Stateside '11 Playlist

My Stateside '10-'11 Playlist was getting a little bulky, so I subdivided. The Stateside '10 Playlist is still available, and here's what I've gotten so far in '11 (well, the non-kiddie stuff, at least; I didn't include "The B-I-B-L-E").

1. Shekinah - Jaye Thomas & Cory Asbury: There are no words.
2. Dance - Tim Hughes: Okay, so I picked this one up from The Journey, our 1st-4th grade worship service, but it's still an amazing call to active worship.
3. I Refuse - Josh Wilson: An exhortation to get involved, rather than just observe hurting people around you. (The video on this one is well worth looking up on YouTube.)
4. NY2LA - PressPlay: A funky, fun dance song of faith. Guess you just have to hear it.
5. Children of God - Third Day: We're all adopted. All of us. (The YouTube video on this one is not optional. It's a must-see.)

Stateside '10 Playlist

Several friends living overseas have posted on FB wanting music recommendations, and I kept saying, "I should post my 'Stateside '10-'11' playlist, since it's made up of my favorite songs I've heard since we've been here, and they may not know about them." I kept saying that over and over again (to myself). And I finally got around to it.

1. Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly) - Sanctus Real: my theme song for the fall (it was rough); mentioned by a friend who had been through a "worst nightmare" (you know, the kind of thing that happens where people tell you it is their worst nightmare; okay, maybe you don't; it's an interesting phenomenon)
2. Healing is in Your Hands - Christy Nockels: a healing song I didn't have! I couldn't believe it until I looked at the copyright date and realized it was brand new; that explains it
3. Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) - Chris Rice: a new classic; I hate it when people call things that, but it is what it is; it feels old; in a good way
4. Our God - Chris Tomlin: packed with truth
5. Bring the Rain - MercyMe: I know, this one isn't new, but I bought it when it first came out but forgot to put it in a list, so I didn't listen to it; something reminded me of it the other day, and I decided to put it here; it's my list; I can do that
6. Rise Up - David Crowder: the new fight song David Crowder wrote for the Baylor football team; now there's something I can worship to; seriously, it has all sorts of applications, and I like to listen to it with various ones; including the football victory one
7. God of Our Yesterdays - Matt Redman: He was and He is and He is and He is to come; in a new(ish) worship song
8. Love Came Down - Brian Johnson: the greatest story ever told
9. Beautiful for Me - Nichole Nordeman: straight from a VeggieTale video (SweetPea Beauty), plain and simple; love the message
10. Give Me Jesus - Fernando Ortega: a beautiful rendition of an old song
11. Forever Reign - Hillsong Live: pure worship
12. Restoration - David Brymer: one of His greatest gifts to us
13. Better Than a Hallelujah - Amy Grant: heard it at the kids' school during a Zumba demonstration; yes, I did; I like the message, even thought I'm not super wild about the artist
14. A Little Longer - Brian and Jenn Johnson: a beautiful song about striving; or not, rather

Caveat: I know some of this is not cutting edge (aka, it's been around a while), but I have not necessarily been in the right places to have heard it, so it's new to me.

70's Playlist

Don't know why, but this one is a little slim*. Maybe because some of the classics are in the Folk Playlist. Suggestions are welcome, though.

*It grew when I found my to-be-purchased list on my phone. :-)

From the 70's:
1. We Will Rock You - Queen: self-explanatory
2. Joy to the World - Three Dog Night: grew up hearing it and, of course, had to purchase it with the birth of our youngest son, Jeremiah
3. American Pie - Don McClean: most recently brought to mind via the Weird Al "Star Wars" version
4. We Are the Champions - Queen: actually, most makes me think of high school football games

to-be-purchased
- Up Around the Bend - Credence Clearwater: this one must have been in a TV show we watched recently; don't know what else would have brought it to mind, but I'm pretty sure we had the record
- Ramblin' Man - The Allman Brothers: again, there was a record
- The Joker - The Steve Miller Band: "
- Dueling Banjos - Arthur Smith
- Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees
- Lookin' Out My Backdoor - Credence Clearwater Revival
- Walk this Way - Aerosmith: Nobel's darkroom
- Sunshine on My Shoulders - John Denver

60's Playlist

On to the 60's . . .

1. Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows - Lesley Gore: courtesy of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, of course
2. The Lion Sleeps Tonight - The Tokens: vague memories of a group of guys singing this at Talent Show at Centrifuge
3. Tell Him - The Exciters
4. Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles
5. Wild Thing - The Troggs
6. Monster Mash - Bobby "Boris" Pickett and The Crypt-Kickers: pretty sure we had a record with this on it
7. Born to be Wild - Steppenwolf
8. Da Doo Ron Ron - The Crystals
9. The Twist - Chubby Checker
10. Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett: ironically, I'm pretty sure I heard this for the first time at my brother's wedding reception 4 years ago; it's a signature song of a family friend's, and he always sings it at wedding receptions, etc., so that was my introduction

to-be-purchased:
Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
Georgia on My Mind - Ray Charles
Space Oddity - David Bowie: 'cause it's just so representative of the era

50's Playlist

While I'm at it, I thought I'd post my other Decade playlists. As usual, I researched and tried to buy the "classic" version of the song. Occasionally, there was not a good recording available or I firmly new it by another artist, so I compromised.

