Yes & No - Venus Hum

"Let your no be no

and your yes be yes

my no means no

my yes means yes

yes, yes, yes"

Sometimes I yearn for a straight forward answer.  I'm blunt, honest to a fault about who I am.  In college, a dear friend once told me she worried I would face a lot of pain because I wasn't fake - I was always 100% true to me.  Reflecting this brutal honesty, this song echoes my actions.  

Additionally, with a crazy steady beat, it is empowering and today I felt empowered.

This song is not for the every day but for those days when you need to feel like you can conquer anything.  Those days when you may be a bit pissy and just want to vent.  

The Compromise - The Format

"Meet me in the middle

Well come on let's make up a dance

And we'll agree to call it the compromise"

All I wanted was a compromise.  Well that is a blatant lie.  All I wanted was my way, spoiled brat that I am, I thought I deserved it.  Instead, I learned to compromise.  Or rather, I learned to give in every once in a while.

But before this, I was overwrought with the melodrama that stems from extremely low blood sugar.  

Peppy and upbeat, this song is slightly Beatle-esque (gasp!  yes I made the comparison, what?!?!)

5 Years Time - Noah and the Whale

"Oh well I'll look at you and say it's the happiest that I've ever been

I'll say I no longer feel I have to be James Dean

And she'll say, yeah well I feel oh pretty happy too

And I'm always pretty happy when I'm just kicking back with you"

In preparation for Noah and the Whale's concert this weekend, I browsed their myspace page and found myself drawn to this chipper tune.  The message is fantastically amazing: you don't know about the future but there will be love.  It's this thought that I grab and hold tight on my grumpy days.  Work may be difficult, my life might  be stressed, but no matter what I have love and I will have love.  So breathe, step back, and embrace life!

Oh optimistic folk pop, how you inspire me!

The Cloud Prayer - AC Newman

"You don't think that I try for you

I went into the skies for you"

It's strange how you can go through such different phases.  I have never really loved AC Newman.  Maybe it's because when I saw The New Pornographers, Carl Newman tried to steal the show (even his myspace band descriptions reads: Carl Newman and others).  Maybe it's something else but I'm guessing I'm rubbed wrong by his aire of pomposity.  

That being said, I heard this song for the first time today and fell in love.  I say I heard this song for the first time, but I am sure I'm heard it before.  Today I heard it heard it though.  Something resonated, something clicked, something was perfect.  So, as I continue to evolve and explore my life soundtrack, I add AC Newman, to my utmost surprise.

I wonder if it's my underlying desire that the lyrics of this song fit my life that draws me in?

Machine - Anni Rossi

"Away from here

Away from here

Swinging crazily like a star"

Anni Rossi sounds like an amazing blend of Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson.  Dipping to low notes and suddenly reaching for high notes, Rossi's range impresses.  Although the lyrics are a bit indecipherable at times, it does not detract from the overall sound and feel of her music.

With a catchy beat, this song would be perfect for walking around the city, which is exactly what I did today.  In the hopes of discovering an affordable apartment, Jenn and I took to the streets in search of a new home.  What we learned was that it is A) not worth it to break our lease and B) not ever going to be a good idea for us to live in the financial district (so not a cute neighborhood). 

  

Sink or Swim - Tyrone Wells

"Take a deep breath

No more time left

This is what I thought I wanted

Why am I afraid?"

I'm hitting a breaking point.  To move or not to move?  How can I muster the strength to leave a relatively secure job and lifestyle?  Yes, I pinch pennies, I miss nature, I miss the west coast, I miss being near to family.  But is that enough to get me to move?  I thought I wanted only to find a position in San Francisco but now I wonder.  Is it really what I want or is it just me idealizing a different lifestyle in order to believe that something perfect is out there, is waiting, is achievable?

In the soundtrack of my life, I see this song playing as I sit, internally debating the merits of leaving.  If my life were a movie, I imagine it ending with me dashing to the airport, bag in hand, embarking on a new journey.  

But when is life ever like the movies?

Ooh Aah - The Grits

"My life be like ooh ahh

Ooh 

My life be like ooh ahh ooh ahh

Ooh"

Today I wandered the city listening to rap and r&b and classic rock.  Today I abandoned my ipod of indie acoustic rock in exchange for a completely different ipod. 

