For the past six weeks, I had songs for MFLT all planned out. Last week I finally caught up to myself and I've been scrambling a bit for this weeks installment.
As I sat at my computer listening to Pandora, it came to me ... The Killers.
I'm not a die-hard Killers fan, but I have definitely enjoyed the singles that have been released on radio. This particular one, All These Things That I've Done, is a definite favorite. It peaked at No. 74 on the Billboard Hot 100, so not exactly a monster success. But still a great hit.
Back to Pandora ... I was just singing along to the tune and my favorite part came up.
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I thought to myself, "I love this part of the song. Of course, it's a MFLT blog entry!" So check it out in the video posted below (click on View Original Post if you are reading this on Facebook). This is an amazing live performance that appears to be the closer to the set. Amazing climax and musical drama. My favorite lyric shows up at 3:25, well at least that's when this crowd of what looks like 100,000 starts singing it.
August 30, 2010
August 24, 2010
My Favorite Lyric Tuesday
King of Anything, Sara Bareilles
I have yet to hear a Sara Bareilles song that I dislike. I'm not so sure why her other singles have not caught on like her 2007 hit, Love Song. There have been subsequent releases such as Bottle is Up and Love on the Rocks that are equally as groovy and catchy.
But perhaps King of Anything is headed in the right direction. Sara is all talent. Great voice, great personality and great on the piano.
My favorite lyric is in the chorus:
Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything
There's an interesting behind the scenes video that shows the making of the King of Anything music video. It's a nice video that shows off Sara's personality.
But check out the full video below and get ready to tap your toes.
But perhaps King of Anything is headed in the right direction. Sara is all talent. Great voice, great personality and great on the piano.
My favorite lyric is in the chorus:
Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything
There's an interesting behind the scenes video that shows the making of the King of Anything music video. It's a nice video that shows off Sara's personality.
But check out the full video below and get ready to tap your toes.
August 21, 2010
John and Deanna's Magical Hotel Del Wedding
John and Deanna put on quite a party for their guests on August 14, 2010 at the Hotel del Coronado, in Coronado, California. It was another spectacular soiree orchestrated by Emily Smiley, decorated by Karen Tran and photographed beautifully by Darin Fong.
I have a very short highlight video, since I only played a 60 minute set. But for what it's worth, here you go.
I have a very short highlight video, since I only played a 60 minute set. But for what it's worth, here you go.
August 19, 2010
Lights On
Last week I took a trip up to Orange County to shop for some new LED lights. Here's a quick video about what I picked up.
August 18, 2010
Post Honeymoon Thank You
When Sandra and Tim returned from their honeymoon, I found this message in my Facebook inbox.
"Thank you so much for being a part of Tim and I's special day. We couldn't have done it without you! Thanks again for the wonderful music selection!"
Sandra and Tim =)
It's always nice when clients think of me -- and thank me -- weeks after their wedding. This couple was great and Sandra was quite the line dancer!
Here's a fabulous photo of her, shot by photographer, Darin Fong.
"Thank you so much for being a part of Tim and I's special day. We couldn't have done it without you! Thanks again for the wonderful music selection!"
Sandra and Tim =)
It's always nice when clients think of me -- and thank me -- weeks after their wedding. This couple was great and Sandra was quite the line dancer!
Here's a fabulous photo of her, shot by photographer, Darin Fong.
August 17, 2010
My Favorite Lyric
Some Fantastic, Barenaked Ladies
Ten years ago I was a fanatic for the Barenaked Ladies. Between 1998 and 2001 I saw them live in Dallas, San Diego, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Irvine and Washington D.C. Crazy huh? This was at the height of their popularity and they were packing big venues. It's ironic that I missed them when they played a 1,200 seat venue, last month, about 10 minutes from where I work.
While I'm not as fanatical, I still enjoy their music. I was always impressed with the songwriting talents of Stephen Page and Ed Robertson. It's sad that personal issues have caused Page to depart from a band that he fronted for more than 20 years, but their track record of great songwriting remains.
