Don't You Worry Child - Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin

Swedish House Mafia were an electronic dance trio from Stokholm in Sweden.  'Don't You Worry Child' is from their 'Until Now' (2012) album.  This was the last single they released before they broke up.  This song was suggested by Maria in T7.

Smile - Lily Allen

Reyes  wanted 'We are Never Getting Back Together' by Taylor Swift.  This song is already on the blog Reyes:

http://elimacarenamusiccafe.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/we-are-never-getting-back-together.HTML

I'll play 'We are never Getting Back Together' in class next week.  In the mean time there is another song that I think you might like:

 Lily Allen is an English recording artist and actress.  This song was her first mainstream single and is taken from her first album 'Alright, Still' (2006).

Losing My Religion - REM

REM were an American rock band that formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia.  They allegedly picked their name randomly from the dictionary.  'Losing My Religion' uses a mandolin and according to the lead Singer, Michael Stipe, the song is about unrequited love.  The song is taken from their 1991 album 'Out of Time.'  This is a fantastic song with a great video.  Good choice by  Maria in T7.

Radioactive - Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons are an American indie band from Las Vegas.  Their name is an anagram for something but only the band members know what it is.  They haven't even told their families!  Personally,  I think it's an anagram for: 'We'll say anything to try and increase our record sales' but I may be wrong : )   'Radioactive' is a single from their 'Night Visions' album which was released in 2012.  This song was suggested by Juan Carlos in T6.

I Don't Like Mondays - Boomtown Rats

 

 

Today is Monday and the Boomtown Rats don't like Mondays.  The Boomtown Rats were an Irish band that was active between 1975 and 1986.  However, they have recently reformed and are due to play the Isle of Wight Festival this year. 

 

'I Don't Like Mondays' was released in 1979.  The song is about 16 year old Brenda Ann Spencer who fired at school children in a playground in San Diego, California on 29 January 1979.  She killed two adults and injured eight children and a police officer.   When asked why she had done it she simply replied "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day".

 



Road To Nowhere - Talking Heads

Talking Heads (1977 - 1991) were a new wave post punk band formed in New York.  In particular, their lead Singer, David Byrne,  was known for his eccentric performances and original lyrics.  'Road to Nowhere' is from their sixth album 'Little Creatures' (1985)

Blue Lips - Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor is an alternative American singer-songwriter who was originally born in Moscow.  'Blue Lips' is from her album 'Far' (2009). 

I Am Sound - Dandy Warhols

The Dandy Warhols are an American alternative rock band that formed in Portland, Oregon in 1994. 'I Am Sound' is from their 2003 album 'Welcome to the Monkey House.'

Hot n' Cold - Katy Perry

'Hot n' Cold' was released in 2008 and is from her debut album 'One of the Boys.'  This song was suggested by Maria in T3.

 

 

This song was also used on Sesame Street to teach children about opposites.  In the video Katy sings the song with Elmo.

 

 



This is Not a Love Song - Public Image Limited

Public Image Limited, also known as PIL, were formed in 1978 after John Lydon left the Sex Pistols.  Their music is often seen as challenging and innovative.  'This is Not a Love Song' (1983) was written as a response to some of their fans and to the music press who believed PIL were 'selling out' and becoming more commercial.

The Wild Ones - Suede

Suede are an alternative rock band formed in London in 1989.  'The Wild Ones' is from their 1994 album 'Dog Man Star.'  The video was filmed in Dartmoor which is in the south west of England.

This song was suggested by Miguel in A4 who heard this song while driving to work last week.  He said it reminded him of when he was young and wild.  Miguel is not saying how wild he was though.

 

This is love - Will.i.am ft Eva Simons

 

 

Will.i.am is an American Singer-songwriter who was originally in a group called the Black Eyed Peas.  This is love was released in 2012 and is from his '#willpower' album.  The song features vocals from the Dutch singer-songwriter Eva Simons. This song was suggested by Hugo in L4.

 



 



Californication - Red Hot Chilli Peppers

This song is was released in 2000 and is from their seventh album 'Californication' (1999).  The song is is critical of Hollywood and the false image it gives.  The band were formed in LA in 1983 and have so far released eleven studio albums.  This song was suggested by Nieves in T6.

Across the Universe - The Beatles

Across the Universe was released in 1969 on their 'Abbey Road' album.  The song was written by Lennon who believed it was the best lyrics he'd ever written.  The song has a number of versions including the 'Abbey Road' one above.

Below is the version for the World Wildlife Fund.

And below, the version that can be found on the 'Anthology' album.

This song was suggested by Anna in A4.

I Am A Pizza

Songwriters have written about many things including love, war, politics and peace.  However, clearly there are not enough songs about pizzas.  Yes, it's true, I love pizza.  This song was suggested by anonymous who I suspect also likes pizzas.  Pizzas rule!

John Frusciante - The Past Recedes

John Frusciante is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, record and film producer. He is best known for his work with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.  The song is from hus 2005 solo album 'Curtains.'  The song and the video were filmed in his Hollywood Hills home. Nice home.

This song was suggested by Andrea in T7.

 

Always Look On The Bright Side of Life - Monty Python

 

 

This song is by Monty Python a group of British comedians.  It is from their film 'Life of Brian' (1979) which was a satire on religion.  The film itself was banned for many years in Britain but has gone on to become one of Britain's best loved films. 

 

The song is very well known in Britain and is sung at football matches and even played at funerals.  The message is very simple:  Even when things are really bad, you should always try to be positive. 

 

 

This song was suggested by Rafa in A4.