HAPPINESS IS...

Song Love - "Vacation" By Connie Francis

Due to the nature of this blog, it may seem like my life is sunshine and roses 24-7, but like everyone else, I have down days. During a particular dark mood the other day, Hal was trying to cheer me up in the car. But nothing seemed to help... until "Vacation" came on the 60's and 70's radio station.

Something about the song just made us giggle. The cheesy nostalgic lyrics. The overly chipper vibe. Maybe it was how Connie Francis falls off the notes at the end of each phrase. I'm not sure what it is, but any song that turns a frown into side splitting laughter is a-okay!

Listening rules, when feeling blue:

1. Turn the volume up;
2. Pretend you're a teenager in 1962.
3. Bop your head;
4. Sing and spell along;
5. Feel good again!

{Image via Viewliner Ltd}

Song Love: "Tip Of My Tongue" by The Civil Wars

Wow, it's been quite some time since I've done a Song Love. Let's change that. I came across the The Civil Wars' song, "Tip of my Tongue", on a random YouTube video and I was so enthralled by what I heard, I don't even remember what I watched. There aren't enough duets in the world. Especially sweet little ditties like this.

Joy Williams and John Paul White's voices blend so well together. For being a country-folk duo, their soulful jazzy sound is pleasantly surprising. And the lyrics? Lovely. I should have made them into a lyrimage.

Listening rules:

1. Press play;
2. Turn the volume up;
3. Listen carefully to the lyrics;
4. Imagine singing it with your love.

{Image via The Civil Wars}

Song Love: "Quelqu'un M'a Dit" By Carla Bruni

I'm a late discoverer of Carla Bruni's music. You may have heard "Quelqu'un M'a Dit" from 500 Days of Summer. This song is from her debut self-titled album from 2002, six years before becoming the "First Lady of France" and marrying the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy.

Formally an Italian supermodel, I'm extremely impressed with her singing and songwriting talents. I don't speak French, but I don't think I need to know what she's saying. Her intimate vocals and soft bluesy folk guitar arrangements say it all.

Listening rules:

1. Turn the volume up;
2. Close your eyes;
3. Float away.

{Image via Amazon}

Song Love: "Cosmic Love" by Florence + The Machine

I'm sure you've heard "Cosmic Love" before, but I can't. stop. playing it. It's the latest single (and my favorite tune) from Florence + The Machine's album, Lungs. She somehow channels Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane. The song is powerful. And will literally transport you to another universe.

Listening rules:

1. Click the play button below;
2. If you want to be blown away, wear headphones;
3. Turn volume up loud;
4. If you're in an emotional state, be prepared to cry!

COSMIC LOVE

{Image by Luminatii}

Song Love: "Stole My Heart" by Little & Ashley

If you've watched TV at all in the past month or so, I'm sure you've heard this sweet little ditty by Little & Ashley. Their song, "Stole My Heart" plays over this adorable stop animation commercial for Amazon Kindle. I finally researched who it was and discovered that the songwriting duo, Annie Little and Marcus Ashley, had won an Amazon commercial contest. Dang, I would have entered myself if I had known about it!  :)

Listening rules:

1. Click the play button below;
2. Turn speaker volume up loud;
3. Listen when you need a mood boost;
4. Or when you're doing chores around the house;
5. Enjoy and beware...you'll be humming it all day.

STOLE MY HEART

P.S. Amazon is giving the MP3 away for FREE!


{Image by Max Wanger}

Song Love: "Everyday is a Holiday" by Esthero

Have you heard this song, my loves?  If not, listen up. It will make you happy. I promise. Singer-songwriter, Esthero, has majorly influenced me vocally as an artist. She is a little bit jazz, a little bit pop, a little bit soul/hip hop. "Everyday is a Holiday" is extra awesome because it features Sean Lennon.

Here are your listening rules:

1. Headphones on - makes everything sound better!
2. Volume up loud - this does too.
3. Go outside, whether it's sunny, windy or rainy.
4. Start skipping, dancing, or twirling.
5. Don't be embarrassed about doing #4.
6. Enjoy.

{Image via Le Journal de la Photographie}

Song Love: "Jericho" by Weekend Players

Some of you asked me to continue Song Love (yay!) so I'm bringing it back. "Jericho" is by no means new, but it's a goodie. Off the Pursuit of Happiness album, it's another tune I can never get enough of. Weekend Players is an electronic duo from England. Pop-jazz singer, Rachel Foster, used to sing for Groove Armada.

This song is mellow, sensuous, moody and encompassing.

Listening rules:

1. Put on your headphones;
2. Sip some tea (morning) or vino (evening);
3. Close your eyes;
4. Think of your love (or fantasy love);
5. Enjoy.

{Image by Leave Me The White}

Song Love: "Black & Gold" by Sam Sparrow

When I first heard "Black & Gold" by Sam Sparrow, I pretty much played it on repeat for days at a time. You know when you get so obsessed with a song you can't get enough? Last night, I revisited it after maybe a year. And it hooked me again. The beat just pulsates through your body. Sam's voice (you'd swear he's a brotha) is so rich and soulful. The music video does not do it justice.

If you haven't heard it, please take 4 minutes and 34 seconds of your day to listen to Black & Gold. A few rules: 

1. Headphones are mandatory;
2. Turn volume up loud;
3. Close your eyes;
4. Enjoy.

P.S. I'm thinking about making "Song Love" a regular series. Yes, no?

{Image via F*ck Yeah The Universe}