where the light is

Always been a fan of John Mayer (though not during the 'Your Body is a Wonderland' craze)... but I've never heard this live album before. Just got it yesterday.. and it's bloody awesome. Beats the studio albums a few times over.

Todd Hido

Todd Hido, emotionally charged and soulful. I like...

virus comix

+ Songs for the Special Days II

Just remembered that I've a particular soft spot for anyone playing Pachelbel's Canon (from Jeon Ji Hyun's piano version in My Sassy Girl, to Funtwo's electric guitar rendition, and most recently, the famous Pantene thai commercial). And so, I shall put this song into BOTH the wedding & the funeral list.

+ Songs for the Special Days

And so, we had a random conversation about the songs to play during two of the most significant events in one's life - the wedding and the funeral. Let's start with the lighter side of things first? The funeral.

 Nah, let's just go with the wedding first. From the start, I've to make this clear... even though I mentioned the word 'wedding', its not to be confused with the corny marching anthem that is currently in your mind right now. Not that conventional dum dum dum dumb, dum dum dum dumb. I'm just lacking the effort to think of a better word to use. In this case now, the 'wedding' song can be the sweet proposal song; it can be the soundtrack to your eternal misery and the signal that your life is over song... whichever tickles your fancy. Without further rubbish rambling, here's a few that tickled mine.

1. Death Cab for A Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark

"Love of mine, someday you'll die. But I'll be close behind, I'll follow you into the dark..." With the first line of the lyrics like that, you know its definitely going to be through thick and thin, poverty and sickness.  

2. Guns N Roses - Sweet Child of Mine

I was tempted to choose 'November Rain', because the mtv had an actual wedding in it, but its just too bad that the lyrics are a little too sad. So my next choice is 'Sweet Child of Mine'. Imagine playing this like Slash in his power stance and belting out the chorus "ohh ohh, sweet child of mine! ohh ohh ohhh sweet love of mine!" 

3. Pleasing & Sweet Acoustic Numbers

Like Jack Johnson's 'Do You Remember', John Legend's 'Stay With You', Elton John's 'Your Song'. But honestly.. not enough drive. Songs for such occasions require more... boomz. 

4. Beyond - 喜欢你
There's just something about canto songs... 

5. Queen - I was Born to Love You

As chosen by my friend, not too bad a song actually. 

6. Meat Loaf - I'd Do Anything (But I Won't Do That)

Finally, here we go. A no nonsense love song complete with motorbike sfx from the start, guitar solos and mushy yet intriguing lyrics. And the mtv (directed by Michael Bay no less) is wicked. The only downside? Everyone will come to you and ask, "so what is 'that'?" 

7. Bon Jovi - Thank You For Loving Me

If you don't wish to mess around and piss off your in-laws and relatives, maybe this song is the safest bet. 

For the funeral song category, there are a few strong contenders as well. The common factor among all of the songs though, is that they are not awfully sad and weepy. I rather depart from this world bringing smiles and good memories than people wailing away. Sorry Clapton & Axl, I like 'Tears in Heaven' & 'Don't Cry' but they're just way too sad.  

1. Beatles - Let it Be
Obvious choice really.  

2. X Japan - Tears
"Dry your tears with love, dry your tears with love!" 

3. Frank Sinatra - My Way
At the end of the road, I'll like to say that I've did it my way  

4. Beyond - 光辉岁月 / 无悔这一生 / 海阔天空 /

The power-medley of 3 Beyond classics. Can never go wrong with Beyond. 

5. Dream Theater - Spirit Carries On 
A bit mellow, but this is the ultimate funeral song.  

6. Bob Marley - Three Little Birds / Redemption Song / No Woman No Cry
Another three song medley, but this one is a lot lighter.