A tribute to the 50's:

1. Lollipop - The Chordettes: Resurrected recently by the movie Planet 51
2. La Bamba - Ritchie Valens: Associated with its resurgence my 8th/9th grade years, due to a movie.
3. All Shook Up - Elvis Presley
4. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
5. Tequila - The Champs: Again with a movie. Can't remember which one, though.
6. Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis: And yet another movie.
7. The Book of Love - The Monotones
8. Rockin' Robin - Bobby Day
9. The Elements - Robin Ray: NCIS episode, something to do with Abby, of course
10. Purple People Eater - Sheb Wooley
11. Lollipop - Sophie Green: Actually from Planet 51

And on my to-be-purchased list:
Chantilly Lace - Big Bopper
Love Me Tender - Elvis
Mambo Italiano - Rosemary Clooney
Earth Angel - The Penguins: Karate Kid, I'm pretty sure
A Teenager in Love - Dion & the Belmonts

80's Playlist

Had a request from a friend (addressed to the "Playlist Queen") for some suggestions for a dance party she's having, all young ladies our age, so 80's music was prioritized. Much to my horror, I discovered I'd never posted my 80's playlist. So, to rectify that . . .

1. Axel F - Harold Faltermeyer (Totally 80's for Kids version; sorry, it was the best I could do): most memorable as what everyone learned to play on the keyboard when they first became popular
2. You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi
3. Take Me On - A-Ha
4. Angel - Aerosmith
5. Just Called to Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder: my ringtone for ML right now
6. Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
7. We Are the World - U.S.A for Africa: I had the tape. Yes, I did.
8. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper: I remember this one from our sabbatical to Oxford when I was in the 3rd grade. Must have just become popular (there) at about that time.
9. Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
10. Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi: Band bus. Totally.
11. Shout - Tears for Fears: Band bus, again.
12. Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
13. Axel F - Crazy Frog: I'd never heard of it, until I went looking for the classic version. The kids liked it, so I got it, too.

to-be-purchased
- I've Got a Rock 'N Roll Heart - Eric Clapton: Yes, I fell prey to the T-mobile commercial, I admit it.
- Dude (Looks Like a Lady) - Aerosmith
- Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran

Children's Songs

Went looking for "Wheels on the Bus" (one of Z's favorites) and, well, I stumbled upon this "little" list. Okay, so it was a tad comprehensive. I shelved it to the wish list until the kids' annual Christmas iTunes gift certificates came from Uncle Carter & Aunt Karen. Then, I spent Z's and JAK's on the essentials of the essentials. The following was the result. (I noted a few others, such as several songs from the Mary Poppins sound track, for future purchase. Shhh. Don't tell MA. Her birthday is this week. :-)

Chicken Dance - DJ's Choice
B-I-N-G-O - Larry Groce & the Disneyland Children's Sing-Along Chorus
ABC (The Alphabet Song) - Dora the Explorer
Are You Sleeping? - Twin Sisters
Rubber Duckie - Ernie
The Farmer in the Dell - Larry Groce
Hokey Pokey - Ultimate Party Mix
I've Been Working on the Railroad - Pete Seeger
Old MacDonald - Larry Groce
It's a Small World - Disney Studio Chorus
Itsy Bitsy Spider - Tom Gardner
John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt - Larry Groce
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - Elizabeth Mitchell
Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes - VeggieTales
Pop! Goes the Weasel - Larry Groce
Row, Row, Row Your Boat - Elizabeth Mitchell
Shoo, Fly, Don't Bother Me - Larry Groce
This Old Man - Rob Newhouse
Wheels on the Bus - The Little Series
Skip to My Lou - Larry Groce
Where is Thumbkin? - David Jacobi
Linus & Lucy - Vince Guaraldi Trio

* Also of note is iTunes Essentials Children's Lullabies list. We have many of them, and it's enchanting.

Rock/Alternative Playlist

And now, for the spin-off of the Pop Playlist: Rock/Alternative (maybe eventually they, too, will be separate; you never know).

