One of the most flattering things you can do for someone is to compile a list of songs just for them.
Regardless of the medium, playlists are powerful way to express friendship, interest, attraction, love, respect, gratitude… or even to just say “this music is good and you’re cool.” It doesn’t seem to matter whether you record the tracks on a cassette tape, burn them on a blank CD, transfer them as MP3s to someone’s iPod, or share them as a link to a streaming service… the symbolic act of sharing a curated piece of your music collection seems to be timeless.
Today, I’ve put together a mixed tape for all of you followers because, to be clear, you’re all pretty cool. Each track in the playlist represents one of the sanctuary’s residents thanks to something in the song title, artist name, or lyrical content that relates to their personality. I’ve included photos of the corresponding chimpanzees and bovines for your enjoyment, with a link for listening at the end.
Without further ado, here are the tracks in recommended listening order:
- “Annie’s Song” by John Denver Denver wrote this song while admiring the Rocky Mountains from a ski lift. If anyone likes to admire alpine views as much as he did, it’s Annie.
- “Burritos” by Sublime
If Burrito was a genre of music, he’d probably be something energetic and goofy that you can skank to… like Sublime’s legendary ska-punk. - “Foxey Lady” by Jimi Hendrix
Nobody rocked harder than Hendrix… except perhaps Foxie. It’s easy to imagine her writing a spicy song like this about her new favorite doll. - “You Are Not Alone” by Mavis Staples
Mave, like Mavis, can perform as a powerful individual or as a member of the group. Either way, they’re both smooth and soulful icons, and they’ve got your back. - “Willy’s Song” by Rayland Baxter
Although the themes are more serious, this is an upbeat Americana song for lounging in and exploring the outdoors (just like Willy B likes to do). - “Honeybee” by The Head and The Heart
This warm, melodic pop song by one of Washington state’s own is good for serenely making a big nest of blankets in your favorite nook. This activity also happens to be part of Honey B’s nightly routine. - “Jody” by America
Just as the namesake of this song stole folk-rock songwriter Russ Ballard’s heart, Jody’s tender nature will steal yours. She’ll take all your veggies, too. - “La Camisa Negra” by Juanes
This Colombian rock song was a hit in Latin America… and with my high school Spanish teacher, who made us translate it dozens of times. Thanks to those exercises, I now know that Negra means the color “black” in Spanish. - “Honey, I’m Home” by Shania Twain
Shania is beloved by divas and country folks alike, bringing her blue-collar heritage to stadiums around the globe. You know who else has a bold attitude and fashionable look despite staying true to her wholesome country roots? Honey, the matriarch of the sanctuary’s rescued bovines. - “Betsy” by Billie Marten
To be honest, I’m not sure what this muted, politically-charged song from 2019 has to do with Betsy, the rescued Jersey cow. Still, it’s a decent song and it’s the only one I could find with her name in the title. - “Jamie All Over” by Mayday Parade
The mid-2000s flavor of pop-punk was defined by anthems that rocked hard, but most of the lyrics alluded to awkward romantic themes that resonated with moody teenagers at the time. Jamie Chimpanzee, like so many of that genre’s defining hits, has a soft and sensitive core guarded by a tense and prickly exterior. - “Nutmeg” by Ghostface Killah (feat. RZA)
Is there a genre that successfully emulates the laid-back, confident demeanor of an enormous steer like Nutmeg? East Coast hip-hop with some R&B samples might do the trick. This track is something to graze on. - “Missy” by The Airborne Toxic Event
The SoCal band’s frontman wrote this about a person with the same name whom he admired, but sometimes I wonder if Missy would prefer some high-tempo music to work out to. A throwback jam by Missy Elliot, maybe? - “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Like Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham (who split during the writing of this amazing album), sometimes its best to go off and do your own thing. Meredith is the most aloof and independent of the cattle, so this song is representative of her spirit.
Anyway, that’s the random collection of songs that I’ve assembled for your listening pleasure. I even made the mix into a public playlist on Spotify, so you can stream it by clicking here if you have an account!
Let me know if there are any songs that remind you of the sanctuary’s primate and bovine residents, and I can add them to the list!
Amy Bianco says
Great job on this! Very clever and entertaining! Thank you! ??
Anthony says
Thanks, Amy! I’m glad you liked it.
mo says
Hey, hey, Anthony! You’ve outdone yourself with this one. It may take even you a very long time to meet this mark again. Smart, romantic, thoughtful, loving. I appreciate you!
Anthony says
Haha, thank you! I appreciate the positive feedback. 🙂
Vida Lohnes says
Brilliant, Anthony! Thank you.
