It's not you ...

I've started and deleted this post so many times it's getting ridiculous so I'm just going to say it. I have some stuff that I have to do that I thought would take a few days but is actually going to take a few weeks. It also needs my full attention, which it isn't getting at the moment. So, I'm taking a break from blogging. I think for at least a couple of months, I'm not sure exactly yet. Let me be clear, I'm not 'burnt out' or bored, or tired of blogging. It's that I still, after more than a year, haven't learnt how to manage my time effectively.

For those of you who I promised Musical Impressions to in May, I'm really very sorry and I'll be in touch when I get back to see if you're still interested. I'll be taking a complete break from the internet for a week or so, but then I'll be back to reading some of my favourite blogs, so you won't get rid of me that easily!

To all of you, thank you for making this the most fun I could ever have with my clothes on. I'll truly miss you. I felt it was only right that I should leave you with a song. This song is dedicated to everyone but especially those who are old enough to remember Lenny before Cinna was even thought of .

Take care guys, love you.

L: Light of Love

Blogging from A to Z: L

We have music over here every Friday and I don't see why we should change that just because of the challenge. Usually there's some sort of writing slant to the music I choose, but April is a writing holiday (you may have noticed this from my previous, distinctly non-writing related, posts). That's why the song I've chosen today is for no other reason than I love it :-)

Enjoy!

F: For a friend

Blogging from A to Z: F



Lyrics here
For Lee. May they have Ford Capris in Heaven.

Musical Impressions 3: Patsy Collins

I told you today's Musical Impression was a special celebration didn't I? That's because Patsy Collins today became a published novelist, and I'm so happy to be able to help her celebrate.

For those of you that don't know Patsy, (and even if you do), here is a brief introduction to her. I swear, this is my favourite video on youtube. Watch it if you're down, I defy you not to smile!



 Now, on to the story. Constructive criticism not needed on this one because it's OUT TODAY! (I may have mentioned this already). There are two songs again this week, one that was just made for this story, and one which, as Patsy herself says, pretty much sums up how Leah feels about both the men in her life at different times.

Amazon USA Paperback  Amazon USA Kindle
Amazon UK Paperback    Amazon UK Kindle

Escape to the Country
Leah is accused of a crime she didn't commit. Dumped by Adam, the man she planned to marry, she escapes to Aunt Jayne's smallholding in the Kent village of Winkleigh Marsh. Heartbroken and homeless, she strives to clear her name and deal with her emotions.

Jayne treats Leah's unhappiness with herbal remedies, cowslip wine and common sense in equal measure. In return Leah works hard for the delicious home-cooked meals they share. She wrestles with sheep, breaks nails and gets stuck in the mud - learning as much about herself as she does about farming. Soon Leah is happy milking cows, mucking out pigs and falling halfway in love with Duncan, a dishy tractor driver.

Back in London, steps are being taken to investigate what's happened to the missing money. It looks as though the real embezzler must soon be unmasked and Leah will have to chose between resuming her old life or starting a new one.

That's when her problems really start.

Lyrics here


 Lyrics here

Musical Impressions 2: Jaycee Delorenzo

This week's Musical Impression is for a new friend of mine, Jaycee DeLorenzo. She already has a great playlist  on her blog for this story, which you can find here. The songs I've chosen today are a bit different from those but hopefully, she'll think they work!

You might note I said 'songs' and not 'song'. Yes, second week in and I'm breaking my 'one song' rule, but it was so hard trying to decide between Ivy and Ian's voice that I thought it was only fair they should both get a say. Also, I think the lyrics of these two work really well together :-)

Constructive criticism welcome.

The Truths About Dating and Mating

Spunky Italian girl Ivy Rossini loves to talk and push the boundaries. She gets to do both alongside her best friend, reputed bad boy, Ian Hollister, as they host The Truths about Dating and Mating, a sex-edutainment program for Riordan College's radio station. For Ivy, Ian has always been like an overprotective big brother - but that's about to change with a near kiss. With the memory of the moment fresh in her mind, she finds herself aroused by his slightest touch and fantasizing about finding out for herself what those girls on campus mean when they say he's an "intense lover." 

Ivy has always been Ian's one ray of sunshine, the only girl who really sees beyond his bad boy reputation. It's only fair he protect her from the typical jerks around campus, or so he tells himself. But when he sees her in a steamy embrace with another guy, he's forced to reconcile the sexy, confident woman she's become, with the "little-sister" he's always looked out for. 