1. What I Like About You - The Romantics: Um, a Numb3rs episode, maybe? Or NCIS? I really don't remember, but it was on my iTunes To-Buy list, so I did.
2. Where is My Mind? - Pixies: from the ending of a 4400 episode (I also heard it in another show, but I can't find anywhere on the internet where that was. Frustrating. ETA: Just figured out where it was. Not another show, but a great LOST fan video montage.)
3. Shiny Happy People - R.E.M: Would you believe it was a Sesame Street short that led me to get this song? I was looking up various Sesame Street shorts from my childhood to put on my iPod, and I came across a bunch of celebrity appearances, too, most of which are very fun, including R.E.M's "Smiling, Happy Monsters." :-P Then, I had to have the original, harkening back to my jr. high/high school days.
4. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen: re-introduced to this song thanks to the amusing "LOST Rhapsody" YouTube video
5. White Flag – Dido: I heard this in the video store and remembered liking it, so I dug it up.
6. In The Sun – Joesph Arthur: from the alternate, alternate ending to Bourne Identity (took some digging on the internet to figure that out, if you can imagine)
7. Who Will Save Your Soul - Jewel: I think I just like it.
8. Istanbul (Not Constantinople) - They Might Be Giants: Just fun. Plus, ML sings it occasionally.
*9. Whole Wide World - Wreckless Eric: From the movie Stranger Than Fiction. According to ML's research, it is a common first song to learn on the guitar because of the simplicity of the chords (it may actually have just one chord).
*10. Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams: Once again, I'm not sure if this was on Numb3rs or NCIS, but I heard it and remembered it and wanted it, which is basically a running theme, in case you hadn't picked up on that.
*11. Everybody Hurts - R.E.M.: Numb3rs, I'm pretty sure.

*New song.

Pop Playlist

As promised, my original Pop Playlist grew cumbersome, so I split it into Pop and Rock/Alternative. Some of my choices as to what went where defy iTunes designations for those songs, but, by golly, they're my playlists. I can put the songs where I want them.

1. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor: from an episode of Medium (You can all collectively gasp at the fact that we watch that show. Would you believe that my mom recommended it?)
2. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat: On our family vacation a couple of years ago, the pop (meaning, American) radio station that they had on in the restaurant each morning at breakfast played this song. It's catchy, and it reminds me of our vacation (which had its high points, although we will be returning to the Dead Sea from here on out and probably not deviating from that tradition again).
3. That’s Not Me - Bianca Ryan: I discovered this song after seeing the Bianca Ryan YouTube video from America's Got Talent. I know it's just a cover she does, but I like the song and the way she sings it.
4. Lullaby – Dixie Chicks: another Medium episode
5. The Rose - Bianca Ryan: Another Bianca Ryan cover that I liked. Reminds me of seeing Beaches at the drive-in with my mom and a friend.
6. I’m Still Here – Johnny Rzeznik: from the sleeper Disney movie, Treasure Planet
7. American Pie – Don McLean: Not quite sure on this one.
8. Complicated - Avril Lagrine: Think I just liked it.
9. Extreme Ways - Moby: Bourne movie credits theme
*10. Mad World - Michael Andrews & Gary Jules: From the opening scenes of a Without a Trace episode. The openings of the episodes tend to be without dialogue, because they depict the disappearance, which is, of course, shrouded in mystery, since the missing person is not there to explain, so I've gotten to hear some interesting songs. Oh, and this is not a song I would play with my kids listening (and since I control the iPod in the car and my computer in the kitchen, the two places I listen to my own music, this is easily accomplished). The lyrics are too negative and depressing and might be latched onto particularly by my one more melancholy child. They do, unfortunately, portray the perspective of many adolescents.
*11. Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin: I know, this does not belong in a "Pop" playlist, but I just don't have enough R&B yet to spin it off. Eventually, maybe. Inspired by discussion of her music following her inaugural performance. Also reminds me of a scene in the movie Sneakers.
*12. Rich Girl - Gwen Stefani & Eve: Random, I know. The kids were watching Beverly Hills Chihuahua (which I do not recommend; they were not glued to it, fortunately, and will not be seeing it again; I was giving it a chance at a friend's house), and I got a kick out of the song behind the opening credits, which was a hip hop version of "If I Were a Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof. Yeah, I wouldn't have been able to imagine it, if I hadn't heard it myself, either. I do not recommend watching the video [I wanted to listen to the whole song to make sure I wanted it, so I pulled it up on YouTube], nor purchasing any other of her songs without first researching them for content, from what I've read). This one, though, is just fun, and I'm enjoying listening to it.
*13. If I Were a Boy - Beyoncé: I'm just surprising you all over the place today, aren't I? Saw the video for this song at our favorite ice cream parlor in the capital when ML and I were on a date a couple of months ago. Although I don't recommend watching it with the kids, the video is interesting in a cultural literacy/cultural commentary way. And I just like the sound of the song.

It's late, so the Rock/Alternative Playlist will have to wait until tomorrow. I know you're all just waiting with bated breath.

*New song.

to-be-purchased
- Be OK - Ingrid Michaelson: from a commercial

Folk Playlist

Okay, folks, it's been entirely too long since I've done a playlist post. I know, there for a while, those of you who were reading my blog at the time (Hi, GfG!) thought there would be nothing *but* playlist posts, but it's been six.whole.months since the Birthday Playlist post, and it's high time.

Drumroll, please...

I have a *new* playlist! Yes, you've all guessed it by now (because you're all smart people who can read blog post titles): I created a Folk Playlist.

