Shelby Sue's Monday Mood Tunes: Ear-Pleasing, Heart Happy Covers

Sometimes you just need a change from the original. This list is for you. So sit back, relax, and get ready to find some of your favorite tunes that have been remade into new beauties.

20 Covers that Please the Ears and Heart

1. FourFiveSeconds by Fairground Saints

   These gems graced the playlist last week and here they are again. Their voices are so delicate and raspy and wonderful. I am not a big Ri-Ri fan, but I do love the original so much with the blend of her voice, Kanyes, and Sir Paul McCartney. I was surprised to find a cover that I love equally, if not more.
   
   
   

   

   
   
   

2. Halo by Ane Brun, Linnea Olsson

   
   I already know what most of you music freaks are thinking.
   
   Who covers Beyonce? She is Queen. She slays. She is flawless.
   
   

   

   
   
   Whilr I may not be a big Bey fan like everyone else out there, her original is one of my favorites. This cover does it justice. If you like to have background music to study or lounge, this is that sort of cover. It is soft and beautiful and perfectly pairs for simple activities.
   
   

3. Fast Car by Boyce Avenue ft. Kina Grannis

   
   I love this cover so much that I forget it is actually a cover; in fact, I just added it to my cover playlist while writing this weeks Mood tunes. I mean, do not get me wrong. Tracy Chapman is queen and the original is solid. I just feel like Boyce Avenue created a real gem with Kina Grannis.
   

   

4. Boom Clap by Lennon and Maisy

   
   These two nuggets. Well, technically Lennon is no longer a nugget, but still. They are lovely souls who thankfully share their beautiful voices with us. I cannot stand this original song, yet I love this cover. That tells you how good it is.
   
   

   

   
   
   

5. How's It Going to Be by Jack & White

   
   A Third Eye Blind cover that does the band justice and does not sound like karaoke? That exists? Yes it does. Get ready to feel happy and reminisce. This song will spark your need to listen to some throwback tunes from the best decade ever. The combo of Jack & White's voices creates a haunting sound that is refreshing.
   
   
   

   

   
   
   

6. Fireflies by Hearts & Color

   
   This song is what I imagine rainbows sound like if rainbows had a distinct sound. If you knew me in highschool, you knew this song was constantly played my senior year. Let us be real, any owl city was played. So if a cover of one their songs is good enough to make this list, do not take it with a grain of salt.
   
   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   

7. Crazy in Love by Daniela Andrade

   Another Bey hit... Shelby what are you thinking? I am thinking that the greatest people have the most covers made by people that adore them. This means a plethora of gems to be found. This one is so sweet and simple. It is the complete opposite of Bey's original; if you do not know music or know the original sound, you would not realize this was a cover. They are two completely different tracks and that is what I like in a cover. New, yet familiar.
   
   

   

   
   

8. Beneath your Beautiful by Tiffany Alvord & Chester See

   
   A cover of Labrinth's, I like this one a lot. Chester See. If I say your name three times, does that mean you will show up my house and give me a personal serenade? Like Beetlejuice? Chester See. Chester See. Chester See...Not like I actually thought that would work, but a girl can wish. The grit and rasp of his voice is just......uh. It is the good stuff. Plus, it pairs quite well with Tiffany Alvord's sweet pipes.
   
   

   

   
   
   

9. Blank Space/ Stand by Me by Imagine Dragons

   
   This one is more my Top 40 people. This is one of my jams. Imagine Dragons shows appreciation for their fellow musicians and tackles T-Swift. Combining her Top 40 hit with Ben E. King's Stand by Me is genius. I have not done enough research to see if this was their original idea, or if someone else has done it before. I just think it is magical. It is definitely a make ya happy type of tune.
   
   
   

   

   
   

10. Pony by Patrick Lentz

    
    This one is one is for all the girls who loved Magic Mike. & if you are not in that category [raises hand], this is for all the people who loved Jenna Dewan Tatum's dance to this song on Lip Sync Battle. She slayed. Nonetheless, Patrick Lentz is genuine (see what I did there?) and has some pipes to back this hit song up. This is tune is perfect for pairing with a drive, swaying, or making sweet love to your mac and cheese. You get my point. Ride that pony y'all.
    
