Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Cheers to Kelly Clarkson's 30th!

When the first American Idol came around, who would've thought that it would bring a star that was destined to become the 14th best selling artist of the 2000s? Or the artist that broke The Beatles' record for the biggest leap to number one in Billboard?

Yep, no matter how incredibly unbelievable Idol is sometimes, it introduced Kelly Clarkson  to the music industry.

Kelly Brianne Clarkson


I have always been a Kelly Clarkson fan [since DAY ONE, you people; DAY ONE] and I must admit that I have only decided to venture into music since hearing her sing Natural Woman on Idol and most especially when Because of You came out.

I must admit, I loved Because of You because I could relate to the story of the song but I think, that's what makes Kelly Clarkson really special - her songs are relate-able and when words fail you when it comes to expression of your feelings, you can always turn up some Kelly Clarkson and find the words that hit right close to home.

Yours truly does not claim to be a music expert - although I have a couple of ideas about what music really is - but what connects me most to Kelly is my inner poet. Her songs are well-written and it's just a bonus for the well-arranged musical elements but the soul and emotions put in every Kelly Clarkson song, hit or not, is an impeccable display of vulnerability that not many artists can do.

I could consider her the Queen of Break Up Songs. Hell yeah, I could go all day enumerating songs from her albums that concerns heartbreaks and moving on.

Why the feature? Well, Kelly Clarkson just celebrated her 30th birthday (April 24) and yeah, a lot of people who didn't know about her age were prolly shocked that she's 30; because that girl looks forever young.

Forgive my moments of fangirling.

On to the countdown.

Here, I would mention my favorite Kelly Clarkson songs.

Some of these songs aren't the more popular ones because believe me, I have all of Kelly Clarkson songs in my iPod.

[Now, that I'm about to start the countdown, I find it hard to choose a favorite. Seriously.]

Note: Album links lead to Last FM for streaming. 

1. Sober [From the album 'My December']

My December is so underrated. After the success of Breakaway, everybody expected Kelly to do the same thing again but then, she surprised a lot of people by coming up with a darker, more edgy line of songs. This song showcased Clarkson's out-of-this-world vocals and listening to this song gives an out-of-body experience - each and every damned time. Contrary to what it's title depicts, I believe this song is not about alcohol awareness. HAHA.



2. Because of You [From the album 'Breakaway']

Kelly Clarkson wrote this song when she was 16 years old and wanted to include this on her first album Thankful but wasn't approved in fear that no one would like it. In various interviews, Clarkson said this was the most depressing song she has ever written because it is filled with childhood memories. Still, she wanted the world to hear it. And as per Billboard, this song alone sold 1.5 million digital downloads [in your face Clive Davis]. This used to be my favorite but it was topped by Sober up there.



3. Since U Been Gone [From the album 'Breakaway']

Enough on the Avril Lavigne comparison, people; because seriously? Have you heard Kelly Clarkson sing live? I mean, I don't have anything against Avril, but she couldn't hold a candle against Kelly... vocally, most especially. To put this song simply, MTV put this song at Number 5 on the list of the biggest songs of the 2000s. A magazine (I kind of forgot it's name), also said that this is the song that is "in everybody's playlist". I must say, this has got to be one of the ultimate breakup songs, ever.



4. Behind These Hazel Eyes [From the album 'Breakaway']

This is the song of every heartbroken person out there! I can't even begin to describe this song. From the words to the arrangement, everything was put remarkably well like puzzle pieces that found it's parts. Not to mention that Kelly Clarkson performs this song live - ON THE ORIGINAL KEY flawlessly. Go and find those live performances and be mesmerized. Seriously.



5. What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) [From the album 'Stronger']

Disclaimer: I wrote the title in the same format as it is in the album, other sources say its: Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You).
Again, this proves why Kelly Clarkson is the Queen of Breakup songs, not to mention the awesome music video. The time this song spent on the charts is enough to prove Clarkson's worth in the industry. And have you really listened to this song? Seriously, it's soooo good.


