What does Auld Lang Syne Mean Anyway???

So its tradition that every year, after the strike of midnight, the song Auld Lang Syne is played. But why? And what does it mean?

The original tune was written by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet and lyricist, in 1788, though his lyrics are somewhat different from what we hear today:

Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,

and never thought upon;

The flames of Love extinguished,

and fully past and gone:

Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,

that loving Breast of thine;

That thou canst never once reflect

On old long syne.

On old long syne my Jo,

On old long syne,

That thou canst never once reflect,

On old long syne

Eventually, this was translated from Scottish to the English version:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 

And never brought to mind? 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 

And auld lang syne! 

For auld lang syne, my dear, 

For auld lang syne. 

We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, 

For auld lang syne.

This version has alternate lyrics:

 

The melody is apparently from an old Scottish folk song. At some point, the song was used at the conclusion of New Years festivities in Scotland, then other English speaking countries. It is also used in other occasions such as funerals, farewells and graduations.

As far as what it means? Its simply a rhetorical question asking whether past memories should be forgotten and left in the past and a statement to remember lasting relationships.

That's it!

On a personal note, I get a mix of warm fuzzies but also a bit of sadness anytime I hear it. I am guessing it's because it rings in the end of another year, another chapter, another era in my life and moments and experiences that will never come again.

How does this song make you feel?

Hoping everyone enjoyed a safe and fun holiday season. See ya on the other side!

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne

Holiday Songs For Your Playlist

...if you don't already have them, that is!

Soulful

Charles Brown

Merry Christmas Baby / Charles Brown

Please Come Home for Christmas / Charles Brown

This Christmas / Donny Hathaway

Modern

Pentatonix

The 12 Days of Christmas / Straight No Chaser

This Christmas / Chris Brown

Winter Wonderland / Don't Worry Be Happy / Pentatonix

This Christmas / Christina Aguilera

Fun

TLC

Mele Kalikimaka / Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters

Christmas in Hollis / Run DMC

Run, Run Rudolph / Chuck Berry

You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch / Thurl Ravenscroft

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus / Jackson Five

Sleigh Ride / TLC

Classic

Frank Sinatra

Santa Baby / Eartha Kitt

Wonderful Christmastime / Paul McCartney

What Are You Doing New Years Eve / Nancy Wilson

Christmas Time Is Here / Vince Guaraldi Trio

Let it Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow / Frank Sinatra

Feliz Navidad / Joe Feliciano

The Christmas Song / Nat King Cole

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree / Brenda Lee

Wishing you and yours a warm and wonderful holiday!!

20 Great Songs in Movies Part I

In no particular order, here are 20 movie moments featuring great use of music. Warning, spoilers ahead!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow / Harry Nilsson in You've Got Mail

I avoided this movie for the longest time, assuming it was just another sappy rom-com, starring the same ol' stars. And the plot did draw me in but I wasn't really a fan, until the ending. When Harry Nilsson starts singing and we see the big reveal. Well, they got me!

Sister Christian / Night Ranger & Jessie's Girl / Rick Springfield in Boogie Nights

Probably the most memorable scene from this movie (except for maybe the ending). In what has to be one of the funniest drug setups gone wrong, the tension is palpable as Alfred Molina puts on one of his favorite mixtapes as his lover throws firecrackers intermittently, keeping his guests appropriately on edge.

Navajo Joe / Ennio Morricone in Election

The strange, horror-like sounds from this intro is featured in the movie Election in very short scenes to showcase the tension and fury that is Tracy Flick.

Hot Stuff / Donna Summer in The Full Monty

So simple. Donna Summer. Some guys standing in line, idling waiting to be scene. The mood strikes. Dancing happens. Sweet!

Bittersweet Symphony / The Verve in  Cruel Intentions

Ahh when Kathryn gets her public comeuppance to the tune of the Verve, just a classic '90s movie moment.

People Are Strange /  Echo & the Bunnymen in The Lost Boys

A perfect and quirky song choice for the opening montage and intro the the Santa Carla California town and its eccentric inhabitants.

