In The Heights had its first Broadway preview on February 14^th 2008, and opening night on March 9^th, 2008. The musical closed on January 9^th 2011 after 29 previews and 1,185 performances. On Broadway’s biggest night, the 2008 Tony Awards saw the musical win Best Musical, Best Choreography for Andy Blankenbuehler, Best Original Score for Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Best Orchestrations for Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman. In 2009, the Original Broadway Cast Recording won the Best Musical Show Album at the Grammy Awards. In The Heights featured a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, and music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

In The Heights, both Broadway and the movie, follows bodega owner Usnavi La Vega on his mission to get back to the beach in the Dominican Republic, and features his interactions with neighbours in his Washington Heights neighbourhood. Nina Rosario is a rising sophomore at Stanford University coming back to her neighbourhood the summer after her freshman year. There is a romance between Nina and Benny, one of the workers at her dad’s cab company. Vanessa Morales is working at the neighbourhood salon, wanting to get out of the heights, and achieve her dreams of being a fashion designer. Abuela Claudia, cares for everyone in the heights, and she touches everyone. Daniela, Carla, and Cuca are the salon owners and salon worker respectively, who eventually move to the Bronx for higher paying clients.

Fans like myself who first knew about In The Heights from the stage musical will notice that the movie has some changes. The character of Camila Rosario, Nina’s mother, has been eliminated from the movie. Songs are in new places because of an updated storyline. Fans of the musical will notice that songs such as Sunrise, Everything I Know, Hundreds of Stories, and Inutil, are not included in the movie or on the soundtrack, but they are not really missed due to the updated storyline.

The movie also adds a new song in the end credits, Home All Summer, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and performed by Anthony Ramos, Leslie Grace, and featuring Marc Anthony.

The score is an essential part of any stage or movie musical, and In The Heights is no different. Part of the storytelling in In The Heights lies in the music. The Latin flare to all the songs transports you to Washington Heights. All of the company numbers like ‘In The Heights’ are upbeat and fast paced, giving the audience and listener a break from the heavy elements of the story. ‘In The Heights’ is the opening number, and it’s a fantastic way to meet all the characters in the story. Solos and duets such as ‘Breathe’ give you a look into the characters’ lives. These numbers are primarily ballads, and as such can be more emotional for the listener. ‘Breathe’ follows Nina as she coming back to Washington Heights thinking that she has disappointed everyone.

Lyrics are also an essential part of the story of any musical stage or screen. The lyrics of the big numbers bring the listener into the fun and light hearted moments of the residents of Washington Heights. This is a welcomed feeling because the story of In The Heights is an emotional one with ups and downs because it’s based on the lives of the residents. Solos and duets focus more on the individual and are  more complex and emotional as they expose the feelings of the character in that moment. ‘Paciencia Y Fe (Patience and Faith)’ is an emotional hard hitting number by Abuela Claudia reflecting on her life before she passes. 

The soundtrack to In The Heights is filled with wonderful performances, however, there are a few that stand out in my listening. Anthony Ramos does a fantastic job of telling the story as Usnavi, showing the highs and lows of Usnavi’s life as the story progresses (It Won’t Be Long Now and Champagne). Nina has always been one of my favourite characters in the story, and Leslie Grace gives a fanciful performance bringing Nina’s story to life (Breathe). As noted above, one of the most emotional songs for the audience and listener is ‘Paciencia Y Fe (Patience and Faith)’, which bonds the character of Abuela Claudia with the listener. Olga Merediz plays the role with friendly emotion and makes the audience feel for her character. Benny is a featured character and a big part of Nina’s life played with humour by Corey Hawkins (Benny’s Dispatch and When You’re Home). Vanessa is a fan favourite character and Melissa Barrera doesn’t disappoint, hitting the highs and lows and making the audience root for her at the end of story. ‘It Won’t Be Long Now’ highlights her strong voice, and while not evident on the soundtrack The Club shows her dancing skills in the movie. 

At the core, In The Heights is a story of family, and the friends that you think of as found family. The other major elements are finding your dream, and realising you had it all along, and the fact that you will always be welcomed back home. The movie soundtrack handles all these elements musically and lyrically. Get the In The Heights soundtrack from Amazon or stream it on Spotify

Product description from Apple Music: The immensely popular American hip-hopera Hamilton may have made him a household name, but Broadway patrons and musical theater aficionados knew Lin-Manuel Miranda long before he made the Founding Fathers spit bars. Earning Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Original Score in 2008, his In the Heights regaled audiences for nearly three years with an unforgettable uptown chronicle told via irresistible songs that deftly blended Times Square panache and tropical rhythms. With the release of its highly anticipated film adaptation comes a corresponding soundtrack that keeps the enjoyment going long after the credits roll, with listeners benefiting further from the immersive Spatial Audio experience. Beginning with Usnavi’s spirited exposition on the title track that sets the proverbial stage, the songs depict a layered narrative full of family traditions, romantic longings (for people and homeland alike), and dramatic turns aplenty. From the lottery ticket dreams of “96,000” to the panic and promise of “Blackout,” the diverse cast encapsulates everything that made both the musical and the movie great. Recusing himself from his iconic Broadway run as Usnavi to play the neighborhood Piraguero, Miranda rails proudly against the dark forces of soft-serve on the plucky “Piragua.”

What do you think of the In The Heights soundtrack? Tell us in the comments below!

The post ‘In The Heights’ Soundtrack Review appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you recently watched Hamilton on Disney+ and are lost on what to watch or listen to next, we have got you covered with a few recommendations!  

Did you love the music in Hamilton and have become obsessed with analysing the lyrics and musical genius that is Lin-Manuel Miranda? Well, first up are some other musical creations by this man!

