Songs for Sweetest Day!

Even though you may think that Sweetest Day—celebrated on October 15th—is just a holiday invented by greeting card companies, you can surely agree that it’s nice to take time out of your day to share a small gift or kind gesture, right? 

Really, we shouldn’t need a designated day to do something kind, but it certainly doesn’t hurt! So, this Sweetest Day, why not do something thoughtful for another? A kind thought can really brighten someone’s day, as well as your own! 

Whether it be paying it forward in line at Starbucks, bringing cupcakes to work or giving your significant other a foot massage, there are many ways to be sweet on this lovely October day. 

And, of course, since music is our forte at Night Is Alive, we have some sweet & sparkly songs to pair with some acts of kindness!

Nancy Sinatra – Sugar Town

This 1967 tune is one of my favorites because it always seems to create the best, most relaxed, and upbeat atmosphere. It’s especially nice to listen to when you’re driving, and the sun is shining, and you have a big bouquet of flowers in the seat next to you. Maybe you’re bringing flowers to your mom, aunt, or good friend to show them how much you care! 

John Coltrane & Thelonious Monk – Sweet and Lovely

From the start, you can hear the tenderheartedness in this 2005 song. The piano notes float peacefully through your mind like you’re on a cloud. The sweet melody might just inspire you to write a thoughtful letter to an estranged loved one, or a loved one that lives far away. It’s never too late to rekindle an overlooked relationship. 

James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)

Everyone knows this 1975 classic! Just like everyone knows how good it feels to be loved. But don’t forget how sweet it can also be to express love to another. Make your sweetheart want to belt out these lyrics by surprising them with a crisp box of chocolates, or a pint of their favorite ice cream! 

The Beatles – Ain’t She Sweet

Who doesn’t love the Beatles? Add a dose of sugar to your day by blasting this 1964 hit while you and your family clean up after dinner. Dust off those vocal pipes, bust out those air guitar skills and have a goofy ole time singing and dancing along!  

John Di Martino, Joe Magnarelli & Wayne Escoffery – Please Don’t Go

Maybe you were reluctant to celebrate Sweetest Day at first, but I bet by the end of the day, and after listening to all these sweet tunes, you are now reluctant for the day to end! Let this fun 2022 jazz tune play while you watch the sun set over the fall foliage and allow the gratitude to wash over you. 
If you’re looking for some more sweet jazz tunes, check out our albums My Ship and Old New Borrowed & Blue, both of which are available in our store and on all major music platforms!

What are some camping essentials?

Whether you plan on glamping in a pod, or camping in a pop-up tent, bubble tent, Coleman tent, yurt, or RV, there are some things that you just must absolutely pack. Essential camping gear includes some obvious stuff like sleeping bags, sleeping pads, folding chairs, a cooler, and sunscreen, but also don’t forget the less obvious things, like a headlamp, flashlight or lantern and extra batteries. No one wants to be wandering in the dark in the dead of night looking for the bathroom! Also, what about a hammock, clothesline, and a tarp to block your tent from the sun and rain? 

In addition to all these essentials, make sure to bring firewood, newspaper and a lighter because nothing beats telling stories and singing songs around the campfire. Oh, and that reminds me, music is also essential! Charge up that portable, water-resistant speaker because you’ll definitely want to be blasting these tunes while you’re roasting marshmallows, drinking beer and counting stars in the summer sky! 

Tim McGraw – Where The Green Grass Grows

Just like Tim McGraw sings in his 1998 hit, living in the city can be draining—there’s concrete growin’ in the city park, six lanes, taillights and you don’t know who your neighbors are. It’s nice to get a break from the hustle and bustle and go camping—take a deep breath, point your rockin’ chairs towards the West and plant your dreams where the peaceful river flows. 

Nancy Sinatra – Sugar Town

An icon of the Swinging Sixties, Nancy Sinatra became popular for her punchy rock songs like “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” So, with its cute, easy sunshine feel, this 1967 release was a bit of a surprise. But little do many listeners know that “Sugar Town” is a double entendre about LSD. Young people in the sixties used to drop liquid LSD onto sugar cubes, so the simplistic lyrics, like, I just lay back and laugh at the sun pack more of a punch than you would’ve thought!

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Down On The Corner

You’ve probably heard this classic rock and roll song at bars, barbecues, and outdoor parties, but have you ever really listened to the lyrics? The 1969 hit tells the story of a fictional band called Willy and the Poor Boys, who play on street corners in hopes of cheering people up. They may be called the Poor Boys, but this group was rich in music—according to the tune they played the harp, Kalamazoo, washboard, and bass!

Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & Lonnie Plaxico – He Stopped Loving Her Today

At the end of the night, it’s nice to slow down and listen to something more melancholy while you gaze at the moon and contemplate life or a lost love. And this brand-new rendition of the famous 1979 George Jones song has a smooth, jazzy feel to it that’ll be a pleasant change from all the country tunes you’ve probably been listening to while camping. 

If you’re looking for more jazzy versions of classic country songs, check out our newest release, Cryin’ In My Whiskey, which is available in our store and on all major music platforms. And if you’d like to book one of our lovely musicians for your camping trip, contact us today! 

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.