Music Monday: Titanic Week

I'm declaring it 

Titanic Week 

here at Sing and Don't Be Silent to highlight the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the great ship. I have been fascinated by the Titanic since I was little. I'm drawn to both the time period and the human aspect of this tragic event. Over the years, I've learned many things about what went on during that maiden voyage.

For Music Monday, I thought it only appropriate to have some Titanic themed music. It is often debated whether or not "Nearer My God To Thee" was played as the last song by the string ensemble (even the version is debated, as you'll hear the difference below) before the ship sank. Whether it was played or not, I think it has a haunting feel that captures the mood of the tragedy.

A Night To Remember version from 1958:

Here is the more recent version from the 1997 movie:

They may not have played this particular song, but it seems to be clear that they did play something, and to me that is the most meaningful part of the account. These musicians attempted to keep passengers calm, and gave so many the gift of music in their last moments.

I will be sharing other Titanic related items and thoughts throughout the week!

Music Monday: The Band Perry

Today (tonight, rather) is a special edition of Music Monday. Last night, I saw 


The Band Perry 


live in concert for the very first time. Let me tell you, they deserve every bit of their recent success. They are wonderful singers, great entertainers, and humble individuals. 

Wouldn't it be so fun to sing in a band with your brothers?

You can see Kimberly's passion for what she's singing through her expressions.

Neil was on the left side. We needed him closer so we could get a better picture. So cool that he's playing a mandolin. You don't see that a lot. He's the baby of the family like me. I found out today that we're the same age!

Reid is the middle child. I just LOVE his retro look. Definitely a throwback to the 70s. Reminds me of guys on my mom's old record albums. They did actually sing a little Queen!

Brother and sister jam session!

This girl knows how to rock out! I wasn't able to capture it, but they hold poses at the end of their songs. It has such a cool effect and it's not something I've seen before.

They looked like they were having so much fun together the whole night! They had everyone sing one of the last sections of "If I Die Young" and were smiling as they listened. How cool would it be to have people sing back the words that you wrote, knowing they had made a connection with them?

One of my favorite parts of the night was when they sang Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). I was trying to think of words to describe it, and "authentic" kept popping up in my head. You can tell when musicians are connecting with a song, and this one just had this underlying energy to it. It just felt like we were sitting outside on a back porch with them on a hot summer night singing this song together. That's saying something in a hall that was holding thousands of people.

They repeated multiple times how thankful they were to be able to sing for all of us. During the concert, they mentioned that they would stay and sign autographs after the show for whoever wanted to stick around and stay up with them. Let me tell you, that line was HUGE, wrapping all the way back up to the balcony staircases. And did they stay the whole time? You bet. They came through and signed and talked to every fan. I am so impressed by this. Most artists tend to "hide out" after their shows until the majority of the crowd is gone. The Perry siblings graciously walked through and were so friendly and welcoming, like it was their pleasure to meet all of us. Their parents sure did raise them well! I bet they are so proud of the three of them.

I made sure to grab a hug from each brother! Kimberly was as sweet as ever too. She turned back to say "you are most welcome" when I thanked her for coming out and signing autographs for everyone.

So now for the music. I wish I could put every song on here! As I said in my very first Music Monday post which highlighted The Band Perry, their whole debut CD is outstanding. I've had it on repeat for the past month (my own brother has memorized their songs too as a result). They said at the concert that they will be putting out one more single from it. I was happy to find out it is one of my favorites, "Postcard From Paris." There is no video yet, so I encourage you to check it out on your own.

The Band Perry-you know how to get hip to my heart!

Music Monday: Johnny Cash-"I Walk the Line"

This Music Monday, I thought it only appropriate to honor Johnny Cash. He would have been 80 years old yesterday.

Here is "The Man in Black" wearing white.

I admire how he was a man that wasn't afraid to admit his mistakes.

"You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space."

Well said, Mr. Cash.

Music Monday: "Make 'Em Laugh"

I picked up the soundtrack for one of my favorite movies this past weekend. I decided we could all use a laugh on this Music Monday!

(Singin' In The Rain, 1952)

Music Monday: Jason Jones-"Ferris Wheel"

Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate something else besides love:

Ferris Wheels! February 14th is Ferris Wheel Day. Why the 14th? Apparently it's the birthday of the man who invented it-George Ferris.

To celebrate both occasions, what better than a song about falling in love on a ferris wheel?

It's sung by one of my favorite country artists, Jason Jones.

(Jason Jones, 2011)

So romantic!

Music Monday: "Tale As Old As Time"

My cousin and I went to see the 3D version of Beauty and the Beast this past weekend. It was outstanding! I've seen this classic many times, but never before so vividly.

I've chosen "Tale As Old As Time" for this week's Music Monday song.

I'm told that around age three or four, I'd twirl in circles with my arms out singing "Beauty and the Beast..." over and over among the roses.

(Disney's Beauty and the Beast, 1991)

Belle has always been my favorite Disney princess. For a long time it may have been simply because she has dark hair like me. Over time, I've realized there are other reasons as well. She knows she's different, but she is confident in herself despite what others think of her. She loves to read. Who can forget the library the Beast gifted her with? I covet a room that size, full of books.

 

With Valentine's Day so close, I also think the message is appropriate. Love is looking past differences. It's being willing to make small changes in your way of thinking that will allow a relationship to deepen.

Music Monday: The Band Perry- "All Your Life"

As you can probably tell from my "About Me" section, music is a big part of my life. It moves me, motivates me, makes me think. Music always makes my day better. I don't think a day goes by that I don't have at least one song running through my head on repeat. Specific songs make me think of certain memories. I turn on the radio as soon as I get in the car. When I get a little extra money, I try to figure out which CD has a song I've been craving to hear so I can buy it and put it on repeat as soon as I get it out of the packaging.

So, because of this love of music, I thought it only appropriate to begin celebrating Music Monday.

Right now, the CD I have on repeat is The Band Perry. It's one of those CDs that I put on and play the whole way through. Every song is good, not just the singles.

Their song "All Your Life" has been my recent sing-along choice. I love the vintage feel they've presented.

(Music video by The Band Perry performing All Your Life. (C) 2011 Republic Nashville Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.)

In the end, a simple request.

What are you listening to this week?