In The Heights

In The Heights was Miranda’s first musical! He wrote the lyrics and music for this one and starred as the lead on Broadway. You may also recognise another voice on this cast recording, Christopher Jackson (George Washington) plays a major character. This musical is all about characters living in a largely Latinx neighbourhood, Washington Heights in New York City. There is also a movie coming out in 2021, which stars no other than heartthrob Anthony Ramos aka Philip Hamilton/Thomas Laurens.

Bring It On (The Musical)

This musical is based on the iconic 2000 film of the same name, but Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote songs for this one too! You will definitely hear his rap/hip hop style coming through in some of these songs!

Moana

Moana was a hit Disney movie back in 2016 and no other than Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music and songs for this one. He can also be heard singing along with Christopher Jackson in the movie!

21 Chump Street

This is a super fun short musical and you can watch the whole thing on YouTube. It’s written by Miranda and stars Anthony Ramos as the lead.

If you want some musicals that are similar to Hamilton, here are a few recommendations:

Newsies

Also available on Disney+, this is a filmed Broadway performance and showcases some beautiful singing and some jaw dropping dancing! Newsies is all about the 1899 newsboy strike in New York. So, like Hamilton, it is based on history and a filmed Broadway performance!

Les Miserables

Les Miserables is completely sung through just like Hamilton, while also being based on historical events. This musical is all about the July Revolution in France (after the French Revolution). It follows a large number of characters and how their lives all intertwine.

Six

Six is an epic musical showcase all about the six wives of Henry the 8th. This musical has combined pop music and made these women more modern. This is great for Hamilton fans as you will learn more about history with a modern twist.

Billy Elliot

If you want another live filmed musical then Billy Elliot: The Musical is great.Based on the film of the same name, it is all about Billy who wants to dance ballet, but his father would rather have him boxing. This story is set during the mine strikes in England, so you will also get a little bit of a history lesson. All the songs are written by Elton John so this musical is amazing!

Now, if you loved the cast of Hamilton, here are some albums from these insanely talented individuals:

Leslie Odom Jr. – Mr

This album has a very soul and jazz feel to it, but Leslie Odom Jr. sings beautifully and you will be listening to this on repeat.

Anthony Ramos – The Good and the Bad

Anthony Ramos has given us a beautiful autobiographical album, his songs range from cry in your car to dance around your living room.

Jasmine Cephas Jones – Bluebird

This album has a jazz-like undertone and Jasmine’s raspy beautiful voice shines through!

Daveed Diggs – Seven Nights in Chicago

Daveed has combined his fan of rap music and social activism to give us a great album.

What do you love most about Hamilton? Do you have any other recommendations?

The post Loved ‘Hamilton’? Here’s What You Should Watch Or Listen To Next! appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Article contributed by Stacey Lannigan

The following is a fan-made playlist for Stephen King’s novel IT. Due to the complexity of the novels layout and to save confusion a brief description of the scenes has been used to help identify when the song is applicable to the plot. Whether you’ve read the book and looking to reminisce, or just want to find some new songs to add to your playlist, enjoy this little trip down “memory book lane”! You can also find our playlist on Spotify!

1957-1958 (Young Losers Club)

Scene: Georgie’s Death
Song: Lost Without You by Freya Ridings
Standin’ on the platform/Watching you go/It’s like no other pain

I’ve ever known/To love someone so much/To have no control/You said, “I wanna see the world”/And I said, “Go”/But I think I’m lost without you/I just feel crushed without you/I’ve been strong for so long/That I never thought how much I needed you/I think I’m lost without you

Scene: Hair Is Winter Fire
Song: Fire On Fire by Sam Smith
Fire on fire would normally kill us/With this much desire, together, we’re winners / They say that we’re out of control and some say we’re sinners/But don’t let them ruin our beautiful rhythms/’Cause when you unfold me and tell me you love me/And look in my eyes/You are perfection, my only direction/It’s fire on fire, oh, oh/It’s fire on fire

Scene: Ben ‘H’ VS Henry Bowers & Gang
Song: Run Boy Run by Woodkid
Run boy run! The sun will be guiding you/Run boy run! They’re dying to stop you/Run boy run! This race is a prophecy/Run boy run! Break out from society/Tomorrow is another day/And you won’t have to hide away/You’ll be a man, boy!/But for now it’s time to run, it’s time to run!

Scene: Building The Dam
Song: On Top Of The World by Imagine Dragons
I’ve had the highest mountains/I’ve had the deepest rivers/You can have it all but not til you move it/Now take it in but don’t look down/’Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ey/I’m on top of the world, ‘ey/Waiting on this for a while now/Paying my dues to the dirt/I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ey/Been holding it in for a while, ‘ey/Take it with me if I can/Been dreaming of this since a child/I’m on top of the world

Scene: Losers See IT
Song: Crazy by Robert Counts (Cover Of Gnarls Barkley)
And I hope that you are having the time of your life/But think twice

That’s my only advice/Come on now, who do you/Who do you, who do you/Who do you think you are?/Ha ha ha, bless your soul/You really think you’re in control?/Well/I think you’re crazy/I think you’re crazy/I think you’re crazy/Just like me

Scene: Rock War
Song: I Predict A Riot by Kaiser Chiefs
Watching the people get lairy/It’s not very pretty I tell thee/Walking through town is quite scary/It’s not very sensible either/A friend of a friend he got beaten/He looked the wrong way at a policeman/Would never of happened to Smeaton/An old leodensian/I predict a riot/I predict a riot/I predict a riot/I predict a riot

