Oscar Bound

Day 49: "Ghost Dance"

My writing partner, Liz, and I have been working hard on a script lately about early Native Americans called "Hohokam". It's been really interesting, but a bit of a challenge since there isn't a lot of information about this particular tribe (they disappeared over 500 years ago).  So, for inspiration, I've been listening to an instrumental piece called "Ghost Dance"  by Cusco which really helps. Since we're almost done with the script, I thought I'd share the song with you...hope you like it!

I actually discovered this song about four years ago when looking for music for one of my documentaries, "Snake Hill". There is a bit of a "ghost" element to the story and I was doing a music search for songs with "ghost" in the title. And even though this song is clearly Native American, it also has a haunting quality that I thought might work for my film. In the end, I ended up hiring a composer and using original music, but I always kept this song in the back of my mind...and now it has really come in handy :)

I know you must be wondering what the "Hohokam" script is about...but I can't tell you or I'd have to scalp you, LOL. Stay tuned and keep checking back for updates on IMDB.

Day 48: "Like A Rebel"

I received an urgent plea for help from my 13-year old nephew, Ryan, tonight. He is the keyboard player in a rock band called Dex's Sister and they have an original song, "Like A Rebel", that is in an online competition for scholarship money, a paid gig at an area mall and some recording time at a studio.

Apparently, their original submission had a sound glitch and since none of the voters were able to hear the song, they naturally received very few votes. He is asking me to reach out to all of you and see if you would be willing to listen to the song and vote for him (if you like it of course).  Here's what to do:

1. Listen to the song on the band's myspace page at:  http://www.myspace.com/dexssister (It's listed in the grey box at the top right hand side of the page.)

2. If you like it enough to vote, go to:  http://www.ecollegetimes.com/highschool1heat1/

The name of the band is Dex's Sister...when you scroll down the page, they are the band at the bottom...and the voting box is right underneath them.

The competition ends Wed, 2/17 at midnight, so if you can take a minute to listen and vote I'd be very grateful.

I just finished listening to the song and I have to say I'm pretty impressed... there is a fairly long intro before the vocals start, but I think you'll be surprised at the quality of the lead singer's voice. Not bad for a bunch of high school kids!

Thanks so much in advance...I'd like to maintain my "favorite aunt" status and help him out, LOL.

Day 47: Artist of the Week -- Ray LaMontagne

If you haven't heard singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne's music, you're in for a treat. I can't remember where I first heard his signature song, Trouble, but I DO remember that after I heard it I I couldn't get it out of my head.

As you'll see in this interview, Ray is a very quiet, almost shy type of guy. He was working in a shoe factory in Maine when he was inspired after hearing a Stephen Stills song, "Treetop Flyer", and subsequently quit his job to pursue a music career. I'm so glad he did!!

Here are a few of my other favorites by Ray: 

"You Are the Best Thing"

"Empty"

"To Love Somebody"  (with Damien Rice)

Day 46: "My Sharona"

In memory of The Knack's lead singer, Doug Fieger, who lost his lengthy battle with cancer yesterday, I felt it only right to select their biggest hit,  "My Sharona" . The song was at the top of the charts for SIX weeks in 1979, was certified gold AND was ranked #75 on the Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs in 2008...wow! 

Rest in peace, Doug....

Day 45: "Fireflies"

We're in Washington, D.C. for the weekend, staying with my friend, Bree (who I met via Facebook, LOL!). It seemed only fitting that I should ask her what her favorite song is....to which she immediately replied, "Sexual Healing" by Ben Harper. Unfortunately, I had to tell her "no" since I've already chosen another version of that song (see Day 28). So...she then told me that her current "like" song is "Fireflies" by Owl City.

Now I've never heard of this song or even the group (I realize admitting this may make me appear very un-hip), but now that I've heard it, I actually kinda like it. Hope you'll take a listen and check it out for yourself. I even feel more out of touch after just reading that the song was #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 as well as #1 on the  UK Singles Chart. Who knew?

Oh...and Happy Valentine's Day!! I should have probably chosen a Valentine's song...so here's a little bonus...2 classics I love:

"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers

"A Fool In Love" by Tina Turner (LOVE her!)

Trivia: 

The first song to ever hit #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 was "Poor Little Fool" by Rick Nelson (love him too!) and the current #1 is "Tik Tok" by Kesha (I'm so-so on this one, lol).

