At the end of a long day of work the last thing I usually feel like doing is.. well anything. This Tuesday I was particularly exhausted and would have loved nothing more than to stay home and veg. My daydreams of lying around in my trashy underwear watching even trashier TV were short-lived, because I knew I had a date. A long standing one actually, every Tuesday for the past two and a half years. I volunteer at our local humane society - in the back area doing animal care related tasks. As I pulled on my scrubs, Crocs (yes-guilty) and snapped my latex gloves (like I imagine some sort of sexy nurse would) I found myself wondering, "Why do I volunteer?"
These are a few of my favorite things
Usually I manage to desensitize myself to the realities of the shelter, in the same way I imagine that paramedics desensitize themselves to all of the horrible, tragic things they see at their job. Tonight was different, maybe because I was tired, maybe because I'm a girl, but tonight there was a small crack in the wall that I had put up. As I did the finals for the cats (I like to think of it as tucking them in for the night), I found myself tearing up a bit. I was surrounded by animals that are entirely dependent on the kindness of people. Newborn kittens, beat-up alley cats, all looking for one thing - to be taken care of. I stopped to really think about what I was doing. I took time to calm down the hissing,terrified stray, and wipe the dirt from the faces of the abandoned, orphan kittens. As corny as it sounds, I knew that even if only for a few moments, I had improved the quality of life of that animal. I know that their time at the shelter is limited, and my simple act of kindness could very well be the last for them.
So while the song "Angel" by Sarah Mclachlan played in my head and I looked down the endless rows of helpless animals, my answer came to me quite simply. I volunteer because they need me. You volunteer because someone needs you, whether it be animals, people or kids. It`s true that you can`t be everything to everyone, but sometimes we forget that we can all be something to someone.
You`ve all likely heard "Man In Black" by Johnny Cash, but I`d be willing to bet that most of you don`t know the meaning behind it. Following his increasing popularity in the 1970`s, people began to question Cash`s consistent wardrobe of all black,dubbing him "The Man in Black". In 1971 Cash responded to the public's curiosity about his dark outfits by penning the song "Man In Black". Cash sang:
"We're all doing might fine I do suppose, In our streak of lightning cars and fancy clothes" "But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back, Up front there ought to be a man in black"
The "Man in Black"
He wore black not just for one cause, but for all of the causes. For the "poor" and "hungry", or "those who have been betrayed by age or drugs." Cash admits that he knows there are "things that never will be right" but pledges that "til things are brighter, I'm the Man in Black." I agree with Cash that nothing will every be perfect, but there is definitely things we can each do to make things "brighter", and volunteering is one of those things.
Well, you wonder why I always dress in black, Why you never see bright colors on my back, And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone. Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town, I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime, But is there because he's a victim of the times.
I wear the black for those who never read, Or listened to the words that Jesus said, About the road to happiness through love and charity, Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.
Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose, In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes, But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back, Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.
I wear it for the sick and lonely old, For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold, I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been, Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.
And, I wear it for the thousands who have died, Believen' that the Lord was on their side, I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died, Believen' that we all were on their side.
Well, there's things that never will be right I know, And things need changin' everywhere you go, But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right, You'll never see me wear a suit of white.
Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day, And tell the world that everything's OK, But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back, 'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.
Something that I missed out on growing up in a small town was concerts. Obviously Nipigon wasn't big enough to host a movie theater, let alone a proper stadium. Thunder Bay wasn't much better when I was living there. Nickelbackwas the first live, fairly large concert that I ever saw. Please note this was when Nickelback was considered popular (yes, there was a time), and "How You Remind Me", was the number one single...well pretty much everywhere. When I moved out to Manitoba I was thrilled at the opportunity to attend not only Nickelback concerts...but good concerts as well! The first concert I remember attending at the MTS Centre was Tom Cochrane. I don't remember much else about that night as Winnipeg was hosting Grey Cup that same weekend - but I do remember falling a little bit in love with Mr. Cochrane.