Scene: Smoke Hole (Richie & Mike Visions)
Song: Take It All by Ruelle
Through hell’s gates/The ground shakes/And valor wakes /And so it begins/Vengeance waits/Fury reigns/With all at stake/So it begins/So it begins/Where worlds collide/Blood divides/When darkness falls/Fate calls/This winter breath/Taste of death/Where iron meets flesh

Scene: Silver Slugs
Song: Fight ‘Til The End by Jack Savoretti

We don’t know how to pray/We don’t know what to say/We don’t know how to make it through another day/Never run, never hide/Always up for the fight/We keep getting it wrong until we get it right/I won’t let you let me go/Scars of our mind games never show/We’re never going to be alone again/We’re never gonna let it know/We’re enemies, lovers, not friends/And we fight ’til the end

Scene: IT POV
Song: One Way Or Another by Until The Ribbon Breaks
One way or another I’m gonna find you/I’m gonna get you/One way or another I’m gonna win you/I’m gonna get you get you/One way or another I’m gonna see you/I’m gonna meet you/One day, maybe next week/I’m gonna meet ya, I’m gonna meet you

Scene: The House On Neibolt Street
Song: Come As You Are by Civil Twilight
Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be/As a friend, as a friend, as an old enemy/Take your time, hurry up, the choice is yours, don’t be late/Take a rest, as a friend, as an old memoria, memoria, memoria/Come dowsed in mud, soaked in bleach, as I want you to be/As a trend, as a friend, as an old memoria, memoria, memoria/And I swear that I don’t have a gun/No, I don’t have a gun, no, I don’t have a gun/Memoria, memoria

Scene: Battle Of Wills
Song: Breath Of Life by Florence and The Machine

And the fever began to spread/From my heart down to my legs/But the room was so quiet oh/And although I wasn’t losing my mind/It was a chorus so sublime/But the room is too quiet (oh, the fever)/I was looking for a breath of life,/A little touch of heavenly light/But all the choirs in my head sang no (I believe it)/To get a dream of life again/A little vision of the start and the end/But all the choirs in my head sang n

Scene: Promise We’ll Come Back
Song: The Call by Regina Spektor

Now we’re back to the beginning/It’s just a feeling and no one knows yet/But just because they can’t feel it too/Doesn’t mean that you have to forget/Let your memories/grow stronger and stronger/’Til they’re before your eyes/You’ll come back/When they call you/No need to say goodbye

1984-1985 (Adult Losers Club)

Scene: Adrian Mellon’s Death
Song: Lovely by Billie Eilish & Khalid
Walkin’ out of town/Lookin’ for a better place (lookin’ for a better place)/Something’s on my mind/Always in my headspace/But I know some day I’ll make it out of here/Even if it takes all night or a hundred years/Need a place to hide, but I can’t find one near/Wanna feel alive, outside I can fight my fear/Isn’t it lovely, all alone?/Heart made of glass, my mind of stone/Tear me to pieces, skin and bone/Hello, welcome home

Scene: 6 Phone Calls
Song: Hey Brother by Avicii
Hey brother! There’s an endless road to rediscover/Hey sister! Know the water’s sweet but blood is thicker/Oh, if the sky comes falling down, for you/There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do/Hey brother! Do you still believe in one another?/Hey sister! Do you still believe in love? I wonder/Oh, if the sky comes falling down, for you/There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do/What if I’m far from home?/Oh brother, I will hear you call!

What if I lose it all?/Oh sister, I will help you out!/Oh, if the sky comes falling down, for you/ There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do

Scene: Reunion of the 6
Song: Scotland by The Lumineers

They all need something to hold on to/They all mean well/Pay your respects to society giving me hellYou could never feel my story/It’s all you know/You could never feel my story/It’s all you know/May your dreams come to reality/If all else fails/Give up, we needed the company/Let’s drink to your health

Scene: Individual Journey’s
Song: Back To The Start by magicbrother

There’s a story to tell/We have been here before/I’m not buying whats for sale/Telling secrets no more/Take me back to the start, take me back to the start./There’s a house on a hill/Where all my memories remain/I go back in my mind/Innocence and endless days/Take me back to the start, take me back to the start.

Scene: Henry Bowers
Song: Bad Guy by Billie Eilish

White shirt now red, my bloody nose/Sleeping, you’re on your tippy toes/Creeping around like no one knows/Think you’re so criminal/Bruises, on both my knees for you/Don’t say thank you or please/I do what I want when I’m wanting to/My soul? So cynical/So you’re a tough guy/Like it really rough guy/Just can’t get enough guy/Chest always so puffed guy/I’m that bad type/Make your mama sad type/Make your girlfriend mad tight/Might seduce your dad type/I’m the bad guy, duh

Scene: Ritual Of Chud (Final Fight)
Song: Can You Hold Me by NF & Brett Nicole

Just wrap me in your arms, in your arms/I don’t wanna be nowhere else/Take me from the dark, from the dark/I ain’t gonna make it myself/Put your arms around me/Put your arms around me/Let your love surrounds me/I am lost/I am lost/If I ain’t got you here/If I ain’t got you, I ain’t got nothing at all/Can you hold me?/Can you hold me?/Can you hold me in your arms?

