It’s been so busy around here the days are starting to blur together, so it comes as no surprise that Monday arrived too quickly for my preference. We might as well embrace Monday with some music, right?
It’s a freebie week, so let’s get right to it, starting with a great song by a country newcomer who throws an impromptu bash reminiscent of his teen years. You know it’s a good party when the cops show up and do keg stands.
The artist grew up in a small town where they’d go to the next town and just hang out in the convenience store parking lot. As boring as it sounds, they found ways to entertain themselves, obviously.
This cute dude is just 21 years old! Give a listen to Joel Crouse with “If You Want Some”:
Next up is another young-ish artist whose dad happens to be Rhett Akins, so it’s no surprise he was born into talent. He began writing songs in high school where he and some friends started a band.
While still in college, he signed his first publishing deal with EMI and shortly thereafter landed his first cut on Jason Aldean‘s platinum album, “My Kinda Party” with his song “I Ain’t Ready To Quit”. Just a year later he signed his very first record deal with Big Machine Label Group.
This song has been called ‘the safest’ of the three singles he released, but he sacrifices nothing in sharp songwriting in his effort to land a hit on country radio. He’s a natural storyteller, so his lyrics bounce to life with each verse and chorus.
His rookie status thwarted his previous two singles, so in this case third time really will be the charm, since it’s more of a straightforward song, a simple love song from a guitar man to a beautiful woman. The infectious chorus will easily get stuck in your head, trust me on that.
Here’s Thomas Rhett with “It Goes Like This”:
Next up is an artist who’s been around for a while, and whose latest single you’ll want to thank Madonna for, since this particular artist found inspiration for this song from Madonna’s 2001 pop song, “Don’t Tell Me”. The staccato acoustic-guitar part in the song this artist thought was very cool, which is the basis of the inspiration.
Here’s Keith Urban with “Little Bit of Everything”:
Next is another artist who is new on the scene for performing, but not new on the scene for writing songs. A common theme on this artist’s latest album is small town living. But no song addresses the topic better than this particular song.
It’s a play on words, and looks at the many different meanings of the phrase “blowing smoke” whether it’s having a cigarette or, as the country singer herself so nicely put it, “talking s***.” The song paints a picture of a dead end life of one small town girl, with the lyrics “Brenda’s traded smokes for cake / Still hadn’t lost that baby weight / And that baby’s about to graduate / From college…”
The artist wanted the song to be gritty and real, but also loved the idea of it being really colorful, kind of like Pulp Fiction. There is a thread of “How did I get here?” humor woven through the entire video, which keeps it from morphing into a Debbie Downer clip that leaves you bummed out when it ends.
Here’s the gorgeous Kacey Musgraves with “Blowin’ Smoke”:
Last but not least is a talented actress whose phenomenal skills playing this next song I’ve shared before. I was tickled to see that they recently did an official music video of her singing the whole song! The music video itself was shot very recently – the third week of March 2013 and directed by the director of the movie it was originally in.
The song itself is a cover of Lulu and the Lampshades‘ song “Cups (You’re Gonna Miss Me)”, a rendition of a 1937 old-time folk song “Miss Me When I’m Gone” by J. E. Mainer’s Mountaineers. It will also serve as the official song of the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Here’s Anna Kendrik with “Cups” (Pitch Perfect’s “When I’m Gone”) (Director’s Cut):
I really need to learn how to do the cups moves. 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 for the month of May, our Honorary Co-Conductor, Becca at Everyday Life.
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 – she’s even more adorable than I imagined):
Keith Urban has such a gorgeous smile.
The weeks do fly by! Oh, I loved Blowin Smoke that is a good one and all that coordination with those cups, I could never do it 🙂
Have a great week, you know it will be a blur lol
Lucy would like you to read ..Good To Be Alive
I haven’t seen any before so that was fun! The first boy looks like my nephew. I’m forwarding him the link. 🙂
Rosey would like you to read ..Our Visit to Willis Tower
All of your songs were cool today, Hon. I think my fave from today was the Joel Crouse song.
Danielle Royalegacy would like you to read ..Marvelous Music Monday 4Ms Music Hope – Emerson Lake and Palmer – June 24, 2013
I bet you are really gearing up for the move.
Michele would like you to read ..My bucket list is not lofty
All these young cute country boys with guitars and great voices!! Great way to start a Monday! haha
and of course, Keith Urban.
Really really liked Anna’s video and so so glad to see that girl can actually sing.
Rorybore would like you to read ..Monday Music Moving Me: Sorta
Thanks for some new Country voices. I like them! I have a new Country band today , too. I hope you have the best of weeks!
Amethyst Moon would like you to read ..Music Monday, Fun Pop, Weird Miley, and New Country
Oh my..all these young country cuties but you got me with Keith Urban. I’ve been declaring this is my new official song.(at least right now). Good choices. I hope the hustle settles down for ya…enjoy your week.
Lynn would like you to read ..Another Monday Music Moves Me
21 years old and with such a strong voice!
You always know how to find these adorable singers Stacy!
Thanks for sharing. I sure do enjoyed these.
Have a fun week!
Colette S would like you to read ..Gotta Move With VBS – Awesome #Music And Praise With Kids – Day 1
Fun songs! Thanks for the new music. 🙂
Camille would like you to read ..Monday No Rules Blog Hop #46
You always have such cool songs. All new to me, but I enjoyed everyone while I was paying bills YUKKKKK Now your cups song to cool. Love that & of course it frustrates the hell outta me! hahahahaha and ol’ Keith I’m really startin’ to like the ol’ boy! hehehe YOUR ROCKIN’ AS USUAL my friend! Have a great day!
I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ll ever warm up to country music. My son loves it, but not me.
Joyce would like you to read ..Musical Monday: Don’t You Want Me
why are those country boys always so good looking? Mind you, I’m not complaining! Hope you and the family have a wonderful week
artsnark would like you to read ..Mellow Musical Monday – feeling sleepy
A cool selection! My faves are It Goes Like This and Cups (When I’m gone) … Is she the actress in Twilight?
Hazel would like you to read ..We are the world
I’m back in the saddle again dancing together with all of my ole friends! I couldn’t resist being a wee bit silly this morning. 🙂
Love all of your freebie tunes this week and “When I’m Gone” is really cool done with cups & it’s a fun watch. Thanks for putting the boogie spirit in me today, my dear friend!
Ha I rememver the cup song from pitch perfect! Great picks! I loved country when I was younger, then it took a turn I didnt like, now it’s getting good again and I find myself listening to it more often! Hope you’re having a great summer! 🙂
I always get an education with you.
I have to say though, I am sick of that last song. I have heard everyone’s version of it. lol
Naila Moon would like you to read ..Tuesdays Topics….I Love Link Ups Part 1