Listening In
Your Morning Music Hit List
MAY 10, 2008
- The crew of STS-122 wake up
- (NASA)
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NASA has a tradition of playing wake-up songs for the Shuttle crew to start each day of a mission. Sometimes it's a crew member's favorite song, selected by a family member. Sometimes it has to do with the task they have to accomplish that day. We asked our listeners to submit their own wake-up favorites.
"How the Day Sounds"
Greg Laswell
"How the Day Sounds" is mellow enough to calm me instead of jolting me awake. It reminds me that today is a new day, with it's own song to sing. And let's face it, there are plenty of days, weekday or weekend, when I need a message of hope to coax me away from my pillow.
Sarah Cannon, St. Francis, S.D.
"I'm Glad I Hitched My Apple Wagon To Your Star"
Boy Least Likely To
This was the song playing as my new husband and I were leaving our wedding reception: we danced a little jig and then skipped off! It makes me happy every time I hear this song. And from the opening washboard to the mellotron (which sounds like an old-fashioned carnival), the entire thing is energizing -- which is what I need in the morning!
Kate Reeves, Los Angeles, Calif.
"All We Are"
Brian Mazzaferri
It is the perfect beginning to the day, starting with jumpy mandolin lines that make me pop up out of bed and a chorus with lyrics that almost become a credo to make the most of my day and put myself out there in any way I can. Essential morning listening for me.
Karl Peterson, Chicago, IL
"I Can See Clearly Now"
The Holly Cole Trio
"I can see clearly now, the rain has gone... I can see all obstacles in my way... Gone are the dark clouds that had me down... It's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshine-y day!" Need I say more? Makes you want to get up, open up the windows and doors and do spring housecleaning!
Susan Riedel, Mount Vernon, Wash.
"(Rolling in the) Morning Corn"
Corky Siegel
My husband Roger and I fell in love with this song when we were much younger. But after our four children were born, morning was our private time, and to this day (we're 69 and 73) we still enjoy "Rolling in the Morning Corn."
Cara Keller, Hickory Hills, Ill.
"Comfy in Nautica"
Panda Bear
On a typical day, I need either somebody else to wake me up or a minimum of an hour to fight with my snooze setting. This song makes you feel like a stadium audience is on their feet, stomping in unison for you to wake up.
Jared Chulufas, Lincoln, Neb.
"Good Day Sunshine"
The Beatles
I came of age in the '60s and was immersed in Beatles music -- morning, noon and night. When my children were little, this was the song I used to get them out of bed. There was nothing so pleasing as listening to my 2-year-old son sing along with me. P.S. -- He is still is a great Beatles fan.
Robin Gausebeck, Rockford, Ill.
"Thus Sprach Zarathustra"
Richard Strauss
Nothing beats waking up to this song after a long, restful sleep, as it makes you feel like a being of immeasurable importance, and the Earth is heralding your awakening.
Stephen Mlinarcik, Medina, OH
"Mornin'"
Al Jarreau
It energizes me... Makes me want to open my eyes and see what's waiting for me. It gets me ready to face the world.
Gwen Jackson, University City, Mo.
"Bright Side of the Road Girl"
Van Morrison
This song makes me feel like I really am "on the bright side of the road" -- like everything is going to be all right. Plus, you can't be in a bad mood while listening to Van Morrison. It just is not possible.
Genevieve Rabaut, West Bloomfield, Mich.More stories from our Listening In series
Comments
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From Monroe, MI, 05/17/2008
Hi. I recently celebrated my 61st birthday on the road, pedaling my bicycle from Key West, Florida to Windsor, Ontario, Canada (1768 miles; 31 days). It was very energizing to me to sing a song to myself in the rythm of my pedaling cadence. My favorite song was "Mustang Sally" - the Wilson Pickett version - to help smooth out my pedal strokes on this wonderful journey.
I kept a journal of my ride and would be glad to share it with you if you would like to e-mail me.
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