Once in a while, I come across some new music that I just can't stop listening to. This week, I stumbled upon Shearwater (Austin, TX). 
I would consider them a cross between The Cinematic Orchestra and Midlake. Their lyrics use nature as a storyteller, but because they are so abstract, they can almost mean anything. The intensity of each song varies throughout, ranging from simple vocals, violin, and soft piano to distorted guitars, drums, and horns. You could almost say they have a majestic, sometimes hauntingly beautiful, sound about them. Their new album, Rooks, was released not too long ago. Just the clarity of their sound can evoke all sorts of thoughts and imagery. I highly recommend this album to anyone.
I would consider them a cross between The Cinematic Orchestra and Midlake. Their lyrics use nature as a storyteller, but because they are so abstract, they can almost mean anything. The intensity of each song varies throughout, ranging from simple vocals, violin, and soft piano to distorted guitars, drums, and horns. You could almost say they have a majestic, sometimes hauntingly beautiful, sound about them. Their new album, Rooks, was released not too long ago. Just the clarity of their sound can evoke all sorts of thoughts and imagery. I highly recommend this album to anyone.Shearwater is one of those bands you want to listen to on a rainy day. Rainy days are an occasional experience here. 
Yesterday, as I stood several hundred feet above the ground at the top of an observation tower, it was amazing to see the rain and clouds slowly roll in over the mountains. I was worried that because it wasn't clear and sunny, my experience wouldn't be enjoyable. I was mistaken. Feeling so unsheltered from the elements was invigorating. Everyone needs to feel vulnerable at times. Living life in the safe zone is just that: too safe. The wind felt so strong that I almost felt like it was grabbing a hold of me.
Rainy days are some of my favorites. A chance to contemplate. reflect. relax. Something I've been thinking about even more is change. I know I've rambled on and on about it, but that's just what I'm going through at the moment. My life is going to be changing at such a rapid pace over the next year, I don't even know if I'll be able to keep up. Changes in people, decisions, choices, opportunities, life stepping stones, etc. I feel like when I'm return back from Hot Springs, my life will have gone through a whirlwind, as if I'm Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Some of the people who have had a huge impact on my life won't be a few steps or a 10 minute car trip away when I come back to Texas. They will be, or already are, off doing bigger and better things, and I'm ridiculously proud of them for it. I can't help but feel a little bit sad to see them go, but I know those bonds won't break that easily. The fact that I will have to start looking for a job scares the hell out of me. Right now, I'm working 8+ hours a day, and this is just a taste of what I have to look forward to after I graduate. At the same time, this change excites me. So many new experiences to go through: Chair of Town Hall, my last few college courses, new faces, searching for a job I enjoy, college graduation, hopefully traveling more, etc. I guess some things should be exciting and scary at the same time. It gives you a sense of adventure. Life is just one big ol' adventure.
I feel like I'm on the right track. I hope so anyway.
Yesterday, as I stood several hundred feet above the ground at the top of an observation tower, it was amazing to see the rain and clouds slowly roll in over the mountains. I was worried that because it wasn't clear and sunny, my experience wouldn't be enjoyable. I was mistaken. Feeling so unsheltered from the elements was invigorating. Everyone needs to feel vulnerable at times. Living life in the safe zone is just that: too safe. The wind felt so strong that I almost felt like it was grabbing a hold of me.Rainy days are some of my favorites. A chance to contemplate. reflect. relax. Something I've been thinking about even more is change. I know I've rambled on and on about it, but that's just what I'm going through at the moment. My life is going to be changing at such a rapid pace over the next year, I don't even know if I'll be able to keep up. Changes in people, decisions, choices, opportunities, life stepping stones, etc. I feel like when I'm return back from Hot Springs, my life will have gone through a whirlwind, as if I'm Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Some of the people who have had a huge impact on my life won't be a few steps or a 10 minute car trip away when I come back to Texas. They will be, or already are, off doing bigger and better things, and I'm ridiculously proud of them for it. I can't help but feel a little bit sad to see them go, but I know those bonds won't break that easily. The fact that I will have to start looking for a job scares the hell out of me. Right now, I'm working 8+ hours a day, and this is just a taste of what I have to look forward to after I graduate. At the same time, this change excites me. So many new experiences to go through: Chair of Town Hall, my last few college courses, new faces, searching for a job I enjoy, college graduation, hopefully traveling more, etc. I guess some things should be exciting and scary at the same time. It gives you a sense of adventure. Life is just one big ol' adventure.
I feel like I'm on the right track. I hope so anyway.
3 comments:
I know that feeling and I totally agree. In my little world, vulnerability = humility, and it's the healthiest state in the world. Anyways, I just found your blog and I must say, what you've written is pretty spot-on. Enjoy Hot Springs!
you are a swell guy marcus.
I'll still be in CS. That is all that matters.