My Favorite Songs from 2008
Posted: December 31, 2008
First of all, the link for the Recession Bride’s Workshop on January 18th is up. Sign up early and often.
Second of all, I am a total music freak. I usually make a monthly playlist, and then combine that into a best of the year playlist. This year, I payed particular attention to how many times I’ve actually played each song, according to itunes. The itunes imix box (with the songs they let me publish, but check out the others) is below the list. So, here we go:
1. Lost! Coldplay
“Just because I’m losing, doesn’t mean I’m lost/Just because I’m hurting, doesn’t mean I’m hurt.” So, back off, already.
2. Not Now But Soon, Imogean Heap
“We’re heading for the best days of our lives/if we can just get through this one.” Just hang in there until the scenery changes.
3. Angela, Melissa Higgins
Earlier this year,I had a contract event gig at Wilshire Conferences, during which I sat, LITERALLY, two feet away from my boss, who started his day with Morning Sounds Eclectic on NPR. This is one of the songs that was on their regular playlist in February/March. Folk guitar and sing it loud and proud.
4. Troubled Times, Dar Williams
Environmentally friendly teen love. Gotta love it.
5. I’m Yours, Jason Mraz
It’s my happy song of the year, and the one tune I NEVER skip over. And I’ve tried, too. I just can never do it. I defy you to not find yourself smiling like an idiot after you listen to it.
6. 99 problems, Jay-Z
This was the year I actually started to paying attention to Jay-Z, probably because he’s a favorite of a certain President-Elect of ours. Jay-Z knows how to put things in perspective, you know?
7. Swing Gently, Leona Naess
I just heard this song a few weeks ago on Private Practice, and it’s already on my most played-list. Sometimes I think the only reason I still watch that show and Grey’s Anatomy is because the music is still great, even if Pete slept with Violet and Izzie slept with a ghost. Priorities, people.
8. Broken, Lifehouse
The most depressing song on my list, but very pretty, in a “you’re dying and I’m just trying to take it day by day” kind of way.
9. Here (In Your Arms), HelloGoodbye
Another happy, feel good song. Very dangerous to play when you’re driving. Rocks otherwise.
10. Change, John Waite
So, one of the cooler things about being in your 30s in this day and age is hearing a song you loved as a kid, and actually being able to buy it and put it on the portable music player of your choice. I heard this song which I absolutely LOVED 20 (gack!) years ago, and ran right to itunes. “It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s all the same/What’s in your hear will never change.” Thanks, John!
11. Auld Lang Syne, Mari Campbell, Sex and the City Soundtrack
From the best scene in the movie, when Carrie races across the city and over the bridge because Miranda is all alone on New Year’s Eve. That was a way better movie than it really had a right to be, actually.
12. Ain’t No Good Day for Dying, Maura O’Connell
My writing buddy,Katinka, turned me on to Pandora, which in turn introduced me to Maura O’Connell. So much music to buy, so little time.
13. Clean Getaway, Maria Taylor
“I finally made it, I made a clean getaway/And I miss you, I miss you more than I can say.” Not sure where I found this one, but it’s depressing enough that I can probably blame Grey’s Anatomy.
14.In Spite of Ourselves,John Prine and Iris Dement
This was the first dance song at Matt and Michele’s wedding, which I coordinated in July. The best and worst you can expect from marriage – “In spite of ourselves, we’ll end up sitting on a rainbow/against all odds, honey, we’re the big door prize. We’re going to spite our noses right off of our faces/They’ll be nothing but big ole hearts dancing in our eyes.”
15. No Air, Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown
I first heard this song on “So You Think You can Dance”, a shared obsession between me, and my friends Dee Dee and Maya, and got pulled into Katie and Joshua’s routine, which you can see here.
16. Holiday Road, Lindsay Buckingham
You know, from National Lampoon’s Vacation? Never a big fan of the movie, loved the song, and Lindsay Buckingham (from Fleetwood Mac!)wrote it, which I never knew until a month ago. Did anyone else know that?
17. Lollipop, Mika
This generation’s Freddy Mercury. Another bounce around and dance song. Not safe for driving.
18.September, Earth Wind and Fire
From Christel and Stephen’s wedding which was…on the 21st night of September. It’s also the ringtone on my phone. Sometimes I dance around a little before answering it, as do others around me. Complete strangers, even.
19. Human, The Killers
His haircut on the album is inexplicable, but it’s a really great song. Are we human, or are we dancers? And why do we have to choose?
20. About Today, The National
Another Grey’s song. Itunes owes so much of my money to that show.
Ready to get started? Tell me more about you and your wedding.