One of my favorites was off their 1998 release, Stunt. It was the album that contained the hit, "One Week," and was chock full of other great numbers. One such song was called "Some Fantastic." It had a great melody and even better lyrics.
These are my two favorite lines:
There's a lot I will never do
Some fantastic, I know it's true
But none as much as my want to be with you
Bye-bye self-respect
I haven't had much of it since you left
I missed out on the best of you
I've always thought the song was about someone who was no longer complete without his other and can't even respect himself without that other. It's sad really.
But the song still has an upbeat tone to it. Check out this acoustic version performed by Page and Robertson.
While I'm not as fanatical, I still enjoy their music. I was always impressed with the songwriting talents of Stephen Page and Ed Robertson. It's sad that personal issues have caused Page to depart from a band that he fronted for more than 20 years, but their track record of great songwriting remains.
One of my favorites was off their 1998 release, Stunt. It was the album that contained the hit, "One Week," and was chock full of other great numbers. One such song was called "Some Fantastic." It had a great melody and even better lyrics.
These are my two favorite lines:
There's a lot I will never do
Some fantastic, I know it's true
But none as much as my want to be with you
Bye-bye self-respect
I haven't had much of it since you left
I missed out on the best of you
I've always thought the song was about someone who was no longer complete without his other and can't even respect himself without that other. It's sad really.
But the song still has an upbeat tone to it. Check out this acoustic version performed by Page and Robertson.
August 15, 2010
John and Deanna's Setlist
John and Deanna were married on August 14, 2010 at the historic Hotel del Coronado. It was an amazing day that capped off with an outstanding performance by Wayne Foster Entertainment. I've heard so many great things about WFE and was excited to work alongside them.
On this night, they busted out a nine piece band, complete with horns, keyboards, percussion, guitar, vocalists, dancers and tons and tons of props. They played for two hours, following dinner and performed amazing covers from Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Journey, Jay Sean, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson ... the list goes on and on.
They were scheduled to end at 10 p.m. and I was slated to spin the final two hours of the evening. They were rocking the crowd so hard that they ended up playing to 10:45. With the cake cutting, a groom's speech and the bouquet toss, that left me with just over an hour to finish out the gig.
One hour of mixing ... no problem, right?
Well there was one problem. WFE is an talented collection of musicians. I knew they would have standard cover songs like Billie Jean and September. I did not expect Bad Romance and California Gurls.
When it was my turn, I certainly did not want to repeat any songs that were played earlier in the evening. So I took notes as they played and when I hit the stage I did my best to keep the energy going without the benefit of being able to play "hot" songs.
So what did I end up with? I incorporated some of my standards (90s hip hop), specific bride requests (Justin Bieber and Young MC), a few audience requests (Billy Idol) and for the closing I was pretty proud to work in "Escape" from Enrique Iglesias, Jr.
It was a song that Deanna specifically requested that I play. As it got closer to midnight, I had not played it and as I thought about the lyrics and the tune, I realized it was the perfect closer. "You can run, you can hide, but you can't escape my love."
Here are all the other tunes from the evening.
On this night, they busted out a nine piece band, complete with horns, keyboards, percussion, guitar, vocalists, dancers and tons and tons of props. They played for two hours, following dinner and performed amazing covers from Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Journey, Jay Sean, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson ... the list goes on and on.
They were scheduled to end at 10 p.m. and I was slated to spin the final two hours of the evening. They were rocking the crowd so hard that they ended up playing to 10:45. With the cake cutting, a groom's speech and the bouquet toss, that left me with just over an hour to finish out the gig.
One hour of mixing ... no problem, right?
Well there was one problem. WFE is an talented collection of musicians. I knew they would have standard cover songs like Billie Jean and September. I did not expect Bad Romance and California Gurls.
When it was my turn, I certainly did not want to repeat any songs that were played earlier in the evening. So I took notes as they played and when I hit the stage I did my best to keep the energy going without the benefit of being able to play "hot" songs.