He's gonna ride it all night long
If you don''t know who Tom Cochrane is you will if I mention just one song, "Life is a Highway". It's been covered by approx. 834 people. Besides "Life is a Highway", Tom Cochrane has produced a number of hits such as, "Good Time", "Big Leagues", and "Wish you Well". Born in Lynne Lake, Manitoba, Cochrane is an amazing artist that tends to fly under the radar. He's recieved an Order of Canada for his charity work and patriotism, an Honorary Doctorate and a spot in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
I wouldn't say that "White Hot" is my favorite Tom Cochrane song, but it's a great one, with an even greater story behind it. Cochrane explained that he wrote the song after reading "White Heat/Time of the Assassins", by Henry Miller, an essay which details the life of 1800's French poet, Arthur Rimbaud.
Arthur Rimbaud
Cole's notes on Arthur Rimbaud,
French poet, most well known for his work "Season of Hell"
Was gay, his family didn't approve
Quit writing when he was 21, went to Africa and became a Gun Runner, many of his Gun Running routes are still in use today.
In "White Hot", Cochrane embodies Rimbaud and his time in Africa, "I'm white hot, by the Somalian Shore". He sings of Rimbaud missing his lover, Paul Verlaine, "I need you to come see me", and of Rimbaud getting caught selling weapons, "Cast out from the jungle, with no rations or canteen. For selling faulty rifles, to the thieves in Tanzania." "Exhibit A" on why Tom Cochrane is truly one of rock's legends. He took a little known story from history and turned it into a mainstream hit.
Waiting by the shoreline In somalia for your reply I need you to come see me That's no lie The guns are getting closer The sweat pours like dew That fell from the trees in Tripoli In the spring
I'm white hot I can't take it anymore I'm white hot By the somalian shore Yes i'm burning to the core I need rain
Cast out from the jungle With no rations or canteen For selling faulty riffles To the thieves in tanzania
Adventures and misfortune Nothing wagered, nothing gained I have wandered through the desert Found the ocean not the rain
I can remember the nights by the strand in Tripoli We were so much cooler then I had you and my poetry to protect me We were so much younger then I need rain
I'm white hot I can't take it anymore I'm white hot By the somalian shore
I'm white hot Yes i'm burning to the core I need rain, I need rain, I need rain
I can remember the nights by the sea in Tripoli Were were so much colder then I had you and my poetry to protect me We were both soldiers then Bolder then, colder then I need rain, I need rain, I need rain White hot White hot... Water
OK then, it has been MUCH too long since I've posted a sappy love song. Sorry - had to do it. I have had "Someone Like You" by Adele on repeat for the last 3 weeks, so I feel like a bit of a traitor if I don't write about it. Like It's a secret love affair that no one can know about, and as a new rule I'm trying quite hard to cut down on those.
Adele
I first heard a sample of Adele's "Hometown Glory" in "My Hometown" by Jordan Burnell - a song I've previously blogged about. This led me to download the full song as well as a few of her other songs. I liked her work and then pretty much forgot about her. Now it seems like everyone has jumped on the Adele bandwagon. I can't blame them - she has incredible pipes, charming British wit, and looks a bit like a delicate little china doll. At only 23 years old she's had huge commercial and critical success in the UK and North America, receiving a handful of Grammy awards, BRIT awards and countless other industry nods. Everyone seems to have a bit of a crush on Adele, from British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who wrote her a thank you letter swooning, "with the troubles that the country's in financially, you're a light at the end of the tunnel", to music site, AllMusic who wrote, "Adele is simply too magical to compare her to anyone."
Adele's vocals are earthy, deep, mature and every so often you hear the slightest hint of her British accent. Adele has referred to her music style as "heartbroken soul", and this is definetly the genre I'd attach to "Someone Like You." The song strikes me as a "nice breakup song", (a contradiction in itself I know.) At the beginning of the song she about discovers that her ex has "settled down", "found a girl", "married now." She realizes that he has moved on with his life while she hasn't, "hoped you'd see my face, And that you'd be reminded that for me it isn't over." I actually believe that the worst part of a breakup is not the actual "break-up" process, but seeing your ex move on before you.
