Monday, April 30, 2007

yes i understand fear (4-22-07)

two posts in two days? wow. i just heard this and needed to share it.




Viking Moses.   Sandstorms.   Lyrics.

this.  is.  so.  freaking.  pretty.

unless you hate lo-fi, don't leave before the piano kicks in.



i'm seeing brian regan tonight, ergo, my life is better than yours.

Total absence of grace. (4-21-07)

a pretty quickie.




Ane Brun.   Rubber and Soul (feat. Taitur).   Lyrics.

so, this song is a perfect example of why ane brun is suddenly gaining in popularity.
she's always had an above average voice, coupled with pretty ho-hum musicianship that has made for many casual fans but few die-hards. however, her recently released "duets" seems to have corrected what was missing.
in the case of 'rubber and soul' the addition of a male voice ends up being far more than just an aesthetic one...turning the song from a pity party (though i love the line "total absence of grace") into a genuinely sad, unspoken, conversation. the lyrics remain the same, but the meaning is so different. below are the lyrics, with the bold being Teitur's portion and the underlined portion being sung together.


Rubber and Soul

In my mind I`m crawling on your floor
Vomiting and defeated
Total absence of grace
Your reluctant voice
saying; you decide your own fate

But I wear rubberbands round my soul
They keep me from crawling
And these rubberbands round my soul
they keep me from falling

In my repeated dreams
You stare at me with an empty gaze
You turn your back on me
And you search for more intriguing days

Loathing this
Controlling this
Let me get a hold of this

So I wear rubberbands round my soul
They keep me from crawling
And these rubberbands round my soul
they keep me from falling

And then when you are not in my dreams
and not in my mind
but we are at the same place
at the same time
rubber no longer holds
the borders of my soul




sad.

Fumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen, Pour myself a cup of ambition. (4-15-07)

i may have discovered a reliable hosting site...wouldn't that be something?

it's that time of year where i go nuts and all priorities take a back seat to my sharks. if anyone wants to get together to watch the game tomorrow, let me know...i'm thinking of going to 99 and watching it there.








Oren Lavie.   Her Morning Elegance.

somewhere between the piercing beauty and clarity of badly drawn boy and the sleepy smokiness of the sea and the cake. figure that out...i dare you.

you also have my permission to just close your eyes, smile a tiny smile and bob your head...perhaps so softly that it never actually moves.




Evilnine (feat. Aesop Rock.)   Crooked

for those of you who feel like nodding your heads for real, i give you probably my favorite rapper. i have been listening to a ton of aesop recently. this is far from his best work, but i completely dig it right now. if you like words, i think you'll love aesop.

bonus 1: here are two more impressive, though less head bobby, songs of A Rizzle's    Daylight.   No Regrets.
 
bonus 2: if you use m4a. files (iTunes format) here is aesop rock's best album in it's entirety: Labor Days.


bye.

You are my sweetest downfall (4-7-07)

a quickie:

i should really save this until i'm in the mood to write a big and pretty post, but i'm not going to. instead:




Regina Spektor.   Samson.   Lyrics.

i can't really talk with any authority on spektor. however, i will say this.
she made an album called soviet kitsch and it was the name of  this album that attracted me to her. that and a really nice picture of her.
here's the irony though: it is the kitschy nature of her music that has never allowed it to really set in with me as a favorite. i enjoy her, but not quite enough.
today i happened upon this song and became even sadder about the over-production of her newer albums. this is the original version of a song that is also on her newest album, but here there is nothing but her and her piano. this song really worked on me.




ok...i don't know if everyone gets the same adds on their homepages or if it is personalized based on google searches (in which case myspace apparently thinks i'm desperate) but can i just say that  the new  True.com add girl, kissyface27 (apparently there were 26 other kissyfaces) is ugly. why would i frequent a dating site which appears to specialize in ugly women?

also worthy of note is the fact that firefox doesn't think that "kissyface27" is misspelled, but it does correct "firefox."

OH!!! and i'm watching the sharks game. the last three games have been so freaking amazing. sharks were down 2. caught up. down one, tied it up with 30 seconds left. three fights. tons tons tons of amazing hits. on a day like this, if you don't watch hockey...YOU ARE FUCKING RETARDED and i pity you.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

I prefer to think that God is not dead, just drunk. (3-27-07)

it's about time to write more.

i'll be honest...i didn't really want to post tonight. i get almost no feedback anymore (except from your moneeeeer) and i really decided to do this after two things happened: 1) i thought i was done setting up my euro 2008 fantasy team for the matches tomorrow (it turns out that i'm not really done...ok, now i am) and was bored once the sharks game ended. 2) i was able to find an album that i really love very very much to put before you.