Anthony says
Thanks, Vida!
Betsy says
What a wonderful post, thank you.
I love Jennifer Wanes’ song “It Goes like it Goes,” which I dedicate to all of you:
So it goes like it goes
Like the river flows
And time it rolls right on
And maybe what’s good gets a little bit better
And maybe what’s bad gets gone
Looking forward to more chimps having a better life along the banks of the Yakima.
Anthony says
Thank you, Betsy! That’s kind of you to share that song. I had never listened to it before!
Kathleen says
You never cease to entertain, the perfect way to end my weekend! “Go Your Own Way” for Meredith totally cracked me up. Thanks Anthony.
Anthony says
I’m glad I could give you a laugh, Kathleen! “Go Your Own Way” was actually Chad’s idea. I frequently ask the other caregivers for inspiration when I’m stumped, and I could not find any good songs involving about individuals named “Meredith”
Linda C says
The Monkees….”Mary, Mary….where you going to?” 😛
jackie says
Great post! Thank you!
Anthony says
Thank you for following, Jackie! I’m glad you liked it.
Virginia Keulen says
So clever and creative! Love this! This is exactly what I needed tonight after having a bad day. Thank-you!
Anthony says
I’m glad it made things a bit better, Virginia! 🙂
Paulette Wrisley says
Anthony, you amaze me.
Paulette Wrisley says
Hey, it was cool that you included artists from my generation 😉
(Hendrix, Fleetwood)
Thanks. You ROCK!
Kathleen says
Yes, it was fun seeing artists and genres (ska!) from my past. You can’t get any finer than Mavis Staples or The Staple Singers.
And speaking of the The Staple Singers, here’s two top hits from them that could work with your theme Anthony….
1. “I’ll Take You There” : Referring to the NAPSA campaign “Chimpanzees In Need” to help in providing a sanctuary future for the 32 chimpanzees still waiting at Wildlife Waystation. Contributions will take them there!
2. “Respect Yourself” : Because sanctuary life gives each individual respect. Not only to you treat them with respect, you give them back their respect for themselves and each other.
(Side note, the founding member of The Staple Singers died this month. He was 85)
Anthony says
Kathleen, do you want to join our trivia team when we start going to the local tavern again?
Although I do enjoy the Staples and even Mavis’s newer solo work, the main reason they had to be included here is JB’s nickname for Mave: M A V I S
Anthony says
Haha, thank you, Paulette! I try to do something original from time to time. Writing 50+ blog posts each year can be tedious without a little variety.
CarolR says
Perfect, Anthony. I too have been thinking of lists lately, but mine were about how their lives have improved at CSNW.
1. Jamie gets to show off her considerable leadership skills and keeps everyone, including caregivers on their toes.
2. Jodie gets to play farmer with foraging and tend to her friends when they’re not feeling too good.
3. Foxie gets to enjoy her babies every day, but has 6 babysitters if she needs them.
4. Annie gets to look up at the sky and has her BFF to hug her when she’s scared.
5 Missy gets to run, jump and be as athletic as she wants. That photo of her jumping from the treat rock is a perfect example. Sheer joy!
6. Burrito gets to play constantly with ALL his friends and indulge in his favourite hobby….eating!
7. Negra gets to sleep with as many blankets as she wants and scamper out to eat Spring grass.
8. Willy B can show off his considerable courage in stepping outside as well as looking at lots of selfies.
9. Honey B gets to let us know how clever she is, and scoot around as much as she wants to.
10. Mave is the pin up girl, as we can now see how beautiful she is.
None of those things were possible in their previous lives.
And the bovines don’t know it but they get tons of yummy hay and pasture, and like all of the occupants, they are safe and much loved.
Anthony says
This is really sweet (and accurate), Carol! Thanks for reflecting on the residents and their freedoms. 🙂
Donna L Smythe says
Amen Carol, great reply! I love Anthony’s posts and look forward to reading blog of the chimps daily activities before retiring for the night. Their blog with accompanying photos are excellent!
marianne says
Wow Anthony, you must have been thinking about this for a while….
Very creative and romantic……
Anthony says
Haha, the things that pop into your head when you’re cleaning the same chimp enclosure for the 500th time would surprise you!
Jane Olinger says
Thanks for this, Anthony! What a great way to celebrate chimps and bovines! It also now has me thinking of any additions I might want to suggest.
Anthony says
Thanks, Jane!
Lora Chenoweth says
Awesome blog!!
Deanna says
You had your creative juices flowing with this post! Too Awesome just like the staff and residents!!
Anthony says
Haha! Thank you, Deanna!