    

    

    
    
    

11. I Want Crazy- Julia Sheer

    
    For those country lovers and people like me who just like Hunter Hayes, I stumbled up this cover and liked it. Sometimes it nice to have a version of a song you adore, sang by the opposite gender, just for a bit of a change. It is not much different than the original, but I do not mind that too much in this instance.
    
    

    

12. Safety Dance by Sleeping at Last

    
    Saving one of my favorites for the end of the list...why? Because I am a mean-hearted soul...Kidding. I just got distracted and could not leave it out. If you do not like the original song or this cover, I do not really like you. Completely opposite from its creator, Sleeping at Last makes this Safety Dance a tune of its own. If it has not appeared in a Grey's Anatomy episode, it probably will at some point or needs to.
    
    
    

    

    
    
    
    

13. Bette Davis Eyes by Sexton Blake

    
    Another solid cover that stands up to its solid original by Kim Carnes. If I am being honest though, this is the only song of Carnes' that I know; are there any other gems? If so, I think I need to know. Sexton Blake takes her hit and makes it his own sultry tune. This cover is perfect for any indie film or well-scored film in general.
    
    
    

    

    
    

14. Summertime Sadness by Megan Davies ft. Keelan Donnovan

    
    Not sure how I made this far into a Cover playlist and am just now mentioning Megan Davies...she covers a lot of songs and does them each justice. Well, at least the ones I have heard. While Lana Del Rey does not really need covered, this one will not disappoint you Lana fans. At least, I do not think it will. Keelan adds in a bit of spice for a bit of a change from the original.
    
    

    

    
    

15. Hit 'Em Up Style by Carolina Chocolate Drops

    
    Folksy and Blue Cantrell in the same sentence? Yup. That is right. Carolina Chocolate Drops took this one hit wonder and gave it some folksy flair. It truly is a delight. Trade in your fedora and big sunglasses for a sunhat and bare feet- it is perfect.Truly, what dreams are made of.
    
    

    

16. Last Kiss by Coeur de Pirate

    
    It is probably just me, but when I pictured what dances in high school would be like, I always pictured slow dances happening to this song by J Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers. Probably most certainly just me because I am weird. But still, it is one of those sweet songs that you think of happening in moments like that. Coeur de Pirate might have an odd name, but that oddness pairs so well with the lyrics of Last Kiss. They did my slow dance song justice and I adore them for it.
    
    
    

    

    
    
    

    
    

17. Pursuit of Happiness by Lissie

    
    *Warning: Adult Content aka Cursing.
    
    Kid Cudi? Yes. Lissie is another one of my favorite cover-ers? Is that a word? If not, I just made it one. I just enjoy her voice and her take on Cudi. It could easily be an awful song to cover, but she made it an enjoyable one.
    
    

    

18. I Will Survive by Cake

    
    Cake covered an Aretha Franklin song? Why, yes. Yes they did. And here it is for you to enjoy. Should I say more? Probably. But, I do not really feel like it needs any more to be said. There is a solid instrumental solo from about 1:40 to 2:20 if that is what your ears hanker for.
    
    

    

    
    
    
    

19. Edge of Seventeen by the Wind and the Wave

    Oooo. Stevie. Stevie Nicks is one of my many, many, musical home-girls. She is just a special, rare, eccentric thing. So I have high expectations when one goes to cover her. This one? The Wind and the Wave just made me so happy. They are bringing Stevie back to relevancy and giving the new generation an appreciation of how wonderful she is.
    
    

    

    
    
    

20. Private Eyes by the bird and the bee

    
    Now for two of my homeboys, Hall & Oates. Another band difficult to tackle. This cover has to make them happy because it makes me happy. It feels straight out of a 80's film and makes me wish I had some terrible 80's graphics behind me while I dance to it. Find your key-tar and get ready to jam.
    
    
    
    

    

    
    
    
    
    These 20 tunes, along with the previous Monday Mood Tunes can all be found on the playlist below!

So now that you are jamming, I hope this list helps you occasionally rock out with your socks out. & if you liked this list, make sure to follow my original playlist that influenced this Monday Mood Tunes- Sometimes you need a change from the original. It has all sorts of covers. Bad, good, weird, indie, pop-y, etc.

