Why

Simply an awesome song, this is Why by Rascal Flatts from the album Unstoppable.
Have a listen and try not to tear up, it's a pretty tough job to keep it in.


It must've been in a place so dark you couldn't feel the light
Reachin' for you through that stormy cloud
Now here we are gathered in our little hometown
This can't be the way you meant to draw a crowd

Oh, why? That's what I keep askin'
Was there anything I could have said or done?
Oh, I had no clue you were masking
A troubled soul, God only knows what went wrong
And why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song

Now in my mind I keep you frozen as a seventeen year old
Roundin' third to score the winning run
You always played with passion no matter what the game
When you took the stage, you shined just like the sun

Oh, why? That's what I keep askin'
And was there anything I could have said or done?
Oh, I had no clue you were masking
A troubled soul, oh, God only knows what went wrong
And why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song

Now the oak trees are swayin' in the early autumn breeze
The golden sun is shining on my face
The tangled thoughts I hear a mockingbird sing
This old world really ain't that bad a place

Oh, why? There's no comprehending
And who am I to try to judge or explain?
Oh, but I do have one burning question
Who told you life wasn't worth the fight?
They were wrong, they lied, and now you're gone, and we cried
'Cause it's not like you to walk away in the middle of a song
Your beautiful song, your absolutely beautiful song

Angels Cry

Mariah Carey cops a bit of flak sometimes but she can produce a corker of a song.
One such song is the ballad (she just doesn't get the ballads wrong) Angels Cry from the Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel album.
That album was a bit patchy but there are four or five excellent songs there. She's not as consistent as she used to be. I really think she needs to go back and listen to her Music Box, Daydream and Butterfly albums and go back to the future a bit.
This version of Angels Cry features Ne-Yo but it doesn't detract from the awesomeness of the song and perhaps adds a bit.

More than just songlines

While a lot of today's popular music is vacuous and forgettable there are songs that really get under your skin if you listen to the words.
One such song, for me anyway, is the Lifehouse song Simon, from their No Name Face album of 2000. I've always loved it and been haunted by it.
The verse in italics is particularly poignant but the whole song gives me shivers.
I also changed the lyrics in my header for a while, ironically away from a Lifehouse song. The line is from the Savage Garden song 'I Don't Know You Anymore'.

Simon Lyrics

Catch your breath
Hit the wall
Scream out loud as you start to crawl
Back in your cage
The only place where they will leave you alone
'Cause the weak will seek the weaker
Until they've broken them
Could you get it back again
Would it be the same
Fulfillment to their lack of strength
At your expense
Left you with no defense
They tore it down

(Chorus) And i have felt the same as you
I've felt the same as you
I've felt the same

Locked inside
The only place
Where you feel sheltered
Where you feel safe
You lost yourself
In your search to find
Something else to hide behind

The fearful always preyed upon your confidence
Did they see the consequence
When they pushed you around
The arrogant build kingdoms made of the different ones
Breaking them 'til they've become
Just another crown

Refuse to feel
Anything at all
Refuse to slip
Refuse to fall
Can't be weak
Can't stand still
You watch your back
'Cause no one will

You don't know why they had to go This far
Traded your worth for these scars
For your only Company
Don't believe the lies that they told to you
Not one word was true
You're alright
You're alright
You're alright

Bazinga

If you're up for a good laugh check out this clip from The Big Bang Theory featuring one of the funniest characters in a sitcom for years - Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons).
If you already watch this show then you'll know all about Sheldon. If not then let's just say he's incredibly smart yet very naive, a bit playful and a bit psycho.
The best way to describe him though came on the show, 'he's one lab accident away from being a super villain'.
Enjoy.

We Belong

Yesterday when I woke up I had this song in my head and it stuck with me most of the day. I'm not complaining, though.
A classic from the 80s, it's Pat Benatar's We Belong .
Always liked the song.
It popped up in a recent episode of One Tree Hill where the character Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) performs it as part of her concert, intertwined as the show does with other scenes. See that one here .
Funnily enough I didn't recognise it until it hit the chorus. She can sing and I thought it was a pretty good version.

