Congratulations! After weeks and weeks of waiting, we’ve finally been blessed with a bouncing baby FIREFLY LINEUP!
If anybody’s been following the drama, you’ll know that it took the folks at Firefly at least a month longer this year than the last to release their lineup. Not that they haven’t been trying to placate their fans via social media. Many contests and giveaways were held daily through their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram sites over the past week or so. But nothing beats the sweet release- of their official lineup, that is.
It happened Tuesday, February 17th. “Officially.” It seems the lineup was leaked about three weeks beforehand, except with one glaring difference: the first headliner is now blurred out, but the leaked version had written in one SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY. Firefly made a statement on their Facebook, stating the reason for the delay:
“We would love to give you your final lineup right now, but we are still waiting on some last-minute approvals before we can release the lineup. We actually haven’t had problems with your lineup. It’s just taking more time than expected. Unfortunately, we don’t have full control over these approvals.”
Mmhmm.
So whats with the blur then? Delaware radio station WDDE held an interview with Red Frog Events, hosts of the Firefly Music Festival. They state their decision to release the lineup with a blurred out headliner was meant to appease increasingly impatient fans. Christiane Pheil, director of talent and artist relations for Red Frog, says they didn’t want to make fans wait any longer while trying to finalize that last act. I can understand that- I mean, I was one of those increasingly impatient fans.
But they sure liked giving away tickets. February 10th was a particularly generous day for them.
Good luck getting those free tickets, though. It seemed if you weren’t one of the first to respond, it was game over. I tried a few times. I failed a few times. Ah well.
Take a good long look at that puppy. That’s what they’re going with this year. It’s not a bad lineup. It’s got two of the Top 7! There’s just something about it… Is it wrong to say I’m more excited by the first two lines of the Governor’s Ball lineup than this one? There seems to be a LOT of small print on here. But, but- if it’s true that Paul McCartney will be there, than I suppose that makes everything totally worth it. Acts I’m most excited for (just reading down the list):
Kings of Leon– they cancelled on me last summer, and I’ve been mad at them ever since. Like OKAY fine you had some horrific bus accident I get it. Gosh. Don’t let it happen again.
SNOOP friggin DOGG– because WHAT??
Sublime– Classic.
Matt & Kim
Manchester Orchestra
Broods– I know two of their songs, and I like what I hear.
Big Data
Bear Hands– this band grew on me, so yeah, I’d see ’em.
BORNS– they’ve got that Electric Love song, they’re good.
The Griswolds– Yas! I’m actually really excited for these guys, their music is super fun.
Honorable mentions go to The Killers, Foster the People, Bastille, Hozier, Cage the Elephant, Awolnation, Walk the Moon, Dirty Heads, Young Rising Sons, Night Terrors of 1927, and Grizfolk. All awesome, but by the time Firefly rolls around I’ll have seen them. So, I feel like the point is to see new acts and add to the “collection”. Of course, if no one else is playing, I’d gladly see any of them again! Plus, you can’t neglect the wishes of your companions (unless ya’ll go it alone, then heck do what you want). There are others on the list that I’d like to see, but those I can take or leave.
“So CJ,” you ask, “does that mean you’re going to Firefly again?”
Well. Last year’s Firefly experience, my first festival ever, was crazy. It was hot, exhausting, dirty, dusty, sniffly, sunburnt… and I was about 95% sure that I was too old for this nonsense. But… I gave it a year to think about it. And I look back at all the photos and I think, all that craziness was so incredibly worth the experience. So yes, I believe I am going back to the Woodlands this year!
How about you? Have you been to Firefly? Are you going this year? Which bands are you most excited for?
It’s been about since 2008 that I’ve started making playlists (prior to that it was the random mixx discs of whatever I could get my hands on with the Windows Media Player, shudder). It used to be one per month, then sporadically every now and then, but always for Halloween and Christmas. But now I have a new holiday to mixx for. This year I find myself with a boif for Valentine’s Day, and so naturally I’m led to create a Valentine’s themed mixx for him.
