5SF: may 23

This has been kind of a weird week musically; I have been seriously listening to the same things lately, and that doesn’t leave much room for new stuff to creep in. As I mentioned MANY times, Lady Gaga’s Just Dance has been on serious repeat for me, and as a result, I have been shaking my booty and tapping my toes to this infectious song. However, I managed to get some choice cuts for this week, some old, some new, and a rare offering from me: a live performance. Now… without further adieu, here’s the goods:

Carrie Underwood – Pray For Time (live)

After seeing George Michael perform this AMAZINGLY on the Idol finale the other night, I really was hoping I could get his performance on iTunes, because it was seriously that damn good. Well, after talking with my buddy John about the show, he told me how Carrie Underwood had actually sang that same song a few weeks back during the Idol Gives Back; and that her performance WAS available on iTunes (heavy focus on WAS… I had to scrounge the internets to get it). Well, after one listen to her performance, I completely stand by my previous statement about her being an unstoppable powerhouse. Her version of the song may not be ‘better’ than George’s was the other night, but it is certainly nothing short of fantastic. Carrie, girl, you sure can sing, and you look amazing when you do it. Being able to sing live is a clear indicator of real talent (singing wise), and Carrie Underwood certainly brings the goods each and every time. As I mentioned above, it is rare for me to fall for a live performance, but this one is definitely worth falling hard for.

Sarah McLachlan – Blackbird
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_522_sarahmclachlan-blackbird.mp3]
A few weeks ago, Sarah released Rarities, B-Sides, and Other Stuff Vol. 2, which contained a bunch of songs that I didn’t previously have in my collection. Since getting the CD, I have been reminded of how much I love Sarah McLachlan, as well as how amazingly talented she is. This cover of the Beatles’ Blackbird is so beautiful and tender, that you can’t help but completely love it (at least, I can’t). I have been a huge fan of Ms. McLachlan for years, and looking back on her body of work, I can tell you that I will definitely remain a huge fan for years to come. I can’t wait for the next album.

Brian McFadden – Forgive Me Twice
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_522_brianmcfadden-forgivemetwice.mp3]
I posted another song by Brian a few weeks ago, but at that time, I was barely getting into the album, but I liked what I initially heard. After having some more time with the record, I discovered this amazingly beautiful song deeper into the album, and I have been playing it over and over ever since. Seriously, this song is so incredibly beautiful, and sad at the same time. When he says, “you know… I really love you”, you can’t help but believe it. Forgive him Delta!! He’s a keeper! (I think) Delta Goodrem sings backing vocals on the track, which, (if it really is her) makes this another great song that they have collaborated on. This album gets better with each listen, and is definitely far better than his first, in my opinion.

Cyndi Lauper – Into the Night Life
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_522_cyndilauper-intothenightlife.mp3]
This song totally took me by surprise. This is not what I was expecting for the former she-bopper; Ms. Lauper has given us a true club-ready hit. The similarities to Madonna’s Get Together are apparent for me, (probably because it was also penned by Swedish producer Peer Ã…ström) but I still think that it is different enough that at least I still consider it pretty fresh. I like this direction that the true color girl is going, and really like the how the club friendly sound fits her voice so well. I honestly never thought Cyndi would be on one of these weekly lists, but here she is, and with a great song to boot! Here’s to more great surprises, right?!?

The Ting Tings – Great DJ

The drums, the drums, the drums… I’m sorry, what were we talking about? Oh yeah!! This is one of those songs that initially, I want to HATE because of how annoying it should be, but, it crept its way into my brain, and I am fucking addicted to the Ting Tings. Seriously, this song is danceable, infectious, and is a total earwig. I considered posting this one a few weeks ago, but it didn’t hit me right away… however, since then it has steadily gained momentum, and now finds itself getting played more and more when I listen to my ipod. I wanted to post the video too, because, I don’t know if it is just me, but I think the guy in the group is kinda hot.

There we have it! Another Friday, another five songs, and another week on the books. I hope everyone is planning on some fun this weekend; I know we are heading up to the lake at least a couple of times. Plans to meet friends from out of town are also on the books. It should be a fun three day weekend! As always, I hope you enjoyed these songs, but don’t forget, that you can suggest songs for me to; and I encourage you to do so, too!