Greetings neglected followers!
I have not posted for months, largely because the rest of the 30 Day Song Challenge bores me. So tonight I am going to post a little about me, because that has been what I've been thinking about a lot lately. I'm sorry if you don't care. Nobody really reads this anyway, and I do care about me. So there.
This year, I have been continually amazed by how much I have changed. So much that every once in a while it scares me. I discovered about a week ago that I have dimples. Not profound, takes-up-my-entire-face, Mario Lopez dimples, but dimples nonetheless. It scared the shit out of me! I had to ask a good friend from home if I'd ever had dimples before. I then proceeded to creep on myself to find out exactly when said dimples had developed. What kind of person gets older and all the sudden has dimples?
Even more alarming, somewhere during my college experience, I became a relatively laid-back person. In high school, I would never have described myself as relaxed in any sense of the word. I freaked out about little things. I redid an entire poster at 2:00 am because I was worried about how the boxes were laid out. I didn't speak to people I'd known for years because I assumed they wouldn't know who I was. I was overly critical, overly cautious and high strung, and I suppose to some extent I still am.
But somehow, two years later, I have fallen into an entirely different wavelength. Suddenly, all the urgency is gone. All of the anal retentiveness and stress of high school has melted into this right-brained, relatively fluid, college lifestyle. I couldn't tell you when it happened. But suddenly I find organization difficult and imagination instinctual. Maybe the absence of calculus in my life formed a black hole for all linear thinking leaving only loop-de-loops and color splotches. Which is mildly terrifying! To go from having a direct plan to having nothing is very scary.
But it is also very freeing. I've learned how to organize my school life to allow for fun and relationships, something I missed the boat on in high school. I've learned how to take embarrassment and failure in stride. God knows there has been and will be plenty of it. Somewhere along the way I have found comedy in my oddities.
Everyone tells you that college is the place where teenagers learn to be adults, to find themselves and their futures, but no 18-year-old high school graduate takes that seriously. It has taken me until my 20th birthday to think about the phase of life that I am living in. And to imagine that in two years I will be expected to be a real person, with bills and a job and a car and insurance and terrible things like that, is really scary to my amorphous, half-developed brain.
But, hey, I suppose that is what the next two years are for. So, I will procrastinate reality for another night, and continue playing silly internet games until 4:00 am when I will consider going to bed. But probably won't. Good night, readers. If you're reading this, you are either intensely bored or delirious from lack of sleep. I apologize for my night time ramblings, at least it is another post.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Day 25: A Song that Makes You Laugh
Greetings followers,
I hope your summer has been a ball and a half. As usual, my summer was conspicuously work-filled and blog-free. I had fully intended to keep blogging throughout the summer, perhaps finish the 30 Day Song Challenge, but that obviously did not happen. So, today I found myself strangely craving a good blogging session after a month of absence. And where better to start than on Day 25 with a song that makes me laugh? And that song is....
"Friends O' Mine" by the fabulously unfabulous Bowling for Soup. Although this song isn't particularly funny, I think the lyrics are clever and honest. The simplicity of the lyrics and rhymes make the song what it is: "We saw the world and the world seems smaller. We're getting wider, but not getting no taller."It is not a masterpiece, it's not even beautiful, but it's real and representative of their relationship. The quality of his voice is mediocre at best and the melody is simplistic and unpolished, but I think the overall effect is raw and perfect. The friendship described isn't polished and pretty, it's messy and unpretentious; if you ask me that is the best kind of friendship there is.
I've already grown bored of this post, but don't want to put off posting it another day. So here it goes. Here's to the simple things in life, to effortless, unpretentious friendships, and finally squeaking out another post. G'night, all.
I hope your summer has been a ball and a half. As usual, my summer was conspicuously work-filled and blog-free. I had fully intended to keep blogging throughout the summer, perhaps finish the 30 Day Song Challenge, but that obviously did not happen. So, today I found myself strangely craving a good blogging session after a month of absence. And where better to start than on Day 25 with a song that makes me laugh? And that song is....
"Friends O' Mine" by the fabulously unfabulous Bowling for Soup. Although this song isn't particularly funny, I think the lyrics are clever and honest. The simplicity of the lyrics and rhymes make the song what it is: "We saw the world and the world seems smaller. We're getting wider, but not getting no taller."It is not a masterpiece, it's not even beautiful, but it's real and representative of their relationship. The quality of his voice is mediocre at best and the melody is simplistic and unpolished, but I think the overall effect is raw and perfect. The friendship described isn't polished and pretty, it's messy and unpretentious; if you ask me that is the best kind of friendship there is.
I've already grown bored of this post, but don't want to put off posting it another day. So here it goes. Here's to the simple things in life, to effortless, unpretentious friendships, and finally squeaking out another post. G'night, all.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Day 24: A Song that You Want to play at Your Funeral
Greetings followers and other random people who are reading [You're awesome.].
[Quick promotion: If you follow my blog, consider following Mr. Jeff Nelson's blog. He's awesome and is just getting started with blogging and needs more followers! [Don't we all?]]
But let's talk about me, that's what's important after all. [I hope the sarcasm in the precious statement was fully communicated and received.] But seriously, today's post is about a song that I want to play at my funeral [hopefully this will not be necessary for many many years.] But in the name of finishing this God-forsaken 30-day challenge, I will answer it.
Although the context of this song has little to do with me or my death, I would love Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" to play at my funeral. I cannot give you a discernible reason for choosing this song, but it has always been a favorite. There's something about the opening description of women and their "pirate smile(s)" that makes you fall in love.
I suppose that is why I chose it for this post. "Tiny Dancer" celebrates the life and the little things about the incredible women that Bernie Taupin [the song's lyricist] and Elton John [both English tourists] witness on the streets of California. To Taupin, these street dancers were free spirits, full of life and worthy of song. I hope that at the end, my life is celebrated as well, rather than my death mourned. [Journalist as an occupation doesn't really offer the same romantic imagery as a dancer [particularly a tiny one], but you get my drift.] While I will never be a dainty street dancer in California, I want to lead a life worthy of a song as beautiful as this one.
I apologize for the short and relatively somber post. I felt that my usual sarcastic tone was inappropriate for today's theme, but there are six days left and hopefully I will pull off another entertaining post before the challenge comes to a close. My stream of blogging wit seems to have run dry for the moment.
But here's to well-written lyrics, free-spirited street dancers, and living life to the fullest. Happy summer, followers.
[Quick promotion: If you follow my blog, consider following Mr. Jeff Nelson's blog. He's awesome and is just getting started with blogging and needs more followers! [Don't we all?]]
But let's talk about me, that's what's important after all. [I hope the sarcasm in the precious statement was fully communicated and received.] But seriously, today's post is about a song that I want to play at my funeral [hopefully this will not be necessary for many many years.] But in the name of finishing this God-forsaken 30-day challenge, I will answer it.
Although the context of this song has little to do with me or my death, I would love Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" to play at my funeral. I cannot give you a discernible reason for choosing this song, but it has always been a favorite. There's something about the opening description of women and their "pirate smile(s)" that makes you fall in love.
I suppose that is why I chose it for this post. "Tiny Dancer" celebrates the life and the little things about the incredible women that Bernie Taupin [the song's lyricist] and Elton John [both English tourists] witness on the streets of California. To Taupin, these street dancers were free spirits, full of life and worthy of song. I hope that at the end, my life is celebrated as well, rather than my death mourned. [Journalist as an occupation doesn't really offer the same romantic imagery as a dancer [particularly a tiny one], but you get my drift.] While I will never be a dainty street dancer in California, I want to lead a life worthy of a song as beautiful as this one.