Scene: Derry Is Dying
Song: 7 Years by Lukas Graham

I only see my goals, I don’t believe in failure/’Cause I know the smallest voices, they can make it major/I got my boys with me at least those in favor/And if we don’t meet before I leave, I hope I’ll see you later/Once I was twenty years old, my story got told/I was writing about everything, I saw before me/Once I was twenty years old/Soon we’ll be thirty years old, our songs have been sold/We’ve traveled around the world and we’re still roaming/Soon we’ll be thirty years old/I’m still learning about life/My woman brought children for me/So I can sing them all my songs/And I can tell them stories/Most of my boys are with me/Some are still out seeking glory/And some I had to leave behind/My brother I’m still sorry

Scene: Forgetting Again
Song: Long Live by Taylor Swift

I said remember this moment/In the back of my mind/The time we stood with our shaking hands/The crowds in stands went wild/We were the kings and the queens/And they read off our names/The night you danced like you knew/Our lives would never be the same/You held your head like a hero/On a history book page/It was the end of a decade/But the start of an age/Long live the walls we crashed through/How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you/I was screaming long live all the magic we made/And bring on all the pretenders/One day, we will be remembered

Do you have any other song recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Book Playlist: IT by Stephen King appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Hunger Games

Yellow Flicker Beat – Lorde
YouTube

Immensely talented Lorde was chosen to curate the soundtrack of Mockingjay Part One (and what a great job she did!) She appears on the soundtrack 4 times, and created Yellow Flicker Beat for it.

“They used to shout my name, now they whisper it.”

The Swarm – You Me At Six
YouTube

“Is this the end of the world? / I cannot bare to watch it burn / But we’re crawling in the dirt / Is this the end of it all? / Well we used to stand so tall / I barely recognize us anymore”

Reluctantly Dead – Letlive
YouTube

This song speaks of fear of the authority. It reminds me of how the Capitol turns against it’s own citizens out in the district, sending the corrupt “Peacekeepers” in to squash any spark Katniss’s defiance has made.

“You believe that they came here to protect you, but see I would rather run ’cause now the law results in a death”

Run For Your Life- K.Flay
YouTube

“Don’t count me out / Just cause I’m down / Boy I’ve been down before / Fate has a way of playing games / And I’ve been keeping score”

I also love the line “They tried to tell me I was lost in the forest // Like a cub with no mother when I actually was where I wanted” – Katniss couldn’t have hoped for a better arena for her first games as she was a natural in the forest.

The Fever 333 (Feat. Yelawolf) – (The First Stone) Changes
YouTube

The Fever 333 are angry on this song, calling out unfair treatment and discrimination, and how a fire can grow from a spark. But change and a revolution starts with all of us.

“There’s a fire that’s burning in front of me / Yeah, I’m the one who started it, can’t you see? …. It’s time to make changes / But change only comes with the first stone”

Fightstar – Floods
YouTube

“All this will be gone / And you can sink beneath the rapture we’ve spawned / What have we become / You know we don’t have all the time in the world to make the floods seem still”

Castle – Halsey
YouTube

This song reminds me of how Katniss was made to be the “poster girl” for the people and the games, but that President Snow wanted to shut her down.

“I’m headed straight for the castle / They wanna make me their queen / And there’s an old man sitting on the throne that’s / Saying that I probably shouldn’t be so mean / I’m headed straight for the castle / They’ve got the kingdom locked up / And there’s an old man sitting on the throne that’s / Saying I should probably keep my pretty mouth shut”

Throne – Bring Me The Horizon
YouTube

“So you can throw me to the wolves / Tomorrow I will come back / Leader of the whole pack / Beat me black and blue / Every wound will shape me / Every scar will build my throne”

(image from http://thehypedgeek.com/check-crimson-clad-katniss-everdeen/)

Viking Death March – Billy Talent
YouTube

“Cracking the whip on the backs of the poor / We asked you to stop but you still wanted more / The blood on your hands left a trail as you crawl / Down on your knees you just don’t look so tall”

Lamb of God – Marilyn Manson
YouTube

“If you die when there’s no one watching, and your ratings drop and you’re forgotten / If they kill you on their TV, you’re a martyr and a lamb of God”

Silhouettes – Of Monsters and Men
YouTube

This song featured on Catching Fire’s soundtrack and is one of my favourite songs from The Hunger Games series. It’s sad and haunting, it speaks of things that don’t leave you and memories you can’t forget.

“But I’m already there, I’m already there / Wherever there is you, I will be there too”

Any other songs you would add? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Book Playlist: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you haven’t read Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Cycle series yet, then you should add it to your TBR list! It follows the intertwining stories of Blue, a psychics daughter who is always told if she kisses her true love, he’ll die; Ronan, who has many secrets; Adam, who wants to leave his trailer park home and make it to college with his pride intact; Gansey, who cheated death once and is searching for a meaning, and the mysterious Noah. If you are already familiar with the books, then you may be interested in the playlist below. This should help if you’re missing the characters and their road trips, and you are looking forward to the day this beautiful series hits our screens in TV form!

The Raven Cycle packs a lot of adventure and feelings into its four books, but to me, it’s all about friendships, secrets, love, wanting, dreams, nightmares, death, ghosts, and of course – discovering magic! You can also find our playlist on Spotify!

Heavy Metal War – SPEAK
YouTube

Years ago, Maggie mentioned that this would be a good opening credits song if The Raven Boys had a TV show. I can definitely see how it has that opening titles sort of feel. Now the TV series has actually been announced, I feel it’s worth a mention on this playlist.

Like Real People Do – Hozier
YouTube

Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips / We should just kiss like real people do

Ghost on the Dance Floor – Blink 182
YouTube

It’s like the universe has left me / Without a place to go / Without a hint of light / To watch the movement glow / Where a song is slowly starting / Your memory felt so real / At first against my will / But God invented chills / Yeah I, I saw your ghost tonight

Speeding Cars – Walking on Cars
YouTube

Cause these secrets all that we’ve got so far / The demons in the dark, lie again / Play pretends like it never ends / This way no one has to know

Daddy Issues – The Neighbourhood
YouTube

I’d do whatever I could do / I’d run away and hide with you / I love that you got daddy issues / And I do too

I Found – Amber Run
YouTube

And I found love where it wasn’t supposed to be / Right in front of me / Talk some sense to me

Drive – Halsey
YouTube

Would it really kill you if we kissed?

