Songs That Changed My Life

A fellow blogger friend of mine recently did a post outlining songs that changed her life and I thought that it was a lovely idea. I've decided to highlight some of the influential songs I've known and loved in my life too. It's impossible to go through all the hundreds of songs that have really resonated with me, but these are the first few that came to mind.

Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

I remember where I was when I first heard the opening riff to this song. I was in the park in a town near where I used to go to school. I was sat with my friend Alex on a bench in the park and she played the song to me through her First Generation iPod as we shared earphones. Never have I had a more druglike experience. I was hooked. I had to know more about this band, about the man who sings with such pain and passion. Thus began my teenage obsession with Nirvana.

You Know You're Right by Nirvana

So, whilst very obsessed with Nirvana, I later stumbled across this gem. When you're a teenager, dealing with the heaviness of your hormones as well as being very mentally ill, this song hits home. When my depression would get really bad, I'd turn this song on and drown everything out. When I hear this song, I still get this feeling in the pit of my stomach I can't quite explain.

Past The Point Of No Return from The Phantom of the Opera

For me, The Phantom of the Opera was a dark, sensual piece of art. Past The Point Of No Return leads us towards the thrilling climax of the tale. It's dark, it's sexy and I never was quite the same again. Whenever I watch The Phantom of the Opera (which I save and only watch every few years as it's so special) I feel like I'm revisiting my first love.

3 Libras by  A Perfect Circle

I'd been a fan of Tool for quite some time but I stumbled across A Perfect Circle when I was in a bad and emotionally abusive relationship. This song really spoke to me at that time. In a time when I felt so low, this song reminded me that I mattered. I could love and care as much as possible, but some people will never appreciate it, never see what you do, never care about you quite the same.

But I threw you the obvious just to see
If there's more behind the eyes of a fallen angel
eyes of a tragedy

Here I am expecting just a little bit too much
From the wounded but I see through it all and see you

Don't Stop Believing by Journey

This song has been popularised via many TV shows, noticeably by Glee in acapella format. To me, this song always reminds me of my father and always will. His favourite line is: Some will win, some will lose and some are born to sing the blues.

Gravity by Sara Bareilles

This is another song tied to a relationship. Another relationship with someone who was very mentally unwell. Boy, I sure do know how to pick 'em, don't I? I mean... just listen to this song. There's a good chance it will gut you right down to that memory, that period in time, when you felt so raw.

Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson

This song was one I came across about ten years ago at least. It was used in Grey's Anatomy. This song reminded me, a depressed teenager, to keep breathing. Things are bad at times but you just have to keep breathing, you have to keep growing.

BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW THE WOMAN WHO PLAYS EMMA ON GREYS ANATOMY, MARGUERITE MOREAU, ALSO PLAYED JESSE IN THE TERRIBLE QUEEN OF THE DAMNED FILM AND I ONLY JUST NOTICED?

Other fans may have probably noticed but I'd been thinking for ages about how she looked familiar. It's just that I only noticed today.

My Favourite TV Shows

I don't really watch a lot of television. I often don't have time to do so and I can sometimes find it hard to really follow a story arc if I can't give the time to really sit down and watch a show. That said I do have a few favourite shows that I will make time for in the week to watch when they're on. That said in 2013 I added two new shows to my list of favourites which, for someone who doesn't watch a lot of shows, was pretty cool.

Here are a list of my absolute favourite TV shows that are currently on air or in production:

• Game of Thrones
• Grey's Anatomy
• Orange Is The New Black
• Masters Of Sex

Past fave tv shows:

• The Tenth Kingdom
• Flight of the Conchords
• Buffy The Vampire Slayer
• Hex
• The IT Crowd
• The Mighty Boosh

Shows that have recently been recommended to me that I may check out are: The Good Wife, Supernatural, House of Cards, Breaking Bad (which I've started on now)

Orange Is The New Black was recommended to me by a friend and I devoured all the episodes in two days. The same friend recommended Hemlock Grove which I'm watching too - if you're a True Blood or Teen Wolf fan I totally suggest you check it out. I used to watch True Blood but dropped it a season or two ago. Maybe I'll go back and rewatch it all some time. Maybe.

Got any recommendations?
Let me know in the comments section.

Song of the Day: Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson

"All that I know is I'm breathing
All we can do is keep breathing,"