Song of the Day - Bad Guy - Billie Eilish

We end 2019 with one of my favorite songs of the year from a young upstart called Billie Eilish.  Hot song!  Happy New Year!

Song of the Day - Juice - Lizzo

2019 was the year that indie rapper/singer Lizzo burst onto the music world with a huge bang and this is one of the reasons why.  Here's Juice... 

Song of the Day - Demons - Hayley Kyoko

I've been meaning to post this newish funky jam by actress-turned-singer Hayley Kyoko for awhile now.  Funky, funky jam!  Here's Demons...

Song of the Day - Kiss Like the Sun - Jake Bugg

Though technically this song by country singer Jake Bugg is country, and I don't really like country music, it's got a feel eerily reminiscent of John Mellencamp in his heyday, and I'm loving the sound.  Here's Kiss Like the Sun... 

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Superstar - The Carpenters

I was browsing YouTube randomly the other day and came across this video by a guy who calls himself Jamel_AKA_Jamal, and in it, he was reacting to hearing The Carpenters' Superstar for the very first time. The video was amusing to watch and it gave me a whole new appreciation for this original version of the song (I also love versions of it by both Luther Vandross and Joi Cardwell.).  Since it's Flashback Friday, there is no better time than the present to share this classic of classics.  Here's the inimitable Karen Carpenter and Superstar...

Song of the Day - Same Love (Bridegroom Movie) - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Last night, after my guests had gone home, I finally had a little time to watch one of the many movies I had bookmarked on Hulu.  After browsing around a little, I had settled on a documentary film from 2013 that I wished I had seen much sooner.  The movie is called Bridegroom, and it is so named for one of the two subjects of the movie, Thomas Bridegroom, who passed away after an accidental fall from a rooftop back in May 2011 in California.

The film is based on a YouTube video created by its other main character, Shane Bitney Crone, Thomas's partner for six years.  The video, It Could Happen To You, tells the story of Thomas, of Indiana, and Shane, from Montana, two young men who were introduced to one another in California and went on to have the most beautiful of loving relationships.  The snapshots and home videos interspersed throughout the story show that to be clearly evident.

Both Thomas and Shane came from somewhat rural backgrounds, but their families were worlds apart when it came to acceptance of their respective sons' homosexuality.  Whereas Shane found mostly love and acceptance from everyone in his family, four generations of them to be exact, Thomas's parents were wholly unaccepting, and blamed Shane for their son's homosexuality.  His father even threatened him with a shotgun upon learning of the fact that his All American son was gay.  The boys persevered though, managing to maintain a relationship with at least Tom's mother.  

Of course, Tom's tragic death at the age of 29 was a sad foreshadowing of the very basis of both the YouTube video and the movie.  In the days that followed the accident, Tom's mother came to California to retrieve her son's body for burial back in Indiana, and this set of a chain of events that would lead to an activism that continues to strive for 8+ years now.  Tom's family completely shut Shane out from Tom's funeral, with threats of violence if he were to show up.  Powerless and heartbroken, Shane turned whatever feelings he was feeling and poured himself into spreading their story.

Oh, I wish I had seen this much earlier, but nonetheless, I have seen it and it affected me profoundly.  I've never understood all of the hatred bestowed upon gay people simply because of whom they love, and I pledge to continue to spread any message of peace and harmony among everyone, especially my kind.  

The film finishes with a montage of various happily partnered same sex partners set to the backdrop of today's song.  It's a stark reminder of the importance of acceptance and equality for all of us.  It's not the only song featured in the movie, though.  Several beautiful songs written and performed by some of Tom and Shane's friends are also featured in the movie, and you can check out Beautiful Boy, written and performed by their friend Coleen McMahon, right here.  In the meantime, here's Same Love...

In case you might be interested in seeing the film, Bridegroom, here is Shane's original video, It Could Happen To You...

7 Days of Christmas Song of the Day - Put A Little Love In Your Heart - Jackie DeShannon

It's Christmas Day, and all I want for this year is for everybody to follow the lyrics of this song, not only today, but every day.  We so need it!  Merry Christmas!

7 Days of Christmas Song of the Day - Silent Night - Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McIntyre

Well, Christmas Eve is finally here!  Here's a beautiful rendition of the story of the most holy night of the year.  Merry Christmas everyone!

