Not to long ago I had the pleasure of busting out this classic Cure song at a wedding. It's tough to fit the Cure's new wave, 90s punk sound into a wedding, but the bride at this gig was a huge Violent Femmes fan and it only seemed natural to play "Just Like Heaven" as "Blister in the Sun" had concluded.
It's one of those songs, especially for anyone in their mid 30s to early 40s, that must evoke memories of high school proms when you would twirl around the dance floor to the great drum beat and rhythmic guitar riffs.
The song has so many great lines, but it's the one that appears near the end that I have always loved "... a raging sea, that stole the only girl I loved and drowned her deep inside of me."
Here it is in full context.
Daylight licked me into shape
I must have been asleep for days
And moving lips to breathe her name
I opened up my eyes
And found myself alone alone
Alone above a raging sea
That stole the only girl I loved
And drowned her deep inside of me
And here is an acoustic performance.
July 27, 2010
Sandra and Tim's Wedding Higlights
Sandra, Tim and about 100 of their friends and family descended upon Coronado for this great dance party.
I believe Sandra is getting down in nearly every one of these clips, which just goes to show that if the bride is on the dance floor so is everyone else. I do want to mention that this was a huge room for the size of the party. It probably could have fit 300. So it makes the dance floor a little small.
Here's their setlist.
I believe Sandra is getting down in nearly every one of these clips, which just goes to show that if the bride is on the dance floor so is everyone else. I do want to mention that this was a huge room for the size of the party. It probably could have fit 300. So it makes the dance floor a little small.
Here's their setlist.
July 25, 2010
Ian and Amy's Spectacular Wedding
Without a doubt, this was one of the most gorgeous events I have ever been a part of. The wedding of Ian and Amy at the Lodge at Torrey Pines was truly another Emily Smiley fine soiree. The picture on the left was taken by Bobby Earle, whom I was excited to work with again (we met for the first time last year at Barry and Julia's wedding at the Hotel del Coronado). Click the photo to enlarge and see the awesomeness.Bobby has his own blog post showcasing more details (and a goofy shot of me -- my fault not his) of this amazing wedding here.
Platinum Pro did a great job with the uplighting and custom dance floor. I recommend them exclusively for this type of work! The grammy nominated Luis Villgeas Band warmed the crowd with Spanish guitar version of Lady Gaga and other pop hits and then made way for me to play the real stuff. Here's a highlight video I put together ... it's just a little something to tide us over until we get to see Jason Taylor's pro shots!
Also, here is their dance party setlist.
Sandra and Tim's Setlist
Sandra and Tim's wedding took place on July 24, 2010 at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. It was another great party and, per the brides request, was full of line dances.
In fact, she specifically requested the Cupid Shuffle and I played it early and really got the dance floor jumping. And this may be a bit unusual, but it was the first time I had played that song. It's definitely going into the rotation now.
I look forward to sharing a video as well as some pictures from photographer Darin Fong.
In fact, she specifically requested the Cupid Shuffle and I played it early and really got the dance floor jumping. And this may be a bit unusual, but it was the first time I had played that song. It's definitely going into the rotation now.
I look forward to sharing a video as well as some pictures from photographer Darin Fong.
