Artist: Yacht Song: See A Penny (Pick It Up) Album: I Believe In You. Your Magic Is Real.
Here is another one of my finds at SXSW 2008. Yacht. My friend Sully suggested that we catch some of their performance at the Levi's Party. We pretty much lived at that party. When there is unlimited Sparks, Stella, and SoCo, who wouldn't want to live there? No one, that's who.
Anyways, I love a good dance party, and Yacht put on an excellent dance party at SXSW. They jumped in the crowd, danced with the crowd, knocked over drinks, etc. Sometimes its good to listen to music, purely because it is fun. It doesn't always have to be deep and meaningful. As long as there is a good beat that I can stomp my foot too, I'm satisfied. You definitely can't take life too seriously all the time, or else you will want to take your own life.
Even if you barely know me, you know I dance like there is no tomorrow. Example: Last Saturday afternoon, after a late/crazy Friday night for my roommate's birthday, what do we do? Get in the car and dance our asses off, just because we can. Bitches.
This past weekend was exactly what I needed. Although it was full of intensity: intense conversations, intense dancing, intense actions, etc. So many good times were had. Case in point: I love my friends a ridiculous amount.
Artist: Mute Math Song: Stall Out Album: Mute Math
I first saw Mute Math in concert my freshman year, when they opened for Mae at the Engine Room (Houston, TX). I listened to them a bit online before they show, but was surprisingly blown away by their live performance. They have crazy energy...
I know, I know...some people consider them a "Christian" band, but I don't think of them in that way. Yes, their lyrics can be shaped in the way, but they can also go the completely opposite direction. I think they can apply to any person or situation, other than those related Christianity. This song above, Stall Out, is one of my favorite songs. The lyrics are kind of a motivation for me, even though they seem very depressing.
"I keep stalling out, I just can't keep up. There's alarming doubt, am I good enough? But you keep coming around to convince me it's still far from over."
I think everyone goes through this feeling....this feeling of uncertainty. Sometimes I say to myself, how the hell am I going to get through today, tomorrow, this week?? In all seriousness though, what you do today isn't going to necessarily affect you ten years from now, unless you've been put in state penitentiary for over ten years. In that case, your life is just going to suck. When you look back on the past, do you want those bad experiences to still be ingrained in your mind? Or do you want to look back and reminisce about those crazy/fun/exciting/meaningful moments. Even though different situations and experiences may affect me in negative ways, its important to use the positive influences in my life (friends, family, passions) to help me deal with those emotions. I shouldn't let anything get in the way of the things I love. Suppressing feelings isn't ever a good idea, but dealing with them in a positive way so as not to push the good things in your life away is, in my opinion, the best way to handle them. I've never felt comfortable wearing my heart on my sleeve, but I'm learning how to do things differently, the hard way.
On THAT note, so as not to be a Debbie Downer, a group I recently saw live at SXSW was N.E.R.D. I've listened to them for years, but holy shit do they know how to put on a good show. My friend Amy and I brushed up next to Pharrell on our way to the bathroom and almost shit a brick. We were that star struck. And he's kind of a little man.
Artist: The Cinematic Orchestra Song: To Build a Home Album: Ma Fleur
There is a house built out of stone Wooden floors, walls and window sills... Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust.. This is a place where I don't feel alone This is a place where I feel at home.......
Cause, I built a home for you for me
Until it disappeared from me from you
And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust........
Out in the garden where we planted the seeds There is a tree as old as me Branches were sewn by the color of green Ground had arose and passed it's knees
By the cracks of the skin I climbed to the top I climbed the tree to see the world When the gusts came around to blow me down I held on as tightly as you held onto me I held on as tightly as you held onto me......