I apologize for the short and relatively somber post. I felt that my usual sarcastic tone was inappropriate for today's theme, but there are six days left and hopefully I will pull off another entertaining post before the challenge comes to a close. My stream of blogging wit seems to have run dry for the moment.
But here's to well-written lyrics, free-spirited street dancers, and living life to the fullest. Happy summer, followers.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Day 23: A Song that You Want to play at Your Wedding
A wildly enthusiastic greeting to my now 11 followers [including an extra Mark]!
It is mildly ridiculous how much a few extra followers mean. But when two extra followers mean that there are two extra people who give a hoot about what I write, that's pretty awesome. So thanks Mary Bess and Sally [and all my other loyal followers] for sticking with me through a few rough posts. Hopefully this one won't disappoint you.
Enough of all that. Hi. You're here to read about a song that I want to play at my wedding. [Maybe you're not. If you're not, this is a little awkward, but I think you have the wrong blog.] This post was a little tricky because I have no bloody idea what songs I would like to play at my wedding.
But I have finally come to the conclusion that "The Way You Look Tonight" by Maroon 5 will play at my wedding. [I would play the Fred Astaire version, but I love this cover dearly, so deal with it.] There's something about Adam Levine's voice that makes me want to melt into a puddle of quivering goo. [That is an entirely unromantic image, but I just can't help it.] After my first listen, I was pleasantly surprised that the band hadn't slapped the Maroon 5 sound over the classic Sinatra-Astaire early versions. They did an incredible job of contributing to the song while staying true to the original, spectacular vibes. I am continually surprised by Adam's and the rest of Maroon 5's versatility. [I really should go on a Maroon 5 music hunt.]
My favorite music hunting ground [I prefer to hunt in relatively legal territory.] is the local library. I recently returned from the library with a stack of 47 CDs. Excessive? Maybe, but I was curious, and hadn't looked through their selection in a while. I've picked up CDs in the library that I would never think of when browsing YouTube or iTunes, especially classics. [I'm listening to Billie Holiday right now.]
There are the obvious downsides of getting music from the library. For example, most of their music is at least five years old and geared towards 45 year old housewives with a poor taste in music. [I swear to you, there must be 25 Barry Manilow CDs.] But it's forced me to step outside of my musical comfort zone, which was once tragically limited to mediocre alternative rock bands [I still enjoy a select few of them, but my horizons have broadened significantly.] But if you look past the seemingly endless rows of 80s crooners, there are CDs to be listened to [and they are free].
It's late, I'm tired, and this post has taken me far too long. So, here's to teasing poor Barry Manilow [once again. I should really find a new punching bag.], new music, and your local library. Good night.
It is mildly ridiculous how much a few extra followers mean. But when two extra followers mean that there are two extra people who give a hoot about what I write, that's pretty awesome. So thanks Mary Bess and Sally [and all my other loyal followers] for sticking with me through a few rough posts. Hopefully this one won't disappoint you.
Enough of all that. Hi. You're here to read about a song that I want to play at my wedding. [Maybe you're not. If you're not, this is a little awkward, but I think you have the wrong blog.] This post was a little tricky because I have no bloody idea what songs I would like to play at my wedding.
But I have finally come to the conclusion that "The Way You Look Tonight" by Maroon 5 will play at my wedding. [I would play the Fred Astaire version, but I love this cover dearly, so deal with it.] There's something about Adam Levine's voice that makes me want to melt into a puddle of quivering goo. [That is an entirely unromantic image, but I just can't help it.] After my first listen, I was pleasantly surprised that the band hadn't slapped the Maroon 5 sound over the classic Sinatra-Astaire early versions. They did an incredible job of contributing to the song while staying true to the original, spectacular vibes. I am continually surprised by Adam's and the rest of Maroon 5's versatility. [I really should go on a Maroon 5 music hunt.]
My favorite music hunting ground [I prefer to hunt in relatively legal territory.] is the local library. I recently returned from the library with a stack of 47 CDs. Excessive? Maybe, but I was curious, and hadn't looked through their selection in a while. I've picked up CDs in the library that I would never think of when browsing YouTube or iTunes, especially classics. [I'm listening to Billie Holiday right now.]
There are the obvious downsides of getting music from the library. For example, most of their music is at least five years old and geared towards 45 year old housewives with a poor taste in music. [I swear to you, there must be 25 Barry Manilow CDs.] But it's forced me to step outside of my musical comfort zone, which was once tragically limited to mediocre alternative rock bands [I still enjoy a select few of them, but my horizons have broadened significantly.] But if you look past the seemingly endless rows of 80s crooners, there are CDs to be listened to [and they are free].
It's late, I'm tired, and this post has taken me far too long. So, here's to teasing poor Barry Manilow [once again. I should really find a new punching bag.], new music, and your local library. Good night.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Day 22: A Song that You Listen to when You're Sad
Hey, all!
Today is Day 22 of the 30 Day Song Challenge which means that today's song is a song I listen to when I'm sad. But before the song of the day is released, I'd like to clarify. There is a very big difference between a song that I listen to when I'm sad and a sad song. When I am sad, I prefer not to listen to sad music because I am one of those people who prefers not to be sad. [Also, I do not sit on the couch and watch sad movies eating ice cream. However, if that is what makes you feel better, by all means, have at it.]
But I listen to "Blossom" by Ryan Adams when I'm sad, actually the entire Cold Roses album is decent listening-to-while-sad music. Today, I spent about an hour and a half sitting underneath a tree listening to it. I wasn't particularly sad, but I was feeling reflective. [Perfect Day: 75 degrees with a few clouds and a relatively stiff breeze, sitting under a tree in the grass, listening to good music/reading a book/chatting with a friend. Sigh.]
Anyway, Cold Roses was one of the 50+ albums that I downloaded from the library last summer that I didn't really get to listen to fully. I rediscovered it this year when my iPod was on shuffle and I couldn't figure out what lovely song was playing. [Love finding old music. Its like finding a few bucks in your coat pocket from last winter.] Reason you should love this album too: harmonica. [Also, its good and the album cover is pretty. [Fun fact: I have a number of songs on my iPod that I hate, but can't bear to delete because I love the album art so much. #DesignStudentWoes [Third insert: I'd love you forever if you followed me on Twitter: @rachelweeks5]]]
Now that I've thoroughly rambled, I'm sure you're bored. [I'm a smidge bored as well.] Only 8 days left in the 30 Day Song Challenge. Think you can hold out until the end? Here's to harmonicas, good weather, and to putting off your final paper a few hours more. Night.
Today is Day 22 of the 30 Day Song Challenge which means that today's song is a song I listen to when I'm sad. But before the song of the day is released, I'd like to clarify. There is a very big difference between a song that I listen to when I'm sad and a sad song. When I am sad, I prefer not to listen to sad music because I am one of those people who prefers not to be sad. [Also, I do not sit on the couch and watch sad movies eating ice cream. However, if that is what makes you feel better, by all means, have at it.]