 Note: Song title links lead to YouTube for streaming. 
6. Already Gone [From the album 'All I Ever Wanted']
You know that I love you so
I love you enough to let you go

7. You Found Me [From the album 'Breakaway']
You broke through all of my confusion
The ups and the downs and you still didn't leave
I guess that you saw what nobody could see
The good and the bad and the things in between
You found me

8. Cry [From the album 'All I Ever Wanted']
 If anyone asks
I'll tell them we both just moved on
When people all stare
I'll pretend that I don't hear them talk

9. Breaking Your Own Heart [From the album 'Stronger']
 You're breaking your own heart
Taking it too far down the lonely road
You say you just want love
But when it's close enough you just let it go

10. Miss Independent [From the album 'Thankful']
So, by changing her misconceptions
She went in a new direction
And found inside she felt a connection
She fell in love.
That's my Top 10 right there but you seriously have to check out all Clarkson's album and I swear you won't be disappointed.

You might also want to check these songs [that didn't make my Top 10 list, but are really, really good songs]:


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Remembering William Shakespeare

On the 26th of April, year 1564, the world's most popular romantic was born. Then, after years of countless accounts of love and tragedy, he died and became a legend on the 23rd of April, year 1616.



I must say, I have always been a closet fan of Mr. Romantic himself - William Shakespeare.

Well, I guess the "closet" doesn't apply anymore.

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark [more popularly known as 'Hamlet') will always be the most tragic tragedy play I've read (see how redundant that was) and my all-time favorite Shakespeare work. I have read so many plays under the tragedy form of drama yet, nothing gave Hamlet a run for it's money.

I'm not exactly a fan of Romeo and Juliet [probably Shakespeare's most popular work] but I dig his hopeless romantic antics. My second favorite would be A Midsummer Night's Dream and I plan to watch that on Broadway someday.

Since, it is April 24 and we're in between the date of Shakespeare's birth and death, I give to you my list of favorite Shakespeare quotations [having read some of his works during the summer of my high school days and one summer of my college era]. I only quoted the ones I have read.

I know! I read Shakespeare during the summer! Back the fuck off. HAHAHA.

“Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.”

Hamlet

“We know what we are, but not what we may be.”
Hamlet

"What's done is done."
Macbeth

“The course of true love never did run smooth.”
A Midsummer Night's Dream

“And yet,to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays.”
A Midsummer Night's Dream 

"Love sought is good, but giv'n unsought is better."
Twelfth Night


"Everyone can master a grief but he that has it."
Much Ado About Nothing

“Don't waste your love on somebody, who doesn't value it.”
Romeo and Juliet


"The miserable have no other medicine but only hope."
Measure for Measure

Monday, April 23, 2012

Gone in Wanderland

 "If I had a world of my own... nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary-wise; what it is it wouldn't be, and what it wouldn't be, it would."
- Alice in Wonderland

Growing up not liking the most popular Disney movies wasn't weird; what's weird is liking the darkness of Alice in Wonderland - and even weirder that some days, I feel so much like Alice. I feel that the world doesn't make sense.

Thus, I named my alter-ego Alice. I fancy the name but really, my Alice is that Alice in Wonderland. Some days, I am Alice only, I am in Wanderland.


"My name's not Alice but I know how she felt when her world started turning into something else."
- Lisa Mitchell 

I think I have always been a thinker. I always want to make sense of everything that's happening around me. I always want to know the reason behind events and people's actions. I always want to know the meanings behind signs and the answers to all the why's. Given those, I guess no one will be surprised if I say that I hate not knowing. Ignorance is never bliss for me, no matter how cliche and incredibly incredulous that sounds.

When I was younger, I always asked the why's; but I think, compared to other kids, I have spent a lot of time asking questions and getting answers because I just wouldn't stop making sense of everything I didn't understand. Maybe, it's the reason why some people I know think I am smart or intelligent; but really, I just ask and seek answers. It's always been my thing.

Growing up, I expected the world to make more sense to me. I expected the world to give me answers but really, the more I grew older, the more it got all messed up. I have always wondered how it felt falling down the rabbit hole and seeing an entirely different world - one that's so different from what you've been used to. But then, as I grew older, I realized that the world and life I am in right now is already that rabbit hole.
This world,this life - is my rabbit hole: the one place that's so interesting yet really, really complex.

That's why I understood Alice even more. Like Alice, I couldn't seem to get in terms with the world around me.

Don't get me wrong. I have always loved this world, my life. But I want to understand it more. I want to wake up in the morning without asking question; I love that thrill, though - it makes this world a pretty damned exciting place.

Right after graduating off of college, I went into some sort of a slumber; a half slumber that is.