Smack My Bitch Up / The Prodigy in Charlie's Angels

The electronic beat comes in just as the Angels get to chasing and fighting off the Creepy Thin man in a high-octane scene that can only be described as a sizzling mix of The Matrix, a dose of extreme girl power, kung fu, couture fashion and oh yeah Crispin Glover.

This Woman's Work / Kate Bush in She's Having a Baby

Way, way before Maxwell's cover, Kate Bush wrote this beautiful and emotional song for the movie featuring a scary and unexpected c-section, while you watch Kevin Bacon worry and wonder about the fate of his wife and unborn child. Chilling and very effective.

Bustin' Out / Rick James in Superbad

Totally unexpected. Who would pair two somewhat geeky but lovable, suburban white kids with some funky Rick James jams? Producer Evan Goldberg and it pretty much sets the tone of this cheeky teen comedy.

Auld Lang Syne / Dave Francis in Sex in the City

Watching Carrie Bradshaw climb out of bed on a freezing cold and snowy New Years Eve to board the subway and be by her friend's side so she she wouldn't feel alone, to a beautiful, acoustic rendition of this classic song was just perfect.

The Kids Are Back / Twisted Sister in Jackass 3D

Kicking off the third installment of the Jackass movie franchise, the guys were all back and for a pretty kick ass and totally appropriate intro. RIP Ryan Dunn.

Say A Little Prayer for You / Dionne Warwick in My Best Friend's Wedding

Who can resist a completely impromptu and silly family group song in a public restaurant? This little number was unexpected fun.

Unchained Melody / The Righteous Brothers in Ghost 

After this, women everywhere wanted to take up pottery. In fact, I'm sure many did!

Sympathy for the Devil /  Guns-n-Roses in Interview with a Vampire

Its the very last scene but as Lestat sneaks into and takes over Christian Slater's car and the lyrics come in introducing "a man of wealth and taste", its the crowning jewel on an interesting ride of a movie.

Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta / Geto Boys in Office Space

Ahhh, gangsta rap embedded in a movie about white collar office jobs. What more is there to say besides the fact that this little drop of hip hop created one of the more memorable scenes from the sleeper hit.

Bohemian Rhapsody / Queen in Wayne's World

Pure genius. For a newer generation, this was their introduction to the ingenuity that is Queen.

Day-O / Harry Belafonte in Beetlejuice 

Totally unexpected and just plan funny. When Beetlejuice possessed the Deetz family and their guest during a dinner party, he not only made it fun to be possessed but created movie magic!

Cry Baby / Janie Joplin in Look Who's Talking

The '80s was big on movie musical montages and this one had several but the pairing of Janis Joplin wailing on the mic to a shot of a screaming infant Mikey plus the added shots of Kirstie Alley dealing with new motherhood are ones any parent can relate to.

Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season) / The Byrds  in Forrest Gump

This one was a tough one because Forrest Gump contains so many great songs and moments but if narrowed down to one (for now), this one stands out. It the epitome of the '60s era when Forrest days goobye, again, to his beloved Jenny.

Staying Alive / Bee Gees in  Saturday Night Fever 

Yes, this is a classic and may be THE best use of a song in the movie but I'd be remiss to exclude it. But John Travolta's strut down a Brooklyn street to the thumping Bee Gee's beat is probably what kicked the disco era off officially and internationally. Its very likely one of the best and most iconic musical intros into a movie. It was also the start of one of the best movie soundtracks of all time.

What did we miss? Which ones would you add?

All the Reasons Why The Wiz Live Might Be Better Than the '78 Movie

Highly anticipated for months, The Wiz Live finally premiered last night to much fan fare. Here is why I believe it is a much better production than the 1978 movie.

Shanice Williams, as Dorothy, looked and acted the appropriate age, and had the right energy and attitude of a young woman searching for answers. Diana Ross' Dorothy was too old and played too timid.  Literally, Ross played her for 2+ hours as whiny, emotionally stunted and terrified of life. Not so fun to watch.

Stephanie Mills, the ORIGINAL Dorothy was included in this production. Period. The very fact that she was not even asked to be apart of the '78 movie is plain blasphemy! She also looked great and sounded wonderful!