| Song | Artist | |
| Intro | Winner | Jaime Foxx |
| First Dance | The Only One For Me | Brian McKnight |
| Father/Daughter Danc | Butterfly Kisses | Bob Carlisle |
| Mother/Son Dance | Song For Mama | Boyz II Men |
| First Set | Let's Stay Together | Al Green |
| Heat Wave | Joan Osborne | |
| Cupid Shuffle | Cupid | |
| Yeah | Usher | |
| Montel Party Break | DJ Emotion | |
| Old School Jump Off/Jump | House of Pain | |
| Bad Romance | Lady Gaga | |
| California Gurls | Katy Perry | |
| Low | Flo Rida | |
| P.Y.T. | Michael Jackson | |
| Love Shack | B-52s | |
| Cake Cutting | Ngiti | Ronnie Liang |
| Honeymoon Dance | Let's Fall In Love | Diana Krall |
| Everytime I Close My Eyes | Babyface | |
| Shake You Down | Gregory Abbott | |
| This Will Be An Everlasting Love | Natalie Cole | |
| Halo | Beyonce | |
| Haven't Met You Yet | Michael Buble | |
| Love on the Rocks | Sara Bareilles | |
| Bouquet Toss | Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) | Beyonce |
| Second Set | Cha Cha Slide | Casper |
| OMG | Usher | |
| Do You Remember | Jay Sean | |
| Wild Thing | Tone Loc | |
| Billionaire | Travie McCoy | |
| 1, 2, Step | Ciara | |
| Tik Tok | Kesha | |
| Poker Face | Lady Gaga | |
| Boom Boom Pow | Black Eyed Peas | |
| Todo Todo | ||
| Electric Boogie | Marcia Griffiths | |
| Staying Alive | Bee Gees | |
| Hip Hop Hooray/O.P.P. | Naughty By Nature | |
| Hypnotize | Notorious B.I.G. | |
| Dynamite | Taio Cruz | |
| DJ Got Us Falling In Love Again | Usher | |
| Sexual Healing | Marvin Gaye | |
| Don't Stop Believing | Journey | |
| Sway | Michael Buble | |
| Break Your Heart | Taio Cruz | |
| Last Dance | Hey Soul Sister | Train |
July 19, 2010
My Favorite Lyric Tuesday
All You Wanted - Michelle Branch
I love alliteration. In fact, I like to say the word "alliteration."
Some of my favorite lyrics "consist in repeating the same consonant sound at the beginning of two or more words in close succession." **Thanks Wikipedia.**
And one of the best examples is from this great pop song, All You Wanted, by Michelle Branch.
The lyric:
I'm sinking slowly so hurry hold me
And then it continues with a few more powerful words:
Your hand is all I have to keep me hanging on
Please can you tell me
So I can finally see
Where you go when you're gone
I love the "where you go when you're gone."
Michelle Branch is not an artist I commonly scan for much on YouTube. So I was very pleased to find some great versions of this song. And it reminded how much I really enjoyed her music.
Here's a nice acoustic version of "All You Wanted." My favorite lyric shows up right around 1:33.
Remember if you're reading this on Facebook, be sure to click on view original post. But then again, you should have this on RSS feed or subscribe my now! :-)
Some of my favorite lyrics "consist in repeating the same consonant sound at the beginning of two or more words in close succession." **Thanks Wikipedia.**
And one of the best examples is from this great pop song, All You Wanted, by Michelle Branch.
The lyric:
I'm sinking slowly so hurry hold me
And then it continues with a few more powerful words:
Your hand is all I have to keep me hanging on
Please can you tell me
So I can finally see
Where you go when you're gone
I love the "where you go when you're gone."
Michelle Branch is not an artist I commonly scan for much on YouTube. So I was very pleased to find some great versions of this song. And it reminded how much I really enjoyed her music.
Here's a nice acoustic version of "All You Wanted." My favorite lyric shows up right around 1:33.
Remember if you're reading this on Facebook, be sure to click on view original post. But then again, you should have this on RSS feed or subscribe my now! :-)
July 14, 2010
Adrienne and Ryan's Nightclub
Ryan and Adrienne are a couple that live in Seattle, but met in Del Mar, California five years ago. They returned to the same city they met for an extraordinary wedding at L'Auberge.
Since they enjoyed their reception on an outdoor terrace, the hotel's ballroom was solely used for dancing. It was if they had their own nightclub for the evening. When it was time to move everyone into the "club" I introduced the bride and groom with an energetic countdown, then mixed in to Lady Gaga's, Alejandro. The party was on from there!
Would you like to know all the songs I played that night? Here's their setlist.
