Song of the Day: Ready or Not (by After 7)

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Arleigh

Like I tend to do with a special holiday coming around the corner I do a themed series of posts. This time it will be a new ballad for “Song of the Day” until Valentine’s Day arrives on the 14th. What better way to begin this romance-themed of songs than choosing a classic ballad from my high school days: “Ready or Not” by After 7.

This song comes from the R&B group After 7 and their self-titled debut album from 1989. “Ready or Not” was released as a single in 1990 and quickly became a staple of most R&B and urban contemporary radio stations. It also became a favorite ballad to be played during high school dances especially winter balls and proms (at least in the Bay Area). It was difficult not to like this ballad once one heard it. The late 80’s was a major era for the rebirth of Motown-infused R&B groups and After 7 was one of the better ones to make themselves known during this era.

“Ready or Not” was a very earnest sounding ballad and spoke to the romantic heart of those who listened to it both old and young. I think one reason why high school teens and young adults liked this song (and continue to do even as these same people are now in their 30’s and 40’s) is now it vocalized just exactly what their thoughts were when it came to their significant others. It didn’t just vocalize it, but did so in the most heartfelt way that some people today might call too sugary.

I, for one, still cling to the thought that this song represents romance in it’s most honest form. There’s barely a hint of cynicism in the lyrics and one could believe that Keith Mitchell and Kevon Edmonds (the two out of the trio in the group who sing solos in the song) also believed what they were singing about. They believed in the lyrics not as a way to manipulate their audience the way R&B singers of this current era do now.

“Ready or Not” will continue to be one of those songs which remains a favorite to this day and also one that helps me think back to the good days of my high school days.

Ready or Not

I’ll give the sun
The Rain
The Moon
The Stars and The Mountains
I’ll give you the world
And all that you wish for
And even more
Girl I love you more than you could know
And that’s for sure
I’d climb the highest hill
Cross the widest sea
Nothin could discourage me
And I pray that you will be
Always there for me
Forever more

Ready or not**
I’ll give you everything
and more
All that I’ve got–it’s yours
I’ll give you everything
All that you’re looking for

I’ll give you my heart
My soul
my time
My love is a fountain
I will be your earth
And all that you need for
and even more
Cause girl I love you more than words can show

My love is pure
I’ll walk a thousand miles
Sail a thousand seas
Nothin will discourage me
And I pray that you will be
Always there for me
Forever more

(Repeat Chorus** 3x)

Song of the Day: Rivers and Roads (by The Head and The Heart)

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Arleigh

[spoilers]

One of my favorite show has ended this past Friday night. Those who have read my previous “Song of the Day” entry would know that the show I speak of is the spy-comedy series Chuck on NBC. This latest “Song of the Day” entry uses the song which plays during one of the most romantic and heartbreaking scenes to end the series. It’s an ending left ambiguous and allows for the viewer to decide if things work out for the best. The song is The Head and The Heart’s song, “Rivers and Roads”.

Some background info as to why this song has become a favorite of pretty much every Chuck fan. The two characters this plays for is the title character Chuck Bartowski who becomes a spy by accident in the beginning of the series. Sarah Walker (played by the lovely Yvonne Strahovski) is sent to become Chuck’s handler until he could get he spuer-secret Intersect spy database out of his brain or manages to use it well. Throughout the five season of the series these two characters have a “will they or won’t they” fall for each other. They finally do end up falling in love with each other midway through season 3 and even get married. Season 5 (which ended up being it’s last) had a major development in the last couple episodes where Sarah loses her memory of the five years she spent with Chuck and reverts back to pre-Chuck days. So, the wife Chuck married doesn’t remember their special moments together.

The series finale shows Chuck and Sarah back at the beach which ended the pilot episode with Chuck expressing his love once again to the woman he still loves even if she doesn’t remember those times. Throughout the episode we get glimpses that Sarah may be slowly remembering tidbits from their time together but not enough. This final scene has Chuck saying that his best friend in the show saying that one kiss from Chuck with Sarah will magically unlock those memories once again. It’s that final line uttered by Sarah and the two kissing with “Rivers and Roads” playing in the background and the show fading to back which made this episode so heartbreaking an, for many, hopeful that the magical kiss is successful.