With their friendship hanging in the balance, can they follow the advice they give their listeners to communicate, be honest, and trust in themselves - and each other - or will foolish pride ruin their fledgling relationship before it even gets off the ground?

Lyrics here


Lyrics here

Musical Impressions 1: Tania Walsh

This week's Musical Impression is for a story by Tania Walsh of T. F. Walsh. If you don't know this blog, you should check it out; she has a fantastic series on mythical creatures. Thank you so much Tania, I hope you enjoy it.

When I received this entry I knew exactly what song I was going to pick and I've stuck with it all week – until last night. Yes, as is (apparently) a woman's prerogative, I changed my mind at the last minute. I hope you enjoy what I've chosen. I think it captures the spirit of what the lead character is feeling in this story, but I'd love to know your views. Love it? Hate it? Have a better suggestion?

Constructive criticism welcome.

DEAD LIES

YA Fantasy/Mythology

Joking about someone's death at school and then having it come true is never a good thing. Now minus her friends who are scared of her, Leev's life just got worse - a wraith turned up on her doorstep. She's dragged into a terrifying spirit realm where black swans dive bomb from the air, hungry to steal your eyes, where wolves the size of horses wear harnesses, and where beautiful necromancers control wild spirits to do their bidding.

Leev learns that Valkyrie blood courses through her veins, and she is appointed as a mighty Mist. Like all the females in her family, she must collect the spirits of dead heroes and guide them safely to Valhalla. 

A cinch, especially since Leev can sense which hero will die next and delivers them before her collection memo is even issued. But when her death-senses point next to her firefighter dad, she struggles to accept his destiny, and sets out on a mission to save him, even if means breaking all the rules.

However things just got complicated. Her ability is unique and drawing the wrong kind of attention. A demi-god and powerful necromancer both set their sights on her soul, drawing Leev into a deadly cat and mouse game. 

And the stakes are higher than Leev could have ever imagined.

Lyrics here

Musical Stories Special Edition: The End

And so it ends. This special edition is the last chapter of my Musical Stories. I've been a bit self-indulgent this week, so I hope you'll forgive me but I'll get to that in a moment. We have three Fridays before The A-Z of Blogging begins, and I thought I'd use that time to try out the new series before I take a break. This could be absolutely brilliant, or I could fall flat on my face, but we'll see.

I was going to give you all the details here, but it made this post far too long, so I'll do that separately on Monday. If you're interested in taking part, all you need to do right now is have a short pitch or query, whatever you like, ready to email to me after Monday's post. It will be up to you whether or not you allow critiques. There's no word limit, but remember, shorter is usually better (leave me something to work with though!).

To end Musical Stories, (and I suppose to introduce the new feature, although there's no blurb), I decided to choose three songs that represent the story I'm currently revising right now. Like I said, self-indulgent, but I'm really excited about this project, (turns out I didn't hate revising, I was just working on the wrong story), and I want to share. Just for fun, see if you can guess what genre it is. And 1000^th Monkey, you're not allowed to guess :-)

No explanations this week, just enjoy the music.  

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


 Lyrics here

Musical Stories 30: Romance

So here it is, the last official issue of Musical Stories. I'll do a couple of special editions over the next couple of weeks and then we'll be moving on to our new feature, which I still don't have a name for. (Any suggestions welcome!). I'll be doing a post all about it soon, and asking for volunteers to submit, so watch out for that.

It seems fitting that we're ending with romance. After all, isn't love supposed to make the world go round? Whether you believe that or not, I hope you find something to enjoy amongst this week's selections.

The first story has been sitting on two lists for a while, this one and YA. I've included it today because I don't care how old you are, when you feel it you feel it. Boy, does this guy feel it!

The second one, perhaps as a counterpoint to the first, is proof that romance isn't the province of the young. True love is what remains when that first flush, that 'I-can't-bear-to-be-away-from-you' wears off.

The final entry for Musical Stories is one that is very special to me. It's not 'my' song, it doesn't remind me of anyone or anything in my past, I just think it is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and although I've heard it sung by many different people, this is the singer I think does it best. This is another one of those songs that I have avoided using because I didn't think it told a full story but, thanks to Denise Covey at L'Aussie Writer I have the answer. It's a vignette. Denise says (and I hope you don't mind me quoting directly from your blog Denise):

"Vignette" is a word that originally meant 'something that may be written on a vine-leaf.' It's a snapshot in words. It differs from flash fiction or a short story in that its aim doesn't lie within the traditional realms of structure or plot.
(Originally from The Vine Leaves Literary Journal).