I Could Kick Your Ass

I'm not really into country music, or so I thought, but check out this cheeky song by US singer Justin Moore - called I Could Kick Your Ass .
Something about it strikes a chord.

How to win $1 million in style

If you haven't seen this clip it is worth a watch.
I don't know if I could be as composed, or as brazen I might add, as this guy but it makes great television.

New Moon trailer

The second film in the Twilight series, New Moon is a step closer to release with the first trailer now doing the rounds.
From the first look it appears faithful to the book again, which is important, and it gives us the first viewing of the new Jacob (same actor of course), something that was hinted at for those who were listening at the end of Twilight when Edward was escorting Bella into the ball.
Naturally, if you've read the books there are no surprises only anticipation as to how it will all look (the Italy stuff could be pretty cool). Personally, I'm looking forward to a few scenes that should be in Eclipse, the third film, coming out next year.
If you haven't read the books I'd advise it, while it will spoil what is going to happen in some ways it will open up the story more. When I watched Twilight I could easily fill in the gaps that the film had and I think that helped, rather than hindered which can happen with adaptations.

Susan Boyle, take a bow

In one of the most surprising, and inspirational, videos I've come across the performance of I Dreamed A Dream, from Les Miserables. by Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent has to be seen to be believed.
If ever there was a classic `don't judge a book by its cover' case then this is it. The judges, including the notoriously picky Simon Cowley, are left close to speechless and rightly admit to this 48 year old Brit that they pre-judged her and wrongly. And they don't have any trouble in fessing up.
If you haven't seen it head here and you won't be disappointed.

Here Comes Goodbye

If you like good music, of any genre, you have to listen to Here Comes Goodbye by Rascal Flatts.
I was curious as to when a new CD will be out of theirs and I was pleased to discover it is pretty much any day now.
The song Here Comes Goodbye is an instant Rascal classic. Heartfelt, catchy and emotional, it is everything you expect a country ballad to be.
Bring on the new album, it's great that the Flatts are back!

Ode To Joy, Beaker style

The hugely under rated Beaker does Bach in this awesome clip of Ode To Joy which is a nice light hearted, and very clever, piece of music.
It's right up there with the Manamana song. Yeah I know I am partial to the muppets but this is pretty funny. Like I said, Beaker is very much ignored when it comes to the best muppet characters.

Bert at the News Desk

One of the funniest things I've seen on TV for a while, it's Bert at the News Desk from Rove last Sunday night.
If you're familiar with the show they have a section called Carrie at the News Desk, an irreverent and comedic look at the week's news. Carrie was sick this week and Bert Newton filld in. Watching him makes you realise just how he has lasted so long in the industry and wonder why he doesn't do comedy a lot these days.
His get well to Carrie is hilarious and the crematorium joke is a cracker too. Enjoy!

Storm

One of the great songs by my favourite band, Lifehouse, called Storm. Good for people who need a pick me up, or who want to remember the bigger picture.

How long have I been in this storm?
So overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form
Water's getting harder to tread
With these waves crashing over my head

If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If I'd see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
And know everything will be all right
And know everything is all right

I know you didn't bring me out here to drown
So why am I ten feet under and upside down
Barely surviving has become my purpose
Because I'm so used to living underneath the surface

If I could just see you
Everything would be allright
If I'd see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
And know everything will be all right

David Cook vs Mariah Carey

I'm not a big watcher of American Idol (being in Australia obviously) but the Mariah Carey night caught my eye and I paid a bit of attention.
There was the odd slaughter of a MC classic but it was David Cook's treatment of Always Be My Baby that really stood head and shoulders above everything else. He's taken a pop song that's pretty breezy and given it a much harder edge and it works big time.
Worth checking out.
As an aside, I've just picked up the new Marah Carey CD, E=MC2, and am about to start listening. I'm going to be critical so stay tuned.
Also, I just wondered if Mariah mimed at least some of her song on Idol?

