Yes, we know that summer in Europe/North America has long come and gone and in its place, a harsh winter; I heard that in certain parts in France and Germany, there wasn’t really a white Christmas, but rather, a Christmas filled with slush from melting snow. But here in Singapore, you can almost say that every day is summertime for us. Even in the midst of this monsoon season, the sun always makes manages to make its appearance known somehow, somewhere, and even in this monsoon season, one can still perspire because of the high humidity levels.

Anyway. I meant to write a long entry about 2009 in retrospect but figured that verbal diarrhoea might not really bode well in this festive season of making merry, drunken get-togethers and whatnot.

Instead, I will put together a list of songs reminiscent of my extensive travels in the first half of 2009; random songs which I heard in Europe, which may or may not have been released in 2009, but nevertheless, will always evoke some sense of nostalgia whenever I listen to them…

Charlie Winston - Like a Hobo

One of the summer hits of 2009 in Europe; first heard this when I was at a quaint little pub in Nancy, France, en route to Paris. Am filled with memories of lounging about in its plush seats, and sipping on juice (yes, not the typical choice of beverage in a pub I know, but it was in the daytime anyway).

Carla Bruni - La Possibilité D’une île

I kept playing this song on repeat en route to Paris … perhaps just to get into the whole French mood, albeit having no understanding of its lyrics whatsoever. All I know is that this song is based on a French poem, is such a comforting number … and is sung by the wife of French president Nicolas Sarkozy. I secretly like Carla Bruni; I think she oozes so much class and elegance.

Amy Macdonald - This is the Life

There was a television in this restaurant in Bratislava, Slovakia and I saw this music video while having my lunch consisting of rice balls with curry, while with David and Erica. My most vivid memory of Bratislava was that of lazing around on a hammock (for the first time ever!) on this man-made beach, drifting in and out of sleep … and tumbling down from the hammock when I couldn’t balance myself. That was the life.

Giulia y los Tellarini - Barcelona

I think the title speaks for itself! I came across this song while watching Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona shortly after my Easter trip … and was reminded of Barcelona … this is a city full of quirks, passion and flavour.

Bodies Without Organ - Sunshine in the Rain

(EDIT: Had to include the UK version as well because it is equally awesome, if not more) I spent January 2009 listening to this song repeatedly after first hearing it at a Zara store; just hearing the first phrase “When I’m in Berlin…” got me all dizzy in anticipation over my exchange programme in Germany. Love the synths here.

Bent - Magic Love

Loved listening to this song whenever I went on my walks in Mannheim. This is one of my most favourite electronica songs ever, I love the bassline, I love the music video, I love everything about it.

Söhne Mannheim - Meine Stadt (My City )

ANYONE, who has ever been to Mannheim and lived there, will definitely relate to this song. Mannheim, meine Lieblingsstadt :) Ich werde zurueckkomen!

Deichkind - Krawall und Remmidemmi

They always blasted this song in the clubs. And I think I did make out with someone along to this song … WORST song ever to make out too (good make-out session though, but that is a different story), but BEST song to dance and jump around like stupid!

The Pointer Sisters - I’m So Excited

Best song to listen to ever, while dolling yourself up for THAT big night out!

Michael Jackson - Billie Jean

What purpose does this entry serve without this hit by the King of Pop of our time, Michael Jackson? Only in the clubs, in the dark (with the occasional strobe lights flashing all about) will you start thinking that you can be the next MJ and make a feeble attempt at the moonwalk … and get away with it. I miss you, MJ :(

MGMT - Kids

A tune that was often heard at the Schneckenhof parties in Mannheim, although I never quite managed to get wind of the title only until 2 weeks ago. Favourite song at the moment :)

Yves Larock - Rise Up (Vandalism Remix)

I will ALWAYS remember shouting out the lyrics to this song with the girls and waving my hands up “over the rainbow so high” in the clubs … and it’s remixed by David Guetta! Enough said :)

Kid Cudi - Day ‘n’ Nite Crookers Remix

The beat is so addictive! But nothing like the next song …

Guru Josh Project - Infinity

ALL of us used to go crazy whenever they played this song in the clubs … in Mannheim, Rome, and later on in Singapore! It was THE perennial club favourite. One of my closest friends from Canada, Andreea, once said, “You know, if I hear this song anywhere else in the world without having you girls around with me, I’m going to cry.” They played this at Attica (Singapore) back in August … and I did want to cry thinking about my other Mannheim darlings. But I didn’t shed a tear … I danced, danced, danced crazily in memory of all our wonderful times <3

Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling

While all the other songs were based on the first half of 2009, this is the exception. I always sing along when this song comes up too … and I simply cannot wait for my New Year’s party with my darlings in the hotel room, followed by more merrymaking at Clark Quay .. it’s gonna be a good night :)

Feel free to share your definitive 2009 song(s) too!