7 Days of Christmas Song of the Day - All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

The most recent of all truly Christmas classics is this 1994 pop-sugary jam by Mariah Carey.  Though even I'm slightly tired of it for all it's been played out, it's hard to deny that it is one happy, sunshiny tune.  Here's Mariah...

7 Days of Christmas Song of the Day - Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses

I was out Christmas shopping yesterday and this classic new wavey Christmas jam came on the air.  I knew I had to post it.  Here are The Waitresses and Christmas Wrapping...

7 Days of Christmas Song of the Day - The Little Drummer Boy - Frank Sinatra

Here's another favorite Christmas song, one that I remember made me cry when I was a little boy.  I never knew that Frank Sinatra recorded a version of it.  It's pretty good, as you might imagine!  Here's The Little Drummer Boy...

7 Days of Christmas Song of the Day - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

Since it's Flashback Friday, I wanted to post one of my favorite all-time Christmas songs.  This one was first recorded way back in 1958 and has been used in countless movies and television shows.  So yeah, here's Brenda Lee...

7 Days of Christmas Song of the Day - Hallelujah - Pentatonix

In seven days Christmas will be upon us, and I've decided to commemorate the holiday with seven days of my favorite Christmas songs, beginning with this most spiritual of carols.  Here's a beautiful rendition of Hallelujah by the very talented singers of Pentatonix...

Hump Day Song of the Day - Dead Alive - KIDDO

We've got another talented Swede in today's post with an obscure-till-now artist called KIDDO.  Her newest represents the best in modern pop (rock?).  Check out the hella cool Dead Alive...

Song of the Day - Need Your Love - Gryffin, Seven Lions, Noah Kahan

Here's a sweet little jam by deejay/producer Gryffin, featuring the vocals of folk artist Noah Kahan and a little production help from Seven Lions.  Cool song!  Here's I Need Your Love...

Song of the Day - Live Forever - Liam Payne, Cheat Codes

We follow the debut of new music from Harry Styles yesterday with a new track from fellow One Direction band mate Liam Payne, who dropped his new LP1 just a week prior.  Payne's solo music is decidedly more pop/dance than Styles, a bit closer to yet more mature than their former band.  Here's one of the tracks from the new record, a laid back pop song with DJ trio Cheat Codes.  Here's Live Forever... 

Song of the Day - Sunflower, Volume 6 - Harry Styles

Harry Styles dropped his new album, Fine Line, on Friday and though I'm still digesting it, several of the songs are already burying themselves into my consciousness. One of my favorites is this one, Sunflower, Volume 6.  It's sunshiney and happy and well, take a listen and see what I mean. Here's a live performance of the song, as well as the original audio below it.

Song of the Day - 10,000 Hours - Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber

Here's a sweet and tender ballad by country music duo Dan + Shay, featuring guest vocals by Justin Bieber.  It's a song I really didn't want to like, but it slowly creeped into my psyche and now I simply love it!  Here's 10,000 Hours...

Flashback Friday Song of the Decade - Dancing On My Own - Robyn

This week, Associated Press Music Editor Mesfin Fekadu named the top 25 songs of the decade and at the very top of the list is none other than Robyn with her classic Dancing On My Own.  I, and at least a few NYC subway riders, totally agree!  To check out the rest of the list of the top 25 songs of the decade, click here, and in the meantime, relive a classic...

Song of the Day - Louder - Bif Freedia, Icona Pop

Wow, what a throwback to 90's dance rap!  Sure the sample of Snap's The Power doesn't hurt, but this funky, catchy and oh so dancey track by "bounce" artist Freedia has shades of Montell Jordan, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Tag Team, and all the rest thrown together in one smashingly fun track.  And Icona Pop lends their stuff too.  Cool! Here's Louder...

Song of the Day - Listen To Your Heart - Roxette

In case you hadn't heard by now, the music world lost one of its own yesterday as Marie Fredriksson, of the Swedish hit making duo Roxette, passed away yesterday at the very young age of 61.   With a string of hits in the late 80's and early 90's, Roxette produced a string of pop hits, including It Must've Been Love, Joyride, The Look and this one, my personal favorite.  Check out Listen To Your Heart...

Song of the Day - My, My , My - Troye Sivan

It's been awhile since I've posted anything Troye Sivan.  Here's the debut single from his sophomore album, Bloom.  Here's the sultry yet dancey My, My, My...

Song of the Day - Missing U - Robyn

It's been awhile since I posted anything Robyn.  Happy Monday!

