A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

music

Hearing the holiday season

As we approach Christmas … only a few days away … I can’t help but to notice that the festive feel is definitely in the air. It probably doesn’t hurt that there is some snow on the ground or that I’ve had the SiriusXM holiday stations on for most of the month when driving.

It also doesn’t hurt that my nephew/godson is at the age where he understands more of it, which is awesome.

But the music is what really gets me into the holiday spirit, so I thought I’d share my top 10 favorite Christmas/holiday tunes – and the versions.

1. All I Want for Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey)

There are so many tunes that are traditional in nature and such, but this is one destined to go on for many decades to come. It’s pretty cool that it was written during this generation. Mariah Carey has long been one of my favorite singers, so this song is definitely at the top of my list.

2. Christmas Canon (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)

Canon (Johan Pachelbel) is my favorite classical piece ever. To think I wouldn’t have this near the top of my Christmas favorites, well, would be crazy.

3. Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives)

I love hearing this song every Christmas season. Burl Ives is so known when it comes to this kind of music for many reasons and him singing this song is awesome.

4. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Andrea Bocelli)

Just watch the clip. This is the live version. This rendition of this timeless classic with that voice … amazing.

5. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano)

Come on… this version is the best for this song and I don’t think that will ever change. When I hear others singing it, it just seem right.

6. Frosty the Snowman (Jimmy Durante)

Who didn’t grow up hearing this version from the cartoon classic? It’s awesome!

7. Most Wonderful Day of the Year (Glee cast)

This version of the song is really good. It kind of gives a more modern feel to a classic.

8. Snow Meiser/Heat Meiser (from the animated classic “Year without a Santa Claus)

Watch it and enjoy it. The whole animated show is great!

9. Mele Kalikimaka (Bing Crosby)

I love a white Christmas and all, but I’d love to be in Hawaii for Christmas one year. This song reinforces that!

10. 12 Days of Christmas (Straight No Chaser)

This version is excellent. Well worth listening to and hearing this song in a total different way. Enjoy it!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Tunes to get into the holiday spirit

It surely is the holiday season, isn’t it? Stores are crowded, houses and areas are decked out in lights and the sounds of Christmas music fills many radio stations.

I’m a fan of Christmas music. It’s a good way to get into the spirit of the season, that’s for sure. And with the lack of snow in my area (not complaining), the music is the best way to feel like it’s the Christmas season.

With that in mind, I thought I’d share my personal favorite tunes of the season.

I did a post like this back in 2012 (https://hoohaa.com/?p=5077) as well, but things have changed slightly. Not a ton, but a little. So I wanted to share the new thoughts.

Plus, it never hurts to spread some good holiday cheer, does it?

So, here are some of my current holiday favorites to bring the cheer into the season. I’m only putting four here as I thought it would be a good way to get a few tunes out there. Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below!

1. Holly Jolly Christmas

This is my all-time favorite Christmas song, without a doubt. The Burl Ives version is the best, in my eyes, but I also enjoy other versions such as Michael Buble and Lady Antebellum. The Burl Ives version is below.

2. All I want for Christmas is you

Come on … it’s Mariah Carey. I can’t imagine any guy not thinking it would be awesome for her to sing this to him! Plus, it’s probably the best “modern” Christmas song out there.

3. Santa Claus is coming to town

This has quickly jumped up on my list because of the Andrea Bocelli version of the song. Bocelli is a musical genius as it is, but this version he does with a kids’ choir is simply amazing.

4. Feliz Navidad

Upbeat, fun and a great way to get into the holiday mood, Feliz Navidad should be on every Christmas playlist!

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Uncovering a mixed CD … and then having to use Shazam

OK, it’s time for a little Friday fun.

For those of you not born in the last 20 years, you might be able to relate.

Remember mixed tapes? Man they were awesome. Grab some tunes, make a couple of mixed tapes and head out for a long ride. How cool was that? Loved it.

Alas, this isn’t a mixed tape, per say.

I was digging around looking for something the other night and came across a stack of CDs. I went through them all last night and came up with a lot of older photos (from when I was first into digital photography, so 2003/04). Mixed in was a music CD.

Of course I had to check it out.

I have no idea when this was made, to be honest. I’m sure I could search all the songs and find out when they were made and could give an educated guess. I’d guess the mid 2000s or so.

