Listen.

Listen, and enjoy!

1. Gabrielle Aplin - Please Don't Say You Love Me.
I just discovered this song this morning and really like it. The lyrics are good and her voice is lovely and British.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxNYvk_0Onw

2. Nina Nesbitt - Boy
I really like the rhythmic style of this song. I think you will either love or hate this song, fortunately for me, I like it!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8bMODpjy1M

3. Naya Rivera - Mine
This song is off Glee, but it's not cheesy - it's soulful and beautiful. I love the original, but dare I say, I love this one more? (Sorry T Swizzle!)
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESmo-nHhbcg

4. Sara Bareilles - Bright Lights and Cityscapes
You probably know by now that I love her voice, and her songs feature on these lists more times than any other artist. This song has a sad but haunting melody.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJycDeZqtdc

5. Taylor Swift - We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.
This is so cheesy. The lyrics are pretty rubbish too. But, it's so catchy! I hear the chorus on the radio and it's stuck in my head for the rest of the day.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcMn_Eu-XTE

What do you think of all these tracks? Got a favourite?

Musical memories.

I recently had my iTunes on shuffle, and my ears heard some definite blasts from the past! It got me thinking about music, and how certain music makes you think of certain occasions, whether it's the CD you received for Christmas or a song that you used to have on repeat all the time.
So here are my five musical memories:

1. The Call - Regina Spektor.
A song that played when a dear best friend moved far, far away.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY0QcSQf_mc

2. Sk8er Boi - Avril Lavigne
A song that me and my sister loved as teenagers.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvOrLLKSuzw

3.Me & You - Diana Vickers
A song that reminds me of a lazy summer.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpE1dLi915c

4. Sing For Me (Acoustic) - Yellowcard
A song played on my wedding day.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC0SavZptSo

5. Out Of My League - Stephen Speaks
A song that reminds me of girly sleepovers.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L15skJeT8bY

What are your musical memories?
Do any certain songs remind you of me?

A welcomed break.

1. Aiden Grimshaw - Is This Love?
I loved him when he was on the X Factor. I loved his husky voice and accent. I thought he might have gone the Damien Rice/Robert Pattinson kind of acoustic route...yet his new music sounds like Bloc Party. I love it though. It somehow works.
link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrr9ZrdX_WI

2. Ed Sheeran - Cold Coffee
I love this song. Since I found it, it has been on replay constantly helping me to get through my tedious essay writing.
link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7d8LUJ8Ejk

3. Cheryl - Call My Name.
She's removed her surname and is just going as 'Cheryl' now. She doesn't have an amazing voice, but the song is catchy and is definitely a summer, dance-y song.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2MaemE-oks

4. Robert Pattinson - Never Think
I think his voice is my favourite thing to hear.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=conacoiECjk

5. Demi Lovato - Catch Me
I think Demi has got a fab voice, and is much better than some people think she is. I love this song, it's not one of her huge hits, but I love it.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmgg7zIDcwU

April showers.

It's the weekend.
Time to wind down and relax to some of these amazing songs.

1. Sara Bareilles - Yellow
You know I love this girl. She's been featured on these music posts more than any other artist. That's because she's amazing, and this song is no exception.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7yxJHAlPug&feature=g-vrec&context=G22b439dRVAAAAAAAAAQ

2. Paloma Faith - Picking Up The Pieces.
This song gets me very excited. So excited. I love Paloma Faith, and this song is amazing. The music video is stunning.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijel4Vcqd9g

3. Glee Cast - Rumour Has It/Someone Like You
I don't watch Glee, but I absolutely love this song. Two Adele songs merged together? Perfection.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeMlp0Nwg6w

4. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe
This song is everyone's feel-good song at the minute. It's catchy. It's fun. I love it.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWAdb1vgoik

5. Priscilla Ahn - Dream
This song has been out for years. I fell in love with it when it was part of the soundtrack for Bride Wars. It featured on my wedding reception playlist.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKfDwChOoHI

A very girly music post for you!