So what did I end up with? I incorporated some of my standards (90s hip hop), specific bride requests (Justin Bieber and Young MC), a few audience requests (Billy Idol) and for the closing I was pretty proud to work in "Escape" from Enrique Iglesias, Jr.
It was a song that Deanna specifically requested that I play. As it got closer to midnight, I had not played it and as I thought about the lyrics and the tune, I realized it was the perfect closer. "You can run, you can hide, but you can't escape my love."
Here are all the other tunes from the evening.
| Song | Artist | |
| Intro | We Like To Party | Venga Boys |
| First Dance | For Me This Is Heaven | Jimmy Eat World |
| Dance Set | Just Dance | Lady Gaga |
| Bust a Move | Young MC | |
| Good Vibrations | Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch | |
| Tik Tok | Kesha | |
| OMG | Usher | |
| Baby Got Back | Sir Mix A Lot | |
| Yeah | Usher | |
| Montel Party Break | DJ Emotion | |
| Jump Around | House of Pain | |
| Gasolina | Daddy Yankee | |
| Mony Mony | Billy Idol | |
| Love Shack | B-52s | |
| Hey Ya | Outkast | |
| Forever | Chris Brown | |
| Do You Remember | Jay Sean | |
| DJ Got Us Falling In Love Again | Usher | |
| Blah, Blah, Blah | Kesha | |
| Poker Face | Lady Gaga | |
| Somebody To Love | Justin Bieber | |
| Escape | Enrique Igelsias, Jr. |
August 13, 2010
Rob and Melissa's Dance Party Highlights
Oh man .... what a day this was. I'm no stranger to two gigs in one day, but this one really tested my stamina. I love it all, but beach and boat gigs are the toughest by far. There are the elements to deal with (which really isn't too bad in San Diego) such as the sun, rain, wind, etc. And the set-up is much more difficult. Go ahead, try hauling around audio gear in the sand or up the narrow stairs of a yacht.
But it was all worth it once Melissa and Rob's dance parties kicked off. Along with their friends, they all came in from out of town, mostly Chicago. So this party took full advantage of the Southern California outdoors. Hence the double party ... one in the afternoon, another a night.
Check out all the fun in the video below (shot with my Flip HD camera) ... as well the setlist from the beach and the boat. Lastly, if you like the voice at the beginning, that's musician Ryan Hiller.
But it was all worth it once Melissa and Rob's dance parties kicked off. Along with their friends, they all came in from out of town, mostly Chicago. So this party took full advantage of the Southern California outdoors. Hence the double party ... one in the afternoon, another a night.
Check out all the fun in the video below (shot with my Flip HD camera) ... as well the setlist from the beach and the boat. Lastly, if you like the voice at the beginning, that's musician Ryan Hiller.
August 12, 2010
A Double Dance Party Thank You
This was a nice note to find in my email box the Monday after a wedding weekend.
Subject: Thank You
Hi Justin!!
Rob & I wanted to thank you for making our Wedding Day unforgettable - Friday, August 6!! Being a destination wedding, we were concerned that our Midwestern guests would feel "out of their element" on a beach, but you made them feel right at home! The music was fantastic - very diverse & hip for all our age groups!! We truly thought our guests would be shy to start the dancing on the beach...boy, were we wrong!! :)
The Emerald Hornblower yacht after party was even better with your mix of "dance club music"!! Everyone was excited with the mix of Spanish music you threw in there as well. Thank you for making our destination wedding a fun & memorable day :)
Melissa & Rob
Subject: Thank You
Hi Justin!!
Rob & I wanted to thank you for making our Wedding Day unforgettable - Friday, August 6!! Being a destination wedding, we were concerned that our Midwestern guests would feel "out of their element" on a beach, but you made them feel right at home! The music was fantastic - very diverse & hip for all our age groups!! We truly thought our guests would be shy to start the dancing on the beach...boy, were we wrong!! :)
The Emerald Hornblower yacht after party was even better with your mix of "dance club music"!! Everyone was excited with the mix of Spanish music you threw in there as well. Thank you for making our destination wedding a fun & memorable day :)
Melissa & Rob
A Review on Best San Diego Weddings
This review was from a 2006 wedding and I found it here:
"Originally, I was planning on going extra-low-budget on the DJ and just having my reception music pre-planned and playing off an iPod, but I'm really glad we decided to hire a DJ instead. I went in thinking I knew what I wanted for everything, but Justin brought in a lot of expertise which I had never really considered.