Since they enjoyed their reception on an outdoor terrace, the hotel's ballroom was solely used for dancing. It was if they had their own nightclub for the evening. When it was time to move everyone into the "club" I introduced the bride and groom with an energetic countdown, then mixed in to Lady Gaga's, Alejandro. The party was on from there!
Would you like to know all the songs I played that night? Here's their setlist.
July 13, 2010
My Favorite Lyric Tuesday
Your Song - Elton John
If someone wrote you a song, I bet you would consider it one of the greatest honors ever bestowed upon you. The beauty in this classic Elton John piece, written by his longtime musical partner Bernie Taupin, is -- like the song says -- it's simplicity.
A rather simple piano melody and simple words. It comes from a person that has nothing, but because of having that special someone, could not imagine needing anything more.
Forgive me while I tug at some heartstrings. But I know this feeling well. A big smile from my daughter as she stares right at me as we are nose-to-nose pretty much captures how "wonderful life is" with her in my world.
And that's my favorite lyric this week. Here it is in context.
And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world
For this weeks sample I must share with you what I believe is the greatest live musical performance ever. When Elton John was honored at the 2004 Kennedy Center Honors, Broadway star Heather Headley graced the stage with this magical performance.
Imagine what she was asked to do that night. Perform "his song" in front of "him" and Taupin, not to mention President Bush, the Kennedy family and a handful of Hollywood's biggest celebrities. And she delivers.
She was in another zone. It was like needing just one run to win a baseball game, but hitting a grand slam instead. When she closes out her final note, she let's out a relieving breath, like she sang the whole song on one breath.
It was over the top and to this day I still get choked up watching it. And perhaps the only thing better than someone writing you a song, is seeing a performance like this of that very song.
Enjoy.
A rather simple piano melody and simple words. It comes from a person that has nothing, but because of having that special someone, could not imagine needing anything more.
Forgive me while I tug at some heartstrings. But I know this feeling well. A big smile from my daughter as she stares right at me as we are nose-to-nose pretty much captures how "wonderful life is" with her in my world.
And that's my favorite lyric this week. Here it is in context.
And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world
For this weeks sample I must share with you what I believe is the greatest live musical performance ever. When Elton John was honored at the 2004 Kennedy Center Honors, Broadway star Heather Headley graced the stage with this magical performance.
Imagine what she was asked to do that night. Perform "his song" in front of "him" and Taupin, not to mention President Bush, the Kennedy family and a handful of Hollywood's biggest celebrities. And she delivers.
She was in another zone. It was like needing just one run to win a baseball game, but hitting a grand slam instead. When she closes out her final note, she let's out a relieving breath, like she sang the whole song on one breath.
It was over the top and to this day I still get choked up watching it. And perhaps the only thing better than someone writing you a song, is seeing a performance like this of that very song.
Enjoy.
July 11, 2010
Ryan and Adrienne's Wedding Reception Setlist
Ryan and Adrienne are a couple that live in Seattle, but met in Del Mar, California five years ago. They returned to the same city they met for an extraordinary wedding at L'Auberge.
Since they enjoyed their reception on an outdoor terrace, the hotel's ballroom was solely used for dancing. It was if they had their own nightclub for the evening. When it was time to move everyone into the "club" I introduced the bride and groom with an energetic countdown, then mixed in to Lady Gaga's, Alejandro. The party was on from there!
I'll post more about the wedding later, but here's a peek at the setlist.
Since they enjoyed their reception on an outdoor terrace, the hotel's ballroom was solely used for dancing. It was if they had their own nightclub for the evening. When it was time to move everyone into the "club" I introduced the bride and groom with an energetic countdown, then mixed in to Lady Gaga's, Alejandro. The party was on from there!
