Anti-Valentine's Day Rock Songs

Screencap from Alanis Morissette's music video for "You Oughta Know"

It's Valentine's Day and it's the time of year where people couple up and enjoy each other's company. Unfortunately, this doesn't work out for everyone. Due to circumstances, love isn't in the air on that particular holiday. A few years ago, I wrote a blog with recommended music for putting you in the mood and for those who aren't so fortunate, here's a list that will help you out.

1. "Love Stinks" by J. Geils Band
This song, originally released in 1980, really hit home with the heartbroken crowd when Adam Sandler sang in in the movie The Wedding Singer. There's anger, pain, and even vengeance in this song and is a good way to kick of this list.

2. "Cup of Coffee" by Garbage
Shirley Manson has a wide range of emotions that can be found in her lyrics, but "Cup of Coffee" may be the best. The lyrics, along with perfectly matching music, set the mood for a breakup song. The emotion that comes through can be felt by and sympathized for by anyone who has ever been dumped. This song expresses what it's like for one person of a relationship to not have full closure in their relationship. Sadly, this song had no music video, but I can imagine a real dark, black and white one could have been shot.

3. "Completely Miserable" by Lit
The Orange County band's music video for this song took on public attention when they got Pamela Anderson to star in it. The band is eaten alive by a 50 foot woman-sized version of the former Baywatch star. Lyrically, the song reveals a guy who knows the relationship is bad for him and that he's giving up everything that makes him happy at a shot to be with the girl. Yes, he may get the girl in the end, but it can be asked if it is worth it in the end?

4. "Pictures of You" by The Cure
The goth rock band which released a ton of songs about love and breakups, really hit a chord with this song. The song focuses on a person who is essentially reliving memories with a past loved one by looking at the pictures he has of his former loved one. The lyrics reveal a person who regrets his relationship ending with his significant other.

5. "The Thrill is Gone" by BB King
You can make a list such as this without including a good blues song and it doesn't get much better than BB King when it comes to blues music. A legendary blues artist and one of the best guitarists to ever live, BB King's "The Thrill is Gone" is an essential song on any good anti-Valentine's Day list.

6. "Don't Speak" by No Doubt
It wasn't their first hit song, but it was the song that solidified Anaheim's No Doubt into becoming a A-list rock group. Written by Gwen Stefani after her breakup with bassist Tony Kanal, the song pulled on the heart strings of everyone going through a breakup in the 1990s.

7. "You Ougtta Know" by Alanis Morissette
Released around the same time period as No Doubt's "Don't Speak", Alanis Morissette took a different approach to her famed break up with Full House star Dave Collier. She ripped him apart and empowered women to be able to express their anger for being left for another woman. Morissette's lyrics were sharp and memorable. This song had lyrics such as:
"Does she know how you told me you'd hold me until you die, 'til you die, but you're still alive"
"And are you thinking of me when you fuck her?"
"And every time I scratch my nails down someone else's back I hope you feel it"

8. "I Will Survive" by Cake

Yes, Gloria Gaynor performed the more successful version of this song, but it was too dance-able for me to include on this list. Cake, who also released a hit cover to this song, added a more angry tone to it, even dropping F-bombs where Gaynor probably should have.

9. "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley

Originally inspired by a man who leapt out of a window to commit suicide, the lyrics of a broken-hearted person were added to this song to make it one of the biggest break-up songs of the 1950s. 

10. "Crying" by Roy Orbison
Another member of the early rockabilly movement which included Elvis, Roy Orbison released this song in 1961, which became one of his biggest hits over his Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame career.

11. "Are You Happy Now?" Michelle Branch
The 21st century saw its share of breakup music as well, but it was really Michelle Branch's "Are You Happy Now?" that kicked off the breakup music in the pop/rock genre in the 2000s when it was release in 2003. Used to her more hopeful tracks released on her previous album, Branch released this song as her second hit album's lead single, showing she had more depth in her musical repertoire.

12. "Foolish Games" by Jewel
The Alaskan acoustic guitarist really changed things up when she released this single which is accompanied by sad piano music. Jewel's voice really conveys her depression after a hurtful breakup and was one of many breakup songs released by strong female lead singers in the 1990s.

Sexy Music for Valentine's Day

Screencap of music video for Christina Aguilera's "Not Myself Tonight"

Just like in movies, music can set the tone of our everyday lives. When you're working out, you want to listen to something quick or energetic. After a bad breakup, sad and slow music can help out the listener. And just like those times, music can set the scene for a steamy and sexy night with your loved one. The following is a list of some songs to listen to this Valentine's Day weekend with your sweetie...