Song of the Day - Chrysalis - Empire of the Sun

I first posted this song back in March and it has slowly crept into my All Time Favorites playlist and for good reason.  Not only has it got an authentic 80's feel, the chorus is irresistibly catchy.  Here's Chrysalis... 

Song of the Day - Fantasy - Sofi Tukker

I woke up with this song in my head this morning.  I think it's definitely become my favorite song from these two.  Here's Fantasy...

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Rock the Boat - Hues Corporation

Here's a blast from my past, one of the only disco-ish songs I actually liked...and I still love it.  Here's Rock the Boat...

Song of the Day - Beat of My Heart - Lost Frequencies, Love Harder

Here's a melancholic chill jam by Belgian DJ Lost Frequencies.  It's one of those songs that just makes you think while relaxing to a nice, steady backbeat.  Here's Beat of My Heart...

Hump Day Song of the Day - Good As Hell - Lizzo, Ariana Grande

I think we can all say now that Lizzo is a bona fide star!  With a hot, if not a little girly, new collaboration with Ariana Grande, I can't hold off waiting for a video to post.  Here's the catchalicious Good As Hell...

Song of the Day - Bad Behavior - Austin Mills & Remi Wolf

Here is a hot hot new jam that's perfect for a late night dance, a little neo-disco head bopper dance floor filla!  So scroll down, click play, put your head back, and bop...

Song of the Day - Orphans - Coldplay

Happy Monday all!  December's going to be a short month, work-wise, for many of us, and so why not start the week off inspired with this awesome tune.  Check out the wicked video for Orphans...

Song of the Day - I'll Be There - Jess Glynne

In the afterglow of a great birthday, I'd like to share one of my favorite songs of all time.  It fits the life I realized again last night for the umpteenth time, in that I am surrounded by people that I love and will always be there for, and it goes both ways.  To those who reached out to me yesterday, I thank you, and for those who came to help me celebrate yet another year of life on this Earth, big giant hugs.  Here's Jess Glynne...

Song of the Day - Party For One - Carly Rae Jepson

Today is my birthday and though I will be spending this evening with some very special friends, till then it's a Party For One...

Flashblack Friday Song of the Day - Peanut Butter Jelly - Galantis

It's Black Friday and pretty much the whole world (except those in retail! Boo!) gets to rest after a long day of eating and thanks.  Here's a fun song from the recent past for your Friday, which does have a little bit of a connection for me to this weekend thanks to a little serenading I did to a bunch of kids once upon a Thanksgiving.  Anyway, click play and try not to dance or smile.  Here's Peanut Butter Jelly...

A Thanksgiving Song of the Day - Kind and Generous - Natalie Merchant

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Today is a special day for taking time to appreciate all you've got in life and to not focus on the things that aren't as rosy, so here are some of the things I am thankful for this year:

I am thankful for have my family, a group of people in this world who love me unconditionally and I know will always be there for me.

I am thankful for my other family, my friends, who bring me love, open ears and open minds, and plenty of good times.  

I am thankful to Vinny, who has brought me an unwavering light into my life, someone whom I can call my partner, and someone who's innocence and goodness I cherish.

I am thankful for my students, past and present, my children, who oftentimes give me my reason for being, for showing me their own appreciation, and for being my family during my daily life.

I am thankful for my coworkers, who bring me some solace in the craziness that is my work life.

I am thankful for having the talent and smarts to do a job I was born to do and affords me the ability to experience some of the best life has to offer. 

There, just writing this all down gave me time to think about all of these things that I am lucky to have in my life.  It's just what the doctor ordered.  Happy Thanksgiving! Now, here's a song I post every year on this day, not only because it fits, but because I love it...

A Thanksgiving Eve Song of the Day - Toast To Our Differences - Rudimental

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, as I've written many times before.  It's a time we don't need to worry about buying gifts or rushing to church or decorating the house.  All we need to do, besides cook and eat, is step back, take a look at what we've got in our lives, and be thankful.  Though it seems this year, both as a society and for me personally, it's difficult to weigh through the muck and strife and find things to be thankful for, but they're there.  I'm going to save my personal thanks for the big day tomorrow, but for now, I am thankful for the colors of life, the diversity among us, and like in this song, I want to make a toast to all our differences...

Song of the Day - Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift

Though she didn't perform this one Sunday night at the AMA's after winning the Artist of the Decade award, it's one of my favorites and a great song to pole dance too!  Lol,  Here's Look What You Made Me Do...