Winter – Nieves
YouTube

Maggie claims to have listened to this song nearly 100 times whilst writing one of Adam’s scenes in The Raven King (she explains more here). A very important song as part of her writing process, so it deserves a place on this playlist.

Everythings Magic – Angels & Airwaves
YouTube

So hear this please / And watch as your heart speeds up endlessly / And look for the stars as the sun goes down / Each breath that you take has a thunderous sound / Everything, everything’s magic

Hallucinations – Angels & Airwaves
YouTube

And you look real close / Cross the lines and the roads / It is there to decode / What you thought was a ghost… / Do you believe in hallucinations, silly dreams or imaginations?

Fireflies – Owl City
YouTube

I’d like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly / It’s hard to say that I’d rather stay awake when I’m asleep / ‘Cause everything is never as it seems

I Am A Nightmare – Brand New
YouTube

Do I have to die to see the other side? / I am a nightmare and you are a miracle

Sleep Apnea – Chevelle
YouTube

Escape like an animal, I’m ready for my sleepless stroll

(un)lost – The Maine
YouTube

Unaware of where I’m going / Or if I’m going anywhere at all / But I know I’ll take the leap / If it is worth the fall / So long as the blood keeps flowing / I’ll set a sail and swim across / I’m not looking to be found / Just want to feel (un)lost

Jailbreak – Awolnation
YouTube

Now I’m living in a dream and I don’t think I’m ever gonna wake up

Old Pine – Ben Howard
YouTube

I’ve come to know the friends around you / Are all you’ll always have / Smoke in my lungs, or the echoed stone  / Careless and young, free as the birds that fly / With weightless souls now.

Renegades – X Ambassadors
YouTube

Run away with me / Lost souls and reverie / Running wild and running free / Two kids, you and me / And I say / Hey, hey hey hey / Living like we’re renegades”

Any other songs you would add? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Book Playlist: The Raven Cycle Series by Maggie Stiefvater appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

It’s time for another book playlist, and this time around, the spotlight has been taken by Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda!

If you’ve been living under a rock for the last year (hi, Patrick!) or just missed this, here are the cliffnotes: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is the debut novel of Becky Albertalli that follows Simon Spier, an adorkable teen who has one huge secret: he’s gay. And the only person who knows besides him, is the boy he’s exchanging emails with, Blue. Until someone else reads his emails and starts to blackmail him, jeopardising not only Simon’s secret but Blue’s anonymity…intrigued yet?

If you’re in need of a fluffy contemporary, one epic love story, and a new OTP to root for, go pick up a copy of Simon, watch the highly acclaimed adaptation Love, Simon, and then come back to find some awesome tunes to reminisce in the beauty that is this book! Have fun!

Whether you’ve read the book and looking to reminisce, or just want to find some new songs to add to your playlist, enjoy this little trip down “memory book lane”! You can also find our playlist on Spotify!

Lay It On Me – Kasbo
YouTube

See the ball is rolling past the two of us / But your feet ain’t moving, are you cool with us? / And I’m caught in your mind

Counting Stars – One Republic
YouTube

Lately I been, I been losing sleep / Dreaming about the things that we could be

I Don’t Want to Be – Gavin DeGraw
YouTube

I don’t want to be anything  / Other than what I’ve been trying to be lately  / All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind  / I’m tired of looking around rooms wondering what I gotta do / Or who I’m supposed to be / I don’t want to be anything other than me

ILYSB – Lany
YouTube

It’s not like we got big plans / Let’s drive around town holding hands / And you need to know / You’re the only one, alright, alright / And you need to know / That you keep me up all night, all night

Girls/Girls/Boys – Panic! at the Disco
YouTube

And never did I think that I / Would be caught in the way you got me  / But girls love girls and boys / And love is not a choice

Boyfriend – Tegan and Sara
YouTube

You treat me like your boyfriend / And trust me like a like a very best friend / You kiss me like your boyfriend / You call me up like you want your best friend / You turn me on like you want your boyfriend / But I don’t want to be your secret anymore

Waltz #2 – Elliott Smith
YouTube

I’m so glad that my memory’s remote / ‘Cos I’m doing just fine hour to hour, note to note / Here it is the revenge to the tune / “you’re no good, / You’re no good you’re no good you’re no good” / Can’t you tell that it’s well understood / I’m never gonna know you now, but I’m gonna love you anyhow

Born This Way – Lady Gaga
YouTube

No matter gay, straight, or bi / Lesbian, transgendered life / I’m on the right track baby / I was born to survive

Daydream – Leo Kalyan
YouTube

Tempted by the unknown / Dreamt it all in slow motion / Real or just a photo / Heightened like an emotion

Colour – MNEK
YouTube

Before you came into my life / Everything was black and white / Now all I see is colour / Like a rainbow in the sky

Be Yourself – Audioslave
YouTube

Don’t lose any sleep tonight / I’m sure everything will end up alright / You may win or lose / But to be yourself is all that you can do

Wake Me – Bleachers
YouTube

Right from the start I knew / You’d set a fire in me / And I’d rather be sad with you / Than anywhere away from you

It Was Always You – Maroon 5
YouTube

All this time / It was always you / Now I know why my heart wasn’t satisfied / Satisfied / It was always you, you / No more guessing who / Looking back now I know it was always you / Always you

Thinking About You – Radiohead
YouTube

Been thinking about you, your records are here / Your eyes are on my wall, your teeth are over there / But I’m still no one, and you’re now a star / What do you care?

