catherinecaycewrites-blog

[catherinecaycewrites-blog]

Forever Southern; Forever Brunswick

Only in the South, as you walk the old streets of any of the historical cities like Charleston, Savannah, Brunswick, can you feel the time around you stand still. The architecture is but a small reminder; the history is but a small reminder; the plaques, the brochures, the history books are all but small reminders. If you walk the streets in the dead of night, you can feel the South living; you can hear Oglethorpe’s men calling, the canons blaring, the slaves singing; you sniff the smell of gunpowder in the air, and see the ships coming in from the sea. For time is on a loop, and for a Southerner, you only have to close your eyes to have all your other senses come alive.  

Only in the South do the Oleander bloom and the night Jasmine fills the summer nights, mingled with sweat that trickles down your shoulder blades as you sit in the fresh mown sweet grass, and all the senses are alight in unison. At every hour of a summer eve in the South are your senses met with a brigade of new delights. 

At dusk, the pink and orange hues cross the skies as God's paintbrush dabbles the horizon with an easel Monet could not mimic. In different waters, dolphin fins pierce the water; trout bubble at the surface; rays fly and skip, and turtles lazily float along. Cicadas sing, crickets chirp, alligators croak, dogs bark in the distance, and music floats through the air. Salty fish smells waif through the air as the tide rolls out; swampy mold earth odor embraces the nostrils of the marshlands; pines, oak, and an array of wildflowers play on the breeze if one's lucky enough to get one. Somewhere, someone is forever cooking out on a grill; saliva fills your mouth. If you were raised in the South, you remember your daddy grilling, your momma’s coleslaw, and your grandmamma’s sweet iced tea, and nostalgia flits across your mind for days gone by. 

In the dark, on a moonlit night, the shadows of the South are even more heavenly. Spanish moss hangs from every tree, dancing hauntingly, swaying like a distant lover enticing you to follow it. Bats fly high and low with their sonar beacons seeking the ever-present emblem of the south, “the mosquito”, who can suck more blood out of you in ten minutes than Vlad ever had hoped to. If you listen carefully, you can hear the mournful hoot of an owl crying out to its mate across the fields and trees; moments later, you may catch a response… or not, but the hooting is an ever-present reminder of ages past, ages present, and ages yet to come.

It is the ages past and present that are being lost and forgotten, that which this byline hopes to capture before they, too, are forgotten memories. I want to find the families of Brunswick and tell their stories, no matter how trivial those stories may seem to them. Who wouldn’t sell ten minutes of their own lives to have their own grandparents tell them an “I remember when I was a child story” just one more time?

When you talk about old Southern families, one name has been amongst us since Oglethorpe’s men. Clan Buie of the Scottish Highlanders is written about in the book “The Golden Isles of Georgia” by Caroline Couper Lovell. Brunswick’s history teaches us that many of the coastal cities were settled by Scottish Highlanders for Governor Oglethorpe, Clan Buie being one of them, and one of its descendants, Howard Buie has lived here his whole life. 

Ironically, Howard refers to growing up in Brunswick in the 50’s and 60’s much like “Leave it to Beaver”, while all the time I’m listening to him tell his story, he is reminding me of Beaver’s older brother, Wally. He has this very laid back, easy going, “well, gee dad” personality.�� “Except, my mother didn’t wear high heels and pearls.”

Being in the middle of nine siblings, he describes that was the norm. Families had lots of children.

”People reproduced like rabbits”, he laughs.  And the children always played outside, “playing pretend” They were allowed to play in the marshes and trees, playing cowboys and Indians (he was always an Indian because his mother was part Cherokee) and Tarzan.

“But!” he exclaims, “You never did anything really bad, ‘cause everybody’s mom was your mom,” meaning everybody knew everyone. 

On Saturday afternoons, one would go downtown to Newcastle where mom and pop shops thrived, and the owners lived upstairs. Regardless of that, it is a tree that Buie fondly recalls. 

“Much like Lovers Oak, it was right about where Fox’s pizza is now; it was a national landmark; it was huge, and you would always find at least 20 kids in that tree”.  Buie’s eyes momentarily are lost in the memory.

 “I guess at some point they had to cut it down, because it was such an obstruction,” and he’s back.  

“Oddly”, Buie says “segregation never made it to Brunswick” that he recalls. For him, he doesn't recall a time where there was a distinct separation. Blacks and white folks had always gone to school together at Glynn Academy and he was friends with many of them, especially if they played sports. 

