Song du Jour: Story of My Life

Same Mistakes

by The Echo Friendly

The Cast of "Girls"

Today's song I heard during the credits of HBO's "Girls" and it quite accurately simplifies how I'm feeling about pretty much my whole life.  For the record, I really didn't like Lena Dunham's character Hannah at first because she's just a tad (and I'm being generous) delusional and self-involved.  And then, as is my custom, I realized that I am Hannah, albeit 40lbs lighter and employed.  I'm having this sort of existentialist crisis right now and either no one noticed or no one cares.  Either way, I'm seriously freaking out.  I'm turning 25 this Friday and I am just now formulating a life plan but the thing is....I'm pretty sure it's way too late and I've completely blown my chance at becoming a functional, worthwhile adult.  About a week ago, I realized I made a huge mistake.  A colossal one, in fact and I realize that now but I'm still not sure why I'm paying so much for that.  I was young....I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up so I majored in Psychology.  I assumed alot of things that might've been true before the recession started.  That was naive -- I totally get that now.  And I really want to go forward with my life but I don't understand why so much backtracking has to be involved. 

 

 

And then, I start thinking back on past mistakes and people and I am amazed how many things I f*cked up and how many times I keep doing the same things, expecting different results.  Not just different results.  Better results.  According to Albert Einstein, that's insanity, which is a rather accurate description of the chaos that is going on inside my head.  But, I've decided that I have to make my own magic, even if it's uber scary, and thus, I'm giving myself a birthday present that I've put off way too long.  I'll explain in detail at a later time, mais bien sur, but while you're waiting, listen to this song. The style is what they call "dream pop," whatever the f*ck that means, but it's in the lyrics where I found relevance. It's off the "Love Panic" LP that The Echo Friendly will be releasing sometime in the near future. The video (which is after the jump) isn't anything particulary spectacular or visionary or whatever, but -- as I said -- it's about the song.

Bonfire Night!

Today happens to be May 1st and, as I'll have you know, it happens to be my favorite of all the pagan festivals.  It celebrates the return of the Sun and the rejuvenation of life all over the planet. Bealtaine (pronounced byol-tinnuh -- it's Gaelic and, weirdly enough, I can actually sort of see where they get that pronunciation) is an ancient fertility ritual that falls every year on May 1st or when the sun is at 15 degrees Taurus.  That last part only matters if you have any fucking clue how to read astrological tables--which I don't.  Oh, and this only applies in the Northern Hemisphere--if you live in Australia, you'd be trick-or-treating.  Traditionally--or, at least, according to the Internet--this Sabbat is celebrated by dancing naked around a fire and then running off and having sex.  Unfortunately, the  latter option is an impossibility for me (what with The Boyfriend being 310 miles away and all) and dancing naked around a bonfire by yourself is just plain sad.  That doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good heathen dancing circle every once in a while -- just call me your friendly neighborhood heathen sun-worshipper!  Anyway, as a special treat, I've composed a short list of songs that make me want to dance like a wild woman, preferrably around a blazing fire, clothing optional mais bien sur.  In the meantime, I'll be a good girl and celebrate in rather tame fashion by planting an herb garden and some flowers and applying tons of sunblock because no one is happier than me that the good running weather is back!

5.  "Eyes Like Yours (Ojos Asi)" by Shakira -- I love Middle-Eastern influence in music and during the bridge of this song -- in both Spanish and English versions -- Shakira busts out in Arabic chants.  And Arabic chants are fuckin' great for Crazy-Girl-Dancing-Alone-In-Her-Room time.  I'm posting the English version but the Spanish version is easily searchable on Youtube.

4. "Shake It Out" by Florence + the Machine -- Aside from this being my cure for a crappy day, this song just wants to make you move and feel happy.  I challenge you to listen to this song and not find yourself flailing about wildly -- dare I say, in the throes of ecstasy --to the drumbeats and tambourine jingling.  And if you succeed, it is fairly possible that you don't have a soul.

