TAKE ME TO CHURCH

I am a big fan of music in its various formats and genres; some pop, rock, alternative, country, reggae, dance, house and electronica.  Some of my favourite artists come from the house music/electronica genre like; Depeche Mode, Erasure, Kristine W, Ultra Nate, Madonna, The Human League, OMD, Billie Ray Martin, Massive Attack and Tricky – just to name a few. 

The artists I named above have been instrumental in providing the ‘soundtrack to my life’ some more than others but one artist that has been consisted in providing music that has deeply resonated with me and the events of my life has been Sinead O’Connor.  Ever since I heard her captivating voice as it softly sang the first verse of her underground alternative hit “Troy” form the ground-breaking album The Lion and the Cobra:

“I’ll remember it
And Dublin in a rainstorm
And sitting in the long grass in summer
Keeping warm
I’ll remember it
Every restless night
We were so young then
We thought that everything
We could possibly do was right
Then we moved”

I was hooked right from the beginning – her voice was soft gentle and passionate at the start of the song but strong, defiant by the end.  Since then, Sinead O’Connor has released albums that transcend all music genres from pop to reggae and topics ranging from love, religion and spirituality. 

Due to Sinead’s outspoken nature and personal issues stemming from a troubled home-life and abuse endured by the hands of her mother, Sinead’s music career went from over-night success via her Prince-penned hit single, “Nothing Compares 2 U”, to becoming ostracized for making a very courageous statement about the Catholic church and their sexual abuse scandals.  

Sinead’s latest effort is entitled;  I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss.  Her latest single, “Take Me To Church” is a rebirth of sorts.  Sinead sings about not having regrets in being the woman she used to be and living authentically as  the woman she is today.   Here are the lyrics, followed by the video:

TAKE ME TO CHURCH

I don’t wanna love the way I loved before,
I don’t wanna love that way no more
What if I’ve been right and lost some storm?
I don’t want to write them anymore
I don’t wanna sing them the way I sang before
I don’t wanna sing that way no more,
What if I’ve been singing love songs before?
I don’t wanna sing them anymore,
I don’t wanna be that girl no more
I don’t wanna cry no more
I don’t wanna die no more
So get me down from this old tree,
Cut the rope and all from me
Sat me on the floor,
I’m the only one I should adore!

Take me to the church,
I’ve done so many bad things that hurts
Take me to the church,
but not the ones that hurt
‘Cause that ain’t the truth
And that’s not what it’s worth
Yeah, take me to church
Yeah, take me to church
I’ve done so many bad things that hurts
Yeah, get me to church,
but not the ones that hurt
‘Cause that ain’t the truth
And that’s not what it’s worth

I’m gonna say souls of love and unforgiven ??
Sons of living, sons of calling in the night
It’s time to rise above the light
And love the only one you shouldn’t bite
??
So get me down from this old tree,
Cut the rope and all from me
Sat me on the floor,
I’m the only one I should adore!

Take me to the church,
I’ve done so many bad things that hurts
Yeah take me to the church,
but not the ones that hurt
‘Cause that ain’t the truth
And that’s not what it’s worth
Yeah, take me to church
Yeah, take me to church
I’ve done so many bad things that hurts
Yeah, get me to church,
but not the ones that hurt
‘Cause that ain’t the truth
And that’s not what it’s worth

(O’Connor/Reynolds/Kearns)

Many critics are saying that Sinead is back in top form and that the album is a great ‘come-back’.  For me, it isn’t a come-back album because I have enjoyed much of her under-rated work such as the amazing works of Universal Mother, Gospel Oak EP, the glorious Faith and Courage and the fantastic How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?  If you haven’t been honoured in listening to any of her music after her so-called ‘break-down’, I would recommend opening your mind and your heart and taking the musical and emotional journey of what Sinead’s music and lyrics can provide you.

For more Sinead’s discography, tour and other information, please visit her official website at:  www.sineadoconnor.com or like her Facebook page.  You can purchase Sinead on the iTunes store via:   http://www.apple.com/itunes

I am grateful for her music and wish her much peace, love and health because that is all her music has given me. 

