So. Here I am. 50. I’m not quite sure how I arrived here so quickly but I am grateful beyond measure to be celebrating this milestone. Some dear friends were not as fortunate. I’m thinking of them as I write this.
In years past, when I’d host birthday lunches or gatherings at my home, I’d create CDs as place cards / party favors. (Note: I haven’t hosted a lunch in many years so if you used to be invited and have been wondering if you’ve been dropped from the list: Nope! We’re not gathering without you, we’re just not gathering.)
I still like to compile songs, though, and this birthday seemed like a fine excuse to create a list of 50 tunes – but I sailed past 50 and then I couldn’t bear to trim the list (though I did nix some that I've included in past collections) and then I realized that I didn’t have to. Fifty would be expected and tidy but hey, I’m a sassy old lady now and I can do whatever the hell I want, so 58 it is! (I promise, however, to continue to look behind me before backing up in my car. One of my great-aunts abandoned that principle late in her life and the world was not better for it.)
Also, I had considered creating separate lists of tunes with vocals and instrumentals. I could have easily chosen 50 of each – I own a
lot of soundtracks – but once I let go of the need to hit 50 on the dot in either list, I figured I may as well just combine them. And so here we are.
All the songs have some form of meaning or connection for me and while you may not be inclined to know all the reasoning behind their selection, I’m going to write it all anyway. (I won’t know if you stop reading.) They’re presented in no particular order.
My deep and abiding love and thanks to everyone who has contributed to this symphony of a life, to date.
I am rich beyond measure because of you.
Hide And Seek — Howard Jones
In high school, as part of my theater arts class, everyone had to pick a song to sing a cappella. It was an exercise in maintaining our characters’ voices on stage. We sat in the auditorium on risers in front of the stage and Mr. Sweeney had each of us sing a bit of our chosen songs, then he’d point to folks to have them start singing as others sang and we’d do our best not to be influenced by the other songs. This was the song I chose. It seemed to fascinate him. He made me sing a lot of it. Solo. In a big, nearly empty auditorium. Apparently, doing so did not kill me.
Grand Central — Edward Shearmur
As mentioned above, I am a
sucker for soundtracks. Composers amaze me. Most of us can write with words and convey some emotion, on the page or in a song. Very few of us can write with only notes and accomplish the same ends. This track, in particular, awes me for the journey it takes.
The Woman In The Moon — Barbra Streisand
The soundtrack for Babs’s “A Star Is Born” was in heavy rotation in our house growing up. This track makes me cry. Every time. The hesitancy at the beginning of her performance, the strength she finds as she sings, and the sheer astonishment of her talent and her voice never fails to capture me.
Daybreak – Barry Manilow
I’ve written about this song before. One of the indelible images I have of me from my childhood is sitting on the couch with this double cover open on my lap like a book, looking at the pictures and listening to this song. Over. And over. And over. And over. (I had to get up and reposition the arm on the turntable each time, kids. There was no such thing as a button labeled Repeat.) The stereo was in the living room. The living room was adjacent to my brothers’ bedroom. As they did not fly out of their room on the umpteenth playing of this to lift the needle and tell me to stop, I can only presume that I listened when they weren’t home.
Come Sail Away — Styx
Speaking of my brothers, they’re quite a bit older than me, so while I was a single digit – yet channeling a middle-age woman with my Manilow worship – they were listening to bands like Styx. Dennis DeYoung can belt out a tune.
Sailing — Christopher Cross
Another album that was heavy rotation that I never stopped loving, pink flamingo and all. I’m glad to own it on CD. The Repeat function has been used.
Arc En Ciel — Acoustic Alchemy
I expect that the writer of a film is rarely the music supervisor of a film but as I’ve noodled with my screenplay over the years, I’ve been very clear in my head as to what music should be playing at certain points. This is very much a-dramatic-moment-has-played-out-and-a-montage-of-the-city-at-night-ensues-as-our-heroine-tries-to-cope music.
Gabriel’s Oboe — Ennio Morricone
In addition to creating the soundtrack for my would-be movie, I have also chosen music for my would-be wedding. Now, I don’t expect I’ll ever get married. If I do, I am quite sure it will not be in a church. But from the moment I first heard this, I knew it was the perfect music to which to walk down the aisle, especially if the church is very large, as the track is a couple minutes long. But it’s so lovely and dramatic. If brides aren’t already using it, they may want to consider it.