Halo

I didn't know this video clip existed and it's a song worth hearing. Halo by Aussie soul singer Eran James, from his album Ten Songs About Love.
It's a beautiful song, one I hear was inspired by his mother who had cancer and with a line like `when I'm lost, confused and scared of the night, I look up and find, there's a halo burning bright'.
This guy is seriously underexposed in Australia, has more talent than anyone who ever set foot on Idol, and deserves to be noticed, or at least heard, more.
Enjoy.

Horton Hears A Who!

The genius of Jim Carrey is so evident in the film Horton Hears A Who , the latest Dr Seuss classic to hit the big screen.
For a book published over 50 years ago, in 1954, Horton stands up very well to modern day and even uses some pop culture references (the Apocolypse Now one comes to mind).
On the fifteenth of May, in the Jungle of Nool, In the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool, He was splashing ... enjoying the jungle's great joys . . When Horton the elephant heard a small noise.
The central message of the book/film is simple - everybody matters regardless of who they are - and it is repeated many times as `a person's a person, no matter how small'.
Animating this film was a masterstroke, getting Carrey (who played the Grinch in the live action film a few years back) was another because it is his film.
Horton is so loveable, whimsical, and he is dedicated to saving the people of Whoville, who live on a speck of dust.
The animators turned the elephant Horton into Carrey and it works (at this point I should mention I'm a big fan) as he goes against the way of the jungle (run by an evil Kangaroo voiced by the wonderful Carol Burnett) which says `if you can't see it and can't hear it, it doesn't exist' to ensure the safety of the Whos, even though no-one else believes they exist.
The Mayor Of Whoville (Steve Carrell) has similar problems. He can hear Horton but no one believes him.
I think there is a definite parallel with Christianity here in two places. The people of Whoville don't believe in the voice from the sky who is trying to protect them. It's the old question of faith. More telling though, I think, is the reference to a speck.
I'm talking from Matthew 7:3-5 which says `Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye....' The jungle animals are far too attentive to the `speck' Horton is carrying to pay attention to the `planks' which prevent them from seeing the truth.
I think the whole film carries a wonderful message, it's fun to watch and also funny and is great for people of all ages. There's a hilarious rendition of REO Speedwagon's classic Can't Fight This Feeling thrown in as well. Dr Seuss would be very proud. Easily the best thing I've seen so far this year and a 9 out of 10.

Hugging: the art of manliness

To hug or not to hug.
As a man it's a tricky one when it comes to your mates. But it shouldn't be.
This explains the rules in the US. Interesting, not irrelevant. Thanks Craig/Lairdy for the heads up.
Makes me think of the Free Hugs campaign, what a great thing that is.

Another great song....

I alluded to this song about a year go and it was remiss of me not to have posted a link so the uninitiated could hear.
The song is We Belong Together by Gavin Degraw. It is a touch raw sounding but sensitive and beautiful. It will get your mind thinking good thoughts and leave you with a smile.
I first heard it on a episode of One Tree Hill (where else) and it struck me then and it gets better with each listen. My only frustration is that you can't seem to get it anywhere - it's not on iTunes and unless there was a Tristan & Isolde soundtrack (which I also can't find on iTunes) I'm not likely to get my hand on it.
If you happen to have this song on CD, please let me know!

Everybody's Changing

This is a great song, it's by English band Keane.
It was in my head all day yesterday (I reckon I heard it while watching One Tree Hill recently) and took me a while to work out what song it was.
I'm planning to buy the album ASAP.

Here's an explanation from the band as to what the song is about:
``Everybody's Changing is a song about something I think a lot of people will experience, which is when people's lives start going different ways and you're sitting there, thinking my friends are doing this, what I am I doing? What do I do with my life? I think things like that are quite common to people and are probably more important than a lot of things that people write songs about. I mean, we haven't written any songs about politics. I think things like your friends, communication and love affect peoples lives more on a daily basis than who's in charge of the budget.''

Have a listen, it's an awesome track.

Furry Happy Monsters

Proving that REM has a sense of humour is this video, a rip off of their song Shiny Happy People.
It's pretty funny, though I must say I was hoping the yellow monster attacked the band member at the end. Still, you can't have everything.
Enjoy.