But I listen to "Blossom" by Ryan Adams when I'm sad, actually the entire Cold Roses album is decent listening-to-while-sad music. Today, I spent about an hour and a half sitting underneath a tree listening to it. I wasn't particularly sad, but I was feeling reflective. [Perfect Day: 75 degrees with a few clouds and a relatively stiff breeze, sitting under a tree in the grass, listening to good music/reading a book/chatting with a friend. Sigh.]
Anyway, Cold Roses was one of the 50+ albums that I downloaded from the library last summer that I didn't really get to listen to fully. I rediscovered it this year when my iPod was on shuffle and I couldn't figure out what lovely song was playing. [Love finding old music. Its like finding a few bucks in your coat pocket from last winter.] Reason you should love this album too: harmonica. [Also, its good and the album cover is pretty. [Fun fact: I have a number of songs on my iPod that I hate, but can't bear to delete because I love the album art so much. #DesignStudentWoes [Third insert: I'd love you forever if you followed me on Twitter: @rachelweeks5]]]
Now that I've thoroughly rambled, I'm sure you're bored. [I'm a smidge bored as well.] Only 8 days left in the 30 Day Song Challenge. Think you can hold out until the end? Here's to harmonicas, good weather, and to putting off your final paper a few hours more. Night.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Day 21: A Song that You Listen to when You're Happy
Oh, hey there.
It’s been a while. And things aren't looking like I'm going to finish the 30 Day Song Challenge before school lets out. I have failed this challenge in so many ways it has become the teensiest bit embarrassing. However, I am resilient. Regardless of my tardiness in this assignment, today's theme is a song that I listen to when I'm happy. My recent obsession/happy song is...
"Talk on Indolence" by The Avett Brothers [the live version, of course]. I'm not sure if it is physically possible to listen to this song without jumping or bobbing or stomping or generally jiving. [Of course, I haven't really tried to resist.] I'm 124% certain I have pissed my roommate off with my frequent and violent dancing to this song. [But I will never apologize!] I just cannot resist the enthusiasm of The Avett Brothers. Whether they are hopping up and down the stage with a banjo or swinging a cello around their head, these boys know how to jam. [The video on YouTube is great: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl4wLgw-6Zk].
[Warning: Self-important rant is a-comin'.] I will never scorn a musician who loves to play, even if what they play is torturously bad. [Side note: Avett Brothers are not torturously bad, I just feel like pushing my opinions on people.] If Mary Sue Berry wants to squawk around on a clarinet a bit, who am I to tell her she isn’t good enough? Little Miss Berry doesn’t necessarily deserve a record deal [Of course, if Mary Sue is blonde with big boobs, she might get one anyway.] Music is made to affect people. So if a few unpracticed chords on a piano are what make Franklin happy, I can dig it.
Well, this post ran out of gas pretty fast, surprising considering the kick-ass-ity of the song/band. I apologize for the lame-sauce writing. I tried. Hopefully Day 22 will be slightly more entertaining.
Until then, followers [All 8 of you.] Here's to musicians with passion and enthusiasm [including Mary Sue and Franklin]. Too bad they could do nothing to help today's painfully uninspired writing.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Day 20.5: Back the Hell Off of Justin Bieber
I'm going to take a moment to address an issue that I [suddenly and surprisingly] feel like addressing: Justin Bieber.
If the pure sight of his name makes you violently ill, feel free to go, I'll see you again on Day 21 [hopefully]. But if you are intrigued, please, take a seat.
Point one: I have not been infected by Bieber fever, I promise you that. [I actually hate the phrase "Bieber Fever." My apologies to Bieber families who's last name has been turned into a disease.] Unlike many Bieberians, I have no desire to hunt down, kidnap, and chain the poor boy in my basement. I do not swoon at the sound of his voice. I can count the number of Bieber YouTube videos I have seen on one hand [maybe two]. I do not sigh when he flips his hair [or cry when he cuts it]. I don't even particularly like his music.
HOWEVER [Here comes point two, this is the important part.]
Point two: [You're excited, aren't you?] I respect Justin Bieber. I respect his compassion for his fans [despite their overwhelming stalker tendencies.] I respect his love for music. I respect his drive and hard work. I respect his musical talent. I respect [maybe even envy] his dancing talent as well. I respect that he has maintained a sense of humility throughout his rise to fame. I respect his enormous contributions to the Haiti and Japan relief effort. I respect that he just tweeted about his mother's birthday. I respect Justin Bieber, because he is a superstar, without controversy, without addiction, and without an ego the size of Texas. He's a good kid. So, I implore you to back the hell off of Justin Bieber.
So, you, who take shots at the poor kid, stop. Justin Bieber does not look like a lesbian. He is not gay. He is not a loser or a fag. He is not a woman or transgender. [a) You need to find yourself a better set of insults. b) You need to consider the fact that almost any woman under the age of 25 on the planet will sleep with him. Good luck working that out for yourself.] Yes, he has a high voice, but you know what? So does Justin Timberlake and Chris Martin [from Coldplay] and James Blunt and Michael Jackson and Timothy Schmit [from the Eagles] and Wayne Newton [and others, but I'm getting bored].
I like Justin Bieber because he is talented and passionate. I will never be a Belieber [or any other variety of Bieber pun the media can come up with], but I respect him. So, here's to little boys who wish upon a star, men who work hard, and once in a lifetime opportunities that make dreams come true. Never say never, followers. *
If the pure sight of his name makes you violently ill, feel free to go, I'll see you again on Day 21 [hopefully]. But if you are intrigued, please, take a seat.
Point one: I have not been infected by Bieber fever, I promise you that. [I actually hate the phrase "Bieber Fever." My apologies to Bieber families who's last name has been turned into a disease.] Unlike many Bieberians, I have no desire to hunt down, kidnap, and chain the poor boy in my basement. I do not swoon at the sound of his voice. I can count the number of Bieber YouTube videos I have seen on one hand [maybe two]. I do not sigh when he flips his hair [or cry when he cuts it]. I don't even particularly like his music.
HOWEVER [Here comes point two, this is the important part.]
Point two: [You're excited, aren't you?] I respect Justin Bieber. I respect his compassion for his fans [despite their overwhelming stalker tendencies.] I respect his love for music. I respect his drive and hard work. I respect his musical talent. I respect [maybe even envy] his dancing talent as well. I respect that he has maintained a sense of humility throughout his rise to fame. I respect his enormous contributions to the Haiti and Japan relief effort. I respect that he just tweeted about his mother's birthday. I respect Justin Bieber, because he is a superstar, without controversy, without addiction, and without an ego the size of Texas. He's a good kid. So, I implore you to back the hell off of Justin Bieber.
So, you, who take shots at the poor kid, stop. Justin Bieber does not look like a lesbian. He is not gay. He is not a loser or a fag. He is not a woman or transgender. [a) You need to find yourself a better set of insults. b) You need to consider the fact that almost any woman under the age of 25 on the planet will sleep with him. Good luck working that out for yourself.] Yes, he has a high voice, but you know what? So does Justin Timberlake and Chris Martin [from Coldplay] and James Blunt and Michael Jackson and Timothy Schmit [from the Eagles] and Wayne Newton [and others, but I'm getting bored].
I like Justin Bieber because he is talented and passionate. I will never be a Belieber [or any other variety of Bieber pun the media can come up with], but I respect him. So, here's to little boys who wish upon a star, men who work hard, and once in a lifetime opportunities that make dreams come true. Never say never, followers. *
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 20: A Song that You Listen to when You're Angry
Arr!
