Much Love

Well, thank you! I'm grinning ear to ear. I think that was a record number of viewers for my blog, which is still just a wee baby in Blogland. Thank you for all of your kind remarks and I am so thrilled that you like the sweater.

Weather is coming our way in Texas; Hurricane Ike is set to hit over the next few days. So, in honor of the coming storm (hoping that the damage to those on the coast is minimal) and as a big giant thank you, here is a collection of personal favorites. This time I linked to YouTube so that you can listen more easily.

Twelve Great Songs For Rainy Weather (I would have said 'best songs' but that would have been impossible to choose):

Downpour by Brandi Carlile - This is the best recording I could find on YouTube. I have no idea how she got left off my list a few weeks ago, but it was a crying shame, I'll say that. Got to see her live at House of Blues in Dallas a while back, and she put on a stellar concert. I love the tone of her voice and the cello in this song is beautiful and sad.

Bittersweet by Big Head Todd & the Monsters - How is it possible that I can't find a decent recording of this song? Oh well, you've heard it, right?

Everybody Hurts by The Corrs - Best version ever of this song. I lucked into knowing this; husband with an excellent taste in music introduced me.

We Have No Secrets by Carly Simon - Was blessed as a child to be raised on a healthy dose of Carly Simon, Carole King, and the like. (It's also one of my favorite 70's album covers.)

Across the Universe by Fiona Apple - I love this version of the song. And the video (from 'Pleasantville') is one of my very favorites of all time. Maybe you have to watch the movie, though.

Hotel California by The Eagles - (album version) Because I get to see them in concert this weekend! I've always wanted to go to an Eagles concert. Great rainy song.

She Sang The Red River Valley by Reckless Kelly - Big thank you to Hollin for sharing this one. Okay, not on YouTube. It'll have to just be a clip. Click 'play song' under the cd cover. Or, better yet, buy it so you can hear the whole thing (wink).

Angeles by Elliot Smith - I can't ever listen to his songs without thinking of how he killed himself in a hotel room with a knife. It's so tragic. It makes the music even more melancholy than it was meant to be.

Displaced by Azure Ray - Love.

Grey or Blue by Jaymay - Please ignore the video. I think it's from the movie 'Serendipity' but really doesn't have much to do with the song. But this was the only clip with the album version instead of the live version, and I like it much better. I bought the cd after listening to just this one song. Great lyrics.

Quelqu'un M'a Dit by Carla Bruni - I should say, The Fabulous Carla Bruni. Not only is she a style icon and the First Lady of France, but she can sing. It's a really good song. It means, roughly, "Someone told me (that you still love me)."

Rocket Man, by Elton John - I am madly in love with Elton John. I had the privilege of seeing him perform in Las Vegas a few years ago, and he really is as wonderful as I always thought he'd be. Again, I owe this infatuation to my parents. This song makes my top five, easy.

Hope you enjoy. Any suggestions, feel free to add. Have a great Thursday!