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

ALWAYS BE YOUNG AT HEART

How many times have you heard the following statements about television personalities, athletes, celebrities, pop stars and even people you know:

“He/She is told old to be wearing that.”

“He/She should not be behaving like that – it isn’t age appropriate.”

“Why do old people think they can do that?”

“Eww, old people shouldn’t be having sex.”

“If you reach the age of retirement, you should stop working to let the younger generation become employed.”

“Old people are too fragile to engage in that kind of physical activity.”

I hope that I am never faced with any of the above.  I have been guilty of saying “what you are wearing is too young for you” to my husband Jason and I cringe when I think about it.  If you feel great about wearing something and it makes you feel good, what does it matter what others think?  Should you not be empowered to wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable, sexy, confident and make you feel good?  Whenever we judge others in what they wear, say or do – says much about yourself.  You are saying these things because they make YOU feel uncomfortable.  You may also be saying these things because society frowns against what isn’t considered to be ‘normal’.  But what is normal?  I would rather be thought of as original and eccentric than conform to what everyone else deems ‘normal’.

Many people feel that once you reach a certain age that you should act a certain way.  True ageism (as well as sexism) rears its ugly head in Hollywood and the music industry, especially as it relates to sexuality/gender.  Money (and sex) is what motivates Hollywood and the music business.  Who wants to hire an actress over 50 in a leading role (unless you are master of your craft such as;  Meryl Streep) when you can hire sexy actresses that will sell movie tickets?  Today – it’s Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lawrence, Kirsten Stewart, Emma Watson, Amy Adams and Jennifer Anniston.  Actor’s don’t have this issue – Robert DeNiro, Robin Williams, George Clooney, Anthony Hopkins, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, and Morgan Freeman are all still headlining movies.

Ageism/Sexism seems to be much worse in music – especially if you are a women.  Case in point – Madonna.  She looks radiant and is in great shape but because she is over 50, many people believe that she shouldn’t be doing what she is doing or wear the clothing that she wears.  Do you hear people saying this about Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, Jon Bon Jovi, Bono, Paul McCartney or Prince?  There is a double standard when it comes to being sexual for a female and a male.  When Madonna (or any other female pop star) grinds on stage with a younger male – she is a slut, a whore and a tramp but when a guy does the same thing, he’s a stud and cool.

I am glad that my thoughts on this issue have grown to be more opened to peoples individuality.  I am glad that there are people out there that don’t care what others think about in terms of their fashion sense and being young at heart.  Ultimately – if we are happy and enjoying doing what we are doing, the judgements of others should never deter us from staying happy.

Here is a great documentary on the subject of ageism – it is profound, inspiring, touching and motivating!  ENJOY!

A LESSON TO NOT BELIEVE GOSSIP YOU HEAR ABOUT CELEBRITIES

Sinead O’Connor is – in my opinion – one of the most brilliant vocal talents in my lifetime.  Her debut album The Lion and the Cobra, released in 1987,  was a masterpiece and critically acclaimed.  Sinead became a household name after releasing a cover version of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1990.  Known to be direct, honest and out-spoken, Sinead was adamant about sharing the truth about the scandals of the Catholic church and the sexual abuse many suffered at their hands.  On October 3, 1992 she appeared on Saturday Night Live in which she performed a capella version of Bob Marley’s “War”.  During the performance, she held a photo of Pope John Paul II and tore it up and said “fight the real enemy” and threw the pieces into the camera.  Sinead was brave enough to ‘out’ the Catholic church and one would think this would create dialogue to address the issues of pedophilia in the church.  Instead, their was a huge backlash – Catholics around the world came together to destroy her cds and ‘pop radio’ turned their backs on her music.  Interestingly enough – this scandal would rock the foundations of the Catholic church almost a decade later.

Society automatically ostracized Sinead for making a statement without fear, why?  Was it because she was criticizing a religious institution?  Was it because she was a very opinionated women and had conviction in her beliefs?  Whatever the reason, it was evident that Sinead’s claims were correct and yet, she never lost faith in the holy spirit.

