Sarah McLachlan et al.

If you ask me off the top of my head who my all-time favorite female singer is, I'd tell you Sarah McLachlan. You see I'm not the type who spontaneously comes up with answers to random Q&A's. It takes me a bit of time to arrive with something precise. Probably because I lack conviction in my supposed taste in music, literature or anything for that matter. Sarah McLachlan might just be the exception to this hackneyed theory of myself. 

I confirmed this recently, like an epiphany before me while watching the New Girl episode where Jess (Zooey Deschanel) broke up with Russell (Dermot Mulroney-the guy from My Best Friend's Wedding *squirms*) and was listening to the song River by SM on auto-repeat while sulking for days. Then I remembered, SM was also frequently being played in the 90s TV series, Felicity. Not only that, a big chunk of a scene in one episode had one character, Meghan (Felicity's goth roommate) babbling about SM in the excerpt below (Source: IMDb)

Meghan: This is how I know Felicity still likes you. You ready?
Ben Covington : Yeah. Wha... what is it?
Meghan : Sarah McLachlan.
Ben Covington : What?
Meghan : When Felicity showed up last year, head over heels for you, Sarah McLachlan was all she listened to. If "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" wasn't in the CD player, it was only so "Solace" could get a little airplay. I started calling it 'Ben music'... not to her face but behind her back. But then it went away, and I thought Sarah was gone for good. I almost started celebrating. And then you showed up again. You offered Felicity this cross-country trip of a lifetime, which means I got to memorize every lyric from "Surfacing"... all 10 songs! This year started off McLachlan-heavy, until the big break-up, and then all of Felicity's hair went away, and so did Sarah. Until you guys broke into the pool. Now maybe it was a coincidence, but guess who started to make a comeback? It was gradual, but constant, and now if you want me to, I can sing any song from "Mirrorball" which really annoys the hell out of me! So if you're ever curious about whether Felicity has the hots for you, just check her boom box.
Ben Covington : That's the dumbest theory I've ever heard. 

It just might be a coincidence that Sarah McLachlan's music happens to be ubiquitous in other stuff I'm into. These observations do not only confirm the obvious which is I am a big fan ever since but that I am without a doubt, a sucker for schmaltz.

If this convinced you to check her out, I suggest start with her Mirrorball album :)

The Playlist and Johnny

After watching Tim Burton's Dark Shadows the other night, I found myself lusting over Johnny Depp once again. The infatuation began as far back as Edward Scissorhands,  waxed and waned over the years. It has been some time since I appreciated a film he stars in, and the last one I remember giving a thumbs up was his short stint in Alice in Wonderland as The Hatter. Too bad, The Tourist was panned a flop despite his team up with the equally hottie, Angelina Jolie. His general appeal seems to resonate in playing offbeat characters rather than the predictable heartthrob roles. I totally loved him in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

I've named the current playlist on my phone, "purple popcorn" for no profound reason other than my predilection for the color purple and love for food. The list is a mix of alternative rock, band and a tinge of soul.

 

Further down, the songs are:

Face of Faith by Nellie McKay - I first heard this song in the film, Rumor Has It. Too good not to share so here's the link (not the official music video but it will do) http://youtu.be/Q7UUh67j8ts

The Ghost in You by Duncan Sheik

Gravity by Sara Bareilles - A male friend of mine said, chicks dig this song. I have to agree with him on this one. Plus add to that the fact that Sara Bareilles is sheer talent. 

In My Place by Coldplay - This track is from their album, A Rush of Blood to the Head which to me has to be their best one. 

Linger by The Cranberries - I think, it was the lead vocals, Dolores O-Riordan who heralded the rock chic look.

Stay by Lisa Loeb - I love anything by Lisa Loeb.

Truthfully by Lisa Loeb

A Whiter Shade of Pale by Annie Lennox

Wonderwall by Oasis - Who knew Oasis had it in them to write the perfect love song. A part goes:

"Because maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all, you're my wonderwall"

Wandering around the blogosphere

"...be yourself - not your idea of what you think somebody else's idea of yourself should be." - Henry David Thoreau

                                                                                                       

I thought I'd start off with a quote for inspiration. I've discovered some amazing bloggers over the past week having surreptitiously tuned in to one of the blog chats on twitter. One of them I adore to bits. Besides her fun and multifaceted website, it was her very down to earth demeanor that set her apart. In her simple way, she gave me the boost I needed to keep writing. She's a breath of fresh air from the blogging mavens I've come across on twitter who seem to have yielded to occasional snobbery. 

Here's the link to her blog - Kero's Celebration and here are a few more of my favorites.

I Live in a Frying Pan
Kenna
The Hedonista
my Nappytales 
Edenland
Weesha's World 
Easy as pie in Dubai
CoffeeCakesAndRunning