Because today's theme is a song that I listen to when I'm angry, today's post [from now on] will be written in my best pirate interpretation [because pirates are perpetually angry. [Also because I found a pirate translator online.]]. So angry song of the day is...
"U+Ur Hand" by Pink [or P!nk, I'm honestly not sure how she prefers it...]. In general, Pink is excellent angry music, especially when one is pissed about men [or stupid girls for that matter]. She's also a favorite when I'm not even mad, but want to sing/scream really loud. [This sort of spectacle usually occurs in my car with the doors tightly sealed. Fun fact: I have hand drummed on my steering wheel hard enough to make my radio skip. What can I say? I go hard.] Oops. Forgot about the pirate thing... Arrg, whar's me booty?!
I haven't decided how I feel about Pink as a person yet. Watching her E! True Hollywood Story [Yes, I actually sat through that.] you'd think she's kind of a selfish wench. But she also seems to be a genuine and talented person [I suppose it is possible that she's both genuine and talented while still being a selfish wench. Maybe she is genuinely a talented, selfish wench. Or perhaps a wenchingly selfish, genuine talent.] But I thoroughly enjoyed her interview with Brad Pitt and the rest of Ocean's 11, it made me like both of them a lot more. [I'll leave you to make your own assessment of Pink's moral character: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnA30dPAMWM]
[I have returned from my 20 minute Pink YouTube binge to finish this blog.] The cool thing about Pink is that she could be a normal person. If she was lacking her golden pipes and was plopped down in a mall in the middle of the Midwest, she'd be written off as one of those posers who hang around the mall [You know the ones]. You could hang out with Pink, be Pink's neighbor. [Now Brad Pitt on the other hand, could not be plopped anywhere without getting a few looks.] I like the celebrities who maintain a sense of humanity rather than stardom. She seems pretty cool to me.
So here's to jam sessions alone in the car, E! Hollywood specials, and celebrities who are still people.
[Oops... I have entirely abandoned the pirate theme.... guess I'd make a poor pirate. Bummer.]
Because today's theme is a song that I listen to when I'm angry, today's post [from now on] will be written in my best pirate interpretation [because pirates are perpetually angry. [Also because I found a pirate translator online.]]. So angry song of the day is...
"U+Ur Hand" by Pink [or P!nk, I'm honestly not sure how she prefers it...]. In general, Pink is excellent angry music, especially when one is pissed about men [or stupid girls for that matter]. She's also a favorite when I'm not even mad, but want to sing/scream really loud. [This sort of spectacle usually occurs in my car with the doors tightly sealed. Fun fact: I have hand drummed on my steering wheel hard enough to make my radio skip. What can I say? I go hard.] Oops. Forgot about the pirate thing... Arrg, whar's me booty?!
I haven't decided how I feel about Pink as a person yet. Watching her E! True Hollywood Story [Yes, I actually sat through that.] you'd think she's kind of a selfish wench. But she also seems to be a genuine and talented person [I suppose it is possible that she's both genuine and talented while still being a selfish wench. Maybe she is genuinely a talented, selfish wench. Or perhaps a wenchingly selfish, genuine talent.] But I thoroughly enjoyed her interview with Brad Pitt and the rest of Ocean's 11, it made me like both of them a lot more. [I'll leave you to make your own assessment of Pink's moral character: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnA30dPAMWM]
[I have returned from my 20 minute Pink YouTube binge to finish this blog.] The cool thing about Pink is that she could be a normal person. If she was lacking her golden pipes and was plopped down in a mall in the middle of the Midwest, she'd be written off as one of those posers who hang around the mall [You know the ones]. You could hang out with Pink, be Pink's neighbor. [Now Brad Pitt on the other hand, could not be plopped anywhere without getting a few looks.] I like the celebrities who maintain a sense of humanity rather than stardom. She seems pretty cool to me.
So here's to jam sessions alone in the car, E! Hollywood specials, and celebrities who are still people.
[Oops... I have entirely abandoned the pirate theme.... guess I'd make a poor pirate. Bummer.]
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day 19: A Song from Your Favorite Album
[Insert creative greeting here.]
So I did this exercise in my Psych Lab manual that measured my sleep deprivation level. Apparently this whole not sleeping thing is causing my general quality of life to suffer. It causes me more accident prone, prone to memory defects such as temporarily forgetting one's phone number or what day it is. Wow. I just thought I was going crazy.
New resolution: Sleep more.
Now we will steer back in the 30 Day Song Challenge direction. Today is a song from my favorite album, which is really exciting, because I love a good album. [Note: I also love a good single.] But I like to buy CDs so I can listen to the music how the artist intended. There's something about listening to a CD from beginning to end. Here's the problem: Now I actually have to pick one.
I'm gonna make a decision. I made my decision. Decision made. [If you can name that movie, you'll be my best friend.]
I'm going to go with "Code Name: Raven" by House of Heroes from their album "The End is Not the End." This song holds a special place in my heart because it comes from the alternative rock era of my life [Also known as the dark ages. Better known as my sophomore year of high school.] It is one of the few pop-rock albums that I have not grown weary of. While All Time Low lost its flavor and All American Rejects faded into the background, House of Heroes somehow maintained.
I first encountered House of Heroes when they opened for Relient K at House of Blues. [P.S. This was my first concert experience ever.] To be honest I kind of looked over them. They had a good looking singer and not much more. But a few months later, [after I had actually paid attention to the music] I fell in love. Every song on that album [with the possible exception of "Drown," which has grown on me since] is fabulous, thought-provoking, and unique. As far as I am concerned, House of Heroes is an undiscovered treasure. Check them out. [Just found out that "The End is Not the End" is not their most recent album, so I am off to listen to that.]
I'll leave you with that. Here's to concerts, bands worth recognizing, and catching up on some well-deserved sleep. Warmest regards.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 18: A Song that You Wish You Heard on the Radio
I'm back!
I was feeling on a roll from yesterday's post [which I enjoyed a little too much], so today I am back and ready for more 30 Day Song Challenge fun [as you are, I'm sure]. Today's song is a song that I wish I heard on the radio, which is interesting because [like I mentioned yesterday] I don't listen to the radio at school. But for the sake of completing this much-more-than-30-day song challenge, I will cooperate. I wish that I heard...
"I Get a Kick Out of You" by Frank Sinatra. Every time I hear this song I sigh a little. It's just so freaking adorable. [A good kind of adorable, not a gag-me-with-a-spoon kind of adorable] So obviously, anything that makes me happy should be played on the radio for everyone to enjoy, because I am the connoisseur of all that is right, and all that is beautiful, and pleasant [also run-on sentences].
But I have a soft spot for "Anything Goes." I was a tap dancer [Yea, I know. Weird, right?] in our high school's rendition my sophomore year. From the first rehearsal, I fell in love with this song [although I prefer it in a man's voice]. I also fell in love with the rest of the musical. If you haven't seen it, you best be getting on that.
After that year and after many long rehearsals [and extra tap practices on a plywood board in our basement], I couldn't stand to listen to the songs any more. But "I Get a Kick Out of You" was revived by Elizabeth Robinson [shout out!] on a CD of random music that she made for me. And I fell head over heels [again] with Frank Sinatra, the song, the musical, and anything nautical themed [but that may have more to do with being a Delta Gamma than anything...].
It's been a fun trip down memory lane, I am off to download the rest of the "Anything Goes" soundtrack and further procrastinate homework. Here's to tap dancing [whether you are good or bad], musicals, and the revival of the good ol' songs. Anchors away!