The sets were brightly lit and the Oz atmosphere was beautiful and enchanting. The '78 movie has some things going for it but the production values are not one. Some scenes are shot so dark (such as the Munchkinland playground) that you can't even make out details. Other shots are just dreary. The '78 Oz had a dismal, rundown quality with certain areas looking like slums. It looked like New York City after the apocalypse.

Addaperle instead of Miss One. Don't get me wrong I loooved Thelma Carpenter's Miss One but I appreciate the removal of of the number running, which is just another negative and unnecessary aspect for a family feature. Not to mention Amber Riley KILLED IT!!
The entire production was family friendly. With the exception of Evilene dropping the "ass" word, there were no scary or unseemly imagery. There were no prostitute Poppy girls, sprinkling some kind of drug on its victims. No scary flying monkeys. This time around, they kept the overt violence out.  Evilene was not flushed down a toilet, the Scarecrow was not dismembered, the Tin Main not crushed, the Lion not tortured. But best of all was the removal of those were those creepy subway creatures, that I know for a fact scared MANY children. Hell, that scene is still scary to many adults today (including this blogger).

The Wiz Live was positive throughout. Many on social media complained of the show not being "urban enough" but what made the '78 movie "urban" was also what made it appear more downtrodden, slang-heavy and showed more of the negative aspects of city life. As stated before of the movie, some sets looked like slums and ghettos and the world of Oz was bleak and plain ol' depressing. With the American political climate the way it has been lately, its nice to see a black production that is not focused on the downers of certain black experiences but had a more positive and uplifting tone. Also bonus, instead of Lion falling prey to the Poppy girls' drug, he defeated them all!

Other aspects that made this production great:

• The costumes were beautiful. Mary J. Blige's Evilene costume took my breath away. Gone was the ugly Evilene, this one was gorgeous! The Lion's makeup was perfection and the detail of the Tin Man's makeup and costume, on point!
• The modern updates. The Apple tablet, the "why shade?" comment, the vogueing and all the cute natural hairstyles; Lion's dreads, Dorothy's beautiful curls and the one Munchkin with the pink poofs. I see you!!
• The fantastic performances. Neyo's Tin Man was heavenly, David Alan Grier's Lion was funny and lovable, Shanice William's Dorothy was confident and adorable, Elijah Kelley's Scarecrow crooned perfectly. Not to mention Uza Aduba's glorious Glinda which was a surprise from her role as Crazy Eyes from Orange in the New Black. Mary did her thang, as did Queen as the Wiz and Ms Stephanie Mills was stronger than ever.
• The Wiz was a woman! How nice! 

Now what was missing:

• The Emerald City song. One of my personal favorite song and dance numbers from the fill was removed but it is place was a fun, updated version that still had the slay, glamour and flair. 
• Toto. THIS seemed to be the main complaint among social media-goers and personally I didn't miss him at all as he doesn't add anything to the story for me but for others, he was sorely missed when left back in Kansas.

Overall, I thought it was a stunning production and a great upgrade to the '70s classic. NBC knocked this one out of the park. They should consider re-airing this annually, just as they do the Wizard of Oz.

What were your thoughts on the show?

The Songs from The Wiz from Worst to Best

This December, NBC is bringing a stage production of the beloved musical The Wiz, live on stage. With front row seats right in my living room,  I cannot wait to see how this modern cast will perform this classic. The film version of the play, released in 1978, is still a cherished classic to some and while the film itself was not a box office smash (and not without its problems), it was the musical performances that left the biggest lasting impression. Here are the songs from the film version, reviewed from worst to best.

Be a Lion

The weakest song on the list. This is the lion's inspiration song from Dorothy but its slow, initially dreary mood brings down the energy right in the middle of the film. In short, its just kind of boring.

Believe in Yourself

Some may disagree because this song is suppose to inspire and arouse self-love and confidence but the hook falls short. The emotion is there but the song and delivered with heart by the one and only Ms. Lena Horne but alas, its just not as memorable as others from this soundtrack.

The Feeling That We Have This song comes in during a scene in which we see Dorothy's large family gathered for dinner. Its brief and subtle but effective in showing some of Dorothy's background and struggle. Love how the family joins in the humming and singing along.