I worked for a company I never ever thought of working for. I did things, everyday for 11 months, that I didn't even like. For a time, I thought I was lost. I thought I was losing everything I had held onto for 21 years. There was a time that the only things I had were negativity and sarcasm.
When I resigned, Alice made even more sense to me because finally, I have risen up from a deep slumber; and I realized:

There are many things we can learn from the places that don't suit us, from the things that seem to make us uncomfortable and confused.

While contemplating, I did something I never tried doing while I was working for that company - I asked questions. I tried to make sense of my personal decisions. I asked myself why I ended up there.
Then, I realized, I'm wandering (thus, the Wanderland). Unlike some people I know, I don't know where I want to go. I have an idea but I don't have a certain path in my mind. So, I am wandering just in case, in a lucky circumstance, I land on a place I'd learn to love or be contented for.

I think, the greatest lesson that Alice in Wonderland taught me: Know where you're going.
 

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"
"That depends a good deal on where you want to go," said the Cat.
"I don't much care where--" said Alice.
"Then it doesn't much matter which way you go," said the Cat.
"--so long as I get somewhere," Alice added as an explanation.
"Oh, you're sure to do that," said the Cat, "if you only walk long enough."

I have learned from the Cat that if you don't know exactly where you want to go, you could end up just about anywhere. I believe that it's not a bad thing but if you, the person who's reading this, know the direction you want to pursue, I say start going that way instead of constantly trying to just get anywhere.

Getting somewhere is a personal choice. Sure, people around you can influence your actions but the only person that can point you to the right direction is you. If you think you're on the right path, stay on that path and keep moving.

If you're one of the people that feels as if you're in the wrong place, at the wrong time - stop doing the things that keep you in the same place. You cannot change your life if you keep doing the same things.

"It takes all the running you can do,
to keep in the same place."

The Red Queen

Often times, the Queen is right - it feels easier to keep doing what you've been doing because it's comfortable. But for one minute, think, how much energy do you spend trying to survive in a horrible place? How hard would it be if you use that energy in pursuing the things that you want? It seems hard to change, but, really, it's harder to stay the same because you know, that wherever you are right now is not what you want. It's hard to stay that way because it's not what you want. And if it's not what you want, then what's keeping you there?

The Queen taught me one thing that I think is for everyone to learn from: never, ever settle for less than what you deserve in life.

And I guess, it's was never the most obvious message but Alice in Wonderland taught me to believe in the impossible.

"There's no use in trying," Alice said, "one can't believe impossible things."
"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen.
"When I was your age, I always it it for half an hour a day.
Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." 

Admit it, like Alice, there is something in your life that you want but refuse to pursue because you know it is impossible. 
 
It is tough, really, to do rather that just think about it. I understand how it is to have a so-called hopeless dream. But for a moment, ask yourself, have you done anything to make that hopeless dream come true?
 
I want to be writer. I want to have my books published. I want to hear someone say that my words have changed their lives. 
 
But I as I speak of this, I admit, I have never really done anything to make this come true; because I have been wandering.
 
I have written a novel that I haven't shared to anyone. Although my sports articles have been published and my blog is on the web somewhere, it's hardly ever gonna put my words into the different bookshelves of the world.
I often sit back and think that I am not good enough. I often think that it is okay  to have a few people reading my published works and really, it's okay. But okay is not gonna get me anywhere.
 
If you are like me, I say, you have to believe. You have to believe that no matter what your dreams are, you can make it happen. It doesn't come easy but faith in thy self is necessary.
 
Not all people are like Alice - and me - but I guess the things she has learned in Wonderland are for everyone.


"Tut, tut, child! Everything's got a moral, if only you can find it."
The Duchess 


 

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Geoffrey Sager

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”
 – Miriam Beard


Look at these posters I came across with on Pinterest! They're awesome.








See more of Geoffrey Sagers' works!


Monday, April 16, 2012

Play On: Summer Mixtape





 They say summer is a fleeting feeling. It's that time of the year to relax, soak under the sun, enjoy life for a while and then go back to reality afterwards. Others say summer lasts whole year long, being okay and feeling free doesn't have to feel tentative.

Whatever summer is for you, make sure you enjoy this time of the year because whether it is fleeting or all-year long, summer is filled with breaking the rules and standing apart; ignoring your head and following your heart.

Be it by the beach or by the pool, make sure you back yourself up with music that spices up the mood. Forget the heartbreaks, forget the stress, for one second, take a moment for your self.

Summer's a time for Afrobeat-fused indie rock, reggae-tinged, synth-heavy dream pop, and contemplative R&B music. So, from the summer of '87 to current mainstream music - let me share my summer mixtape. Hit the road!