This writer’s favorite story is the “Night all the Rich People Left Jekyll Island”.  In 7th grade, Howard’s older friend was staying at the Jekyll Inn, which at the time was holding all the belongings left behind and abandoned in the Millionaire Village: antique furniture, original Hemingway novels, custom-made pieces that had belonged to the Rockefellers and Goodyears.

 “Even at 14 years old, I knew this stuff was expensive and it was really strange seeing it all collected in one place. I later found out how the Millionaire Village became abandoned.” 

“A man that I worked for in the 70’s had lived on St. Simons on what was called the Waycross Colony when WWII broke out…." Howard begins. One night a friend of his from Jekyll came and got him on his sailboat and brought him back to Jekyll Island. Both being military, they had been taught to look out for German U-boats in the Brunswick waters. When they got back to Jekyll, they found all the millionaire homes abandoned with their clothes laid out and jewelry laid out as if they were going to have a big party, but instead everyone had gotten on a train and headed back to New York. 

“It was the eeriest thing the men had ever experienced; every house was like that, just left with all its contents in place”. 

“I think that’s the last time the wealthy people were on Jekyll Island, and I think that was 1944.” Howard finishes.  Later, the community gathered all the furniture and belongings of the Millionaire Village and stored it all at the Jekyll Inn, which is how Howard came upon it still there 30 years later. 

Finally, one cannot have grown up in Brunswick without knowing about the Peanut Man. In the late 50’s, early 60’s, an old man would dress up like a woman, and paint his face purple. Every Saturday he would have a grocery cart filled with little bags of roasted peanuts, and you could hear him yelling “Peanuts”. “He was very friendly, selling a bag for a nickel, but if you didn’t have a nickel he’d give us kids one. Now, what’s really interesting about this man,” Howard leans in, “is he lived in an old shack, but when he died he had over a million dollars in the bank.” 

He had no relatives; the paper wrote an article about him, and according to Howard anyone who lived in Brunswick in the late 50’s will remember “The Peanut Man”.   This is a piece of Brunswick history that should not be lost. Here’s to the late Peanut Man. 

Thank you to Howard Buie for sharing his piece of history with me. 

[catherinecaycewrites-blog]

7 Playlists for a Day without Coffee or Sex, It’s all About You

Personally, no decent human being should ever go through the morning without at least one hearty cup of their favorite blend of morning java, but if it just isn’t your thing, or after that one cup, you need to power through your day, nothing speaks better to the mind, body and soul than music. Music speaks to the human spirit like nothing else can. It can alter your emotion with the simple change of 5 chords. It can lift your spirits, make you cry, fill you with rage for war, and soothe your soul. So, if you need to keep your pep up through the day without drowning in caffeine, the simplest way to complete this Herculean task is to create playlists for various times of the day to meet your unique needs.

Obviously, these lists are going to be diversified depending on whether you are male or female and your particular favorite genre of music. I like to think of myself as fairly open-minded and well-versed in all music styles from pop, rock, country, metal, punk, and rap and from every generation going back to the 60’s (No, I’m not that old, I’m just a music aficionado).

Breaking up the day, so that you’re always jamming to good tunes to get you through your workday, start your day with some lively wake-up and shake it up music that will put a smile on your face and get you ready for your day. 

7-9 am

I Prevail: Blank Space -  Don’t get me wrong, I used to jam out to Taylor’s Swift’s version, but once you’ve heard this version, sorry Taylor, there’s just no comparison, but don’t worry Taylor, you still made our lists. https://youtu.be/czb_CZfWko8 

Gwyn Stefani: Holla Back Girl – Fun, cute video too! https://youtu.be/Kgjkth6BRRY 

Rachel Platten: Fight Song – If you ever needed an inspirational song to get you going? Blare this one at level 10 and sing it out loud while either putting on your makeup ladies or (shaving – come on guys, you can do it.)  https://youtu.be/xo1VInw-SKc 

Skillet: Invincible – Rock it out and bang your head while you fix your hair. https://youtu.be/Qzw6A2WC5Qo 

Iggy Azalea – Fancy: A white girl’s fairly good attempt at pop and rap mixture gets you dancing around the room while you are getting dressed and keeps you moving. https://youtu.be/O-zpOMYRi0w 

Anna Kendrick – Cups: Made famous by Pitch Perfect, once really can’t help but smile and try to keep up with the hand motion and rhythm of this catchy tune; it will definitely keep you moving. https://youtu.be/cmSbXsFE3l8 