So today I come back to my favorite rap song: Ooh Aah by The Grits.  There's something that instantly hooks with the low vibrations of the vocal introduction in combination with the organ that makes it impossible to resist.  This is the perfect song to bounce along the street to.  And that's exactly what I did: I danced uptown with a bounce in my step as the heavy beat driven rap filled my ears.

All Good Reasons - Barefoot Truth

"Life is calling

But you need healing now

For all good reasons

Change is coming"

I need to heal and find how to embrace life completely without the pain of loss.  

Change is indeed coming. 

Folk.  Oh I love folk., especially pop-folk.  With a bit of a bounce to the tune, the catchy lyrics pair with a voice that hooks.  The song itself echoes artists like Pete Francis, who is currently touring with them, and Jason Mraz.  

Cinnamon - The Long Winters

"Do you remember when you saw her last?

I said her skin is cinnamon

Her skin is cinnamon"

I'm in a Long Winters mood.  The Long Winters gave one of the best performances I've seen and considering I review concerts, that's a pretty big compliment.  I remember hearing that Colin Meloy commented on the same concert I saw, saying how amazing it was, etc. (I don't have an exact quote...oops!)  And considering Colin Meloy is my favorite artist, I feel validated in stating that the concert was utterly fantastic.  With verve and gusto, John Roderick poured out his soul, the entire time with a smile on his face, his pure enjoyment on display for all to see.  He taunted the audience, mocked his performance, and then grabbed his guitar.  

So began my love of The Long Winters.  

And today I'm reminiscing and playing all of their cds, because yes, I have them all.  So today's song is theirs.  Cinnamon.  It was the second Long Winters song I fell in love with but it is probably my favorite today.  A flagrant fan of cinnamon, I (quite liberally) put it on nearly everything.  I connect to this song if for no other reason than to imagine I could be a girl someone would sing about.

I Buried a Bone - Blind Pilot

"I buried a bone

And darling you don't know him

Darling you don't know him

Darling you don't know

And just where you are might be the right place

might be that sweet space

but you don't know"

It's strange to meet with people who used to know you so well and realize that you have grown apart yet still connect.  But it makes me wonder, by burying parts of our past, do we unintentionally prevent people from knowing us?  

Blind Pilot, a Portland band, brings heart wrenching sweet vocals together with minimal accompaniment by acoustic guitar, drums, and keyboard.  Talented lyrics combine to easily make this band one of my favorite lazy afternoon listens.

The Coast Is Always Changing - Maximo Park

Recommendations are much appreciated!

And this I love!  After living in Scotland for 6 months, I am admittedly a sucker for a good accent.  Combining that with cute lyrics, endearing vocals, and a peppy beat makes this song a find.

Be OK - Ingrid Michaelson

"I just want to be okay, be okay, be okay

I just want to be okay today"

Today I headed back to work and faced an onslaught of "are you okay"s and "I'm so sorry"s.  It's sweet and I appreciate it but there's only so much I can take.  I don't want to talk about  it.  I don't want to think about it.  I just want to be.  With lines like, "just give me back my pieces", this song was perfect for today.  Just hoping to make it through the day without getting teary, I actually was singing this song in my head to survive it.

Ingrid Michaelson is fantastic.  I adore her music, her voice, her stories.  I do not adore her live.  Stick to the cds.  They're cheaper and you can hold on to them for longer.  The cd and the show are the same, so get your money's worth - buy the cd.

All For Swinging You Around - The New Pornographers

"Exploding international, the scenes, the sounds, and famously the feeling that you can't squeeze round, while tearing off another page of looser change outrage

It's another perfect day until the night shows"

On a mission to distract myself this weekend, I found myself embracing the uncharacteristic spring weather by exploring Manhattan.  With a fantastically tripping, upbeat tempo, this song inspires an exploration.  

4th of July - Lux Land

"Fourth of July and I'm listening to the fire crackers explode"

This is the perfect song for welcoming in spring.  Although about the summer, the relaxed, sweet, soothing vocals are fit for the spring.  Singing of a delicious sounding summer, Lux Land feeds that hunger searching for the delights of summer.  

Awakening to a misplaced spring morning in February, I found this song ideal for the day.  With creative lyrics and a compelling voice, Lux Land intrigues and tantalizes the listener.