I thought picking music was a no brainer, but apparently, there's some strategy to it. So I was really glad to have Justin there to give suggestions. He wasn't at all pushy with his ideas, though, I still felt like everything was in my hands, and he really worked with us on everything we needed."
"Originally, I was planning on going extra-low-budget on the DJ and just having my reception music pre-planned and playing off an iPod, but I'm really glad we decided to hire a DJ instead. I went in thinking I knew what I wanted for everything, but Justin brought in a lot of expertise which I had never really considered.
I thought picking music was a no brainer, but apparently, there's some strategy to it. So I was really glad to have Justin there to give suggestions. He wasn't at all pushy with his ideas, though, I still felt like everything was in my hands, and he really worked with us on everything we needed."
August 10, 2010
My Favorite Lyric Tuesday
Speechless - Lady Gaga
Say what you want about Lady Gaga, but calling her a "no-talent, Madonna wannabe" is just plain wrong. Some people can't see the forest through the trees, or in this case the art through the wacky clothes.
Certainly many may object to her pop-dance smash hits such as Just Dance, Poker Face, Bad Romance -- well basically her entire Fame and Fame Monster album -- as just passing dance fads, but it's hard to hate on pure lyrics. Really good lyrics.
I think I first heard "Speechless" when Gaga performed it on the Oprah Winfrey show. I had seen her perform stripped down versions of her aforementioned pop tunes, but it was the first time I heard her sing a song that was originally intended for just vocals, piano and maybe some percussion.
I was impressed. Even more impressed when she said she wrote the song for her Dad, who was seemingly oblivious to a major medical scare a few years ago. It's easy to interpret the whole song as a typical relationship destined for failure. But when you know that it is a story of a daughter, heartbroken because she cares more about her Dad then he cares for himself, it's that much more heart wrenching.
The climax of the song comes in it's last verse, when Gaga, who shares that her gift is to love and to write song, will diminish if her Dad decides not to take care of himself.
Would you give it all up
If I promise to you boy
That I’ll never talk again
And I’ll never love again
I’ll never write a song
Won’t even sing along
I’ll never love again
So speechless
You left me speechless, so speechless
Good stuff. This is a great, full acoustic version. Below is a performance on the Ellen Show, with additional instruments. Watch both ... in either case, get ready for some chills and maybe a few tears.
Certainly many may object to her pop-dance smash hits such as Just Dance, Poker Face, Bad Romance -- well basically her entire Fame and Fame Monster album -- as just passing dance fads, but it's hard to hate on pure lyrics. Really good lyrics.
I think I first heard "Speechless" when Gaga performed it on the Oprah Winfrey show. I had seen her perform stripped down versions of her aforementioned pop tunes, but it was the first time I heard her sing a song that was originally intended for just vocals, piano and maybe some percussion.
I was impressed. Even more impressed when she said she wrote the song for her Dad, who was seemingly oblivious to a major medical scare a few years ago. It's easy to interpret the whole song as a typical relationship destined for failure. But when you know that it is a story of a daughter, heartbroken because she cares more about her Dad then he cares for himself, it's that much more heart wrenching.
The climax of the song comes in it's last verse, when Gaga, who shares that her gift is to love and to write song, will diminish if her Dad decides not to take care of himself.
Would you give it all up
If I promise to you boy
That I’ll never talk again
And I’ll never love again
I’ll never write a song
Won’t even sing along
I’ll never love again
So speechless
You left me speechless, so speechless
Good stuff. This is a great, full acoustic version. Below is a performance on the Ellen Show, with additional instruments. Watch both ... in either case, get ready for some chills and maybe a few tears.