Eminem- Til I Collapse: I don't need a Transformer to make me move to Eminem, he always gets my butt hustling in the morning with his sheer talent of wordplay, meaning, and rhythm. https://youtu.be/ytQ5CYE1VZw 

Ed Sheeran – Castle on the Hill: Ed Sheeran has an iconic future ahead of him. He can do no wrong musically. This song has you dancing while happily reminiscing about every good moment you ever had, prepping you for a wonderful day.  https://youtu.be/K0ibBPhiaG0 

50 Cent – In Da Club: Like a lot of rap songs, I have absolutely no idea what 50 Cent is saying other than it’s My Birthday, we are dancing in the club, and it has a great dancing beat. The clean version works for me because then when I do recognize a word, it’s not an unnecessary curse word that I don’t know its reference. https://youtu.be/5qm8PH4xAss 

The Weather Girls – It’s Raining Men: So, just for pure oldies and shock fun value, I threw this goodie in. Most men will say they hate it, but they won’t bother skipping it as they gather their briefcases, and the women who recognize it will enjoy this blast from the past. https://youtu.be/l5aZJBLAu1E 

Survivor – Eye of the Tiger:  Those first four beats were superiorly orchestrated purposefully to light a fire under any listeners caboose and get them motivated to charge the hill! The theme song to many inspirational movies, and commercials, it is designed to get you're a** out the door.  https://youtu.be/btPJPFnesV4 

The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something Just Like This: While grabbing a quick breakfast, bite, or protein shake, this is a perfect song to move and hum along to. I also must say, that as an ex-English teacher I LOVE when pop-culture references historical or literary figures. This song refers specifically to Achilles and to Hercules, and if even one curious teenager looks up either of these figures to understand the lyrics better, I applaud the artist and am thrilled that a child had the courage to educate themselves! https://youtu.be/FM7MFYoylVs 

G-Eazy & Kehlani – Good Life (The Fate of the Furious): From the last in the Fast and the Furious series, the hip upbeat duo is a surprising find for me. Very upbeat catchy pop/rap song; Kehlani truly makes the song a hit; personally, I could listen to it without G-easy and enjoy it just the same. Her voice is a true harmonious pleasure to listen to especially in a rap song when lyrics can be difficult to understand, her voice is wonderfully crystal clear. https://youtu.be/FG9M0aEpJGE 

Steve Aoki & Louis Tomlinson – Just Hold On: As you’re grabbing your keys and heading out the door, this catchy little tune is a great reminder that if today is a rough or difficult day, “just hold on” it will be over soon. https://youtu.be/Vt4Tq89R8u0 

Walk the Moon – Shut Up and Dance: Getting you ready for your next playlist, or for the day, this is another great motivational song. I love listening to it when I’m having a down moment. I listen to just the chorus; when life is getting you down, when you have to do something you just don’t want to, suck it up, shut up and dance, and everything is going to be o.k. https://youtu.be/6JCLY0Rlx6Q 

You slide in the seat of your car pepped up and ready for a fantastic day at work, and we need to keep that momentum up, so while you are driving and while you are at work, keep these songs playing in the background to keep your energy levels burning without that caffeine buzz.

9-11 am

Five Finger Death Punch - Battle Born: One of the newer rock bands in the past few years, FFDP is one group that can always keep you pumped, and Battle Born will have you prepared for the battles at work once you listen to this song. 

Rush – Freewill: Masters of lyrics, rock legends Rush has no problem ever motivating anyone to do anything. Whether an old fan or a new listener, Freewill is the song to get you hooked to their legendary music and keep you moving through the day. 

Jessie J- Masterpiece: This song is 20, 30, and even 40 something's generationers tribute song. If you need a song to become your own personal self-improvement or growth song this is the one. Jesse J's dynamic, fun and hyped up song teaches us that you are never too old to keep improving on your own masterpiece. https://youtu.be/PTOFEgJ9zzI 

Avril Lavigne- Never Growing Up: Piggybacking on the idea of improving yourself, Avril’s song is a rebellious decree that no matter what age, you don’t “have” to grow up entirely. Hold on to some of the kid in you, it will keep you young and healthy. https://youtu.be/sXd2WxoOP5g 

Beyonce – Irreplaceable: For every human, male or female, that has ever been wronged in a relationship, Beyonce has written the quintessential upbeat and empowering "don't let the door hit you in the a** on the way out" song, proving to everyone, they deserve to be treated with respect, honor, and loyalty. https://youtu.be/2EwViQxSJJQ 

Big & Rich – Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy: Jumping around a bit, we throw some country in there with Big and Rich to get you feeling a little frisky. How can you help it? You have just booted your cheating partner out, and now you’re ready to get your country on and jump back in the saddle. 