So, I thought it would be fun — as long as I can find some YouTube videos — to put what I found on this CD. Please note I had to find a few of these via Shazam so I knew what the heck they were.

Have a great Friday.

1. Let’s Get Retarded (Black Eye Peas) 

This is before the PC version (let’s get it started) took over and it’s unedited.

2. Yeah! (Usher feat. Lil’ Jon and Ludacris)

Sad to say, I had to Shazam this one.

3. Frickin’ A – Trend

This is a pretty funny song. Lyrics below the video.  Had to Shazam this one, too.

Woke up today 
looking through my email 
it’s all triple x – explicit sex 
But I’m not horny 

Can’t make it stop, the different colored soda pops 
striped toe socks, call the cops 
I can’t take anymore 

I’ve got the perfect cel plan with nights and weekends free 
All the ringtones that I need 
But no one ever calls me 

I should paint myself green 
Walk around in a red g-string 
Cause I just don’t fit in 
Turn my hat sideways 
put a band aid on my face 
You know that I…. 
Wish I could start a trend 

Checkin’ out and in of the Paris Hilton 
Joe Millionaire – he’s a has been
Flippin’ through a hundred million channels 
But I still watch Road Rules 
Lose the pounds FLIP 
You gotta buy now FLIP 
Here’s the number to save your soul FLIP 
Breaking news…another Michael Jackson scandal 

I’ve got the perfect cel plan with nights and weekends free 
More on-peak than I need 
But no one ever calls me 

I’ll wear low rider jeans 
Put a barbell through my dingaling 
Cause I just don’t fit in 
Turn my hat sideways 
put a band aid on my pretty face 
Cause I wish, I know, I could…
I would start a trend 

Nana nana na 
Nana nana na 
Nana nana na 

Then there’s my girlfriend 
She’s such a cutie 
She’d be a beauty 
If she could get an extreme makeover on that booty 
I could bend her over and she let me spank it 
Take off my jeans 
The zipper pinched my dingaling 
And I don’t really fit in 
Throw my hat away 
Take that stupid band aid off my face 
And I…I wish there were 
One more way to tan your skin 
a reality show where no one wins 
If I would be myself 
Then I could start a trend 

Nana nana na 
Nana nana na 
Nana nana na 

Then I could start a trend

Nana nana na 
Nana nana na 
Nana nana na 

If I’d just be myself

Nana nana na 
Nana nana na 
Nana nana na 

Be myself

Nana nana na 
Nana nana na 

If I’d just be myself

4. Tangled up in me (Skye Sweetnam) 

<Sigh> I know. On the bright side, I had to Shazam it.

5. Somebody told me (The Killers)

This is still a pretty kick-ass song. Upbeat. Easy to drive to.

6. Nobody’s Fool (Kenny Loggins)

Hell yeah! Caddyshack II! Rock it. Lyrics below the video for sure. Rock it! I’m nobody’s fool!

I know you think I’m no match for you baby
You like being rough on me don’t ya, my my my (ha ha)
Back to the shack oh yeah
Nothing suits me better than that
If time has taught me anything
Got to learn to be the ball
And I can’t keep from laughing at it all (whoa)
I’m gonna laugh

I’m going all the way
Sooner or later gotta love somebody
Don’t care how long it takes

Like a shock to the heart
I’ve got news for you
I may not look so smart
But I’m nobody’s fool

Oh no, that’s enough for you baby
Taking it slow, it’s too much for me to analyze
Still all right, heading into the rhythm of a summer night
Winds of wild insanity, blow with me tonight
Saddle up all you cowboys, gonna ride
I’m gonna ride

I’m going all the way
Sooner or later gotta love somebody
Don’t care how long it takes

You can turn up the heat
But I’m playing it cool
I know it’s hard to believe
I ain’t nobody’s fool

I’m going all the way (all the way)
Sooner or later gotta love somebody (I don’t care)
Don’t care how long it takes

You might think that
I have not gone to school on you
Baby like it or not
I ain’t nobody’s fool

My hallucination may come as some surprise
You may try to deny it
You’re amazed when the clown slaps you in the face
Leaves you dumbfounded there in his way (yeah)

I’m going all the way (yeah)
Sooner or later gotta love somebody (gotta love somebody)
Don’t care how long it takes

Like a shock to the heart
I’ve got news for you
Maybe I’m not so smart
But I’m nobody’s fool

I’m going all the way (oh yeah)
I’m going all the way (I’m nobody’s fool, baby, nobody’s fool)
Don’t care how long it takes (I don’t care)
I’m going all the way (who’s fooling who?)