1. Banks "Waiting Game": This song broke out when it was used as the backing music for an extended Victoria's Secret commercial. Banks sultry voice can instantly set the tone for a good night.

2. Chris Isaak "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing": The constant guitar riff playing in the background alone sets the tone for a good night.

3. Portishead "Roads": The soft music playing in the background while Beth Gibbons sings has a sensuous feeling to it that goes well together.

4. A Perfect Circle "3 Libras": The haunting vocals of Maynard James Keenan over a mix of rock music and the string symphonic music led by Paz Lenchantin comprises one of A Perfect Circle's best songs of all-time.

5. Mazzy Star "Fade Into You": Embodying that 90's casual music sound that is unique to that decade, Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You" is comprised of the twangy lead guitar and a tambourine as the lead instruments.

6. Massive Attack "Angel": The song starts of with a slow constant beat and picks up about three quarters of the way through. Perfect rhythm for a nice night with your sweetie...or kidnapping the President's daughter (as seen in West Wing).

7. Goldfrapp "Ooh La La": Not all sexy music has to be slow. Goldfrapp's "Ooh La La" is an electronica example of this. Her voice is sensual and steady through the whole song, along with a constant and even rhythm through the whole song.

8. Snow Patrol "Run": The soft guitar verses combined with the strong choruses set a perfect and uplifting beat to listen to while making out with your sweetie.

9. Garbage "#1 Crush": Used as one of the main soundtrack songs in the remake of Romeo and Juliet, "#1 Crush" has perfect "come-hither" vocals belonging to Scottish seductress Shirley Manson. Just her moans in the first few seconds sets the tone.

10. Christina Aguilera "Desnudate": This song makes this list because of the combination of suggestive lyrics and music that is upbeat and energetic.

11. She Wants Revenge "These Things": A haunting guitar over the monotone singing of Justin Warfield leads to a sexy song. On a side note, the music video features Garbage's Shirley Manson who kidnaps Warfield.

Ten Best Couples in Movies and Television

Screencap from Sin City of Dwight and Gail kissing

Being that it's Valentine's Day weekend, many newer and young couples are looking for things to do out in the world. Have a romantic dinner, walk on a beach, or go see a movie. Often though, established couples find ways to avoid the business of public places by staying in and watching a movie at home or Netflix-ing a popular TV show they like.

For these couples, here is a list of some of the best fictional couples on television and in movies...

Screencap of Gail and Dwight from Sin City

1. Gail and Dwight (Sin City): Now granted this is originally a comic book/graphic novel series, but in this case the actor and actress that play these two have so much chemistry with each other that they make this list. Originally a photographer for a Basin City newspaper, Dwight went through a bout of alcoholism and near death before coming out the other end as a private investigator. During his near death experience, Gail and the Old Town girls rescued Dwight and patched him back up. During this time, the two bonded and even though she was a prostitute/dominatrix and he had a couple of flings with Ava Lord and Shellie, the two were meant for each other. Every time they are around each other it's hard for them to keep their hands off each other. Dwight also proved that he was willing to risk his life to save Gail and vice versa.




Screencap from Friends of Ross and Rachel

2. Ross and Rachel (Friends): It took ten seasons for these two to finally figure it out, but when they finally paired up for good in the last episode of the series, it felt like a logical conclusion to the show. Beginning with a crush on Rachel during their teenage years, Ross almost became a hero to Rachel who thought she was stood up by her prom date. Years later, the two would become a couple, but would go through their personal tribulations of "the break", two marriages, and "the sleepy apology", the two managed to become parents to a baby named Emma before figuring out that they belonged together.

Screencap of Harry and Sally from When Harry Met Sally

3. Harry and Sally (When Harry Met Sally): Harry first met Sally as they traveled east after graduating college. Through the years, they would find ways to maintain a friendship without letting sex get in the way. Being there for each other through breakups and hard times, by the end of the movie, they figure out that they are meant to be together.

Screencap of Tara and Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

4. Willow and Tara (Buffy the Vampire Slayer): While most of the Buffyverse people viewed the relationship between Buffy and Angel as perfect, it was actually Willow and Tara who were the best couple. They balanced each other out. Tara kept Willow grounded while Willow ascended to becoming one of the most powerful witches in the world. When Warren accidentally killed Tara, Willow in her sorrow, went on a manhunt for the three involved and was on the verge of destroying the planet as "Evil Willow". Even during the last season rolled around and Kennedy made it known that she wanted to be with Willow, she always kept the most sacred piece of her heart for Tara.

