The Musical Styling of ...

Recently, I have found myself in a musical rut. I've been gravitating to music that I listened to 5 years ago. Revisiting my beloved Dashboard Confessional, Brand New, Death Cab for Cutie who will forever hold a special place in my heart for sound tracking some integral years of my life. THANKS!!! I've also been listening to a lot of classic singers, i.e.-Nina Simone, Ella, Etta, Barbara Lynn. Those women can SING! If I could sing like that....forget it! Shut. It. Down. So this week's suggestions will be a bit jumbled, and maybe do not go together quite like mac & cheese. But fear not oh avid readers, you shall enjoy them all the same!

#1-Adele, One and Only. Okay, this girl is talented. She was amazing on her 18 album, and she is outstanding on her new one, 21. She writes all her own songs, and performs them with such an underrated power. Through her lyrics, she seems to have LIVED. Take for example from this song, "I dare you to let me be your, your one and only, I promise I'm worth it, to hold in your arms, so come on and give me a chance, to prove I am the one who can walk that mile, until the end starts...I know it ain't easy giving up your heart." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78mlPQEmbOA

#2-Adele, Someone Like You. This one, all should relate too. The past is something hard to let go of. Sometimes though, you just have to. "I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited, but I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it. I hoped you'd see my face & that you'd be reminded, that for me, it isn't over. Never mind, I'll find someone like you. I wish nothing but the best for you." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAc83CF8Ejk

#3-The Avalanches, Since I Left You. There isn't much to this song. It is easy, and feel good. Change can be just what is needed in life:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpqm-05R2Jk

#4-Wax Tailor, Que Sera. Again, no real point to this. I picture it being like a modern twist on Mad Men soundtrack. Walking down Madison Ave in the 60's. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRBugVOO6ec

#5-Florence+The Machine, Between Two Lungs. I love this song. I remember when no one else knew about her, and it was like my best kept secret, now she is huge, oh well. I love all this little noises in the background. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRSIKTQ82VM

Storm Watch

Do you ever feel impending doom? Not necessarily on a global front or anything like that. Rather, impending doom for your life, like with the slightest shift in the breeze and everything is about to collapse. Yea....I am feeling impending doom.

It's not even like I have anything concrete to point at and be like, "yes! that is the thing that is gonna turn my life into a mess." No, Its more like a sudden alertness in all areas of my life just went off, bracing for a storm that is about to hit, just completely unaware of what direction it is coming from. This feeling of expectation is exhausting, confusing, and panic-inducing. You know when you are woken up abruptly in the middle of the night, terrified and out of it? Then, the next morning you can't quite remember what happened, just something feels strange and so you are on edge for the rest of the day. It's kind of like that, except something deep down in my life went bump in the middle of the night and I've been cautious and unsettled ever since.

I remember being younger, in the middle of the summer and playing outside, having fun and then, all of the sudden hearing sirens in the distance go off. Everything got real quiet, dark, and still, and time seemed to freeze. Moments later, the storm came through with an unreal fierceness. My sirens have gone off. Everything seems to be stuck in this suspended stillness. Is a storm approaching? It would be so nice to step out of my own head. It's probably nothing. Stop panicking. There is nothing to be worried about. Everything is going to be alright.

Right?

The Wheels On the Bus..

Bus people are a strange breed.

They are the above-ground dwellers, the no steps takers, the "all the time in the world"ers, the I don't have a long way to go'ers. I'd say a good 50% are elderly, and understandably they are taking the bus. They are usually friendly, happy, chatty. I don't know about you, but I love watching people who were my age in the 60's adjust and adapt to now. The still have this class, and style about them. Especially the couples. He takes her hand and helps her on the bus, he always lets her have the seat if only one is opened, he willingly will give up his seat if someone in greater need, needs it. It's nice to see that still. NOTE TO ALL 20 SOMETHING GUYS: learn how to become a great man. Hold doors open, give up seats, learn how to dance, treat your lady like she is your high school sweet heart-even when you are both old and gray.

Moving on to the next civilization on the bus, making up maybe 30% are people that have some sort of disability. The other 20% are nannies, parents, kids going to school, and the occasional lazy person who just doesn't feel like walking or who is running late (that is the category I fall into:))

Every time I ride the bus I think of The Graduate, when Benjamin and Elaine ride away on a bus, escaping from what they thought they didn't want and initially being so happy, and then coming to the realization of uh-oh, what did we just do? It's almost too painful to watch their smiles dissolve away. Then the sad words of Simon and Garfunkel's, The Sound of Silence, "hello darkness, my old friend".

