SONG OF THE WEEK

Today’s song of the week is by DEPECHE MODE.  The music of DEPECHE MODE has always been constant throughout my life.  From the first time I heard ‘People are People’ – I was hooked.  DEPECHE MODE are pioneers of Electronica Alternative.  I have countless favourites songs but the one song that stands out the most for me, would be – ‘Strangelove’ from the album Music For The Masses.  Music For The Masses was released in 1987 and includes the hits, Strangelove, Behind The Wheel and Never Let Me Down Again it also includes the amazing songs I Want You Now, Little 15 and Nothing.

Depeche Mode’s music catalogue is extensive from 1981’s Speak and Spell to most recently Sounds of the Universe and compilation album Remixes 2: 81-11 – I look forward to all future Depeche Mode releases with great anticipation and know that I will never be disappointed.  In the meantime, enjoy Strangelove – it stands the test of time and is completely relevant today.

STRANGELOVE – Depeche Mode

There’ll be times
When my crimes
Will seem almost unforgivable
I give in to sin
Because you have to make this life livable
But when you think I’ve had enough
From your sea of love
I’ll take more than another riverful
And I’ll make it all worthwhile
I’ll make your heart smile

Strangelove
Strange highs and strange lows
Strangelove
That’s how my love goes
Strangelove
Will you give it to me
Will you take the pain
I will give to you
Again and again
And will you return it

There’ll be days
When I stray
I may appear to be
Constantly out of reach
I give in to sin
Because I like to practice what I preach
I’m not trying to say
I’ll have it all my way
I’m always willing to learn
When you’ve got something to teach
And I’ll make it all worthwhile
I’ll make your heart smile

Pain will you return it
I’ll say it again – pain
Pain will you return it
I won’t say it again

I give in
Again and again
I give in
Will you give it to be
I give in
I’ll say it again
I give in

I give in
Again and again
I give in
That’s how my love goes
I give in
I’ll say it again
I give in

The videos:

For further Depeche Mode information, discography, tours, cps/dvds/singles etc visit:

www.depechemode.com

SONG OF THE WEEK

My song of the week is by a band I have been listening to for over 20 years.  They are ERASURE.  My first ever cd purchase was the cd entitled ‘The Innocents’ (prior to that I was buying vinyl and cassettes) which included the North American hits ‘Chains of Love’ and ‘A Little Respect’.  I look forward to anything they release and always with great anticipation.  I have all their full-length cd releases and countless cd singles/maxis/remixes. 

I Say I Say I Say – was released in late spring of 1994 and easily became my favourite Erasure album.  I love the album artwork – cartoon versions of Andy Bell and Vince Clark in what seems to be a fairy tale world.  The songs seemed to reflect the album artwork of escaping to a world of fantasy were only love exists.  I won tickets (including backstage passes to meet the band) from NOW magazine on their  ‘Tomorrow’s World’ tour – I brought a limited edition cd of this album which I had Andy Bell and Vince Clark sign.  I was in awe in meeting Erasure because their music has been such a huge part of my life.  The one song that really stands out is ‘Because You’re So Sweet’ – as I mentioned, this album came out just as met Jason (who I am now married to).   I become very emotional each time I hear this song – as the mood, lyrics and music of the song capture exactly how I feel about Jason.  This was ‘unofficially’ our wedding song and I always fantazied that when Jason and I did get married, I would somehow manage to have Erasure – Andy Bell and Vince Clark,  come out and perform the song live for us. 

Erasure has released some of the most brilliant pop/dance/electronic music of the 20th century – Classic albums such as; Wonderland, The Circus, The Innocents, Wild, Chorus, I Say I Say I Say, Erasure, Cowboy, Loveboat, Other People’s Songs, Nightbird, Union Street, Light At The End of the World and their latest – Tomorrow’s World.   Their singles/hits are to numerous to mention but I absolutely love the songs – My Heart So Blue, Cry So Easy, The Circus, Spiralling, A Little Respect, Heart of Stone, You Surround Me, Piano Song, 2,000 Miles, Love To Hate You, Siren Song, Perfect Stranger, Because You’re So Sweet, Blues Away, Take Me Back, Rock Me Gently, Sono Luminous, Fingers and Thumbs (Cold Summer’s Day), Worlds On Fire, Save Me Darling, Where In The World, Alien, Catch 22, No Doubt, Breathe, Sweet Surrender, I Could Fall In Love With You, Be With You, Fill Us With Fire, A Whole Lotta Love Run Riot (whew) – those are just some of my favorites (not to mention all of the hits).