Song du Jour: Envy Edition

Pattern Against User

by At The Drive In

Blurry-ass Picture Taken by Adam

I've been living vicariously through my twitter feed.  I'll admit it--it's nothing shameful.  Sure, it's probably a little pathetic to be following Rachael Ray's updates on South by Southwest and, more recently, Holly Madison's substance-less tweets about owl hats at Coachella but I've come to a place of acceptance that other people (specifically Anthony Bourdain--that bastard!) are living my life.  Some people--like Adam (you remember him)-- insist on rubbing it in my face.  How dare he post those blurry pictures on Facebook?!  And a recording complete with screaming fans and musical awesomeness to the extreme?! Does he consider that "mercy?!" The Monster--Damn him all to hell!!! Okay, I'm done--long story short, Adam went to go see At The Drive In perform in Marfa while I took calls from octogenarian idiots who happen to live in Coachella, CA.

For those of you unfamiliar with At The Drive In, they are a post-hardcore band that hails from El Paso, TX--which happens to be where The Boyfriend and Adam live.  Around 2000-ish, the band broke up and the members created a couple of other bands you may have heard of-- The Mars Volta and Sparta (both are pretty awesome but that's for another SDJ). Fun Fact:  According to Wikipedia (which is where I get most of the background info for SDJ), they are playing Coachella this year. And for the past couple of days -- essentially since I got the order from Adam -- I've been trying to decipher the meaning of the lyrics for "Pattern Against User."  Apparently, ATDI are big fans of the cryptic lyric.  You know when you watch a Japanese horror film and you're pretty sure it has a broader theme than just the obvious blood and guts but you're just too stupid to understand it?  Yeah, I kind of feel like that.  And, I am relieved to report, I'm not the only one--there was a pretty heated discussion on SongMeanings.com as to whether or not this song was about drugs and one brave commentator with alot of time on his hands actually went through the song, line by line, to prove his point that it is critical analysis of society.  I didn't have the time or patience to read through it but I'm sure his mother is very proud.  Instead, I'll let y'all have a go at it and I'll report back Adam's opinion on the matter when I get it (which I almost certainly will.) In the meantime, I'll be ruminating on how to get the hell out of Arizona now that I'll have a Part-Time schedule. Video after the cut. 

Song du Jour: Adam's Pick

Oblivion

by Grimes

Little Known Fact: 
Pink is actually her natural hair color

Today's song was requested by a good friend of mine, Adam. Actually, he requested it Friday and then called me out for being a slacker and not posting it yesterday.  Thus, I've finally gotten around to posting it today...and none too soon, because apparently my music cred is in danger of being revoked.  This is news to me since I didn't think I had any music cred (especially after that embarassing admission about enjoying "Love You Like a Love Song" ::hangs head in shame::) but if I do, I suppose I must put up some semblance of a fight to keep it.  Now, while my music cred is borderline questionable, Adam's is more solid than ice in the Arctic--which is good because that shit is melting, bitches.  But that's not the point....

The point is Grimes is pretty awesome, especially if you like synth pop--which I do, I do, I do-oo.  A little history:  Grimes (aka Claire Boucher) hails from Canada (not the part that spawned Bieber) has been on the scene since about 2010, releasing two albums that year--one of them being on cassette, which is pretty badass, even if that medium has been defunct since the early 90s. As of January 2012, she was officially signed with the label 4AD and her album, Visions, was relased in February.  There...now you're all caught up.  As for this song, "Oblivion," it fits very comfortably in that dream-like vein of indie electronica that you can get lost in, and personally, the vocals remind me of those songs that they play in Chinese buffets.  I don't mean that as a bad thing--I like the crisp soprano vocals of popular Asian songstresses and Grimes deserves mad props because, trust me, it is not easy to sing in that high range for long periods of time.  The tune somehow manages to be both chipper and zen-like while at the same time having lyrics that--I'll say it--are a bit dysthemic.  But maybe I'm projecting--my mother has been acting like a paranoid superbitch lately but that's a story for another day, mes amis.  Instead, enjoy some slow-motion high school antics while I wait for Adam to give me shit (just a warning--since he's made his blog stalking habits known, he'll probably be featured pretty prominantly in the future)--video after the jump.

