That’s tomorrow. Today is Old School Friday. The theme is The Kind Of Music I Like.

I can only explain it this way. I like many types of music, preferably good.

This was not good people, it was pretension.

Shirley Manson/Garbage do a much better cover.

This is good.

Also good, and provoked by my new found love of Gordon Lightfoot, at Compulsions — THIS.

What kind of music do you like?

Don’t forget to download your Free ‘NPR Music At SXSW’ Sampler.

Wonderland or Not.

Do songs motivate? Do they inspire? Of course they do. I could list inspirational/motivational songs until this blog burst, and cyberspace with it. For expediency I’ll go with the no-brainer. The number one song on the Song of the Century List — a list I was in total ignorance of until doing deep investigative research for this post. The quintessential song of motivation/inspiration, Over the Rainbow, sometimes known as Somewhere Over the Rainbow, written for The Wizard of Oz and performed by Judy Garland in the film. The

I rather love the Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole ‘IZ’ version, so you will enjoy that version here. I have listed alternate renditions below for you motivational enjoyment.

Grab a beer or a glass of wine and listen to the rest. You’ll probably find a few of your own to add to the list.

Patti LaBelle There are several very good Patti LaBelle renditions check them out.
Judy Garland Judy did many versions too.
Sarah Vaughn
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Punk Version
Queen
Jeff Beck
Eric Clapton
Rufus Wainright Nice.
Barnara Steisand
Jane Monheit lovely voice
Mandy Patinkin Never knew this man could sing.
Mariah Carey
Jason Mraz and Bushwalla
Brandon Sipes
Jewel
Aretha Franklin

What songs would you list when thinking “this is my motivation”?

Peace

Wonderland or Not.

In a week full of news of home grown terrorism in Alabama (by way of Harvard), and Texas, a week in which Tiger headed back to Buddhism (always a good call when you lose sponsorships get off track), Russia getting testy due to lack of gold, and Ron Paul winning the presidential straw poll at CPAC,‎ I’m happy to do divert to a Saturday Old School Friday .

This week the Old School Friday Theme is, If I Could Sing, I’d Want To Sound Like.

I’d like to sound like a lot of singers, but I realize it’s unfair to choose them all, so I will choose two. I know there are better vocalists, and Brightman brings international crowds to their feet, but I am choosing skins that would fit me.

Realistically I’d be comfortable sounding like Diana Krall, a jazzy bossanovaist (not a word, I know), sitting in a smokey lounge with a large underground following. I love her.

But for aura, presence, and to bring down houses, I’d choose to be Tina Turner.

Old School Friday Themes available at Ms Marv’s.

What about you?

Peace

Wonderland or Not.