Halloween Week Song of the Day - Time Warp - Rocky Horror Picture Show

It's just a jump to the left

And then a step to the right

You put your hands on your hips

And do the pelvic thrust

Till it drives you insa-a-a-ane

Let's do the time warp again

My favorite Halloween song!  So much fun!  Enjoy!

Halloween Week Song of the Day - Monster Mash - Bobby "Boris" Pickett

I received a reminder yesterday from an old teacher friend of mine about a lesson I used to do back in the day around Halloween-time.  Back when I was a student teacher, the Monster Mash was one of the very first song lessons I ever did and those kids back then loved it.  So did my pal, obviously because she messaged me today simply the words Monster Mash.  So anyway, before Michael Jackson's Thriller and Ghostbusters there was this one...

Halloween Week Song of the Day - Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival

A 1969 breakthrough hit for the early 70’s rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bad Moon Rising earned its place in the Halloween songbook with its inclusion in the John Landis classic, horror flick American Werewolf in London. The song accompanies the main character’s first transformation from man to lycanthrope in a scene that's a masterpiece in Hollywood cinematography and the John Fogerty penned tune provides a satiric lightheartedness to the horror of the scene. All in all, it’s a howling fit in any Halloween party song list...

Halloween Week Song of the day - Superfreak - Rick James

She's a very kinky girl

The kind you don't take home to mother

She will never let your spirits down

Once you get her off the street

She likes the boys in the band

She says that I'm her all time favorite

When I make my move to her room it's the right time

She's never hard to please

Welcome to John's World's Halloween Week, a day late thanks to the fabulous Adele.  From today and for the rest of this favorite festive week, I'll be posting songs that aren't ordinarily Halloween (and maybe one or two that are!),, but are definitely on the freaky side.  Here's a classic from former funk superstar Rick James to get us started.  Now blow Danny...

Song of the Day - Adele's Hello

Friday was a very frustrating day for me as far as music is concerned.  Between a hectic work day and trying to get ready for my weekend trip, all I had time for during the day was a few moments to check out Facebook, and of course I saw that Adele had released a new song and video...sooooo anticipated...I so wanted to check it out, but I never had the chance until late yesterday.  I admit, I've been skeptical as to whether or not the British phenom could reach the very same pinnacle she had in 2011 with her groundbreaking 21.  I wasn't crazy about her 2012 James Bond track, Skyfall, and thus some of the skepticism.  However, Adele is such an incredible talent, I never should have doubted her, as this first track, and video, off of the upcoming 25 is simply spectacular...

Flashback Funky Friday Song of the Day - Atomic Dog - George Clinton

Bow wow wow
Yippy yo yippy yay

Okay, so I love me some funk!  Actually many people...more than you might think and more than even know it themselves love funk.  Anything by Rick James.  The Dazz Band's Let It Whip.  The Commodores' Brick House.  Play That Funky Music!  Uptown Funk!?!?!!! Yeah, well some believe it all started with Dr. Funkenstein himself, Mr. George Clinton.  In the 70's, the ever-colorful George was the brainchild of classic funk groups Parliament and Funkadelic, and in the early 80's he went solo with the album Computer Games and this monster hit funky jam.  Classic!  Enjoy and Happy Friday...

Why must I feel like that, why must I chase the cat?

Nothing but the dog in me!

*Note - I will be going away for the weekend, so we'll return Monday with our next Song of the Day.

Song of the Day - Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John

Here's a folksy jam from Swedish indie pop trio Peter Bjorn and John that I discovered only recently via Spotify.  The catchy tune was actually recorded and released in 2006, so I'm guessing that it never really went anywhere here in the States though it was a monster hit in Scandinavia back in the day, lol.  It's pretty cool, though...check it out...

Song of the Day - Beautiful Now - Zedd

Here's one of the more successful singles off of Zedd's second album, True Colors.  The dance track begins slowly, but then works its way into a downright pleasant dance frenzy.  The video features five separate stories of people who come to realize that life is indeed beautiful now.  Just watch... 