March's melodies.

I was having a chat with my sister the other night, and we were saying how we had drifted apart in our music tastes and why had this happened. Then we had a little listening session to songs on youtube and realised we actually do have some common music ground still!
So, the first two songs on this playlist are ones she found and showed me, and I LOVED.
Now I'm sharing the love with you.

1. Leona Lewis - Iris (cover of Goo Goo Dolls)
Leona Lewis has a gorgeous voice. This cover would be perfect for a first dance at a wedding reception. It's slow and smouldering.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9QqEWWagAU

2. Emeli Sande - Every Teardrop Is Waterfall (cover of Coldplay)
I haven't been that keen on Emeli Sande, but I love this cover. I love that it's live.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdAs3aTrYVQ

3. Taylor Swift - Ours
This song was definitely a grower. I didn't like it for a while, and was debating putting it on my last music post. However, it's grew on me over the last few weeks and now it rightfully deserves a place on this playlist! I love Taylor Swift music videos, they always tell such a cute story.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ34LlaIk88&ob=av2e

4. The Secret Sisters - Tomorrow Will Be Kinder
Part of the official Hunger Games soundtrack! It's haunting, slow and beautiful. I am so excited to see the movie. My tickets are booked. Roll on the 23rd March!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMvpwGsd-Ok&feature=related

5. Jason Walker - Down
This is one of those songs that I never get sick of. It's one of those songs that people wallow in when they are feeling a little sad, but I love it because it has both a male and female singer in it.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqJG9aODv4Q

I still choose you.

A music post for my lovelies!
I love doing these music posts, and I love how well they are always received!
(Remember, just click the 'music' link under this post to bring up all the music posts I've done!)

1. Birdy - 1901.

Birdy's covers never fail to impress me. I love the tone of her voice and the songs she chooses to cover. I prefer her live version to the album version.

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RkResk7h8Y

2. Ben Rector - White Dress.

This is one of the songs I stumbled across after clicking a link of a link of a link on youtube! I'm glad I did though. I think my younger, teenager self would love this song more, but I still like it enough now!

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hfJtAe_pCY

3. The Civil Wars - Poison & Wine.

I'm becoming more and more intrigued with this band. I LOVE when there are female and male vocals in a song together!

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfzRlcnq_c0

4. Pixie Lott & Stan Walker - The One.

This is an oldie, but it's not very well known. At least, I think it isn't. However it's pretty good!

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5xyAGtOmYA

5. Boyce Avenue - Someone Like You

I don't think anything can top Adele's live cover of this song (included in the first ever music post on this blog!) But I have an undying love for Boyce Avenue and think it's a brilliant cover, especially with the violin in the background.

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzC2-GJu1Q8

Shoulder to shoulder.

I love Rebecca Ferguson. I loved her when she was a contestant on the X Factor and I love her even more now.
Usually, when I do a music post, I always post five songs that have a similar theme or that I like for you to listen to.

However, this song is so good on it's own, that it's getting an entire blog post of it's own.
You have to listen to it. It's beautiful and romantic, but sad and heart-breaking at the same time. She has such an amazing voice. Okay, gushing over, have I not persuaded you to listen to it again and again on repeat already?

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av0Rnt_CtGM&ob=av2n (link to the live version when you can see the beautiful Rebecca perform live)

May the odds be ever in your favour.

A new music post for my lovelies today!
The Hunger Games is a massive book craze at the minute (a bandwagon I have currently just hopped onto after reading the first book. I've just been out and bought the trilogy!) and the film of the first book is getting released in March 2012. I'm just as excited for the movie soundtrack. Here's the first released track from it:

Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars - Safe and Sound

I love the eerie, haunted sound of this track. I love the scratchiness of the guitar and the musky sound of Swift's voice in this.

Rockin' around the Christmas tree.