Sinead hasn’t disappeared – she has been quite busy since the huge commercial success of I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got (1990).  Since then, she has released the standards cover album Am I Not Your Girl (1992),  the alternative rock album Universal Mother (1994), the fantastically under-rated and spiritual journey that is Faith and Courage (2000), the eclectic Sean-Nos Nua (2002) – which is a collection of traditional Irish songs, the reggae covers album Throw Down Your Arms (2005), the inspiring Theology (2007) and her current masterpiece How About I Be Me (And You Be You) (2012) (which is one of my favorite albums of 2012).

Here is a recent interview were Sinead talks about her personal life, religion, the SNL incident and her altercation with Prince – Skavlan 2013.  The interview is very candid, honest and very enlightening for those who haven’t followed Sinead since her isolation from top 40 radio.  Sinead is truly one of the most inspiring artists of my generation and her music has been pivotal in getting me through some really rough moments in my life.  I am very grateful that the universe has given us such a great gift.

For more information – touring, discography, blog etc., please visit Sinead’s official website at: http://www.sineadoconnor.com/ You can purchase all Sinead O’Connors music via iTunes. 

Together, we can make the world a more positive one.

SONG OF THE WEEK

My song of the week comes from an artist who had one of the biggest hits of 1990 – Although she was already well received on college/alternative radio formats in North America, Sinead O’Connor did not become a household name until she released a remake of Prince’s song – “Nothing Compares 2 U” from the critically acclaimed album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.  Sinead has released several brilliant albums since her 1987 debut The Lion and The Cobra like;  Am I Not Your Girl? – which reinterprets some pop/jazz standards, Universal Mother – which includes some soft lullaby’s, emotional ballads and non-apologetic alternative tracks, Faith and Courage – reggae influenced and somewhat of a spiritual journey (my personal favourite) to the current and very much, under-rated – How About I Be Me (And You Be You)? (One of my personal favorite albums of 2012).  

The song “Lay Your Head Down”, written by Brian Byrne and Glenn Close Glenn for the soundtrack of the film Albert Nobbs and performed by O’Connor, was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Despite the controversy that surrounded Sinead’s career – we can’t deny her vocal talents and her ability to allow us to feel the emotion that she emphasizes in her songs.  My pick for ‘song of the week’ this week is song was originally released from the Original Soundtrack to the movie Water Horse released in 2007.  A slightly modified version is included in How About I Be Me (And You Be You)? The song is called “Back Where You Belong” – The audio video from the Original Movie Soundtrack Water Horse along with a list of Sinead’s full-length studio albums (not including compilations) – follows the lyrics.

BACK WHERE YOU BELONG

 

Oh it’s hard to
be a boy
when
all the men have
lost their joy
and they can’t find the ones they left behind .Harder still to think
of being a man
in this world of
no lessons or love ,
it’s only war that men be thinking of .

Should you stay
or should you come down with me ?
Is that the question
you are asking of me ?
And do you think that you can
take the answer ?
As it turns ,
you have to wear life well .

Come down with me ,
come down
when you need me
but for now I want you
to be happy .

Sometimes life does
things to you
that will hurt you
and confuse you ,
but when you’re left behind
you’re sure to find .

I am with you though I can’t
come with you .
I am in you and I’m
always part of you ,
and all you ever have to do
to bring me to you
is …

Come down with me ,
come down
when you need me ,
but for now I want you
to be happy .

So you must go back home ,
that’s where you belong.
You must go back home .

You must go back home ,
that’s where you belong .

You must go back home ,
and I can’t come along …

• 1987: The Lion and the Cobra
• 1990: I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got
• 1992: Am I Not Your Girl?
• 1994: Universal Mother
• 2000: Faith and Courage
• 2002: Sean-Nós Nua
• 2005: Throw Down Your Arms
• 2007: Theology
• 2012: How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?

For more information about Sinead O’Connor – complete discography, tour dates, biography, etc – please visit her official website:  http://www.sineadoconnor.com/  You can purchase the current version of “Back Where You Belong” and the 2007 version on iTunes.  All Sinead’s singles, albums and remixes are also available on iTunes.

Together we can make the world a more positive one.