Nulla In Mundo Pax Sincera – Antonio Vivaldi / David Hirschfelder for the film “Shine”
This would be the recessional of my would-be wedding, not that I’m going to have a recessional. But if I were, this would be it. It hadn’t dawned on me until just a few days ago to look up the translation. I was amused to read that it means "In this world there is no honest peace" or "There is no true peace in this world without bitterness," which struck me as a rather appropriate piece of music to denote the beginning of married life! I hear it ain’t easy.
Feels Like Heaven — Peter Cetera and Chaka Khan
As long as I’m disclosing selections for my would-be wedding, it only seems right to include my selection for the first dance. The lyrics are lovely, the bridge would encourage some dance-floor flourish, and it’s not “The Way You Look Tonight.” Win-win-win!
On The Nature Of Daylight — Max Richter
Yes, this piece will break your heart but it’s so fantastically beautiful, I have to include it. Note: I did not first hear it in “Arrival” but it’s used to very good effect in that film.
Nara — E.S. Posthumus
For as much of a soundtrack fanatic as I am, it’s rare that a piece of music sends me in search of it immediately upon hearing it. But when I heard this in “Unfaithful,” that’s what happened. Note: This was also the theme from “Cold Case” on CBS, though as I watch the opening credits on YouTube, the music doesn’t make sense with the images I see, much like I cannot for the life of me figure out who thought that the recent Robert Mondavi wine commercial should feature “Long Cool Woman” by The Hollies.
Heat Of The Moment — Asia
Ah, my youth.
My far-, far-, far-, far-, far-off youth!
Excellent guitar. Very sing-along-able!
Hello, Goodbye — The Beatles
Now that I’m 50 and I’m supposed to not be caring, more than ever, about what people think, I can confess that I just recently realized that the “Beat” in “Beatles” is “beat” ... as in “tempo” ... as in “music.” Yep, it took me nearly five decades. Imagine the mysteries of the universe that I’ll uncover by the time I turn 100!
P.S. I read that John liked it because it could be considered in the reverse as Les Beat. That seems very John, doesn’t it?
War Crimes — David Huizenga
I met Dave nearly 25 years ago. (Dave, if you happen to see this post, I hope you did not injure yourself if you fell over when you read that; I can’t believe it either.) He was Bill Kurtis’s composer and I always relished that he’d share his compositions with me. This one, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. The first time I heard it, I dropped what I was doing (I was at work; I was doing things), walked over to his studio, and hugged him and told him how proud I was of him. I love Dave’s compositions generally but this one would become my soundtrack for a post-9/11 world. It’s haunting and beautiful and it was recorded with a symphony. In Prague, if memory serves. Imagine traveling to Prague to have a symphony record something you’ve written. So, so cool.
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me — George Michael / Elton John
I intended to create a list that contained only one song per artist. George Michael and Elton John appear twice, owing to this duet. Their voices are alchemy squared. That George is no longer here to sing it breaks my heart. But I’ve always loved singing this song, so if Elton ever wants to reprise it, I’ll be happy to stand in.
Hallelujah (Vancouver Winter 2010 Version) — k.d. lang
I know, I know: There should be a moratorium on people covering this song. But k.d.’s version is beyond spectacular. I envy those who were in the stadium that night and who experienced it live.
Love Is Here — Starsailor
This song sounds great as recorded. It sounds even better live. Very atmospheric. The tempo. The plaintive lyrics. The keyboards. Always keyboards.
Your Song — Elton John
It’s all but impossible to select just one Elton John song but this one has always been a favorite and I loved how it was used in “Moulin Rouge” and then having seen “Rocketman,” well ... it just rises to the top, doesn’t it? I’ve always been fascinated to see how things are made, to watch creation in process. I hope this song came into being exactly as it was portrayed in “Rocketman.” If it wasn’t, don’t tell me.
Good Vibrations — The Beach Boys
Speaking of films and creation in process, watching John Cusack’s performance of Brian Wilson in “Love & Mercy” and what went into producing this song made me listen to it as I never had before. Cellos? How did that come to him? The song wouldn’t be the same without them. He’s a genius.
The Water Is Wide — James Taylor
My God, his voice. One of my most profound music memories is sitting in Grant Park with my friend Gemma. (Hi, Gems!) The sun was setting, James’s voice was wafting over us, and Gemma described it as a postcard moment and "the temperature where there is no temperature.” Not warm, not cool, just perfect. In every sense, that moment.
