I first heard this song at my friend's house this summer. I came out of the bathroom and heard this Eurotrashy electronic sound that had great words, "So afraid what people might say, that's OK, cause you are only human. Want to be a leader, not a follower..." As the words go on, so does the beat, which is provided by Timbaland, who had one Hell of a year himself. Anyway, the best version I could find of this one was by Nelly Furtado in a Sims version of the video...pretty histerical, however, there is an unfortunate offset between the lips moving and the words being sung. Hope you enjoy!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 9:20 PM | Comments (3)

Lars and the Real Girl!

I saw an incredible movie this past week called, ‘Lars and the Real Girl.’ Although the film is one of the oddest movies I’ve ever seen I enjoyed it a lot. Why? I guess because the movie was corky, the acting was incredible, and the story was lovely.
In case you don’t know the basis of ‘Lars and the Real Girl,’ it is a story about a guy who develops a relationship with a woman who doesn’t have a soul…because she’s a blow-up doll. That’s right, a blow-up doll. As stupid and juvenile as the plot sounds, it’s really about a guy who’s been hurt by family dynamics and needs to work out his pain in an odd way. The funny thing is that you start to get what’s going on about halfway through the film and then you find yourself with compassion for this peace of plastic.

Another great aspect of the film is that the whole town eventually supports Lars in this weird state of being. They recognize how strange this behavior is, but, in order for Lars to be “fixed” he has to be taken care of first. I don’t want to give too much away, only to say that ‘Lars and the Real Girl’ was a warm story with a lot of heart and great acting. Go see Ryan Gossling, (who will receive a Golden Globe nomination tomorrow for this role), give a spectacular, yet grounded performance…nothing about it was over-the-top, just good, and real.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 9:06 PM

December 7, 2007

Nathan's Top Ten Singles of the Year: #9

This just in...Grammy nominations came out yesterday and two of my Top Ten songs were nominated for for Song and/or Record of the Year!

#9: 'Stay' by Sugarland

I heard Sugarland do this song live at the CMA's a few weeks back. I was impressed by the voice on the lead singer, Jennifer Nettles, so strong. I hope you enjoy the rendition by a couple from somewhere in the States.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 5:56 PM | Comments (1)

December 5, 2007

Nathan's Top Ten Singles of the Year: #10

It is during the end of the year that everyone puts together their lists for the best in every category. I therefore have decided to put together my own list of the top ten songs of 2007. Although it was an 'off' year in my opinion for music, (none of my favorite bands/solo artists released cds), there were some great songs that came out.
Through the next couple of weeks I'll be counting down the list starting with #10. You will probably be surprised by some that make the list, for this reason, I will explain how I came up with the lucky group of artists, who will receive an unbelievable amount of SWAG at a later date...also a trophy in the shape of my smile. Anyway, how I came up with the top ten was to look at a few categories: originality compared to what's on pop-radio today, staying power, (Will this be a song that many people would love to hear on the radio in 2017?), and last but certainly not least, my favor, (How much did I really like the freakin' song to begin with?).
I must give the ultimate of disclaimers here: this is a POP RADIO list...you won't find Iron & Wine or other cool indie bands on this list...sorry. Seeing as how we live in the 'YouTube" era, I've decided to not go with the obvious move of having the original singer perform the song, but performances of the song by other people. Whether it be a group of college students or a Swedish girl with a European accent, the whole world loves pop music, if even just a little bit.

#10: The Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani

Any song that reminds me of old-school Madonna is automatically a winner. The sugary-bubble-gum lyrics and music is so sweet. I instantly fell in love with this song the first time I heard the woo-hoos. I have no idea what Stefani says in the middle of the chorus when she sings real fast...somethin' about the refrigerator and messing everything up and some other stuff...it doesn't matter though, the song's a gem.

Hear to perform 'The Sweet Escape' is one of Harvard's acapella choirs:

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 10:43 PM | Comments (2)

December 4, 2007

Van Gogh on with Your Bad Self

Most days I'm OK with being single, I know God's hand works in everything...but there are times when I get tired of being patient. I'm ready to be with the woman of my life. OK, not going to mope and groan about my poor single life without a girlfriend/wife. However, I will say that a few weeks ago I wrote a post about how this time of year highlights the hard/sad things of life...I would say this is my 'hard/sad' thing, and today is one of those days where I feel very single, which brings me to the Van Gogh painting. What a dark image it is, and yet there is a couple at the front of the scene who seem to be very content. I can be content as well. There is an importance to understanding what is reality. Although not in a relationship, I've been provided with many friends that are real and authentic and present; I have reason to be OK with where I am. Things don't seem to be as dark in life as they are in this picture...and even if they were, I have reason to be thankful. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't think the couples' contentment comes from being with each other, because I can't help but think it does. However, the truth is that contentment comes from God, and suffering well in darkness comes from Him also. It is in relationships that we are able to realize this truth better. Maybe that's what I see in the couple...the reassurance of faith in each other when things have gone bad. I look forward to a day when I have that and can provide that for another person. Until that day arrives, God is the lover of my soul, He provides for me through great friends and keeps my heart warm...even when I feel lonely. I guess the issue I've addressed here has not been about singleness so much as contentment. Obviously, the two kind of go hand-in-hand for me. Ha!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 10:58 PM | Comments (4)