This… is not as easy as it seems. There are a lot of factors to consider- I try to both celebrate our relationship, and introduce him to new music that he’ll hopefully like (coming from a field where “teaching moments” are the norm). I figure, if he finds a few songs he likes, I’ve done my job. But I never really ever get to explain WHY I chose the songs I did, and trust me, many hours and lots of exploded brain cells go into making these mixxes. I try to never duplicate songs from a prior mixx, and usually I make it a point to only include an artist once (unless it’s super mandatory, then I’ll break that rule). Then there’s the song title, the emotion the song conveys, the lyrics, the artist, whether it’s an acoustic or a cover, what the song means to me, to us, if it’s a joke or a funny song, whether the song makes me cry… There’s a lot to consider.
Oh, and I try to make the Mixxes at LEAST 50 songs long.
So, remember that as you browse through the playlist here. Maybe you’ll find some lovey songs for your main squish, and be inspired to create your own mixx!
CJ’s Valentine’s Mixx 2015
1. I Choose You– Sara Bareilles
This damn song made me cry on more than one occasion. It’s just so sweet, plus the title is like a Pokemon reference which makes me think of my manpanion.
2. Con Te Partiro– Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
I’ve loved this song forever, and we sing it in the car. It’s just so beautiful and sad and even more beautiful. Also, it reminds me of a play from college, “The Poetry of Pizza”, that featured the song, so it’s a sentimental throwback for me.
3. Love Story– Taylor Swift
He is a T. Swizzle super fan and proud. And okay, it’s really cute.
4. Somebody To Love– Queen
Queen is an awesome band, and this is one of my favorite songs of theirs! I do like the Ella Enchanted cover as well as the Glee cover, but I went with the original for a teaching moment. You can’t beat Freddie Mercury.
5. You’re Beautiful– James Blunt
Ah man. It’s such a sweet, sad song, but I just think of the hook and it’s like, that what every girl wants to hear. “You’re beautiful, you’re beautiful it’s true. There must be an angel with a smile on her face when she thought up that I should be with you.” Guh.
6. I’ll Cover You– Rent: Motion Picture Soundtrack
What is more spectacular than the promise of love and protection between a professor and his drag queen? Their love is simple, it’s everything else that’s complicated. I feel like the song just captures their promise to each other so well, and it’s a promise we all should embrace. “You be my king, and I’ll be your castle. No you be my queen, and I’ll be your moat.”
7. Shut Up and Dance– Walk the Moon
If you’re an avid reader of my (3 posts) blog, you already know my love of this song. “Don’t you dare look back, just keep your eyes on me. I said, ‘You’re holding back.’ She said, ‘Shut up and dance with me!’ This woman is my destiny.” I love that.
8. This Is The Night– Clay Aiken
Shut up, you guys. So what if I was a huge “Clay-mate” back in ’05? Anyway, the man really is super talented. I wanted to include “I Will Carry You” and “Run to Me” because I feel like the message is so powerful in those songs as well, but this will always and forever be my favorite Clay song. I get shivers at his last chorus; when he says his final, “Hold me close,” the claw hands pop out.
9. Unchained Melody– Righteous Brothers
Mah gah, if I didn’t include a classic oldie there’d be something wrong with me. This is the hands down, bar none best of the old school romantic songs. Those bros know what they’re doing, and mang can they hit some high delicious notes.
10. Marry Me– Train
Oh Patrick Monahan. This is so sweet. “Marry me, if I ever get the nerve to say ‘Hello’ in this cafe.”
11. Love Me Like You Do– Ellie Goulding
We’ve talked about the claw hands with this song. Plus, he’s a super Ellie Goulding fan, so this was only appropriate.
12. Blue Rain– Peter Rossetti
I met Peter Rossetti on a Carnival cruise ship a few years back. He was the nicest dude, and so talented. He played in the ships piano bar nightly, and by the end of the cruise I had bought his EP. This song was off of it, and I just thought it was so different, and had a lovely message. It’s about that moment when everything falls in line in your life, “like blue rain from the sky.”