Lady Gaga – Bad Romance: However, Lady Gaga is there to seductively and vigorously remind you, men, that no matter what happens, she will always be there for your bad romance and love. https://youtu.be/qrO4YZeyl0I 

Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop this Feeling: While Justin dances his way into the hearts of the women, with his seductive eyes and smile, crooning how he can’t stop his feelings for you. 

Shawn Mendes – Treat You Better: These songs are designed to keep you energized and motivated, and how can you not be when Shawn’s words are ones you have sometimes longed to hear and to an upbeat tempo. https://youtu.be/lY2yjAdbvdQ 

Eminem – Lose Yourself: Just when you are feeling soothed, loved, and lively you are bombarded and shocked even more awake with an instant cappuccino shot of Eminem reminding you that now is the moment to grab life by the … reins. This is your moment, this is your day, continue having a great one and go to the meeting you need to, talk to the client, the boss, deal with a demanding situation with all the confidence you now have. https://youtu.be/_Yhyp-_hX2s 

Ed Sheeran – Galway Girl: You have successfully dealt with the first issue of the day, time to enjoy a moment with the lively, voice of Ed as he imaginarily grabs and squeezes your hand in celebration of getting over the first hump. https://youtu.be/87gWaABqGYs 

Imagine Dragons – Demons- Imagine Dragons assure you that they will be with you to help you along the way the rest of the day to help you face the rest of your work demons. https://youtu.be/mWRsgZuwf_8 

Kiss – Rock and Roll all Night: Old school, back when people knew how to rock and roll all night, KISS’s Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will remind you or teach you and get you hyped up “real” rock style. 

David Bowie & Mick Jagger – Dancing in the Street: Once you've been properly schooled or reminded Rock icons David and Mick will take you out dancing just for a bit of fun and to confuse the heck out of you and to prepare you for the next fun upbeat hit.

Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want to Have Fun: There is no possible way to have an upbeat playlist sans caffeine without including this notorious and timeless pop classic to send you off to your next meetings or lunch hour. 

You’ve made it halfway through your workday, and you’ve vaulted over hurdles like an Olympic champion and all without extra java. You’ve got this. Music is your “green” way. You don’t need Monster, Coffee, or Red Bull, not when you have the power of harmonious spirited vibrations supporting your whole being into the next part of your productive occupational day.

11am -1pm

Dead Milkman- Stuart: When you get the next chance, perhaps on your lunch break, prepare yourself for underappreciated but righteously awesome funky punk. If you have even the slightest intelligent yet sarcastic, witty and dark humor in you, you will love this song and play it multiple times and for your friends if you already haven’t. 

Violent Fems- Blister in the Sun: Staying with a funky lunch, who doesn’t jump up and down when they think of big hands? It's impossible to be sad, tired or depressed to 80's dance-punk. However, stay too long in this genre, and no one is responsible for your hairdo the next day.  

Maroon 5- Animals: First of all, if you haven’t seen the video, on your lunch break, male or female, watch it. When did sadistically, stalker, slaughterhouse, blood fetish become so damn sexy? I’m not sure which is hotter, the thumping pulse and tempo or the two beautiful bodies intertwined in pig’s blood (huh?) It goes to prove that music can make anything sexy, the fact that the bodies are Adam Levine and his beautiful model partner have nothing to do with it. https://youtu.be/qpgTC9MDx1o 

David Guetta – Hey Mama ft Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha, & Afro Jax – One listen and good or bad, you will be stuck humming this dance beat in your head for days. Nicki Manaj is too trendy for her own good. https://youtu.be/uO59tfQ2TbA 

Taylor Swift – Bad Blood & Look What You Made Me Do: See Taylor, I told you, that you made the list. This is probably one of her best songs in a while. It's dark and edgy for her yet it still has a pop and faster-paced tempo that keeps you moving. https://youtu.be/QcIy9NiNbmo   https://youtu.be/3tmd-ClpJxA 

Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do: Personally, Ellie is hit or miss; however, she made a center bullseye with this one. Just the slightest bit of a slower tempo, it still keeps you swaying. Time for a little digesting.

