Thursday, April 28, 2011

Songs for planning my escape... (Simon & Garfunkel, The Airborne Toxic Event, & Rik Mayall)

I'm New York bound again in a few weeks and my head has been full of possibilities and ideas. I love when the strategic details of a trip are in place and I can focus on the things to do once I'm there. It involves a lot of crazy daydreams, Google Maps, and endless lists of things I've seen in movies or heard mentioned in songs or books. Perfectly coinciding with my trip, I stumbled across Patti Smith's memoir called Just Kids, which has made it completely essential that I see the Chelsea Hotel.

Simon & Garfunkel - At The Zoo

It is common knowledge that I adore Paul Simon. He opens up my heart with every song, and I always aspire to have my own writing have the same effect on people. Because of this song, I am obsessed with visiting the Central Park Zoo. I will go and I will listen to this on my iPod at least 5 times. My favorite part of this song is that perfect moment where Simon is singing and you can literally hear him smile. That is pure magic.


The Airborne Toxic Event - Changing

A new Airborne Toxic Event album? In pure joy, it is fantastic. I've spent an enormous amount of time car dancing to this song this week. There is something about Mikel Jollett that I love. With the suits, thin ties, and his snarky sense of defiance, he hints at a bit of Rik Mayall in the Young Ones (I mean that as an awesome compliment cause I think Rik Mayall is about the most awesome person around).


And now, I'm off to watch The Young Ones. The favorite part of this clip is his dancing to The Human League. I about fall down every time I see it. So maybe there isn't much of a comparison, but this is some funny, funny stuff.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Songs to keep you busy... (Jakob Dylan, The Beach Boys, and Belle & Sebastian)

So whoops, I sorta lost a week in there somewhere. I have been busy. Doing what you ask? Hmm, well, I dunno... stuff. Mostly just complaining about how busy I am. Go figure. I want to pretentiously say that I have been avoiding the television (except for watching 30 Rock) and getting a lot of reading in, which is true, but if asked, the list of what I've been reading will probably negate the whole thing (2 YA novels and Tina Fey's book).
Jakob Dylan - Smile When You Call Me That

If I could pick anyone (today anyway), I would choose Jakob Dylan to sing me to sleep each and every night. This is such a funny, snarky song, but it's amazing just how much feeling he puts into it. Just wonderful.


The Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice

I saw The Beach Boys the other night. I love seeing any of those iconic bands from the 1960's. When they first started singing, I thought it was a recording, but they just still sounded that good. I guess that I never realized how many popular songs they had. I can't listen to this song without dancing, singing along, and trying to harmonize.



Belle & Sebastian - If You Find Yourself Caught In Love


I'm not even sure how to explain Belle & Sebastian, but there is just something about them that make me feel like I have to be listening to them. They somehow calm my nerves and understand my problems. I dig their sweet kickback, retro sound. I guess that's why I love them. Thanks Belle & Sebastian.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Songs for working, working, working... (Langhorne Slim, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones)

I've been super busy at work, sidelined with the flu, and still trying to learn to play a song on the guitar (errr, I seriously suck). I have been listening to way more music than normal, spending a lot of time back in the roots of my music tastes.

Langhorne Slim - Land of Dreams

Ever since I saw him live, I have been listening non-stop to Langhorne Slim. He's makes me oh-so super swoony. This is a seriously beautiful song and I can't help but be so drawn in by his lyrics. He tells these amazingly detail-rich stories that tempt my imagination and suck me into a dreamy state. It is fun to get a little lost and dreamy sometimes.

Everyone becomes invisible in the land of dreams...


The Beatles - Yesterday

Each time I hear this song, I am more and more floored by just how beautiful, emotional, and honest it is. Paul McCartney captures emotions in a way that can both unbalance and steady my heart. I lovingly joke that music is my religion and I can say that with 100% certainty that all I ever needed to understand about love came from Paul McCartney (ok, maybe a few others too, but Paul definitely tops that list).


Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be, there's a shadow hanging over me...



The Rolling Stones - Mother's Little Helper

What a drag it is getting old... When I want to rock out, dance, and just have a good time, I always turn to early Rolling Stones tracks. Jagger’s spirit is so amazing and infectious that it makes me dream and wish that I was back in England in the 60's. Growing up, I would put the A-side of Flowers on the record player and listen over and over again while I painted. Even now, when I listen to the album, it gives me that feeling back. I'm always amazed at how good it sounds.