13. Step with Me– Mika
I absolutely adore Mika, he’s one of my Top 7. This song has such a different sound from his normal stuff, almost a reggae feel- odd for the French singer. It describes a simple love, and the steps to get there. “Step one, come a little closer. Step two, rest upon my shoulder.”
14. Gorilla– Bruno Mars
Heh. This song is so passionate and dirty. It got airplay for like a minute. Unfortunate. It’s awesome.
15. Electric Love– BORNS
He said he’d like this song better if it was sung by a woman. I thought it was sung by a woman. Anyway, it’s a fantastic song, and I think it’s being used in commercials now? Ugh it’s so catchy.
16. Your Song– Ewan McGregor, from Moulin Rouge
Swoon. Moulin Rouge has got to be one of my favorite movies of all time. The amount of love for their soundtracks knows no bounds- hence, why I broke my own rule and included two Moulin Rouge songs. I really wanted to add “Come What May,” but that had made it to a prior mixx- still a valid Valentine’s candidate.
17. Thinking Out Loud– Ed Sheeran Another tear jerker. Lawd I’m such a sap. It’s like, I’ll be driving in my car, singing along, and out of nowhere I get the nose tingles and a lump in my throat, and the eyes start watering and- oy. I’m a mess.
18. Don’t You Want To Stay (Acoustic Version)– Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
He can’t tell Kelly Clarkson from Pink, which I think is hysterical (although I can kinda see the similarities in their voices). Pink doesn’t have a stripped down version of “Please Don’t Leave Me”, or else I would have included them back to back to mess with him (Hey Pink, put out a stripped down version of “Please Don’t Leave Me”).
19. Crazy– KC & JoJo
You’re thinking, “This is odd.” There’s something about this song that’s always pulled at my heartstrings. I don’t know if it’s the harmonization or what, but it’s here, and it’s staying.
20. If I Fell (Beatles cover)– Evan Rachel Wood, from Across The Universe
I don’t like the Beatles. Or at least, I didn’t, until I saw this movie. I love this album; this song and scene particularly- especially in the way it’s done- I feel a lot of girls can relate to. Lucy decides to allow herself to love again, despite the fear of getting hurt.
21. Soon– Jodi Benson, from Thumbelina
Do NOT judge me. I. Love. Thumbelina. And Jodi Benson- yes, ARIEL Jodi Benson- was perfect for this movie. This is another song I feel girls can relate to, at least I can. “Love, can you hear me? If you’re near me sing your song, sure and strong- and soon.”
22. Undisclosed Desires– Muse
“I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart.” Come on, people. Plus- Muse. Done.
23. Amneris’ Letter– Shania Twain, off the Aida concept album
This is an important addition to the playlist. In Aida, this is sung from Radames, a male character, to his secret lover. Here, Shania Twain puts a twist on it and sings it as Amneris- Radames betrothed. Personally, this song has a few lines that hit home…
24. Chinese– Lily Allen
I wrote lyrics of this song in a card to him for our 5 month (oh I’m a sap, an unbelievable sap). A few months later we saw Lily Allen as our first concert together. She(ezus) plays a kinda important role in our relationship.
25. Tiny Boy– It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It had to happen.
26. Swanheart– Nightwish
I bought him tickets to see Nightwish for Valentine’s Day (which he doesn’t know about just yet…), so I had to include a song from them in the mixx. Even more special, they’re playing The Electric Factory in Philly, where we saw Lily Allen together. He’s been dying to go back. I know, I’m a boss girlf.
27. I Want To Hold Your Hand (Beatles cover)– T.V. Carpio, from Across The Universe
I did it again, I broke the rule- but I HAD to! She does such an innocent, relatable version of this song. She does it justice. And it’s just so singalongable.
28. Pretty When You Cry– Lana Del Rey
Damn if there wasn’t a more perfect song for this mixx. Story time: We got in a tickle fight one day to the point I was in literal tears. I’m begging him to stop, and he says, “But you’re so beautiful when you cry!” That was the first time he called me beautiful. And it’s LANA of all people. We like Lana.
29. Contact– Rent: Original Broadway Cast
Oh man, I did it a THIRD time. I didn’t realize I was such a delinquent, breaking my own rules and stuff. UMM this song is about sex and was left out of the movie but it’s so dirty everyone needs to hear it especially my boyfriend the end.