Crazy — Icehouse
Oh. Iva. Iva Davies, with his mane of hair and jodhpurs and rolled-up sleeves and mellifluous voice. I fell in love with this song. I fell in love with this video. I fell in love with this album. And many years later, when I had the opportunity to interview him and I told him how his presence in this video made me swoon, he laughed and said, “Yeah, I don’t look like that anymore.” Which doesn’t matter one bit. (Iva, I’m quite sure you’re not the type to do vanity searches but if you happen to read this post someday, can you finish “Bi-Polar Poems” please? Thank you.)
Stormy Weather – Joni Mitchell
This is a live version from a compilation of artists called “Stormy Weather.” Good Lord, listen to it. Epic, epic, epic talent. We’re so lucky to live in a world with Joni Mitchell.
Insurgentes — Steven Wilson
Piano. Atmosphere. Some creations awe me more than others. There are few lyrics here but they fascinate me. I know about this album because of Jim, whom I met on my blog and then knew on Facebook but whom I’ve never met in real life. Jim recommends good, good stuff. (Hi, Jim!)
Graceful Ghost — George Winston
Someday, before I die, I hope to be able to play this. It reminds me of my friend Rob, who was a teacher of mine in high school. We’d be leaving the auditorium after a day of tech for a play and the piano would be sitting there so he’d play it, very much in this vein. I never should have quit music lessons when I was a kid. It is indeed one of my only regrets. You were right, Mom. You knew that at the time. I wish I did, too.
Blue In Green — Miles Davis
Life.
Changing.
Teardrop — José González
This is my way to include L.A. Dave in this list. He left this world far too soon, a decade ago already. He sent this track to me, the source of the theme from “House.” He knew of my almost obsessive love of Hugh Laurie and did what he could to support it. That he was an entertainment journalist and had occasion to be in Hugh’s presence on several occasions helped.
Metamorphosis Two — Philip Glass
Another track that altered me when I heard it. Mom tracked down the CD for me one year for Christmas. We are likewise so lucky to live in a world with Philip Glass.
Invention In C Minor — Billy Joel
I love that on the sheet music, he’s William Joel. Indeed, one would not think that this is a composition by a man named Billy. (It was not my intention to illustrate this post but I had to include an image of the first page of the sheet music with “William Joel” in the corner.)
I often listen to classical music in my car. It’s a nice break from the literal chatter of life. And I admire Billy Joel and I wasn’t sure which of his tracks to include so I decided on this, as a nod to both him and my fondness for classical music. (If I were to include one of his songs, though, it’d be “She’s Got a Way.”)
Cliffs Of Dover — Eric Johnson
Because holy hell! This exists. In the world. And we get to listen to it.
The Golden Valley — George Fenton
A return to my adoration of soundtracks – and quite the shift, following Eric Johnson’s riffs, if you were listening to these songs instead of reading about them. This is from “Shadowlands,” which I once owned on VHS and now own DVD and which I really should watch again.
On Golden Pond — Dave Grusin
It’s coincidence that the two “Golden” tracks appear together in this list. This is the other piece I would play if I had the facility with a piano. Though I’d need an orchestra behind me for the second part of it. A more perfect marriage of soundtrack and scene does not exist, the notes and the play of the light on the water. Perfect.
Ruhe — Schiller
I took four years of German. I have no idea what this man is saying. But it doesn’t matter. It ain’t about the words. It’s about the layers – the many, many layers – and the beats.
She’s A Beauty — The Tubes
This was released in 1983, part of my formative music years. I might love it more now than I did then.
Here’s To Love — Renée Zellweger & Ewan McGregor
This is so adorable and charming, I could not love it more. If you haven’t see “Down With Love,” go find it. Someday, after I sing with Elton, I’ll track down Ewan and sing this, too.
Sing The Changes — The Fireman
Sir Paul McCartney, of course, appears in more than one iteration in this list because he appears in more than one iteration in his world-altering musical life. Also, Brian Ray sings alongside him – you may recall them performing on the marquee of the “The Late Show” in Letterman’s days. Brian appears again in this list, too. (If you’ve found this via Twitter: Hi, Brian!)
You Believe In Me — Jeffrey Gaines
I also should have learned how to play guitar. If I ever do and you ever spy me in a coffee house performing, this will absolutely be part of the set. Though I will not have a violin backing me and I will not truly do it justice. Jeffrey’s performance is perfection.
Promises, Promises — Naked Eyes
Ah, the ’80s. I’m so happy that so many songs that I loved in my youth hold up decades later.
Lush Life – Queen Latifah
This is my brass ring. If I had the vocal chops to sing any song, this would be the one.