1. Scarborough Fair/Canticle - Simon and Garfunkle: another song that my family has owned in more than one medium. I remember listening to the record (or maybe the 8-track) on my parents stereo in elementary school. It's a classic.
2. Send in the Clowns - Judy Collins: I've got to start taking better notes on where I hear songs. Either this was in an episode of a TV show I watched recently or another song was and when I looked up that song this one came up as a Genius recommendation on iTunes. Either way, I remember hearing this as a child, too, and it has a nice mellow tone to it.
3. Blowin' In the Wind - Peter, Paul and Mary: You guessed it: a record of my parents'. Takes me back.
4. Piano Man - Billy Joel: I'm thinking this was the song that was in the TV episode that then led me to Send in the Clowns, a Without a Trace episode, I'm guessing. Okay, the theme of this playlist is definitely "Songs I Remember Hearing as a Child."
5. Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce: Mm hm. See above

Definitely needs to be fleshed out. Unfortunately, I can't get the Genius Bar in iTunes to work when I want it to, just when some song that I never want anything else of that genre is playing. Suggestions are welcome. Mom, maybe you should just go flip through the records and type me up a list.

Birthday Playlist

In preparation for JW's birthday yesterday (yay!), I put together the beginnings of a Birthday playlist, which will hopefully become a family tradition. We listened to it on the way to the capital yesterday where we watched Wall-E with some friends and had dinner and cake and presents at Hardee's.

1. Happy Birthday to You - Various Artists (Mickey's Party Songs)
*2. Cut the Cake - John McCutcheon
3. And Jesus Grew - Steve Green
4. I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
5. Fingerprints of God - Steven Curtis Chapman
*6. Your Song - Elton John
*7. Eli's Song - Rich Mullins

I have an "Adult Birthday Playlist" (don't worry, it's much more tame than it sounds) that includes "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart along with a couple of the above songs.

I still need to locate a CD with Happy Birthday in Arabic (Sena Helwa) on it so that I can import it and include that (I looked for an mp3 on the internet, but didn't find one the right tempo).

And I would love to hear suggestions as to other songs, secular or Christian, that I could include, on either list. Thanks to andreabt for getting me started.

* Added since originally posted. Thanks, Wendrie & Heather!

Patriotic Playlist

In honor of the Fourth of July, I created a Patriotic Playlist for us to listen to in the car today as we traveled to the capital and back. My hope is to make a tradition of listening to it yearly and maybe as we arrive in the States each time.

All of these were purchased on iTunes.

1. The Pledge of Allegiance - Peter Pan Kids: I thought it would be good to familiarize the kids with the Pledge. We'll probably work on memorizing it this next year as we study the second half of American history.
2. America the Beautiful - American Military Band: an instrumental version
3. This Land Is Your Land - Peter, Paul and Mary
4. God Bless America - Celine Dion
5. You're a Grand Old Flag - The Hit Crew
6. Star Spangled Banner - Cactus Cuties: I was pumped to see this version offered on iTunes. I'd seen the video on YouTube from a link my mom e-mailed to me. I don't get into cheesy video e-mail links that often (well, actually, people have stopped sending them, but that's a direct correlation to my desire to watch them), but this one I was impressed with. Those girls can sing!
7. God Bless the U.S.A. - Lee Greenwood
8. America the Beautiful - Patriotic Songs of America
9. Semper Fidelis - American Military Band

I also bought three Adventures in Odyssey episodes related to patriotic topics. We've never gotten into AIO, other than some freebie CD's from Chick-fil-A, but these added a fun facet to our celebration of the day. I may get their other holiday ones, too.
1. By Dawn's Early Light
2. The Day Independence Came
3. The Midnight Ride

Ringtones

True confession time: I knew I was a ringtone junkie; it was not until I typed up a list for posting here, though, that I realized exactly how bad it was. I have 85 ringtones on my phone! (Thank goodness for automatic numbering in Word.) I've added a few at a time over the year that I've had my "fancy phone" (as opposed to the bottom-of-the-line model I've always had previously). Wow, that few-at-a-time sure adds up, doesn't it?

So, here they are:
24 Theme Song
411 Packet
A-Team
A-Team 2
Get Your Adverbs Here
Al in This Together (from HSM)
Back to the Future
Batman (old TV show)
Belly of a Whale
Be Your Friend
Breaking Free
The Bunny Song
Cheers Chorus
Chocolate Rain
CTU Phone Ring (from 24, text alert)
Do Do Do (from HSM)
Eye of the Tiger
False Hope – Barack Obama
Family Ties
Greensleeves
Firefly Theme Song
Fruity Oaty Bars (from Serenity)
Inspector Gadget, instrumental
Inspector Gadget, siren (text alert)
Inspector Gadget, theme
Ghostbusters, instrumental
Ghostbusters, intro
Ghostbusters, theme
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cindy Lauper
God is Bigger (Than the Boogie Man)
Go Gadget Go
Go Speed Racer
Hairbrush Song, Japanese
Hard Days Night – The Beatles
Hero of Canton (from Firefly)
His Banner
Honeyful Day
Hotel California
How Great the Father’s Love
I’m Still Here (from Treasure Planet)
I’ve Never Had (from HSM)
I’m Bad – Michael Jackson
In the Name of Love – U2
Jeopardy, text alert
Jeopardy, text alert 2
Jonah Was a Prophet
Welcome Home – JWGulley
Kim Possible, text alert
Light My Fire – The Doors
Little Einsteins, theme
Little Einsteins, text alert
System Failure – LOST
LOST, title sequence
Love, Love Me Do – The Beatles
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, theme song
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E
Mii Channel
Muppets Theme
Name Above All Names
NCIS Theme
No Sweeter Name
Numa Numa
Numb3rs Theme
Power Rangers Theme
Soarin’ Flyin’ (from HSM)
Speed Racer Theme
Speed Racer, text alert
Spiderman (old show)
Sweet Home Alabama
Thankful Heart
Tigger & Pooh Theme
Twilight Zone
Walk Like an Egyptian
Walk the Line – Johnny Cash
Wedding March
Welcome to the Jungle – Guns ‘N Roses
White and Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
Wii Sports
Wild Cats – HSM
With or Without You – U2
X-Men Theme
X-Men, text alert
Yes We Can – Barack Obama
Yip Yip Telephone (Sesame Street)
You All Everybody (from LOST)