Christmas tunes for this lovely week leading up to Christmas!
I can guarantee that you won't feel glum listening to these!
Embrace Christmas!

1.Justin Bieber Duet with Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You 
Yes Mariah Carey has rereleased her famous Christmas tune, with the verses being sung by none other than Justin Bieber. Yes, it is pretty terrible, but I love it all the same.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGFNmEOntFA

2. Glee Cast - Do They Know It's Christmas Time?
This shows the giving of Christmas time. It's upbeat and happy but has a deeper message to remember those around us.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w347aP5z-8s

3. Peter Auty - Walking In The Air (from The Snowman)
My favourite Christmas song. It gives me chills. I've loved this since I was a little girl. I know it doesn't mention the word 'Christmas' in it, but the entire movie is about a snowman and Christmastime, so I think it's allowed to be on my list!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb-pX7sIjFY

4. Lily and the Parlour Tricks - White Christmas
With an old-fashioned sound and lovely vocals. This is a lovely cover of the famous Christmas song.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kFN_n1mr7E

5. Josh Groban -O Holy Night
This is what Christmas is all about.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU

Chestnuts.

Do you always put up your tree whilst listening to a certain Christmas CD?
On Christmas morning do you make the festive spirit even more cheerful by playing cheesy Christmas CDs?
Do you secretly love it when they start to play the festive music at work/ in the shopping centres?

If you've answered yes to any of the above questions, then I think you should add these CDs to your Christmas collection:

1. She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFHF5wQoXtY&feature=related

2. Michael Bublé - Christmas

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkN5M-nJx6A

3. Glee: The Music - The Christmas Album Volume 2

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXxTPeeL1Qg&feature=related

Listen to the links and start getting excited for Christmas!

Jukebox jelly.

Some tunes for an early weekend.

1. Rebecca Ferguson - Nothing's Real But Love
I loved Rebecca's soulful voice when she was a contestant on the X Factor last year, and here she is with her debut single looking every bit the popstar.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVs55XkYzls

2. Slow Moving Millie - Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want
This song has already featured on my blog as the background music used in the John Lewis Christmas advert. It makes you feel warm and all snuggily inside.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j4hg9VrYX4

3. Sara Bareilles - Breathe Again
I love this song, I can't believe I haven't featured it before. It's mellow, and slow, and a little, well, depressing. But it's deep moodiness just draws me into it even more.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOwvpRZKR4I

4. Colbie Caillat - I Do
For the romantics out there. A cute and quirky song about saying 'I do!'
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0oyglKjbFQ&ob=av2e

5. I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business - Growing Pains

Simple, but lush.

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwooB1PDKDg

Tonight.

Bonfire Night = deep, unrequited love.
I am so excited to put my coat and boots on (and maybe mittens if it's pretty cold) and watch the bonfire be lit, the fireworks light up the sky and smell all the candy floss and sweets in the night air. I also love when all the children have those plastic light toys that swivel and make lots of colours in the dark.

I feel that after Bonfire Night the official countdown to Christmas begins and everyone has just got festive-fever and are full of festive cheer! I feel so lucky to live in the UK and to have one day a year when we can just have a sky of colour and lights which isn't celebrated any where else really.

Oh, and if you don't know what Bonfire Night is, here is a description that I have basically just copied and pasted from wikipedia (original, I know!): Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night or Firework Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in Great Britain. Its history begins with the events of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. Celebrating the fact that King James I had survived the attempt on his life, people lit bonfires around London, and months later the introduction of the Observance of 5th November Act enforced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot's failure.

There's a bit of British history for you. Have a good evening guys and dolls! I know I will!

p.s. want some Bonfire Night related music?
1. Katy Perry - Firework
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlLgvQErn6o

2. Boyce Avenue - Firework (Katy Perry Cover)
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocL-o8GY02k

Deep Beats.

Some tunes for the weekend. Hope it is a good one for all you guys and girls!