Thank you all for sharing my Musical Stories with me, and for all your comments and suggestions.


 Lyrics here


Lyrics here


Lyrics here

Musical Stories 29: Horror

If you would like to read my entry for the Campaign Challenge, it's the post below this one. Or you can just click here :-)

On a personal note, if any of you live in Indiana, please could you email me?

Thank you for taking the time to vote in the Musical Stories poll. The poll is open for another week, but I've had 40 votes already, way more than I expected and, unless there's a mad swing, it looks like we'll be moving onto pastures new when this series comes to a close. 70% of you have voted for the synopsis idea, which is exciting, and also a little scary! I'll post about that later on, but today we're back to the Horror genre. As this is probably the last horror week I've included two songs that have been on my list of possibles since day one.

I didn't think I could originally include the first one, because it isn't truly a story but today I realised something. It's flash fiction, so it definitely counts! (Also the video is rather creepy).

Our second story might not seem like a horror story at first but, if you listen to the lyrics there's a definite horror story message there. Trust no-one. Especially not the people you think you can trust. (I should add that the last 30 seconds of the video are a teeny bit gory, just in case that's not your thing).

Our final horror entry is a bit heavier than my usual offerings, but it's definitely a classic plot!

Don't have nightmares! If I've scared you, don't worry, next week we'll be getting romantic :-)

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


Lyrics here

Musical Stories 28: Children's Literature

After today I promise not to mention the girls' college adventures again, (at least until we find out if Diva gets accepted), but I just wanted to share some good news and bad news. The good news is that, the same day as Diva's new application form arrived, so did a letter thanking her for her completed application form. I called them to confirm that they had actually received it and was told that yes they had, and a letter inviting her to interview was on its way. That letter hasn't arrived yet, but at least we know it's coming. The bad news is that, as the deadline given for invitation to interview has now passed, Blue hasn't made it. We knew it was a long shot, they only take twenty British students per year, but I still hate seeing her unhappy. Now she has to decide which A-levels to take. Tough decision for someone who has absolutely no idea what she wants to do in the future. And why should she know? She's fifteen years old. I'm secretly quite excited that she's looking up entry requirements for creative writing degrees at University though, although I'm keeping quiet.

Anyway, on with this week's Musical stories. It's Children's Literature week, and I have three quite different songs for you to enjoy.

I think children tend to fall into two camps. The first are those who can't wait to get older, so they can stay up as late as they like and eat ice-cream for dinner, (or was that just me?). The second group, which is where our story fits, like things just the way they are thank you very much, and paying bills and going to work are for other people. They want to stay kids. Now that I'm an adult, I can definitely see the attraction!

Our second story is about the adventures of starting school, and how it's so much better if you have a special friend to share it with. It's no fun digging for worms on your own, you know :-)

When I first heard the last one, I could see it in my head as a picture book with beautiful illustrations. It seems as though someone had the same idea because tonight, whilst trying to find a decent version, I came across an Amazon entry for a picture-book of the same name. Further investigation revealed that it wasn't co-incidence, the two are the same. I suppose that means that technically I shouldn't include it, as these are all imaginary books but, you know me, never one to shirk the breaking of my own rules, I'm including it anyway because it makes me smile. (Incidentally, there is nothing wrong with your computer, the song is playing over a black screen, sorry but there wasn't a lot of choice).

I hope you enjoyed these. Prepare for chills next week, as we're revisiting the horror genre.

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


 Lyrics here

Musical Stories 27: Fantasy

Apologies for the very late post today. By the time I chose the songs last night I was too tired to battle with Blogger. (For some reason, it takes four or five attempts to post a video since they 'improved' the dashboard). Then, this morning there was a crisis in the kitchen when the the brownies that Diva was making to take to a Sherlock Holmes sleepover didn't go as planned. We managed to fix them and they're safely out of the door now. (That is, Diva and Blue are out of the door, not Diva and the brownies. Although, sadly, the brownies have gone with them).