August 8, 2010
Melissa and Rob's Setlist - Part 2: The Boat
At the conclusion of Melissa and Rob's daytime wedding at the Hotel del Coronado, their party shifted to the blue waters of San Diego Bay. Their guests boarded the Emerald Hornblower, operated by Hornblower Cruises and Events.
Their guests, who all traveled to San Diego from Chicago, danced the night away and I added a little touch at the end by playing Jason Mraz's, "I'm Yours." Of course, this is not an unusual closer, but I specifically played the version that was recorded live, in Chicago.
At the end, Jason signs off by saying "Thank you Chicago for hosting us this evening." The crowd -- both on the track and on the boat -- went nuts when they heard this.
It was such a fun day. A long day, but Melissa and Rob, their guests and the Hornblower staff were awesome.
Here's the evening's setlist:
Their guests, who all traveled to San Diego from Chicago, danced the night away and I added a little touch at the end by playing Jason Mraz's, "I'm Yours." Of course, this is not an unusual closer, but I specifically played the version that was recorded live, in Chicago.
At the end, Jason signs off by saying "Thank you Chicago for hosting us this evening." The crowd -- both on the track and on the boat -- went nuts when they heard this.
It was such a fun day. A long day, but Melissa and Rob, their guests and the Hornblower staff were awesome.
Here's the evening's setlist:
| Song | Artist | |
| Where the Party At | Jagged Edge | |
| Disco Inferno | 50 Cent | |
| Every Little Step | Bobby Brown | |
| September | Earth, Wind and Fire | |
| Do You Remember | Jay Sean | |
| Summer of '69 | Bryan Adams | |
| Billionaire | Travie McCoy | |
| Alejandro | Lady Gaga | |
| Hip Hop Hooray | Naughty By Nature | |
| This is How Do It | Montell Jordan | |
| Yeah | Usher | |
| Old School Medley | Various | |
| Got To Be Real | Cheryl Lynn | |
| Just Dance | Lady Gaga | |
| California Gurls | Katy Perry | |
| Tik Tok | Kesha | |
| Motownphilly | Boyz II Men | |
| Billie Jean | Michael Jackson | |
| Bizarre Love Triangle | New Order | |
| Get Into The Groove | Madonna | |
| The Right Stuff | New Kids on the Block | |
| Promiscuous Girl | Nelly Furtado | |
| Ants Marching | Dave Mathews Band | |
| Suavemente | Elvis Crespo | |
| Vida es un Carnaval | Celia Cruz | |
| Cha Cha Slide | Casper | |
| Twist and Shout | Beatles | |
| Love Shack | B-52s | |
| Sweet Caroline | Neil Diamond | |
| U Can't Touch This | M.C. Hammer | |
| Down | Jay Sean | |
| Boom Boom Pow | Bon Jovi | |
| Dynamite | Taio Cruz | |
| Your Love Is My Drug | Kesha | |
| All Night Long | Lionel Ritchie | |
| Single Ladies in Black and White | Michael Jackson/Beyonce | |
| Bust a Move | Young MC | |
| Good Vibrations | Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch | |
| I Gotta Feeling | Black Eyed Peas | |
| Low | Flo Rida | |
| Don't Stop Believing | Journey | |
| Last Dance | I'm Yours | Jason Mraz |
Melissa and Rob's Setlist - Part 1: The Beach
Melissa and Rob's wedding on the beach, in the shadow of the Hotel Del Coronado was a bit of a marathon day for me. The wedding ceremony and reception took place during the day and it followed with an after party aboard the Emerald Hornblower, a yacht that sails around San Diego Bay.
Since the reception was on the beach, a small part of me doubted that their guests would dance. After all, it was on the beach (read: the "dance floor" was made of sand) and it was probably in the 80s with direct sun.
But then again, these people were from Chicago; give them a beach and no humidity in the middle of August and they were down to party.
Here is the beach setlist, which mainly consisted of a lot of requests and old school (80s) music.