Simply Singing Shelby Sue

P.S. I'm working on a blog that is not a Music Monday Mood Tunes. Wait-what? You can write more than one blog in a week? Sometimes. If ideas spark me, I can. Be on the look out! Till then...

Shelby Sue's Monday Mood Tunes: Sassy and Unloved Edition

This Monday Mood Tunes is brought to you by my sassy, unloved self and the tunes that I listen to and  go, "this is so me."

 

Because those who know me, know I am a little sassy. And all of you know I am clearly, pretty damn single. Why?  By choice, situations, love being hard, and just life.

So if you are like me and are just living and loving life, but occasionally feel a little unloved, this mix is definitely for you.

Let's Get Down together.

15 Sassy Lovely Tunes for the Different Moods of the Single and Unloved

For when you generally love your life...

Can't Control the Weather by Fairground Saints

This tune makes me want to drive out to the old train bridge. It puts you in a carefree mood that just makes you crave adventures. Also, if you have a "dance it out" playlist, this one is a solid dance it out song. If you need a pick me upper, again a solid song. It is one of those tunes that does not wrong. It is one that mixes genres, so you can't classify it. Give it a chance and you won't regret it.

For when your friends and family keep questioning your singleness....

Into the Wild by Connel Cruise 

If I ever have a movie about my life, this song will make the cut for the final score. Why? Because it is that good. Why does our ability to be a human revolve around our relationship status? That is just it. It doesn't have to and we simply do not care that our singleness is affecting you. So into the wild world we go...alone and ready for whatever comes our way. Get ready to feel empowered my loves.

 

When you are really excited about your date...with your takeout...

"Coming Home to You" by The Little Estate Ft. Allie Crystal

Let us be real. You have definitely heard this tune. Probably on some cheesy commercial, but it is perfect for the love between you and food. After a long day at work or doing whatever you do, food is the real MVP.  So own it and adore the fact that food is always there for you.

When you get asked on a date by someone who is really attractive...

"HandClap" by Fitz and the Tantrum 

You feel like you walk on water. You are Beyonce. Though, let us be honest you are awkward and have been out of the dating game so long, you are not even sure what one is like. But still,  you feel like you are the best damn thing. And you are. So put on this Fitz and the Tantrum song and get down with your badself. Because you are golden.

When you see a cute person at the bar, think they are waving at you, but it is really to the person behind you...

"Katy's Side" by Jess Godwin

Because we all have a moment of envy and well, it is not always that pretty. At least Jess Godwin makes it sound pretty. This is a more eclectic and sassy version of Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me". Do not let that scare you off. I swear it is a solid song, sang by a person with big pipes. It might not be for all you because it does have a bit of a Broadway sound... but I like it. Obviously... or I wouldn't have put it on this list.

When your friend sets you up with someone and you actually click....

"My Type" by Saint Motel 

Another song that is probably not unbeknownst to you, but still tickles you pink. Saint Motel gets you and what you want. It does not mind you being picky, but appreciates it. Your type is a fine art- just like this song.

When your friend sets you up with someone and you do not click at all...

"What are you talking about?" by Peter Bjorn and John

This indie tune might be a little far out for some of you, but it would definitely be in a quirky, film. The song has sass and makes you wonder truly what your friend was thinking. It has old vibes and news vibes intertwined throughout the sass. It kind of makes me feel like I am in some sort of 80's film every time I listen to it.

When you finally go on a date, thought it went well, and they don't call back...

#ThisCouldBeUs by Doug Locke

Why yes, this song does have a hashtag in the title. That does make me like it, but that is not the only reason. We all have been there. One date and we think it went great. We start daydreaming and talking about the "what ifs" with friends. But we got ahead of ourselves...This song is that. All of that. Now, Mr. Locke probably intends it be about more than just one date, but you get what I mean.

For when you decide to give someone a second or third date, but then realize you have made a terrible mistake...

Crazy Ass B*tch by Rozzi Crane

*Warning: Obvious explicit content

This is for when we do attempt to date.  Because sometimes we forget that being single is wonderful and decide we need someone to complete us. "Gotta scratch the itch." I'm usually not a big fan of songs with a "clubby" feel, but this one has enough sass and fun to balance out that aspect [in my opinion]. It is just a fun song to break out and have a short dance party too. Plus, it reminds you that we are not alone in our crazy dating adventures.