Down – Marian Hill
YouTube

You know we could put them all to shame / Now isn’t the time to play it safe / Isn’t this the reason that you came, so / Baby, don’t you let it go to waste

You Found Me – The Fray
YouTube

Lost and insecure / You found me, you found me / Lying on the floor

I Know A Place – MUNA
YouTube

You think being yourself means being unworthy / And it’s hard to love with a heart that’s hurting / But if you want to go out dancing / I know a place

Dance to This – Troye Sivan ft. Ariana Grande
YouTube

We can just dance to this / Don’t take much to start me / We can just dance to this / Push up on my body, yeah

Heart Out – The 1975
YouTube

You’ve got something to say / Why don’t speak it out loud / Instead of living in your head

Fall Over – Banks
YouTube

You got my heart beating / Beating, beating, beating, beating, beating / You got my mind to fall over

Can I Sit Next to You – Spoon
YouTube

All of the kicks from the sticks / All the kicks that we knew / I put all that aside / Concentrate on you

Wicked Game – Chris Isaak
YouTube

It’s strange what desire will make foolish people do / I’d never dreamed that I’d meet somebody like you

I Will Wait – Mumford and Sons
YouTube

Now I’ll be bold / As well as strong / And use my head alongside my heart

Brave – Tawgs Salter
YouTube

I think I’ll be brave / And say how I’ve wanted you

Yet – Switchfoot
YouTube

Yeah, if it doesn’t break your heart it isn’t love / Now if it doesn’t break your heart it’s not enough / It’s when you’re breaking down with your insides coming out / It’s when you find out what your heart is made up of

Close – Nick Jonas ft. Tove Lo
YouTube

‘Cause if I want you, and I want you, babe / Ain’t going backwards, won’t ask for space / ‘Cause space is just a word made up by someone who’s afraid to get too close

Ooh – John Bellion
YouTube

Your lips they taste like June / Your eyes are a rocket to the moon

All You Need Is Love – Beatles
YouTube

There’s nothing you can know that isn’t known / Nothing you can see that isn’t shown / There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be / It’s easy / All you need is love, all you need is love

Bloom – Troye Sivan
YouTube

I guess it’s something like a fun fair / Put gas into the motor / And, boy, I’ll meet you right there / We’ll ride the rollercoaster

Find Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda on Goodreads, and it’s available for purchase on Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be checking out this playlist? Any other songs you would add? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Book Playlist: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Introducing a new segment to The Nerd Daily: Book Playlists! For our first instalment, you’ll find songs reminiscent of the YA contemporary novel by the author duo Christina Lauren! Essentially, this book is all about love between two boys who have had a hard time keeping the outside world from tearing them down, and it’s a perfect read for Pride Month!

Whether you’ve read the book and looking to reminisce, or just want to find some new songs to add to your playlist, enjoy this little trip down “memory book lane”! You can also find our playlist on Spotify!

I’m Yours – Alessia Cara
YouTube

Some nerve you have / To break up my lonely / And tell me you want me / How dare you march into my heart / Oh how rude of you

Over and Over Again – Nathan Sykes
YouTube

From the first hello, yeah, that’s all it took / And suddenly we had each other

Into You – Ariana Grande
YouTube

I’m so into you, I can barely breathe / And all I wanna do is to fall in deep / But close ain’t close enough ’til we cross the line / So name a game to play, and I’ll roll the dice

All I Think About Is You – Ansel Elgort
YouTube

We laughed even when we were down / I made my mistakes / That I paid for in heartache / Now I don’t know what to do / ‘Cause all I think about is you

Four Walls – Broods
YouTube

I didn’t say all I wanted to / You know I told you that I wasn’t scared. Well, I lied.” / You told me, “Babe I only think of you.”

Falling – Opia ft. Wethan
YouTube

Guess I hardly know you / You’re off limits / A classic twist / I think I’m falling for you

Hands To Myself – Selena Gomez
YouTube

Can’t keep my hands to myself / No matter how hard I’m trying to / I want you all to myself

Feelings – Hayley Kiyoko
YouTube

I over-communicate and feel too much / I just complicate it when I say too much / I laugh about it, dream about that casual touch / Sex, fire, sick and tired of acting all tough / I’m hooked on all these feelings / I know exactly what I’m feelin’

I Want You – Saint Raymond
YouTube

I want you to know that I want you, you know that
Changing faces always out of blue
We’ve been talking but talking’s all we do

Don’t Blame Me (Jonah Baker Cover) – Taylor Swift
YouTube

Don’t blame me, love made me crazy / If it doesn’t, you ain’t doin’ it right / Lord, save me, my drug is my baby / I’d be usin’ for the rest of my life

Kiss the Boy – Keiynan Lonsdale
YouTube

You messing my emotions up / My air gets stuck / I’m scared to show just how I feel ’cause people talk

I Want Crazy – Hunter Hayes
YouTube

But I don’t want “good” and I don’t want “good enough” / I want “can’t sleep, can’t breathe without your love” / Front porch and one more kiss, it doesn’t make sense to anybody else / Who cares if you’re all I think about, / I’ve searched the world and I know now, / It ain’t right if you ain’t lost your mind / Yeah, I don’t want easy, I want crazy

Son of a Preacher Man – Dusty Springfield
YouTube

The only one who could ever reach me / Was the son of a preacher man / The only boy who could ever teach me / Was the son of a preacher man

Heaven – Troye Sivan
YouTube

Trying to save face, and daddy heart break / I’m lying through my teeth / This voice inside / Has been eating at me / Trying to replace the love that I fake / With what we both need

What Kind of Man – Florence and the Machine
YouTube

And with one kiss / You inspired a fire of devotion that lasts for twenty years / What kind of man loves like this?