Song du Jour

Everybody Talks

by Neon Trees

We wear black in the desert...
We're just that Badass

Oh damn, a happy upbeat song.  I told you what goes down eventually comes up.  Perhaps that's not how that saying goes.  Anyway, I like it.  It's cheerful and it reminds me of that giddy feeling when you're first starting to get to know a cute guy, especially when in high school.  What's that called?  Puppy love.  Did I mention it begins with a quartet-style harmony?  F*cking Bad*ss.  Sorry, I kind of wish barbar-shop quartets still roamed the streets...I think it would make life more magical with the power of live music.  I know.  I have issues.  Neon Trees is pretty awesome, as are their ideas for music videos.  The make-up for "Animal" was hardcore.  The "Everybody Talks" video is animated.  And involves a Ouija board and the band plays a gaggle of ghosts.  You can pinpoint the symbolism of that--a guy trying to get a girl's attention feels invisible so he starts hiding in her attic playing loud music.  I know that's the way to my heart.  Video after the jump.

Call Me Crazy....

...But I think my local radio station may be blog stalking me.

Just humor me.  As a person who spews out my oh-so-witty thoughts with wild abandon onto the InterWebs--a "blogger" if I may--naturally, I have a (not-so) hidden reserve of narcissistic tendencies.  However, recent events have led me to believe that this accusation may not be solely based on my own admitted self-involvement.  Let me explain.

I recently noticed that aforementioned radio station has been playing songs that are oddly out of character.  Songs that have been featured (fairly) recently as Songs of the Day on my humble little corner of Cyberspace.  Now, it wouldn't seem unusual if K101 had actually been a decent radio station to begin with, but I think playing Gotye immediately after Selena Gomez' "I Love You Like A Love Song" seems highly suspicious....although, I must admit that the latter conglomeration of auto-tuned triteness is fast becoming my new favorite guilty pleasure.  Shhh....please don't tell anyone.  I beg of you.

Now, even I am not arrogant enough to believe something this preposterous without reason.  How would they even know about this small-time blog anyway?  Elementary, my dear Watson (which, FYI, wasn't actually said in the original Sherlock Holmes stories).  I, being a half-assed blog pimp extraordinaire, made sure my URL was smack-dab where they could see it--even though I usually try to keep my whereabouts a mystery (perhaps I'm not doing so well)-- in that e-mail that I sent to the radio station informing them that they've reached a new level of lame.  You all remember the smack in the face I recieved, don't you?  I do.  Those bastards.  But I digress.  Oh, and apparently one of the DJs follows me on twitter.  That could explain it, too. 

My point is that, if it is the case that the local DJs are stopping by for inspiration and song picks (because, let's face it, I'm better at this than they are) I would just like a little recognition because, due to the recent amount of airplay my picks have been getting, I clearly have a tasteful ear.  Perhaps help me out with a mention on air or some free blog pimping.  I'm not asking for a job (although if they asked me to DJ for an hour or two on my days off I wouldn't say 'no'.)  I just want my brilliance to be acknowledged.  And, some day, be monetarily compensated for it.  I'm looking at you K101.

Song du Nuit: I could make a dirty comment....

Mustache Man (Wasted)

by Cake

But I won't.  But if I did, it would allude to mustache rides.  What can I say?  I hang out with too many boys.  Today's song du nuit is from perennial favorite, Cake, with their trumpets and uber laidback grooves.  The kind of sh*t that could be playing in the midst of chaos--when havoc is breaking loose-- and during a kickback with your bros and some brewskies.  F*ck...did I just say brewskies?  Is that even how you spell that?  Anyway, the video, which is fantastic and disturbing at the same time, incorporates multiple elements that bend reality and make you think "WTF is happening here?"-- a time-traveling shag van, polyester 70s suits, a dance-off on a lighted floor, a large fellow in Jersey-girl drag, and a lot of men who really shouldn't have mustaches.  Oh, and the main girl wears a tiger jacket that is effin' unbelievable!  I'm digging the chorus:  I've wasted so much time.  It juxtaposes well next to the "Mustache Man" who seems to get sh*t done, no matter how outlandish it is.  And I'm pretty sure the shag van time travels, which means he's not wasting any time.  In fact, he's bending time over and making it his bitch.  Which, coincidentally, may be what this song is about--the Mustache Man is taking advantage of a girl and the chorus is what she's thinking while he's having his way.  I'm probably wrong--I never was good at interpreting song lyrics.

