The music is ringing in my ears...

I am surrounded by awesome music right now. Songs to make me laugh, make me cry, definitely make me sing and as my dance party friends know, songs to make me dance.

Before I share all of my new beloved tunage ideas, let me say that I have decided what the best new invention for iTunes would be. Gift cards for specifically selected music. It would bring back album and singles sales for sure. Right now I do not want to give out iTunes gift cards because they seem impersonal. But I also hesitate from buying CDs (one of my favorite gifts in the past) because so many people don't buy cd's anymore, just digital downloads. However, if I could actually code an iTunes card with my specific gifts of music? GENIUS! Someone call Steve Jobs stat.

Tomorrow I am definitely doing a Glee blog. This season has been very interesting -- so touching in so many ways, yet I have my criticisms too, so get ready! One of the reasons I love the show is that it reminds me of how much great music there is out there -- old, new, mashed up and redone.

Okay, so let me tell you what music is playing in my ears these days. I know Keith Urban is missing but I still haven't been able to fully absorb as I have been blinded by his overwhelming love for Nicole. Did you watch Oprah?

Sugarland Incredible Machine -- You know I got the new CD right away. It has the beautiful vocals of Miss Jennifer Nettles, but this album has a much bigger sound. She said they were inspired by 80s movie songs and performing in large arenas Bon Jovi style. Great for playing it loud while cleaning the apartment or driving down a long stretch of highway, but I am missing the quieter moments of heartbreak the last album gave me.

Little Big Town The Reason Why -- RUN and get this (or download it) IMMEDIATELY. If I could create my gift of iTunes to the whole world, it would be this album. Amazing 4 part harmonies, part country, part rock, all inspiring. And one the the biggest heartbreak songs ever -- "Shut Up Train" a middle of the night cry out to stop that loud train of heartbreak from interrupting a night of peace. Amazing.

Zac Brown Band You Get What You Give -- I really love Zac Brown's voice. It can sing with a smile, with anger and with love. Underlying the melodic country are hints of Jimmy Buffett, bluegrass style, jam band sessions but the mix of it all keeps my attention. I love listening to this as an album -- it would be a great soundtrack to a summer barbecue. And the song "Colder Weather" is so touching and gutwrenching - incredible lyrics.

Eminem Recovery -- He blows me away, just blows me away with the clever writing, catchy tunes and honest lyrics. Amazing album.

Katy Perry Teenage Dream -- Fun, fun, fun. And then the girls gets ANGRY. This slightly dirty, pop confection makes me groove.

Taylor Swift Speak Now -- I know I have said this a million times, the girl can't sing live, but her albums are addictive pop country pleasure. I don't think this is her best album and I'm getting sick of hearing who each song is about (really John Mayer hit on her? Slight exaggeration for dramas sake?) Not looking forward to hearing any songs about Jake Gyllenhaal because I am can't believe he is dating her, but I will still be singing "Mine" at my dance parties.

Speaking of dance parties, let me share Just dance" playlist, specially created by me. It is awesome for passing the time on the treadmill or while laughing with your friends as you dance in unison in front of a mirror because you think you have turned into a fly girl (NOT). Try it out!

Undo It by Carrie Underwood -- excellent revenge song with a rocking beat (Thank you to writer Kara DioGuardi)

F**k You by Cee Lo -- best jam song of the year

What's My Name by Rihanna -- hey na na!

Never Again by Kelly Clarkson -- old anger song that still keeps me moving

In My Head by Jason DeRulo -- I should be over this song, but I can still listen to it

Raise Your Glass by P!nk -- this is in bold because it is THE BEST DANCE PARTY SONG EVER. A rousing chorus that inspires jumping up and down for all the underdogs.

Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland -- Cute country reggae catchy ditty. That's right, I said ditty.

Love the Way You Lie by Eminem and Rihanna -- Yup, I know you all just started singing the chorus. SO sad, but so good.

Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good) by Sugarland -- A gem from their first album that puts a twang in my step.

Forget You by Cee Lo -- Yup, need both versions because I can't get enough of this song.

Bad Romance by Lady Gaga -- Sometimes I'm sick of it, so I keep it at the end. But after rediscovering it at karaoke, well, a girl needs to practice.

It's Five O'Clock Somewhere by Alan Jackson -- I know most of you are laughing, but this is a fantastic happy hour / dance party / cool down ditty. Yup, I said ditty again.

Alright folks - I hope this has inspired lots of music purchases -- share the tunage this holiday season! More tomorrow...

And even if you can't dance as fly as I can, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...




no BEP