Fall Out Boy- Centuries: Don’t get too comfortable. Time to bring that tempo right back up and remind yourself that today, you are taking over the world.

Mary Lambert – Secrets: Oh My Gosh! In love with this song! It has everything a contemporary pop song should have including a public service message. Keep up the great messages tagged to phenom songs. 

ShineDown – Sound of Madness: Time for a little raging. Shinedown is another newer amazing thrash worthy hard rock band that you just want to rock out to.

Madonna – Material Girl: the key to your playlists are to constantly keep changing genres so your mood stays elevated. Madonna alone is everything anyone would ever need to stay elevated, and all of her songs work too.

Justin Beiber – Love Yourself: If you were to tell me I would like a boy band type of singer, let alone Beiber a year ago, I would have laughed. However, I have an out with this song; I heard it prior to knowing it was the Beiber, and it is catchy, so I fell in love with its appealing tunes and moveable melodies.

Michael Jackson – Beat It:  No playlist would ever be complete without the world’s most iconic and legendary performer, Michael Jackson. I selected Beat It for the simple message to remind yourself to never let anyone take advantage of you at work. Stand up for yourself and watch how fast people change their tune. 

Three Days Grace – Pain: The drum and bass line in this song along with the lyrics in this rock song get your head instinctively banging forward. Blood molecules rush forward steadily in a four-count mood stimulating jam.

Pitbull – Greenlight ft. Flo Rida, LunchMoney Lewis: A little odd rap song: however, what it lacks in oral originality, it makes up for in rhythm and fun progression. 

Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive: Lunch is over, and this oldie but goodie happily reminds you that you are going to make it through the rest of the afternoon.

The next few hours are the most critical in the no oral chemical digestive stimulant part of the day. Right after lunch, your tummy is full, so your body is using energy to digest the food. The afternoon sun is warming the building extra, so either you may get comfortably warm or the office turns the temperature down and the cooler air cools your body’s temperature into a resting sleep state. Now is the time to stay alert. Your next playlist needs to be hard, heavy, maybe a little angry and dangerous to keep your fuel levels up.

1-3 pm

Halsey – Castle: We are going to start off with a little anger and sexual vengeance. Straight from The Huntsman, the blend of throbbing bass and angelic church choir background is a beautiful way to express not only The Evil Queen but any wronged person seeking vindication.

Eminem & Rhianna – I Love the Way You Lie Part I & II: In the spirit of staying a little bitter with adrenaline, no rap song does it better than the sexy blend of Eminem & Rhianna’s two songs answering each other back to back. 

Skillet- Not Gonna Die: If Eminem isn’t successful with his threats, Skillet reconfirms that no matter what happens to you, forcefully pull yourself through. Find your inner strength and know you will survive. 

Tyler Farr – Redneck Crazy: Just so we don’t go too dark, too quickly and send a biting e-mail, we can still maintain the heightened mood but a little lighter in a Country way. Going Redneck crazy is sometimes a healthier way to blow off steam. 

Halestorm – Daughters of Darkness: There are too few women in rock and metal, so when you find a badass b**** who brings the house down with her jams such as Lizzy Hale, you crank up the noise, even if you put in your earbuds, hiding in the bathroom stall, and you freaking jam. 

Buck Cherry – Crazy Bitch: Pretend you have a tummy ache if you must, just to listen to one more crazy and wild song to throw your adrenaline into overdrive.

Tu Pac – Keep Ya Head Up: He might not be the father of rap, but this soulful poet known throughout the world for his meaningful lyrics was definitely the king. Even if you hate rap music, you can’t hate Tu Pac.

Avenged Seven-Fold – A Little Piece of Heaven: Are you ready for a hyper, sick and twisted ride through demented-ville that will have you impulsively bebopping along with it? If you like silly, sick and twisted things, watch the animated video, seriously funny.

Marilyn Manson – Beautiful People: Speaking of sick and twisted visual things… I’ve never understood Manson’s look, but I love his dark techno sound; it speaks to my inner dark child. 

Kelly Clarkson – People Like Us:  One of her lesser known songs, it’s a little dark for her, but sends a great message and will really lift your spirits. 

Bonnie Tyler – I Need a Hero: After Kelly reassures you that you are not alone, sometimes you then just want a helping hand. Shrek and other media tools have used this great Classic Pop song as the perfect example to show that we all need rescuing sometimes. 