The fascinating thing to me is that I've used probably 80% of them at one point or another.

LOST Playlist

As I was reading about and pondering this week's LOST episode, I realized I hadn't updated my LOST playlist recently.

As the title indicates, this is a list of songs played on LOST episodes. It started like most of my other playlists: I heard a song on the show, liked it, and tracked it down on iTunes. Soon, I had a collection. So I created a separate playlist. It's a fun, eclectic group of songs that we enjoy listening to. Although it's a been a while. I think we overdosed. Time to pull it back out, though. It sounds fun again Plus, I added two songs from the end of Season 3.

Originally, I just wrote down the songs as they played. But then, ML found this site that does the work for me. So, I just check there periodically, look up the songs on iTunes, and download the ones I want. I don't buy all of them. I'm not a purist. I'm not going to listen to a song just because it was on LOST (for example, I chose to bypass Rump Shaker :-l *and I have also have foregone Jack's "Jeep music," a little too heavy even for me*). I have been introduced to some neat songs this way, though.

So, without further ado,

LOST Playlist

1. You All Everybody – Driveshaft
2. Are You Sure – Willie Nelson
3. Wash Away – Joe Purdy
4. I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown
5. I Shall Not Walk Alone – The Blind Boys of Alabama
6. Walkin’ After Midnight – Patsy Cline
7. Delicate – Damien Rice
8. Make Your Own Kind of Music – Cass Elliot
9. The End of the World – Skeeter Davis
10. Redemption Song – Bob Marley
11. My Conversation – The Uniques
12. These Arms of Mine – Otis Redding
13. Catch a Falling Star – Perry Como
14. The Hard Way – Kasey Chambers
15. Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller Orchestra
16. Downtown – Petula Clark
17. I Wonder – Brenda Lee
18. They – Jem (the stand-alone: not on the show, but from a great YouTube video montage)
19. Shambala – Three Dog Night
20. Wonderwall – Oasis
21. Show Me the Way to Go Home – Bing Crosby
*22. Everyday - Buddy Holly

*Added since original posting.

Pop Playlist

Eventually, this will probably divide out in to Pop, Rock, and maybe an Alternative playlist, but for now, it's just grouped under Pop. I've been waiting until I had some time to spend on this post, because I wanted to give the "story" behind each song, since most have a story. Since a certain blog-reading friend pointed out recently that I don't post often, I thought I'd take the time to post this list today (just teasing :-).

1. Firefly Main Theme - Sonny Rhodes: fairly obvious
2. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor: from an episode of Medium** (You can all collectively gasp at the fact that we watch that show. Would you believe that my mom recommended it?)
3. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat: On our family vacation this last fall, the pop (meaning, American) radio station that they had on in the restaurant each morning at breakfast played this song. It's catchy, and it reminds me of our vacation (which had its high points, although we will be returning to the Dead Sea this spring and probably not deviating from that tradition again).
4. That’s Not Me - Bianca Ryan: I discovered this song after seeing the Bianca Ryan YouTube video from America's Got Talent. I know it's just a cover she does, but I like the song and the way she sings it.
5. Where is My Mind? - Pixies: from the ending of a 4400 episode (I also heard it in another show, but I can't find anywhere on the internet where that was. Frustrating. ETA: Just figured out where it was. Not another show, but a great LOST fan video montage.)
6. Scarborough Fair - Simon & Garfunkel: After a date night dinner at TGIFriday's in the capital during which we sat next to a wall of record covers, I dug this song up on iTunes. I listened to my parents' record when I was little. I had the tape. I skipped the CD rendition. I have it in digital format.
7. Shiny Happy People - R.E.M: Would you believe it was a Sesame Street short that led me to get this song? I was looking up various Sesame Street shorts from my childhood to put on my iPod, and I came across a bunch of celebrity appearances, too, most of which are very fun, including R.E.M's "Smiling, Happy Monsters." :-P Then, I had to have the original, harkening back to my jr. high/high school days.
8. Lullaby – Dixie Chicks: another Medium episode
9. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen: re-introduced to this song thanks to the amusing "LOST Rhapsody" YouTube video
10. The Rose - Bianca Ryan: Another Bianca Ryan cover that I liked. Reminds me of seeing Beaches at the drive-in with my mom and a friend.
11. I’m Still Here – Johnny Rzeznik: from the sleeper Disney movie, Treasure Planet
12. White Flag – Dido: I heard this in the video store and remembered liking it, so I dug it up.
13. What I Like About You – The Romantics: I have no idea.
14. In The Sun – Joesph Arthur: from the alternate, alternate ending to Bourne Identity (took some digging on the internet to figure that out, if you can imagine)
15. American Pie – Don McLean: Not quite sure on this one either.
16. Eureka End Theme - Eureka: self-explanitory
*17. Who Will Save Your Soul - Jewel: I think I just like it. :-P
*18. Complicated - Avril Lagrine: ditto
*19. Extreme Ways - Moby: Bourne movie credits theme
*20. Istanbul (Not Constantinople) - They Might Be Giants: Just fun. Plus, Micah sings it occasionally. :-)

