23 October 2013 (Wednesday)

Today's class followed Murphy's Law (definition): First the computer equipment I use for the class was being used by another teacher. Then the room for the class was changed without my knowledge. In the end 6 students found the new room and I finally got the laptop, speakers and projector set up.

One student had been listening to music in her headphones before class and I asked her what song she was listening to. It was "Wake Up Call" (video, lyrics, song info) by Maroon 5 (info).

The next song was "Man I Need" (video, song info) by Jagwar Ma (info). I had heard this band's name before but had never heard their music. It's a good song.

By the way, Jagwar Ma will play a concert in Seattle on 10 December! In fact, it will be in the U-District, in a cool old theatre, The Neptune (info). Concert information here.

I told the class that one of my favorite ways to hear new bands is to check out CDs from the Seattle Public Library (website). It is free to check out books and CDs and DVDs -- you just have to go to a library and show your ID with proof that you live inside Seattle and you get a library card. Through the website you can put materials on hold and have them delivered to your nearest library, then you get an email when it is there and ready for you to pick up. What a great public service!!

The next song was "Scarborough Fair" (video, lyrics, song info). This song was famously covered by Simon & Garfunkel (info), but the student who chose this song prefers the version by Sarah Brightman (info).

The feeling of "Scarborough Fair" reminded me of one of my favorite romantics songs, "My Ain True Love" (video, lyrics, song info) by Sting (info) with Alison Kraus (info).

The next song was "Call Your Friends" (video, lyrics, song info) by Zebrahead (info). This song was chosen according to the theme of the day -- songs you listen to before going out to a party. The student who chose this song said he would like to go to a party like the one shown in the video, but he hasn't been to one like that yet. 

At this point we talked about Halloween parties for a while.

The next song chosen was "No Sleep" (video, lyrics, song info) by Wiz Khalifa (info). Yes, it's the same student who chose Wiz Khalifa last week. 

The next song was "Mr Saxobeat" (video, lyrics, song info) by Alexandra Stan (info). 

I can't remember how we go to the next subject, but the student who loves Wiz Khalifa said he likes to dance the "C-Walk" (info). I didn't know what that dance is like so we watched a video which shows it: "Let's Make Some Love" (video). The student showed us some of his C-Walk moves at the front of the class.

With that, class was over for the week. Nothing seemed to work right today, but it was a fun class nonetheless. Next class we'll be in the regular room: HUB 337 . And since it's almost Halloween, the theme is naturally... songs about candy! Or scary songs/videos ;-) .