1. "Battery Kinzie", Fleet Foxes
2. "My Mistakes", Eleanor Friedberger
3. "Down By the Seaside", Led Zeppelin
4. "Up, Up, Up", Givers
5. "Swim Good", Frank Ocean
6. "Something Good Can Work", Two Door Cinema Club (The Twelves Remix)
7. "Pieces of You", Wolf Gang (Baby Monster Remix) 
8. "Sun of a Gun", Oh Land
9. "Rumor Has It", Adele
10. "Roll With The Punches", Lenka
11. "Crave You", Flight Facilities ft. Giselle
12. "Borderline", Madonna


Sunday, April 15, 2012

Constant Craving

"Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better."
- C. Joy Bell C.

It's probably human nature - to want something and hold on to it, no matter how small the chances are.

That's the thing about hope, it gives you something to hold on to and give you courage to stay around for a little bit more. But there's another thing about hope, in some way, somehow, it holds you back. Hope keeps you together but it keeps you from moving forward.

For some people (including me at some point), hope is never a bad thing. Hope is always a good thing - it's what you do with that hope that makes it good or bad, for you.

“If people refuse to look at you in a new light and they can only see you for what you were, only see you for the mistakes you've made, if they don't realize that you are not your mistakes, then they have to go.”
                                                            ― Steve Maraboli; Life, the Truth, and Being Free
The most human feeling is to crave. We all have constant cravings that sum up our desires. For some, it could be a career, while others could have it in the form of a material thing. But the most painful constant craving is that in the form of another person - someone we can never have ever or again.

It is that type of pain that takes time to realize but it will always be there, covered in the sense of hope and hopeless romantic antics.

When we have someone we want, we resort to hope - and as excruciating as it is, hope turns this want into a need. At some point, we'll feel like we need to have that person in our lives until we realize that it's never, ever gonna happen. But we don't realize it right away.

It's not wrong to be blinded by hope.

Of course, all we want is for that person to look us in the eyes and reflect the same feelings we have for them. For some people, that could be the best feeling in the world - when the person you love decides to feel the same for you.

But the truth is, as harsh as it may be, it doesn't happen to everyone.

Thus, the concept of letting go was formulated.

Easier said than done, yes. But sometimes, at some point, we have to let us go; not them.

Holding on to a lost cause keeps us from experiencing the world; from being with the people we should be with.

Moving is hard but it is necessary.

How do you know that it's a lost cause?

You know. You've always known.

Most people would say that they're just waiting for the other person to say something; but a tale as old time taught us one lesson - actions speak louder than words.

If everyday you have to wonder if you matter to them,  you don't.

For a moment, stop. Look at where you are and evaluate the progress you have made. You'll realize that you have made no progress at all because you're being pulled back by this constant craving.

You'll say you're waiting for the right time but time will never be right for people who's blinded by false hope.

You can fight.

Fight for one last time and if it doesn't work, let go. Accept the fact that some things are not meant for you. Choosing your battles doesn't make you weak, it makes you human. It makes you just human enough to feel and get hurt.

Some say it's about fear - fear of not finding someone that will love us in return. But it gets better.

Someone is out there, somewhere. And one day, they will come into your life and make you realize why it never worked with anyone else.

It's painful, the never ending process of letting go but to move forward, we must push through the pain, until we get used to it, until we don't feel it anymore; up to the point that it doesn't bother us anymore.

It's like nursing a sprained ankle. At first it would hurt so bad up to the point that we feel as if we'll never be able to walk again. But time heals everything. As you go on, you'll feel numb, then feel something again, bit by bit. You'll be scared to walk again but the more you just let yourself feel pain, the more you'll learn not to be bothered anymore. And before you notice it, you're okay.

You'll be okay.

 How do you look at person you love and tell yourself it's time to walk away?

You know. You've always known.

Love should be comforting, it shouldn't make you feel unworthy. If that person doesn't make you feel comfort despite the pain, if that person doesn't make you feel worthy - that person is probably not the right one.

Life is short and we all deserve someone who makes us feel as if everyday is a good day. Someone who will make us smile despite a bad day and someone who makes us feel as if we're strong enough to conquer the world.

If that person only hurts you, it's probably the right time to accept that you're not in love with the person; you're in love with the person you want them to be.