Every time she scratches her nail..
"Someone Like You" is different from your typical tragic/bitter breakup songs because the protagonist of the song chooses to move on with her life and not dwell on circumstances she can't change. She doesn't pull a Carrie Underwood and dig the "key into the side of his pretty little suped up 4 wheel drive", or an Alanis Morrisette and wish "every time I scratch my nails down someone else's back I hope you feel it." She realizes that life will go on and that she will find happiness too, "Nevermind I'll find someone like you." With an attitude that speaks volumes about her maturity and character she seems generally resigned to being happy that her ex is happy, and wishing him well. I think that�s how you know you really care about someone. Being happy that they are happy, even if you are no longer a part of their life. "I wish nothing but the best for you."
I heard That you're settled down That you Found a girl And you're Married now
I heard That your dreams came true. Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you Old friend Why are you so shy? Ain't like you to hold back Or hide from the light
I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it. I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded That for me it isn't over Never mind I'll find someone like you I wish nothing but the best for you too "Don't forget me," I begged "I'll remember," you said "Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead." Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead, Yeah. You know how the time flies Only yesterday It was the time of our lives We were born and raised In a summer haze Bound by the surprise Of our glory days
I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it. I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded That for me it isn't over. Never mind I'll find someone like you I wish nothing but the best for you too "Don't forget me," I begged "I'll remember," you said
"Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead." Nothing compares No worries or cares Regrets and mistakes They are memories made. Who would have known How bittersweet this would taste? Never mind I'll find someone like you I wish nothing but the best for you too "Don't forget me," I begged "I'll remember," you said "Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead" Never mind I'll find someone like you I wish nothing but the best for you too "Don't forget me," I begged "I'll remember," you said
"Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead" Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead
Our monthly Chartshow (r3mixed) from Lazy Records NET. Enjoy!
01 Adele - Someone Like You (eSQUIRE vs OFFBeat Remix) 02 Nicole Scherzinger - Don't Hold Your Breath (The Alias Club Mix) 03 Black Eyed Peas - Just Can't Get Enough (Damon Paul Remix) 04 The Wanted - Gold Forever (Steve Smart & Westfunk Club) 05 Jessie J - Price Tag (Doman & Gooding RMX) 06 Rihanna - S & M (Sidney Samson Club Mix) 07 Wiz Khalifa - Black Yellow (DJ Kue Remix) 08 Dr. Dre - I Need A Doctor (Bugout & Carcione Remix) 09 Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Take Jay Amato & DJ Franko Over Control Mix 2011) 10 Lady Gaga - Born This Way (DrewG & Brian Cua Dirty Pop Full Vocal Mix) 11 (not available) * 12 Snoop Dogg - Wet (David Guetta Extended Mix) 13 Chris Brown - Yeah 3X (Abe Clements Club Mix DRM) 14 Noah And The Whale - Life Goes On (Fake Blood Remix) 15 Mann - Buzzin - Electro Remix (DJ Kaybul) 16 Tiesto & Diplo - C'Mon (DJ Amor Remix) 17 Bruno Mars - Grenade (Funk3d Pop Club Mix) 18 Alexis Jordan - Good Girl (Freemasons Club Mix) 19 Kanye West - All Of The Lights (Aylen's 'DutchStep' Remix) 20 Chipmunk Ft. Chris Brown - Champion (MyToyBox & Dave Silcox Extended Mix) 21 Tinie Tempah - Wonderman (Dirty Duvall Club Mix)
* Unfortunately for number 11 there isnt a remix available as of yet. So we included 21 in this weeks mix to make up for it. Performed live on Lazy Radio from TopFloorDjs Top 20 UK Singles (Remixes) 28/03/2011 www.lazyrecords.net