*Added since original posting
**And in case anyone's worried about how much TV we watch, we will rent a season of a show, download it to our computer, and then watch it over a couple of months (deleting the episodes from the computer as we watch them). We don't have satellite, so this is the only TV we watch. :-)

Grief Playlist

My list of songs to minister to those in a time of grief, all of which have ministered to me over the years as I have processed and dealt with the grief of losing our son, WM, who was 7 weeks old (in 2000).

1. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Michael W. Smith: The ultimate admonition. Hymns touch a special place in my heart, and this one has a significant place in the grieving process.
2. Sun and Shield – J. M. Gulley: Written after the composer's college-age younger brother had suddenly died of heart failure. Powerful, especially given the context.
3. Praise You in This Storm – Casting Crowns: I don't take the opportunity to listen to Christian radio often, although I could use streaming internet to do so. One of the few times I have, this song was playing. Providential, I think.
4. Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman: This song was not debuted until a couple of years after WM's death, but it summarized so perfectly my feelings that it took my breath away when I first heard it. And of course I sobbed.
5. Held – Natalie Grant: There could not be a song more tailored to our loss. I was on the way to meet with a friend for coffee (in the States) when it came on the radio. I lost it. Fortunately, my friend understood.
6. Be Near – Shane & Shane: The cry of every believer in grief.
7. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus – Carman: It is. 'Nuf said.
8. He’s My Son – Mark Schultz: While the circumstances are different than ours, this song captures the heart of grief and hope.
9. Outstretched Hands – Starfield: A cry from the depths of despair, where those grieving can find themselves
10. Come for Me – Charlie Hall: Patient, hopeful, passionate waiting for the ultimate Comfort of reunion with Him
11. Rock Solid (On Christ the Solid Rock) – Passion Worship Band: When all else is sinking sand
12. You Are My Supply – J. M. Gulley: Written for the composer's friend, who had just lost her one living parent
*13. Word of God Speak - MercyMe: The very essence of what is needed in the depths of grief
*14. We Love You, Jesus - Greg Long: I first fell in love with this song driving to and from my teaching job before MS was born. It is what I constantly strive for my attitude to be. We had it sung at WM's memorial service, as it was fitting.
*15. We Will Dance - David Ruis: A very hopeful song for me in the months after WM's death as I pictured the day I would dance will all of my children.
*16. You Are My Hiding Place - Selah: Our refuge
*17. Bring the Rain - MercyMe: A powerful statement of willingness to endure pain and suffering for his glory
(*18. I Will Carry You - Selah: To be released Fall '08. Written and recorded for Angela and Todd Smith while they were walking through the impending loss of the daughter she was pregnant with, as they learned that she would not survive outside the womb.)

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

*Added since the original posting of the list.

Country Playlist

Sometime in the past year, I started compiling a couple of non-practical playlists. They weren't worship music. They weren't educational. They weren't even compilations of songs that represented a period of time or a theme (more on that later). They were just fun songs that I had been reminded of and wanted to own and be able to listen to.

One of those lists was m "Country Playlist." While I used to listen to country a lot, these days I'm more likely to use my listening time to re-center my day with some worship music (usually in the kitchen while cooking or cleaning), there were some songs that I missed and really wanted the chance to hear when I was in the mood.

And here they are (I'm sometimes reminded of one or two I want to add, so it's in flux):

1. Amarillo By Morning – George Strait
2. I Loved Her First – Heartland
3. Gettin’ By – Jerry Jeff Walker
4. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
5. Song of the South – Alabama
6. Mr. Bojangles – Jerry Jeff Walker
7. Love Without End, Amen – George Strait
8. Leaving on a Jet Plane – John Denver
9. God Blessed Texas – Little Texas
10. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson
11. Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys – Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson
12. What I Like About Texas – Jerry Jeff Walker
13. Born Country – Alabama
14. Little Bitty – Alan Jackson
15. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
16. All My Ex’s Live in Texas – George Strait
17. If You’re Gonna Play in Texas – Alabama
18. Chattahoochee – Alan Jackson
19. Deeper Than the Holler – Randy Travis
20. Desperados Waiting for the Train – Jerry Jeff Walker
21. Texas – George Strait
22. Independence Day – Martina McBride

Yes, there's a Texas theme. It's unavoidable: A) it's country and B) it's my list.

still to-be-purchased
The Gambler - Kenny Rogers
Little White Church - Little Big Town: seemed like this was playing *everywhere* when we got to the States this summer ('10); it has such a classic country feel to it, I was surprised to find out it was new

Kids' Playlist

Years ago, I read a book about creating "Mommy and Daddy tapes" for kids, where the parents take turns reciting things they want the child to learn, like their ABC's, Bible verses, etc. (I'm going to ask a couple of people who might know the book's title. I'll post it, if I find out.)