I had a great long list of songs to choose from this week but when I went back over the lyrics it seemed that a lot of what I thought was Fantasy was actually Sci-Fi or Horror. There's definitely a fine line between genres these days, which I think is no bad thing :-)

The first song was recommended to me a while ago by Diva, but I only recently got round to watching the video. As soon as I did, I knew I had to post it this week. It's one of those stories that in no way has an original plot, but the execution of it, (both the tune, and the video), is just wonderful.

I'm a great believer in meaning being in the mind of the reader (or listener). To me, the second song is how Lucifer felt when he was first cast out, before he became the 'big bad' that we know and – as storytellers, rather than from a religious aspect – 'love'. I'd be interested to know if any of you interpret it differently.

My final song is a demonstration that the best fantasy comes from our own imaginations. We can be anything, go anywhere. (Have fun reminiscing over the video, too :-)).

I hope you found something to love this week. Next week, we're revisiting Children's Literature.

 Lyrics here


Lyrics here


 Lyrics here

Musical Stories 26: War

Thank you so much to all of you who commented on my last blog post. There were some great comments and suggestions for improvement. A quick note to those of you who commented on the pov change. The original piece was handwritten with indented paragraphs and a space between the two povs. I didn't pay enough attention to the formatting when I typed it. I'll try not to make that mistake again. Can't promise anything though :-)

Can you believe we're up to week 26 of Musical Stories? Over six months of music, (if you count the special editions), and you're still listening, commenting and, hopefully, enjoying. You lot rock! Sorry to those of you who couldn't listen to the second song last week. If any of you have a burning desire to listen to Don't you want me by The Human League, there is a new link underneath the original video.

This week the genre is War, and it might just be the easiest week ever. Every song was suggested by one of my lovely readers. All I had to do was pick a video and enjoy!

The first one comes from Julie Fedderson from Gypsy in my soul. This one was new to me. It's a reminder of the fears of the family left behind. We often talk about the parents, children and partners of soldiers. This one is for the siblings, and all those other relatives who sometimes get forgotten but whose fears are every bit as real.

I can't believe it's taken three series, and a reminder from Margot Kinberg at Confessions of a Mystery Novelist to include this second one. (I swear Margot has forgotten more songs than I will ever know!). This is the tale of how raw excitement turns to jaded reality for young soldiers.

Finally, Rick Watson from Life 101 introduced me to another song I hadn't heard before. I've included this one as it's the tale of the Everyman. Anyone, in any town, in any generation could be uttering these words.

Enjoy this week's stories. Next week we'll be back in the world of Fantasy.



Lyrics here


 Lyrics here


 Lyrics here

Musical Stories 25: Chick Lit

It's Chick Lit week but, before I get to the musical stories, I wanted to ask those of you who have used polls on your website, are they easy to do? Is there a link to somewhere that will show me? I have something to ask you guys, and I think a poll will be the easiest way to do it. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

I think it's safe to say that this week's musical stories have got a bit of a sub-theme going on. The best way to describe it would be 'better no man than the wrong man'. So grab your chocolate and a glass of wine, and enjoy. And no, I still didn't include I will survive :-)

The first entry would be more of a short story than a novel. It's not very long but it says all it has to say. It's really sweet but, like many short stories, there's a sting in its tail.

For some reason, the second song always reminds me of the musical A Star is Born. (Slightly off-topic, but don't you think that film could be considered a chick flick?) .

Update: There is a link below the second video for those who can't view the original one. 

The final entry this week was always my 'goto' song when things didn't work out with a boy. Does anyone else think the lady doth protest slightly too much, though? Whatever, she's not about to let him see how much he's hurt her. Thankfully, it's been a few years now since a box of tissues and a homicidal attitude accompanied my listening of this song :-)

I hope you had fun this week, but if it was all a bit girly for you, we're moving on to War next week.

Lyrics here


Lyrics here
Version for those that can't view the above



Lyrics here

Musical Stories 24: Literary

It's been a rough week in our house. Both the girls have had college applications to complete. One of them left it until the very last week, despite numerous reminders. I'll write more on this at a later date, but let's just say I'm really not looking forward to University applications in two years time!

I have two limericks I'm trying to write as a result of a rash statement I made on last week's musical stories. I promise you'll see the results, I just can't tell you when!

This week we're on the literary category in our musical stories. This is the week where, yes the story matters, but it's more about the beautiful words. All three of these songs are particular favourites of mine, so I do hope you find something special here.

