Na Na Hey Hey Kiss [Them] Goodbye

Phew! I don’t know about you, but I am so happy that the presidential election is over.  THANK THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am literally jumping for joy at this particular moment (making typing somewhat challenging), because I can finally turn on the TV without hearing a stupid political ad.  Don’t get me wrong, democracy is an amazing privilege that we sometimes take advantage of here in the United States.  But, the extreme measures that politicians use in trying to win an election, whether it’s a presidential election, a senatorial election, or even a county election, are downright ridiculous.   The main problem I have with politics (and had with this election) is the amount of money spent on political campaigns- it’s outrageous and, in my opinion, pointless. In Connecticut, Linda McMahon spent 100 million dollars on two senate bids over the past three years, and she didn’t even win her election! (either of them!!) This year’s presidential race costs have been estimated at around six billion dollars.  Six billion dollars?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Do you know how much of the national debt we could have payed off with six billion dollars?  Or how about feeding the hungry??  Helping Hurricane Sandy victims???  But, no.  Instead of doing any of these things, politicians spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on the thirty second advertisements that we’re forced to watch on TV, on YouTube, listen to on the radio, etc.; ads that most people detest and find ways to skip through.  If you’re like me, you mute the videos on YouTube, change the channel on the TV, and just turn off the radio in disgust.  Finally, after months and months, the political-ad torture has ceased.   For that, the song “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” by Steam is wonderfully appropriate.  Kiss them goodbye- we are done with you politicians!! (at least until the next election).

P.S. Many of you recognize this song because it is part of the soundtrack of Remember the Titans– a great movie!

For Good (Music)

Pandora is a lovely thing. For those unfortunate souls who’ve yet to experience the beauty of Pandora’s unlimited music channels, their lives are simply not complete.  When in desperate need of new music to listen to (as I often am), one can visit Pandora online (or use the handy, dandy mobile application) to create personalized playlists with music tailored to specific musical preferences.  This is how I discovered my song of the week. One of the genres I periodically listen to is Broadway show-tunes.  Yes, I am a college student, and yes, I like Broadway musicals…don’t judge me! While listening to my Broadway themed station on Pandora, I stumbled across “For Good,” by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel from Wicked.  Although I’m not too familiar with the plot of this particular musical (something having to do with the witch from The Wizard of Oz), if it’s anything like this song, then I’m sure I’d love it!  This song takes the listeners on such a thrill ride.  It starts with  fairytale-like melodies, builds a little bit more and a little bit more with each of the performers’ voices weaving together as the song reaches the triumphant chorus, and finally, an appropriately magical ending.  This song is so captivating; I can only imagine how incredible the actual show would be in person.  I actually had the privilege to see two Broadway shows in New York City earlier this year, and nothing compares to the awe of live performances.  Plus, I realized that I’ve seen each of these women on Glee (I’m a self professed Gleek!) which only makes me love them more. Great song+great performers=awesome music! Hope you enjoy it! 🙂

Also for your entertainment, here’s a site for funny music parodies that’s sure to provide hours and hours of wholesome entertainment. Check it out!

Anywhere But Here, Sandy!

As I sit here ready to write about my new favorite song, Hurricane Sandy’s wrath is beginning.  The trees are whipping back and forth, and the rain is falling harder and faster by the hour.  Hopefully I’ll be able to finish before the power goes out!  I never thought I’d be happy that classes have been cancelled because of a hurricane, but while I’m stoked about no school, I hope there’s no significant damage caused by it!  Coincidentally, my song choice for this also applies to the weather.  Well, sort of.  It’s “Anywhere But Here,” by Safetysuit.  I’m willing to bet that particularly in the northeastern states, many people are wishing they were anywhere but where the storm is hitting!

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I love this song!  I heard it first on a TV show or a movie (sadly, I can’t remember which exactly) and since I figured out the title, I’ve been listening to it non-stop.  That’s pretty much why I need new songs all of the time- I listen to a few songs over and over and over until I get tired of them and am ready for something else. This song is all about love (gasp!) and for girls like me, it feels totally relatable.  For those of us who have yet to find “the one,” we all hope that there’s someone out there.  In this song, the artists are singing from the opposite point of view- from the perspective of someone who’s in love with a person who has no idea.  It’s romantic, like a love letter put to music.  But, it’s also sort of rock-ish which may symbolize how the singers are ready to fight for that love.  Who knows?  All I know is I wish some guy would sing this song to me!  Take a listen and decide for yourself:

P.S. Since I haven’t found anything hilarious enough to share with you all (aside from a random weather video), I thought I’d tell you about this guy: Ryan O’Shaughnessy.  He was on Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, and he’s an incredibly gifted performer.  In his audition, Ryan sang an original composition very similar to the song above.  He sang about a girl he’s been in love with who had never noticed his admiration.  How adorable! The first time she heard this song was when he sang it in front of a crowd of thousands of people- soooooooo romantic!! I LOVE IT!! (I will accept the huffs and puffs about so many exclamation points because he is worth it!

P.S.S. I love a good accent- and Irish is definitely a good one!