Home by Michael Buble

I know, I know. You're thinking "what the heck Israel, everyone and their grandmother's nursing home assistant knows this song!" and while that may be true (nursing home assistants have really good taste in music), I decided to write a new post on this old song because I have a really good story to go with it so lets get into it. Picture this: Its my good friend's wedding. My best friend is a groomsmen, and we just got to the reception. Everyone is dressed really well, there are single ladies everywhere, and (insert cliche) love is definitely in the air (Touche). Now, my best friend is better than me at a lot of things, strategy, memorizing scripture, life.. but girls are not one of them. But he's single, I'm single, and we're at a wedding filled with single ladies. So we HAVE to talk to someone. Its the law (bro code section C: article 2-5463, amendment #5). so the whole time (independently of each other), we're scanning the crowd, making small talk, etc. so my best friend and I meet up and I ask him if he's noticed anyone. He goes "yeah, look at your eight o'clock," but me being challenged in that area, I look at my six o'clock and I'm like "aww bro, that's disgusti.. oh eight o'clock (turns to eight o'clock)... oh wow. Good eye my friend, good eye" and good eye indeed. My best friend had spotted this gorgeous blond girl who was the epitome of everything my best friend likes in a girl (I won't go into details) (get your mind out of the gutter), but she's with another one of her friends who is also quite beautiful, so we decided that approaching them alone probably wasn't the best idea. So I ask my best friend if he wants me to wing man him on this and he goes "no, I got it" (SHOCKER). So I wish him luck, go back to my table, and continue the night. Literally 10 minutes later, I see my best friend chatting up these two ladies, and not just chatting up, he was getting laughs! LAUGHS! they're walking, they're talking, they're laughing, and just having a great time. After a little while, he invites me over to the table (to wing man), and I get involved in the conversation. 10 minutes later, its time to dance, but I notice something; My best friend is having a harder time with the girl he likes and needs some help. As the wing man, it is your sole responsibility to make sure that you do as much as you can to help your man get the girl (bro code Section A: article 4-104 amendment #87), and it speaks volumes about your wing man-ning credibility if your partner fails (in his quest for her number). So, I decided to split up the group and give my friend some alone time with the girl by taking her friend onto the dance floor. During my wing man-ning antics, I discover that her friend is really cool and we actually have a lot in common. So after about two dances, we go back to my best friend and I can tell its turning into a no go for him; the girl is great but she's pretty shy etc.. For me on the other hand, its turning into a big GO. The girl and I have really hit it off and we're dancing and laughing and its great. So the night goes by fast, and its time for the last dance. Guess which song comes on? that's right kids, Home by Michael Buble (I dont know if you really answered or not, but in the Dora style conversation going on in my head, you definitely did). It was like God was telling me "son, well done. well done." it was the perfect song to end the night with because it was so smooth and I was looking in her eyes and we both loved Michael Buble. Now I won't tell you if I got her number or not (I did) but lets just say that every time I hear Home by Michael Buble, I have a new memory to go along with the song.
Listen, enjoy, and let me know your thoughts in comments below!

Chicken Fried by Zach Brown Band

When I announced on my various social networks that I was going to be writing on a country song for my next post, I got a slew of different reactions. One friend liked my status, another told me not to degrade myself in such a way, and perhaps my favorite of all, I had a friend say to me "@Israel713 Well make it real country. No Taylor, Shania, The Band Perry or Carrie. Or else just call it pop. Keep it up, I like stalking you.." Ladies and Gentlemen, She is single, blonde, and lives in Austin. whats not to love? On to the song. I believe the first time I heard this song, I was in the car back from Galveston with my friend Raymond. He is about the most intimidating guy you could meet, he's over six feet, muscular, plays baseball, and is either always wearing steel toed boots (cowboy boots) or work-out clothes. He likes to communicate in a series of grunts as opposed to actual words and is overall a really manly man. My nick-name for him is Ray-Ray, for you see, as intimidating as my friend may be, he is actually very nice and loves to sing country music out loud in his car (there's a funny story about that - he almost pulled a knife on me once because he thought i was trying to break into his car. I of course, maintain my innocence). So Ray-Ray, some other guys and I are driving back from Galveston and they're all huge fans of country music so the whole car ride we're listening to what i consider to be mind-numbing Country music and I'm just miserable. That is until this song came on. When I first heard the intro guitar riff, my ears perked up and immediately I knew I was going to like this song. The song is incredibly simple, not only in the instrumentation but even in the lyrics. Its about a man being grateful for fried chicken, family, and our troops. I'm not a huge fan of Country Music (I have about 6 country songs on my mp3 player) but this is definitely one country song i can blast in my car and sing out loud to. Listen, enjoy, and tell me what you think!


Scores
First Listen - 7/10 Re-playability - 6/10

What the Water Gave Me by Florence and the Machine

I remember the first time I heard this song, I was in my roommate's car and we were driving either to or from teahouse after getting some bubble tea. He played this song for me and I remember putting the song on repeat over and over again. we probably listened to the song about 15 times in the duration of that car ride and since then, this song has been a staple on my mp3 player. This is one of those songs that makes me want to play along with the band; the drums are so integral in this song that i wish i was the drummer playing! and the Harp. wow. the fact that Florence and the Machine utilize a harp in this song to drive the melody just adds to the flavor of this song. And this song is very rich in flavor; from the Pad/base driven chorus, to the steady 4/4 on drums, to the incredibly sharp and crisp tone of the harp, everything in this song is so well put together that the incredible vocal power of 'Florence' symbolizes the huge cherry on top. Listen, enjoy, and tell me what you think!


Score
First Listen - 8/10 Re-playability - 9/10

Cuckoo by Lissie

Happy Fourth of July everyone! if you're reading this post from the states, then you are quite aware that today is a big deal in American history and there will be a gratuitous amount of fireworks going off today in celebration. For those not reading from the states; *solemn face* Please forgive us for the smoke pollution that the west winds are about to blow your way, we take global warming very seriously and we promise it will only happen again one other time this year (new years eve). Its a warm, sunny, day in Cypress (where i am currently located) and to celebrate this beautiful holiday, i decided to share a great summer song with you all. This is one of those songs that makes you want to drive down to the beach with your sunglasses on and the windows down; the wind blowing in your hair (or for those who are challenged up there, your hair follicles) while you eat outside at your favorite restaurant by the beach with someone really special. its just a great driving, summer song, one that you (if you dare) can sing out loud in your car/truck (its Texas: truck) while road tripping to the beach or wherever else your summer adventures may take you. Listen, Enjoy, and tell me what you think in comments below!


Scores First Listen - 7/10 Re-Playability - 8/10