30. Lovesong– Adele
Adele… has a baby making voice.
31. This Will Make You Love Again– IAMX
IAMX. I really think they have a cool sound that he needs to hear (teaching moment alert). “If I have to switch the lights off, I wanna switch them off with you. This will make you love again.”
32. Here With Me– The Killers
Killers are one of my Top 7 also. This is one of their newer songs, off Battle Born (okay, not so new). The lyric that sticks with me is part of the chorus, “Don’t want your picture on my cellphone. I want you here with me.”
33. Beyond The Sea– Celtic Woman
If I had this on cassette, the tape would be worn through by now. I couldn’t love this song more. I’m surprised this hasn’t made it to a prior mixx. I loved Bobby Darin’s version, but these women just take it to an etherial level. I’m a rather nautical chick, and it reminds me of mermaids and cruising and sailing and… waiting for love.
34. Stay– Royal Teeth
Everyone needs to know who Royal Teeth are. “When your busy mind keeps you up at night I will hold you close, put your hand in mine.” This… is almost a personal demand. I wish I could sleep better lately. It reminds me of him.
35. Origin of Love– Hedwig and The Angry Inch
There’s no more beautiful a story than what John Cameron Mitchell sings here. It’s about the mythology behind love, how we were once a whole being comprised basically of two people “rolled into one”, and now how we endlessly search for our other missing half. And uh, he’s reprising his role as Hedwig on Broadway as I type.
36. Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me– The Chubbies, off the The Rocky Horror Punk Rock Show cover album
As if their band name wasn’t perfect enough. I de-virginized the boyfriend of his Rocky Horror-ness a few months back (and myself, if we want to be technical). It was an epic night, and if you’re in Jersey I highly suggest seeing the Friday Nite Specials cast. Anyway, he’s already got the original, so I’m providing this “alternative” version.
37. Stay Awhile– Ryan Star
This song has a very romantic vibe to me. He should have gotten bigger, give him some more air play!
38. Timeless– The Airborne Toxic Event
Aiiirrrrbooorneeeeee. So much love for this band. I would have picked “All for a Woman”, but alas, that too was on a previous mixx. So I’m thinking, “I have to include a TATE song, but which one is appropriate?” So I played this one, and remembered that Mikel had written this song in memory of his grandmother. “I want to hold on to all of the people I lost, I want to keep them with me. We’ll never part… You are, you are the only thing that makes me feel like I can live forever, forever with you, my love.” And then I cried.
39. Pink– Aerosmith
And now for something completely different! Oh it’s playful and suggestive and perf. Plus, I turn pink when I’m embarrassed. Or mad. Or hot. Or just like, any time. I also have pink hair from time to time.
40. Heroes– David Bowie
Kinda feeling that rock vibe, figured I’d throw in some Bowie. It’s a teaching moment. The next song references this song and I’m pretty sure he’s never heard either one of these songs soooooo…. “And you, you can be mean. And I, I’ll drink all the time. ‘Cause we’re lovers, and that is a fact. Yes we’re lovers, and that is that.” Boom.
41. Elephant Love Medley– Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, from Moulin Rouge
It’s fun and beautiful and has Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman singing in an elephant so like, you can’t really beat that. I hope he gets at least some of the references…
42. Darling Nikki– Prince & The Revolution
UMM I’ve been listening to this song since I was a child, so I think that tells you something about my parents… but it’s fun and dirty and talks about kink and masturbation which I feel is perfect for Valentine’s Day, no?
43. Love Me Dead (unplugged)– Ludo, from Radio 104.5 Studio Sessions
Well this just about sums up our relationship. And it’s unplugged (oooh aaah)! “Kill me romantically, fill my soul with vomit
then ask me for a piece of gum. Bitter and dumb, you’re my sugarplum. You’re awful, I love you…” Please look into Ludo if you don’t know who they are.