I recently discovered that the writer of the first song wrote it about a 'composite of many people', including one C. S. Lewis. Isn't that what many of us do with our characters? Combine traits, I mean, not write about C. S. Lewis necessarily!

What can I say about the second one? I could choose any of this man's compositions for this category. Perhaps it's my imagination but I always feel an undercurrent of melancholy flowing through the happiest day of this girl's life.

If ever there was a story with the message that every day is precious, and we should celebrate. It's this last one. If you can, tell someone you love them today.

Next week, it's the turn of Chick Lit. And I'm still not posting I will Survive :-)

Lyrics here



Lyrics here



Lyrics here

Musical Stories 23: Crime

Thank you guys for your wonderful comments on my last post. I haven't answered them all yet, but I will do so over the weekend. I know I've said it before, and I expect I will say it again, but this really is an awesome community. For those of you who were asking, the story I referred to in my last post can be found here at Laura's blog, Daily Dodo.

After our holiday break, we're back to our regularly scheduled episode of Musical Stories. This week, it's crime and I've got three fantastic songs for you. Although of course I would say that, wouldn't I?

The first story this week is a grim reminder that we really need to check our facts before rushing in to mete out our own brand of vengeance. Or not, of course. In writing, we can make our characters do whatever we want, and never mind the tragic consequences!

Our second story definitely leaves us with more questions than answers. How and why being the two most obvious. This may not be a story in the true sense of the word, but the first two lines alone make this a must-listen as far as I'm concerned. When I grow up, I want to be able to write simple, perfect description like this.

The final entry this week is one that I've considered including, and rejected, twice before. Not because it isn't a crime story, it is. Not because I don't like it, I love it. But because I thought it was 'too' famous. Too obvious. Then I heard this version for the first time, and problem solved. Something slightly different for you. It's a duet between the original singer and his daughter, recorded in 2007, 30 years after his death. If there is one single person who listens to this today who can honestly tell me they have never heard any version of this song, I will write a limerick with their name in it for them! (I chose that because I can only ever write four lines, so it would be a major task for me – I'm confident I won't have to do it though).

I had a lot of fun choosing this week, I hope you enjoy listening.

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


Lyrics here

Happy New Year!

It's New Year's Eve and time for my last musical post of the year. I have three songs for you this week that are each beautiful in their own way, and each, to me, tells a story of our hopes and dreams for the coming year.

The first song should more accurately be classed as a Christmas song, but I knew I had to include it this week instead, as it definitely represents a message of hope for the future. The video also makes me cry. Every single time I watch it.

The title of the second song will probably tell you instantly why I've included this one. The lyrics will just illustrate the point :-)

Finally, just to prove that I'm a traditionalist at heart, I've included the one song that will be sung around the world as the clocks strike midnight.

Thank you to the people who have welcomed and supported me in the past nine months. I've had such fun, and learned so much. I've shed a few tears for some of you, quietly behind my keyboard, and cheered for others. I can't wait to do it all again next year.

Happy New Year!

A musical Christmas to you all

By the time you read this it will probably be Christmas Eve and, in the spirit of the season, I'm suspending Musical Stories for two weeks. This week, in a move that is neither surprising nor original, you get Christmas songs :-)

I love me some Last Christmas by Wham!, and Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl is probably my favourite Christmas song of all time, but I've gone for two songs that, in my opinion, aren't played enough, and a third that I heard for the first time only this morning and knew I had to share. It was hard deciding which one to push out to make room for it, I can tell you :-)

The first song has been covered by many many people, and I spent a lot of time listening to various versions with the intention of bringing you something different. In the end though, I had to admit defeat. Nobody sings it quite as well as this woman!

I've loved the second song since I first heard it as a little girl. At that time, it never struck me as an odd pairing - I was about eight - I'd never heard of either of the singers. Since then, I've decided that whoever thought of putting these two together was a genius.

The last song was one I heard for the first time this morning on Sarah Wesson's blog, Earful of Cider. I think it struck a chord with me instantly, because my parents live abroad, along with my brother and his wife and three children. I feel the distance especially at this time of year. I wish I could be there with them, drinking white wine in the sun!

Whatever you celebrate, have a wonderful holiday. I truly hope that all of you can be with people you want to be with, doing things you want to.



