See, almost exactly two months ago I bought a new computer, because mine was crapping out and I didn't want it to die before I had a change to migrate everything. I do have a back up hard drive that I use, but I couldn't figure out anyway how to get my iTunes playlists information from there. So, I had to take my time setting up my playlists again. That was after all the time it took to clean up my files, as I bought a smaller computer than the one I had. Once I did that, I could recreate all of my playlists. I focused first on the playlists where I didn't want to change the songs. I have many playlists based on moods or theme, so I wanted to preserve all the work I did building those, every new song at a time.
For my Top 200 songs list, it was time to change the list. So I waited until I no longer needed my old computer to use for what tracks to place in the playlist. I just finished the playlist earlier this week - after 2 months of not having it available. This is my go to playlist when I don't know what else to listen to, or when I am traveling and I don't want to waste time skipping songs on a mix.
The methodology is pretty simple, although not completely scientific. Each time I recreate the playlist, songs fall in or out. I will buy new music and specific songs will get me really excited, while songs from previous rounds of new music lose their novelty and aren't as exciting (even though still good songs). Sometimes I get tired of songs, and sometimes I get reminded how much I love a song. To start the playlist, I go through all of my songs and whittle the list down to 250-300ish songs. These are all songs I know get a special ear perk up when I play them, or are songs I've loved in the past. From there, I grab all of the songs I know I have to place in the playlist. These are usually my forever favorites, or new songs I've been waiting to put on the list. From there, I cull through the remaining songs. As I go back through that list, some songs will stand out as definites for the list and get moved over. Some songs will be rejected outright. If I need more songs, I usually do that once or twice more. When down to needing 10 or less songs, I then go through the list of remaining songs to round out the numbers.
Since I just updated the list, and have been enjoying the songs on my drives to and from work, I wanted to share some more songs that I love. These may be new songs to the list, or old favorites I didn't get to last time. I promise to try to not add as many as last time, but as music is one of my favorite things in life, and don't get to share my thoughts on my music often, I am going to take advantage of this opportunity. It's not like anyone has to read this. But it makes me happy. :)
Since the last time I recreated my playlist, I got really into listening to Secrets. Oooh. And before you think "that's noisy," Secrets is a band. I bought their first and third album about the same time, and had a great time listening. I particularly connected with the most recent album, Everything That Got Us Here, as I feel it really resonated with where I was in my life in 2016.
I am also a big fan of the remix of one of their songs. I imagine this is how Jim Carrey's character in The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind felt - literally wanting to erase every memory like they never existed.
This is one of the older songs, and it almost didn't make me list. But then I realized I listen to it 3-4 times in a row whenever it comes on, so of course it has to go on my favorite playlist so I can listen to is many more times.
Since I ever so kindly started with something super loud, let's transition into something is little happier. :^D It's a great transition, as one of the new bands I've really gotten into for 2017 has a song called Secrets that made my list. I had been meaning to give more attention for some current pop punk bands (and stop being "in my day, pop punk bands worked harder" or whatever). I had a number of songs be State Champs already, and now I'm in love! I even have their back catalog in my new music folder to listen to.
I, too, am a realist and an optimist. Nope, I'm not getting over this:
I also appreciate a band that can add some emotional depth into the mix with the fun.
At the same time that I purchased the State Champs album, I also purchased Every Trick in the Book by Ice Nine Kills. None of the individual songs made my playlist, but that album is overall very solid - I love it! Plus, all of the songs are based on a different novel. It took me a couple listens to realize this, as I was sitting in my car, watching the song titles flash by. The band's name is from a Kurt Vonnegut novel. So I guess they are reader? I can respect that. So here's an honorable mention. I am also a fan of the song name "Blood Bath and Beyond." Hehehehe.
The Ice Nine Kills song that did make my playlist is their cover of Animals by Maroon 5. Granted, the cover takes the sexy into a little more of a menacing place (and I don't condone dog napping). However, I find their lead vocalist ridiculously hot. And while I hate hipsters, I love hipster glasses. It's a shame I carry with me daily.
The original version also made my list, because this song is sexy, just like Adam Levine. MMMMmmmmm...Adam Levine.
Some of the songs on my list are a little out there - whether soundtrack songs or something a little more random. I did in fact download the song below and I listen to it on a regular basis. It still makes me giggle uncontrollable. You can't handle the flow, son! *giggle giggle giggle* [literally dancing through the house to this song - it's my jam!]
On a related note, I feel compelled to tell people that I don't hate the character of Carl Grimes, like many other TWD fans. I wouldn't say that I like him a lot, but I kind of feel bad for him.
Speaking about flow, this next song is amazing because it is educational, and fun! Did you know that the Baltimore Ravens were actually named after the Poe poem The Raven, since Poe lived in Baltimore? #knowledge
I really love this Memphis May Fire song. And Matty Mullins proved you can be ginger and bad ass. And I am pretty sure a sleeve of tattoos is a good way to keep gingers from sunburns.