Screencap of Topanga and Cory on Boy Meets World

5. Cory and Topanga (Boy Meets World): From the time they were babies to their adult years, the two were always around each other as friends and eventually as husband and wife. The only time in their lives that they weren't a couple was during those years when boys and girls think that the other sex has "cooties". Otherwise, every first you can think of, they shared together.

Screencap of Julia and Robbie in The Wedding Singer

6. Robbie and Julia (The Wedding Singer): Both were destined to be married to other partners when they first met. Robbie was a wedding singer and Julia was a waitress for a reception hall that holds weddings. After Robbie's bride-to-be runs out on him on the day of the wedding, he finds comfort in his friendship with Julia, helping her plan her up coming wedding. The more they were around each other and the more Robbie was around her fiancé Glenn, the more that everyone around knows that Robbie should be with Julia. Well, except for the one date he went on with her best friend Holly, but even that became apparent when she tried to kiss Robbie.

Screencap of Penny and Leonard in The Big Bang Theory

7. Penny and Leonard (The Big Bang Theory): In what seemed like the unlikely relationship at first between the scientist and the struggling actress, every season of Big Bang Theory ended on a new twist between the relationship of Penny and Leonard. Though the two came from both worlds, they brought out the best in each other. Penny brought Leonard out of his shell while Leonard made Penny want to aspire to be more.

Screencap of Annie and Crash in Bull Durham

8. Crash and Annie (Bull Durham): Brought in to mentor a top draft pick, Crash and Nuke are the final candidates for baseball groupie, Annie Savoy's affection. Deciding he's too old to be part of some sort of seasonal ritual to be with Annie, Crash bows out and lets Nuke be with Annie. From that moment on of being passed by, Annie finds that she's actually infatuated with Crash. Unlike others she had been with, Crash is a combination of brains and brawn. When Nuke is called up to the big leagues and Crash is released, he finally comes knocking on Annie's door for their romance to begin.

Screencap of Justice and Jay kissing in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

9. Jay and Justice (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back): Forever the punk who sells weed, Jay and his hetero-life-mate Silent Bob go on a quest across America to stop a movie using their likenesses. On the way, he runs into Justice and her gang of diamond thieves. At first he is unaware of her true intentions of pulling off a diamond heist, but once the heist is successful and the authorities are searching for the fall guys, Jay and Silent Bob, Justice has a change of heart and saves the day. For her part in the robbery, she still has to go to prison, but Jay and her make a pact to wait for each other.

Screencap of Dante and Becky dancing in Clerks 2

10. Becky and Dante (Clerks 2): Dante always thought his life was meant to be grand in some way, expecting bigger and better things to come his way. What he never realizes is that his true happiness is right there the whole time. After the Quick Stop burns down, Dante and Randall go to work for Mooby's. In his personal life, he meets and gets engaged to Emma whose father has promised Dante a carwash business manager job if they move to Florida. Becky, who also suffers from the "is this life" syndrome, find comfort in each other's presence. When the time comes for Dante to finally leave, Becky reveals that the one night that she and Dante spent with each other has led to a pregnancy. At the same time, Dante slowly realizes that Becky is his true love.

Rushing Past the Holidays

Picture taken by Daniel Millhouse

Holidays can be fun, they can lead to future heart warming memories, and can offer family an excuse to get together when their everyday life can make that seem impossible. So why do we rush so much to get to holidays that we skip over others or at least forget to cherish the time in between holidays?

Just this year, Target stores across the country were already setting up their Christmas sections of their stores as far back as the first week of September. What happened to Halloween? What about Thanksgiving? There's no harm in shopping for Christmas presents early when you're working with a tight budget, but do we really need to push aside the Halloween costumes in favor of tree decorations that shouldn't be displayed before November? Are we really in that much of a rush?

Family Dollar stores in California, in the year 2013, actually placed their Halloween product and candy decorated in Halloween themed packaging on clearance sale the week BEFORE Halloween to make room for Christmas toys.

The holidays in their current form are already creations of the retail industry as it is. Days like Valentine's Day carry importance because of push made by the candy, flower, and greeting card industries. Independence Day in America thrives because of the fireworks, food (barbeque specific), and alcohol industries.

Consumers shouldn't be barraged with holiday décor and festive items that deal with a particular holiday until that holiday is next in line. It steals the valuable moments that belong to the next holiday coming up. How can you truly enjoy Halloween when you're worried about what color lights you're going to dangle across the tree?

The holidays already pass by too quickly and don't need help passing us by. Enjoy them the and savor those moments that hopefully you'll remember for years to come and can reminisce through pictures and home video.