Heaven in Hiding – Halsey
YouTube

And when you start to feel the rush / A crimson headache, aching blush / And you surrender to the touch, you’ll know / I can put on a show, I can put on a show / Don’t you see what you’re finding?
This is heaven in hiding, oh

All We Have Is Love – Sabrina Carpenter
YouTube

We could be royalty, king and queen of nowhere / Lose it all, everything / As long as we got you and I, you and me / They can tear this whole house down

Fallin All in You – Shawn Mendes
YouTube

I can’t see one thing wrong / Between the both of us / Be mine, be mine, yeah

Lovesick – Banks
YouTube

Please call me your baby baby baby / Look how long that you have kept me waiting / I’m all in, look at all that I have given / Oh, I know your love before I kissed you

I Wanna Know – RL Grime ft. Daya
YouTube

Yeah, I wanna know if you’re gonna be there / ‘Cause it’s hard to believe or see it / Why do I get the feeling we’re getting close? / But we’ll never be there

Fingertips – Leo Kalyan
YouTube

To myself, I’m a stranger / Living like a loaded gun / Find myself, I’m on the run / Down the road, I still soldier

Dazed and Confused – Ruel
YouTube

Oh, I’ve been dazed and confused / From the day I met you / Yeah, I lost my head
And I’d do it again / Either I’ve seen the light / Or I’m losing my mind

Let It Go – James Bay
YouTube

Oh, this delusion in our heads / Is gonna bring us to our knees / So come on, let it go / Just let it be / Why don’t you be you / And I’ll be me

Sanctify – Years and Years
YouTube

You’ll find redemption when all this is through / Father, forgive me for finding the truth / Love takes its toll on me, I’m just like you / Maybe it’s heavenly

Can’t Shake You – Gloriana
YouTube

I can’t shake you / No matter how hard I try / I can’t shake you / I can’t shake you / And I don’t know why

I’ll Be Waiting – Adele
YouTube

I’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready to love me again / I’ll put my hands up / I’ll do everything different / I’ll be better to you

Hands of Love – Miley Cyrus
YouTube

And the preacher man, and the preacher’s son / Will stand arm in arm, just like everyone / Me, longing to be free, I won’t let you fade away

If Our Love is Wrong – Calum Scott
YouTube

You make me feel a feeling that I’ve never felt before / I don’t know if they’re gonna like it / But that only makes me want it more / ‘Cause I’m nobody’s but yours

Meant to Be – Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line
YouTube

Who knows where this road is supposed to lead / We got nothing but time / As long as you’re right here next to me, everything’s gonna be alright / If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be

Sinners – Lauren Aquilina
YouTube

So let’s be sinners to be saints / And let’s be winners by mistake / The world may disapprove / But my world is only you / And if we’re sinners then it feels like heaven to me

Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez
YouTube

To call for hands of above / To lean on / Wouldn’t be good enough / And you, you knew the hands of the devil / And you, kept us awake with wolf teeth / Sharing different heartbeats

Paper Hearts – The Vamps
YouTube

Here’s my paper heart / And I just hope it / Ends up with you / I signed it with love from me to you / I tried to be cool / But my feelings they don’t allow me to

Church – Fall Out Boy
YouTube

If you were church, I’d get on my knees / Confess my love, I’d know where to be / My sanctuary, you’re holy to me / If you were church, I’d get on my knees

Can’t Help Falling in Love (TwentyOne Pilots Cover) – Elvis Presley
YouTube

Wise men say only fools rush in / But I can’t help falling in love with you / Shall I stay? / Would it be a sin / If I can’t help falling in love with you?

Carry the Weight – Morgxn
YouTube

‘Cause you can’t read me my right to / Tell me who I belong to / You can’t bury my strength / But if it’s love it will find you / Give you more to hold on to / It will carry the weight

Never Apart – Benny
YouTube

Baby let’s savor the moment / It’s just you and me and we own it / You pull me apart, I’m so open / Can’t control it, when I’m focused on you

I Want To Break Free – Queen
YouTube

I’ve fallen in love / I’ve fallen in love for the first time / And this time I know it’s for real / I’ve fallen in love, yeah / God knows, God knows I’ve fallen in love

Never Not – Lauv
YouTube

For as long as I live and as long as I love / I will never not think about you / From the moment I loved, I knew you were the one

Find You – Ruelle
YouTube

I’ll be the light that leads you home / When there’s nowhere left to go / I’ll be the voice you always know / When you’re lost and all alone

Find Autoboyography on Goodreads, and it’s available for purchase on Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be checking out this playlist? Any other songs you would add? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Book Playlist: Autoboyography by Christina Lauren appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Music can make a difference; it alters your feelings from sadness to happiness and vice versa. It lets you remember a time passed, it shakes your brain, works your mind and it could probably make you brave enough to face that blank paper and write your own story.

With just a little bit of motivation, you can become the next great writer, so here are a few songs to get you writing!

1. Thunder by Imagine Dragons | YouTube

“I was dreaming of bigger things / And wanna leave my own life behind”
Imagine Dragons has many songs to uplift your soul, this one specifically is about dreams and ambitions. It’s about defying the odds and believing in yourself—in your story.