Song of the Day - Coming Home - Gorgon City

I want these streets an answer

So I keep calling heaven

Meant to be back home with you

My shining star, you got me

Miss like limbo inside me

Will you wait, I won't be long

I won't let, I won't keep anything

Hold me back from you

I'm telling the

Truth I'm promise you

I'll be there soon

I'm coming home to you

Now here's a chill song that I absolutely love!  I was first introduced to Gorgon City, a British electronic duo, about a year ago on Spotify.  This was the first song I heard off of their sophomore album, Sirens, and it's still in my regular listening rotation.  The duo is all set to do a Halloween show at NYC's Terminal 5 and I'd surely be going if I wasn't going to be away for that weekend.  Anyway, check out I'm Coming Home...you're gonna love it!

Song of the Day - Valerie - Amy Winehouse

Well sometimes I go out by myself 
And I look across the water
And I think of all the things, what ya doing
And in my head I paint a picture

It's been a really long time since I've posted anything Amy Winehouse, but lately I've been in one of those sad states and since whenever I even think of Amy, well, sad just fits.  Though this song only surfaced after she became as popular as she became, it's one of my favorites of hers.  It's very reflective and yeah, sort of melancholy.  Another Monday...

Song of the Day - Hold Up, Wait a Minute - ZHU x Bone Thugs-n- Harmony x Trombone Shorty

Oh, we've got a great dancey tune this morning with a decidedly jazzy/hip-hop flavor, as Grammy nominee Zhu joins forces with hip-hop legends Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and renowned jazz musician Trombone Shorty on this hot hot jam that'll keep you moving the whole way through.  This tune is a unique blend of the best these three genres have to offer and if you like any one of them, this'll make you appreciate the other two.  Check out Hold Up, Wait a Minute...

Song of the Day - Better in the Morning - Little Boots

I have all sorts of outlets for finding new music: Shazam, Spotify, Sirius Radio, certain websites around the Web, and of course, friends.  Today's song was recommended to me by my Facebook pal Demetrius and after just a couple of listens, I'm really digging it.  It reminds me of something from the 80's that I just can't seem to place my finger on, but both the melody and the vocals are eerily familiar, and in a good way.  Tom Tom Club, perhaps?  Though I've never heard of Little Boots, the British singer is prepping for her third album, Working Girl, from which this track is taken.  Check it out...

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - I Want Your Sex - George Michael

Sex is natural 

Sex is fun

Sex is best when it's

One on one

Here's an oldie but a goodie all the way from 1987 and George Michael's debut solo album.  Oh man, I remember when this one first came out...such a hot sexy jam!  Happy Friday!

C c c c c c c'mon!

Song of the Day - Lay It All On Me - Rudimental, featuring Ed Sheeran

All alone as you look through the door

Nothing left to see

If it hurts and you can't take no more

Lay it all on me

I've been meaning to post this masterpiece for awhile now, and I don't really know what took me this long.  Any who, it seems like anything Ed Sheeran is involved in is awesome.  This beautiful, melodic tunes is definitely a favorite!  Enjoy and Happy Thursday!

Song of the Day - Yoga - Janelle Monae

Baby bend over

Baby bend over 

Let me see you do the yoga...

I must really like this song because it's the third time this year I am posting it as Song of the Day. Truth is, it's that good, and whenever I play it for anybody I always hear, Hey who is this?  I like it! Yeah!  So if you've never heard Yoga before, or even if you have, click play and jam out...

Song of the Day - Let It Breathe - Treasure Town

I could be the flame that'll light you up

I could be,, I could be

I could be the rain that cools you down

I could be, I could be

I could be the one to give you love right girl

I could be, I could be

I could show you all the above tonight girl

You will see

I have no clue where ever I found this song, but it's very chill and very beautiful and I love it!  Check out Let It Breathe...

Song of the Day - Levels - Nick Jonas

Today's song comes by request, though I would've put it up eventually anyway.  Mr. Nick Jonas is becoming more and more popular these days, and deservedly so.  In just the past couple of days, not one, but two of my friends have confessed to me that he has become a guilty pleasure and I totally get it.  I wrote almost a year ago now that Jonas seemed like a genuine guy and a talented artist, and he's definitely catching on.  Here's his latest and arguably best song to date.  Levels is the first song recorded for a sure to be much anticipated follow-up album to his hit eponymous album from last year and it is really good! Check it out...  

Song of the Day - Ex's and Oh's - Elle King

Though this song's been around for awhile, I just caught wind of this hip, rockabilly jam that's a logically retro contemporary of Miss Meghan Trainor, only slightly less campy and a lil more rock. Btw, love the video...

