Favorite remake

I've never been a big fan of popular bands remaking songs.  I understand the importance of cover songs in a band's repertoire when starting out, but once a band/artist is established, are cover songs necessary? 

And usually, remakes are a disappointment because they can't live up to the original.  From time to time, however, bands/artists get it right.

In 8th grade, I loved the song "It's my Life" by Talk Talk.  Flash forward 20 years and No Doubt does a remake.  And you know what?  I liked it.  I felt No Doubt was true to the original yet made it their own.  Sure, I prefer originals to covers but if you are gonna do a cover, you better do it right. And No Doubt nailed it.

   

Chills every time

Rare is the song that gives you chills each time you hear it.  There’s something so special about the song – the words, the melody, the time/place you hear it – that it moves you emotionally and physically.

For me, there are two songs that move me each time I hear them.  The first is by Ben Folds.  I’ve always loved his music and his lyrics.  His songs are fun and beautifully constructed, and some of them are downright moving.  “The Luckiest” is the ultimate wedding song and for good reason.

And then there’s Rufus Wainwright.  I have NO idea what the lyrics are about but I love it anyway.  “I Don’t Know What It Is” moves me musically.   It holds your attention from start to finish.

What song does that for you?  The song you heard playing on the radio the night of your first kiss?  Or maybe the song you would play over and over in college that lifted your mood?  And don’t you want to listen to that song right now?

Instant mood lifter

I must admit, now that I'm (a bit) older, I don't listen to music as much as I once did.  In high school, the radio was on all the time and my TV was fixed to MTV.  Music surrounded me and, it's no coincidence, I was in a good mood most of the time.  Music has the power to lift your mood.

I was in my car last week and I was scanning stations on the FM, and I came across an old Kool and the Gang song called "Good Time Tonight".    Sure, I know "Celebration" and "Get Down on It" but "Good Time Tonight" was one I missed.  Now it's my go-to song when I need an instant mood lifter.  It's impossible to listen to this song and NOT feel good.

So what's one of your instant mood lifters?  If you're looking for one, look no further than "Good Time Tonight".