1. Boyce Avenue - That's What Makes You Beautiful (One Direction cover)
Right, I love One Direction and I LOVE Boyce Avenue. I love this cover. It makes me feel better for loving One Direction since Boyce Avenue only ever cover awesome songs. A more sophisticated version of the cheesy pop song (but I love that version just as much!)
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0czg_TQAcA

2. Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - The Lady Is A Tramp
I am not a Lady Gaga fan at all. However, I love this! If the Gaga sang like this all the time I would definitely become a fan! And Tony Bennett, what a sweetie.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPAmDULCVrU&feature=feedwll

3. We Are The In Crowd - Never Be What You Want (Acoustic)
I love songs where there are duets. This band have a main guy and girl singer and I think it totally works. I know my sister will love this song!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29y9O6JoVQk&NR=1

4. Tonight Alive - Wasting Away
This is for you lot out there who aren't in the mood for acoustic guitar-ness and want a bit more. This band are understated compared to Paramore, but the lead singer's voice is amazing. This is a definite get-stuck-in-your-head song!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhdaCt2DhE0

5. The All-American Rejects Feat. The Pierces - Another Heart Calls

This might have a slow start, but then it just picks up speed. I love it. You all know I am a fan of two singers in a song, so this is right up my street. (NB - I cannot take any credit for these songs as m'love introduced them to me...but I do have credit in introducing them to you!)

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIsc4k5T9nk

Admitting.

I must admit something....there are two new songs out at the minute which I love. As soon as they start playing on the radio or at work I get this little secret grin on my face which says 'I know I shouldn't love this, but I do'. The reasons why they are little guilty pleasures of mine is not because they are rubbish songs and everyone hates them, no, no; it's because one is performed by a teenage boy band and the other by the Biebmiester. I know, I know...it's not exactly aimed at my target audience....they are aimed at screaming 14yr old girls who have all their pictures in their bedroom and proclaim their love to them on social network sites. However, I am a fan. A big fan. A big secret fan.

1. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E&ob=av2e

2. Chris Brown - Next To You ft. Justin Bieber

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEuQU6a90Pc

And just because I love you a lot, and don't want your music playlist for the day to be limited to this, here are some more cheery feel-good tunes to get you through the day!

3. Glee - Halo/Walking On Sunshine

Do you want to dance? Dance to this. It will make you happy.

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZorGm7Kcj4

4. Sara Bareilles - Gonna Get Over You

I love this girl. I love this music video. 

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUe3oVlxLSA

5. Nicola Roberts - Lucky Day

Definitely marmite. I don't know if I hate or love this song. It's a grower.

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN39CQW3Tqw&ob=av2e

Contemplation.

This is another music post. For some reason, I always get lots of positive comments whenever I do this type of blog post, so maybe I should do more of them? Anyway, I'm glad you like checking out what songs I like at the minute....and you've probably sussed out my music taste by now, so if you've got any good tunes on the go - let me know! I'm always wanting to expand my music collection!

The theme of my choice of songs for you today is romance. (1) Awwwwwww. (2) Blahhhhh. Which one are you? Hopefully you're number (1) and will like these songs as much as I do at the minute!

1. Train - Marry Me.
Which girl would not love this song? The beginning of the video is dead cute too. If you don't find the title appealing because you're against marriage or love at the minute, just watch it for the beginning!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghZt2cILcCU

2. Disney's Tangled - I See The Light
I'm obsessed with the Disney movie Tangled at the minute. Just ask my fiancé, I made him watch it with me the other night! This is the best scene in the movie, so romantic and stunning animation!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9NMjh4BJA0

3. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are
It may be a tad overplayed, but in my opinion that isn't a bad thing. Some one (who I can't remember, sorry!) once said that if you want to know how boys really feel about girls then you should listen to the songs they write about them. So, if a man wrote this song, then I like it even more!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5lO4hEAJHU