I was feeling on a roll from yesterday's post [which I enjoyed a little too much], so today I am back and ready for more 30 Day Song Challenge fun [as you are, I'm sure]. Today's song is a song that I wish I heard on the radio, which is interesting because [like I mentioned yesterday] I don't listen to the radio at school. But for the sake of completing this much-more-than-30-day song challenge, I will cooperate. I wish that I heard...
"I Get a Kick Out of You" by Frank Sinatra. Every time I hear this song I sigh a little. It's just so freaking adorable. [A good kind of adorable, not a gag-me-with-a-spoon kind of adorable] So obviously, anything that makes me happy should be played on the radio for everyone to enjoy, because I am the connoisseur of all that is right, and all that is beautiful, and pleasant [also run-on sentences].
But I have a soft spot for "Anything Goes." I was a tap dancer [Yea, I know. Weird, right?] in our high school's rendition my sophomore year. From the first rehearsal, I fell in love with this song [although I prefer it in a man's voice]. I also fell in love with the rest of the musical. If you haven't seen it, you best be getting on that.
After that year and after many long rehearsals [and extra tap practices on a plywood board in our basement], I couldn't stand to listen to the songs any more. But "I Get a Kick Out of You" was revived by Elizabeth Robinson [shout out!] on a CD of random music that she made for me. And I fell head over heels [again] with Frank Sinatra, the song, the musical, and anything nautical themed [but that may have more to do with being a Delta Gamma than anything...].
It's been a fun trip down memory lane, I am off to download the rest of the "Anything Goes" soundtrack and further procrastinate homework. Here's to tap dancing [whether you are good or bad], musicals, and the revival of the good ol' songs. Anchors away!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 17: A Song that You Hear Often on the Radio
Hey there, it's been a bit.
How've you been? [Is "how've" a word? It looks like it shouldn't be, but I guess so.] With spring break and midterms, I have been seriously lacking in my blogging. So, this is me admitting that I have a problem and taking the first step towards fixing it. Today's theme is a song that I often hear on the radio [Which is a problem, because I don't have a radio or a car that comes equipped with a radio.]
But if I were a radio-tuner-inner, [looks like we are on a vacation in hypothicaland today] I would most certainly know that "Grenade" by Bruno Mars is a song that plays on the radio with annoying frequency. But now that I've said that, I have to confess. I have recently downloaded this song for my own listening pleasure. [You may have heard it enough, but we college kids without cars or radios, [or have a car, but are tragically without a radio] have not.] I can't help it! It's so catchy!
Yes, the lyrics are not incredibly thought out, but they are meant well. Poor guy, he'd chop his hand off for this chick and she won't give him the time of day. [Although I cannot think of a possible situation where a man would be required to sever his hand to save someone... Maybe an epic duel?] You've got to sympathize with him though, he's fallen hard for a girl who just doesn't give a rat's pattootie about him. Maybe she's not into short men, Bruno is kind of a little guy.
By the end of the song, I'm really not sure if I want to hug or slap Mr. Mars. On one hand, I understand and respect his blind and undiscriminating love. But a little voice of reason tells me not to catch a grenade for a frigid bitch.
Lesson of the day: Do not step in front of trains for women who are prejudiced against short men.
If you have survived that whirlwind of a post, congratulations, I'm impressed. Here's to rambling, overplayed radio tunes, and unconditional love. Cheers!
How've you been? [Is "how've" a word? It looks like it shouldn't be, but I guess so.] With spring break and midterms, I have been seriously lacking in my blogging. So, this is me admitting that I have a problem and taking the first step towards fixing it. Today's theme is a song that I often hear on the radio [Which is a problem, because I don't have a radio or a car that comes equipped with a radio.]
But if I were a radio-tuner-inner, [looks like we are on a vacation in hypothicaland today] I would most certainly know that "Grenade" by Bruno Mars is a song that plays on the radio with annoying frequency. But now that I've said that, I have to confess. I have recently downloaded this song for my own listening pleasure. [You may have heard it enough, but we college kids without cars or radios, [or have a car, but are tragically without a radio] have not.] I can't help it! It's so catchy!
Yes, the lyrics are not incredibly thought out, but they are meant well. Poor guy, he'd chop his hand off for this chick and she won't give him the time of day. [Although I cannot think of a possible situation where a man would be required to sever his hand to save someone... Maybe an epic duel?] You've got to sympathize with him though, he's fallen hard for a girl who just doesn't give a rat's pattootie about him. Maybe she's not into short men, Bruno is kind of a little guy.
By the end of the song, I'm really not sure if I want to hug or slap Mr. Mars. On one hand, I understand and respect his blind and undiscriminating love. But a little voice of reason tells me not to catch a grenade for a frigid bitch.
Lesson of the day: Do not step in front of trains for women who are prejudiced against short men.
If you have survived that whirlwind of a post, congratulations, I'm impressed. Here's to rambling, overplayed radio tunes, and unconditional love. Cheers!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Day 16: A Song that You Used to Love but Now Hate
Greetings.
I was depressed by the fact that I only blogged twice in the entire month of February, so I'm back for more. I'm going to try to get this 30 Day Song Challenge finished by the end of the school year. [That is not such an ambitious goal considering this is only supposed to take 30 days and I started in December.] Today's song is a song that I used to love, but now hate. And that song is...
"Sailing" by 'N Sync. I loved 'N Sync. They were the first CD I ever owned. [I got their first CD and a boom box for my 9th [I think] birthday.] And I loved this song. But I listen to it now and I am just irritated, for a number of reasons: 1) This song is a cover. Christopher Cross is the original artist. The original is magical. 2) This song is so boy-bandy that it makes boy bands cringe. [Perhaps it is the Mariah Carey inspired oohs.] However, I do give 'N Sync some credit, their cover is better than Barry Manilow's [That may just be because I hate Barry Manilow.]
Side note: I have nothing against covers, but you really should avoid covering a song that you have nothing to add to. You don't have to make it better [if it's worth covering, there's probably not much you can do to make it better]. But Add something to it. Make it your own. Don't cover a song for the sake of covering it.
Anyway, I have stuff I should be doing. Thanks for reading. Here's to boy bands. Here's to Barry Manilow. And here's to songs worth covering.
I was depressed by the fact that I only blogged twice in the entire month of February, so I'm back for more. I'm going to try to get this 30 Day Song Challenge finished by the end of the school year. [That is not such an ambitious goal considering this is only supposed to take 30 days and I started in December.] Today's song is a song that I used to love, but now hate. And that song is...
"Sailing" by 'N Sync. I loved 'N Sync. They were the first CD I ever owned. [I got their first CD and a boom box for my 9th [I think] birthday.] And I loved this song. But I listen to it now and I am just irritated, for a number of reasons: 1) This song is a cover. Christopher Cross is the original artist. The original is magical. 2) This song is so boy-bandy that it makes boy bands cringe. [Perhaps it is the Mariah Carey inspired oohs.] However, I do give 'N Sync some credit, their cover is better than Barry Manilow's [That may just be because I hate Barry Manilow.]
Side note: I have nothing against covers, but you really should avoid covering a song that you have nothing to add to. You don't have to make it better [if it's worth covering, there's probably not much you can do to make it better]. But Add something to it. Make it your own. Don't cover a song for the sake of covering it.
