbow Veins, Dear Vienna, and Captains and Cruise Ships .Along with their music, Owl City's lyrics are unique, even if they don't have Top 10 potential just yet. Check them out!

Mr. A-Z

Jason Mraz...a name so many people have become familiar with. Ever since his hit single I'm Yours in 2008, people have been crowding into his concerts. But while his newer songs are widely listened to, I believe his older music is definitely a fresh sound that I really enjoy. Check out his songs Wordplay and Geek in the Pink

Enjoy =]

Music Makes the People Come Together

...or so claims Madonna.

Music has a different role in different peoples' lives. Some use it to relax, others work out to it, others feel inspired. But a lot of people fall into the rut of listening to the same old tunes time after time, or just listen to the top 10 on iTunes. That's why this site is different. From oldies to today, from rap to country, every day a new song will be posted here. Just to add a little variety into your playlist. All you have to do is listen. ♪