tunes-day. {the band}

It makes no difference how many times or in what context I hear this song; it always conjures memories of being slow danced in circles around my university boyfriend's living room. He told me it was the most romantic song ever written - and I believed him.  '

And, you know what? I still do.

It's been more than five years since our last waltz, but each time I hear this chorus I think of him with a smile on my lips and a warm glow in my nostalgic heart.

This is for you, D.

xo. B.

tunes-day. the thursday edition. {gladys knight}

I am so exhausted and disoriented from all the packing and moving and unpacking and waking up in a new apartment that I forgot Tuesday. I remember Monday happening. I know yesterday was Wednesday. And, I'm certain that today is Thursday. But, for some reason Tuesday completely escaped me!

So, without further ado, here is 'tunes-day'!

This song kept me going through the past two weeks...
Something about Gladys Knight jamming out with those handsome men backing her up. I dunno...

{I Heard it Through the Grapevine: Gladys Knight & the Pips}

Groove on.

B.

tunes-day. on wednesday. {the waifs}

Me:  (puts menus on table) Hi! I'm B, I'll be your waitress today.
Customer:  Thanks, B. So do you go to school here?
Me:  No, actually I graduated from music school at University Z a few years ago.
Customer:  Oh, music school, eh? I guess that explains why you're waitressing! (winks and erupts into hysterical laughter)

Yes folks, this happens to me on a several-times-weekly basis. I always join in the laughter and make some smart retort, but, inside I'm really thinking "Well, if that's my excuse for waitressing, what's your excuse for being so rude?" *best waitress smile*

The truth is, I'm a waitress by choice - not by necessity. Sure, I could be doing lots of other things, but right now I like waitressing! I like the lifestyle, the hours, the paycheck, my customers, the TIPS! When I'm ready to go try something else, I will! But, for right now... stop bugging me and eat your fish & chips!

{a classic progression}

Now, onto the music...

Funny enough, I actually heard this song - by {this} amazing band - while working as a waitress...

{via}

The Waifs: The Waitress

{from the album: Sink or Swim}

Next week's Tunes-day will be coming to you live from my new apartment! If I ever get there...
And, no, I am not writing this post from inside my box fort.

Back to packing! 

{B}

tunes-day. {michael franti & spearhead}

Imagine how much easier life would be 

if we could all just dance our points across...

Michael Franti & Spearhead: We Don't Stop

{from the album: Everyone Deserves Music}

peace. {b}

tunes-day. {the raconteurs}

A horn section.

A ripping guitar solo.

Lyrics that say what you've been trying to say all along...

This song's got it all.

Many Shades of Black: The Raconteurs

{from the album Consolers of the Lonely}

Ciao.

x. {B}

tunes-day. {sharron matthews}

I figure its time to up tunes-day's CanCon rating - so, for this week's installment I'd like to take things in a different direction and introduce you to Sharron Matthews.

The Toronto-based cabaret and musical theatre powerhouse breathes new life into broadway standards, pop classics, and even a bit of rock with her fresh covers and larger than life sense of humor. Her hit variety show "Sharron's Party!" played to sold out houses in TO from 2005 to 2009 and featured some of Canada's greatest singers, actors, comedians, writers, columnists, rock climbers, chefs, tour operators... (well, maybe not those last few, but you get the picture!)

I was first introduced to Sharron's music as I was preparing my own one-woman cabaret in 2007. Searching for new perspectives on old songs, I stumbled across the following video. Though I didn't end up adding it to my show, it has stuck with me ever since. On days when I need a bit of song therapy, I sit at my piano and belt this one out with many thanks to Sharron Matthews.

Sharron Matthews: Stop. In the Name of Love

{from Sharron's Party!}

Go.

x. {B}

tunes-day. (aretha meets the band}

It's the year 2000. Cans of cheap beer, a coffee grinder, and resin filled bottles and bowls litter the floor. Ten of us are crammed into a tiny attic bedroom adorned with Grateful Dead posters, high school football trophies and Tibetan prayer flags. The boys in basketball shorts, baggy jeans, or worn out corduroys. The girls in sundresses or torn jeans and hoodies, with the prerequisite summer flip-flops dangling from their toes. 

The sticky summer air breezes through one open window in an attempt to push some of the sickly sweet sweat and smoke out another. One boy, his hair long, curly and sun-streaked grabs a guitar slumped lazily against a wall. Another, his legs long and pale in spite of the east coast sun we've been lounging in all day, grabs a set of bongos and sits cross legged at his best friend's side. 

The first notes are strummed, and as each person exhales and turns, this group of seemingly mismatched teenagers comes together for their nightly ritual. The curly haired boy sings out; a girl weaves a harmony through the verse; and as we reach the chorus, the choir of friends emerges from the wings and builds that famous chord note by note. The timing and tuning were far from perfect, but the love and friendship radiating from each voice kept us singing that same song night after night, year after year.

To this day I cannot hear "The Weight" without an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and pure love for the people I first shared it with.  The hazy days of our youthful summers may have passed, but, happily, this grown up version of the song was brought to my attention today.  After ten years, this may just be my summer anthem once again.

{Aretha Franklin: "The Weight"}

tunes-day. {double-up}

Last week was so bonkers Tuesday didn't even seem to exist - let alone Tunes-day. So, for your listening pleasure this week, I've decided to double my offering, and double your fun.

{The Rescues}

Nothing gets the blood coursing through my veins like super-tight, a cappella harmonies. 

*swoon* 

This tune gets my heart racing every time.

"My Heart With You"

{The Rescues: Crazy Ever After}

- 

{The New Pornographers}

Though by no means a new release, this tune has been speaking volumes to me lately. The video features the most brilliant, vivid colors - and reminds me exactly what the right kiss can do...

"Challengers"

{The New Pornographers: Challengers}

Happy listening!

x. {B}

tunes-day. {steve poltz}

Rarely in our lives are we lucky enough come across a live performer who - within the span of an evening - actually makes you laugh, cry, swear, sweat, dance and then collapse from exhaustion. For me, this performer is Steve Poltz.  I was lucky enough to meet Steve while working at this bar/restaurant/music venue/all-around-good-time space in '08 and '09. After my first Poltz experience, if I wasn't scheduled to work during one of his shows, you would damn well find me perched at the bar, or peering around the corner from the lobby.

Not only is the man a laugh-riot-tear-jerker, guitar-star and master story-teller; he is a kind and gracious customer and always tips his waitress (after taking her for a spin around the dance floor, of course!)

The man straight up blows my mind. If you ever {EVER!} have the chance to see him live; DO IT! But, for now, enjoy the following... I guarantee you'll be YouTubing his songs all night.

"Light In Your Eyes"

{Steve Poltz - Live at The Carleton: July 2008}

 "Impala" (featuring Coco Love Alcorn)

{Steve Poltz - Live at The Carleton: March 2009}

'Til next Tunes-day!

x. {B}

coping.

{dancing makes you brave}

 

{listen}

*dances*

x. {B}

love. a day (or two) late.

{so in love.}

{DIY to come...}

Some say Shakespeare - others, Boyz II Men.

But, to me, no man wrote love like Cole Porter.