Sam Prekop. Your New Professor (full album).

this is my all time favorite morning after the night before, wish i were dead ,album. you would think that i would slowly start to hate this album with this sense memory association, but i could never do such a thing (no matter how intimately i associate it with squinting to attempt to see whatever lays behind layer after layer of pain-red clouds and nausea.)

prekop used to be the mind behind the often subtly jazzy sea and the cake, but has since moved on to a far more overtly jazzy solo career. he's always good.

a few months ago, this was playing when i walked into bookshop santa cruz. i support it. if it's like a hug when i'm at my worst, it's like an hour of great cuddling when i'm wandering around a bookstore.




it is entirely possible that i will have the rest of the week off. invite me to your area...i'll see what i can do. seriously, if i end up bored this week...it's your fault. i want to go wine tasting. yup...that's what i want.


just for making it down here: if over the top filthy and awesome countrified rap is more your thing: spankrock. yoyoyoyo

Reason is the pupil of itself alone. (3-19-07)

so...here is the story. i was scheduled to work at 6 am tomorrow. this means that i took all precautions to get to sleep at a decent hour (anyone who knows me well knows that this is quite a task...it takes beer and the miracle supplement 5http (or something like that).) literally 20 seconds after i took the precautions, my work called to switch me to a graveyard tomorrow. this a far more desirable shift, but now i am headed for annoyance and a sleepy night. i will be trying to stay awake as late as possible tonight, so feel free to write or call me.





Modest Mouse.   We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank (full album). (alternate link).

DOWNLOAD THIS FAST! IT IS LIKELY TO BE GONE VERY VERY QUICKLY!

let me say, i have not listened to this enough to write about it, but i wanted to post it before it disappeared. i HAVE been enjoying it for the last couple days and it is in no way premature to call it one of the albums of the year, as few are likely to top it. spencer was angry at me for having this album before its street date...but only because he didn't have it too. now he can.

we all know how much i enjoy MM...though they are unlikely to ever top The Moon and Antarctica (and it's ep sister Everywhere and His Nasty Parlour Tricks.)

the guy who hosted this file also had bloc party (silent alarm is still great), okgo, and wilco here.



lets have a moment of quiet reflection for my favorite holiday, St. Patty's. i'm not irish, i'm not catholic (nor am i a protestant sporting orange) but i do enjoy booze. i enjoy the only holiday that encourages folks to drink dark beer and whiskey. i also enjoy a holiday that encourages touching those without spirit (these are usually women.)
also, it's entirely possible that the last two St. Patty's Days ("days" plural, of course) have been the two best days ("days" plural, of course) of my last 368. i miss it already.


please write...i'm bored.

also, if anyone has the new National album, let me know. i need it.

The future descending like a bright chandelier (3-4-07)

i had a ton of moments yesterday to do some blog searching. here are some of the treasures of the bunch.

as always, if you comment that you like one of these artists, i can almost always provide more from them. seriously.





Casey Dienel.   Doctor Monroe.   Lyrics.

if i had discovered this song earlier, it would have made my best of last year. i love songs that grin mischievously. i managed to find a few more songs by this lady and they are all good and varied...she's no one-trick pony.

she is an adorable writer. anyone who knows me very well knows that this is really the most direct route to my heart. that and being totally hot.





Colin Hay.  

Overkill.   Lyrics.

Beautiful World.   Lyrics


this is for my zach braff buddies. you may remember this episode. you may also remember his song on garden state (i just don't think i'll ever get over you.)

yes it is the same guy who sang the cheers theme song.





James Yorkston.   Woozy With Cider.   Lyrics.

this isn't a very good example of this man's music. he doesn't normally do the spoken word thing...usually he's a pretty interesting folk artist. however, this song works on me. majorly. holy crap...is majorly not a word? my spell checker hates it. frick. that is slang? fuck that...it is now just a normal word.

i will continue to bring you the best scottish artists i am able, though only when i stumble upon them. this man lives in edinburgh (my favorite city in the world.) lucky bastard.

if you dig folk, and don't know this fellow...fix it.





Josh Ritter.   This Blue Flame.   Lyrics.

wow. you want epic? this is it. seriously. wow. do you have nine minutes?

even if you don't have time to listen right now...read the lyrics. lovely.





Suburban Kids With Biblical Names.   Rent a Wreck

it's the toyota commercial that you don't like...however, how can you not love them if only for their name? fricking sweeds.





The National.   City Middle.   Lyrics.

ok...i know that this is cheating...but, if i hadn't told you, how many of you would have known that this is one of my favorite bands and that i didn't really come across this while surfing blogs? not only is this one of my favorite albums by one of my favorite bands, but this is one of my favorite songs. ever.

this album lost out to wolf parade for my 2005 album of the year, but i still listen to it constantly, and i almost never listen to WP. this album is a hit w/everyone i've shared it with. i keep having to re-burn it for myself 'cause i keep giving it away.

this is posted in honor of how i can't keep from listening to them and because they have a new album coming out SOON!

how sweet is that picture? i like how one of their members looks so much like a lion.

i can send you a link to the full album. inquire within.





since most of you know that i only really post when i am drinking, we can easily blame my lack of posts on new, healthier habits. let's do that.
i now work out a minimum of 5 days a week. my knees are killing me but i feel great otherwise. stupid knees.

how is it appropriate that you can put "high" for your mood?

for those of you who i have hung out with in the past and who live in the state...i know i have been awol for months. the soccer season is done now though, so call me...chances are i miss you.  yes...you!