Anyway, I have stuff I should be doing. Thanks for reading. Here's to boy bands. Here's to Barry Manilow. And here's to songs worth covering.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Day 15: A Song that Describes You
Jambo!
[Yes, that was Mean Girls.] Anyway, hey there, friends. Today's song is one that describes me. Which is perfect, because I have absolutely no idea which song that is. [3 hours pass...] I'm back. This blogging window has been open, incomplete for some time now, but no worries. I have come up with an excellent song to satisfy your viewing needs....
"Crazy as Me" by Alison Krauss. ["Another country song!?" the haters scream. "No..." I reply. "Its bluegrass."] Its a little depressing that I identify with this song so much, but for some reason, the lyrics always hit home. Essentially its about a woman who has resigned herself to living alone [besides a few petty relationships] because she hasn't met a man who can keep up with her. She doesn't want a hypocrite, she doesn't want a lady's man. She just wants somebody that understands her. What I love best about the song is she says that she's not going to change herself to accommodate a man. She loves her life, she does her thing, it'd just be cool if there was a guy to do it with. [I love to ride alone and sing a song and listen to the radio, you can ride along and if you change your mind, well, that's just fine, but there's somethin' that you've got to know...] That's kind of the story of my life...
But anyway, I love Alison Krauss. She can sing. She can play. She's awesome. Check her out. Its time for me to go, so here's to good musicians, good music, and strong women. Good night and good luck.
[PS That was Day 15, so we're only halfway there.]
[Yes, that was Mean Girls.] Anyway, hey there, friends. Today's song is one that describes me. Which is perfect, because I have absolutely no idea which song that is. [3 hours pass...] I'm back. This blogging window has been open, incomplete for some time now, but no worries. I have come up with an excellent song to satisfy your viewing needs....
"Crazy as Me" by Alison Krauss. ["Another country song!?" the haters scream. "No..." I reply. "Its bluegrass."] Its a little depressing that I identify with this song so much, but for some reason, the lyrics always hit home. Essentially its about a woman who has resigned herself to living alone [besides a few petty relationships] because she hasn't met a man who can keep up with her. She doesn't want a hypocrite, she doesn't want a lady's man. She just wants somebody that understands her. What I love best about the song is she says that she's not going to change herself to accommodate a man. She loves her life, she does her thing, it'd just be cool if there was a guy to do it with. [I love to ride alone and sing a song and listen to the radio, you can ride along and if you change your mind, well, that's just fine, but there's somethin' that you've got to know...] That's kind of the story of my life...
But anyway, I love Alison Krauss. She can sing. She can play. She's awesome. Check her out. Its time for me to go, so here's to good musicians, good music, and strong women. Good night and good luck.
[PS That was Day 15, so we're only halfway there.]
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 14: A Song that No One Would Expect You to Love [Sort of...]
Hey there!
Okay, so today's theme is a song that no one would expect me to love, but the song I have selected is really more of a guilty pleasure [which, if you remember, was the last post's theme]. So, we are just going to do a little switch-a-roo. And pretend that the last post was Day 14 and this one is Day 13, and next post we will proceed as planned to Day 15. So, a song that is a guilty pleasure [part 2] is...
"S&M" by Rihanna. I know: inappropriate, unnecessarily vulgar, unacceptable, the bane of our generation, etc. [P.S. If you think the song is gross, don't watch the video. I promise you, it can get worse.] But that girl knows how to sing a catchy tune. Rihanna might be the queen of guilty pleasure. Seriously, how many mediocre hit singles has she had? [I'll give you a clue: mucho.] But how many of those hit singles do you have on your iPod? That's what I thought. I have an embarrassing total of 10. Ouch. But what can I say, I love her, but I hate her, but I love her. [It's one of those relationships.]
The thing about Rihanna is she's not a musical genius, but she knows how to make a hit. She's gorgeous. She knows how to play the media. She knows how to put on a show. And she's only 23. I'm just saying, if you were to paint a portrait of a stereotypical American celeb, she'd be a good model.
That's enough out of me. Here's to having our one [or two] guilty pleasure[s], recognizing their crappiness, and loving them anyway. Ta-ta.
Okay, so today's theme is a song that no one would expect me to love, but the song I have selected is really more of a guilty pleasure [which, if you remember, was the last post's theme]. So, we are just going to do a little switch-a-roo. And pretend that the last post was Day 14 and this one is Day 13, and next post we will proceed as planned to Day 15. So, a song that is a guilty pleasure [part 2] is...
"S&M" by Rihanna. I know: inappropriate, unnecessarily vulgar, unacceptable, the bane of our generation, etc. [P.S. If you think the song is gross, don't watch the video. I promise you, it can get worse.] But that girl knows how to sing a catchy tune. Rihanna might be the queen of guilty pleasure. Seriously, how many mediocre hit singles has she had? [I'll give you a clue: mucho.] But how many of those hit singles do you have on your iPod? That's what I thought. I have an embarrassing total of 10. Ouch. But what can I say, I love her, but I hate her, but I love her. [It's one of those relationships.]
The thing about Rihanna is she's not a musical genius, but she knows how to make a hit. She's gorgeous. She knows how to play the media. She knows how to put on a show. And she's only 23. I'm just saying, if you were to paint a portrait of a stereotypical American celeb, she'd be a good model.
That's enough out of me. Here's to having our one [or two] guilty pleasure[s], recognizing their crappiness, and loving them anyway. Ta-ta.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 13: A Song that is a Guilty Pleasure
Greetings.
It has been too long, my friends, we must catch up. I will admit that I have tried writing this a couple times and still haven't come up with any quality ideas, so I'm settling on this one. A song that is a guilty pleasure is...
Plain White T's "1, 2, 3, 4." Plain White T's have been criticized as uninspired, precocious, empty, and flat. None of which I will argue against. My personal favorite review reads, "Plain White T's are ultimately as bland and banal as the clothing they take their name from." Ouch. However, this song is fun. The lyrics are fairly weak and hang on the whole 1, 2, 3, 4 premise, but they're sweet, and the melody is cute. And if I like to listen to a song, then screw all of the critics.
In general, I am not ashamed of the music that I listen to. [Except for the few Nickelback songs on my iPod. Shh. Those are really old.] If you like the song, listen to it. If you don't like the song [even if it is an award-winning masterpiece] don't listen to it. Music is supposed to make you happy, or sad, or thoughtful, or angry, not annoy you. I don't listen to Britney Spears because I hate her voice. You don't listen to country because the sound of the banjo drives you crazy. That's fine. Go for it.
So. Here's to ignoring the critics, listening to music that you actually like, and those two Nickelback songs on just about everybody's iPod. Now, get out of here.
It has been too long, my friends, we must catch up. I will admit that I have tried writing this a couple times and still haven't come up with any quality ideas, so I'm settling on this one. A song that is a guilty pleasure is...
Plain White T's "1, 2, 3, 4." Plain White T's have been criticized as uninspired, precocious, empty, and flat. None of which I will argue against. My personal favorite review reads, "Plain White T's are ultimately as bland and banal as the clothing they take their name from." Ouch. However, this song is fun. The lyrics are fairly weak and hang on the whole 1, 2, 3, 4 premise, but they're sweet, and the melody is cute. And if I like to listen to a song, then screw all of the critics.