(I'm a) Mean Ol' Lion

This has all the horns and grandiose instrumentals fitting of the king of the jungle. Brief but fun tune. Good for a good peacock-struttin'.

What Would I do If I Could Feel

The Tin Man's ballad about how wonderful it would be to feel "vulnerable again" is a warm piece of jazzy rhythm and blues.

Slide Some Oil to Me/Now Watch Me Dance

A showstopper with an easy beat and catchy hook, its hard to watch this one without smiling. While the first part of this song is just great, its the bring-down-the-house ending that makes this number shine. I could listen to more like this one.

Ease on Down the Road

The most recognizable tune and the central theme, "Ease on Down" is the one everyone knows and any Wiz aficionado would know the dance as well.

He's the Wizard

This song gives good tuba. No, really, ever heard such good tuba playing? This introduction to the powerful and great Wizard is brilliantly performed by Miss One (jazz singer Thelma Carpenter ) and accompanied by the Munchkins. Another fun ensemble performance, I love seeing the Munchkins with their hoola hoops, kazoos and pop-n-lock '70s dancing.

Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News

Performed by the incomparable Mabel King, this gospel inspired number is both funny, spirited and right on time. And the lyrics fit in with everyday life.

Emerald City Sequence

And THIS is the best dance sequence in the whole film and also a hilarious commentary on a society's fleeting fashion trends, conformity and classism.

Brand New Day (Everybody Rejoice)

While it does get a bit lengthy at 7+ minutes, its a triumph for the film and story as Eviline's enslaved minions are finally freed and their hideous exteriors are shed to reveal beautiful, young and healthy brown people underneath.

You Can't Win

My personal favorite song from the film not only because it was performed by none other than the King of Pop but because anyone can relate to its underdog lyrics. This is '70s funk perfection.

Home

But of course, right! Personally, its not my all-time fave but its the most recognized and notable song from the play and film. It's also a notable and popular song among singers of all kinds because of its versatile range and heartfelt sentiment.

What are your thoughts?  Is Home your favorite?  Which is your favorite dance number?

Fierce Dance Vids of the Week (11.22.15)

Ohmygoood goodness! These ladies KILLLLED it! The synchronicity is absolute madness! There is just something sooo sexy about a man that can dance, And add 100+ points for dancing on rollerskates!

This adorable little girl killed it! Clearly she gets is from her Daddy!

Age aint nothing but a number. At 49 and 52, this men could show the youngins' a thing or two!

A Tribe Called Quest Reunion!

Man, what a week for 90's hip hop fans!! 

First we were graced with Missy Elliot's beautiful return, then the Tribe blesses us with this reunion and performance.

Kicking off the the 25th anniversary of the album People's Instinctive Travels And The Paths Of Rhythm and re-releasing a commemorative issue featuring J.Cole, Cee-Lo Green and Pharrell, A Tribe Called Quest got together to perform their hit "Can I Kick It" on the Late Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Check out the show here:

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/a-tribe-called-quest-can-i-kick-it/2937183

“I had this album in my head for years before I did it. Looking at it overall, to see the thoughts of a 16 year old gain any kind of acknowledgement makes me feel like I have arrived… But to see it in this incarnation … I’m humbled” — Q-Tip

No, Q-Tip, we are humbled! 

Missy Elliot is baaaaaaaack!!!!

And with a HOT new single and song! And looking fabulous!

For the first time in what seems like forever, Missy Elliot dropped her new single and video and it is on FIRE!!!!!
The beat, the dancing, the crazy fashions, she gave all like she always used to do. She took to Twitter to put the world on notice: "I can't wait for the whole world to see my new video tomorrow," she wrote. "9am we bout to take off to another planet. U ready? Let's go. #WTFMissy #FirstLook."
Am I ready?? Are YOU ready??? I've been so eagerly awaiting new Missy music for so long, I am ready for a whole album to drop and hopefully (crossing all fingers and toes) a tour. 
Please, please Missy, don't keep us waiting any longer!

Reflecting on the Original Jem and the Holograms

In light of the very recent news that Universal decided to pull the quasi-revamp movie Jem and the Holograms from theaters after only 2 weeks due to dismal box office sales and due overall cinematic abomination, now is a good time to wipe that dreadful and pathetic trailer from our memory bank and instead reflect on how awesome and truly outrageous the ORIGINAL Jem was and still is.

