You can’t go more than two posts on social media these days without coming across the various challenges that people have resorted to in order to fill the self-isolating circumstances we currently find ourselves in. People who know me will agree that I’m a sucker for these sorts of things at the best of times, and I’ve undoubtedly been all over various daily challenges across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
The 30-Day Song Challenge was a no-brainer; name 30 songs that match 30 statements. Simple, and there happened to be 30 days in April…why not?
Well, I thought I’d do a run down of the songs that I shared with, and undoubtedly annoyed, my friends with over the whole of April. I’ve offered a few extra details on my choices here and included the videos of some of the songs.
Day 1: A song you like with a colour in the title – Regina Spektor: Blue Lips
A fantastic song that I first saw performed on Later With Jools Holland with just a piano and small strings accompaniment. There used to be video on YouTube that is no longer available, but you should look up some live versions of this song.
Day 2: A song you like with the number in the title – Arcade Fire: Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out)
Not my favourite song from an amazing album, Funeral, but it builds to a brilliant, rousing finale.
Day 3: A song that reminds you of summertime – Jess Glynne: Hold My Hand
I don’t like particularly like Jess Glynne’s music but anyone who has flown with Jet 2 in recent years will have this song seared into your brain. On one holiday to Salou a couple of years ago I heard this song intro (the best part) about 8 times!! The accompanying advert where a young child carries the detached arm of her mother around on holiday is truly a work of horror that goes well with the song…oh, and makes me think of summer!
Day 4: A song that reminds you of someone you’d rather forget – The Verve: Bittersweet Symphony
You could say that the famous video of a rude Richard Ashcroft knocking people down as he walks down the street fits the statement for Day 4, but this song actually reminds me of a guy I knew from university (who shall remain nameless) who I would rather forget…he loved this song and now I don’t!
Day 5: A song that needs to be played loud – Foo Fighters: All My Life
All Foo Fighters songs need to be played loud!
Day 6: A song that makes you want to dance – Queen: Don’t Stop Me Now
I have a friend and this is OUR song. We don’t dance like this but maybe we should…
Day 7: A song to drive to – Modest Mouse: Dashboard
Johnny Marr’s little riffs are a little cherry on the top of this great song.
Day 8: A song about drugs or alcohol – Queens Of The Stoneage: Feel Good Hit Of The Summer
“Nicotine, valium, vicodin, marijuana, ecstasy and alcohol”…I don’t partake in any of those shenanigans, but you all knock yourself out.
Day 9: A song that makes you happy – Ben Folds Five: Do It Anyway
Down in Fraggle Rock!
Day 10: A song that makes you sad – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Into My Arms
A truly beautiful song that floors me every time I hear it…
Day 11: A song you never get tired of – Pet Shop Boys: It’s A Sin
It was a close tie between this 80’s smash or another 80s mega-hit, Take On Me by A-Ha…I do like the 80s. I went for the Pet Shop Boys this time…could be the other way round next time.
Day 12: A song from your preteen years – 2 Unlimited: No Limit
I still like it…
Day 13: A song you like from the 70s – Blondie: Atomic
Alright pedants…song was recorded in the 70s but released in the 80s. It still counts.
Day 14: A song you’d love to be played at your wedding – Queens Of The Stoneage: Make It Wit Chu
A cool, chilled first dance to this…it could work.
Day 15: A song you like that’s a cover by another artist – Kim Wilde: You Keep Me Hangin’ On
An 80s (of course) cover of a 60s song by The Supremes. Throw in a cliched 80s video with wind and overly dramatic symbolism…it’s a hit!
Day 16: A song that’s a classic favourite – Stevie Wonder: Superstition
Just a classic…no need to say more.
Day 17: A song you’d sing a duet with someone on karaoke – Meat Loaf: Dead Ringer For Love
Day 18: A song from the year you were born – David Bowie & Queen: Under Pressure
1981 – it could have been Adam and the Ants ‘Prince Charming’, the song that was No. 1 on the day I was born, but I went for the classic duet.
Day 19: A song that makes you think about life – Spooks: Things I’ve Seen
An unusual choice for a song that makes you think about life, but for me it’s a song that’s synonymous with the day that changed the world – the September 11 attacks. Mark Radcliffe commented that the lyrics of the chorus really captured the impact of that day – “You won’t believe the things I’ve seen; Far beyond your wildest dreams; I’ve seen chaos and order reign supreme; I’ve seen the beauty of the universe so peaceful and serene; In seconds turn to violence and screams” The song has stayed with me to that and probably applies more than ever in the crazy world we live in today.
Day 20: A song that has many meanings to you – The Shins: Simple Song
Day 21: A song with a persons name in the title – Weezer: Buddy Holly
Day 22: A song that moves you forward – Plug In Baby: Muse
Day 23: A song you think everybody should listen to – Battles: Atlas
Day 24: A song by a brand you wish were still together – Moloko: The Time Is Now
Day 25: A song you like by an artist no longer living – Prince: Gold
Day 26: A song that makes you want to fall in love – Bright Eyes: First Day Of My Life
Day 27: A song that breaks your heart – Keane: A Bad Dream
Day 28: A song by an artist whose voice you love – Audioslave: Like A Stone
Day 29: A song you remember from your childhood – Stan Bush: Dare
Day 30: A song that reminds you of yourself – Pulp: Disco 2000