In general, I am not ashamed of the music that I listen to. [Except for the few Nickelback songs on my iPod. Shh. Those are really old.] If you like the song, listen to it. If you don't like the song [even if it is an award-winning masterpiece] don't listen to it. Music is supposed to make you happy, or sad, or thoughtful, or angry, not annoy you. I don't listen to Britney Spears because I hate her voice. You don't listen to country because the sound of the banjo drives you crazy. That's fine. Go for it.
So. Here's to ignoring the critics, listening to music that you actually like, and those two Nickelback songs on just about everybody's iPod. Now, get out of here.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Day 12: A Song from a Band You Hate
Hey guys!
Thanks to my six [plus an extra Mark] followers! I'm really excited that people have actually been reading this! It's great to know that I'm not just talking to myself. [That happens enough without me blogging to myself.] Anyway, today is Day 12: A Song from a Band You Hate. I had a lot of trouble with this post actually. I had a hard time coming up with a band that I dislike strongly enough to qualify them as a "band I hate." [Or narrowing it down to one...] But I settled on...
"We Are The One" by Anti-Flag. I have some serious issues with unfounded, unoriginal political statements especially by punk bands who don't know up from down. These are the lyrics, oh so original and not in any way poorly written:
"It's time to make a move,
Change the times or they'll change you.
False promises of more.
Check that shit at the door.
We're the ones we've been waiting for.
We are the one...United under none.
We are the one...The one to carry on.
Warfare is everywhere.
Poisoned land, water, air.
This routine is long old.
It's time to break that mold.
We'll break it up, then we'll break out.
Withstand the change.
Tear it down rebuild again.
Evolve with vision.
This year's eve, we will breathe fury.
I will scale the city walls."
Bands that go for the I'm-entirely-original-and-don't-at-all-mold-to-the-standards-of-society-but-coincidentally-mold-to-the-standards-of-the-I-refuse-to-stand-for-anything-that-anyone-else-does-because-that-would-be-pathetic band stereotype really piss me off. Especially when that stereotypical band sounds like everyone else and has a singer who can't sing. But I'm not bitter.
Here's to extensively-hyphenated-phrases, ranting about bands that try too hard to be different, and followers. [ :) ]
Thanks to my six [plus an extra Mark] followers! I'm really excited that people have actually been reading this! It's great to know that I'm not just talking to myself. [That happens enough without me blogging to myself.] Anyway, today is Day 12: A Song from a Band You Hate. I had a lot of trouble with this post actually. I had a hard time coming up with a band that I dislike strongly enough to qualify them as a "band I hate." [Or narrowing it down to one...] But I settled on...
"We Are The One" by Anti-Flag. I have some serious issues with unfounded, unoriginal political statements especially by punk bands who don't know up from down. These are the lyrics, oh so original and not in any way poorly written:
"It's time to make a move,
Change the times or they'll change you.
False promises of more.
Check that shit at the door.
We're the ones we've been waiting for.
We are the one...United under none.
We are the one...The one to carry on.
Warfare is everywhere.
Poisoned land, water, air.
This routine is long old.
It's time to break that mold.
We'll break it up, then we'll break out.
Withstand the change.
Tear it down rebuild again.
Evolve with vision.
This year's eve, we will breathe fury.
I will scale the city walls."
Bands that go for the I'm-entirely-original-and-don't-at-all-mold-to-the-standards-of-society-but-coincidentally-mold-to-the-standards-of-the-I-refuse-to-stand-for-anything-that-anyone-else-does-because-that-would-be-pathetic band stereotype really piss me off. Especially when that stereotypical band sounds like everyone else and has a singer who can't sing. But I'm not bitter.
Here's to extensively-hyphenated-phrases, ranting about bands that try too hard to be different, and followers. [ :) ]
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Day 11: A Song from Your Favorite Band
Aloha, [I am clearly running out of creative greetings.]
For some reason I am so excited about writing right now. I just want to write. So here I am, writing [to you [on Day 11 [of the 30 Day Song Challenge [I apologize. [I had coffee.]]]]] Today's theme is a song from my favorite band, which is incredibly tricky because I've used so many of them already. But I have narrowed it down to...
"Little Lion Man" by Mumford & Sons. Before you go accusing me of being a hipster/poser/ignorant by picking Mumford & Songs, but choosing their biggest hit to date, I have two points to make: 1) I own the entire Mumford & Sons album, I love every song, they all have over twenty plays on my iTunes. I chose "Little Lion Man" because it kicks ass. That's it. 2) Never in my life have I claimed to be indie and edgy or even remotely tasteful musically. I'm just not. I listen to music that I like, whether it has 3,000,000,000 downloads on iTunes or 4. I appreciate well crafted, well performed, soul-shattering, award-winning music. I also own the entire Teenage Dream album, simply because it's fun. [Long, run-on sentence tangent over.]
I adore Mumford & Sons because they are so raw. You can here the scratching of the acoustic guitar and the growl in his throat. They sound untouched, untarnished by the pop music trends of today. It's amazing, Mumford & Sons manages to be both an undiscovered treasure and a national sensation, and their only album came out just over a year ago. And banjo is fantastic.
It's fairly obvious that high caffeine levels were involved in the making of this blog. I'm going to be done now. Here's to coffee at 10:00 at night, banjos and hipsters. Night.
For some reason I am so excited about writing right now. I just want to write. So here I am, writing [to you [on Day 11 [of the 30 Day Song Challenge [I apologize. [I had coffee.]]]]] Today's theme is a song from my favorite band, which is incredibly tricky because I've used so many of them already. But I have narrowed it down to...
"Little Lion Man" by Mumford & Sons. Before you go accusing me of being a hipster/poser/ignorant by picking Mumford & Songs, but choosing their biggest hit to date, I have two points to make: 1) I own the entire Mumford & Sons album, I love every song, they all have over twenty plays on my iTunes. I chose "Little Lion Man" because it kicks ass. That's it. 2) Never in my life have I claimed to be indie and edgy or even remotely tasteful musically. I'm just not. I listen to music that I like, whether it has 3,000,000,000 downloads on iTunes or 4. I appreciate well crafted, well performed, soul-shattering, award-winning music. I also own the entire Teenage Dream album, simply because it's fun. [Long, run-on sentence tangent over.]
I adore Mumford & Sons because they are so raw. You can here the scratching of the acoustic guitar and the growl in his throat. They sound untouched, untarnished by the pop music trends of today. It's amazing, Mumford & Sons manages to be both an undiscovered treasure and a national sensation, and their only album came out just over a year ago. And banjo is fantastic.
It's fairly obvious that high caffeine levels were involved in the making of this blog. I'm going to be done now. Here's to coffee at 10:00 at night, banjos and hipsters. Night.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Day 10: A Song that Makes You Fall Asleep
Salutations,
I have officially made it 1/3 of the way through the 30 Day Song Challenge! [We are ignoring the fact that It has taken me well over 30 days to reach Day 10. This is a negativity free zone.] Today's song is pretty easy because I have the grand talent of being able to fall asleep anywhere to any song. I've slept in cars, planes, buses, an airport, on the couch, in a chair, in a tree [that was one of the more uncomfortable and dangerous sleeping locations, I don't recommend it]. But I love to fall asleep to music. My favorite song to drift off to is...
"Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" by the big, the fabulous, and the notoriously douche-y John Mayer. [Don't believe me? http://theskrilla.com/2010/09/24/the-lineup-john-mayer-jerk-jabber-21-quotes/] Don't get me wrong. He's a guitar god, he's fantastic, but I have a whole lot of problems with his 'tude. Looking past his planet-sized ego, "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" is gorgeous and spectacular to snooze to [I have also found that it is an excellent song to rise to]. It's one of those songs that makes you stop in your tracks. It's music to listen to. And what better place to listen to music than lying on your back in the dark with the song echoing against the walls? Makes me want to snuggle up right now.
I hate that I have to look past Mr. John Mayer's swollen head to appreciate his music, but I guess that comes with celebrity. I will never be able to say that I love John Mayer, because, honestly, I think I'd despise him; however, I do love his music. Here's to the rehabilitation of douche bags, cold nights tucked between warm blankets and music to listen to. TTFN.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day 09: A Song that You Can Dance To
Heydie, heydie, hey friends,
I am all out of creative ways to say that I suck at this challenge. But I will trudge on, and eventually I will get to Day 30. This is going to have to be a quick post, I have class in forty minutes. But I was reading the blogging chapter in my journalism textbook and I [being the extraordinary procrastinator that I am] wanted to blog. I know that you missed me.
Welcome to Day 09 of the 30 Day Song Challenge, today's song is one that I can dance to [Side Note: I can't dance. So, technically I have no real answer to this question. But if we lived in Hypotheticaland, I would be able to dance and would have a song that I can dance to. So for the purpose of completing the 30 Day Song Challenge, today, I live in Hypotheticaland.] As a temporary Hypotheticalian, the song that I can dance to is...
"You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates. There is no denying the inexplicable charm of this song. I could listen to it on repeat fifty times in a row, and would not be able to resist the urge to awkwardly wiggle-dance around my room. [But I suppose today, it would be a less than awkward wiggle-dance.] If in public when this song comes on, I can usually restrain the wiggle-dancing. But I have caught myself strutting around TJ Maxx to the beat and dancing in the shadow of the shoe aisles. This song is clearly not helping me maintain my social acceptability, but I love it anyway. You have not experienced this song in its full glory until you have seen the post-sex-morning scene in "500 Days of Summer." That scene may play a large part in my love for Hall & Oates.
Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tJoIaXZ0rw
TIme to go. Journalism on the Screen awaits. Here's to wiggle-dancing, temporary citizenship in the land of the hypothetical, and strange urges to blog. Ta-ta.
I am all out of creative ways to say that I suck at this challenge. But I will trudge on, and eventually I will get to Day 30. This is going to have to be a quick post, I have class in forty minutes. But I was reading the blogging chapter in my journalism textbook and I [being the extraordinary procrastinator that I am] wanted to blog. I know that you missed me.
Welcome to Day 09 of the 30 Day Song Challenge, today's song is one that I can dance to [Side Note: I can't dance. So, technically I have no real answer to this question. But if we lived in Hypotheticaland, I would be able to dance and would have a song that I can dance to. So for the purpose of completing the 30 Day Song Challenge, today, I live in Hypotheticaland.] As a temporary Hypotheticalian, the song that I can dance to is...
"You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates. There is no denying the inexplicable charm of this song. I could listen to it on repeat fifty times in a row, and would not be able to resist the urge to awkwardly wiggle-dance around my room. [But I suppose today, it would be a less than awkward wiggle-dance.] If in public when this song comes on, I can usually restrain the wiggle-dancing. But I have caught myself strutting around TJ Maxx to the beat and dancing in the shadow of the shoe aisles. This song is clearly not helping me maintain my social acceptability, but I love it anyway. You have not experienced this song in its full glory until you have seen the post-sex-morning scene in "500 Days of Summer." That scene may play a large part in my love for Hall & Oates.
Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tJoIaXZ0rw
TIme to go. Journalism on the Screen awaits. Here's to wiggle-dancing, temporary citizenship in the land of the hypothetical, and strange urges to blog. Ta-ta.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Day 08: A Song that You Know All the Words To
Greetings,
It's been a while. Don't hurt me. [However, I highly that you are so attached to this blog that you have developed violent tendencies towards me because I haven't written in a week or two. If you have, you may want to consider a psychiatric consultation. That's not healthy.] We resume our journey along the 30 Day Song Challenge on Day 08 [Note: My 30 Day Song Challenge will take much longer than 30 days. In fact, it may have already reached 30 days and I'm only on Day 08.]. Today's subject is a song that you know all the words to.
I've hit the country genre pretty hard in the past 7 posts, but I'm going to throw one more in there for good measure. Day 08's song that I know all the words to is "Cowboy, Take Me Away" by the Dixie Chicks. My Dixie Chick lyric knowledge is fairly frightening [also Faith Hill and Shania Twain]. I used to listen to them in the car with my mom all the time. I have four Dixie Chick albums on my iPod. Excessive? Probably. But I know all of the words to every song. I chose this song in particular because I used to sing this song in the shower, beginning to end without any music. [I also sing Disney and Glee songs while showering, and Christmas songs during the holiday season.]
But this song has been a fantasy of mine since I was little. I've always wanted to live in the country. [I wanna look at the horizon, and not see a building standing tall, I want to be the only one, for miles and miles, except for maybe you and your simple smile.] Someday I will stand in an open field on a beautiful day and sing this song, [just because I like little cheesy moments like that] and my world will be at peace.
Obviously, I like my country music. I will never deny that. There are some great country musicians [Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Alison Krauss], yes, like any genre there are some crappy ones as well. But don't mouth off about an entire [and very broad] genre because you don't like the way Brad Paisley says "y'all." I let you have your techno and I appreciate the talent that it requires to create it, lay off of country. Gee, thanks.
Here's to singing-in-the-shower songs, singing-in-the-barnyard songs and all the songs in between. Good night.
It's been a while. Don't hurt me. [However, I highly that you are so attached to this blog that you have developed violent tendencies towards me because I haven't written in a week or two. If you have, you may want to consider a psychiatric consultation. That's not healthy.] We resume our journey along the 30 Day Song Challenge on Day 08 [Note: My 30 Day Song Challenge will take much longer than 30 days. In fact, it may have already reached 30 days and I'm only on Day 08.]. Today's subject is a song that you know all the words to.
I've hit the country genre pretty hard in the past 7 posts, but I'm going to throw one more in there for good measure. Day 08's song that I know all the words to is "Cowboy, Take Me Away" by the Dixie Chicks. My Dixie Chick lyric knowledge is fairly frightening [also Faith Hill and Shania Twain]. I used to listen to them in the car with my mom all the time. I have four Dixie Chick albums on my iPod. Excessive? Probably. But I know all of the words to every song. I chose this song in particular because I used to sing this song in the shower, beginning to end without any music. [I also sing Disney and Glee songs while showering, and Christmas songs during the holiday season.]
But this song has been a fantasy of mine since I was little. I've always wanted to live in the country. [I wanna look at the horizon, and not see a building standing tall, I want to be the only one, for miles and miles, except for maybe you and your simple smile.] Someday I will stand in an open field on a beautiful day and sing this song, [just because I like little cheesy moments like that] and my world will be at peace.
Obviously, I like my country music. I will never deny that. There are some great country musicians [Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Alison Krauss], yes, like any genre there are some crappy ones as well. But don't mouth off about an entire [and very broad] genre because you don't like the way Brad Paisley says "y'all." I let you have your techno and I appreciate the talent that it requires to create it, lay off of country. Gee, thanks.
Here's to singing-in-the-shower songs, singing-in-the-barnyard songs and all the songs in between. Good night.
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