P.S.-Are you a Simon or a Garfunkel?

Let Me Recommend Somethings

Let's make this short and sweet!

Iron & Wine, Someday the Waves. "You pick a place that's where I'll be". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyrEcf0znaQ

Speech Debelle, Spinnin. Who could resist an British female hip-hopper with a lisp? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58Bd8d8DSDo

Sigur Ros, Hoppipolla. For my obsession with all things Icelandic! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmXMA34CeoQ

Devendra Banhart. Lickety Split. Listen and understand (sigh). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6gqWMnQaf0

Illinois. Nosebleed. I like the muffledness of it, but the beat it still present. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjQB3ClWAfI

La Vie En Rose

I want to get lost. I want to lose myself, and then try to find my way back and on that journey rediscover myself, or truly meet me for the first time.

I've been toying with the idea of going to Paris for a whole year. Just pack up and go. Why not? Leave everything behind and dive into the unknown. One of the things I've always wanted to do in my life is to buy a one way ticket. Just the idea of it is so liberating. It means you are headed only in one direction, forward, for an open ended amount of time. It would be so much fun getting lost in the language, Bonjour! Merci! Mon nom Amanda! J'adore! Je ne sais quoi! Navigate my way through the city and the culture. The history. The architecture. Discover what cheese I truly do love the best. Have REAL french bread that would make your knees buckle. Experience my favorite authentic, bubbly liquid, champagne. Soak in the classic styles that is French fashion. Get lost in a book for hours, living in the moments on the pages while people watching in a little cafe. Ride on the back of a motorcycle with a very attractive French boy, preferably a musician or chef:) Go vacation in a chateau. Stomp some grapes in Provence. And maybe finally, do what Julia Child claims is possible, and master the art of french cooking.

If only....

The Barbara Complex

Gasp! I've come to a revelation! My life is shaping up to resemble Barbara Streisand's movie roles. More specifically Funny Girl, The Way We Were, and Yentl. I have realized that in these movies, she ends up alone. Letting the love of her life leave her, or her willingly walking away. This is starting to confirm my pathetic suspicions....what if I become a "spinster" for life?

In Funny Girl, she had the affections of Mr. Arnstein , who was intrigued by her. She thought he was just the kinda guy that she could never get, and he was wrapped around her little finger. He loved her, and cared for her, encouraged to do so many things. He let her be her, to the point that when she finally realized all this it led to one of the best outbreak into songs ever, Don't Rain On My Parade, where she just had to take a chance, "..gotta try once, I gotta fly once.." on love. And then this led to her finally becoming a "Sadie" and the "perfect reflection, of my love's true affections". Then poison leaked in. And for reasons that I'm conflicted over, Mr. Arnstein , decided that it would be best to part from her, strictly for her benefit, saying that he was no good for her. She didn't want that, but it was too late, he was already gone. And just like that, it was over. She would never fully recover. It all came to an end with these words..."what's the difference if I say, I'll go away, when I know I'll come back on my knees, someday, oh, whatever my man is, I am his forevermore."

Then in The Way We Were. Opposites do attract. Katie and Hubble couldn't be any more different then north and south, black and white, day and night. But they both had passion in life and together they balanced each other out. Now, it wasn't smooth sailing, they hit bumps. There were trust issues, and personality conflicts, but the foundation was more or less solid. And you rooted for them. You want them to succeed. But then, they just stop fighting for it. He is tired of trying to tame her, and she is too stubborn to submit, in any way. He walks away first, then she walks away. That's it.

Now in Yentl, it is a bit complicated. She is disguised as a man, but really a woman, and she is in love with Avigdor, but can't do anything about it, because everyone thinks she is a man. But fast forward through all that, to where she tells him who she really is and how she feels. Understandably, he is very upset, but then he admits to same feelings. He wants to make it work, move to a new town, get married, have kids, but on one condition, she can't attend the school anymore, outwardly at least. He offers to teach her at home, but that isn't good enough for her. So she leaves to pursue her dreams, leaving the one man she loved behind her.

I'm telling you, bits and pieces of these plots could very well be my life. I'm strong willed and stubborn. I'm an idealist and I have dreams for my life. I'm loud, and crazy, and sure at times I can be dramatic (who isn't). I have fits of rage from time to time, and don't easily back down from fight. I would say that yes, I do burst into song more than I probably should. Do the lessons learned from Barbara Streisand movies teach me that girls like this have no chance in getting the guy AND being happy? Will I ever find the Mr. Arnstein to my Fannie. The Hubble to my Katie. The Avigdor to my Yentl. And will it last? Oh brother, no more movies for me, for a while at least.