Children frequently sing meaningful phrases to themselves over and over again... (2-11-07)

i came across a song i had never heard by luke temple today. this led me to his website, which led me to semi-permanent links to a few of his songs.

"someone, somewhere" is seriously one of my favorite songs ever...it is such an awesome mix of serious and joyous...frivilous and major. enjoy. i couldn't find "make right with you" which is his biggest hit (i believe it was on grey's).




Luke Temple.

Someone, Somewhere.
Mr. Disgrace.
Private Shipwreck.
Serious.
Saturday People.



the end of my soccer coaching season is easily among the most depressing things to ever happen to me. *tear* yes...i know that i've led a pretty easy life if this even makes it onto the radar of depressing moments in my life. in all fairness...i have had some pretty fucked up things happen....i just find this more sadderer.






i am happy to see that, on the 3000th sportscenter, "do you believe in miracles" won the fan voting for the most memorable sports moment of the last 30 years. it should always win.

when did ty penington, formerly of trading spaces, start doing regular commercials? i don't care what he has to say about medication. period.

the claymation on "starveillance" is so awful...none of the celebs look anything like themselves. right now, brad pitt looks like bruce willis. that is not right.

ok...i'm out of music for the night and now i'm out of random questions.

please write me. w/o my team...i am pretty lonely once again. also, i'm trying to kick a soccer ball every day. if you want exercise, let me know...kicking is more fun when not alone.

g'night.

lord, put my heart in this song... (1-17-07)

yeah...i'm feeling like i owe you another post. technically, i should be adding to the best of list, since i forgot a couple that i wanted to put on there, but i wont. instead, i'll make a uncharactaristically short post. here are four songs from an ep that i am currently enjoying. an ep that isn't released yet. an ep that maybe i shouldn't really be sharing yet. hm. oh well.





Lost in the Trees.  

Tall Trees.
If You're Afraid of the Dark.
Time Taunts Me.

please start with "tall trees". all the songs are good, but that one feels kinda like being snuggled under a comforter during a windstorm.
boy, am i a sucker for a standup bass. i always have been. cello too. he has assembled a good chunk of a mini-orchestra. nice stuff to just veg to.

i'm not going to spell check this. deal with it.


i love coaching soccer.

image credit: all ME baby!

I recognize happiness by the sound it makes when it leaves (1-3-07)

I owe you a blog. So, here I lay, offering this to you this like a child with an upturned brow and a leaf in his left hand…waiting.

A very short story (autobiographical?):


Rusted brandy in a diamond glass
Everything is made from dreams
Time is made from honey slow and sweet

I'll let you run away
But your heart will not oblige you
You'll remember me like a melody

Lost in fog and love and faithless fear
And I've had kisses that make Judas seem sincere


Dianna Krall.   Temptation.   Lyrics.

Fiona Apple.   Slow Like Honey.   Lyrics.

The Hold Steady.   Citrus.   Lyrics.

I'm here to say that I have let too many temptations go racing by for one reason or another. My life has suffered for it. 

Our lives aren't checklists…are they? Please tell me there is some other way to win.

I've passed up vibrant minutes for others, for morality, out of laziness, and superiority. For myself too…for fear of failure and pain and embarrassment. Right this instant, I'm tired of being a hobo on the train of life.

These are visceral comments/wishes. If you want to align them with the calendar, so be it, but there aren't really any resolutions here.

This post has strayed from its intended tack.  It was supposed to be a story about the undeniable lack of soul in those new year's kisses (not that I had an actual new year's kiss this year—I was sleeping—but it hasn't been long since my last empty kiss.)  How those kisses with random strangers do such a good job at highlighting the good and bad of bachelorhood, and how the good is just starting to matter so little. Too bad…it sounds like it would have been a good story.


sorry this isn't edited...it is already 2...don't take it as a lack of love.

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This is one of my favorite poems...Patten slays me…please love it.


A Blade of Grass


You ask for a poem.

I offer you a blade of grass.

You say it is not good enough.

You ask for a poem.


I say this blade of grass will do.

It has dressed itself in frost,

It is more immediate

Than any image of my making.


You say it is not a poem,

It is a blade of grass and grass

Is not quite good enough.

I offer you a blade of grass.


You are indignant.

You say it is too easy to offer grass.

It is absurd.

Anyone can offer a blade of grass.


You ask for a poem.

And so I write you a tragedy about

How a blade of grass

Becomes more and more difficult to offer,


And about how as you grow older

A blade of grass

Becomes more difficult to accept.

 
-Brian Patten



call me.

image- dominique*