When I first decided I was going to try to take on the task of finding my top 100 favorite songs of all time I knew it would be an incredibly daunting task. After all I have over 2,000 songs on my ipod, so figuring out the 100 that would make the best of the best would not be easy. I started by narrowing down songs that I would consider and came back with 292, narrowed it down even more and was left with 117, and pushing out 17 more songs was brutally hard but I finally whittled it down to 100. The results are a great mix of songs from the 60s all the way to today, some punk rock, some classic rock, some pop, some ballads, and some songs I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit I enjoy but put them in anyway. Over the next several weeks the top 100 will be slowly unveiled, starting with the first five today. After much labor, here it is, my top 100 favorite songs of all time.
100. I'd Do Anything-Simple Plan: The first of three songs from Simple Plan on the top 100, and a fun way to start the list. This is was the first song on the first album from Simple Plan and served as a perfect introduction for them as a band, three minutes of fun pop punk rock.
99. Trouble-American Authors: The American Authors come in at number ninety nine with their one and only song on this list.
98. This is How We Roll-Florida Georgia Line: The only song from Florida Georgia Line and the only country song on this list, I had to include at least one. As far as country goes, this one does a great job infusing some pop to appeal to a broader audience, and is a great summer song.
97. I Saw Her Standing There-The Beatles: What many people consider to be the greatest band of all time will make three appearances on this list with this being the first.
96. Sugar-Maroon 5:A fun little song, Maroon 5 also makes its first of three appearances on this list.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Monday, February 29, 2016
February 2016 Weather Recap
February was a slightly below average month, overall I think the weather for February was pretty perfect, there was a ton of sunny, cloudless days with highs in the low to mid 70s, which is right in my wheelhouse.
February did get off to a hot start though, with four straight 80 degree days. The final 25 days only gave us two though, for a total of six. Right in line with the average.
The Coldest temperature recorded was 39 degrees, on February 11th
The Hottest temperature recorded was 82 degrees, 3 times, February 1st-3rd.
Here are the final stats compared to previous years
February Average High: 73.0/53.4
February did get off to a hot start though, with four straight 80 degree days. The final 25 days only gave us two though, for a total of six. Right in line with the average.
The Coldest temperature recorded was 39 degrees, on February 11th
The Hottest temperature recorded was 82 degrees, 3 times, February 1st-3rd.
Here are the final stats compared to previous years
February Average High: 73.0/53.4
2011: 74.9/54.9
2012: 76.4/58.0
2013: 75.3/55.0
2014: 74.8/55.8
2015: 69.0/50.4
2016: 72.2/52.7
2012: 76.4/58.0
2013: 75.3/55.0
2014: 74.8/55.8
2015: 69.0/50.4
2016: 72.2/52.7
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Ranking Fall Out Boy's 13 top twenty hits
With thirteen songs reaching the top twenty over the past twelve years, Fall Out Boy has surpassed the likes of Blink 182, All American Rejects, Bowling for Soup, and Boys Like Girls, as the second most popular and enduring punk rock band ever, right behind Green Day. A case could be made they have even surpassed Green Day because while Green Day emerges with a mega album every 4-6 years, Fall Out Boy has been a consistent mainstay over the past twelve years. When Fall Out Boy takes the stage tonight, they will be the biggest band to ever play at Universal, the only people that come close are American Idol alums Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry. Since I love Fall Out Boy, I thought it would be fun to rank their 13 songs that have hit the top twenty songs in America, here it is:
13. Centuries (2014): Centuries probably does not deserve to be last on this list, but the NBA turned this into one of the most overplayed songs of all time, making it much more annoying than it actually is. This song was the anthem of the 2015 NBA playoffs for ESPN, and therefore was played no less than 200 times per game, practically every single commercial break. Eventually you wanted to cover your ears whenever it came on.
12. Beat It (2008): When you remake one of the most popular songs from one of the biggest musical legends of all time, there are always going to be people who say it sucks. The fact is it cant be better than the original, so its a huge risk to take on such a task. Fall Out Boy did a really good job adding their own flavor to a classic without disrespecting it. It was about as good as a remake can be, which is still only good enough for twelfth on this list.
