Ever come across songs that just seem like they would be a good hymn or anthem, at least for special occasions or themes? Happens to me occasionally.

I'm finally tackling my second service on the four classical elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water). This one will be Water. For the meditation, I'm doing a rather poetic meditation on the flow of water as a metaphor for the flow of life/time. Traditionally, we follow the meditation with a musical meditation. Normally, it's classical music from a rather lectionary-like three year schedule the sound guy worked out. I prefer to pick something that fits my theme, and in this case I have two popular songs that I've long been fond of that fit the flow idea: 

A thought, and I hope enough play along to make it worthwhile. Valentine's Day is coming up in 3 weeks. How about we play, "choose the Official Wondercafe Valentine's Day Song"? Pick your 3 favorite love songs (irrespective of genre, if someone wants to list opera arias or cynical songs about broken hearts, go for it) and list them in rank order (ie. first, second, third). I'll keep track and the top-rated song will be named the WC Valentine Song. Advocating for your own songs is allowed, but, please, no dissing others' choices (or at least keep it to witty, light-hearted dissing).

Reach back into the foggy depths of your memory... remember those first groups... those first songs on the radio that you liked even though mom and dad didn't have the record... back to elementary school days...

Some of the first songs I remember liking of my own accord were:

Joan Jett "I love rock and roll",

Queen "Another one bites the dust"

Billy Squier "Emotions in Motion"

Payolas "Eyes of a Stranger"

Elvis "Jailhouse Rock"

Patrick Hernandez "Born to be Alive"

After a somewhat prolonged period without weekly music, I have agreed to help provide our church Sunday School with music.  Because of the prolonged music hiatus, they are something of a fresh page.  What do you consider essential hymns, songs and choruses the dear little sprouts should learn?

My sister-in-law posted this to her Facebook and I've been hearing about it in other places as well. So, I'll post it here to kick off (I hope) a thread of seasonal musical cheer. I give you ... drummer Sean Quigley with his rendition of The Little Drummer Boy.

I had this rather odd thought last night and wondered what you all would choose? I had the thought while listening to Stairway to Heaven, Led Zep. I really think it's a great song, and deserves to be at the top of the greatest songs of all time countdowns, which used to be a let down 'cause it was always so expected every new years'. But really, it is a piece that encapsulates varied and deep emotions and styles, and without giving it too much thought, I think I would choose that to share with folks in the 14th century, and give them a glimpse of the future.

Leonard Cohen said in October that he would have a new album in 2012. Now the record company has announced a date. There is a preview track up online.

http://wehavenofriends.ca/2011/11/listen-to-leonard-cohens-new-album-old-ideas.html

Thought I post it here since I know there are lot of Cohen fans around WC.

Mendalla

Hey folks, 

I don't remember ever noticing if we've done any threads on favourite music where, rather than naming it, we post a video (Youtube is a good source but there are others) so that others can get a good sense of what we appreciate. If you have words to say why, such as good composition, brilliant lyrics, it reminds me of my first lover, etc, then please offer it as you are comfortable. Otherwise, posting it will do. If you need help, we can walk you through the steps, either via wondermail or through instructions on the main thread.

I've recently been getting into some of the instrumental rock that's out there. People like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai (the former was a teacher of the latter). This is really good music. It takes the traditional riffs and techniques that you hear in the electric guitar solos in songs and spins them out into 5 or 6 minute instrumentals with a virtuosity that I'd normally associate with classical guitar.

I'll add videos from home tonight, but are there other fans of this kind of music on WC? Other suggestions to listen to?