It is finally here. The week I've been looking forward to for the past six months or so. South by Southwest 2009....the land of live music, open bars, free swag, and ultra hipsters. Where else can you see Tom Morello and Ben friggin Harper do a special performance together? I met Wayne Coyne for God's sake! How awesome is that? Although it is stressful planning out my week and my wardrobe, it will all be worth it come Wednesday. I've never had a bad experience at SXSW, even when I wasn't 21. Well, it kind of sucked because I couldn't get into 80% of the venues, but I still had a blast.
I finally got a chance to listen to Andrew Bird's latest album, Noble Beast. It's definitely good, but very much like his older albums. Something different is that the second CD is all instrumental. It really showcases his talent on violin (which is amazing). I've seen him live a couple times, and he does not disappoint. Something I've read in other reviews is a complaint about his lyrics. Yes, sometimes his words may not have a clear message on a superficial level, or maybe even a level deeper, but I don't really think it takes away from the overall value of the music. All-in-all, this album is worth checking out.
Another artist I have recently discovered is Plant and Animals (pictured here). On their latest album, Parc Avenue, the song "Good Friend" sticks out to me. The chorus goes like this, "It takes a good friend to say you've got your head up your ass. It takes a good friend to meet you in the park in the dark. It takes an enemy to help you get out of bed. It takes your lover to leave you, to feel loneliness." I could listen to this song over and over on repeat. What do they sound like? Hmm...maybe an indie rock feel with a touch of alternative/Jim Noir/Elbow/The Frames-ish sound? See for yourself. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I was recently introduced to Take Away shows. I've been constantly watching them. Beautiful music in a variety of settings. Sometimes its in the back seat of a car, the sidewalk of a busy street, or even a grocery store. Here is Bowerbirds performing "Dark Horse".
Alone on the land, In the love of the dirt again, There's a sharp, jagged winter At the center of my home. Of my blood and bones, That sleets and snows and makes me shiver. But you, my heart, I will never know. ------------------------------------------------
This past week was very trying, but in the end, the results were more than gratifying. After taking on the challenge of planning a large-scale, campus-wide event, I can't help but be proud of the work that was done. For the longest time, this task was one of the most stressful situations. Sorry to be blunt, but it was a pain in my ass. I just wanted to say "fuck it" and move on. Despite those feelings, I continued on. At 9:30 pm on Friday, it all came to a close and the show could not have gone any smoother. It was just proof that hard work truly does pay off in the end.
This semester is quickly coming to a close, and it is becoming more and more apparent. I never thought Spring Break would get here, and now it is less than two weeks away. My birthday is this Thursday....the big 2-2. I guess I should be excited? I don't know why, but I just really haven't given it much thought. Holidays, birthdays, etc. just don't seem to mean as much anymore. Womp womp, I know.
My views on things are just evolving so much with all that is changing in my life. I guess there is just certain level disconnect with a lot of things. I just keep telling myself that I only have a couple more months, and then I'm cutting the cord...
This is my way of saying goodbye Because I can't do it face to face So I'm talking to you before No matter what happens now I won't be afraid Because I know Today has been the most perfect day I have ever seen
It is finally here. The week I've been looking forward to for the past six months or so. South by Southwest 2009....the land of live music, open bars, free swag, and ultra hipsters. Where else can you see Tom Morello and Ben friggin Harper do a special performance together? I met Wayne Coyne for God's sake! How awesome is that? Although it is stressful planning out my week and my wardrobe, it will all be worth it come Wednesday. I've never had a bad experience at SXSW, even when I wasn't 21. Well, it kind of sucked because I couldn't get into 80% of the venues, but I still had a blast.