BECAUSE YOU’RE SO SWEET

Because you’re so sweet
You lift my heart and I fall back again
But I don’t know quite which way to turn

The light in your eyes
Touches the sky and I’m your man again
And you hold me as close as close can be

And many’s the time
That you’ve enchanted me
Now I want you back
Here in my lovin’ arms for eternity

Your look and you smile
Warm me inside ’cause you’re so good to me
A beauty filled with the joys of spring

No love is too pure
To give to the world in her naivety
Or too tender to caress with a simple kiss

And many’s the time
That you’ve enchanted me
Now I want you back
Here in my lovin’ arms for eternity

And many’s the time
That you’ve enchanted me
I want you back
Back in my lovin’ arms for eternity

To my wonderful and beautiful Jason!

For information about Erasure releases, tours, news etc – please visit http://www.erasureinfo.com/

SOME OF MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE PHOTOS

How many times have we said:  “I wish I had that on video or in a photo”?  I know that I have personally made a statement like that many times throughout my life.  My blog today is a photo blog of photo memories that bring me joy, happiness and laughter each time I look at them or remember the actual moments.  Enjoy!

1.  Freddy – this was our (Jason – my spouse and I ) first pet.  This picture is special to me because it captures all the love for life that Freddy had.  He loved being outdoors and loved sharing that time with Jason and I.  Freddy passed on in November of 2010.

2.  Cedars Campground – The first trip there.  On our first trip to Cedars Campground in Ontario Canada (over 10 years ago) we set up our tent and met with 2 guys who had a trailer across from our site.  We became fast friends and they played a practical joke on us while we went into town for some supplies.  Upon our return we found women’s panties, panty hose, wigs, dresses and other items scurried around our campsite and in our tent!!!  It was a very funny moment we will never forget especially when the practical joke came from 2 guys we hardly knew – We loved them and are grateful for the memories and great times we shared together!

3.  Relaxing at my favourite Ontario beach – Sandbanks.  Moments that I treasure most are spending time with nature – I feel connected with the universe when I spend time with nature.  I am in awe of the beauty our world and environment has to offer.  I am so grateful for moments such as these in the picture below.

4.  Fashion Cares Toronto 2004.  Being able to connect with one of my favourite singers (the amazing Kristine W) was an amazing memory for me, and to share this moment with my spouse Jason and good friend Lestat – was icing on the cake.

5.  My mother. I find this picture wonderful and magical because it captures my mother’s warmth on such a chilly winter’s day.

6.  Jason kayaking on Georgian Bay, Ontario Canada.  This picture captured the joy and happiness Jason had kayaking on the shores of Georgian Bay.  The weather was beautiful and hot, the water crystal clear and the day was filled with joy and laughter.  A memory of happiness I will always hang on to.

7.  On the way to Sandbanks Provincial Park – Jason and I stopped in Bloomfield to grab a bite to eat.  While I was in the cafe – Jason discovered that a local woman was having a garage sale.  He immediately fell in love with the original art print in the picture below, so we purchased it.  The artist a local woman from Bloomfield indicated that she wanted to sell many of her items as she was joining her daughter in Indonesia.  The last time the woman was Indonesia was when she was pregnant with the daughter she was going to meet – who was now pregnant with her own child.  The painting now hangs in my house and every time I come down the stairs I look at the picture and remember this trip, the artists story and how we were all connected through her art.

8.  Meeting Andy Bell and Vince Clark of ERASURE!  It was brief but I got to ask a few questions and talk to one of my favourite electronic bands ever!  I put my intention into the universe that I wanted to see them during their 2011 tour.  A few days later – I saw a contest in a gay and lesbian newspaper to enter to win a meet and greet.  The universe responded and I won tickets to the show and the chance to meet with Andy Bell and Vince Clark!  It was awesome and I got to share the moment with the most important person in my life – my husband Jason.

9.  Montreal trips…..I love the energy of Montreal.  We visit a few times a year and are always pleasantly surprised how we enjoy it more and more every time we go.  Some great vegetarian restaurants and so many wonderful, happy memories!

10.  Finally getting married after almost 15 years together!!!

Maybe we should all take a photo trip down memory lane and reconnect with friends and family.  Share the laughter and joy of days gone and start creating new, wonderful and happy memories.  The time we have is short – make the best of it and spread love, joy and laughter by sharing old memories and creating new ones!

What personal photos have you taken that invoke positive energy, love, laughter and joy?

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