Sing Out, Louise! (Updated Throughout the Day)

that's the title of my most recent 597 song playlist on Baby Blue. it's all (or most of) the songs i have on him that are Sing-Along worthy. yup i'm that guy you see flying down the New Jersey Turnpike belting at the top of my voice, mouth wide open, looking like an American Idol reject. Every song has a story and a special meaning to me, so instead of a "real" post (i'm still a little out of it from yesterday), i'm just going to give you a random sampling of the playlist, with my thoughts...

Paper Moon (Natalie Cole): this song always reminds me of that scene in Funny Lady where Barbra meets James Caan at the 1st rehearsal of his revue. my mom had Natalie's Unforgetable album on cassette when i was in grammar school; it's where i really learned to appreciate standards and vocal jazz.

Let Me Entertain You (Carol Burnett): did you know Carol Burnett sings? me neither! i found a cd at the library called Carol Burnett Sings! it's phenomonal, packed with old showtunes and Carol's big brassy belting! this song is worth listening to, 'cause at the end she starts to ad lib and uses the expression wingding. can you stand it?!

Another Hundred People (Company: Original Broadway Cast): god, i love Sondheim. this song always reminds me of my friend Kevin whom i've not seen in forever...

Wannabe (the Spice Girls): c'mon you know that you know the words. which Spice Girl are you?

Jealousy (Liz Phair): she really is the Parker Posey of pop music. what a brilliant lyricist and musician ("Imagine me behind your eyes/what did i see/ i saw hips i saw thighs/ i saw secret positions that we never tried/ i saw jealousy/ i can't believe you had a life before me/ i can't believe they let you run around free/ just pointing your body wherever it seemed/ like a good idea").

Faith (George Michael): i actually won this album on vinyl from a radio station (along with a Swatch), when i was in grammar school! do you remember the SNL skit they did with Dana Carvey as George Michael on Weekend Update? i still chuckle about that...

One Song Glory (Rent: Original Broadway Cast): 1st time i heard the OCR for Rent i was at MS's house on New Years Day, 100 years ago (i think we were both in college). she totally got me into this show and took me to see it shortly thereafter.

I Know Thing Now (Into the Woods: Original Broadway Cast): yup...love that Sondheim! another show i've been listening to forever; ever since i saw it on PBS with Bernadette Peters as the witch.

24 Hours From Tulsa (Dusty Springfield): this song is so John! it's all about the background singers in the last 3 seconds. of course it's also all about the lyrics and Dusty's plaintive singing...but it's mostly about the bacground singers "oooh"-ing.

Defying Gravity (Wicked: Original Broadway Cast): 1st saw this at Musical Mondays at Splash; totally gave me chills. i couldn't believe that Elphie was Maureen from Rent. i've read the book a few times; the whole show blows me away.

Tonight I Say a Prayer (Eydie Gorme): i really have an affinity for big belters. this chick has pipes like a church organ!

Love For Sale (Ella Fitzgerald): her voice is like warm caramel, and i've always been a big fan of Cole Porter. this is 7 minutes of fabulousness that doesn't involve a house beat.

If You Don't See What You Want Up Here (the Four Divas): i have no idea who they are, but they're fabulous. this track is from the 40's and is a live recording from a club. it's big and brassy and i love it!

It's No Secret Anymore (Linda Eder): nobody sings a song like Linda. these lyrics are so homosexually ambiguous that i can't wait for some big queen to cover it !

Venus (Bananarama): yeah, i own the soundtrack to Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, what of it?

Heal the Pain (George Michael): this song always reminds me of my 1st boyfriend (back in college). the most vivid memory was sitting in front of his picture window looking at the snow fall with the Verazano(sp?) bridge in the distance. it's really a great song.

Come Te Gusta Mi Pinga (Steven Hayes): Trick was the 1st gay movie i ever say (that wasn't porno) and this song is so much fun to sing!

I Who Have Nothing (Tom Jones): is it any wonder that he's called The Voice. he's so passionate and emotional that you can almost hear his heart breaking.

Don't Rain on My Parade (Funny Girl: Motion Picture Soundtrack): another Musical Monday's favorite! they'd play the clip and all the fags in the bar would start screaming as she ran to catch the steamboat!

Someone Watching Over Me (Kristine W): you knew'd she was on the list! this song is so UP! it's kinda gosple-y and kinda love song-y.

And I'm Telling You i'm Not Going (Jennifer Hudson): it's a shame i'm at work, 'cause i'd really like to get up right now and get my Effie on.

What Is This Thing Called Love? (Keely Smith): the former Mrs Louis Prima really turns it out on this, the 1st song i ever heard her sign solo. it prompted me to find all the solo stuff i could on CD.

Fever (Michael Buble): this is the best cover of this song i've ever heard. Mikey has such a passionate voice, he gives me chills.