Seven songs I’m really into

Meme time. I was tagged. By the fixxation. Thank you fixxation. So here’s the deal.

"List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to."

I used to be so into music. I defined my life by music. Music defined me.

Today? Today I have little understanding of what’s happening in the music scene. I’ve just collected and adopted a strange conglomeration of tunes I like, all from different genres. Some because of AdRi and her love of Spanish songs (not from Spain, but sung in Spanish), my exposure to showtunes in the jazzhands* community, my affinity for my music from junior high and high school (how is it that I still know the words to Burnin’ for You by Blue Oyster Cult?”), a haphazard collection of alternative stuff, musicians I’m introduced to via stories on NPR (yes, people, that’s the truth: I think I probably heard about the White Stripes first on NPR, or I know I did Cousteau), and my sporadic browsing through the iTunes store. Then there are the fabulous people in my life like friends and coworkers who share music with me—and even bloggers.

So I show to the light of day my favorite seven songs right here and now. You asked.

1. Ella’s Song by Sweet Honey in the Rock. If you haven’t heard this song before, put on some headphones and crank it. I got this song from a CD of songs all about social change. This song inspires me, makes me remember why I do what I do, and why I fight for rights of all people. I’m doing a project for work with this song and anticipate in two weeks I will have heard this at least 200 times. I hope I still love it then like I do now.

2. Bullet and a Target by Citizen Cope. Great beat, original and I always want to clap along. But not when I’m driving.

3. Still Pretending by Tift Merritt. Sexy lovely.

4. Snow by Gustavo Santaolalla. Acoustic haunting from Brokeback Mountain. I came away from the film touched in many ways, but the music was integral to many of its nuances. I like this one in particular. It makes me feel melancholy.

5. La Camisa Negra by Juanes. Oh, Juanes. My girlfriend loves your music, and it’s rubbed off on me. I can hear your urgency and I absolutely love the strong beat that makes us always dance traditional Mexican style, whenever we hear you. Soy gringa pero amo te.

6. I U She by Peaches. Girls kick ass. Enough said.

7. Tear Me Down by Spoon. I love every song on this album but this one in particular makes me drive too fast, play the stereo way too loud, and sing much louder than anyone around me could ever handle. Tribute album made as a benefit, of the Hedwig and the Angry Inch Soundtrack. Steer clear of the Yoko Ono on that one. Owie.

Bonus: Because I love everything Rufus Wainwright, if I had to pick my favorite right now, it’s Hallelujuh . And yes, that’s on the Shrek soundtrack.

Extra Bonus Just Added: Remember playing Stairway to Heaven backwards to hear the satanic lines? Check out this site to hear it clearly and for more. Crazy!

Happy hodgepodge. I suppose if I have to tag poor folks, I’ll tag Rozanne , Recovering Straight Girl , SoozieQ, Bemused and Blogzie ! Go for it ladies.

*jazzhands? Showtune-happy gay men.