Posts tagged valentine’s day

So.

I was writing something and Stew singing “Love like That” came on the stereo. It’s one of those poignant songs which would be imperfect sung by anyone else. The song made me think what would be the five songs I would put under one of those thoughtful couple moments in a TV show or movie when the couple is at one of “those moments”. You know them. They kind of crack open what was and let’s what will be out. They are that perfect romantic song which increases its perfectness when it is heard over one of those special moments in a TV show or movie (you know pretty much every movie John Cusack has ever been in when he realizes the girl is his).

For example, when John Cusak and Kate Beckinsale meet at the end of Serendipity (Nick Drake’s Northern Sky is awesome in the scene).

Or when Orlando Bloom realizes Kirsten Dunst is the special girl in Elizabethtown. (Sun kil Moon is singing Kentucky Woman).

This seemed like a perfect post for Valentine’s Day this year.

So the songs I am going to suggest are pretty much below the radar. Certainly not top 40. But used in a TV show or movie?  Amazing. And really really nice when you bring it home. These would be the six I wish someone would use and are nice to listen to on valentine’s day:

1. Stew “Love like That” (with Everwood video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxGZvxuW0Pc

Stew is a big guy who has an interesting voice and has written some really eclectic odd stuff but also some really nice stuff. He sings along with a little woman who harmonizes with him perfectly. Love like That is awesome. You never get tired of listening to it. 

2. Trespassers William “Lie in the Sound” :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdCNFV12WY4&feature=related

If ever a song was written that matched a voice style this is it. “I love you more than I should” is an opening line that is delivered in a way that puts you in a mental space where you know exactly the time and the place you yourself were ‘there.’

3.  Jann Arden “Don’t give up on Me”: (using bad One Tree Hill video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUp-6bKreYU

The majority of Jann Arden’ stuff is pretty ordinary. With this song she captures the true essence of someone asking for some patience with their flaws. I am not sure I have ever heard a better song than this one with this message.

4. Nickel Creek “When you come back Down” (and, no, that’s not Nickelback, it’s Nickel Creek) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng5-VUDcjJ8

Someone could do an entire scene over the entire song. It is about letting someone ‘free’ and loving them so much you promise them to be there no matter what. The guy’s voice has this fragile strength to it that makes the song fearful and fearless at exactly the same time. Beautiful song. Bluegrass has never sounded better.

5. Well. This is actually the “heartache” love song trio because I couldn’t pick just one. . They are almost interchangeable in their sound and the beautiful twinge of heartache and longing.

a. Over the Rhine “Latter Days”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPlOF6R1KWI

Over the Rhine’s music is all over the place. They don’t really seem to write that many love ballads. Latter Days is sadly emotionally crafted.

It captures the emptiness felt when someone who you love is not there. And the simple beauty when they are there.

Her voice is perfect for the song. It’s one of those songs I cannot envision anyone else singing.

b. Azure Ray “Displaced”:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kQp1uxz5a0

It took me forever listening to this song to understand they were saying ‘displaced.’ Doesn’t matter. The opening of the song sung by Maria Taylor I believe is fragile in its words and fragile in her voice style. This song seems to dip right into real life and explain unexplained feelings.

c. Fisher “Closer” (couldn’t find a video and i don’t know how to upload a song on this site)

Another fragile sounding voice asking “is it wrong to want to be close?”

It is simple. It is complicated. It would be amazing in the right situation.

6. Ok. ok. Before everyone says “where is the more upbeat one” because these all sound so sad … You Dance is the upbeat love song which should probably be used under every wedding scene in a movie:

eastmountainsouth “you dance.” (there is only a live version of this song on youtube but this is a song worth hearing)

The songwriter, and singer, Peter Bradley Adams only did one cd as eastmountainsouth and then he did a solo cd. Doesn’t matter. His best songs are always a duet with a woman. You Dance is impeccably written. Heartfelt without being sappy and you almost feel like you have stepped into the middle of a couple’s sincere thoughts for each other. Like I said earlier it should be used for any wedding.

(a bonus)

Adore by Renee Stahl. I added this one because I was running today and it came up just as my second wind kicked in and I thought it was perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Renee Stahl “Adore”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SymSJVpdx7o&feature=related

It has an absolutely stunningly beautiful opening refrain. “i was on a ferris wheel that overlooked the sea, you were on the chair right next to me. is it truth or fantasy. then you turned and looked at me and said … I adore you …” She has a wonderful flowing voice which soars above an almost trance like beat.  Beautifully crafted.

There you go.

For your listening pleasure and, who knows, maybe they will appear in a movie one day. And it is my music post for valentine’s day.