Gearing up for VDay, I gave you my list of sexy songs, so here are "you hurt me and I hate you songs" for those who are definitely not celebrating. Sometimes it's just good to shake it out. Even though I am happily married and purring most of the time, these songs certainly bring back happy memories of my angry bitter days. Enjoy.
Joan Jett - I Hate Myself for Loving You
The Eurythmics - You Hurt Me And I Hate You
J. Geils Band - Love Stinks (Thanks to my friend Roger Cox!)
Shanice - You Ain't All That
Nancy Magaril - This Morning I Hate You,
This is my good friend Nancy Magarill, who is a brilliant writer and singer, you can buy her music on itunes. I happened to witness the birth of this song and the man who inspired it. He was a sexy artist in Williamsburg, when there were still sexy artists in Williamsburg. Think Viggio Mortensen in that Gwenyth Paltrow movie. I loved him to pieces but hated when he was a butthole to Nancy. She finally gave him the boot and I'm sure she has a song about that. Check her out on itunes.
For this week I bring an absolutely beautiful tune 'light up (the world)' by the rising British Pop Star, Yasmin. Yasmin is a very interesting artist because she started as a DJ and than later launched her career as a vocalist. Her voice is absolutely stunning and her beats are raw & outside the box, considering the usual pop formula. 'Light up the world' was produced by the iconic British DJ Shy FX, who basically defined the genre know as "Jungle" by mixing elements of reggae infused with breakbeats. The video was filmed in Cuba and sets the perfect backdrop to this uplifting tune that mixes culture, style & sophistication into a 3 minute song.
So we are on a countdown now for Valentines Day and I would like to share some of my favorite picks for sexy songs. These are not to be confused with romantic songs, and usually my criteria consists of mid to slow tempo with moody chord changes and possibly steamy lyrics. Enjoy.
1. So my first pick is of Polish pianist Leszek Mozdzer covering Nirvana's TEEN SPIRIT. I love performing this version at some of our events, discretely slipping it in when I think no one is listening. But it always garners attention and gets a thumbs up.
2. The next song I think is so classically sexy is Bruce Springsteen's "I'm on Fire". Tori Amos does a version that makes me melt.
3. Melissa Etheridge's "I'm the only one" is super swampy.
4. The Adagio from the Rodrigo Guitar Concerto. I heard this for the first time when I was in Madrid accompanying Kent Jordan (CBS artist) in the Reina Sophia competition. I was mesmerized.
5. For those who want a taste of "Madmen" sexy vibe
Julie London singing "Wives & Lovers"
6. Such a simple arrangement, but super sexy. Babyface "When Can I See You Again"
7. Classic & always sensual The Bee Gee's "How deep is your love" from Saturday Night Fever. Definately one of the sexiest moments in film watching John Travolta take that midnight subway ride with this song underscoring. Lord, he was awesome.
8. Arthur Rubinstein playing Granados - Goyescas No. 4 La Maja y el ruisenor. I was also exposed to Granados during my visit to Madrid and feel in love with this peice. I have performed this as well as other pieces from this suite inspired by the paintings of Goya.
9. My friend Jonathan Spottiswoode and his Enemies featuring Tony Lauria on accordion- In the Pouring Rain - Very sweet sexy
10. "Leave your hat on" Joe Cocker. How could we not include this?
For this edition of Turntable Tuesday I bring a beautiful Liquid Funk tune filled with rolling beats, soulful vocals, and jazzy guitar to create a new dimension within music somewhere between a vintage rhythm & blues sound and modern drum & bass. Currently climbing it's way to the top of the Beatport Charts, "Soul Drops" was the debut release from the brand new Athens, Greece based Drum & Bass label "Liquid Drops."
I have to admit i love sparkles, i love glitter and i love tulle. We have some tulle skirts that we wear for our events (see Ariana below) and I've found it is best to put a corset on top that covers the waist so that it doesn't look too bunchy.
I think it's a really fun & economical way for the bride to change dresses for dancing and you can find all kinds of tutu's on http://www.etsy.com/.
It's also a gorgeous way to dress flowergirls and junior bridesmaids. They come in peices and who wouldn't wear this over and over? I also love the wings for a whimsical garden wedding and even little sparkly venetian eye masks
It's already been a busy start to the new year, but it is always meaningful to put on the breaks and reflect on the profound words of MLK as we celebrate his life today.
My favorite speech of his still remains "a knock at midnight". I have a cherished out of print copy of the book "A Knock at Midnight" that I keep nearby in my library when I need a little extra grounding, but please take a moment to revisit his timeless words with this link below.
