{NYC soundtrack}

So I'm all ready to go to NYC to have a fabuloso time with one fabulosa sister. But first, as Clarks, we can't live without music so we've just got to get a soundtrack going to accompany us on our trip. Julia's been busy checking out all the places we hope to go & see. You can see her list here. Perhaps you should imagine the Sex&theCity theme song playing in the background right now...or why not hit this link & play it?: Sex and the City Theme Song

So I've picked some excellent songs. Some tunes associated with NYC, some tunes that I'm particularly fond of right now, & some tunes that speak to a fun birthday weekend away in NYC.

{mix CD I've made for us--luckily our hotel also has an ipod player, but I'm taking this along so my sis has a musical memento of our trip}

so let me start with two picks that aren't on my CD because I don't have them in my itunes library. #1 would be New York, New York & #2 would be Billy Joel's New York State of Mind. Both songs are ones that I have always played with my Dad on the piano & still today, when we get together, I belt them out as if I'm Liza Minnelli. New York State of Mind is the only song I know how to play by heart on the piano...I am taking the Greyhound, & I am in a New York state of mind, so sorry for leaving you out Billy.

The other songs are some that I've downloaded from downplayer. If you haven't heard of downplayer, get on it: they provide free downloads every day...and some excellent tunes at that.

Ok, so on to my mix CD.

1. Empire State of Mind (Part II) by Alicia Keys from The Element of Freedom

I played this, this past summer non-stop as I was planning on moving to NY state. We are staying in Brooklyn, so the part of the song that says "Hail a gypsy cab, takes me down from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge" is suiting.

2. Read My Mind by The Killers from Sam's Town             
One of my FAVOURITE songs right now. Particularly because it speaks about living in a small town. One strange thing I've noticed is that every town/village in upstate New York has a Main Street--they aren't very original in names around here. Some of the lyrics really do speak to living in small town America: 
"On the corner of main street
Just tryin' to keep it in line...
... I never really gave up on
Breakin' out of this two-star town"

and I'm sorry Alfred, but I'd say you fit into the 'two-star town' category.       
    

3. Friday XIII by Deer Tick from  Born On Flag Day           
Well I was born on Friday the 13th, so I think this song says it all for a birthday celebration in NYC (although my birthday fell on Friday last year, this year it's on a Saturday, but Saturday is close enough--and as long as it falls on a weekend I'm happy!)

4. Right Behind You by Brandon Flowers  from  Flamingo 
 I just like this song...and I think it'd be good background music for exploring some funky neighbourhood in NYC.

5. Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix) by Two Door Cinema Club from toomanysebastians.net        
My nephew (&godson) is named Sebastian, and since it's his Mum who is coming to visit me, I think this is appropriate. But honestly, I can just imagine me & Ju dancing to the groovy beat of this song as we get ready for going out. When I lived with Ju & her family, we'd blare the surround stereo throughout her house, open up a bottle of champers, and walk in between each other's rooms, trying on different outfits, asking opinions on which earring to wear, which shoe best matched the dress, etc.. you get the point. & one of the most important parts of getting ready is blaring music & grooving to the tunes & thinking of the excitement that the night offers. Her daughter particularly loved this (she's a great dancer) & would be a super big help at choosing the most outrageous earrings to go with an outfit.

6. Lisztomania (Shook Remix) by Phoenix from Chubbybeavers.com        
I love this song, and I particularly love this remix. I had this on a playlist this summer up at Ju's family cabin and it reminds me of hanging out at Buccaneer, sipping a beer & enjoying the sun. fun fun memories.      
         

7. Congratulations (Erol Alkan Rework) by MGMT from EtMusiquePourTous.com        
Right up there with #5--this is all about getting ready for the evening.  

8.It’s My Party (Prod. by Mark Ronson) by Amy Winehouse
It's my party & I will cry if I want to. But I'll be in NYC & I won't be crying, unless it's because I'm fighting over a discount Jimmy Choo with an innocent shopper because she just took the last pair in my size! ha!

9. Sprawl II (Thunderlust Remix) by Arcade Fire
Just love this remix & it's a great tune.
                                               

10. These Old Shoes by  Deer Tick  from War Elephant     
I like this song & I think it'll be a good companion on the long bus ride there.  
                            

11. Who Says by John Mayer  from Hollywood Bowl             
 The lyrics say it all:
"Who says I can't be free
From all of the things that I used to be
Rewrite my history
Who says I can't be free
It's been a long night in New York City"
Ju, through her lovely husband, got us tickets to a John Mayer concert this past spring & we loved it. But we were also introduced to Michael Franti as the opening band, who was fantastic...it was a fun night.

12. New York, New York by Ryan Adams from Gold           
Not the NY, NY song, but still the name says it all for our weekend. It's also just a really great catchy tune.

13. New York City by  Norah Jones from New York City The Peter Malick Group    
Brings some jazz to the city

14. Crazy (Gnarls Barkley Cover) by Ray LaMontagne    
This has to be one of the best songs ever created.... & Ray has to be one of the best artists ever born. The combination is breath-taking. love it love it love it!   I have to say his voice is one of the most phenomonal things in this world.

15. State Of Our Affairs by Mt. Desolation      
Slower song, but I'm loving it--it'll also be good background music for the bus.

16. November Blue (Scott solo acoustic) by The Avett Brothers from Backstage in Kent     
Great mellow song & the title puts us in November. 
                 

17. New York City's Killing Me by Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs 
I'm in love with this man's voice, and this song is a great way to end a great mix. 
The lyrics are a little sad, but
"Gotta get outta New York City, son
Somewhere I can clear my head"
will be my parting song with NYC as I head back to the country...and perhaps it will enable this city girl to try & appreciate the quiet of the country.        

So I've got my tunes, now I'm ready...I can't wait to wake up in that city that never sleeps, it's now all up to you, New York, New York