We tried that once or twice when Malachi was a toddler, but it was a lot of work to put together, and what we wanted to include kept changing, so it kind of fizzled.

When iTunes came out, though, I ended up doing the next best thing: I imported songs from a bunch of our CD's and bought a few to create playlists of songs that I wanted our kids to know/be familiar with at different ages. They've evolved a little but are basically set at this point, so I thought I'd share them.

Some of the songs/versions of songs are rather obscure, most would be available on iTunes, but primarily, this is just to give an idea of something to do.

Baby Playlist

1. Barocha – Michael Card
2. As the Deer – Marnatha! Music Praise Strings
3. Love You Eternally – Michael W. Smith
4. Sleepytime Suite I – Carl Marsh
5. ‘Tis So Sweet – Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey
6. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Johann Sebastian Bach
7. Even the Darkness is Light to Him – Michael Card
8. Sleepytime Suite II – Carl Marsh
9. He’ll Take Care of You – Kim Hill
10. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus – Hymnworks
11. He’ll Wipe Away Your Tears – Michael Card
12. The Four Seasons, Concerto 1: Spring – Vivaldi
13. Jesus Let Us Come to Know You – Michael Card
14. Sleepytime Suite III – Carl Marsh
15. Oh What Dreams – Chris Rice
16. Minuet I & II in G Major/Minor – Walter Heinz Bernstein
17. Peace Be Still – Sandi Patty
18. Sleepytime Suite IV – Carl Marsh

Toddler Playlist

1. This Little Light of Mine – Wee Sing Bible Songs
2. Deep and Wide - Wee Sing Bible Songs
3. This Train is Bound for Glory – Everybody Sing
4. The B-I-B-L-E – Wee Sing Bible Songs
5. If I Were a Butterfly – Everybody Sing
6. Who Did Swallow Jonah? - Wee Sing Bible Songs
7. Johnny Appleseed – Everybody Sing
8. Zacchaeus - Wee Sing Bible Songs
9. ABC (The Alphabet Song) – Dora the Explorer
10. Who Built the Ark - Wee Sing Bible Songs
11. Praise Him, Praise Him - Wee Sing Bible Songs
12. Are You Sleeping? – Twin Sisters Productions
13. He’s Got the Whole World - Wee Sing Bible Songs
14. I Just Wanna Be a Sheep – Everybody Sing
15. Oh, How I Love Jesus - Wee Sing Bible Songs
16. Rise and Shine - Wee Sing Bible Songs
17. Down in My Heart - Wee Sing Bible Songs
18. Jesus Loves Me – J. M. Gulley

Preschool Playlist

1. Ephesians 4:32 & Matthew 6:14 – Scripture Memory Songs
2. He’s Got the Whole World – Kids Sing Hymns 1
3. The Twelve Disciples – Wee Sing Bible Songs
4. Praise Him, Praise Him – Kids Sing Hymns 1
5. I’m in the Lord’s Army - Wee Sing Bible Songs
6. Onward, Christian Soldiers – Kids Sing Hymns 1
7. If We Confess Our Sin – God’s Grace
8. Rejoice in the Lord Always - Wee Sing Bible Songs
9. Oh, How I Love Jesus – Kids Sing Hymns 1
10. Praise the Lord Together - Wee Sing Bible Songs
11. Humble Yourselves – God’s Grace
12. This is My Commandment - Wee Sing Bible Songs
13. Jesus, Name Above All Names – ACC Worship Team
14. Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus – Kids Sing Hymns 1
15. Love, Love - Wee Sing Bible Songs
16. God is So Good – Kids Sing Hymns 2
17. Books of the Old Testament - Wee Sing Bible Songs
18. Matthew 5: 3-11 – God’s Promises
19. Every Move I Make – David Ruis
20. Books of the New Testament - Wee Sing Bible Songs
21. I Have Decided to Follow Jesus – Kids Sing Hymns 2
22. My God is So Great - Wee Sing Bible Songs
23. To God be the Glory – Kids Sing Hymns 1
24. Jesus Loves Me – Kids Sing Hymns 2
25. In Everything Give Thanks – Power of Thanksgiving

