If it’s December at You Ain’t No Picasso, then it’s time for Mixmas! Every year I like to turn YANP over to some of my favorite bands to showcase some of their favorite songs through a themed mix. They pick a theme, five songs that fit the theme and then share a little about why they picked each one. This year I’m also giving away a YANP shirt, so check below for the hint about tomorrow’s mix.

MP3: Thao Nguyen – Know Better, Learn Faster

I’ve been following Thao for a while now, but in no year did she impress me more than 2009. She released a good album that proved her first was no fluke and I got to catch her live at the Monolith Music Festival. She’s a delight to see, hear and now — thanks to Mixmas — read.

“Top 5 Songs with Letters in Them” by Thao Nguyen

Everyone likes it when there are letters in the song, either spelling out a word or serving as an acronym. They are easier to sing along to and also promote literacy. note: I am not using R-E-S-P-E-C-T even though it is an amazing song, because last new year’s i resolved to be less obvious. In no particular order (N.P.O.)

MP3: Naughty by Nature- O.P.P
Please do not even pretend you don’t know me.

Nat King Cole– L.O.V.E

This song taught me what love should be, and also for whom it was made. I listen to it while writing acrostic poems.

Peggy Lee- I’m a Woman (W.O.M.A.N)

Ms. Lee was very assertive and clear and the lyrics are like instructions.

Van Morrison- G-L-O-R-I-A

GLORIA!! her name was Gloria. I have always loved Van Morrison and I used to wish I was named Gloria/ was thrilled I had brown eyes.

Tammy Wynette – D.I.V.O.R.C.E

Tammy Wynette’s incredible vocal performance as usual and the story is very well developed emotional and SO MANY words are spelled out. If it weren’t about a little boy’s parents splitting up I would think the song to be an incredible supplementary spelling tool for
kids.

Thanks,
thao

Tomorrow’s hint: the next musician to be featured used to play bass in These United States, but now spends his time touring with Rose in support of their new album Divide and Conquer.