Bullet for my Valentine – Tears Don’t Fall: Even if we feel like we might fall, fail or mess up, never let them see you cry. Keep it together, only a few hours more. You are stronger than you realize, you have made it this far, bang on a little more.

Stone Sour – Made of Scars: Life has left you full of lessons and experiences, and you have come out the other end a better person because of it. Yes, you have scars inside and out. Wear them proudly; they are your rock badges of glory and all you have accomplished. 

Billie Idol – Rebel Yell: It’s 2:30, you might be feeling a little tired, you might be feeling challenged. What are you going to do? That’s right! Yell at life and tell it to, “Bring it, ‘More, More, More’”. You are a champion and will not be defeated. 

Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You: You might need some words of encouragement though. At this moment, take a break and call your partner, friend, child or anyone you love and can't live without and tell them how much they mean to you. Hearing their voice will make you feel better, it will release endorphins into your bloodstream, make you smile, and give you a natural high with a shot of energy, and if you choose, share this cute song with them.

MC Hammer – You Can’t Touch This: Even with its opening chords, you can tell that while the song isn't "Hammer Time", MC always brings the groove. Something about this dance classic makes you want to go up to your office friends or nemesis and put your hand out, singing "Can't touch this", and walk away laughing, feeling a bit refreshed.

You have made it through the hump. Way to go! Don’t you feel amazing? You should, and be proud, but now is not the time to slack off. Now, is the time to figure out a quick break period before you go home. It’s time to squeeze in some exercise and go for a medium walk around the building, up and down the stairs, something. Get a solid 15 minutes of cardio in, while jamming out to the next playlist designed to keep your spirits soaring.  

3-5 pm

Elle King – X’s & O’s; The first part of the list is upbeat pop created to get your butt moving. Elle’s sassy tune throws you in a confident mood and puts a stride in your step. 

Pink – Raise a Glass: Pure Perfection is found in Pink because she doesn't care what anyone thinks (new lyrics?). All her songs display her unique style, but none more than this one that encourages you to join her.

Maggie Lindemann - Pretty Girl: Newish to the music scene, Maggie follows Pinks lead with the same message but a fresh style. Keep strutting with this one. 

Blues Traveler – Hook: If you don't remember this one or have never heard it, get ready for an auditory explosion of music, allegory, and resonance mastery that you have to play it again and again. 

Grease – You’re the one that I want: I had to throw one musical in, and no one can resist Grease! Everyone knows it, and can’t resist singing along to Olivia’s and John’s duets. 

Little Mix – Black Magic – While searching around YouTube, I stumbled across the cute, teeny bopperish treasure that I couldn’t help but add because, well, it made me smile and want to move.  

Taylor Swift - Shake it Off: Almost ready to go back inside, so let's power up this last one with Ms. Swift one more time. Shake off all the stress and worry of the day; it's almost over, and a cold beer or drink is waiting for you as a reward for the day.

Linkin’ Park -  In the End: You are now back in your office, at your desk, or wherever you are stationed, pulling through the last hour and need to really feel the burn to pull through. Rest in Peace Chester Bennington, lead singer of Linkin’ Park, who died 7/20/2017, your music though will keep us going.

Saliva – Ladies and Gentlemen: As an advanced educated woman in her _0’s, I should not find a video with two females boxing appealing, so I have to blame it completely on the music. As mentioned before, the power of music is fierce. It has the power to convert the most formidable of opponents into allies. If music was a lawyer or a head of government, the world would be unified.  

Drowning Pool- Bodies: When you need a song to fuel your inner fire, here it is. The percussions engage you and envelop you, making you one with the metal sound. 

Harlee Steinfeld – Love Myself: You’re going to need to cool down a bit after the last one, so this pop song helps keep you up while calming you down. However, listening to the words, I’m convinced this a reply to Mr. Beiber; however, after doing research, the two singers are friends. Maybe she just got the idea off his song. Young pop singers???

Dr. Dre – I Need a Dr.: This song reaches out to the listener, speaks of human bonds, mistakes, life, and how you can ruin everything in seconds. Its profound, deep and rhythmic. The blending of voices telling the story is poetry in synchronization.

DMX – Party Up (Up in Here): DMX is another amazing storytelling rapper; however, this particular song is written purely to express getting one’s frustrations out. I think I must play this song at least twice a day.  

Martina McBride – Independence Day – Time for a little Country. The countdown has begun, and you have done phenomenally at work today. Martina belts out your freedom about to come. 