When you get Ghosted....

"The John Wayne" by The Little Green Cars

 What starts as a sweet love story, turns into the sassy, blame, rant. The Little Green Cars perfectly capture the emotions of being ghosted and how what once was great, is not so much now. If this song were a movie, it would be one of my favorites "500 Days of Summer" because it is NOT A LOVE STORY. Things were going well right? Well, screw them. They obviously did not realize what amazing person they lost out on. Were we really ready to give up our nights alone and not having any plans? I do not know about you all, but I sure am not.

For when you actually let yourself like someone, but the feelings are not mutual...

"Rebound" by Julian Moon

This tune is pretty much my life. I always joke with my friends I am the female version of "Good Luck Chuck" because every guy I talk to or date, seems to end up with their person right after they leave me in the dust. Again, do I care? Why should I? Life has a silly way to the way it works and I am still on my pathway to figuring out what it has in store for me. "Rebound" by Miss Julian Moon is full of the sass of being the rebound girl [or guy]. It is sassy, sweet, and makes you want to sway and say... "yup. this is my life" and sing along with it.

P.s. If you like Julian Moon's sound, her whole "Good Girl" album is a solid listen and one I frequent my ears with.

When you are hopelessly in love with a person or idea that is not realistic and you do not care...

"The World is Ours" by Sinclair

A bit poppy. A bit dance-y. A bit indie. Really, this is excellent retail music [but that is the old clothing associate in me]. For those that are not thinking about songs to listen to while shopping, this song is the epitome of dreaming big and not caring. Sinclair embodies the wants and wishes of all of us in this tune. If you like to be infused with even more happiness, listen to this one with headphones. It is a trippy and fabulous experience.

 

When relationships are hard and you just cannot...

"Head On [Hold on to your Heart]" by Man Man 

The song says more than I could on this subject. & I quite like to discuss this subject. Relationships are hard. They take effort. Sometimes we just do not have it in us to do them. Whose fault is that? Not ours.

 

When you remember how wonderful the single life can be and are not sure you are ever going to be ready for a relationship. You just really want to achieve goals and do big things...

"Somethings Gonna Happen" by Ivory Layne

Uhhhhhh. The piano is this track just revs my engines. If you listen to it and it does not to that to you, can we really be friends? Probably. Because let us face it, I need all the friends I can get. But I digress. This song just makes us all remember that every day is a chance for something great to happen... no matter our situation in life. So put your headphones on, blast this tune, and prepare to take over the world.

When at the end of the day, no matter what state of single you are in, you love yourself and that is what is most important...

"Feeling Ok" by Best Coast

This song is the new Hoku, Perfect Day. A solid, morning tune. Actually, probably the only tune suitable for every Monday... which was the original intent of this playlist series. But who really likes normal playlists? Not Me. So put on this Best Coast tune today and take on this Monday with all the love you have for yourself.

Well, well, well.

Hopefully this list of tunes brings some sparkle into your Monday. Don't forget to subscribe to the playlist below! It's growing and getting weird- just like we knew it would....

Simply Weird, Sassy, and Single Shelby Sue

P.s. You're like pretty.

Music, Movies, & Moxie Mondays

Ittttt's baccccccccccccck. 

At least for now. The whole being consistent thing is quiet boring, but I am trying to attempt it for you all. So sit up, ready your eyes, and get ready to read the music, movies, and moxie that have been buzzing around my head this week.

5 Tracks That Will Make You Sway and Swoon:

While some old and some new, here are some tracks that I am obsessed with and I really think you should be too.

• "Take Off Your Shirt"- Bibio: This song can be paired however you like it. I find it best paired with headphones to hear all the beautiful components that make it such a wonderful listen. But if you choose to go headphone free, you will not be disappointed. Prepare yourself to be in a better mood instantaneously and have a strange notion to dance. Don't question it. Go with it.

• "Crabbuckit"- Good Lovelies: This song makes me want a fedora and the ability to snap beautifully. Released in 2011, this song is actually one that I just added to my repertoire recently- I think it might be a cover of another band, but I don't care because it is so wonderful.  I don't know why I missed out on a song with such lovely vocals and beautiful music accompanying them. I can't find a YouTube link, but it is on Spotify. Look it up and  Enjoy it- I know you will. 