44. More Than Words & Heaven (cover)– Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta, from Rock Of Ages
I loved Rock of Ages, and nobody else did, which makes me sad. This song particularly strips out some of the camp from the rest of the movie, and I think is really honest sounding. Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta have great voices, and put a nice spin on these classic songs. Gives ya the feels.
45. (If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To– Weezer
WEEZZZZ. Weeeeezzzzz. Weezer can’t put out a bad song. Looking at this one in particular, it’s just such a great story- from the first date, to meeting the parents and eating meatloaf even though you’re a vegetarian. Ya done good, Rivers.
46. Bubble Pop Electric– Gwen Stefani
Oh my goodness WHY doesn’t anyone know about this song?! A good friend of mine introduced it to me in high school and I fell in love with it instantly! It’s so poppy and suggestive and ugh Gwen just kills it. A back seat + a drive in movie. That’s basically Valentine’s Day summed up in a song.
47. If You’re Not The One– Daniel Bedingfield
So I brought it back to sweet love songs. “If you’re not the one, why does my soul feel glad today? If you’re not the one, then why does my hand fit yours this way?” Sweet sweet sappy sweet diabetes.
48. Kiss The Girl– The Little Mermaid
A classic that I totally almost forgot to add. I mean, it’s perfect ’cause I’m a mermaid.
49. I Wont Give Up– Jason Mraz
Such a perfect love song, mellow- a promise.
50. Maps– Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The last song. This is nothing new for him, it’s not a teaching moment or anything. But he loves this song, and it fits the bill. I used it to wrap up the mixx, something comfortable and familiar. {t h. ey d on ‘t . l ov e yo u . lik e .i. lov.e y ou}
Sometimes, I hear a song, and a physical reaction manifests in response to my psychological response to the music. These are the “Claw Hands” (not Jimmy’s claw hands). You know, when you’re speeding down the parkway at midnight blasting something so strong you loose your voice screaming along to it, or when the singer hits such a note that your whole body tenses up. That’s when the claw hands come out.
Basically, the arms, hands, and fingers get tense and form a claw, kind of like you’re grabbing for the very essence of the deliciousness of what your ears are processing. That’s all there is to it. There’s no varying degree, no extreme claw hands or over-the-head claw hands (unless you’re saluting Lady Gaga, then that’s technically “putting your paws up“).
So without further ado, here are the claw hands of the month:
If I could only listen to 5 voices for the rest of my life, I think Patrick Stump’s would be among them. He sings the word “CENTURIES” and my claw hands pop out. I can’t help it, I can’t hide it, and I can’t help but sing (scream) along. Perfect late-night driving tuneage.
I am an Ellie fan. My claw hand moment in this song is when she sings, “I’ll let you set the pace”. Oooh~. Chills and shivers and all that good stuff. She hits that note and I’m done for. Please go on tour, Ellie. Please.
This song is not new, and if I’m being frank, I was originally thinking of a different song of theirs. But that song- though fabulous and not given any airplay- does not make my claw hands pop out in the same way “This Is Gospel” does. Brendon Urie’s voice might make that top 5 list, too. Lawd, I may need to make it a top 10… ANYWAY. When I get to the hook of this song, I need- like NEED- to belt out that, “IF YOU LOVE ME LET ME GO-O-OOO” and the claw hands are at full attention. Are we seeing a pattern here?
I can’t understand a damn thing they’re saying in this song. That being said. I need to listen to it at about 40 Watts to fully appease my claw hands. They hit that chorus and I’m screaming “BADADADADADADA 40 WATT!!!” This band is so baby, they have less than 2,000 likes on Facebook. Go babies, go!
Are you starting to feel it? Are you developing some claw hands of your own now? Or perhaps you have a different physical reaction when you listen to certain songs? I can’t be the only one. Discuss.
Today I again experienced the thrill and rush that is: the presale.
Coordinating with your friends via text, Facebook message, and LiveNation, watching the seconds tick down, finally getting to enter that presale code and sitting, waiting, praying for dear life that you’re actually able to snag those tickets, and the rejoicing that comes with seeing those precious virtual stubs in your cart. It happened people, we’re going!