The Johns, Joshs, and Donovans In My Life

This post will be a fusion of sorts. I am aware that it is Wednesday, Music Day. But I also have been having my brother, John, on my mind a lot lately. So then I thought (ding) "why not talk about some of John's favorite music?" So I shall.

One of his favorites is Josh Ritter, for when he wants to be cool, insightful, poetic, and feel like a woodsman. Now, John is the type of person that when he likes something, he tries to force EVERYONE else to like it as well. And me, being the stubborn thing that I am, resist. So when he "discovered" Josh Ritter a few years ago, I was not interested. He'd say Josh Ritter, I'd say Mason Jennings. He'd say Josh Ritter, I'd say Zach Condon. He's say Josh Ritter, I'd say Bon Iver. Get the picture? But he was annoyingly persistent in not so subtle ways. Like blaring Josh Ritter any chance he got. For example: working in the garage, at the cottage on the beach, even swapping out my music for Josh in my car. His persistence, I feel defeated to say, paid off. I eventually started to like it...quite a bit. Even singing along if he was no where in sight. Started to like it to the point where I have favorites now. One of them is Girl In The War. Now, I'm not all too sure as to the meaning of this song but I truly do love it. It has kind of become my go-to song on my morning commute when the train is packed out, and I just want to escape for a few minutes. I close my eyes and turn this up, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqLssKusGzM

I also enjoy One More Mouth. It sounds beautifully tragic, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTYRoOVDtHc

Then there is another artist that will forever be associated with my brother. Donovan Frankenreiter. This one is for his funky, hoboesque, silly, chill side. We went and saw him a few years back at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor, it was a pretty good show. He is just easy, breezy, good beach music. Move By Yourself is always a good "make yourself happy, and enjoy this life" jam, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3umUxPAWstQ

Thanks big brother for sharing your tunes with me:)

"Why are you the way you are?..I hate so much about the things you choose to be."

People!

Seriously, what is wrong with them sometimes? Does anyone know? The rudeness level has been off the charts!

Let me break it down for you, in case you have not been brought up with manners, or have suddenly forgotten them (preferably by a severe blow to the head). It is NOT OK to take out your entire Von Trapp family out and take up EVERY inch of the sidewalk and to move at a glacier pace so that no one can get around you and your strollers and your myriads of children. I realize that it may be your familydayoutstopandsmelltherosesandenjoythebeautythatisnatureandhowwonderfulfamilyreallyis, but some of us are just trying to make it to work on time. It is also NOT OK to unleash the scariest, most irritating, rudest, scummiest, completely unlikeable version of yourself on me. Listen, I don't have control over your paycheck, I don't have control over when you will receive your 10-99, and I don't know who called you, if you give me one flippin moment I can find out, and no, I don't know where you are supposed to be and at what time, I mean COME ON!! (G.O.B.)

These next few are for the Jewish lawyers that work in my building. It is NOT OK to push people, ESPECIALLY pregnant women, out of the way to all shove yourselves into the elevators and then hurry and hit the DOOR CLOSE button so no one else can get on, doing that officially makes you a jerk. It is NOT OK to loiter outside of the women's bathroom to have all these conversations about who is getting married, and how your secretary is stupid. NEWS FLASH-you are outside a WOMEN'S restroom, chances are she or one of her friends are in there, idiot! And FYI-hanging outside a women's restroom, in case you never got the memo, is CREEPY! And, talking junk about your secretary, no matter her competence level is SO cliche and sexist. Congratulations you are all grade-A, prime: creepy, sexist, textbook jerks! Seriously guys, grow up and get out. No one thinks of you as special!

And this is a special note at the unbelievably strange girl who works on the 4th floor. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all about being an individual and being a little left of center. The problem occurs when they try in invade me with their craziness. I've got enough already, I don't need yours. What's that line from As Good As It Gets, "go sell crazy somewhere else, we are all stocked up here." I have had three encounters with you weird girl, and I'm done. The first time, the elevator stopped on the 4th floor and the doors opened, no one got on, so the doors closed, and then I heard, "oh!" so I hit the DOOR OPEN button (one of the biggest mistakes of my life). And in walks you, crazy, irritating, no fore warning that I'm about to make your brain hurt...you. If someone has there ear buds in, they are not wanting to have conversation, especially when the elevator ride will last a total of 10 seconds, can't really make a new best friend in that allotted time. And when you see me rushing to get out the doors don't stop me with your unreal large feet and oddly long arms and tap me on the shoulder to wave bye to me!! I don't know you! I don't want to wave bye to you! FREAK! And the second time, when you walked into the elevator like a cowboy and stood so annoyingly close to me, just so you know, I was maybe 2 breathes away from punching that stupid grin right off your stupid face. And then last week, when you came into the elevator doing ballet and singing.....I wanted to die. Why me? Why is it that no one else, ever, seems to be on the elevator to witness the strangeness that it you. Huh weird girl? Next time when I see we are stopping at the 4th floor, I will wait until you get your craziness on and hurry and jump off to avoid having to share the same space with you for 10 seconds. I hope you are happy.