Song of the Day - Same Old Love - Selena Gomez

Here's the second single from Selena Gomez' second album, Revival, and I like it so much I downloaded it upon first listen.  Same Old Love is a mid-tempo, electronic house gem with a nice, groovy hook. Check it out...

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Movin On Up - MPeople

Back in the early to mid 90's, there was this British group with an interesting name and a unique sound.  MPeople, consisting of deep-voiced lead singer Heather Small, Mike Pickering, Paul Heard, and Andrew Lovell, created five albums altogether throughout the decade, all of which are in my collection.  Though they never caught on here in the United States, their success across the pond is undeniable., with 20 hit singles over their relatively short history.

The things I've always loved about MPeople's music are plentiful.  First of all, any band that employs more than just guitar, bass and drums is tops in my book.  The band's catalog is filled with horns, strings, great beats and more.  Next, Heather Small's voice is so deep, so rich, that I'd gladly put her up against virtually any other popular singer of the era. Finally, of course, is the songs.  From the moment I first heard their song Open Your Heart, I fell in love with the beautiful and always thoughtful lyrics.  

MPeople was...is a classic rhythm and blues, pop and dance music band who are currently winding up a greatest hits tour of the U.K.  Though new music from them hasn't been heard in a long, long time, their catalog is luckily still around to ne enjoyed.  Here's their biggest single both abroad and here in the U.S., reaching #34 on Billboard's Hot 100 and #1 on the magazine's Hot Dance Songs charts.  Movin On Up is typical of their sound, and I am sure if you were around back in the early 90's, you're going to know it...     

Song of the Day - Gave Me Something - Jess Glynne

For those of you who don't know who Jess Glynne is, well she's the silky-voiced singer on Clean Bandit's smash, Rather Be.  Well, the British singer has a whole new album out called I Cry When I Laugh.  I took a chance based on what I knew of her from that Clean Bandit tune and downloaded the set, and I'm glad I did. Here's the opening track, a rhythmic, mid-tempo gem that's a great sample of what's found on the album.  Check out Gave Me Something.,. 

Song of the Day - Judas - Lady Gaga

Tonight. 10 P.M. American Horror Story.  Kathy Bates. Angela Bassett. Sarah Paulson.  Evan Peters. Gaga...

If you're an American Horror Story fan, then you know why I just had to post a Gaga song for today. The only one I could think of that may relate...

Song of the Day - Goodbye - Who Is Fancy

Here's a recent discovery by an artist with a strange stage name.  Jake Hagood, of Bentonville, Arkansas, goes by the name of Who Is Fancy, and he may be a lil fancy, I guess, but that's not why I like this song.  This, the young singers debut and only single to date, has a smooth, retro rhythm and blues feel and I have to say the kid's got a nice, soulful voice.  The song peaked at #29 on Billboard's Mainstream Top 40 chart over the summer and I'm thinking you should check it out...

Song of the Day - Burn It Up - Janet Jackson, featuring Missy Elliot

Janet Jackson's brand new album, Unbreakable, is out and so far this music lover is giving it a resounding thumbs up!  Here's a funky lil jam from the set featuring Miss Janet's sultry vocals over a nice, jamming bassline and some rapping thrown in by Misdemeanor herself, Missy Elliot!  Ooh, this one's hot!

Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour: A Whole New Perspective

Talk about basking in the afterglow!  I've just returned from a short weekend trip to Atlantic City to see the latest Rebel Heart show there and all I can say is, WOW!  The whole experience this go around was so much better and as a result of a lucky placement, the show that I had previously criticized suddenly became one of the most amazing concerts I've ever witnessed.

It all started on a whim.  My pal Sean and I had mulled over going to the AC show for awhile now, but we hadn't talked seriously about it until early this week.  Luckily, I was able to get a comp room at the Trop for last night and suddenly the tentative plans became definite.  The two of us scanned both StubHub and Ticketmaster for a few days, finally opting for a couple of pretty decent tickets directly to the side of the stage at the 200 level.  In fact, the picture above is from where we sat when we first got there.  

Now I haven't had too much luck in concert seating.  I did watch Janet Jackson from the floor once at MSG when my sister won tickets and I sat front and center on a most memorable night, coincidentally with the very same Sean, at a Toni Braxton concert a couple of years ago, but other than that, I've always had to settle for the cheap seats, getting better glimpses of the stars on the big screens rather than on the stage.  Well, let me tell you, a little luck came our way last night and having the opportunity to see the one and only Queen from that close up made this show the concert of a lifetime!