Since the reception was on the beach, a small part of me doubted that their guests would dance. After all, it was on the beach (read: the "dance floor" was made of sand) and it was probably in the 80s with direct sun.
But then again, these people were from Chicago; give them a beach and no humidity in the middle of August and they were down to party.
Here is the beach setlist, which mainly consisted of a lot of requests and old school (80s) music.
| Song | Artist | |
| Intro | Tu Sonrisa | Elvis Crespo |
| Hips Don't Lie | Shakira | |
| Love Shack | B-52s | |
| Motown Medley | Various | |
| Father/Daughter Dance | My Girl | Temptations |
| Let's Stay Together | Al Green | |
| Heat Wave | Joan Osborne | |
| Boogie Shoes | K.C. & the Sunshine Band | |
| Stomp | Brother Johnson | |
| Disco Inferno | The Trammps | |
| Copacabana | Barry Manilow | |
| P.Y.T. | Michael Jackson | |
| I Feel For You | Chaka Kahn | |
| El Africano | Wilfrido Vargas | |
| Holiday | Madonna | |
| Emotions | Mariah Carey | |
| When I Think of You | Janet Jackson | |
| Funky Cold Medina | Tone Loc | |
| Cupid Shuffle | Cupid | |
| Say Hey (I Love You) | Michael Franti | |
| Electric Boogie | Marcia Griffiths | |
| Staying Alive | Bee Gees | |
| Crush On You | Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam | |
| Let The Music Play | Debbie Deb |
August 6, 2010
I Love the 90s and My New Box Set
Oh how I love 90s music. I ordered a nine-disc set, with more than 100 remixes of classic nineties dance tunes on Monday and it arrived in my mail just two days later. Thanks Select Mix.
I documented my excitement in the video below. Enjoy!
I documented my excitement in the video below. Enjoy!
August 5, 2010
Matt and Heidi's Wedding
I was so touched by Heidi's email, that I thought I better get my heiny in gear, edit and post her and Matt's post gig video. So, here are a few highlights of the their July 31, 2010 party at the Lodge at Torrey Pines in beautiful La Jolla, California. Keep in mind, it's just shot from my SLR. No special lighting or anything, just what I have to work with, while DJ'ing. The ultimate in multi-tasking!
Oh yeah, here's a list of all the awesome songs I played that night.
Oh yeah, here's a list of all the awesome songs I played that night.
August 4, 2010
Thanks for the Thanks
I'm not gonna lie ... I love DJ'ing, but it really is hard work. You would think playing music at parties is pretty easy, but it's so much more than that. Mentally it's tough because I'm literally making a desicion every 3 minutes (what song do I play next?) There isn't a "set playlist" as many people have asked me about. And playing the wrong song could literally mean a dance floor clearing like water flowing off an angled roof.
The physical strain is intense too. For a five hour wedding reception I'm spending another 2-3 hours setting up and tearing down. During the actual event, I'm on my feet, generally standing in the same place for hours.
And at the end of the night, if the bride and groom aren't being quickly whisked away or having to say "goodbye" to about 100 people they will come over and thank me. It's awesome to hear.
On occasion, a surpise will show up in the mailbox and I'll get a nice thank-you card. Rarely though do I get something like this, which showed up in my email a little less than 14 hours after I played the last dance at Matt and Heidi's wedding.
Subject: Best DJ Ever!!
I didn't get a chance to thank you last night. The music and lighting was FANTASTIC!!! Everyone came up to us and commented on what a great DJ you were and how great the music was!!! I saw some the wedding guests this morning and they were still talking about the music! You were amazing and I thank you a hundred times over! I will most definitely be in touch if we need a DJ in the future and be sure to pass your name on to anyone who is in need of a DJ.
Thank you once again!! The best music ever!!!
Heidi and Matt
The physical strain is intense too. For a five hour wedding reception I'm spending another 2-3 hours setting up and tearing down. During the actual event, I'm on my feet, generally standing in the same place for hours.
