There’s nothing like hearing that song that always reminds you of the pass. In this edition of Staff Picks, our staff went discussed our favorite songs from our parents libraries. Read below for more and follow the playlist on Spotify here.
Fantasie Impromptu – Frederic Chopin
When I was younger, we were like every other family. We had to take piano lessons. On top of that, I learned how to play violin and flute over my middle school years. In short, we’re a really musical family, all the way to my Grandma. Something I specifically remember from my childhood and even adulthood is “The Rainbow Song,” a piano piece that my Grandma used to play. When I was older, I learned how to play it too and what the real name is, Fantasie Impromptu. – Addie Whelan, Editor In Chief
Como la Flor – Selena Quintanilla
You know that song “Party Monster” by The Weeknd where he references a Selena? Well he’s not talking about Selena Gomez. Also, if you haven’t seen the cinematic masterpiece that is Selena starring the one and only Jennifer Lopez, what are you even doing. I’m half hispanic, he does listen to a lot of other music, but I have my father to thank for the hours of latin music I’ve heard while on family road trips. He plays a few different artists, but when the latina queen Selena Quintanilla comes on the entire car goes off. – Joe Hernandez, Contributing Photographer and Writer
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
I owe Aerosmith—and this particular song—a big thank you for being the reason I fell in love with live music. My earliest memory as a kid is crawling into my parents’ bed and watching VH1 music videos with my dad before school. One morning before kindergarten, the live performance of “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” was playing and I remember looking at the everyone’s faces—some with tears rolling down their faces and others will smiles as big as the stadium. I never saw emotion so raw and authentic, and I’ll never forget the moment I realized I wanted to make people feel that way, too. I turned to my dad and said “I want to be Steven Tyler when I’m older” and even though I’m not him, having my career in music makes my younger self proud every single day. – Kristen Humphries, Content Assistant
Funkytown – Lipps Inc
I’d argue that no song from my childhood personifies my current music taste quite like “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. My love for charismatic female vocalists, synth driven production, and an irresistibly danceable groove had to come from somewhere, that somewhere most likely being “Funkytown”. Originally released in 1979 and topping the charts the following year, the track’s clear disco influences and instantly recognizable hook perfectly demonstrate so much of what I love about the song, and about 80s music in general. Almost 40 years later, this song still stands the test of time and will remain a staple in my music catalogue for years to come. – Blake Charles, Contributing Photographer and Writer
Centuries – Fall Out Boy
My first choice was originally “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, but I already picked it for the previous Staff Picks and wanted to do something different. My mom listens to everything from Sam Smith to Twenty One Pilots to The Maine, but one of her favorite bands is Fall Out Boy. “Centuries” is one of her favorites. My mom and I listen to a lot of the same music, and I’m a big Fall Out Boy fan too, so it is always fun to see them live with my mom! – Delaney DeAngelis, Deputy Editor
Rubber Biscuit- The Blues Brothers
From as long as I can remember this song was always playing in my house or in the car with my dad. It quickly became one of my favorite songs as a child. This song doesn’t really have any words as lyrics but it’s performed the same way each time these guys perform it and if you listen to it you’ll think it’s just a bunch of mumbo jumbo. I can happily admit I do have this song in my itunes library and I do listen to it every once in awhile. It reminds me of my childhood and makes me nostalgic. It also makes me laugh each and every time I listen to it. Maybe its the not so subtle dad jokes or maybe it is just because I am grown and finally understand them, either way it’s definitely one of my favorite songs from the past. – Sam Aneed, Contributing Writer
Hotel California – The Eagles
Growing up, my parents were a huge influence in my love for music. My entire family are huge music fans and I grew up going to concerts with them and seeing how exhilarating a live show could be. My dad loves all kinds of music, but his favorite band is (and probably always will be) The Eagles. I love so much of their music and I’m so happy that he introduced me to them as a kid. I love this song a lot because of how both the music and lyrics are so intricate and thought-provoking. There are so many theories about what this song is about and what it means. It’s a track that always draws you in and one you just never get tired of. It will always be one of my favorites because it takes me back to when I was young and first started loving music. – Lauren Klonowski, Senior Contributing Writer
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
This is the one song that, no matter the time or place, never fails to make my heart skip a beat. My parents danced to this at their wedding, and they loved this song for years. One of my very first memories is of my mom singing this to me as a lullaby to help me go to sleep, and it really did make me feel so loved. The lyrics are so simple, yet they perfectly express how it feels have love for another person, whether with a significant other, parent or child. Now, when I hear the song, it immediately reminds me of my parents and how much love and support they’ve given me throughout my life. If I said it didn’t make me tear up sometimes, I’d be lying. – Abby Fox, Senior Contributing Writer
Troubadour – George Strait
Ever since I was little my mom would play anything and everything George Strait. I mean come on he is the King after all. Ever since then i would listen to him on tape, then cd, ipod, and now on my phone. This song would be playing in the background whenever my mom would clean house so it a song that got stuck in my head. I will always listen it. – Bailey Flores, Contributing Photographer
Who Are You – The Who
Have you ever watched an episode of CSI? If so then you’ve heard this song. One of my fondest memories was watching my sweet mother dance to this song every night before she came to tuck me in to bed. She showed me what it looked like to express electric joy when interacting with music. – Nicolita Bradley, Contributing Photographer
Crocodile Rock – Elton John
My parents love Elton John and we were always listening to his music in the car. This song specifically always comes to mind when I think of him because they took me to one of his concerts when he was touring with Billy Joel. The two of them played a few songs together and then Elton went off and let Billy play his set, I was too young to 1. Appreciate Billy Joel and 2. Be up that late. I fell asleep during Billy Joel’s set and my parents let me sleep until Elton John played this song because they knew it was my favorite. It’s one of those specific memories you have from when you’re younger that are weirdly vivid and it just makes me excited every time I hear this song. – Marissa Sandoval, Contributing Photographer
White Limo – The Foo Fighters
Growing up my parents listened to a huge range of artists, but my dad had grown up in Los Angeles and any Los Angeles artists held a special place in his heart. The video for White Limo was filmed in our old neighborhood and he would always remind me every time he played it. The song is really fast-paced and a little bit of a different style than current-day Foo Fighters. I love turning this song up and driving fast. – Alyssa Buzzello, Senior Contributing Photographer
Eight Days A Week – The Beatles
Some of my earliest memories as a kid are listening to The Beatles in the car with my parents. The Beatles were one of the artists every member of my family liked, so it was what we always listened to when we were together, so songs like “Eight Days A Week” hold strong sentimental value to me. The Beatles were such a cool introduction to music and are easily one of the reasons why I love music as much as I do. Thanks Mom & Dad! – Gina Scarpino, Photo Editor
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