Album Release Thursday.....

Because I was too lazy to do it Tuesday....Again, there is a whole bunch this week, so I'm going to be a slacker and just list them again.  Notable releases for this week include a new album by Ana Tijoux--if you remember, she was a song of the day a few months back and the Chilean rapper/singer has a whole host of songs for you to sink your teeth into;  Leonard Cohen is back being amazing--a special shout-out to my bestie Anabel, who also shares a soft spot for his soul-crushing bass;  Aretha Franklin's got a "best of" album for her fans;  and Standing Shadows--a band that twitter followed me and I have yet to share with you all--has a short EP out that I'm going to give a quick listen and review (Only 3 songs, so I encourage you to check them out as well.)  Yes, these are on the short list for a listen but there is a lot of awesomeness that came out this week.   As perusual, the asterisk(s) denote my heightened interest and the degree to which my curiousity has been stoked.

• Old Ideas by Leonard Cohen**
• Knew You Were Waiting by Aretha Franklin**
• More Beautiful Than Silence by K'naan *
• Out of Frequency by The Asteroids Galaxy Tour ***
• Nature Experiments by The Big Sleep*
• Golden Gate Groove: The Sound of Philadelphia 1973 by Various Artists
• La Bala by Ana Tijoux**
• Escort by Escort*
• 1966 by Karen Dalton
• Girls Who Look Like Me by Lightening Love**
• Jump Jump Dance by Jump Jump Dance**
• Like the Blood by Night Genes*
• WEEKENDS by pacificUV
• Clay Class by Prinzehorn Dance School*
• sami.the.great by sami.the.great***
• Strenghth to Survive by Soja*
• One by One by Standing Shadows***
• Headstock by The Few***
• Gone & Goner by TS & the Past Haunts*
• Easy Way Out by Virgin Forest**
• Love Lies by Kami Thompson**

Song du Jour: Warning--Love Song Ahead

I Won't Give Up

by Jason Mraz

I've been missing The Boyfriend something awful lately.  He'll be visiting me in a couple weeks--for three days, which isn't near long enough -- and I can't wait.  I really can't and, as I speak, I'm working out my sh*t so that in the next few months, we might even be in the same city for once.  We've been through some hard times but after 6 years, I think things are starting to fall into place.  Thus, for today, an ode to all of the changes we've been through and hardships we've encountered.  He's not just my boyfriend--he is my best friend.   And--as we hurtle towards the eventual apocalypse, whether brought on by the zombie plague or nuclear war or melting ice caps-- that's who you need at your side.  Trite but true.

Song du Nuit: Jan 31st, 2012

Somebody That I Used to Know

Gotye feat. Kimbra

G'day Mate!

Another chill song for today.  I heard this one on--you guessed it--98.7 on the way back from taking Dad to the airport.  It's got this cool, bouncy, slow beat that -- dare I say it -- makes me imagine someplace exotic, vaguely Caribbean.  That could just be the xylophone, though.  At least, I think it's a xylophone.  Update:  It was NOT a xylophone.  The sound you hear is a marimba, a xylophone type instrument with a lower tonal range whose ancestor was invented by the Mayans.  Special thanks to my friend, Adam, for pointing that out. The tone of the lyrics wavers somewhere between indifference toward that "somebody I used to know" and a passionate, almost suppressed rage, especially when Kimbra comes in, bringing in some soulful warmth that compliments Gotye's chillness.  Anyway, Gotye--pronounced like Gaultier....that probably didn't help much--is a Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter.  That's an interesting mix, isn't it?  In my head, I'm picturing a cross between Hercule Poirot and Crocodile Dundee, which--I must admit-- sounds pretty awesome.  Gotye has been around since 2002 but he used be the drummer in a garage band called Downstares...naturally, I'm finding all this out today and through the use of Wikipedia.  Thus is the curse of a small town urchin.  The video is intriguing--yes it involves nudity.  It's done artfully though, where Gotye is gradually being painted into a contemporary piece and for Kimbra's entrance, she pops out of the background like she's been there the whole time.  Groovy man.   Check it out after the jump. 

Song du Nuit: 'Cause we all feel like giving up, sometimes...

