Hello All

So to explain this very simply, exams are next week. As soon as we finish we will have holidays a couple of weeks later. So expect a post soon (from Tanisha), and hopefully a video or two as well! See you all soon x

Tunes For Breathing Tunes For Dreaming

If there's anything I am more fanatical about than Eddie Redmayne's irresistible freckles, it would evidently be my perpetual passion for music. However, I wouldn't imagine anyone to regard such a fact as exceedingly surprising as adolescents are well known for taking music in large doses on a daily basis.
I, like many, feel helplessly addicted and am here today to share a few of my favorite tunes.
My top favorites will comprise of a list of tunes I regard as necessary for me to breathe, as well as a separate list dedicated to the songs that help me sleep at night (the dreaming pile)  :)

 Top 30 Breathing

30. San Cisco - Fred Astaire 

Despite only recently stumbling across this song I honestly find it to be incredibly catchy and fun for all :)
I can't say I am familiar with any other work produced by this particular band, however their indie facade is impossible to overlook! I'd recommend this song as a means of cheering up or for a mellow day indoors. 

 

29. Wetsuit - The Vaccines  

Ahh the good old days as many may refer to them as. Whether you can't stop reminiscing over your youth or your too busy living it up at summer festivals, I find this song rather charming and endearing in some way. I myself have only begun listening to The Vaccines in recent months, as despite knowing of their existence I never took the initiative to get to know them. Given that I'm still quite young, this song (from my perspective) is almost a hint to say make your adolescent years something worth looking back on as they won't last forever. 

 

 28. Heaven Know I'm Miserable Now - The Smiths 

Many who know me personally will be able to adequately fathom my absolute undying love for The Smiths and most especially lead singer Morrissey. I was introduced to them roughly four years ago and was completely moved  by their ability to comprehend repressive emotions through their unique alternative sound. Though displayed as a, well 'miserable' tune, the song itself to me comes across as tropical and consolatory.  I recommend giving it a listen after a long day.

27. A-Punk - Vampire Weekend 

A-Punk would have to be one of my favorites by Vampire Weekend, or at least for now anyway :) I first discovered the the band two years ago and although this tune is often regarded as one of their more 'mainstream' songs, there isn't a song by them that I don't find appealing! This is a great listen for a happy energetic mood.

26. I Know It's Over - The Smiths

This particular song by The Smiths is apart of their album The Queen Is Dead  however does come across as strikingly despairing. The song manages to evoke a sense of allure in its rather melancholic tune and can be easily related to. Unless you are already feeling blue, this song may be a mood ruiner.

25. I Fought The Law - Cover by Green Day 

Although this song was originally written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets in 1958 I can't help but find Green Day's cover of the song rather breathtaking. Having been a Green Day fan for a few years now this was always a song I'd feel the urge to blast when experiencing one of my more 'rebellious moods'. Definitely a cover worth listening to for any Green Day fan. 



 

24. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side - The Smiths 

 Particularly the first opening line of this song always struck me and almost painted an image of a lonesome boy yearning for love which is expressed through his ultimate hatred of the world. However! don't allow my unhappy perception of the tune to influence your opinion of the song, I'd still recommend giving it a listen as well as pay close attention to the lyrics. 

23. The Edge Of Forever - The Dream Academy 

Although this song was originally released as a promotional single, it is well known for its use towards the end of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. If you haven't already taken the initiative to watch this movie that would be my biggest recommendation. It took me until after my fifteenth viewing of this film to actually take notice of how radiant this song is, definitely worth a listen. 

 22. December 1963 (Oh, What A Night) - The Four Seasons

So I don't remember how I stumbled upon this song though I'm sure many will agree it's impossible not to have heard this song at least once in your lifetime. From what I've read the song became a nostalgic remembrance of a young mans first affair with a woman.I don't know why that was necessary to include though I do know it became especially popular in 1976 hitting number one on the UK Singles Chart. If you haven't already heard this song get to it! :)

21. Five Years Time - Noah And The Whale 

Perhaps now to a more recent song (but not that recent), I still remember the moment I began developing a major obsession over this band, mostly because the name Noah is present (eeeppp). I'm sure for many of you who have heard this song before began applying the lyrics of this to your life, pondering on the thought of whether your friends now, will be your friends in five years time. Or maybe that's just me. Still a fun listen for all! 

 

20. Take On Me - A-ha

So apparently this song won six awards, and I can't deny it's definitely one that's hard to get out of your head.Whether you're a Family Guy fan or not I'd highly recommend taking a look at the show's inclusion of the song, it's quite the laugh :)  Another awesome 80's song with an exceptional concept video that's sure to steal your heart.

 

 19. Manhattan - Cat Power

I only came across this song in recent months, and although I've never taken the opportunity to listen to more songs by Cat Power, it has most certainly made me want to. I love playing this song on long drives and especially when traveling into the city. Worth a listen I'd say! 

 

18. Unlovable - The Smiths 

 From Their compilation album The World Won't Listen The Smiths deliver yet another somber tune, though it still doesn't fail to maintain its charm. Morrissey's voice absolutely defines perfection! 

17. Escape (Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes 

I still remember hearing this song for the first time sitting in a movie theater watching Grown Ups and continue to sing it frequently from that day on. Released in 1979 I find the subject matter almost thrilling and intriguing and it certainly doesn't fail to remain the catchiest tune I've ever heard. The song itself is soothing while it would probably be a song to play while on some remote island. 

16. Danke Schoen - Wayne Newton

 So I think may have informed you of my love for Ferris Bueller's Day off which happens to be where I first heard this song (no surprise there). Translating to thank you, this scene always makes me wish that some Matthew Broderick look alike would jump aboard a moving float to sing me an awesome musical number for no apparent reason.