11. Young Volcanoes (2013): Probably fall out boys mushiest songs as its much more mellow and low key than most of their songs. It works for a bit, but is not one of their songs you can listen to endlessly without getting sick of.
10. My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light 'em Up) (2013): Another song used by the NBA as their playoff anthem. I find the verses to be very powerful and the song has a great rock vibe, but the constant repeating of "Light em up" in the chorus makes me think of this as more of a fun song to play at sporting events rather than a fun sing along song for the radio.
9. Irresistible (2016): Fall Out Boys newest hit is a lot of fun, and practically the opposite of the previous song in that its strength lies in its awesome chorus while the verses are its weak point. With this song only having been out about a month its hard to gauge if this one will the enduring popularity some of their bigger hits have had.
8. This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race (2007): Now we are getting to the really good stuff. With this song, Fall Out Boy established itself as a very unique band. With a purposefully uneven pace, purposefully overly wordy chorus, and purposefully long song title, Fall Out Boy proved they could step outside the box of "normal" bands and still be successful. They also continued a tradition of "punk" bands having at least one song that disses mainstream celebrities like Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears.
7. Uma Thurman (2015): This song would be lower on this list it if wasn't for the insanely catchy inclusion of the Munsters theme song. Another song where the chorus is very catchy but the verses are kind of weak.
6. I Don't Care (2008): A straight up hard rock break-up song. The Chorus and verses both are on point and its relentless in terms of how powerful the music and lyrics are. This was the song that after some of their earlier hits proved that Fall Out Boy may be around for the long run with their versatility.
5. Dance, Dance (2005): After their first big hit Fall Out Boy needed to churn out another one to prove they weren't going to be a fluke one hit wonder. They hit it big with Dance, Dance, an insanely fast paced song you can't help but jam out too. With two massive hits in short order Fall Out Boy put themselves on the map as Superstars.
4. The Phoenix (2013): Right up there with "I Dont Care" in terms of adrenaline pumping hard rock. This song also has a huge nostalgia factor for me as it was the song used as the opening dance for Bill and Ted in 2013, and to this day remains by far the best opening dance of the six years of Bill and Ted I've seen.
3. Thanks for the Memories (2007): If you were to poll the population to rank these songs, this is probably the song that would get the most number one votes, but I like to be a little different. Still, I cannnot deny this songs greatness. In terms of empowering break up songs, this is right at the top.
2. Alone Together (2014): Again, if you were to poll the population, this probably wouldn't make many peoples top five, but again I like to be a little different. This song may be a little mushy and soft for Fall Out Boy, but the lyrics are perfect and the powerful way they break into the chorus gets me every time, a true powerhouse song.
1. Sugar, We're Going Down (2005): Fall Out Boys first mega hit is still their best. Story time: Its August 2005 and I have just moved to Wisconsin. Every day during the remainder of summer break I bike down to the Holtz's house in the afternoon and we all watch "TRL" together on MTV, which counts down the most popular music videos of the day, and every day Sugar We're Going Down is number one. This song is the total package, fun, great chorus, great verses, doesn't take itself too seriously, but isn't just a joke either. Fall Out Boy broke onto the scene and hasn't left all these years later.
13. Centuries (2014): Centuries probably does not deserve to be last on this list, but the NBA turned this into one of the most overplayed songs of all time, making it much more annoying than it actually is. This song was the anthem of the 2015 NBA playoffs for ESPN, and therefore was played no less than 200 times per game, practically every single commercial break. Eventually you wanted to cover your ears whenever it came on.
12. Beat It (2008): When you remake one of the most popular songs from one of the biggest musical legends of all time, there are always going to be people who say it sucks. The fact is it cant be better than the original, so its a huge risk to take on such a task. Fall Out Boy did a really good job adding their own flavor to a classic without disrespecting it. It was about as good as a remake can be, which is still only good enough for twelfth on this list.
11. Young Volcanoes (2013): Probably fall out boys mushiest songs as its much more mellow and low key than most of their songs. It works for a bit, but is not one of their songs you can listen to endlessly without getting sick of.