Let yourself go because everybody deserves someone who loves them for what they are and what they can offer. You deserve someone who will not be afraid to call you "mine" and would not be afraid to let you call them "yours". You deserve someone who puts you first, not someone else.

When the day comes that you're ready to let go, go. If they don't come after you, just remember that the people in your past are in the past. Someday, you'll realize why they never made it into your future.

Someday, it's gonna make sense.
"Don't stress over what could've been, chances are if it should've been, it would've been."

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Play On: The Coachella Playlist

Even from across the globe, I celebrate the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival!





From The Black Keys to Radiohead to Bon Iver, I have it all in my Coachella playlist. Just thought I'd share this one. x

Back to Back- Wolf Gang


Deadbeat Summer- Neon Indian


Burial – Miike Snow


Albatross- Wild Beasts


Acceptable in the 80s - Calvin Harris


 Romance- Wild Flag


David Guetta - Turn Me On ft. Nicki Minaj


Set You Free – The Black Keys


Nothing but a G Thang – Dr. Dre


Skinny Love – Bon Iver


Staircase – Radiohead


We Own the Sky – M83


Swedish House Mafia - One (Your Name)


Tommy & The High Pilots


I'm not usually a fan of bands that play slow songs. I have an undying passion for rock music (in fact, I sleep with my rock playlist on). But Tommy & The High Pilots easily won a place in my heart through their laid back music, somewhat angsty music.

Plus, I'm also a sucker for well-written songs (and good-looking front men HAHAHA).

Lonely Place
Maybe I'm as crazy as I sound
Since there's something no one's ever found
Pick me up, I've to get my head up off the ground
And I won't rest till I know you




Where To Start
I'm takin' my bike
Right out of the Big Apple in my every day
Where everyone's an asshole
In the kindest way
'Cause they don't know where to start

Monday, April 9, 2012

Play On: Move Forward

“It happens to everyone as they grow up. You find out who you are and what you want, and then you realize that people you've known forever don't see things the way you do. So you keep the wonderful memories, but find yourself moving on."
- Nicholas Sparks

Whether you're from a bitter breakup or about to face a new chapter of your life, I dare say one thing: MOVING is important.

We all face it at one point - closing a chapter of your life because turning the page is necessary to get on with the rest of the story.

Words are so inadequate right now and I can't put everything to words no matter how good I am at it. So I depended on music, something that works when all other else fail.

As silly as it is, I created a playlist composed of the songs that sing about my life and my state of mind. As of late, I can also see that others may use it, too.

“Sooner or later we've all got to let go of our past.” 
- Dan Brown, 'Deception Point'

Forgive my choice of music, though, I'm all for the words right now.

1. 'Starts with Goodbye', Carrie Underwood
"It's sad, but sometimes moving on with the rest of your life, starts with goodbye."

2. 'Are You Happy Now', Michelle Branch
"I’ve had all that I can take, I'm not about to break 'cause I’m happy now." 

 3. 'Behind These Hazel Eyes', Kelly Clarkson
"No, I don't cry on the outside anymore."

4. 'Go Your Own Way', Fleetwood Mac
"You can go your own way, you can call it another lonely day."

5. 'Gonna Get Over You', Sara Bareilles
"I'll be alright, just not tonight. Someday."



6. 'Better in Time', Leona Lewis
"I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to. It'll all get better in time."

7. 'It Ends Tonight", The All-American Rejects
"Just a little insight won't make this right. It's too late to fight. It ends tonight."

8. 'Shake It Out', Florence + The Machine
"I am done with my graceless heart, so tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart."

9. 'Sometimes You Leave', Carrie Underwood
"Sometimes you stick around trying to change them, ,make them someone that they'll never be and sometimes you leave."

10. 'The War Is Over', Kelly Clarkson
"I'm right here. I know you see me but your words no longer defeat me."

11. 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)', Kelly Clarkson
"You didn't think that I'd come back. I'd come back swinging. You tried to break me, but you see, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
You see, aside from being a huge Kelly Clarkson fan, she's the queen of breakup songs, really. I have around six more songs in this playlist but I chose to post only the best ones. (And also removed the Aerosmith and Queen classics that I have)

“Lots of things can be fixed. Things can be fixed. But many times, relationships between people cannot be fixed, because they should not be fixed. You're aboard a ship setting sail, and the other person has joined the inland circus, or is boarding a different ship, and you just can't be with each other anymore. Because you shouldn't be.”
                                                       - C. JoyBell C.



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