Songs in the key of happy.

[alwaysamy]

It's been a bad few weeks. Well, months, really. But all the song memes lately reminded me of one of the things I can count on to improve my mood -- music.

Herewith, a few of the songs that make me happy and why.

"Iko Iko," the Belle Stars' version: Bouncy, bright, and the fun of singing (spelled phonetically here), "Jockamo fee nah ah nan nay, jockamo fee nah nay."

"Runaround," Blues Traveler: John Popper on harmonica, plus the line, “I shall drink in and always be full.”

"Wildest Dreams," Kim Richey: Another soaringly happy song. Her voice sounds great on this track, and it's in just the right key for me to sing along comfortably.

"Town Called Malice," The Jam: Energy, drums = irresistible.

"Eyes of the World," Grateful Dead: Mellower, and message-y, but still does the trick. Has a lovely spacy feel to it.

"Chicken Soup with Rice," Carole King from the Really Rosie soundtrack: Dude, come on. "In January it's so nice..." One of my favorite songs ever.

"Sir Duke," Stevie Wonder: I remember when this song came out. I was young, like under eight, and had no idea what the hell he was talking about, but the horns and the melody were infectious. Still are.

"You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio," Joni Mitchell: She sounds so warblingly gorgeous on this track, and it's a hopeful, floaty tune.

"Muh-nah Muh-nah," The Muppets: Again, I say, "Dude."

"Sherry Darling," Bruce Springsteen: "Well, I got some beer and the highway's free, and I got you, and baby, you got me..."

"Shotgun," Jr. Walker and the All-Stars: Pow! I loooove this song. Talk about energy. It's not a "happy" song, per se, but the beat picks me up.

"Widescreen," Heather Nova: The lyrics, the dizzying purity of her voice, the way the tune soars. Love it.

"Deal," Dr. John’s cover: I love Dr. John, so that's a no-brainer, and his version of this song is so much fun, with the barreling piano, and his rich, smoky, amused voice.

Comments

[halfmoon-mollie.livejournal.com]

I just got through watching the Bruce Springsteen "Story Tellers" program. Bruce is a writer - a real writer, he puts thought into his songs, he choses words carefully. I came away with a new respect for him...

And I do love Dr. John.

And Sir Duke was one of my favorite songs (I was in my 20's) because I really COULD feel it 'all over'.

I understand.

[amy37.livejournal.com]

Bruce's lyrics are fabulous. I'll have to watch that Storytellers.

[halfmoon-mollie.livejournal.com]

I rented it from Netflix. There is a Q&a session at the end that is quite interesting.

[cindywrites.livejournal.com]

In September for a while, I will ride a crocodile, down a chicken soupy Nile. Paddle once. Paddle twice. Paddle chicken soup with rice.

[amy37.livejournal.com]

I'm holding on to happy songs this morning, since we were awakened by a puking child. Oy. Washing machine, here I come.

[ex-fashioni.livejournal.com]

Loving the choices, loving the reasons behind them. I do so love music and the effect it can have. {{{Amy}}}

[amy37.livejournal.com]

No hugs needed (although I'll always take them). Unless you want to hug me for being awakened by a puking child at 7 a.m. ::groans::

[ex-fashioni.livejournal.com]

Just hugging because. And well... puking child. You deserve a hug now.

[hilleviw.livejournal.com]

Amy, I love your choices, and how eclectic your mix is, that there are things which would make my list, and things I now want to check out. But most of all, I love the idea of thinking about which songs make me happy. I'm going to make a happy music playlist on my MP3 player now.

Didn't know you were a muppet fan. Do you have Sesame Street Fever? I love the silly disco versions of Doin' the Pigeon, Rubber Duckie, and C is for Cookie. How is possible to hear them and not laugh?

[amy37.livejournal.com]

HUGE Muppet fan. I watched the show religiously as a kid, and we bought the first season on DVD -- Sara loves it. Unfortunately, she graduated from Sesame Street a little early -- she's truly a Nickelodeon girl now. So we have some Sesame DVDs, but none of the CDs.