• The Family Tree: The Branches - Radical Face: Okay, so this is not just a single- it is a whole album. Introduced to it by an old friend, I love the raw emotion that is found within this 12 song release. Above is just a sampling track, "We All Go the Same"- while somewhat depressing, you will get the feel of what all Radical Face brings to the table.

• "Cherry on Top"- Oh Land: I just like this song- actually, I like this whole album as well. I don't feel like it needs much explanation.

 

• "Boyfriend"- Best Coast: I just feel like this song embodies so many peoples thoughts. I just think it is quirky and a good listen. It is definitely better than J-Biebs "Boyfriend",  but you all can be the judge of that.

A Video That Will Please Your Eyes:

• In case you missed it, I go to the best University in the Midwest. A few days ago, all of us awoke to an email from our President, with this video attached. Not only do we adore our president, Right this Minute and Huffington Post do as well.All I want to do now is ride a tricycle around the fountain, which I imagine half of our student population feels the same.

Moxie Moxie Moxie

•  Marriage at a young age. I understand that this is a hot button topic lately and Thought Catalog has given a few point of views that have been rather interesting. This one and this one. The first is one that when I first read I felt empowered, but as I re-read it I was incredibly bothered. The second discusses the issues I felt so bothered by and I am extremely glad someone else said it- mainly so I don't really have to it. Today's world is all about being yourself, so if someone wants to be married, let them be married. If someone just wants to eat cake, let them eat cake. If someone wants to be married and eat cake, let them be married and have their freaking cake too. IT IS NONE OF OUR BUSINESS. Just like me not wanting to be married anytime soon is not anyone's business, but my own. To each their own. My thoughts on this topic in a picture:
  

Simply Shelby Sue

P.s.Now I really want cake.

Music, Movies, & Moxie Mondays

5 Songs That Are Making My Ears Go Wild This Week:

• Hate it or Love it- The Game, 50 Cent: This song came on my Spotify radio the other day and I forgot how fantastic it is. Know what would make it better? A mash-up between it & "Thrift Shop". If you listen to the back beats, the two songs would make a wonderful club remix. If I had any DJ'ing talent in me, I would make it myself- but since I don't, SOMEBODY DO IT FOR ME. Please & Thank you. 

• The Gardner- The Tallest Man on Earth: The arrangement to this song is so pretty, it really doesn't need words. The words just add even more depth to this beautiful tune. The singers raspy voice makes it an instant classic for anybody who enjoys indie/folk music.

•  Rose Tint- Lulu & the Lampshades: I love Lulu & the Lampshades, even though they only have a handful of songs. Most of you know their song, "Cups" by now due to its instant fame in Pitch Perfect as it was performed by Anna Kendrick. This song is the same genre as "Cups" but tells a story of which a lot of people can relate.

• Drop- Rich Boy: I honestly don't listen to rap or hip-hop much at all, so the fact that there are two songs of this genre on this list is just mind blowing. This song has a lot of foul language, which normally bugs me, but for some reason I really enjoy working out to this song.  

• Holiday- Vampire Weekend: It is Vampire Weekend- so with that being said, I really don't need to say anything else. I will though because some of you might not know the fantasticness that is this band. You cannot be angry while listening to this song- I think it is impossible. No. It is impossible. Its bright cheerful tune is definitely a pick-me up- especially perfect if you have the Monday blues.

Movies That Entertain [well, at least they entertain me]:

• Keith: I don't know why I like this movie because the acting really is not anything special. It is probably the fact that Jesse McCartney is the leading man and any girl my age has fan-girled him at some point in their lives. The storyline is awkward, yet emotional and Keith's whole concept of "bowling" is something semi-comedic and admirable. If you cry in movies, this one could be a tear-jerker due to a plot-twist that you can see coming a mile away. Even with all its flaws, it is one of those movies you can't help but kind of like. 

• Pretty in Pink: This movie is one of my go-to 80's films. If you have not seen it, you clearly are not watching movies correctly. It is not quite as quote-able as Molly Ringwald's other films, Sixteen Candles or The Breakfast Club, but it is still one of those staple movies. All of the best moments include my favorite character of the film,  Duckie, Andie's [Molly Ringwald's character] best friend. I guarantee most of you will lean towards him as your favorite too. It might help if I tell you that Duckie is played by Jon Cryer who plays Alan in that little show called Two & a Half Men. But as Duckie says, "I'm Off like a Dirty Shirt."