I’d like to remember this scene as following the Disney magic that one kiss will unlock those memories. The song by The Head and The Heart is such a perfect accompaniment to this scene and as every fan of the show will probably do is go out and buy this album. This tv romance between Chuck and Sarah was one of the best ever on TV and I, for one, am glad I was able to witness it grow and develop through those 5 seasons on NBC.

Rivers and Roads

A year from now we’ll all be gone
All our friends will move away
And they’re goin’ to better places
But our friends will be gone away

Nothin’ is as it has been
And I miss your face like hell
And I guess it’s just as well
But I miss your face like hell

Been talkin’ ’bout the way things change
And my family lives in a different state
If you don’t know what to make of this
Then we will not relate
So if you don’t know what to make of this
Then we will not relate

Rivers and roads
Rivers and roads
Rivers till I reach you
Rivers and roads
Rivers and roads
Rivers till I reach you
Rivers and roads
Rivers and roads
Rivers till I reach you
Rivers and roads
Rivers and roads
Rivers till I reach you
Rivers and roads
Rivers and roads
Rivers till I reach you
Rivers and roads
Rivers and roads
Rivers till I reach you
Rivers and roads
Rivers and roads
Rivers till I reach you
Rivers and roads
Rivers and roads
Rivers till I reach you
Rivers and roads
Rivers and roads
Rivers till I reach you…

Song of the Day: Take On Me (by A-Ha)

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Arleigh

Tonight marked the end of one of my favorite TV shows. It was the little spy-comedy show that could. The show powered through the last three seasons of less and less episodes with the threat of cancellation always above. The show I’m talking about is Chuck and to say that my tv world is a little less awesome now that the series finally ended tonight with it’s 2-hour series finale would be an understatement.

This series finale also brought back to my attention a song from my youth that has always been a guilty pleasure that’s become used as a joke or cynically deconstructed by hipsters in this day and age. This series brought back A-Ha’s “Take On Me” as covered by the show’s resident disturbingly hilarious musical duo, Jeffster. Instead of using it as a joke or something for people to laugh at the show used the song in a way that fit the bittersweet feeling fans over the show’s final moments.

I will forever remember this song as one of the many awesome songs which became part of Chuck.

Take On Me

We’re talking away
I don’t know what
I’m to say I’ll say it anyway
Today’s another day to find you
Shying away
I’ll be coming for your love, OK?

Take on me, take me on
I’ll be gone
In a day or two

So needless to say
I’m odds and ends
But that’s me stumbling away
Slowly learning that life is OK.
Say after me
It’s no better to be safe than sorry

Take on me, take me on
I’ll be gone
In a day or two

Oh the things that you say
Is it life or
Just a play my worries away
You’re all the things I’ve got to
remember
You’re shying away
I’ll be coming for you anyway

Take on me, take me on
I’ll be gone
In a day or two

Song of the Day: Song of the Dragonborn from Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (by Jeremy Soule)

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Arleigh

The latest “Song of the Day” comes from my latest obsession that should take up much free time I have when not blogging or working. It’s the main theme from the latest entry in the Elder Scrolls rpg franchise from Bethesda, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The theme has been unofficially called “Song of the Dragonborn” and I’m more than fine with that unofficial title.

“Song of the Dragonborn” was written and composed by this franchise’s longtime music composer in Jeremy Soule. He has done the orchestral score in this series’ previous two titles and this latest one looks to continue the quality work he’s done in the past. The song is a combination of Wagnerian-style orchestral music with the martial chanting by the male chorus. The chorus itself is from the fictional language of the Nord (the Viking like race in the game) created just for this game.

All I can say is that this song has been on constant repeat since I started playing this game and it’s such a great backdrop to slaying people and things in the game with my Nord Warrior, Berek Thunderfist.

Song of the Dragonborn

(Chorus)

Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin, naal ok zin los vahriin,

Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal!

Ahrk fin norok paal graan fod nust hon zindro zaan,

Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal!

Huzrah nu, kul do od, wah aan bok lingrah vod,

Ahrk fin tey, boziik fun, do fin gein!

Wo lost fron wah ney dov, ahrk fin reyliik do jul,

Voth aan suleyk wah ronit faal krein!

Ahrk fin zul, rok drey kod, nau tol morokei frod,

Rul lot Taazokaan motaad voth kein!

Sahrot Thu’um, med aan tuz, vey zeim hokoron pah,

Ol fin Dovahkiin komeyt ok rein!

(Chorus)

Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin, naal ok zin los vahriin,

Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal!