And at the end of the night, if the bride and groom aren't being quickly whisked away or having to say "goodbye" to about 100 people they will come over and thank me. It's awesome to hear.
On occasion, a surpise will show up in the mailbox and I'll get a nice thank-you card. Rarely though do I get something like this, which showed up in my email a little less than 14 hours after I played the last dance at Matt and Heidi's wedding.
Subject: Best DJ Ever!!
I didn't get a chance to thank you last night. The music and lighting was FANTASTIC!!! Everyone came up to us and commented on what a great DJ you were and how great the music was!!! I saw some the wedding guests this morning and they were still talking about the music! You were amazing and I thank you a hundred times over! I will most definitely be in touch if we need a DJ in the future and be sure to pass your name on to anyone who is in need of a DJ.
Thank you once again!! The best music ever!!!
Heidi and Matt
August 3, 2010
My Favorite Lyric Tuesday
Stay (I Missed You) - Lisa Loeb
I've never hid the fact that "Stay" by Lisa Loeb is one of my all time favorite songs. Not only is it lyrically amazing, but it has a great story behind it.
Going back to they early 90s, Loeb tells the story of hanging out with actor/director Ethan Hawke among a group of mutual friends. Around this time, Hawke was working on a film, Reality Bites, with Ben Stiller. Hawke played the "Stay" track for Stiller, who decided to put it on the movie soundtrack. Local radio started playing it, and eventually the song made it all the way to No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart. Loeb was an unsigned artist at the time, and still holds the distinction of having a No. 1 single without benefits of being signed to a major record label.
While I'm sure you are all enlightened, she actually tells the story better.
Really, this whole song is pretty awesome and every line just flows right into the next. It's hard to pick just one line, but since I really should here you go.
I like how the words "some of us hover when we weep for the other" sound together.
Here it is in context:
Some of us hover when we weep for the other who was
Dying since the day they were born
Well, this is not that
I think that I'm throwing, but I'm thrown
And I thought I'd live forever, but now I'm not so sure
You try to tell me that I'm clever
But that won't take me anyhow, or anywhere with you
I've had the opportunity to see Lisa live a few times. It's always been a treat. Nothing like a genuine singer/songwriter just belting out tunes and strumming on a guitar. No crazy drum machines or synthetic sounds. Just all natural talent.
There are a lot of great live, acoustic videos on YouTube of this song -- including the link I posted earlier. But I thought I'd embed the original music video, which itself is a mini-masterpiece. It was directed by Hawke and was shot in one continuous take. Pretty cool! My favorite lyric comes in at 1:37.
Going back to they early 90s, Loeb tells the story of hanging out with actor/director Ethan Hawke among a group of mutual friends. Around this time, Hawke was working on a film, Reality Bites, with Ben Stiller. Hawke played the "Stay" track for Stiller, who decided to put it on the movie soundtrack. Local radio started playing it, and eventually the song made it all the way to No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart. Loeb was an unsigned artist at the time, and still holds the distinction of having a No. 1 single without benefits of being signed to a major record label.
While I'm sure you are all enlightened, she actually tells the story better.
Really, this whole song is pretty awesome and every line just flows right into the next. It's hard to pick just one line, but since I really should here you go.
I like how the words "some of us hover when we weep for the other" sound together.
Here it is in context:
Some of us hover when we weep for the other who was
Dying since the day they were born
Well, this is not that
I think that I'm throwing, but I'm thrown
And I thought I'd live forever, but now I'm not so sure
You try to tell me that I'm clever
But that won't take me anyhow, or anywhere with you
I've had the opportunity to see Lisa live a few times. It's always been a treat. Nothing like a genuine singer/songwriter just belting out tunes and strumming on a guitar. No crazy drum machines or synthetic sounds. Just all natural talent.
There are a lot of great live, acoustic videos on YouTube of this song -- including the link I posted earlier. But I thought I'd embed the original music video, which itself is a mini-masterpiece. It was directed by Hawke and was shot in one continuous take. Pretty cool! My favorite lyric comes in at 1:37.