I can proudly say that by now I am a Radio 104.5 Birthday Show vet, as this will be my third annual run to Susquehanna. Nothing has been more exciting (this week) than listening to 104.5 on IHeartRadio and hearing them announce a new headlining band every hour… and sometimes a little after the hour which left me guessing, “OMG it’s 11:12 and Chili Peppers are playing, did they get Chili Peppers to agree to come?!” No, as it turns out. HOWEVER I was not let down by the lineup!
First announced was Hozier, which literally had me on their website looking up when to get tickets because like HECK I’m missing that!! That sealed the deal for me right there, and if you don’t know who Hozier is, a) get out from under your proverbial rock, and b) give them a listen!
There is not one bad song on that mans album.
Next announced was Death Cab for Cutie which made me kinda go, “Oh.” I feel… like their music is really mellow, and I’m hoping that it’s not terrible. I believe they have some new music coming out, and perhaps a tour coming up so I can understand their presence. I am admittedly not their biggest fan, or really too familiar with their music, but I have never seen them perform live so I’ll hold all of my criticism until after the show. Besides, I hated Paramore before I saw them at the 6th Birthday Show, and whatta ya know? I actually *really* liked them.
Their newest single, played on Letterman just a few days ago. So you can get a taste.
Then 104.5 announced Of Monsters and Men, and all faith was redeemed! I recall the station having them come for a Summer Block Party a few years ago, but I couldn’t make it and was pretty miffed about it. SO! Definitely stoked about this. I can’t even say I’m familiar with a lot of their tunes, but Little Talks was huge and delightful and Dirty Paws isn’t terrible, and well I just feel like they’d put on a good show. Check another band off the list.
That is a sick video and I’m mad that I haven’t seen it until now.
Vance Joy was the next artist to be assigned to the lineup. Vance Joy. Sigh. He’s not bad. Not bad at all. But again, it’s another mellow band. My buds and I went to the September Summer Block Party last year (it seems to be the only one we never miss, that September show), Vance Joy was there and DID put on a very good show- despite the wind and the rain- so I’m keeping my expectations high. Maybe this will be the bathroom break band (ack is that a terrible thing to say?!). Anyway, see for yourself and form your own opinions.
Vance Joy ladies and gentlemen.
I feel like I was on an emotional roller coaster with these announcements. Walk the Moon was the next band to be added, and I again got super stoked. I saw them back in August in- of all places- The Pine Belt Arena, aka the Taco Center at Toms River High School North with Panic! at the Disco and Magic Man. Those are three huge names that never should have stepped foot in that glorified gymnasium, they’re just TOO GOOD. I digress. Walk the Moon puts on a FANTASTIC show, so if Hozier didn’t clinch it for me, they sure did.
This song will play at my wedding. The end.
AWOLNATION. AWOL. Frickin’. NATION. Ooooooh halleloo, I couldn’t be happier with this choice. I “saw” them at a Summer Block Party a few years back, and I say “saw” because is was raining like a monster and we were super far from the stage (this was back in Piazza times, folks) behind some tents or something, ugh it was terrible. There is no worry of a mellow show with these guys, if you haven’t heard their music, please grace yourself with the following video.
I knew you’ve heard this before.
The last band to join the lineup was Passion Pit, which brought me back down on that roller coaster. I like them! But they were at the 6th Birthday Show. I was a little taken aback that they would have a repeat artist, especially so soon. I’m wondering if they’re putting out new music. I will say though, their show was BEAUTIFUL.
Still will remain my favorite. So college.
Tickets will be available for sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday 2/6/15 via Livenation and they will sell out like hotcakes.
Now I’ll turn it over to you. Are you going to this show? Have you been to a previous Radio 104.5 Birthday Show? Who are you most excited by, or conversely, who are you upset about? Discuss.
Well, I developed this WordPress blog during my Web Development course. Now I’m learning to blog- officially!
I think I’ll make this a music blog. I’d like to believe I have pretty decent and varied taste in music, and well, we all have our guilty pleasure songs. Soooo maybe I’ll do a song-a-day, or a Top 5 of the week, with an occasional musical tidbit extra thrown in. Sound like a plan? Sounds like a plan.
CJ Mars 
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