Day 44: "I'm Yours"

Every time I see/hear Jason Mraz, he reminds me of my friend, Marc (they kinda look alike)...and since Marc is about to embark on an interesting journey, I thought I'd choose my favorite Jason song to send him off...

On Tuesday, Marc will be heading to Haiti  with the pastor of a local Haitian American church to film a documentary and do what he can to help with relief efforts there. Ironically, in this video for "I'm Yours", Jason is taking a trip as well...

I will be helping him with editing when he gets back and will keep you posted on the project as it develops.

Day 43: "To Where You Are"

Almost seven years ago I lost my best friend and today is her birthday. So, in honor of my beautiful friend, Angela, I'd like to dedicate this equally beautiful song..."To Where You Are" by the amazing Josh Groban.  No matter where I am or what I'm doing, whenever I hear this song, I think of Ang...we played this at her memorial and the lyrics really comforted me.  Happy Birthday to a true "angel" of a friend, both here and in heaven.  (and give my dad a hug for me if he's "where you are")

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

Day 42 "Terrified"

I was watching American Idol's Hollywood week and one of the performances really caught my attention. Florida waitress Didi Benami sang a song co-written by Idol judge Kara DioGuari and songwriter & Iowa native Jason Reeves called "Terrified" (check out Didi's short version) and I really loved it. In fact, so much so, that right now Didi is my pick to win this year (you heard it here).

Unfortunately, the song title actually has a double meaning for me today as I am experiencing some hair loss due to an out of control thyroid condition and it's freaking me out :)  I'm being treated and am on lots of supplements, etc., but have to admit I'm a bit terrified!! Hopefully I will be choosing "Hair" as the song of the day soon!

Anyway, here are Kara and Jason performing their song (after a brief explanation of how they got together)....

The song was recorded by Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee for her new CD, Unbroken...but I actually like some of the versions I found by unknowns better. Strangely enough, although I'd never heard the song til this week, it appears to be quite popular among people who do "covers" and post them on the internet. Here are two of the best:

3 guys

duo-siblings

TRIVIA:

Jason Reeves co-wrote the majority of songs on singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat's debut album, Coco. (She was the 2nd person he met after moving from Iowa to Los Angeles...go Jason!)

Day 41: "Snow (Hey Oh)"

More snow today in NJ...it only seemed fitting to choose "Snow" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Interestingly, this song (which I really like!) has been used in several venues since it's release in 2006:

• The song is played during the credits of the second Death Note movie, Death Note: The Last Name.
• It was used by ESPN in commercials for the X Games.
• During the summer of 2007, the song was used in a promotion for the new season of PBS's news-magazine program Frontline.
• It was even used in some TV Spots for the 2006 film Happy Feet.
• The song was also used as a theme song for WrestleMania XXIV.
• The song is also available for download for the Rock Band series of music video games, along with "Tell Me Baby"; notably it is one of the harder guitar songs in the game due to its abnormal pattern and back and forth motion.
• The song was also used as opening music for the Scrubs final episode; "My Finale".
• The song was also used during a flashback scene on an episode of the show "Cold Case", entitled Sabotage.

Day 40: "Give A Little Bit"

I think I mentioned a couple of days ago that I've been inspired by the book "29 Gifts" to take the  "giving challenge".  Well, I'm on Day 3 and so far it's been pretty interesting.

The woman who wrote the book was inspired to do so after being advised by a spiritual mentor to try the challenge as a way to focus on something other than her struggles with MS. She has had some amazing results in her life, so I decided to give it a try. What has been fascinating to me is that in my first two days, I was led serendipitously to not one but TWO people who are also suffering from MS...neither of whom I knew three days ago! 

So far I've given a song that I don't think most people have ever heard before, a donation to an animal shelter in Montana to help pay for an ailing cat's surgery and a copy of the book. The gifts don't have to be material in nature....they should just be whatever you are drawn to do as each day unfolds.  It may be as simple as a hug or an e-card, to providing a service or doing a favor for someone that day. The fun part for me so far is being on the lookout for my giving opportunity for the day. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Anyway, in honor of this quest, I've chosen the Supertramp classic, "Give A Little Bit" as it seems like the perfect song for this endeavor. And I was pleased to find out that songwriter and founding member Roger Hodgson has donated the song over the past few years to raise funds for the tsunami and other causes.

I hope you'll take a moment to check out the 29gifts.org and consider taking the challenge yourself! (Let me know if you do as I'd love to hear how it unfolds for you.)