Tobin says
I hope that it isn’t too late to contribute. Here is my revised list of Beatles tunes which I associate with the residents of the Sanctuary:
Annie — “Got to Get You into my Life”.
Given her devotion to Missy, I think it fits.
Betsy — “Penny Lane”.
As a small child growing up in the very small farm town of Converse, Indiana, I lived across the street from a grazing area where a cow who looked like Betsy lived. We used to moo greeting to each other. “Penny Lane ” always reminds me of my hometown.
Burrito — “Mother Nature’s Son”.
For further reference, please see the blog post from 1.16.2021.
Foxie — “Here, There and Everywhere.”
The line “Running my hands through her hair” seems apropos given Foxie’s attentiveness to her dolls.
Honey the Cow — “Honey Pie.”
That’s a tad obvious, but hopefully the namesake will be flattered.
Honey B — “Drive my Car”.
The way she whizzes about on her skateboard and scooter, I’m guessing the tune fits.
Jamie — “Strawberry Fields Forever”.
Like Jamie, this song has a complex structure. Also, I know that she is quite the enthusiast for strawberries.
Jody — “Lady Madonna”.
This is Paul’s tribute to a human den mother, and I easily associated the tune with Mama Jo.
Mave — “Yellow Submarine”.
A playful tune for a playful, joyous woman.
Meredith — “I’ll Follow the Sun”.
For someone who stands out from the herd…
Missy — “Ev’rybody’s got Something to Hide ‘cept for Me and my Monkey”.
Given Missy’s skill at walking upright across the tightrope, i used to associate “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” with her. However, we do not approve of exploiting chimpanzees and other intelligent creatures in so-called “entertainment”. So, instead, I’ve decided to change her song to the hardest-rocking of the Beatles’ catalogue in homage to the beautiful vision she creates when she gallops across Young’s Hill.
Negra — “Blackbird”.
Three years ago, around the 10th anniversary of the arrival of the first Seven to the Sanctuary, when I first thought of which Beatles’ song fit which chimpanzee, I immediately thought of Neggie and this song. Listen for yourself.
Nutmeg — “A Day in the Life”.
A classic, a work of Art, much like Nutmeg’s hairdo.
Willy B — “All my Lovin'”
This was the first song that the Beatles played on their U.S. debut. It set the audience of teenage girls at the Ed Sullivan Show into screams of delirium. Willy, it seems, likewise possesses the same effect on his audience when he displays his musical talents.
Paulette Wrisley says
Great post Tobin!
Tobin says
Thanks, Paulette. For some of the chimps and cattle, it hard to choose just one song.
Anthony says
This is incredible, Tobin! Are you a huge Beatles fan? My friends play Beatles trivial pursuit and I can’t keep up.
The songs in your playlist are perfect for each individual, but the most accurate may be the description of Willy-mania! His seven neighbors still go crazy when he appears in the chute, entering their view. They scream about it and then practically shower him with pant-grunts (*eye roll*)
Tobin says
Am I a huge Beatles fan? Does Missy have a huge appetite for tomatoes? Not only was I blessed with having a cow for an across-the-street neighbor circa 1967, but I had a hip teenage girl up the alley who would sometime babysit me; she exposed me to the Fab Four.
As for Willy, the recent posting of him pounding on his drum while hooting at the girls next door seemed to have quite an Elvis-in-Vegas vibe to it. I wanted to shriek in response…
Paulette Wrisley says
I still have all of my Beatles albums, Including their first in America called America, meet the Beatles 1964 🙂
Jill says
Anthony, well done! I listened to this from your Spotify link! It was really enjoyable. It now has a place on my Spotify playlist along with list for my beloved KMTT 103.7 The MounTain (Seattle station of the 90’s!)
Now, I’m off to listen to Tobin’s Beatles list! Working part-time from home has its definite benefits. 🙂
Linda C says
Here you go, Anthony-
Los Igualados-Mi Negra. I’m not a fan of norteña music, but he sings of how his “negra” (in some countries, it’s “honey” or “sweetie”) crossed the ocean and left his life. Easy to catch the words, make your hs Spanish teacher proud!
There’s Poncho Sánchez’s “Mi negra”, and Ricardo Ray’s “Dónde está mi negra?”
And there’s always Joe Arroyo’s “No le pegue a la negra” (a story of slavery, but a very danceable story, believe it or not).
And for Meredith, as above, “Mary, Mary (where you going to?”, by none other than The Monkees
Linda C says
Oh, and I forgot. Thought of you today…heard on the radio that Iggy’s now ships. You’ll have to get your parents to send you a bday prezzie!
Nancy says
That mix is fabulous!