I Don’t Know Why — Shawn Colvin
I have Jay to thank for introducing me to Shawn Colvin about a quarter of a century ago. (Hi, Jay!) I can’t sing this without crying. Exquisite lyrics. This track is part of my would-be movie soundtrack, too.
Cry Love — John Hiatt
Bouncy, twangy, John Hiatt-y goodness! I do believe I came to own this album because Cheryl turned me on to “Ethylene.” (Hi, Cheryl!)
Broken Arrow — Robbie Robertson
A not-insignificant amount of deciding went into selecting this over “Somewhere Down the Crazy River” but, really, they’re tied. 1987. A pivotal year. Graduated high school. Started college. Met Jeff Zaslow.
Miss him terribly.
Let Her Know — Estate
Can’t recall how this song came to my attention. I have a vague recollection that a contestant on “Design Star” mentioned it somehow. I could be wrong. But it doesn’t really matter. I love it.
Because It’s There — Michael Hedges
I was fortunate enough to see him perform this. It should be impossible for this to exist but he really could create all of this sound simultaneously.
Lullaby To An Anxious Child — Sting
Oh, how to choose one track from Sting? Impossible. So I didn’t. (Keep reading, if you still have the stamina.) This is such a beautiful example of his artistry. The spare guitar, his signature voice.
The Scientist — Coldplay
If you’re a Coldplay hater, I don’t wanna know about it. I love their big stadium anthems but even more, I love Chris Martin’s voice and his piano here.
World Wide Suicide – Pearl Jam
This song continues to increase in relevance. When all the madness gets to be too much, cranking this helps.
I Was Brought To My Senses — Sting
I could not love his vocals more than in this song. It’s one of my favorites to sing. It’s like two songs in one. If you don’t know it, I highly, highly, highly recommend it.
Song For Someone — The Frames
Glen Hansard has to be a part of this collection. His body of work is an embarrassment of riches and it’s tricky to choose one track but this one holds a particularly special place in my heart.
Forever — Kenny Loggins
This would be the last song in my would-be movie. Not the end credits, the last scene, which would be shot outside by the Shedd Aquarium at night, tight at first and then widening out to include the lights of the city. Not that the screenwriter and music supervisor of the film would also be the director of photography ... but I have thoughts.
Vinyl — Brian Ray
This is one of my favorite songs. Ever. It’s as poignant as it is up-tempo. I try to not gush, as a rule, but I praise this song every chance I get. This is from Brian’s debut album, “Mondo Magneto.” Go buy it. And while you're at it, buy "This Way Up" because you also need "I Found You" and then buy his work with "The Bayonets" and the solo tracks he's released since then. And then go see him on tour. He'll be the handsome blonde guy playing the guitar alongside Paul McCartney.
Patience — George Michael
Oh, George. How can you not be here anymore? This is just George and his perfect voice and a piano. And haunting lyrics. The sparseness creates a mood that matches how much I miss his music.
Born To Run — Bruce Springsteen
Of course I can’t create a list that doesn’t include Bruce! If you’ve never been to one of his shows, you should go to one of his shows. This is always part of the encore. The house lights come up and 25,000 people – give or take, depending on the venue – sing it with him. The world would be a better place if more of us sang “Born To Run” collectively more often.
In The Mood — Robert Plant
You may have noticed a dearth of Led Zeppelin. Not because they’re not worthy – far from it – but because I kept trying to pare this list. I couldn’t not include Robert Plant, though, so he’s here as both brilliant solo artist and as Zeppelin’s representative. Why this track? Because I heard it in the car the other day and was reminded of how much I love it. And every Robert Plant track is worthy of inclusion so why not this one?
Slave To Love — Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music
Well, I can’t not include Bryan Ferry, right? Another legend.
Hole Hearted — Extreme
Yep, that Extreme. “More Than Words” Extreme. This has more than a twinge of country to it and excellent harmonies. In the video for this, they’re performing it on the street. If you happened upon this, you’d chime in, too!
The Joke — Brandi Carlile
From the moment I saw Brandi open for Shawn Colvin, I was blown away by her talent. This song takes my awe for her and launches it into the stratosphere. I am thrilled for all the success that has come to her. Too many artists deserve adoration that they never receive (see: Jeffrey Gaines).
Is This Love? — Whitesnake
For as much as I hate the use of The Hollies in that Robert Mondavi commercial, that’s how much I love that whomever created the blue-chair Amazon Prime spot tapped this track. 1987, again. 1987 was a damn good year.