Wednesday, March 30, 2011

"Schindler's List Theme" John Williams

















Today I'm visiting a historical Holocaust site for the first time. I already know this song is going to be in my head as I imagine the atrocities that happened at Dachau.

"Schindler's List Theme" John Williams

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

"Edelweiss" The Sound of Music Cast

 
















 I decided to be spontaneous and took a day trip to from Munich to Salzburg, Austria. Much of TSOM was filmed in Salzburg and all of the sights put the musical's songs in my head. Edelweiss, especially, will always mean Austria to me.

"Edelweiss" The Sound of Music Cast

Monday, March 28, 2011

"Isoldes Liebstod, from Tristan und Isolde" Richard Wagner


















I learned today, and it was very apparent, that the elaborate Neuschwanstein Castle was dedicated by King Ludwig II to the composer Richard Wagner. Wagner's operas are depicted all over the castle, but Tristan und Isolde was the one chosen for Ludwig's bedroom. I imagine it's his favorite. I'm not sure Wagner's music would inspire me to build a castle, but it is admittedly very moving.

"Isoldes Liebstod, from Tristan und Isolde" Richard Wagner

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Saturday, March 26, 2011

"Black or White" Michael Jackson

 
















We listened to this song on the drive to the airport for me to leave South Africa. Apartheid's over, but SA could still learn some posthumous lessons from MJ.

"Black or White" Michael Jackson

Friday, March 25, 2011

"Barbra Streisand" Duck Sauce


















I find it comical that I think of the "Yentl" Barbra when I listen to this song. The "The Way We Were" Barbra might be a better pick.

"Barbra Streisand" Duck Sauce

Monday, March 21, 2011

"Takin' Back My Love" Enrique Iglesias


















This song was playing at the Bloukrans 162 meter bungy jump site right before I made my leap. Comically, I had no recollection that this was the song until I watched the after video. I guess my mind was a little preoccupied.
 
"Takin' Back My Love" Enrique Iglesias

Sunday, March 20, 2011

"Oh Happy Day" Ladysmith Black Mambazo


















Today I went to a church in the township, with singing and dancing at a level of exuberance I had never encountered. Amazing! This joyful gospel tune came to mind on my way out of the church.

"Oh Happy Day" Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Saturday, March 19, 2011

"I Wanna Know Now" MGMT vs. Bob Marley


Thanks to MS, another one of the volunteers, for playing this pretty awesome Xaphoon Jones remix for me.

"I Wanna Know Now" MGMT vs. Bob Marley

Friday, March 18, 2011

"Friday" Rebecca Black


















I'm sorry, I just really couldn't help myself. Chances are you have already heard/seen this brain rotter, but if not, do enjoy.

"Friday" Rebecca Black

Thursday, March 17, 2011

"Thando Iwam (Marry Me)" Bojo Mujo

 












I found this song while looking for a different one. The original song still escapes me, but this one works.

"Thando Iwam (Marry Me)" Bojo Mujo

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

"Meaning (Stripped)" Gavin DeGraw

















The two Emelie/Emily's and I have full out sang this song on multiple occasions. The rest of the house may not be so thrilled, but I love it.

"Meaning (Stripped)" Gavin DeGraw

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Saturday, March 12, 2011

"Dirty Laundry" Don Henley


















I've been wearing the same clothes for the past couple days while waiting for my laundry to be done. Monday can't arrive soon enough.

"Dirty Laundry" Don Henley

Friday, March 11, 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

"I Don't Feel Like Dancin' " Scissor Sisters

















This song made it into my iTunes library after a music swapping session with ES. Isn't music swapping the best?

"I Don't Feel Like Dancin' " Scissor Sisters

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

"Drive" Cars

 
















This song played while I was out with other volunteers and I had no choice but to sing along. My companions were simultaneously weirded out and impressed that I knew all of the words.

"Drive" Cars

Monday, March 7, 2011

"Air on a G String" Johann Sebastian Bach


















This song was used for meditation today when township children were preparing to draw and write about the monsters that haunt them. It was an emotional afternoon that will be a memory forever adhered to this classic(al tune).

"Air on a G String" Johann Sebastian Bach

Sunday, March 6, 2011

"I Can't Dance" Genesis


















I'm not sure how recently this actually happened, but I just read about Phil Collins' declaration of retirement. Here's a tribute to his legend.

"I Can't Dance" Genesis

Saturday, March 5, 2011

"Woman to Woman" Shirley Brown

















One of the project directors enjoys playing this song when were driving between locations. An assistant who we call Aysta (meaning iron man in Xhosa). Iron man indeed.

"Woman to Woman" Shirley Brown

Friday, March 4, 2011

Thursday, March 3, 2011

"End of the Road" Boyz II Men

 















The locals we work with at one of the volunteer projects put this song on repeat while we cleaned/organized a room for an hour. There are worse songs for such circumstances.

"End of the Road" Boyz II Men

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

"Circle of Life" The Lion King

 
















 ES, on of the other Americans in the volunteer house starts most mornings by walking out onto the deck, throwing open her arms, and belting the start of this song. It's perfect, really.

"Circle of Life" The Lion King

Tuesday, March 1, 2011