10. My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light 'em Up) (2013): Another song used by the NBA as their playoff anthem. I find the verses to be very powerful and the song has a great rock vibe, but the constant repeating of "Light em up" in the chorus makes me think of this as more of a fun song to play at sporting events rather than a fun sing along song for the radio.
9. Irresistible (2016): Fall Out Boys newest hit is a lot of fun, and practically the opposite of the previous song in that its strength lies in its awesome chorus while the verses are its weak point. With this song only having been out about a month its hard to gauge if this one will the enduring popularity some of their bigger hits have had.
8. This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race (2007): Now we are getting to the really good stuff. With this song, Fall Out Boy established itself as a very unique band. With a purposefully uneven pace, purposefully overly wordy chorus, and purposefully long song title, Fall Out Boy proved they could step outside the box of "normal" bands and still be successful. They also continued a tradition of "punk" bands having at least one song that disses mainstream celebrities like Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears.
7. Uma Thurman (2015): This song would be lower on this list it if wasn't for the insanely catchy inclusion of the Munsters theme song. Another song where the chorus is very catchy but the verses are kind of weak.
6. I Don't Care (2008): A straight up hard rock break-up song. The Chorus and verses both are on point and its relentless in terms of how powerful the music and lyrics are. This was the song that after some of their earlier hits proved that Fall Out Boy may be around for the long run with their versatility.
5. Dance, Dance (2005): After their first big hit Fall Out Boy needed to churn out another one to prove they weren't going to be a fluke one hit wonder. They hit it big with Dance, Dance, an insanely fast paced song you can't help but jam out too. With two massive hits in short order Fall Out Boy put themselves on the map as Superstars.
4. The Phoenix (2013): Right up there with "I Dont Care" in terms of adrenaline pumping hard rock. This song also has a huge nostalgia factor for me as it was the song used as the opening dance for Bill and Ted in 2013, and to this day remains by far the best opening dance of the six years of Bill and Ted I've seen.
3. Thanks for the Memories (2007): If you were to poll the population to rank these songs, this is probably the song that would get the most number one votes, but I like to be a little different. Still, I cannnot deny this songs greatness. In terms of empowering break up songs, this is right at the top.
2. Alone Together (2014): Again, if you were to poll the population, this probably wouldn't make many peoples top five, but again I like to be a little different. This song may be a little mushy and soft for Fall Out Boy, but the lyrics are perfect and the powerful way they break into the chorus gets me every time, a true powerhouse song.
1. Sugar, We're Going Down (2005): Fall Out Boys first mega hit is still their best. Story time: Its August 2005 and I have just moved to Wisconsin. Every day during the remainder of summer break I bike down to the Holtz's house in the afternoon and we all watch "TRL" together on MTV, which counts down the most popular music videos of the day, and every day Sugar We're Going Down is number one. This song is the total package, fun, great chorus, great verses, doesn't take itself too seriously, but isn't just a joke either. Fall Out Boy broke onto the scene and hasn't left all these years later.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
January 2016 Weather Recap
After what can loosely be classified as a nine month summer from March-December with four record breaking months it was good to get some cool air in January and normal temperatures for a change. Here are some final stats about Januarys weather.
Unsurprisingly, in an El Nino winter, January was very wet, with a few days totaling 2+ inches of rain.
January 1st saw a high of 84 degrees, after this the final 30 days of the month saw only one day get above 75, January 16th when it got to 78.
There was only one night where the temp dove below 40 degrees, compared to the average of 4.
Overall the trend for January was that the average high was slightly below average while the average low was slightly above average as the average cool down within a single day was only about 16 degrees compared to the average for this time of year of about 21 degrees. Without further ado, here is the average high and low of this January compared to the past five.
January Average: High: 70.7 Low: 49.8
Unsurprisingly, in an El Nino winter, January was very wet, with a few days totaling 2+ inches of rain.
January 1st saw a high of 84 degrees, after this the final 30 days of the month saw only one day get above 75, January 16th when it got to 78.
There was only one night where the temp dove below 40 degrees, compared to the average of 4.
Overall the trend for January was that the average high was slightly below average while the average low was slightly above average as the average cool down within a single day was only about 16 degrees compared to the average for this time of year of about 21 degrees. Without further ado, here is the average high and low of this January compared to the past five.