Not ten minutes after we took our seats, we had the view you see in the picture above.  We had run into Sean's friends from Philadelphia earlier, who had won floor seats to the show and were waving towards us from below.  Sean went downstairs to see what was going on and within a couple of seconds he was waving me to come down.  Apparently, two people who had been sitting in front of them had two extra seats and suddenly we were about four rows from the stage.  Yowsah!

Now I can't convey enough just how exciting this was, nor how sitting so close made the Rebel Heart show that much more enjoyable, but believe me when I say for the next two-plus hours you could not have wiped that big smile off my face.  Within minutes of taking our new seats, the house lights went down and the video intro to Iconic began, complete with Medieval soldiers marching in solidarity across the stage.  The show had begun!  

The next two hours was pure joy for this longtime Madonna fan, and being so close offered me the opportunity to catch a lot of things I hadn't noticed in the show at MSG.  To top things off, the icon was absolutely pleasant and chatty up there, feeding off the energy of the enthusiastic crowd. Madonna coming to such a small city as this is a big deal, and the fans were pumped up for a good time.  Sean and I had talked with many before the show and these folks, who came from near and far, were as hyped for the show as any and no one left disappointed.

After seeing the show a second time, I still have some of the same criticisms as I had previously.  I still don't like Iconic as an opener, I think Bitch I'm Madonna should have come more towards the end, and I still would have liked to see less of Like a Virgin and more (or any) of MDNA, Ray of Light, or Confessions on a Dancefloor.  She did sing Ghosttown, which was amazing, and the Illuminati interlude was even better up close.  In fact, even through all of its flaws, the Rebel Heart show epitomizes what makes Madonna a legend, that her catalog is so deep it's hard not to find something anyone can get into.  She breathes new life into older songs, keeping the familiarity to please her fans and yet reinventing them perhaps for her own sanity.  

Regardless, I don't think there was one displeased fan in the house, and the revelry that took place at Boardwalk Hall spilled over onto the Boardwalk and in bars around Atlantic City.  Sean and I hit the Rainbow Room Bar, where an all-night Madonnathon ensued and we fans danced to a more extended list from her catalog well into the night.  I had a most unexpected and wonderful opportunity to watch my favorite performer up close and I won't soon forget this marvelous night!     

We'll be two souls in a Ghosttown...

Everybody in this party shining like

Illuminati...

I even made some friends!

Song of the Day - Ghosttown (Live) - Madonna

Well, I saw Madonna' Rebel Heart show once again in Atlantic City and it was MUCH better than the last time (stay tuned...).  Anyway, this time she performed Ghosttown and you can just feel the intensity and energy in the room on this vid from last night's show...Amazing!

Song of the Day - Rain Over Me - Pitbull, featuring Marc Anthony

Hmmm, notice a theme here with the last two Songs of the Day?  Ugh, we are in the middle of a six day soaker and though yesterday we were wishing for no rain, today we are wanting it to rain all over us, lol.  So stay dry or keep wet, whatever your preference, but either way have a great Saturday! Oh, and don't forget to click play...

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - No Rain - Blind Melon

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain
I like watching puddles gather rain 

I'm changing things up a bit this morning from my normal dance beats.  I used to love 90's alternative music and this one was a staple of that era.  Who can forget the cute lil bee girl and all that long hair on the band members.  Their look was a throwback to even earlier times.  Anyway, we're also in the midst of like six straight days of rain, so here's to No Rain...

Song of the Day - Alors On Danse - Stromae

This morning, the French teacher at school came into my classroom looking for a chaperone to accompany her class to a concert at MSG tonight.  Oh, it's a big deal, she said.  He is the first French speaking singer to ever headline at Madison Square Garden.  Well of course this music aficionado's ears perked up.  This guy's one of the hottest singers in Europe right now.  He's Belgian...

Is his name Stromae? I asked.  

How did you know?

Of course I knew!  Those of you who know me through this blog should know that I knew.  I actually posted a Stromae tune a few months back.  I've got a couple of his tracks on dance mixes and I love em.  Ooh, it would be very cool to go to the show, but unfortunately I can't make it tonight.  Anyway, I can still share his latest, and if you like Euro dance music, check out Alors On Danse...cool!