Cough Syrup

by Young the Giant

::WARNING:: Depressing Rant Ahead

I'm having a hard time handling this nonsense, my friends.  I love this song....it's got that resigned, zen feeling that I'm trying to reach--a certain numbness that will get me through this sh*t.  Because this hope thing--it's not working out so good for me.  Looking forward to a better day that never comes, that feels like insanity.  It's wearing me out--and the thing that really gets me is that feeling angry also makes me feel so guilty.  I don't know if any of you understand--maybe you do--but it's so hard to feel angry at someone who was so abusive your whole life when you also know that they've got a mental illness.  You have to continually remind yourself that they wouldn't say such terrible things if they were in their right mind, they wouldn't do such destructive things if they were stable.  And I'm trying so hard to cling to a peaceful refuge in the Goddess because I know I should be striving to be kind, understanding, and forgiving but some days, I just can't do it.  And it's seriously taking a toll, so it feels like my only option is to shut down.  Everything.  Because life's too short to even care at all.

Woah. 

You know, there was a time I took cough syrup just to fall asleep at night.  This behavior lasted for like a week, until I decided it probably wasn't very healthy.  It was such a blissful, dreamless slumber that didn't end in night terrors, though.  I wish developing a substance abuse problem would make things easier, but that is not the case...Nice try, Young the Giant.  

Album Release Tuesday!--January 17th, 2012

It's that time of the week again!  And this week, there is a whole bunch.  I'm feeling kind of lazy, so I'm just going to list 'em and be done with it -- asterisks by ones I'm interested in hearing more from, as perusual.  Oh...I decided to share some album cover art, because some of them are pretty awesome.

• Which side are you on? by Ani Difranco
• Beautiful Things by Anthony Green
• Headcage by Matthew Dear
• We Don't Know Any Better by Black Taxi *

• Little Spark by Jessie Baylin
• CYRK by Cate le Bon*
• Tell Me Something I Don't Know by Herman Dune
• Pre-Madonna by Jamuel Saxon
• Bones for Tinder by Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes*

• Voyageur by Kathleen Edwards
• Sunday Morning by Liftoff
• Breezy by Paul Brill
• The Glass Masses by Rags & Ribbons*

• The Art of Influence Remixed by Second Sky
• Seeker Lover Keeper by Seeker Lover Keeper
• Chasm by Strange Vacation*
• No One Loves You Like I Do by The Life & Times
• Life is Beautiful by The Beautiful View*

Song du Nuit

Paradise

by Coldplay

::WARNING:: Long-winded, Personal Rant

I need a pick me up tonight.  Everything feels like it's going to sh*t.  One of the lights at the end of the tunnel went out today:  I wasn't accepted to do Teach for America.  Yes, I feel like a big giant failure, because I don't understand why I wasn't accepted.  I have tons of leadership experience, I'm a good planner, and I'm way too intelligent for my own good.  I keep thinking back to the interview and the fact that I admitted I had some reservations about joining the corps.  All legitimate worries -- not wanting to fail the little brains that would be placed in my care chief among them.  I suppose I shouldn't ruminate on it now....it does no good.  Mom is getting worse.  She's not taking her medicine and, legally, we can't do anything until she does something really awful, like she did last time.  It sucks because I literally can't enjoy my days off because, most days, I can expect to walk through a toned down version of hell.  First circle, just past the gates.  Not too bad but it wears me out and some days are worse than others, especially when she gets snippy.  The one bright spot is my writing hour....that's actually been going very well.  Aside from one night when I crashed out right after work, I've been sticking to my number 1 resolution like a hawk, with some promising results.  It makes me feel so much better to escape to some beautiful, exotic world that I've created in my mind.  Having control over something, even if it's all just make-believe, keeps me from having a nervous breakdown every day.  Don't get me wrong--I've had a couple breakdowns in the past few weeks....just ask Ana.  But I'm dealing.  Just keep meditating on inner peace--Om Namah Shivaya.   I think this song embodies exactly where I am most days.  This song is from Coldplay's new album, Mylo Xyloto and the video is just has bizarre and nonsensical as that album title.  

Song du Jour: January 12, 2012

Beverly Hills

by Weezer

OMG!  Sweater Vests!