4. Matt Nathanson - Come On Get Higher
This song always reminds me of my amazing trip to America and being with my two best friends in the world....and my future fiancé....even though we weren't dating then! It fills me with love for the friendship and fun times that were shared. Good memories all round!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHx4BlF6V2o

5. Sinead O'Connor - Only You (from The Young Victoria)
This song was definitely a grower. The first time I heard it I didn't really like it, but now I love it! I think I did have some biased-tendencies with the song since it's from my favourite film and also since my favourite film was filmed where my boyfriend proposed. So yeah, I love this song now!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_GsqjuVCv8

There you go. Five romantic songs to make you feel happy and loved! (Well, they do for me)!
Also, if you want to check out my other music posts; just click the music label below and it will load up all the posts!

New noises.

1. Parachute - She Is Love (Acoustic)
I found this song all by myself! (I am usually a rubbish music-hunter, so I am quite proud that I introduced myself to this song!) This is definitely my music-love at the minute.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pjh9LLy4nf8

2. Christina Perri - Jar Of Hearts
This is so raw, I love it.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH7WXlf9WLk

3. Panic! At The Disco - Mona Lisa
My BF fiancé showed me this song. The melody is great.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6coqkaaQYG8

4. Lady Antebellum - Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Yes, I admit it. I'm a complete romantic with some songs. All girls love songs like this though, it's not just me!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXwWT2Chx64

5. Two Steps From Hell - Heart Of Courage
Yes, I know, the title isn't that appealing...very emo/depressing. BUT, this is a classical piece of music and is so emotive that it makes you feel like you are invincible. So don't judge a piece of music by its cover. (Well, you should if the title is just full of swearing or inappropriate innuendos....but not in this case!)
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRLdhFVzqt4

Use somebody.

Everybody stop what you are doing right now and listen to this: the most amazing cover of my favourite song EVERRRR! I have just found it, and now I am in love.

I absolutely love Use Somebody - Kings of Leon.
If I need a pick-me-up = this song.
If I'm in the mood to sing my heart out = this song.
I love it. Love. It.

And what more do I love than covers of this amazing song! It means it gives the song more variation and depending on your mood you can choose to listen to whichever one you want!

So, incase you haven't even properly listened to the original song, here is the link: Use Somebody - Kings of Leon.

Then listen to these covers:
Use Somebody (cover) - Pixie Lott
Use Somebody (cover) - Lynzie Kent and Rich G

And let me know if you find any other good covers on the yoobytooby (youtube) or elsewhere! But be warned, I am picky with what I like! (example: I love Paramore so you would think Paramore + favourite song = brilliance wouldn't you? But no, sadly I don't like that cover at all!)  My dream cover of this song would be by Robert Pattinson...

Hour, minute, second.

Here is a list of my FAVOURITE songs for this very moment in time.

I was thinking of doing this on Monday - seeing as how music and Monday both begin with an m so I could have in a clever, little way bashed out some alliteration. However, today is Tuesday, so no such luck!

1. Birdy - Skinny Love

My boyfriend keeps his ears peeled for new songs that he thinks I would like. He got it completely right with this song! 

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL2Uzz4j01s

2. JLS - Love You More

I know, I know, total pop-cheese! I love it though! I heard this at work and didn't realise it was JLS...I thought it was some old-school A1/ Blue/ Westlife song that I had never heard before. This is a guilty pleasure, shhh!

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAjLo_guTKs

3. Adele - Someone Like You

The most beautifully crafted song ever! So much emotion and so intense.

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri49XBQ23kA

4. Yellowcard - Way Away

The introduction to this song makes my heart get excited and just want to dance! A lot of good memories are associated with this song, so it's going on the favourite list!

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4t5qqdP7As

5. Sara Bareilles - Gravity

This is such a sad song and nearly breaks my heart every time I listen to it. The video is so pretty to watch, I love the amount of light in it.

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEXhAMtbaec

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhI4CpAH8wM (amazing dance routine to the song!)