   

 

Musical Stories 22: YA

I've had a cold for a few days which seems to have progressed to some kind of flu-like thing. I sat down to rest on the sofa last night, and woke up this morning at five am. I was covered with the special blankie that we only use when we're sick. Nearby was a glass of water, nasal spray, flu tablets, a box of tissues and the blistex cream for chapped lips. The kitchen, (which I hadn't cleaned), was spotless, and there was even a cup and teabag laid out next to the full kettle. I love my wonderful family :-)

This week's Musical Stories are from the YA genre, and we're hearing it from the boys this week.

I heard the first song on Leigh Covington's blog, Something to Write About. I know that everything we go through when we are young makes us who we are today but, be honest, wouldn't you love to go back and give your younger self just a few words of wisdom to make the transition a little bit smoother? I know I certainly would :-)

I just want to shake the boy in our second story and tell him to look at what he's got, right under his nose. Also, Stacy honey, never bring a boy home on the first date!

Our final entry this week wasn't supposed to be this one, but as soon as I heard it on J. A. Bennett's A Book, A Girl, A Journey I knew I had to include it. It's less of a story, more of a chapter, but as I listened to it I could picture him and her laying on their backs on a beautiful day, seeing pictures in the sky and making plans for the future. Just perfect.

Next week's chapter of Musical Stories is supposed to be crime, but who wants that on the Friday before Christmas? Musical Stories will be taking a two week break, but if you like Christmas songs, come back next week for some of my favourites :-)

I'm supposed to be going shopping today, but I'm going to relax at home and not worry about everything I still need to do until Monday. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Lyrics here


Lyrics here


Lyrics here

Musical Stories 21: SciFi

Thank you all for your kind comments and suggestions on my last post. It really meant a lot, and stopped me feeling sorry for myself. Things are moving on in the editing department, but more about that some other time! Tomorrow, Techno and I are off to visit an Art College with Diva to see if it will be a good fit for her next year, so wish us luck!

After our recent special editions, it's time to begin the third series of Musical Stories. As usual we're starting with SciFi. Enjoy :-)

I'm almost certain that somebody recommended the first song to me. Unfortunately I didn't make a note, so if it was you could you please let me know so I can credit you? On the surface, this is a cheerful, cheesy song but, listen closer, and you will realise it's actually very sad. (It's also a retelling of another, very famous, SciFi song).

If you watch Breaking Bad, I have two words for you: Gale Boetticher.

The second story comes at the usual 'humans meet aliens' idea from a slightly different angle. The reaction our visitor has, after seeing how people on Earth behave towards one another, is one that I think we would all have now and then if we had the choice.

This week's final song is a boy's fears that he is no longer exciting enough for his love when she returns from an amazing journey. He points out some of the good things there are on Earth too. I'm not sure I'd include fried chicken but, hey, whatever works!

Next week it's the turn of YA literature. Have a wonderful weekend :-)

Lyrics here

Lyrics here



Lyrics here

Musical Stories Special Edition: He's just not that into you ...

Sorry I've not been around this week. It's mostly due to the end of NaNo and joining the beta test of a new online game, Star Wars, The Old Republic (WoW in space and absolutely amazing). I'm hoping to catch up with your blogs over the weekend and, from next week, I'll be blogging three times a week for the foreseeable future.

This week is the last special edition of Musical Stories before we start series three. I know that 'he's just not that into you' is not a genre but the title was too good to pass up! I'm not sure there's a category for broken romance, but perhaps someone could put me right on that score.

I've broken my own most rigid rule this week. The last of these songs is over eight minutes long. I had to include it though, as it is one of the best examples of this kind of story I have ever heard. I've tried to balance it out by choosing two other songs that are shorter than usual. I hope you enjoy them.

My first choice has to be the ultimate demonstration to a woman that yes, it really is over and he's not going to change his mind. And, even if he does, girl you really don't want him back!

For the second song, you just know he still loves her, but he's going to keep telling himself he doesn't until he believes it. I actually wanted to give you Elvis Costello's version of this song, which is incredible, but I couldn't find it anywhere online. So you get another singer who I love instead.

The final choice is a truly epic tale. If you get the time to watch the video, you should. The interaction between the singers is great. A true cautionary tale for loved-up (or 'lusted-up') teens everywhere!

That's it for this week. Have a great weekend. I'm looking forward to catching up with you all soon.

Lyrics here



Lyrics here

Lyrics here