I don't really understand the song Coconut Dracula, but it's amazing. I Googled what it means just now, and that explanation makes sense, but seems the most random thing to write a song about.
I added a couple more Silverstein songs to my Top 200 playlist. Silverstein holds the #5 spot on my favorite bands list. Their 4th album has been a favorite album of mine for awhile. After the 4th album, it felt like their music was getting more repetitive. Many bands have the issue where they can't really get past the sound of their old stuff, and the new stuff starts to sound like less good version of the older stuff. They definitely flirted with that, to my ears. But their 7th original album, I Am Alive in Everything I Touch really kicks ass. They brought new energy and sounds to their songs, with still being able to hold onto what has made them good for so long. Plus, I just listened to the 2 songs out for their forthcoming album, and I am super bummed that I have to wait, b/c this new album is going to be amazing too! (That's my prediction).
Plus, if someone older than me can make awesome new rock music, then I can totally listen to awesome new rock music.
I case people don't know this, I also like pop music. I think the reason I love pop punk so much (and punk covers of pop songs), is because it's a great marriage of my love of loud rock and catchy pop songs. Of course, I love catchy pop songs too! If I were 15 years younger...
I like when pop songs drop f bombs. It's like they are breaking the rules.
One of the bands I love came out with a new album last year. I am glad to see A Day to Remember didn't let their legal battles get in the way of making great music. Plus they won, and can leave that douche bag label behind. I found this song resonated pretty much from the first time I heard it. I am not really sure what specifically this song is about, but for me I think this song taps into some of those feelings I can have in the mix where I'm worn out from empathy, and I just want to be mad or disappointed or disillusioned with someone. It's also very cathartic to blast from my car on the way home.
I don't know if I said this last time, but I will say it here - I listened to Twenty One Pilots before they were super popular. Yes, they are original, and yes their music is fantastic, and yes I am glad for their success. But just know, when I listen to them it's because I have discerning musical taste, and not because I'm some bandwagon listener.
I dance to this first often - in the car, around the house, wherever I happen to be listening to it. I think the reason why I like this song, and many of their songs, is because they write about things I've felt or can imagine me doing. (Like with Car Radio)
Tear in My Heart is definitely my fav song of theirs (but I put that on the last list! Gah!). This one is probably #2 or #3.
I too want to me a better adversary to the evil I have done - for more information, read my book! Oh wait, hahahaha you can't because I probably won't let you. Sorry, not really ready for that disasterpiece to hit the world.
Speaking of that totally random stab at a transition, I actually have a playlist of songs that remind me of my book. And some of them are on my favs list. I think this first one make a good theme song for the movie based on the book. Hahaha!! ;^) Although, it me be too cheery.
I feel like this next song was my life theme song probably sometime around when this album came out in 2007. I guess sometimes the universe just gives you the music you need, or maybe a bunch of it just exists, you just happen to pick the varieties you like. I don't know. I didn't pick the actual music video because the sound quality was crap.
Random, real time update - when I was looking up the date of the last song's release, I found out that Boys Night Out released a new EP last July. Why did no one tell me?!?! I've only been waiting a decade for new music! I just downloaded THAT, thank you very much!!
On a completely random note, can I just say how lazy spellcheck is sometimes. I often mistype words by typing the letters in the wrong order, but it's STILL ALL THE SAME LETTERS! How does spell check not have a recommendation? It should be able to unscramble like 3, 4 letters max.
Since I promised to not add so many songs, I am going to try to quickly top off this blog at 30. I have spent the last 2.5 hours writing this and listening to these songs. Of course I cannot write about the songs without listening to them once (or twice or thrice). But I will spare everyone some time by not doing 200 - especially since I already captured some previously anyway. You can go reread that blog if you want.
Here's an oldie but a goodie that I still absolutely love! I was singing this in the shower earlier, since I was mentally preparing for this blog.
It makes me feel old how old this next song it. :^( I love the pop culture reference right near the front. If you don't get it, your life is sad. I am sorry.
If you like this next video, but not the audio, I also suggest you watch the Russian Unicorn video. I like to listen to this song when I need some encouragement. I know I just haven't met you yet. Or maybe I have. Or maybe I have, but I don't remember! Or maybe you aren't born yet? Or wait, no, I'm not some creepy dude.
Ok, and now for some newer songs, since they've only come into my life, and my Top 200 playlist, recently.
I don't know if anyone has noticed yet, but I like a lot of songs with high energy. I'll often listen to songs like this while quietly sitting at my work desk, working.
I want a robot head! It would be funny to wear around and just act all nonchalant about it.
So, I am not usually into this kind of music, but this song is catchy as hell!!
For this last one, I will leave you with something close to my heart. I feel like this could be one of my current life theme songs. Thanks for sticking with my (hypothetically speaking, I guess. I could just be writing to myself at this point). But it filled an evening, and I feel good about many new additions (and old favorites) on my Top 200. Maybe you'll catch me listening to one of these songs in my car one day!
BTW - that first line = totally me! :^D
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