Still basement dwellers, still have internet connectivity (and overheating computer) issues, blah blah blah, yada yada yada – wash, rinse, repeat.  I really hate not being able to make visits like I’d like to – but I keep limping along and reminding myself that this too shall pass.

Thank goodness for Monday.  Yes, I said it – why, you ask?  Because it’s time for music.  And music is good for the soul.

This weeks theme was chosen by one of our Spotlight Dancers, Gillian of A Daft Scots Lass who suggested we find music with ‘pink’ in the title in honor of last month’s Cancer Awareness Month – we’ll keep that awareness going, shall we?

First up is a song that was recorded back in 1983 (the 80’s sure produced some great music), but it didn’t appear on any album until 1998, aside from being the ‘B-Side’ of a popular single by this artist in 1994. 

This song was done in subsequent years by several artists, including Natalie Cole who was reluctant to do the song, thinking she was ‘too old’ for the content of it, but her producer was insistent so she did – which returned her to the Top Ten in 1988 for the first time since 1978.

Without further ado, here’s Bruce Springsteen with “Pink Cadillac”:

Next up is an artist who hails from a rural town, and often writes songs about the American experience.  His songs are sometimes misinterpreted as patriotic anthems, but when you listen more closely to the lyrics, you find that they deal with the challenges of living in America, as well as the triumphs. 

He’s expressed his love for his country, but has also criticized the US government for going to war in Iraq, developing a dependency on foreign oil, and not doing more to support the working class.

The artist performed an 8-minute version of this with Kid Rock at the 2001 “Concert For New York,” a benefit for victims of the World Trade Center attacks.  The album this song is from is the first album where this artist used his real name. 

His manager had named him ‘Johnny Cougar’ when he first started out – for this particular song, he used John Cougar Mellancamp, and in 1990 recorded simply as ‘John Mellencamp’.

Here’s John Mellencamp with “Pink Houses”:

Next up is a British singer/song writer, from the album she produced with Happy Perez after they locked themselves in the studio for a week just making music constantly (and no, that’s not a metaphor).  The video includes home footage of the artist, including shots of her with the late Amy Winehouse. 

Their boyfriends were friends back in the day, and they bonded over a bottle of Jack Daniels in a London park – this artist said that Amy Winehouse was an inspiration to many people, including herself.

Give a listen to Neon Hitch with “Pink Fields”:

Last but not least is an artist who’s always been a favorite of mine.  This particular song was a smash hit, particularly amongst girl guitar students because of the title. 

The song tells the story of a girl musician eager to make it to the top with her pink guitar – and her black Johnny-Cash-like getup.

Here’s the always amazing Reba McEntire with “Pink Guitar”:

That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday!

Now on to the particulars of Monday’s Music Move’s Me:

I have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohorts, Callie from JAmericanSpice, Cathy from Cathy Kennedy’s Blog, and Naila Moon at Just the Stuff Ya Know.

Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it and link up – don’t forget to grab Xmas Dolly…er, um, I mean her button…over at her place here. Check out Xmas Dolly’s sidebar for the random themes we sport each week – and you can always ask for a specific theme of music you like, too. Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!

The awesome Run DMT also hosts Music Monday (who graciously helps out with our hostessing every time we need it, and who I had the privilege of meeting in person at BlogHer ’12 – she’s even more adorable than I imagined):