January Average: High: 70.7 Low: 49.8
2011: 68.0/48.6
2012: 72.0/50.2
2013: 75.5/57.1
2014: 66.9/48.7
2015: 70.6/52.5
2016: 68.1/51.8
2012: 72.0/50.2
2013: 75.5/57.1
2014: 66.9/48.7
2015: 70.6/52.5
2016: 68.1/51.8
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Recapping 2015
2015 is about to be in the books and it was another super fun year. Here are some of the highlights
Favorite TV Show: Dexter. In January I began watching Dexter and after a few episode I became hooked. A lot of people like to blow through TV shows (binge watching is a popular term now.) But I like to take my time. I enjoyed many nights watching Dexter and finally finished it in September.
Favorite Movie: Jurassic World. I only saw 3 movies in theatres this year so the options are limited, but the one I would have to say was the best was Jurassic World. Props to Goosebumps though for providing a lot of nostalgia for one of my all time favorite shows and a show that is pretty much solely responsible for my love of Halloween today and all things spooky.
Favorite Song: Shut up and Dance. Definitely the highlight song of the year.
Favorite Sports Moments: The first half of 2015 provided a ton. Its truly a toss up between the Badgers beating Kentucky and the Lightning winning game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, but a slight nod to the Badgers because of how historic the win was.
Favorite Days: A lot of days stick out in my head from 2015. A day I spent at Magic Kingdom with my friends in february starts the list, which was also one of my longest park days ever. (10AM to 11:30 PM). Going to game six of the Bolts/Canadiens and getting to see the Lightning win a playoff series in person for the second time ever. Many Universal summer evenings with my family, but particularly the first one for kicking off a great summer. Opening and closing night of HHN is always a highlight, especially the last Bill and Ted. These are the days I will remember about this year.
Finally I will always remember this year for the weather. It was unsuprisingly the hottest year on record for Orlando out of the 121 years of record keeping. 4 of the months (March, April, November, and December) were in the top 3 hottest ever for that month and broke many daily record highs. Hopefully 2016 provided some cooler temps. Heres to 2016!
Favorite TV Show: Dexter. In January I began watching Dexter and after a few episode I became hooked. A lot of people like to blow through TV shows (binge watching is a popular term now.) But I like to take my time. I enjoyed many nights watching Dexter and finally finished it in September.
Favorite Movie: Jurassic World. I only saw 3 movies in theatres this year so the options are limited, but the one I would have to say was the best was Jurassic World. Props to Goosebumps though for providing a lot of nostalgia for one of my all time favorite shows and a show that is pretty much solely responsible for my love of Halloween today and all things spooky.
Favorite Song: Shut up and Dance. Definitely the highlight song of the year.
Favorite Sports Moments: The first half of 2015 provided a ton. Its truly a toss up between the Badgers beating Kentucky and the Lightning winning game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, but a slight nod to the Badgers because of how historic the win was.
Favorite Days: A lot of days stick out in my head from 2015. A day I spent at Magic Kingdom with my friends in february starts the list, which was also one of my longest park days ever. (10AM to 11:30 PM). Going to game six of the Bolts/Canadiens and getting to see the Lightning win a playoff series in person for the second time ever. Many Universal summer evenings with my family, but particularly the first one for kicking off a great summer. Opening and closing night of HHN is always a highlight, especially the last Bill and Ted. These are the days I will remember about this year.
Finally I will always remember this year for the weather. It was unsuprisingly the hottest year on record for Orlando out of the 121 years of record keeping. 4 of the months (March, April, November, and December) were in the top 3 hottest ever for that month and broke many daily record highs. Hopefully 2016 provided some cooler temps. Heres to 2016!
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Finall Fall Statistics
"Fall" has concluded and for Orlando it was one for the record books. The statistics do not paint a pretty picture if you prefer cool weather from October-April like I do. I dont mind the summer heat of May-September, I dont like it, but I expect it so its tolerable. However when the calendar flips to October I like my nights to be sweatshirt worthy with a nice cool breeze, and this fall simply did not fit the bill. I could have tolerated a hot fall if it didnt occur in the same year we had a record hot spring as well. yeesh. Theres a lot of different stats that show how grim and hot this fall was, but lets first just start with the average high/low of the past seven falls and how much this years temps stick out.