7. Mr. Mom (Lonestar)

This really is a fun little song.

8. The Love Song (K-OS)

Yep, Shazam.

9. Call on Me (Eric Prydz)

The video of this is actually a little racy, so I just went with the one below. If you want to see it, head to YouTube! End strong though … this was also found via Shazam!

So there you have it. I’m definitely not a mix-master as I like to think I once was. Alas, the tunes were obviously good for me at the time, despite the fact that some of them didn’t stand the test of time.

I’ll have to see if I can uncover a few more CDs for some future posts.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Going international with anthems — some of the best

I’ve long been a fan of National Anthems.

As an American, I’m a bit biased about my favorite. But there are truly some amazingly awesome National Anthems throughout the rest of the world. So, recently, I spent quite a bit of time on YouTube (blog research, you see) listening to many, many anthems.

Now, it’s very possible that I’ve missed a few good ones out there, so if I have, please let me know in the comments.

Remember, too, that these anthems listed are my opinion and you may disagree or dislike some of the ones I’ve posted.

I’ve also tried to find non-traditional renditions of the anthems — say at the Olympics, sporting events or something else. There are ones that are only the tracks because I couldn’t find anything else.

One thing to note is how crowds sing along throughout the world. I truly believe this is how it should always be. Shows a lot of national pride, that’s for sure.

Anyway, here are some of my favorites from around the world, in no particular order.

1. Canada (Olympic gold medal winner — great video)

1a, Canada (Oilers playoff hockey game — insane)

2. England (A soccer World Cup match — again the crowd.)

3. Italy (from the 2006 Olympics in Torino. Final medal ceremony during closing ceremonies — flip ahead to 5 minutes or so). 

4. New Zealand (before the Rugby World Cup final in 2011)

5. South Africa (listen to Argentina first, or flip ahead to about 1 minute)

6a. Russia (From the Olympics, giving the flag to Sochi for 2014)

6b. Russia (rock version … featuring the top woman pole vaulter in the world.)

7a. Ireland (like this wasn’t going to be in here?)

7b. Ireland (There is a song commissioned by the Irish Rugby Union — Ireland’s Call — to be used for international competition.)

So there you have some of my favorites. Did I miss any? How about your favorites?

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

30 Minus 2 Days of Writing: Music (16/28)

A trio performing some traditional Irish songs. This was at a pub in Ireland in 2010.

I’ve found as I’ve aged, my musical tastes have changed. Though I still like a lot of what I once did, I’ve really started to like other things.

There are certain types of music I don’t get into — hardcore rap, heavy metal, blues and a few others. Otherwise, I’m pretty diverse with my tastes. I like anything from classical, to pop 40, to country to 80s rock and more.

But in the past several years, I’ve gotten into folk music, and more specifically Irish folk and drinking music.

It truly is awesome stuff.

When I took a trip to Dublin in 2010, I had the chance to watch many bands play in pubs. I loved the sounds, the emotion and the way the bar patrons really got into it.

There’s actually some pretty solid Irish-style bands in the upstate New York area. One of them is the Dady Brothers, who I love to see any chance I get. They’ve performed in our area a few times and I’ve really gotten into them. I last saw them on New Year’s Eve and their website shows they’ll be in the area March 2 for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration (yes, a bit before the big day… but it’s all good!), so I hope to see them then as well.

Pretty much, though, if there’s a good Irish folk band, I’m into going. Even more modern ones, I’m all in for it.

There’s something about the music. Even the sad songs seem like they can make you happy. Or at least want to drink a few more cordials! There’s truly nothing like sitting in an Irish pub with a pint of Guinness and singing along — with the rest of the bar patrons — and just having a good time.

It’s really a nice way to go about life.

I’ll leave you with a video of the band from Ireland — the ones pictured at the top of this post. The video quality is tough (it was dark), but I think it sounds OK.

If not, have a couple pints of the black stuff. It’ll sound just fine then.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!