My Non-Celebrity Playlist

One of my favorite features on iTunes is when they ask celebrities to submit a playlist of some of their favorite music. I'll admit, for some reason I am interested to know what the stars are into. However, I never know who any of the artists are. I guess my tastes are too mainstream (and to me, that's a good thing). Actually, when I do find an artist whose tastes are as mundane as mine, I like them a bit more. I guess I secretly think those who have more avaunt guard tastes are putting on in an effort to look cool and obscure.

But I do love music, so here's a playlist from me to start off your month. These aren't on any theme, and they aren't my definitive favorites, but they are all great songs, and all speak to me.





1. In a Sentimental Mood - John Coltrane - Hard to choose between this and They Say it's Wonderful, which I think has the better horn part. Mellow, sophisticated.....love it. He's the master.


2. Sympathy for the Devil - so many Stones songs, so little time. this one is meant for driving with the windows down, especially when feeling like a bad ass.


3. Anything by YoYo Ma - In my opinion, you can't listen to him play the cello and deny the existence of God. Or of genius. He's amazing.


4. You Can Leave Your Hat On - Ella Fitzgerald - Raunchy, sexy and fun - all by implication, not explicit statement. Wish we could go back to that.


5. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - I love this Longfellow poem set to music. It not only helps me remember the words of this iconic poem, but it is beautiful.



I love the last stanzas

" And in despair I bowed my head

There is no peace on Earth I said

For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.



Then pealed the bells more loud and deep

God is not dead, nor doth He sleep

the wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, goodwill to men."


6. Christmas Song by Vince Guaraldi - this *is* Christmas to me..... makes me want to bake cookies, warm cider and snuggle up on a cold night with the people I love.


7. The Waiting is the Hardest Part - Tom Petty - I just love this one. It reminds me of an old boyfriend, totally unsuitable but so much fun.



8. Honky Tonk Women - again, the Stones - reminds me of good times in college with my best girlfriend, listening to our favorite band covering this song. Time to get rowdy.



9. Let it Be Me - Willie Nelson - so romantic, such a simple melody......just beautiful.



10. Not Dark Yet - Bob Dylan - my dad turned me on to this song. He says it embodies the emotions of the Vietnam vet experience - dark, somber, resigned, wise and world-weary. It will forever remind me of him - he embodies mental toughness and grit. Love you, Daddy.



11. Dancing Queen - ABBA - you gotta dance! I can't hear this song without being happy.



12. Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns - I am not much on contemporary Christian music at all, but this song has had a positive impact on me. Love the message of conquering fear through faith.....a major theme lately.

13. Family Tree - Loretta Lynn - My mom used to cry watching Coalminer's Daughter. I prefer the spunk of Family Tree. "I didn't come to fight, if he was a better man I might. I wouldn't dirty my hand on trash like you." Hell yeah!