And finally, to the creepy foreign guy on the R train this morning. It is NOT OK to stare at someone for the entire ride. NOT OK!!!

...For Your Listening Pleasure...

So I think that I am going to initiate a new standard for this 'ole blog here. Wednesdays will become music day, YAY! (as I jump, throwing my fist in the air in "hoorayness", its a word.) Today, I'll like to take a minute...just sit right there, I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air. In West Philadelphia born and raised on the playground is where I spent most of my days, chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool and shooting some b-ball outside of the school,when a couple of gu...alright, sorry, I'm back.

Anyways, I wanted to share with you some of the tunes that have been gracing my ear buds as of late. The first comes by way of James Blake, a musician from the other side of the pond. This song came my way by NPR All Songs Considered. Yes, I listen to NPR, I even have the app on my phone. I put in on while I'm in bed and let Bob Boilen put me into a happy, music filled slumber. Try it sometime, I highly recommend it! Back on track, the artist is James Blake, the song is The Wilhelm Scream. It is simple and beautiful, and it is built up like a straight architect designed it! Here is the link to have a listen, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVgEaDemxjc

Next is, Lower Dens, with the song I Get Nervous. It feels like a combination of three different songs, but in a good way. And the way that it is sung in this almost whisper, desperate, soft way I why I think I like it so much. Check it out, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi8aCk56dvA

Then, there is Passenger, and the song is Walk You Home. Who doesn't love a good stalking song? You fall in love with lyrics like, "I'm the boy who watches you work,I know where you keep your skirts, I know where your secrets hurt. I'm the boy that's calling your house, I'm the boy that's freaking you out, With my thermos flask of tea, Up there in your neighbours tree. I'm the boy that's crossing borders, I'm the boy with social disorders, I'm the boy with restraining orders." So for the musical delights of your creepier side, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B6kLH5aK-8

Oh, this one, I've wondered where he has been all my life....His name is James Vincent McMorrow, the song And If My Heart Should Somehow Stop. I read somewhere that he is Dublin's answer to Bon Iver(ahhhh heart). This song is beautifully tragic, don't you just love that?!?! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeCwdXfS_vI

Finally, the group Sleigh Bells, with the tune Infinity Guitars. This song makes me wanna go and get stuff done!!! So make it happen captain! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fheYx_ZPU18

Reason #267 to Love New York

I had dinner and dessert the other night for a total of $3.50!

It was a shock to me as well! Like one of those times when you accidentally get 112 points on a turn of Words With Friends. But it did happen! And now that I know the secret recipe to a super cheap and delicious meal, I plan on doing the exact same thing time and time again. And, because I am nice, I'll share it with you lovely people as well!

#1-Get yourself a Metro card, and take the F train to Delancy St (The Lower East Side-you'll recognize it by the equal mix of hipsters to Asians)
#2-Walk to Vanessa's Dumplings House, on 118 Eldridge St. It is a little hot pot of deliciousness and they speak just enough English to get you by. (hehe, I just thought of Brian Reegan when he was like "I want HAM!, you bring me HAM now. I want to of the eating of HAM!")....Anyways....so this is my order: The original dumplings (pork and chive filled), you get 4, rather good size, for $1, and then I also got a sesame pancake which was $.75!
#3-For dessert, walk a few blocks over to Sugar Sweet Sunshine, 126 Rivington St. They have a good selection, there are the old standards (for those who enjoy the classics), and "outside of the box" ones like Pistachio, Strawberry (with REAL strawberries), Ooey Gooey (which is a whole lot of chocolate)...and so many more! Each cupcake is only...wait for it...$1.75, which in this city is a steal!

That was a good night! Not only was it all so delicious, but the feeling of pride knowing that you CAN have an inexpensive dinner experience, and amazing conversation (Whit) for all less than one Lincoln, (that's a $5 bill in case you don't know slang). And, BONUS we got free entertainment on the way...some guitar in the station...and on the way back, an older gentlemen doing ballet in the car, with no music! Everyone should experience the joys and craziness that is this city!