Walk-Up Wednesday

Being introduced as Mr. & Mrs. at the reception. Our 'walk-out' song was Jump!

In baseball, each player chooses a song, or 3, to be played throughout the stadium as they walk-up to home plate. Most of the time it's a "pump-it-up" kind of song, but I've seen everything from the Christian hit, "Strong Tower" (David Murphy, Rangers) to "Party in the USA" (Gregg Glime, Baylor). There's a few songs I heard for the first time as someone's walk-up and now I think of that person every time I hear it. Kind of like a ringtone. {I can't think of the last time I heard a sing-song ringtone now that I think about it.}

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It’s not quite as essential as bats, balls, and gloves, but the tradition of the “walk-up” song is still a signature and crowd-pleasing part of professional baseball. Wouldn’t we all like to have a 15-second clip of some anthemic song play triumphantly as we arrive at our desks, coffee cup in one hand, file folders in the other? Nah? Guess it’s not quite the same as stepping up to home plate. -Carol Ross Joynt, Washingtonian

I've always had a special love for music. I danced for 18 years (still try to go to class when I'm home), and I loved hearing songs that weren't so mainstream. Then again, I loved any song that I could connect with and dance to. I enjoyed introducing new music to friends before it came out on the radio. Over the past few years I've been really caught up in being busy and haven't had time to "discover" new artists. Lately, all the new music I hear comes from my husband. He's great about searching for new artists and songs then serenading me on his guitar.

singing a song. no, he's not naked. or is he...

So, here it is. Walk-Up Wednesday. They're songs that wouldn't necessarily be used as a "Walk-Up," but listening to a new song or favorite jam creates a similar feeling or excitement; just like stepping up to home plate. It's my way of somewhat forcing myself to find new music and introduce you to new artists. There may be a few in the mix that my husband "discovered" and definitely some songs that are already playing around the world.

Below are just a few current favorites for you to enjoy. If you haven't heard, great! If you have, turn it up and rock out if you like it just as much as I do! click on the name to hear the song off YouTube.

Shovels&Rope - Birmingham. This Charleston, SC based band, consisting of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, sings a beautiful folky, rock harmony. They've been in the game since 2010. They are currently on tour with Dawes and in June they're doing a couple shows with Dave Matthews Band in New York -- Maybe we can catch one! *husband discovery

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Pusher Love Girl.  JT's new 20/20 album. Everyone is raving about Mirrors and Suit & Tie (both great), but I think Pusher Love Girl is underrated. So groovy and sexy. It's the most upbeat song with enough breaks in the music and different beats to keep me grinding... uh.. dancing... for the full 8 minutes. In love.

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Matt Stell - Robert Tatum. We listened to Matt this past NYE at a bar in Galveston. Funny story - While at the bar we kept giving our cousin a hard time trying to hook 'em up. We invited him to come to the next bar once his set was done. Seemed like he was diggin' it. Then he showed up to the next bar with his girlfriend... oops! We ended up with his CD and everytime this song comes on in the shuffle, I always find myself singing along! What do y'all think?

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-E