Throwback Thursday: 90s Dance Party Edition!

THROWBACK THURSDAY Y'ALL! WORD!

Ok, so for today's batch of throwback. Let's venture back in time to the 1990s, a decade of game boys, grunge, and girl power. When the world was epic in many ways...especially the music. Let's explore some of the biggest dance tunes from the nineties.

Come On Ride the Train - Quad City DJs (1996)

Gosh, I used to dance to this freakin song all the time when I was little. Of course at the age of 7 or so, I didn't think that the lyrics meant anything remotely sexual. Eh, it's one of the most addicting songs of the 90s. It was created for the infamous soul train line. Am I right?

Move it to the Rhythm - Technotronic (1994)

Technotronic was one of many bands in the late 80s and early 90s that helped mold the dance music scene. And that music is still great for clubs and work out playlists! This song definitely makes it difficult to stay immobile and just listen to it without moving to the rhythm. And it's a funky rhythm at that.

Scatman - Scatman John (1994)

I remember that my dad rented a 90s dance party CD from the public library many years ago. This was the first track. I remember being intrigued by the song and the scatting. The song was so much fun to listen to. Years later when YouTube came into existence, I was surprised that it was a mustached, middle-aged white man who suffered from a stuttering speech impediment. Talk about turning a curse into a gift! And hey if the Scatman can do it, so can you!

Everybody, Everybody - Black Box (1990)

Oh how I wish I could go back to the 90s. I have so many reasons. One of them being the amazing Ms. Martha Wash. No, she is not the model chick in the video.  I mean really, no disrespect, but that girl's lip syncing is bloody awful lol. Martha Wash was one of the pioneers of dance music (also lending her vocals to "Everybody Dance Now"). This was one of the many hits she was responsible for. And she's still at it to this day. Keep rockin' girl!

~L~

Throwback Thursday: Random Stumble Upons

This batch of throwbacks are all random stumble upons during this past month. And when I say random I mean it. We got a new age classic, a hip hop queen, a recent reggaeton hit, and a vintage love song. Let the throwbackness commence!

Enya - Orinoco Flow (1988)

So, I recently rented Shrek 4 and one of the scenes featured this song. I didn't recognize the song title, for I thought it was called "Sail Away." But I shoulda known it was all Enya.  I swear I had not heard that song since I was at least 6 years old. Thanks for the nostalgic attack Dreamworks.

Lauryn Hill - Sweetest Thing (1997)

I was riding in the car with one of my friends, and this song came up on her iPod. She was about to change but I made her stay on this song. This song is so beautiful and the epitome of real hip hop in my opinion. I definitely was happy to reconnect with this song after not hearing it for a while. Laury(e)ns rock! :)

Daddy Yankee - La Despedida (2010)


Another road trip story: While on my way to a bridal shower, I was searching the radio for a "static" radio station so my phone can play music through the radio. But while looking for one, I stumbled upon this and I could not change the station. It's definitely softer and more laid back than the Gasolina-sound people are used to hearing from mainstream reggaeton and latin music. It reminded me of the late Saturday nights me and my friends would go salsa dancing. I also found a fun bachata version to the song, but here I posted the original.

Stevie Wonder - I Was Made to Love Her (1967)

What can I say about Stevie? He's one of the best songwriters ever and one of my personal favorites. He makes instant and effortless classics. This little short diddy I stumbled upon when I was trying to compose a playlist of love songs for a friend. Here Mr. Wonder does a wonderful live rendition of the 1967 classic back in 1989.

~L~

Top 10 Forever 21 Songs

Now I would be all clever and make a "Top 21 Forever 21 Songs." But I didn't feel like could not compile such a list. So I came up with 10.

No I do not just hang out at the popular retail outlet. I actually work there. Some decent hours actually. So I am always listening to the music. Now, not all of the music there is audibly satisfying. But here are 10 songs that I "discovered" while working there.

1.) Rye-Rye feat. M.I.A. - Sunshine
This song reminds me of a beautiful summer day walking around a city park with my friends. The video is dope and I've been a big fan of M.I.A.'s for years. Baltimore-native Rye-Rye definitely has some cool flavor and hopefully will be another contender in the female hip-hop category soon.

2.) Asa - Be My Man

This song has a lot of vintage flavor to it. It's upbeat, fun, and soulful. I love hearing it when it comes on in my store. The video is totally adorable too. 

3.) Robyn - Indestructible
Robyn is one of my favorite pop acts. I think she should be on top of the world in America with popularity matching Gaga, Katy Perry, etc. She offers European flavor along with great vocals and solid lyrical content. But there's something still so nice about her not being overhyped here in the states. I guess that's the music snob in me.

4.) La Roux - Bulletproof (Major Lazer Remix)

It took me a while to find the remix to this song once I heard it. Once I did, I liked how the song had a little more of a dark urban feel to it. Of course I enjoy the original, but I thought the remix changed the mood of the song without being too out of the box.

5.) Janelle Monae - Without a Fight 

When I first heard this song at Forever, I recognized her vocals right away. I thought it was on her CD but I found out it was on the "For Colored Girls" soundtrack. Either way, I love the song and I love her.

6.) Gift of Gab - Lightyears

This song took me the longest to track down. It does not play in my store very often. When it finally played again  a few days ago, I inconspicuously rushed to the back of the store to check the stereo to see the song title. It's got a nice repetitive riff and beat along with a good flow in the verses.

7.) Belleruche - 56% Proof
This group embodies electronic/soul, whatever that is. Anyways, I am really becoming a fan of their music thanks to my store. "Clockwatching" and "Northern Girls" are other songs from theirs that I recommend. 

8.) Level 42 - Something About You

I've never heard this song in my life, or the band that makes it, prior to working at Forever. But what can I say? I love the 80s. Makes me wish I was born a little earlier into the decade so I can at least remember it, and music like this lol.


9.) Gorillaz feat. Daley - Doncamatic

This is one of my coworkers favorite F21 songs. What attracted me to this song was the intro of some trombone-like instrument. I was not surprised finding that this song came from the Gorillaz. But my mind was BLOWN when I found out that the guest singer was a guy. I love it.

10.) Natasha Bedingfield - Neon Lights

When I first heard this song, I knew exactly who sang it. It's all Natasha: the vocals, the uplifting lyrics, the motivating music, the radio-friendly feel. Even when it's a slow dramatic song of hers, she knows how to make a happy record. She's good at it.


~L~

Foto Friday: July 1st, 2011

Today is Foto Friday.
A little quote for thought that hangs on my bedroom wall

It reads: "No one is perfect. And once you stop trying to be, you will start to see your full potential." - Lauren

~L~