Cause, I built a home for you for me
Until it disappeared from me from you
And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust........ ________________________________________________________________
Such a beautiful song. I don't even care if it was on Grey's Anatomy. I knew about this group WAY before then. The Cinematic Orchestra uses a lot of different musical elements, and is just so soothing. Every song just adds more and more layers to create a unique sound. I would definitely consider this "rainy day music." Those days when you wake up and its raining, and you just want to lay in bed and listen to music: this album would be perfect. Its almost like smooth jazz, but indie smooth jazz, if that even makes any sense. I'm pretty obsessed with new music that can make good use of stringed instruments (other than guitar). Some people compare this song to Coldplay's style, but if you listened to any of there other songs, you wouldn't think that at all To me, this song kind of describes those times when you feel so settled, at home so to say, and then your world can be turned upside down at the drop of a dime. Situations and emotions can come out of nowhere, whether positive or negative.
I know that feeling...all to well sometimes.
But I guess this is life.. As much as we can all wish to have a pretty consistent lifestyle, that's almost impossible. Change is inherent, but when things shake up unexpectedly, it might not be the most positive experience. You definitely have to just roll with the punches sometimes, no matter how hard it may be.
Sometimes you really have to question American taste in music. Why the hell do artists like Nickelback, Hinder, and Creed (the worst of them all) become so rich, famous, and loved my millions of fans?? Other than the fact that their lyrics and musical compositions are easy enough for a five year old to pick up on, I don't know. I don't know if other supergroups are looked at in the same way in other countries, but one band I wish received more credit in the states is Muse. Most people who know me, understand my almost obsession with Muse. Matthew Bellamy's musical talent is amazing whether its his vocal, guitar, or piano skills. Plus, he and his bandmates know how to rock the fuck out and get the crowd going. I've seen Muse three times, and their performance at Austin City Limits in 2007 was almost orgasmic. Easily one of the best live performances I've ever seen.
Here's a video of them performing one of my favorite songs, Map of the Problematique.
Recently, I bought their live CD/DVD set, HAARP. Its just a reminder of how amazing they are. I can't believe it only cost $15 for a full length live DVD and CD. What I wouldn't have given to be at one of those performances at Wembley Stadium. At ACL they played every song I could have wanted to hear, and all of those are on this new DVD. It was just one of those shows where I could rock out like none other, forget everything on my mind and focus on whats at hand: awesome musical talent. This isn't to say Muse is the only band that can do that for me, but one of the leaders in that category.
At this moment in time, I could definitely go for a show like that, where I can just forget everything else going on in my life. Better yet, a vacation would be even better. I'm still waiting to take my beach trip. Why can't there be more hours in the day? Hell, I'd even go by myself. Thats how bad I want to sit on the beach. Just a month left, and then Hot Springs, here I come! I'm pretty stoked about my internship. New location, new situations, new experiences.....change is a good thing sometimes. I'll be able to come back next year with a new perspective and clear mind.
Beauty in a wicked world. It is something we all look for, strive for, and sometimes we catch it in our rear view mirror when its too late and there is no making a u-turn. This title comes from one of my favorite songs by Amos Lee, Soul Suckers. It is one of my favorite songs. period. To me, its saying that you shouldn't let anyone dictate your life and what you feel is beautiful. Only you can figure that out for yourself. I've learned this lesson the hard way and have found people in my life who lift me up, not try to drag me on the ground.
Music. Friends. Family. Lazy Saturdays. Driving with the Windows Down. Mother Nature. Simplicity. Sometimes I just have to take a deep breath and smile to myself. Even though I may go through some rough patches, I know where to look for a little beauty in my life to get through it. The simple things in life are all we really need sometimes. Even if you happen to catch me on a bad day (and those happen often), just know that a little part of me is probably smiling about something. I've been on a journey for the past 21 years, and that journey isn't close to being over. Hell, I'm not going to lie, its a bit scary to think about what my life is going to be like in 5, 10, 15 years. During the past three years, I have learned more about myself than I could ever imagine.
For now, I'm going to live life day to day. I have five years to figure out what I'm going to be doing in five years, and that is that.
Since music is one of the biggest influences in my life, I'll try to give you a taste of what I'm listening to and why. I don't know if you have heard of Bon Iver, but wow. His music...just, wow. Sometimes his voice can put me in a thoughtful trance, and sometimes it can completely clear my mind. This is the kind of music you want to listen to while driving through the country on a warm, sunny day, for no particular reason.
