Musik Monday - Heino, Ich hab mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren

I got extremely Nostalgic tonight for my time studying abroad in Heidelberg after one of the Facebook pages I liked, German Girls Helping German Girls in America, posted many many pictures from the city tonight.

I stalled on putting up a song today and actually had a different one planned, but at the last minute, I knew I had to post this one:

Gotta love the winter photos when they talk about a balmy summer

The song is more about missing a woman the singer met in Heidelberg after he left the city, but most will quote the song as a way to say that they miss the city.  Here are lyrics that translate the song from German to English.  I love the above video because it shows the beauty of the city and gives an inkling of how amazing it is.

I also feel the need to share some of my photos from my time in Heidelberg (after the break):

Musik Monday - Wise Guys, Jetzt ist Sommer

I've prescribed myself bedrest today after falling sick yesterday afternoon.  The fever/chills are gone, but the sore throat is still here, so I'm not as chipper as I could be.  I do, however, have a short break from my Princess duties and can hopefully get a little rest in.

Today, I decided to post a song for Musik Monday that always lifts my spirits a bit: Jetzt ist Sommer by The Wise Guys





It's probably one of my favorite songs of all time.  I first came across it when my mom decided to have her German class sing it at the "International Caberet" the language department at my college used to throw before I went there.  As the child of a professor, I got to ham it up on stage too, and the class sang this song with the karaoke version on the CD...and did some "dancing", while wearing sunglasses of course.

The song is glorifying summer as a wonderful time of year (because it is) and basically promotes the mentality that even when everything seems horrible or cold or bad in whatever way, it can at least be summer in your head.  That's just the kind of pick-me-up I needed today.  Maybe I'll celebrate the real summer outside by switching up my soup and gingerale diet with some ice cream :^)

Enjoy the beautiful weather whether it's outside your window or in your head!

Musik Monday - Endless Summer

This isn't my favorite song I've posted for Musik Monday, but it seemed appropriate given that it's Euro Cup time.  According to this article, the German-American singer Oceana was chosen to  sing the official UEFA EURO 2012 song.  The song that became the official song is below:





I have absolutely nothing against the singer - she's popular in several countries for a reason.  I just am not a huge fan of songs that sound like this one.  Regardless of that, it'll be stuck in my head for days.  I'm sure it will be an "Ohrwurm" for all of you too.

All of that being said, I'm so excited for this Euro cup season.  It's only every 2 years that there are big soccer tournaments (Euro Cup and World Cup) and I'm always cheering for Germany.  In World Cup years I cheer for USA a little too, but the only guilt-cheering for America I need to do in Euro cup years is during the Olympics.  Seriously though, Germany and USA are both my teams.  And with one win already under their belts, here's to hoping Germany wins it all!

Go Deutschland!!

On top of being great soccer players, they're also an attractive group of guys

P.S. - I know this is a Musik Monday entry, but I'm posting it on Tuesday.  Just know that it was really meant for yesterday.

Musik Monday - Die Twinnies

My friend sent me this the other day and it's just too great to not pass along:





In case you didn't catch that, here it is with English subtitles:




It's a music group made up of two German girls who sing, skate, and play accordions (and other instruments) simultaneously.  It's sort of corny music, but you have to give these girls credit for the show they put on; Most "musicians" can barely sing, let alone play instruments.  And doing both while on skates is insane!  They come close to giving Weird Al a run for his money.

I did a little research on their website (warning, there's sound) and found that Astrid and Franziska aren't actually twins, but they are best friends and "inseparable like twins".  They've been singing and making music since they were young children and did it because it was fun.  They did it more because it made other people happy.  They learned accordion from Franziska's father, who teaches people how to play the instrument.  They started off just playing and singing, but decided to incorporate another activity they love - roller skating.

Though they exemplify the traditional Bavarian music style of their home, they love current music as well and play many pop and rock songs on the electric guitar and electric bass guitar.  They hope to mix traditional and current music in their own style.  I encourage everyone to check out the website for these talented girls!  They may not be actively making or performing music now (I couldn't figure that out), but they're certainly entertaining!

One of the greatest things about the video is how it shows a pretty typical German audience.  Understandably, part of it has to do with the venue, but look at how they all sit and clap with a slight side to side swaying.  In almost all my experience (with the slight exception of some clubs in Germany - though many were also full of international students), that's what Germans do when they love music.

At least they had enough enthusiasm to make matching signs

I personally love it.  I'll be honest, I am not in my element when it comes to dancing, unless it's some sort of line dancing.  Give me Cotton Eyed Joe or Cha Cha Slide any day and I can dance the heck out of those.  But music where there's no specific dance to learn?  That's one of the most frightening things to me.  It must be the German in me that's terrified.