2015: 82.8/67.2
2014: 78.8/61.0
2013: 81.0/64.6
2012: 78.6/62.7
2011: 79.2/62.4
2010: 77.4/58.2
2009: 80.8/64.7
Where do we go from here? Lets start with how November saw the needle hit 90 degrees not once, but twice for just the third time in 130 years, and the first since the great depression. Lets compare the coldest record temp of this fall compared to years past.
2015: 48
2014: 41
2013: 39
2012: 46
2011: 42
2010: 28
2009: 44
This is a pretty staggering one. How Many Nights did the thermometer dip below 60 degrees?
2015: 8
2014: 35
2013: 16
2012: 34
2011: 32
2010: 38
2009: 23
And how Many nights did it really get cold and fall below 50?
2015: 2
2014: 15
2013: 5
2012: 4
2011: 2
2010: 19
2009: 8
Interestingly, one stat that actually comes in at below average, is the amount of days we hit 90 degrees, thanks to only one 90 degree day in October. 90 degree days in fall come in as follows
2015: 7
2014: 8
2013: 5
2012: 10
2011: 8
2010: 7
2009: 15
Unfortunately all it takes is one look at the ten day forecast and one sees winter will get off to a record start as well. Considering the trend in Orlando has been above average nearly nonstop since March 1st one has to wonder if this will ever end.
2015: 82.8/67.2
2014: 78.8/61.0
2013: 81.0/64.6
2012: 78.6/62.7
2011: 79.2/62.4
2010: 77.4/58.2
2009: 80.8/64.7
Where do we go from here? Lets start with how November saw the needle hit 90 degrees not once, but twice for just the third time in 130 years, and the first since the great depression. Lets compare the coldest record temp of this fall compared to years past.
2015: 48
2014: 41
2013: 39
2012: 46
2011: 42
2010: 28
2009: 44
This is a pretty staggering one. How Many Nights did the thermometer dip below 60 degrees?
2015: 8
2014: 35
2013: 16
2012: 34
2011: 32
2010: 38
2009: 23
And how Many nights did it really get cold and fall below 50?
2015: 2
2014: 15
2013: 5
2012: 4
2011: 2
2010: 19
2009: 8
Interestingly, one stat that actually comes in at below average, is the amount of days we hit 90 degrees, thanks to only one 90 degree day in October. 90 degree days in fall come in as follows
2015: 7
2014: 8
2013: 5
2012: 10
2011: 8
2010: 7
2009: 15
Unfortunately all it takes is one look at the ten day forecast and one sees winter will get off to a record start as well. Considering the trend in Orlando has been above average nearly nonstop since March 1st one has to wonder if this will ever end.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Taking a Look at Fall 2015 in Orlando
Today December 1st marks the 70th days of Fall, or the end of 10 weeks. Fall starts on September 23rd and the final day is December 20th. Its no surprise that this fall has been a way above average one in terms of heat for Orlando. I took a look at the average highs and lows from September 23rd-December 1st of every year since I moved here and here are the results
2015: 84.1/68.6
2014: 80.7/63.0
2013: 82.0/66.5
2012: 80.0/63.4
2011: 80.4/63.9
2010: 81.8/62.7
As you can see this year is significantly warmer than any other year. This coming in the same year in which we had a ridiculous above average spring as well. (April had 24 days above average, November had 26.) March had less days above average (21) but 12 of those 21 days were at least 10 degrees above average. Crazy! I'm ready for some cooler temps but looking at the 15 day forecast December could shape up to be yet another well above average month. Yeesh.
2015: 84.1/68.6
2014: 80.7/63.0
2013: 82.0/66.5
2012: 80.0/63.4
2011: 80.4/63.9
2010: 81.8/62.7
As you can see this year is significantly warmer than any other year. This coming in the same year in which we had a ridiculous above average spring as well. (April had 24 days above average, November had 26.) March had less days above average (21) but 12 of those 21 days were at least 10 degrees above average. Crazy! I'm ready for some cooler temps but looking at the 15 day forecast December could shape up to be yet another well above average month. Yeesh.
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