• She's The Man: You have MTV's #GirlsDayIn to thank for this suggestion. I forgot how horribly bad, yet wonderful this film is to watch. With a mix of actors who are in a bunch of other films... Amanda Crew, plays the dumb best friend Kia; you can also see her as Tess in Charlie St. Cloud [another horribly wonderful film]. Channing Tatum... gorgeous to look at and actually shines in a more comedic role. I find one of his best performances is in 21st Jumpstreet, versus Magic Mike [which was awful, I'm sorry. God awful] and The Vow [just no]. David Cross is the quirky principal who you can see being the mean guy who kidnaps the chipmunks in Alvin & the Chipmunks. & the leading lady is Amanda Bynes, who is on the headline of every pop cultured centered website these days with her wonderful antics. This film is just one of those that you can quote word for word and is perfect for a lazy movie day. 

• Moonrise Kingdom: I think I am really biased when it comes to this film because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Everything about it. I just find it fantastic. Though, I know, a lot of people did not receive it as well as I. With that being said, I am still recommending it because it is my blog and I do what I want. If you like quirky, weird, and independent films, give this one a try. It follows two young people as they runaway together in a hurricane. It also has Bill Murray & Bruce Willis- which honestly you can't go wrong with. If you don't trust my judgement, it has a 7.8 out of 10 on IMDB. 

• Dirty Girl: If you are not one for foul language or the occasional promiscuity, this film might not be one for you. But if you can handle those things, I highly recommend you give this film a try because it is honestly fantastic. It tells the story of a "dirty girl" Danielle who gets paired with a not so ideal partner, Clarke, to raise a flour sack child in special education class. Still with me? Danielle runs away to find her father and Clarke accompanies her because his parents don't approve of his sexuality. The movie follows the journey of their road trip and developing friendship. It also ends with a fantastic talent show scene; I have never seen a bad movie that ends in a talent show scene.

 Moxie Madness, A Place For My Rants, Raves, & Miscellaneous thoughts:

• Raves:
• Check out this Article that demonstrates what Barbie would look like if she was a real 19 year old woman. It is a great read and opens your eyes. 

• Rebecca Black Covers Miley Cyrus's Song, "We Can't Stop" & I actually really like it. Click here and be amazed by the girl who became famous over getting down on Friday. 

• Rants:
• People bashing the President. We are allowed our thoughts and opinions, but is it not apart of proper manners and etiquette to treat authority figures with at least respect?  I honestly don't agree with bashing anyone in general, but especially someone who runs our country. I just find it rude. Politics aside,  a little respect goes a long way.

• My college town City Council decided to vote against an Ordinance that would protect against discrimination against gays and transgenders. Not only does this piss me off [because equality is an important thing], but another matter makes me even more angry. This decision resulted in a respectable Professor at my college resigning from his position on the board and our local news station covering the story. Some of the comments from ignorant people, after this man stood up for his beliefs, are just disgusting. Just because you don't agree with people's life choices, doesn't mean you can stop people from living their lives; and it sure doesn't give us the right to prevent them from doing so. If you would like to read the news article, here is the link. Again, this is another situation where people are rude and I just really don't like rude. 

•  Miscellaneous Thoughts Recap:

• I really wish that every time someone was rude, Stephanie Tanner would pop up in their room and yell "How Rude." I think it could be an effective form of telling rude people like it is.

• We all should watch "A League of Their Own", join hands in a circle, & sing "We're all for one, we're one for all, We're All American", then we could bake a cake full of rainbows and butterflies. 

•  Barbie is not a suitable role model considering no one looks like that.

• I still can't believe Rebecca Black can sing.

& that is the end of my first "Music, Movies, & Moxie Mondays". I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to being a more uniform blogger, but I will try to get acquainted for you all. That is just because...

I'm Simply Shelby Sue

P.S. I know my opinions aren't the law of the land. Take everything I say with a grain of salt and never be offended if I, nor someone else, thinks differently than yourself. That is the lovely thing about opinions- we all can have one and they can all be unique.