Dead Kennedys – Take this Job and Shove It: (cartoon factory whistle WHOOOO) The best 5 o’clock song for parting down the elevator and boogying out to the car. 

You made it through the workday without those chemical stimulants. I knew you had it in you the whole time. Now, time to prepare for the car ride home possibly prepping for dinner. If you get stuck in the grind, and you start getting heavy-eyed, just turn up the volume. There are some mellower, older, nostalgic tunes, mixed with hip new stuff. Listen, reminisce, learn, love, repeat. 

5-7 pm

Change – John Waite: We are going to start with the 80’s generation. Very few people will remember this (God, I can’t believe I’m saying this) 80’s oldie, some people might remember the artist (not to be confused with Tom Waites, and remember at the beginning when I said I had a wide range of music tastes); however, this great 80’s hit has one of the best timeless messages, so I continue to return to it and remind myself.

Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl: Staying in the 80’s Springfield was always on the charts. This Top Ten hit would be a hit even by today’s standards, but I’ll beat the person that tries to remake it. 

Quit it Millennials! Yes, the 80’s were the best, but you don’t get to live them by trying to remake them. You missed them, too bad. Janis died before I could see her in person, but I wouldn’t dare desecrate her memory by redoing Me and Bobby McGee. Off soapbox, back to playlists. (Big Smile!) 

Duran Duran -The Chauffeur: My favorite British 80's pop-rock band ever; however, I did not choose one of the megahits. If you know the band, but don't know this song, you must listen to it. Simon's voice is a sultry sin, and the keyboard notes are hypnotic. I think I went through ALL of puberty in the one playing of this song. I listen to it now, and nostalgically I am transported to an imaginary tropical oasis where all my fantasies are answered. 

Aha- Take on Me: Greatest keyboard rift of the 80’s. Every teenager with big hair sang the rift along with the words. The video made music animation famous, and it is impossible to be tired or depressed when listening to this song.

Fun – Some Nights: And a quick snap back to present day, but at least it is with a “fun” song, that became an instant hit. You will find yourself awake and singing along. 

Maroon 5 – Pay Phone: Another one of my favorite Maroon 5 songs; especially the version with Wiz Khalifa rapping in the center. 

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody: Now, I’m taking you back in time again. If you do not know this song, you have lived under a rock your entire life, and it is time to come out and join the rest of the human race an experience the glory that is the Queen’s finest rock opera.

Don Mclean - American Pie: Here, ladies and gentlemen, again, is a song that if you don’t know, you should. It is a part of American pop culture music history. It is forever burned in the minds of millions across multiple generations. It’s referenced in English classes as one of the most symbolic and metaphorical songs, and the refrain will stay with you so that you too will sing it “until the day that you die”. 

Eagles – Hotel California: Another must know epic song, the Eagles are the sound of generations, and don't say, "but Hell froze over." To your elders, you sound like ---------s. Learn these songs younger generation; learn them by heart, and teach them to your children, so when someone says, "You can check out anytime you want, but you can never leave," you can contribute intelligently.

Abba - Dancing Abba: Swedish Pop Rock icons, all of the songs of this group became instant hits; they could not err. They proved it again to new generations with the stage performance and later movie Mama Mia. For decades people gleefully sing their songs; they had a “song to sing”, and they amazed the world when they did. 

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama: In the 70’s Southern Rock became a popular genre, and nobody played it better than Skynard. Numerous hits mark them as Southern Rock Gods, but this one will keep you awake better than any coffee or even “sweet tea”.

Charlie Daniels Band- Devil Went Down to Georgia: Another Southern Rock genius, Charlie not only rocked the South, he rocked the globe, and this song will forever be branded in history because of a boy named Johnny and his hot golden fiddle playin’ fingers made you kick your heels up. 

Bee Gees- Stayin Alive: The other genre that kept the 70’s moving was Disco. Feathered hair and leisure suits were considered “cool”, and John Travolta made the movie that this song came from “hot”. Well, part of that sentence is true. 

Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville: If you don’t know what a Parrot Head is, it’s time you learn. Any lover of Mr. Buffett’s island, tropical rock music that has ruled and entertained for almost 50 years is considered a Parrot head. 