Taking Control - Eisley

"When we get down

If we get down

We'll get up again

We'll get up again

And if we get down

When we get down

We'll get up again

We'll get up again"

And my computer's power cord just burst into flames so I am signing off...seriously, WTF?!?! 

Where Have All the Flowers Gone - The Kingston Trio

"Where have all the flowers gone?

Long time passing.

Where have all the flowers gone?

Long time ago.

Where have all the flowers gone?

The girls have picked them every one.

Oh, when will you ever learn?

Oh, when will you ever learn?

Where have all the young girls gone?

Long time passing.

Where have all the young girls gone?

Long time ago.

Where have all the young girls gone?

They're taken husbands, every one.

Oh, when will you ever learn?

Oh, when will you ever learn?

Where have all the young men gone?

Long time passing.

Where have all the young men gone?

Long time ago.

Where have all the young men gone?

They're all in uniform.

Oh, when will you ever learn?

Oh, when will you ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone?

Long time passing.

Where have all the soldiers gone?

Long time ago.

Where have all the soldiers gone?

They've gone to graveyards, every one.

Oh, when will they ever learn?

Oh, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone?

Long time passing.

Where have all the graveyards gone?

Long time ago.

Where have all the graveyards gone?

They're covered with flowers, every one.

Oh, when will they ever learn?

Oh, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the flowers gone?

Long time passing.

Where have all the flowers gone?

Long time ago.

Where have all the flowers gone?

Young girls picked them, every one.

Oh, when will they ever learn?

Oh, when will they ever learn?"

Today's song is for Rick Lavely.  

We will miss you.

We will always remember you.

Circle Game- Joni Mitchell

"Yesterday a child came out to wonder

Caught a dragonfly inside a jar

Fearful when the sky was full of thunder

And tearful at the falling of a star

Then the child moved ten times round the seasons

Skated over ten clear frozen streams

Words like when you're older must appease him

And promises of someday make his dreams

And the seasons they go round and round

And the painted ponies go up and down

We're captive on the carousel of time

We can't return we can only look

Behind from where we came

And go round and round and round

In the circle game

Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now

Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town

And they tell him take your time it won't be long now

Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down

And the seasons they go round and round

And the painted ponies go up and down

We're captive on the carousel of time

We can't return we can only look

Behind from where we came

And go round and round and round

In the circle game

So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty

Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true

There'll be new dreams maybe better dreams and plenty

Before the last revolving year is through

And the seasons they go round and round

And the painted ponies go up and down

We're captive on the carousel of time

We can't return we can only look

Behind from where we came

And go round and round and round

In the circle game"

The Sky Is the Key - Green Like July

"Here I am back again

To the song I can't finish"

Last night while searching for my soundtrack song, I found myself wondering how Green Like July was doing.  So, in moment of pure spontaneity, I emailed Andrea.  

And he responded.  Today I found in my email box an email that only Andrea could write.  Our time abroad may have been nearly four years ago, but he hasn't changed (at least via email).

Today's song is about nostalgia and memories.  

I remember the first song I heard this song.  The quiver of his voice as he hits the first note had me giggling.  And nearly in tears.  I heard this song at the end of my study abroad program, as people were leaving left and right.  

So this song is for the past.  And it starts out just like that.  I'm returning to my unfinished story.  

Hailing from Alessandria, Italy, Green Like July is country/folk/rock with an accent.  Comparisons have been made to Bright Eyes much to the chagrin (read: secret delight) of lead singer Andrea Poggio.  Honestly, I see it.  I hear it.

Kiss With a Fist - Florence and the Machines

"You hit me once

I hit you back 

You gave a kick

I gave a slap

You smashed a plate over my head

Then I set fire to our bed"

This catchy, energetic song is empowering.  There is something about walking home from the gym and hearing this song that leaves me feeling strong, unbreakable, and, quite frankly, bad ass.

This UK band is self-proclaimed "grindcore/acousmatic/tape music/melodramatic/popular song".  What's impressive to me is one song can be melodramatic pop music while the next is anything but pop.  It's intriguing to see how vitally different each song is.

If you haven't heard of Florence and the Machines, heads up, you should check them out.

Sister Water - Speck Mountain

Struggling to open my eyes, I exist between sleep and consciousness.  The soothing, lulling vocals paired with the steady yet sweet tones of the piano create trance like ambiance that traps between reality and fantasy.