I'll post more about the wedding later, but here's a peek at the setlist.
| Song | Artist | |
| Alejandro | Lady Gaga | |
| Boogie Shoes | K.C. & the Sunshine Band | |
| Billie Jean | Michael Jackson | |
| Motownphilly | Boyz II Men | |
| Yeah | Usher | |
| Montel Party Break | DJ Emotion | |
| Old School Jump Off/Jump | House of Pain | |
| Bad Romance | Lady Gaga | |
| California Gurls | Katy Perry | |
| Low | Flo Rida | |
| You Love | The Outfield | |
| Jessie's Girl | Rick Springfield | |
| U Can't Touch This | M.C. Hammer | |
| P.Y.T. | Michael Jackson | |
| Let's Get it On | Marvin Gaye | |
| Let's Stay Together | Al Green | |
| September | Earth, Wind and Fire | |
| Love Shack | B-52s | |
| Hey Ya | Outkast | |
| Tik Tok | Kesha | |
| Funky Cold Medina | Tone Loc | |
| We're In Miami Trick | LMFAO | |
| I Gotta Feeling | Black Eyed Peas | |
| Don't Stop Believing | Journey | |
| Sweet Caroline | Neil Diamond | |
| Livin' On a Prayer | Bon Jovi | |
| Break Your Heart | Taio Cruz | |
| Down | Jay Sean | |
| Last Dance | Hey Soul Sister | Train |
| Encore | I'm Yours | Jason Mraz |
July 6, 2010
My Favorite Lyric Tuesday
Airplanes, B.o.B.
If you're a sick of this song, I'm sorry. But I just wanted to give it it's due, after all it currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. And lyrically, it's not bad.
B.o.B, a native of Decatur, Georgia, has a great flow and I'm more than elated to finally hear a rapper from the South not spit out that horrible dribble that you hear from the likes of Soulja Boy, Young Jeezy, Lil Jon etc. The rap has some terrific angst and tells a good tale of a young boy growing up trying to get into the rap game.
The Part 2 mix with Eminem will probably be one of my favorite rap songs of 2010. Slim Shady does what he does best by talking about all that angst he had growing up in Detroit. The beauty of it is that both his lyrics and B.o.B's do any amazing job staying true to the theme of the song.
We all need to have a sense of wonder to keep challenging ourselves to achieve that next goal.
And when you’re growing up in the inner streets of Detroit or perhaps in a less than perfect inspiring atmosphere of Decatur, you need something to keep those dreams alive.
Enter Paramore’s Hayley Williams.
She belts out one of the greatest messages in music so far this year.
Can we pretend that airplanes
In the next sky are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now, wish right now
Maybe the night skies of Detroit and Decatur were polluted with broken dreams to see real stars. The metaphor of airplanes to stars is something that is quite poignant. A lost soul just needing something, anything to keep their hopes and dreams alive.
(If you're reading this on Facebook, be sure to view the original post, since embedded videos do not import into Facebook "Notes.")
B.o.B, a native of Decatur, Georgia, has a great flow and I'm more than elated to finally hear a rapper from the South not spit out that horrible dribble that you hear from the likes of Soulja Boy, Young Jeezy, Lil Jon etc. The rap has some terrific angst and tells a good tale of a young boy growing up trying to get into the rap game.
The Part 2 mix with Eminem will probably be one of my favorite rap songs of 2010. Slim Shady does what he does best by talking about all that angst he had growing up in Detroit. The beauty of it is that both his lyrics and B.o.B's do any amazing job staying true to the theme of the song.
We all need to have a sense of wonder to keep challenging ourselves to achieve that next goal.
And when you’re growing up in the inner streets of Detroit or perhaps in a less than perfect inspiring atmosphere of Decatur, you need something to keep those dreams alive.
Enter Paramore’s Hayley Williams.
She belts out one of the greatest messages in music so far this year.
Can we pretend that airplanes
In the next sky are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now, wish right now
Maybe the night skies of Detroit and Decatur were polluted with broken dreams to see real stars. The metaphor of airplanes to stars is something that is quite poignant. A lost soul just needing something, anything to keep their hopes and dreams alive.
(If you're reading this on Facebook, be sure to view the original post, since embedded videos do not import into Facebook "Notes.")
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