August 1, 2010
Heidi and Matt's Setlist
Heidi and Matt put on a gorgeous wedding at the Lodge at Torrey Pines on July 31, 2010. I had a great time MC'ing this event and playing some fun music.
They were one of those couples that I had only spoke to over the phone and met, literally, just moments before the grand entrance. At that moment, Heidi asked, "what song are you playing for our entrance." I explained that I didn't have anything specific, just a nice upbeat instrumental.
When I asked if she wanted something specific, she said, "anything Stevie Wonder." So I cued up Superstition -- which I have always felt is the song perfect for walking and strutting. The kind of song that would be blaring from a ghetto blaster, thrown over someone's shoulder in 1979.
Needless to say, the wedding party rocked the intro. What did I play after that? Check out the setlist below.
For a look at this wedding's beautiful details (orchestrated by Emily Smiley with flowers by Annette Gomez) check out these teaser pics from wedding photographer Darin Fong.
They were one of those couples that I had only spoke to over the phone and met, literally, just moments before the grand entrance. At that moment, Heidi asked, "what song are you playing for our entrance." I explained that I didn't have anything specific, just a nice upbeat instrumental.
When I asked if she wanted something specific, she said, "anything Stevie Wonder." So I cued up Superstition -- which I have always felt is the song perfect for walking and strutting. The kind of song that would be blaring from a ghetto blaster, thrown over someone's shoulder in 1979.
Needless to say, the wedding party rocked the intro. What did I play after that? Check out the setlist below.
| Song | Artist | |
| Intro | Superstition | Stevie Wonder |
| First Dance | Better Together | Jack Johnson |
| Parents Dance | The Way You Look Tonight | Frank Sinatra |
| First Set | Let's Stay Together | Al Green |
| Signed, Sealed, Delivered | Stevie Wonder | |
| Boogie Shoes | K.C. & the Sunshine Band | |
| Billie Jean | Michael Jackson | |
| Bizarre Love Triangle | New Order | |
| Just Dance | Lady Gaga | |
| California Gurls | Katy Perry | |
| Low | Flo Rida | |
| I Gotta Feeling | Black Eyed Peas | |
| Everybody Have Fun Tonight | Wang Chung | |
| Love Shack | B-52s | |
| Cake Cutting | I Was Made For You | She & Him |
| Bouquet Toss | That's Not My Name | The Ting Ting's |
| Second Set | This is How Do It | Montell Jordan |
| Yeah | Usher | |
| Old School Jump Off/Jump | House of Pain | |
| Joy and Pain | Rob Base | |
| Poison | Bell Biv Devoe | |
| The Right Stuff | New Kids on the Block | |
| Get Down Tonight | K.C. & the Sunshine Band | |
| Got To Be Real | Cheryl Lynn | |
| Forever | Chris Brown | |
| Break Your Heart | Taio Cruz | |
| Right Round | Flo Rida | |
| Sweet Caroline | Neil Diamond | |
| P.Y.T. | Michael Jackson | |
| September | Earth, Wind and Fire | |
| Call Me | Blondie | |
| Tainted Love | Soft Cell | |
| Holiday | Madonna | |
| Rappers Delight | Sugarhill Gang | |
| Rock With You | Michael Jackson | |
| Motownphilly | Boyz II Men | |
| Singled Ladies in Black and White | Michael Jackson/Beyonce | |
| Smack That | Akon | |
| Bust a Move | Young MC | |
| Good Vibrations | Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch | |
| Sexual Healing | Marvin Gaye | |
| Hypnotize | Notorious B.I.G. | |
| Hip Hop Hooray/O.P.P. | Naughty By Nature | |
| Do You Remember | Jay Sean | |
| Billionaire | Travie McCoy | |
| Don't Stop Believing | Journey | |
| Last Dance | Hey Soul Sister | Train |
For a look at this wedding's beautiful details (orchestrated by Emily Smiley with flowers by Annette Gomez) check out these teaser pics from wedding photographer Darin Fong.
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