First Worship/Classic Hymns

1. Ode to Joy – Sister Act 2
2. Holy, Holy, Holy – Praise Baby Collection
3. Everything That Has Breath – Hillsong
4. How Great Thou Art – Steve Green
5. As the Deer – Maranatha Singers
6. Doxology – Passion Worship Band
7. Great is Thy Faithfulness – Steve Green
8. He Knows My Name – iWorship
9. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Michael W. Smith
10. How Deep the Father’s Love – Phillips, Craig & Dean
11. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus – Carman
12. The Lord is My Shepherd – Jesus, I Love You
13. Amazing Grace – Steve Green
14. Awesome God – Michael W. Smith
15. Take My Life and Let it Be – Vineyard Music
16. How Great Thou Art – Passion Worship Band
17. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore The – Praise Baby Collection
18. Agnus Dei – Michael W. Smith

First Worship

1. Offering – Third Day
2. One Hundred Three – ACC Worship Team
3. Days of Elijah – Robin Mark
4. He Knows My Name – iWorship
5. Creed – Petra
6. I Believe in Jesus – Ryan Delmore
7. King of Glory – Third Day
8. All That I Need – Vineyard UK
9. Holy Visitation – Rita Springer
10. Creed – Third Day
11. My Redeemer Lives – iWorship
12. Forever – Michael W. Smith
13. Psalm 145 – ACC Worship Team

Happy listening!

Christmas Playlists

Since I had this typed out elsewhere, and I'd been meaning to post it here, I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone (no offense to the ornithologists among us).

Most of this emerged two days before Christmas this year, so we just barely got to enjoy them, but they're all primed and ready for next year and many years to come.

Our Christmas iTunes Playlists:

Advent (coincides with our family Advent service)
1. Away in a Manger – Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
2. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – Azure Fields
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
4. It Is Well With My Soul – America’s 25 Old-Time Favorite Gospel Songs
5. Joy to the World – Various Artists and Eugene Ormandy
6. O Come, All Ye Faithful – Various Artists
7. The Old Rugged Cross – Don Marsh Chorus and Orchestra
8. Silent Night – America’s 25 Favorite Christmas Songs for Kids

Christmas Worship (mostly contemporary Christian Christmas songs and traditional songs done by CC artists)
1. Joy to the World – Blind Boys of Alabama
2. O Come All Ye Faithful – Third Day
3. O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Bebo Norman
4. What Child is This? – Third Day
5. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing – Jars of Clay
6. O Holy Night – Third Day
7. Kyrie Eleison – Leigh Nash & Friends
8. Joy to the World – Third Day
9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - MercyMe
10. Angels We Have Heard on High – Third Day
11. Messiah Has Come – Bebo Norman, Cindy Morgan, Danielle Young
12. Silent Night – Third Day
13. Away in a Manger – Third Day
14. Here With Us – Joy Williams
15. The First Noel – Third Day
16. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - MercyMe
17. Go Tell It On the Mountain – Blind Boys of Alabama

Instrumental Christmas (this one needs fleshing out but will have to wait until next year, and the Auld Lang Syne actually has vocals at the end)
1. Jingle Bells – Glenn Miller
2. Babes in Toyland/March of the Toys – Arthur Fielder and the Boston Pops
3. Parade of the Wooden Soldiers – United States Army Field Band
4. Auld Lang Syne – Guy Lombardo

Kids' Christmas (may add a few kids' versions of traditional songs to this one; overlaps a tad with "The Holidays" playlist)
1. White Christmas – The Drifters
2. Jingle Bells – The Brady Bunch
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
4. You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch – Thurle Ravenscroft
5. Frosty the Snowman – Gene Autry
6. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Jackson 5
7. Here Comes Santa Claus – Gene Autry
8. Feliz Navidad – David Crowder Band

The Holidays (secular Christmas songs, most done by the artist that originally recorded them/made them famous [thank you, Wikipedia])
1. White Christmas – The Drifters
2. I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Bing Crosby
3. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) – Mel Torme’
4. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
5. Silver Bells – Bing Crosby
6. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow – Vaughn Monroe
7. Twelve Days of Christmas – Christmas Tribute
8. Winter Wonderland – Bing Crosby
9. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como
10. Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
11. Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters
12. Home for the Holidays – Perry Como
13. White Christmas – Bing Crosby
14. Feliz Navidad – David Crowder Band
15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland
16. Auld Lang Syne – The Drifters

Traditional Carols (I'm aware that a couple of these are actually more contemporary, but they have a traditional feel)
1. Do You Hear What I Hear – The Harry Simeone Choir
2. Here We Come A-Wassailing – Cambridge Clare College
3. We Three Kings – Most Excellent Vocal Manoeuvres Choral Christmas
4. We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Cambridge Singers
5. Ding Dong! Merrily on High – Choir of King’s College
6. I Saw Three Ships – Cambridge Clare College
7. Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring – The Choirs of the Church of Our Lady
8. Deck the Halls – UCLA Madrigal Singers
9. Little Drummer Boy – The Harry Simeone Chorale

All of this was bought on iTunes (from a Christmas song list on Wikipedia), so it's available there. I did not exactly keep track of how much I was purchasing as I went along, and I was a bit shocked when I got the bill e-mail. Realistically, though, my family will be enjoying this music for years and years to come, and I think it will be worth it in the long run.