Ahrk fin norok paal graan fod nust hon zindro zaan,

Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal!

Ahrk fin Kel lost prodah, do ved viing ko fin krah,

Tol fod zeymah win kein meyz fundein!

Alduin, feyn do jun, kruziik vokun staadnau,

Voth aan bahlok wah diivon fin lein!

Nuz aan sul, fent alok, fod fin vul dovah nok,

Fen kos nahlot mahfaeraak ahrk ruz!

Paaz Keizaal fen kos stin nol bein Alduin jot,

Dovahkiin kos fin saviik do muz!

(Chorus)

Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin, naal ok zin los vahriin,

Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal!

Ahrk fin norok paal graan fodnust vok zin dro zaan,

Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal!

* * * * *

(Chorus)

Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn,

To keep evil forever at bay!

And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout,

Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!

Hearken now, sons of snow, to an age, long ago,

And the tale, boldly told, of the one!

Who was kin to both wyrm, and the races of man,

With a power to rival the sun!

And the voice, he did wield, on that glorious field,

When great Tamriel shuddered with war!

Mighty Thu’um, like a blade, cut through enemies all,

As the Dragonborn issued his roar!

(Chorus)

Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn,

To keep evil forever at bay!

And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout,

Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!

And the Scrolls have foretold, of black wings in the cold,

That when brothers wage war come unfurled!

Alduin, Bane of Kings, ancient shadow unbound,

With a hunger to swallow the world!

But a day, shall arise, when the dark dragon’s lies,

Will be silenced forever and then!

Fair Skyrim will be free from foul Alduin’s maw,

Dragonborn be the savior of men!

(Chorus)

Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn,

To keep evil forever at bay!

And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout,

Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!

Song of the Day: Lisa Says (by Lou Reed)

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Arleigh

In honor of Lisa Day the latest “Song of the Day” definitely fits the Lisa-theme chosen for today.

“Lisa Says” was originally released in 1969 by the rock band Velvet Underground. The song got another release in 1972 as part of Lou Reed’s (who was part of Velvet Underground) solo debut album in 1972. The song definitely has a slow, bluesy sound which is barely above the level that would make it a ballad. Instead it ends up sounding like a Valentine card to all Lisa’s everywhere.

Without further ado…“Lisa Says”.

Lisa Says

Lisa says, on a night like this
it’d be so nice, if you gave me a great big kiss
And Lisa says, honey, for just one little smile
I’ll sing and play for you for the longest while

Lisa says
Lisa says
Lisa says, oh, no
Lisa says

Lisa says, honey, you must think –
– I’m some kind of California fool
the way you treat me just like some kind of tool
Lisa says, hey baby, if you stick your tongue in my ear
then the scene around here will become very clear

Lisa says, oh no
Lisa says, hey, don’t you be a little baby
Lisa says, oh, no
Lisa says

Hey, if you’re looking for a good time Charlie
well, that’s not really what I am
You know, some good time Charlie
always out, having his fun

But if you’re looking for some good, good lovin’
then sit yourself right over here
You know that those good, those good times
they just seem to pass me by, just like pie in the sky

And Lisa says, on a night like this
it’d be so nice if you gave me a great big kiss
And Lisa says, hey baby, for just one little smile
I’ll sing and play for you for the longest while
let me hear you now

Lisa says, oh, no, no
Lisa says, hey, don’t you be a little baby
Lisa says, oh, no
Lisa says

Why am I so shy
Why am I so shy, Gee, you know those
good good times, they just seem to pass me by
Why am I so shy

First time I saw you I was talking to myself
I said, hey, you got such pretty, pretty eyes
(that pretty eyes)

Now that you’re next to me I just get so upset
And Lisa, will you tell me, why am I so shy

Why am I so shy
Why am I so shy, well, you know that those
good, good times, they just seem to pass me by
Why am I so shy

And Lisa says, on a night like this
it’d be so nice if you gave me a great big kiss
And Lisa says, honey, for just one little smile
I’ll sing and play for you for the longest while

Lisa says, oh, no, now
Lisa says, hey don’t you be a little baby
Lisa says, oh, no
Lisa says

Song of the Day: Princes of the Universe (by Queen)

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Arleigh

The latest “Song of the Day” is from one of the biggest bands of the 70’s and 80’s. When one spoke about epic arena-style rock concerts then one couldn’t say anything unless they mentioned Queen. If there was ever a song which fully sold me on Queen it was the song they produced for the 80’s fantasy action film Highlander.