2. My Shot by Lin Manuel Miranda [Hamilton] | YouTube

“I am not throwin’ away my shot.”
It’s no secret that Hamilton has been a sensational musical over the past few years. This song has it all—the struggle, the ambition, the needs, the persistence and the consistency of being great. It’s about holding on to your dreams and taking advantage of every situation.

3. It’s My Life by Bon Jovi | YouTube

“It’s my life / It’s now or never”
Just put on your headphones, and let the music do everything else. It doesn’t get better than this!

4. Tubthumping by Chumbawamba | YouTube

“I get knocked down, but I get up again / You are never gonna keep me down.”
The journey writing takes you on is never easy. You get a lot of ‘NOs’, before that one celebratory ‘YES’, and this song shall be your mantra until you get that HELL YES!

5. This is Me by Keala Settle [The Greatest Showman] | YouTube

“When the sharpest words wanna cut me down / I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out”
I believe that one of the hardest thing as a writer is that you never really get used to rejection. Yes, it happens often, but it doesn’t gets easier the second time around. That’s why you should always keep on going forward no matter how hard it hits you, but one day you’ll get there.

6. Titanium by Sia feat. David Guetta | YouTube

“You shoot me down / But I won’t fall / I am titanium”
It’s okay to fail, it’s okay to lose. You can never feel something entirely until you’ve experienced it’s opposite. You’ve got this!

7. Celebration by Kool & The Gang | YouTube

“Celebrate good times, come on! (Let’s celebrate)”
You don’t have to finish your book in one setting (it’s impossible), but you’ve got to celebrate the little achievements along the way—your first chapter, your first villain, your first plot twist. Have fun while you’re writing, your readers will feel it too!

8. So What? by Pink | YouTube

“I got a brand new attitude / And I’m gonna wear it tonight.”
Had a bad day? Didn’t reach your goal? SO WHAT?! Go out, leave your desk, get inspired then get shit done!

9. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Tammi Terrell & Marvin Gaye | YouTube

“Ain’t no mountain high enough/ Ain’t no valley low enough / Ain’t no river wide enough / To keep me from getting to you babe”
Your babe is your book and you’ll get there.

10. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey | YouTube

“Don’t stop believin’ / Hold on to the feelin’ ”
And of course, you should always remember that hard work will be rewarded one way or another, just keep on believing in yourself and your writing.

There are still people out there who haven’t found themselves in a book yet, they can find it in yours. So start writing now!

What songs get you writing or pumped up? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 10 Songs That Will Get You Writing appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Records and cassettes have been around since the 1970’s, but as technology has progressed, they died down. However, like all fads, now they are becoming very popular again. They are a fun and unique way of playing and listening to music, and the greatest part is the nostalgia, which many people love to experience!

Did you know that records are actually called phonograph records? This is the technical name for them, but people have shortened it to records or called them vinyl. Just like any other audio format, records are played on record players or turntables and the majority of the time, the music will begin in the middle of a song because you don’t know where the start is. It’s very interesting how different the music sounds in comparison to CD’s or audio files, and that’s why so many prefer to listen to them.

Records were the primary source of music in the 20th century, until compact discs started gaining a larger market share in the 1980’s. Even though records weren’t as popular around the 1990’s, they were still being manufactured and sold, which is good considering how popular they are again today. Vinyl and record players started to gain popularity again in 2014 and they have been climbing ever since. As of 2017, 48 record facilities still operate worldwide.

Even though records are popular for listening to music, many people may purchase them solely because of the cover and/or artist. Now, some original records can cost up to $2000 or more because of the artist or if it is a limited edition of that particular record is. Today, you can buy records almost anywhere at most entertainment stores, such as Sunrise Records, carry records of all genres. You can also buy a lot of the older ones at most thrift stores.

As time has gone on, records have been changed to try to get more sales by altering their looks. They have changed in size over the years, from being a 12-inch disc to a 7-inch disc. Today, most records are the standard 12-inch disc and most people do want that because it is the popular old-school look. Tons of new records are being made and new albums being produced in vinyl, but there are still loads of old records that are still out there and many people are willing to sell them for a reasonable price.

Cassettes on the other hand are a completely different story. They weren’t as popular as records, but they are on their way to becoming popular again. Cassettes are played on a device referred to as a compact cassette, audio cassette or just a tape. The first cassette player was designed for use in the car dash in 1968, however, blank cassettes were being made in places like Germany in 1964. Even though cassettes were invented in the late 1960’s, they didn’t become popular until the 1970’s and 1980’s and then they took off. Things like the Walkman (invented in 1979) really helped make the cassettes popular. All throughout their existence, they really haven’t changed in the way they look, but the way they’re played from car dash, to Walkman and so on.

During the 1990’s, the cassette market started to decline, but by 2012, blank cassettes were still being produced and bought. Same as the records, cassettes started to become popular again in 2014 and they have steadily climbed ever since. One thing that really helped the cassettes to be put onto the map is the production of the Guardians of the Galaxy ‘Awesome Mix Tape #1’, which hit stores in 2014 and was a big seller for cassette business. Now, you can buy newly produced cassettes at places like Sunrise Records and Urban Outfitters, and you can buy older ones at most thrift stores.

Just like it was in the 1970’s, records are still more popular than cassettes. Records are produced so widely and are available at many stores, but cassettes are a little harder to find. With that said, we never know what the future might bring and cassettes might become way more popular. If you talk to the people who were teenagers in the time-frame of records and cassettes, they can’t believe that they are coming back at all. This proves you never know what the future will hold when it comes to things becoming popular again with so many older things coming back and current and future generations loving them!

Do you enjoy listening to records or cassettes? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Comeback of Records and Cassettes appeared first on The Nerd Daily.