I'm feeling an odd mix of nostalgic and ironic today....I must admit, a little good old-fashioned nerd rock is in order.  For the record, I effin' love weezer.  In my opinion, Weezer is one of the most iconic bands from my generation (meaning all you 90s kids) and if you don't have a little respect for their body of work -- well, you must not have a soul.  Or a sense of humor.  Great music and great lyrics and more often than not, it cheers me up to hear them on the radio.  Today's selection is Beverly Hills, because I've been feeling a little philosophical, wrestling with my demons and whatnot.  I've gotten this crazy idea in my head that I want to live a simpler life, with a Tiny House and tiny garden and a Pomeranian named Killa'.  But then I turn on the TV and one of them Kardashian b*tches is on the screen and I can't help thinking "Man, if I was a billionaire....I would show them how it's done."  Dual personalities dueling it out within my mind.  I should've been born a Gemini, but I digress.  By far one of the coolest songs to listen to while chillin' on the couch with your crew of anarchistic, wanna-be neo-punk friends--because we all know everyone has a token.  Favorite Line: Take my picture by the pool/'Cause I'm the next big thing.  True story, my friends.  Now excuse me....I have to pretend-shop for furniture for my Tiny House.  I'm thinking Ikea, baby.  Gimme, Gimme. 

Song du Jour: New Find

Weatherman

by Dead Sara

Today's song of the day is new music courtesy of 98.7.  I must admit-- the first few notes I was a skeptic.  I was worried I was in for scream-o and thought America was over that nonsense.  Let me just reiterate my stance on scream-o:  I've been to a lot of punk shows and from my experience, whenever one these bands shows up, it's usually a case of sh*tty vocals covering up even sh*ttier lyrics in addition to amateur instrumental back-up.  Barely even music, in my opinion--noise.  But, this time, I was pleasantly surprised.  Now, I'm going to take a stab at describing my impressions of this song:  the actual music felt very 80s hair metal influenced--Guns & Roses, if I had to approximate a guess--with a little Heart mixed in, with Joan Jett at her most powerful singing lead.  Lyrics-wise, this song reminds me a little of EMAs "Milkman," which  if you remember was featured as the first Song du Jour on this blog.  Based on their Reverbnation bio, I think--at least for this song--I've hit it close to the mark.  The band is influenced by an eclectic mix of everything (much like yours truly) and doesn't want to corner itself into a specific genre.  And, as always, I'm always looking for great female-fronted bands and Dead Sara doesn't disappoint--the band is lead by the dynamic duo of Emily Armstrong and Siouxsie Medley.  Try not to have a seizure while watching the video (a serious amount of editing and projectors were involved.)

Album Release Tuesday!: January 10th, 2012

Today is a little bit light on releases--only 6 are being featured on Spinner.com, but maybe this is a good thing.  Perhaps on my next day off (Thursday), I'll spring one of my detailed reviews on you.  But for now, I'll just list the gems I've found and hope you take a moment to listen to them on your own.  I have taken a moment to preview a couple of songs on each album and, bien sur, the asterisk denotes that I'm interested in hearing more. 

• Dark Matters by Expensive Looks -- Pop electronica that sounds like Tame Impala or Portishead. I was digging track #2, "Nothing More."
• Normal by Run Dan Run* -- Low key garage rock with haunting guitar melodies.  Check out "False-Hearted Lover."
• Grand & Noble by Grand & Noble* -- Indie rock, with bluesy roots.  Sounds like Spoon.  I'm liking "Paris (and Danielle)" and I'm really interested in doing a full listen when I get more time.
• Passenger by Kayln Rock -- Singer-songwriter, reminds me a little of Regina Spektor and definitely reminds me of Rachel Platten. I like the heartsick sweetness of "Valentine" but perhaps because I'm feeling hopelessly romantic.
• m4w by Uncles-- Tongue-in-cheek storytelling lyrics combined with a folksy guitar.  The singer's voice, although nothing special, has that evocative quality of simpler times that is a hallmark of folksier tunes.
• The Fall by Public Jones* -- Technified, sci-fi ballads that rely heavily on keyboards and bouncy percussion.  Spinner says it sounds like Massive Attack or Muse, but I'm leaning more towards Backstreet Boys when they went through that one latex phase, but with more intelligent lyrics.  Singer's voice has dark, breathy quality that I'm enjoying.  Check out "Mustard." Strange name, interesting results.