You have made it home, you have had your first drink of the evening, and you have even had dinner. You are truly amazing. Look at what a kick-ass playlist can help you do. Now it is time for a little downtime, you time. Grab that second beer, glass of wine, water, or favorite beverage and find your favorite lounging spot. Sit out on the deck, cozy up in an overstuffed couch or chair, take a hot bubble bath and plug into these songs whose whole purpose is to keep you entertained, relaxed, yet alert because you know and love them so well you will sing along. Again, most of these artists are Music Legends from Decades ago, and if you are unfamiliar with them, it's time to be musically educated on what you missed out on. 

7-9 pm

Fleetwood Mac – Silver Springs: We start out our playlist with the goddess of 70’s Folk Rock. Stevie Nicks flows through time agelessly, she continues to sing, perform and seduce you with her voice regardless of the song, and this one is no different.

Elton John – Little Jeanie: The best and most unique styled writer, artist, and performer, for almost 50 years. Knighted by the Queen of England for his talent, Sir Elton’s creative genius is noticed in everything he does, and this song is no different. This song, once you know it becomes a part of your core being.

CCR – Southern Cross: When you’re ready to get lost on an ocean of eternal pleasant yearning for endless waters, skies and stars, to feel the pull of a cosmic force that connects you to the artist and the universe, then this is the song.

Zac Brown Band – Colder Weather: Even though Zac had already been established in the Country industry for a few years, it was this song that first caught my attention, from one gypsy soul to another I was caught.

Rascal Flatts – God Bless the Broken Road: Sticking with Country for a moment, as stated earlier, music has the ability to reach people’s emotions in a way that very few other things can. This song will not only reach the depth of you, it slowly glides over your skin, and down your back and down to your toes encouraging you to call your partner and tell them how much you love them.

Tracy Chapman – Fast Car: Tracy’s timbre is unparalleled. If you are unfamiliar with her work, start here and work your way through her albums, no other female artist creates a deep and rich quality that echoes memories across the ages.   

Jewel – Hands: Rolling from one deep song into another, Jewel reaches her audiences with her ability to reverberate her voice at key points.  All of her songs send chills and creates goosebumps that always amazes me.

Alabama – Song of the South: Don’t get too relaxed. Bringing back the Southern Rock, Song of the South represents the whole Southern Rock movement and will have you back rockin’ in a matter of moments.

Jimmy Buffet – Son of a Son of a Sailor: Slightly moving over to our oceans again, our lead Parrothead makes you want to leave dry land forever and take on the life of a pirate even if it is 100 years too late.  

James Taylor – Sweet Baby James: We couldn’t get through these playlists without a mention of Mr. Taylor, like many of the other iconic geniuses, his music is where legends are made. The imagery of this song sprays across whatever room you are sitting in as he sings his story to you. 

Phil Collins – Against All Odds: In 1984, the title movie came out. It was a romantic thriller film, and its soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy. This song was deservingly nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Once you listen to it, you will understand why. Collins’ music was everywhere for twenty years, and it was always a hit.  

Bread – Goodbye Girl: Another title song representing the movie from which it was written, this great 70’s song represents a 1977 comedy-drama film written by Neil Simon. The song’s lyrics are wistful and encourage the listener to believe in love.  

Air Supply – Making Love Out of Nothing of All: Many artists write and sing about love and pull at our heartstrings; that's the purpose of a love song. However, no other duo in music history before or since has mastered the art of the love song like Air Supply. Every song they laid track to was purposefully written to open your chest and pour every metaphor, simile, and allegory possible about love and coat your heart with them. You will ache, rejoice, weep, laugh, yearn, celebrate, and every other possible emotion associated with the word love when listening to their music.

Meat Loaf – Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad: Air Supply supercharged you with the greatest love song, and now Meat Loaf, the world’s greatest Rock Opera writer and singer will melt you with this epic song.

Righteous Brothers – Unchained Brothers: To finish off your day, playlist, and songs of love, I leave you with a love song from 1963 when love had a different meaning to people. It lasted forever, it really was eternal, people stayed true. It was a time before cell phones when you talked face to face and people communicated to work through their issues instead of relying on technology. It was a much simpler time in many ways, and maybe in many ways, it proves the point that ignorance is bliss, but doesn't some bliss in your life sound good?

TADA! We made it together! You made it without your oral stimulants and instead relied on the power of auditory emotional stimulation created by the only thing I know that can change the way a person feels every two and a half minutes (the length of an average song). We jumped from generations and genres, tempos and beats to create energy levels that were needed at specific times. Only music can do this. I challenge you to find more songs and add them to our playlists, remembering to add songs that only keep you supercharged and pumped up. PLAY ON!

[catherinecaycewrites-blog]

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