“Princes of the Universe” remains one of the best fantasy anthems. Part of why it’s so great is part Freddie Mercury’s performance and part how it perfectly fits the sword-and-fantasy film it was made for. It’s really difficult to watch anything Highlander and not have this song to be in the forefront. In fact, I would say that the song has aged much better than the franchise that gave birth to it.

Princes of the Universe

Here we are, born to be kings
We’re the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting to survive
In a world with the darkest powers, heh
And here we are, we’re the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting for survival
We’ve come to be the rulers of you all

I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings – yeah – yeah
I have no rival, no man can be my equal
Take me to the future of you all

Born to be kings, princes of the universe
Fighting and free
Got your world in my hand
I’m here for your love and I’ll make my stand
We were born to be princes of the universe

No man could understand
My power is in my own hand
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, people talk about you
People say you’ve had your day
I’m a man that will go far
Fly the moon and reach for the stars
With my sword and head held high
Got to pass the test first time – yeah
I know that people talk about me – I hear it every day
But I can prove them wrong ‘cos I’m right first time
Yeah, yeah, alright, let’s go, let’s go, ha haa
Yeah, watch this man fly, wooh
Bring on the girls – c’mon – c’mon – c’mon
Here we are – here we are
Born to be kings, we’re the princes of the universe
Here we belong
Born to be kings, princes of the universe
Fighting and free, got your world in my hand
I’m here for your love and I’ll make my stand
We were born to be princes of the universe of the universe of the universe
Of the universe of the universe

Song of the Day: Live and Let Die (by Paul McCartney and Wings)

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Arleigh

Lisa Marie recently wrote up her very unique review of the James Bond film Live and Let Die and I’ve decided to use that review as the springboard for the latest “Song of the Day” entry. It’s easy enough to figure out that the latest choice is the similarly titled song from the film by Paul McCartney: “Live and Let Die”.

This song remains one of the most recognizable songs made specifically for a film. Most songs that become part of a film’s appeal tend to be pre-existing licensed songs and music. Live and Let Die would be the first James Bond film that would introduce Roger Moore as the British superspy and 007 agent. The song itself, written by Paul McCartney and his wife Linda, would become even more popular than the film through the years.

While the song has been covered by many bands and groups through the years it would be the cover by Guns N’ Roses in 1991 as part of their Use Your Illusion I album that many consider the best cover. I consider both favorite songs of mine, but I must pick McCartney’s original over the GnR cover by the smallest of margins.

Live and Let Die

When you were young
and your heart was an open book
You used to say live and let live
you know you did
you know you did
you know you did
But if this ever changin’ world
in which we live in
Makes you give in and cry
Say live and let die
Live and let die

What does it matter to ya
When ya got a job to do
Ya got to do it well
You got to give the other fella hell

You used to say live and let live
you know you did
you know you did
you know you did
But if this ever changin’ world
in which we live in
Makes you give in and cry
Say live and let die
Live and let die

Song of the Day: Angel of Mine (by Monica)

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Arleigh

The latest “Song of the Day” is old-school for many. Seems anything that was released and played after the year 2000 people consider old-school now. For me this song is a more recent old-school. It’s only 13 years since it first played the radio waves. My choice is the ballad “Angel of Mine” by R&B singer Monica.

While this song was released in 1998 as one of the singles for Monica’s This Boy Is Mine album it definitely sounds like a much older R&B ballad from the late 80’s and early 90’s which I consider the true old-school. While it does have some of the more technical gloss which R&B albums began to show in the late 90’s and onward (which in my opinion hasn’t been to its benefit) the singing by Monica and the sweet-natured romantic lyrics brings to mind R&B acts like En Vogue from my high school days.

This song also happens to be the bridge for me and probably many others of my generation when young romance began to give way to mature romance as we all entered out late 20’s and with the big 3-0 just around the corner. The lyrics speaks of finding true love but it also didn’t have that juvenile, puppy love feel to it.

“Angel of Mine” marked one of the last few true R&B ballads which focused on love and romance instead of physical love (looking at you Chris Brown and Ne-Yo). They sure don’t make them like this anymore.

