Here in the States it’s Independence Day (well, on Monday anyway). And while these songs don’t necessarily scream traditional, they go with the theme of this week. Which is relax, eat a hot dog, and enjoy life!
This Week’s Picks
The Mixtape for this week is about taking it easy and enjoying the little things. Its been a pretty rough month it seems for me, the country, and around the world. To be honest, I feel like we could all do with a mini-vacation. And having a three day weekend because of Independence Day is a welcome respite. So, for this week, the songs are going to be kind of relaxing and light in tone and spirit. Nothing heavy this week. The only thing heavy I want to deal with is the 1 pound double cheeseburger I plan to grill and wash down with a nice Eastciders beer this weekend. Enjoy the songs and hope everyone has a great weekend!
It looks like the future but it feels like the past by Doctor Turtle (CC-BY)
So I wanted to start the mixtape off with something soft but also having a good beat. This one certainly delivers as the guitar picking carries the song and makes you feel like you are sitting in car driving along a dirt road alongside some corn fields. A bit of ole Americana if you will. Its got a warm feeling, one of happiness. And I totally feel like the title matches the feeling that I was going for perfectly. Somedays it just feels like that.
Origin I by Scott Holmes (CC-BY)
Scott tends to deliver amazing cinematic songs. They range from great action trailer material to songs that should fit right in with film scores. I feel like this one goes back and forth between optimistic overtones and sadness-like emotion. You wonder by the end of it if you should be happy or sad. And I think when you are left to make up your own mind about it instead of having that emotion rammed down your throat, it means the song has done its job.
The World Keeps Changing by Nattbussen (CC-BY-SA)
So while I wanted to keep things light, this song kind of snuck up on me. Its ambient feel definitely gives you an initial feel of sadness but I like to think its more of a nod towards self-exploration and finding what feeds the soul. It makes me feel like staring up into a star-filled sky and just wondering; wondering what could be, what could have been, what is next. To me the song fits perfectly with Independence Day as we take this time to remember the sacrifices that others have given for us and what we can do to remember them going forward in our lives.
Stardust by US Army Blues (CC-Public Domain)
I love this for the great slow dance vibe. I can totally imagine a couple dancing slowly to this song as the night sky fills up with fireworks and loud percussion. Its the perfect song to enjoy staring into the eyes of your loved one. Plus I have a fondness for jazz 🙂 Go Army Blues!!!
Amazing Grace 2011 by Kevin MacLeod (CC-BY)
I had to end this tape on a positive note and to me, nothing seems more Americana and soulful than a little Amazing Grace. I usually like to hear the words but I thoroughly enjoy Kevin MacLeod’s piano rendition. I hope everyone has a happy holiday and enjoys themselves this weekend!
