Ingrid Michaelson - "Afterlife"

She's been an underestimated pop star for over a decade now. Always on the cusp of greatness, certainly a name that is known, but by no means selling out arenas or headlining Coachella. She's maintained a fierce sense of her own style and her own artistic choices, which has helped her retain her own very unique sound. 

Her voice is easy and never pushed, her musicality is exquisite, and her sense of understanding the simple ups and downs of a human life in complex ways is breathtaking. She knows how to hold on to an audience, how to not take herself too seriously, and to laugh in the face of adversity. She's a champion for women, and humanitarian, and warrior of music. To say the least, I think she's pretty darn neat. 

I've loved her ever since her song "The Way I Am" was featured in an Old Navy commercial, and then knew I was on the Ingrid Train when she teamed up with my favorite Sara Bareilles for "WinterSong", still one of my all time favorite "holiday" songs. Her career is honestly exactly what I'd like. the ability to create, work and live without the swamp of super stardom. 

So in this bright new year, with hope and determination abounding, I choose Ingrid Michaelson' "Afterlife" as my, be bold, be brave, be who you believe yourself capable of becoming, song for a, fear nothing, limits are invisible lines, let go of every other person's concept of you, Wednesday. 

You+Me - "You and Me"

This duo has been heavy on my rotation for the last couple of years. I've loved Alecia Moore since her debut single as P!nk, and Dallas Green (of City and Colour) was a complete newbie to me, but I immediately fell in love with his easy style and honest vocal. 

This morning, after months and months of listening to this song, I heard it. This song isn't about a couple. It's a about their love story. Written about their independent journeys and the paths that took them to each other. It began before they knew each other, and continues through their lives together. The ups, the downs, and every hard place in between. It's a beautifully flawed love story of messy humans perfect for each other. 

I hope I am lucky enough to be a part of a story like this. 

So today, with threads and tatters all around me, I choose You+Me's "You and Me" as my, put in the work, try a little harder, hope a little longer, song for a, messy and beautiful, kind and wild, you and me, Tuesday.

VV Brown - "Lazarus"

I first fell in love with British indie-pop singer VV Brown when I heard her single "Shark in the Water" back in 2009. It's fresh beat and her powerhouse vocals mixed with a doo-wop sound that made it an incredibly fun song to run, workout, and dance to. I was always super surprised that I didn't hear more from her, and it wasn't until researching her today that I realize that's because she's from another continent and she's been making music over there! 

So this song, while not new (it came out in 2015) is new to me. I heard it a few weeks ago and was instantly obsessed. It's got such an incredible dance rhythm and a f&^%ing cool sound. I instantly knew this was how I wanted to start our 2018 year; rising. 

It also made me reflect on one of my resolutions. This year I aim to take stock of the beautiful things; the love, the abundance, the gifts that already surround me, and how I can fully activate all that I already have, because what I have is incredible, and it's only my fault if I don't cherish each and every thing offered to me. 

So today, with fire in my veins, I choose VV Brown's "Lazarus" as my, rise up, burn brightly, light the watchfires, song for a, see the gifts around you, take nothing for granted, accept all the joy that you've been given Monday, first day of 2018. 

Conway Twitty - "The Rose"

So I've loved Conway Twitty for as long as I can remember. His song "Slow Hand" was one of my parents' songs and "Hello Darlin'" is a classic that gets me weak in the knees. His voice was thick, and rich, and in the beginning of his career many people thought he was Elvis Presley using a different name. There was something about the way he attacked a song that made it jolt right into you when you listened. His jovial manner and his easy smile endeared him to his listeners, and his honest songs and powerful voice made him a billboard staple. 

He also had success in the rock and roll, rock, R&B, and pop genres. From 1971 to 1976, Twitty received a string of Country Music Association awards for duets with Loretta Lynn. Although never a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Twitty always wanted to record country music, and, beginning in 1965, he did just that. Disc jockeys on some country-music radio stations refused to play his first few country albums, because he was known as a rock-and-roll singer. However, he had his first top five country hit, "The Image of Me", in July 1968, followed by his first number one country song, "Next in Line", in November 1968. Few of his singles beginning in 1968 ranked below the top five.

In 1970, Twitty recorded and released his biggest country hit, "Hello Darlin'", which spent four weeks at the top of the country chart and is one of Twitty's most recognized songs. In 1971 he released his first hit duet with Loretta Lynn, "After the Fire Is Gone". It was a success, and many more followed, including "Lead Me On" (1971), "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" (1973), "As Soon As I Hang Up the Phone" (1974), "Feelins'" (1975), "I Still Believe in Waltzes", "I Can't Love You Enough", and many others. Together, Conway and Loretta (as they were known in their act), won four consecutive Country Music Association awards for vocal duo (1972–75) and a host of other duo and duet awards from other organizations throughout the 1970s.

In 1973, Twitty released "You've Never Been This Far Before", which was number 1 in country for three weeks that September and also reached number 22 on the pop charts. Some more conservative disc jockeys refused to play the song, believing that some of the lyrics were too sexually suggestive.

In 1978, Twitty issued the single "The Grandest Lady of Them All" honoring the Grand Ole Opry, but for the first time since 1967, a single of his failed to reach the top ten, as some radio stations refused to play a song honoring the property of a competitor (broadcast by WSM-AM). Nevertheless, the single reached the top 20, peaking at number 16, but it was well below expectations, and this set in motion the changes that were to take place in his career, including a new hairstyle, changing from the slicked-back pompadour style to the curlier style he would keep the rest of his life. However, Twitty's popularity and momentum were unaffected by the song, as his next 23 consecutive singles all made it into the top 10, with 13 peaking at number 1, including "Don't Take It Away", "I May Never Get to Heaven", "Happy Birthday Darlin'" and remakes of major pop hits such as "The Rose" and "Slow Hand".

