The Utz Factor, New Year Edition

'My Dear Acquaintance' by Regina Spektor

I discovered Regina Spektor many years ago in high school. She's quirky, which appealed to me immediately. And she's great at putting social issues into verse. This isn't the traditional Auld Lang Syne that we hear every year around this time. This song is a just a little more thoughtful. It captures perfectly the hopes and fears we have as we look to the year ahead.



Happy New Year, everyone.

The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 5

'Remember' by Trans Siberian Orchestra

I'm not sure I can pick a favorite TSO Christmas song. They each have their own unique flair. But this one seems appropriate as the Christmas season draws to a close. This song is a perfect storm for me - steady beat, choirs, melody and counter-melody and harmony. I always listen and feel satisfied, like I've accomplished something.

It's a good feeling.






Not sure if I'll continue this series. Lord knows, I have enough songs to go years. We'll see what happens.

The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 4

'Stille Nacht' by Mannheim Steamroller

I like most of MS' stuff to be honest. But this song is just about the most peaceful thing I can think of. It's part of my playlist for Christmas Eve, playing as we read about the birth of Jesus in Luke, preferably by a fire with the flames and tree lights the only light going. The combination of strings and quiet vocals is incredibly calming. And then the ending comes, and it's just that right touch of different for me.

Beautiful.

The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 3

'Carol of the Bells' by EVERYONE EVER

This is probably my favorite Christmas song ever. I say probably because there are one or two that come pretty close and do occasionally usurp the position. But it's consistently in the top three. I like it because it sounds awesome whether you play it in a major or minor key. It's repetitive without being annoying, and you can find some amazing harmonies. I have about 15 versions of this song in iTunes. I don't think I have a favorite - everyone seems to find a fresh spin on it. I think I like it so much because it's so happy - Christmas is here! How awesome is that?!

(And take some time to check out Pentatonix - they have some really cool stuff!)

The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 2

'Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays' by *N Sync

I know. Believe me, I know. But this song was probably my first experience of a Christmas song that wasn't actually traditional. It's very happy and upbeat, and it has a decent message. And the harmony! Oh, the harmony!

So shush.

The Utz Factor, Christmas Edition, Part 1

'The Winter's End' by ??????

Obviously, there are about a million utzy songs at Christmas. Christmas oozes with utz. That's the whole point. But over the years, I've found a few Christmas-ish jingles that fall outside the norm but still warm the cockles of one's heart. Which is just weird.

Wouldn't you know, this first song would be a doozy to find a reference for. I'm only 85% certain it's actually called 'The Winter's End,' and I don't remember where I found it. I just know it's pretty and perfect for a snowy afternoon with tree lights twinkling softly.

Listen Music Files - Share Audio - 04 The Winter's End

The Utz Factor, Thanksgiving Edition

'Bonaparte's Retreat/Hoedown' by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason

YouTube doesn't have the exact version I wanted. So we're trying this. Hopefully it works. In honor of Thanksgiving, we're visiting my love of fiddles. This song is just happiness. You can't listen to it and not tap your foot.

Happy Thanksgiving!

http://www.divshare.com/download/24633441-53a

The Utz Factor, Part 7

'Some Nights' by fun.

I realize the majority of my utzy songs are slow and instrumental. This song is not. But I love it just as much as the rest. And not just because the music video is about the Civil War. This song has all the things I love most - strong male vocals, interesting harmonies, great lyrics and a driving beat. This song can get me amped up no matter what mood I'm in. And they actually manage to use auto-tune in a non-annoying manner!

The Utz Factor, Part 6

'Ljosio' by Olafur Arnalds

I heard this song by way of a fanfiction I was reading. See, I also write stories, and when I write, I use the utzy playlist to find inspiration for certain scenes. This song is for the scene just before the end - remember the past, understanding what it has taught us, and beginning to look toward the future. It's such a light tune, but the counter-melody weighs it down just enough. Also, I'm pretty sure the composer is Icelandic. How cool is that? (Get it?)

The Utz Factor, Part 5

'Still' - Black Hawk Down soundtrack

To this day, I'm not sure if I can explain why I like this movie so much. I can't actually watch it too often. I have a few movies like that. You love them, but it hurts too much to watch them sometimes. Movies like Saving Private Ryan, The Passion of the Christ and Glory. But I think I like this movie because it's one of the most realistic portrayals (in my opinion, and I realize that's not worth much considering I've never been in combat and am not a soldier) of a war zone. Once the shooting starts, everything happens in real time, and you're never quite sure what is going on. This song reminds me that sometimes, there are calm moments in a storm.

(The video cuts off about 7 seconds, not sure why.)

The Utz Factor, Part 4

'Valley of the Shadow' - Little Women soundtrack

This is my go-to cry movie. Who knew watching Claire Danes die would make me lose it every time? Seriously, though, this music captures the moment so perfectly. It's sad, but you also know it's what Beth wants so she can stop suffering. But she also knows she's leaving behind a lot of heartache.

I love what music can do to people.

The Utz Factor, Part 3

'Clair de Lune' by Claude Debussy

I love this song. Words cannot describe how much I love this song. The first time it really stuck (though probably not the first time I heard it) was in Ocean's Eleven. It has such a longing feel to it, like someone who has been incandescently happy once and is remembering how amazing it is and knows that even if they are happy now, it can't compare to that one moment. But that's okay, because they've had that moment, and not everyone will get a moment like that. I've posted a couple versions of the song below.

The Utz Factor, Part 2

I actually heard this song for the first time on CSI. It's always had a haunting quality to it, and the lyrics make you want to cry, but it has that driving beat that tells you to keep going.

So, without further ado, 'Running Up That Hill' by Placebo.

The Utz Factor, Part 1

A dear friend of mine has a blog, and on her blog, she has a segment called 'Sad Song Saturday.' I've hereby adopted this segment, with a few changes. I have a playlist in iTunes called 'Utzy,' and in this playlist are songs that make me feel just that extra bit of emotion. I'm going to share some of these songs with you. I may even explain what it is about them that causes the utz.

The first song is 'Parce Mihi Domine' performed by Jan Garbarek & The Hilliard Ensemble. I heard it for the first time on a TV show (a bad show, one you should not watch) and loved it. I love chants in general, and the sax layered onto it adds a real mournful quality.

Enjoy.