Angel of Mine

When I first saw you I already knew
There was something inside of you
Something I thought that I would never find
Angel of mine

I looked at you, lookin’ at me
Now I know why they say the best things are free
I’m gonna love you boy you are so fine
Angel of mine

How you changed my world, you’ll never know
I’m different now, you helped me grow
You came into my life sent from above
When I lost all hope you showed me love
I’m checkin’ for you boy you’re right on time
Angel of mine

Nothing means more to me than what we share
No one in this whole world can ever compare
Last night the way you moved is still on my mind
Angel of mine

What you mean to me, you’ll never know
Deep inside I need to show
You came into my life sent from above
(Sent from above)

When I lost all hope, you showed me love
(Boy you showered me love)
I’m checkin’ for you, boy you’re right on time
[ From : http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/monica-lyrics/angel-of-mine-lyrics.html ]
(Right on time)
Angel of mine
(Angel of mine)

I’ll never knew I could feel each moment
As if it were new
Every breath that I take, the love that we make
I only share it with you
(You, you, you, you)

When I first saw you I already knew
There was something inside of you
Something I thought that I would never find
Angel of mine

You came into my life sent from above
(Came into my life)
When I lost all hope you showed me love
(Boy you showed me love)
I’m shakin’ for you, boy you’re right on time
(But boy your right on time)
Angel of mine
(Angel of mine, oh mine)

How you changed my world, you’ll never know
I’m different now, you helped me grow

I look at you, lookin’ at me
Now I know why they say the best things are free
I’m checkin’ for you, boy you’re right on time
Angel of mine

Song of the Day: Nightcall (by Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx)

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Arleigh

The latest “Song of the Day” choice is the other song used in the film Drive which made quite an impression on while I watched the film. It’s the 2010 electro house track “Nightcall” from a similarly titled EP from electro house artist Kavinsky.

“Nightcall” was the song chosen by Drive filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn and it’s film composer Cliff Martinez to begin the film. The choice of this song was pretty much a perfect one as it made for a great intro to the film. The song plays as the film introduces us to the lead character (played by Ryan Gosling) as he drives down the late-night streets and alleys of Los Angeles. The song’s 80’s sound gives the film an almost old-school drama feel to it. For anyone who grew up in the 1980’s this song definitely would sound familiar as it style was used many times over to score many action-dramas.

With “A Real Hero” this song helps bookend song-wise one of the more interesting and, in my opinion, one of the best films of 2011.

Nightcall

I’m giving you a night call to tell you how I feel
I want to drive you through the night, down the hills
I’m gonna tell you something you don’t want to hear
I’m gonna show you where it’s dark, but have no fear

There something inside you
It’s hard to explain
They’re talking about you boy
But you’re still the same

There something inside you
Its hard to explain
They’re talking about you boy
But you’re still the same

There something inside you
It’s hard to explain
They’re talking about you boy
But you’re still the same

There something inside you (there something inside you)
It’s hard to explain (it’s hard to explain )
They’re talking about you boy (they’re talking about you boy)
But you’re still the same

Song of the Day: A Real Hero (by College feat. Electric Youth)

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Arleigh

For the latest “Song of the Day” I only had one choice in mind. No other song has wormed it’s way into my waking consciousness than the song I chose. It’s the 80’s-like synth-pop song “A Real Hero” by the band College feat. Electric Youth.

To say that Nicolas Winding Refn’s first Hollywood film (though still quite modestly budgeted) was something that stuck to me would be an understatement. One of the factors which just made the film one of the best films of 2011 has to be the 80’s retro synthpop soundtrack by Cliff Martinez and some perfectly chosen licensed songs. The one song which definitely has become a favorite and also one which has stuck itself in my mind since I saw the film is “A Real Hero” which we fully hear in the end of the film and into the end credits (the song get a brief appearance in the middle of the film).

This song perfectly encapsulates the restrained love story between the characters played by Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. It explores the dynamic between The Kid (Gosling’s role) and Irene the young mother (Mulligan’s role) as heard through the song’s sparse lyrics which intersperse itself between the electronic synth keyboard play. It’s inclusion in two spots in the film adds different meanings to the song. The first time we hear it the song adds a soft layer of old-school romanticism to Gosling and Mulligan’s characters, but when we finally hear it in full in the end that romanticism takes on an ambiguous tone with just a tinge of bittersweet to the romance.

There’s another song from the Drive soundtrack which also made quite an impact not just in the film’s overall quality but in me as a listener and an audience. That would be explored in a day or so.