15. Girlfriend In A coma - The Smiths

Though the title screams misery, the song itself has never managed to ruin a good mood, and I don't believe that was the bands intention in the development of this song. It explains the "serious" situation of the protagonists girlfriend and how despite their hardships he would "hate anything to happen to her". 

14. Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine 

Back a few years ago this was one of my all time favorites by Florence and the Machine. It's unique video clip and heartwarming chorus is both inspiring and addictive and can lift anyone's mood. This song has always helped me to remain positive during difficult times as well as get me through homework :-) 

13. Pearly-Dewdrops Drop - Cocteau Twins

I can't help but thank Sam (Emma Watson) for mentioning this song in the Perks of Being a Wallflower. I find this song incredibly relaxing while allowing me to fantasize about my last day of High School :)  

12. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths

Probably a more well known song produced by The Smiths, I simply can't fathom how one wouldn't find this song appealing! Many might recall this song from 500 Days of Summer which initially ignites the chemistry between Tom and Summer in an elevator. 

 

11. The Time Has Come Today - The Chambers Brothers 

I first discovered this somewhat unique song in one of my favorite films Girl Interrupted. Though obviously not as sentimental as many of my other favorite tunes, I still like to imagine myself dancing alongside Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder) during the particular scene this song is featured in.

 

10. The Weight - The Band

I remember first hearing this song at school about a year ago being performed by a group a students. Once again it is featured in Girl Interrupted during one of my favorite scenes of the film in which Susanna (Winona Ryder) and Lisa (Angelina Jolie) free themselves from a psychiatric hospital. 

 

9. Lay Your Love On Me - Racey

 I recall first hearing this song in a bowling alley two years ago and was intrigued by the almost daggy but retro dancing in the video clip. I always think fondly of this particular song as it never failed to cheer me up through one of the most difficult times I've ever experienced in my life. Peaking in at number three in the UK in 1978 it's an upbeat tune that will surely have you trying to do the footwork yourself!

8. This Charming Man - The Smiths

 Coming in at one of my favorite songs by the Smiths the song tells the story of a male protagonist who punctures one of his bicycle wheels. A supposedly "charming man" offers the man a lift which he reluctantly accepts and the two continue to flirt during the course of the journey. The protagonist continues to state "I would go out tonight but I haven't got a stitch to wear" to which the motorist tells him "It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care".  

7. The Suburbs - Arcade Fire 

From the first time I heard this song, the meaning as well as the video clip itself instantly gripped me and still hold the ability to bring my mood down, though I'm not complaining. The beginning of the film clip depicts average teenagers in a suburban town performing their day-to-life activities, until military helicopters are shown flying over head and the presence of the military are shown walking around the town which certainly changes the mood of the video. I'd highly recommend giving the song a listen and paying close attention to the details of the clip. 

6. Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield 

The story behind how I came to learn of this song is somewhat odd. I was in my last year of Primary School and happened to be in the same class as one of my friends Jesse, and although we were never majorly close a couple of my class mates decided it would be fun to substitute my name into the song and make the song about me and Jesse. Although I'm still constantly reminded of this irritating memory, I can't deny that this is definitely one of my favorite songs!

5. Heroes - David Bowie

Probably also known as 'the tunnel song' from The Perks of Being a Wallflower, I find this song extremely uplifting and would highly recommend giving it a listen, or better yet seeing the movie!

4. Come On Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners 

Although having heard this song on a number of occasions The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the origin of my obsession over playing this on repeat every morning. 

 

3. Dancing In The Dark - Bruce Springsteen 

Despite this song having been one of my favorites for a while now, it took me until only a few weeks ago to finally realize a video clip existed. I'll be completely honest in saying that I was instantly gripped by the Springsteen's biceps. If you haven't already heard this song (which I'm assuming many of you probably have at some point in your life) do so immediately. 

2. Just Like Heaven - The Cure

 I happened to discover this song a few months ago and was appalled I hadn't stumbled across it earlier. This will definitely remain one of my favorites  for many years to come. I find its dreamy atmosphere captivating and its video clip strangely beautiful.  Someone please teach me to play the intro! 

1. Don't You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds 

I guarantee I am not the only person to absolutely adore this song and I believe it will forever be my favorite of all time. Performed by the band Simple Minds in 1985, I don't think I would be able to comprehend a person's dislike for an absolutely breathtaking song!! If this song sounds unfamiliar to you in any way ensure you have a listen to it immediately!

 

Top 20 Dreaming

 

20. The Moon - The Swell Season 

 

19.  Blood - The Middle East

18. Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes

 

17. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I want - The Smiths  

16. Eyes - Rogue Wave

 

15. When You're Smiling - Louis Armstrong

 

14. Slow Dancing In A Burning Room - John Mayer

13.  Sleep Walk - Santo & Johnny

 

12.  Quelqu'un m'a dit - Carla Bruni 

11.  The Ice Dance (Edward Scissorhands) - Danny Elfman

10.  Stars - Simply Red 

9. Free Falling (cover) - John Mayer

 

8. Beautiful Boy - John Lennon

 

 

7. I Miss You - Blink 182

6. Cosmic Love - Florence and the Machine

5. Back To The Old House - The Smiths

4. Asleep - The Smiths 

3.  Across the Universe - The Beatles

2. Dream Weaver - Gary Wright

1. Every Breath You Take - The Police

 

Overall I hope I managed to give you insight into the the type of music I find appealing as well as share with you a few new songs you may wish to add to your playlist. Speak to you soon!

Cassandra :-)