In 1985, going by all weekly music trade charts, the song "Don't Call Him a Cowboy" became the 50th single of his career to achieve a number-1 ranking. He would have five more through 1990, giving him a total of 55 number 1 hits. George Strait matched the feat of 50 number-1 hits in 2002 with his single "She'll Leave You With a Smile" and then reached number 1 for the 56th time in 2007, when the single "Wrapped" hit the top on the Media Base 24/7 list.

Throughout much of Twitty's country music career his recording home was Decca Records, later renamed MCA. He signed with the label in late 1965 but left in 1981, when it appeared MCA was marketing and promoting newer acts; management at the label had changed, in addition to other factors that brought on the decision. He joined Elektra/Asylum in 1982. That label merged with its parent company, Warner Bros. Records in 1983. He stayed with Warner Bros. through early 1987 but then went back to MCA to finish his career. In 1993, shortly before he died, he recorded a new album, Final Touches.

So today, with a slow hand and a smile, I choose Conway Twitty's version of "The Rose" as my, belief makes things real, patience is a virtue learned over time, Hope is the lighthouse we set our course by, song for a, I walk a little faster, just around the corner, build a little stronger castle in the air, Thursday.

Rochester Pops Orchestra - "Carol of the Bells"

This song always makes me feel like the Holiday season is in full swing. Maybe it's the fact that I've sung every art of this song in over 10 different arrangements. Maybe I've simply heard it so many times that the sense memory of this song in winter is alive and well in my body. Whatever the reason anytime this song comes on I thing about wrapping up and walking down and winter street. 

Today as I travel from 40 degree Houston to 70 degree Los Angeles I think about what this winter has brought to me and what I'm hoping for in the new year. May this year's bells ring in a beautiful new year full of hope and joy, and most importantly full of every type of love you can find. 

SO today with ringing in my ears and frost in my hair, I choose the Rochester Pops Orchestra version of "Carol of the Bells" as my,  ring them bells, listen to the far off melody, hear the song beneath the silence, song for a, whisper your wishes, carry your hopes, give your love, Wednesday.

Jason Forbach - "Wintersong"

He's been a friend for years, and his voice as always sounded like this. It is at once romantic and energizing. It is a soft refrain of something you already know and yet the gentle thrill of something unexpected. He knows how to gently and gingerly thread his voice around the melody to create something honest and pure. 

This song, originally by Sarah McLachlan, always reminds me of my father. He's gone now, but every Christmas Season, I think about him and the version of him that I want to remember. Strong and Soft at once; constant like the mountains and perennial as the grass. 

So today, with a heart full of medicine, I choose Jason Forbach's "Wintersong" as my, open up to the memories, 5 long years, who are you now, song for a, continue to grow, in the image and the shadow, light your one pathways Tuesday.

The Bombshells - "Christmas Time is Here"

This song always gets a bad wrap (get it) at Christmas Time. Often thought of as the "Melancholy Christmas Tune", I've always really appreciated this rather peaceful holiday classic as on that hits all the right notes. A bit blue but also happy and romantic, with just the right touch of nostalgia, it touches all the right themes and never lasts so long that you get stuck in any of them. 

Vince Guaraldi originally wrote this for the Charlie Brown and it's been an American Classic ever since. This beautiful update by the modern vintage group "The Bombshells" is just the right mix of throwback and update. A sharp, sweet little ditty to play as you watch children racing down the street with their new toys, or loved ones open gifts. 

The Bombshells were created in 2016 by three ladies and one fella looking to bring the musicality, sentiments and novelty of vintage female trio acts to modern audiences today. 

By blending Top 40 hits with the tight harmonies made famous by the Andrews Sisters, they bridge the gap between old and new, bringing joy to both young and more "seasoned" audiences. All of their arrangements are completely original and present songs you've heard a million times on the radio in a brand new way.

As Broadway World stated, "The Bombshells are first class winners. All three possess beautiful voices with superior accompaniment behind them. It's fresh, it's sassy, and its harmony is delightfully unlike anything you have ever heard."

So today, with many warm wishes floating through the air like the sounds of sleigh bells and children's laughter, I choose The Bombshells' version of "Christmas Time is Here" as my, let your heart be gay, light your candles, bring out the holly jolly holiday, song for a, remember every gift you've been given, Christmas memories are gifts of their own, something miraculous happens today, Monday.

Merry Christmas Family!

Max von Essen & Julia Murney - "O Holy Night"

There's no denying that broadway stars Max von Essen & Julia Murney have incredible voices, whether it's in Wicked, The Wild Party, Les Mis, Evita, or Fantasia, these two have dazzled audience goers for decades. In thier new Christmas single however, of which all proceeds go to the Covenant House International, they create something truly magical; they create something Divine. 

Their voices blend easily like gold and platinum, his smooth and resonant and hers clear and ringing. Like bells on Christmas morning the song stirs something inside the listener. A classic carol with a beautiful new arrangement, it's familiar enough to make you start listening but it's different enough to make you keep listening. 

I'm very lucky to call Max a friend, and I am grateful for this holiday gift he's given us, and the covenant house. 

So, today with holiday magic floating in the air, I choose Max von Essen & Julia Murney's magical version of "O Holy Night" as my, lift up your hearts, open your eyes, let the light of home guide your way, song for a, give yourself the gift of believing, let your heart listen, hope springs eternal, Friday.

There isn't a link to the newest arrangement, seriously listen to it, it's incredible.

Here's the link on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/o-holy-night-feat-mairi-dorman-phaneuf-kristi-shade/1316634298

And here's them performing it live last year!