I don't remember the first time I saw Jem at around 8-9 years old but I do remember being transfixed to my TV screen when the show was on, in awe at the fashions, the hair, the music and the story of how Jerrica became Jem with the help of Synergy and how those mean (but still quite stylin') Misfits were constantly out to get her and the other Holograms.

I also vividly remember how much I loved Shana, the brown girl in the group and how cool it was to see a face that looked like mine represented on a cartoon. In 1980's TV, there weren't a ton of brown faces, though there were some but here it was appreciated. So much in fact that I got a Shana doll for Christmas and loved playing with her purple guitar and listening to the Jem hits on the cassette tape that came with it.

Also worth mentioning for me is Britta Phillips, the lovely actress who voiced Jem's singing voice. I.loved.her.voice!! Its one of the most memorable aspects of the show for me were the songs and her high soprano voice. Some may also remember her from a little movie called Satisfaction (which I also loved). Check out this interview she did on the part.

Those are treasured memories from my childhood so quite naturally when this reboot thing happened, I was every bit of disappointed at their complete lack of care into upholding something I held dear.

But enough of that. I've attached a few songs from Jem that I liked. "Getting Down to Business" was one on my cassette tape and I used to sing along.

And who could forget the doll commercials!

So Universal tried it. And it failed miserably. I sincerely hope it will be a great lesson for other movie studios when deciding to take another great childhood memory and crank out some sub-par plotline to turn it over for quick profit. NEXT TIME, take serious consideration for your audience,  the true fans who would come out to pay. Anyone else have fond memories of the show? Songs you liked? The fashions or story?  Drop a comment!

The 'He Aint $^*@&*#!' Breakup Playlist Part I

Its over and done. You've finally broken free and can look back and realize 
you are better off without him. Here are a list of songs to inspire you to get your head up, 
keep moving forward and that you will survive this breakup.


Since You Been Gone / Kelly Clarkson
Breathing so much better now that he's gone.

So What / Pink
Yeah ya'll broke up, but you're still a rock star! Life is moving on just fine without his tool ass.

Me, Myself and I / Beyonce
After all you did for him, sometimes it better to be own your own
and leaning on no one but yourself.

Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You ) / Kelly Clarkson
Break ups feel awful, but this is just a moment in your life
and you'll come out even stronger after this.

Before He Cheats / Carrie Underwood
Cause payback's a bitch.

Survivor / Destinys Child
Life moves on. You will survive this and anything else.

I Will Survive / Gloria Gaynor
Yes, go, walk right out that door. Don't need ya no more!

There You Go / Pink
Wow, now that you've broken up, you see just how pitiful he really is.

Not Big / Lily Allen
Its over. And good thing cause it was a waste of my time.

Mama's Knows Best / Jessie J
Oh. What? You think you're gonna play me? Naw, honey, you can go!

Really Don't Care / Demi Lovato
Basically, even if he is the very last dude on the face of the planet, its never happening again. Period!

We Are Never Getting Back Together / Taylor Swift
Yup. Its done. Forever and ever.

Bust Your Windows / Jazzmine Sullivan
You wanna hurt me, well I hope you have some good car insurance!

Hit 'Em Up Style (Ooops) / Blu Cantrell
Cheaters will pay. With their credit cards!

Tyrone (Live Version) / Erykah Badu
His no cash-giving, ass-hunting lamo self better dial a friend and get his shit! Today!

You Ought Know / Alanis Morissette
So he's moved on? Well he should know of the emotional mess
he left and that she'll never be as good as you.

Irreplaceable / Beyonce
Clearly he has messed with the wrong one and that his replacement is already on the way.

Blow Me (One Last Kiss) / Pink 

When you've tried to work it out but in the end, life is just too short for his shit anymore.

Fuck You /  Ceelo
The ultimate, finger-snapping fuck off!

Caught Out There /  Kelis 
Also know as "I Hate You So Much Right Now, Ugggggh!!"

Not Gon Cry / Mary J Blige 
Because he is not even worth the tears.

Which songs would you add?