Song du Nuit

Paperbag

by Fiona Apple

Have a bite, My Pretty....

Today's song du nuit is courtesy of a confusing dream I had last night that starred a young man whom I miss dearly.  I love Fiona Apple--I don't think there is a singer-songwriter out there who captures my inner thoughts so accurately as much as she does.  Perhaps it's because I've had similar life experiences to the things she sings about.  Isn't that why we listen to music?  To find ourselves in the beauty of it all?  Je ne sais pas, mes amies.  You'll notice I'm in one of those dreamy, philosophical moods right now....probably because I've been thinking about events that happened so long ago and ruminating on the nature of Fate.  Anyway, her voice has a great husky, sexiness to it, which is so much bigger than her tiny self.  Definitely one of my favorite artists to sing at kaoroke.  Paperbag is one of my Fiona favorites, particulary because it has that misty, jazz singer vibe to it-- an aspect that is played upon in the video after the cut.  Enjoy!

Song du Nuit: Welcome Back!

We Are Young

by Fun

Ho Hum....So Bored...

I actually heard this song over a month ago and I'm just now getting around to sharing it with you.  I love the chorus: Tonight/We are Young/So I'll set the world on fire/We can burn brighter.  Just an amazing example of modern indie pop that makes you feel good and has great lyrics that hearken back to the days when songwriting was a real art and not just something you did on Saturdays to make a paycheck. I do hear an 80s influence, perhaps a pinch reminiscent of Billy Joel and Keane, but then again, I just write about music so maybe it's just me.  The band also utilizes an wide array of instruments, which adds another level to complexity--it's not just a keyboard and a synth, which I feel has been an unavoidable trend for pop music in the 2000s.  A little more information on the band-it is a super band, meaning that it's members are also known for other works.  Fun is:  Nate Ruess, formerly of The Format; Andrew Dost, of Anathallo; and Jack Antonoff of Steel Train.  On tour, the usually call in some other well-known musician friends to beef up their sound, as well.  They most recently toured with Janelle Monae's The Campus Consciousness Tour.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  I have to admit, it's one of those songs that gives me that "Hell yeah, rock on" feeling. 





I'm going to buy myself something nice....like a Smiths album...

Hello Music Sluts,
I'm back from my hiatus. I've noticed I have a couple new followers, so welcome and I apologize for the lack of updates.  I've been reading a few comments I've been getting lately when I was like "Oh yeah....I do have a blog....One that I was fairly excited about once."  Well, with the new year, my enthusiasm has been renewed--my number 1 resolution for 2012 is to write at least an hour everyday, which includes this blog for which I also have some exciting post ideas. But first....my life, thus far, in a nutshell.

I've been absent for two main reasons--one being that I've become a corporate call center drone in order to bring in a paycheck.  A fairly sizeable paycheck and all for the price of my soul.  This has one extremely beneficial outcome for all you music sluts out there-- for once, I can actually purchase some music on my wishlist (which, as you know, has literally 1000+ songs/albums on it and growing).  My goal is to buy 1-3 albums every month and considering a fair bit of artists I'm interested in aren't exactly mainstream, this is an achievable outlook. And since my life has taken a sh*tty turn since we last met, I'm feel like I'm entitled to buy myself something nice....like a Smiths album....or a Florence + the Machine album....or both, if I'm so inclined. 

The second reason is personal and it's one of the few really personal things I will share with my readers.  I know some of you aren't particularly interested in my actual existence but seeing how it does deeply effect my productiveness for posting, I might as well share and get it off my chest.  My mother is bipolar and is currently entering a major manic episode.  Suffice it to say, you might be hearing Song du Jours that are either really uplifting or really depressing.  Thank you for understand and don't forget--You've been warned.

That's it for the low-down-and-dirty on my slacker-liness.  I'll try to do at least 3 lengthy posts a week, in addition to a Song du Jour/Nuit Monday-Friday and Album Release Tuesday.  That's my rant....Happy Listening!