Song of the Day - Boots - Greyson Chance

Greyson Chance has got a new single and it's much more up tempo than most of the songs on his portraits album.  Boots is a synth-heavy pop song that's very catchy and probably has a chance to be his highest-charting single yet.  Check it out...

Song of the Day - Controversy - Prince

Once upon a time I found myself in a music appreciation class in Fordham University when one of the graduate students gave a lecture on a recently released album by a little-known artist named Prince.  I remember him talking about the thematic album being full of controversial topics of the day, such as gun control, nuclear war, God, homosexuality, self-pleasure, and all other sorts of taboo topics.  That in itself was interesting enough, but when the lecturer shared that the artist had not only written all of the songs, but he played every single instrument and laid out every single vocal track, I knew I had to run down to Crazy Eddie's and make a purchase.

Thus was the beginning of my membership in the fandom of one Prince Rogers Nelson, or simply Prince.  Of course this uber-talented legendary musician would go on to make a great many hits, and a great many wonderful non-hits, too, and these days we all regale him, as we should, as one of royalty playing up there in Rock and Roll Heaven.  Controversy wasn't Prince's first hit, but it was the first song (and album) to make me a bona fide fan, and it is still a great song!  Check it out...  

Song of the Day - Lose Control - Meduza, Becky Hill, Goodboys

They've only released a couple of songs so far, but I am really digging the sounds of the Italian production team known as Meduza. Here's their latest, another fine dance tune featuring Becky Hill on vocals and production help from Goodboys.  Check out Lose Control...

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - No Diggity - Blackstreet, Dr. Dre, Queen Pen

I like the way you work it...

It's been awhile since I've posted any R&B, and the 90's was a great place to find some awesome grooves like this classic from Blackstreet.  Check out No Diggity...

Song of the Day - Superpower - Adam Lambert

I don't believe I have ever posted an Adam Lambert song before, but now is as good a time as any.  This funky number is nothing but pure pop pleasure and I dare you not to move, even just a little.  Here's Superpower...

Hump Day Song of the Day - Too Hot - Jason Derulo

If you were around in the early 90's, you might recognize the infectious grooves in Jason Derulo's latest hip shaker.  Check out Jason as he resurrects his inner Chaka Demus and Pliers on Too Hot...

Song of the Day - Harleys In Hawaii - Katy Perry

There's a reason it's taken e so long to post Katy Perry's new single.  Normally Ms. Perry puts out stellar, easy to learn pure pop sugar.  This one, not so much.  That being said, the tune has creeped into my consciousness and is more a nice chill vibe than a pop smash.  Check out Harleys In Hawaii... 

Song of the Day - Watermelon Sugar - Harry Styles

Harry Styles debuted a new song from his upcoming Fine Line on SNL Saturday night as he did double duty as both host and musical guest.  The song is a bit closer to some of the softer tracks on the singer's debut eponymous album, and very catchy too.  Check out Watermelon Sugar...  

Song of the Day - Wars - Of Monsters and Men

Here's a nice, acoustic, chill track by Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men, from their latest album, Fever Dream.  The band performed the song on The Ellen Show recently and you can check it out right here...

Song of the Day - Faith - Galantis, Dolly Parton, Mr. Probz

We've got an interesting collaboration on tap for today as Swedish production team Galantis teams up with the legendary Dolly Parton and Dutch rapper/singer Mr. Probz on this uplifting and light-hearted dance tune.  Check out Faith... 

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Like a Virgin - Madonna

Thirty five years ago this past Halloween, the very highly anticipated lead single from Madonna's sophomore album was released.  Thirty five years ago! Yikes!  Anyway, the song is as singable today as it was then.  Here's Like a Virgin...  

Song of the Day - Don't Start Now - Dua Lipa

After yesterday's neo-80's jam by La Roux, we've got an even hotter neo-disco tune with the return of sensation Dua Lipa.  Ooh, I love this one!  Check out Don't Start Now...

Hump Day Song of the Day - International Woman of Leisure - La Roux

Check out who's back!  It's British throwback artist La Roux with her first new music in five years and it has just as much of an 80's anthem feel as her classic Bulletproof.  Check out International Woman of Leisure...

Song of the Day - Always There -Greta Van Fleet

Close your eyes and be taken back to classic rock songs of the late 60's;early 70's. Rock band Greta Van Fleet put out a real winner with this rhythmic rock jam from the soundtrack to the new film, A Million Little Pieces.  Check out Always There...