Bowerbirds

song of the moment:

Bowerbirds, "In Our Talons"

I wish that this video, or any recorded version I've heard, did this any justice.

There I was at the Jackpot Saloon in Lawrence, Ks... waiting. I had listened to the Mountain Goats obsessively for the previous year (maybe more?) and was going to witness this magic live. Excitement, palpable. Observed both sound check and Mr. Darnielle playing video poker. I was on the edge of my seat. Just had to make it through the opening act (under normal circumstances I'd be excited to see anything performed live but I. could. not. wait. ) and, then... this.

delicious gypsy angels.

mountain what?

of course Mountain Goats did = amazing, astounding, ohmywow.

but for about an hour I was completely captivated by this.

The Decemberists

Theme song of the day:

The Decemberists, "O Valencia"

So let me tell you a story.  I was single this time last year.  Then I decided to not be single, and post a personal on the trailer park of online dating sites (like all young professionals these days).  My screen name was "O Valencia", because I was going through a major thing with The Decemberists.  If I could have dated them, I would have.  So I had lots of scary replies from not very interesting guys, and only a couple knew the reference that my screen name was making.  Not that screen name recognition was a prerequisite for dating me, but it certainly helped.

Then this guy, this wacky guy sent me a snarky comment about my music taste, and asked if I had ever listened to Nickelback.  This then led to a conversation about the Nickelback sex tape.  Then we went out a short time later, in hopes of preventing a build up of expectations.

The expectations were indeed crushed.  Smashed.  Obliterated.

We're still dating.



It's been pretty damn good.

Radiohead

song of all/the moments:

Radiohead, "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi"

If forced, by threat of taking my hearing away - a fate surely worse than death, I am certain, to name my favorite song of all time this would be it. It just does something to me. If I make a musical anthology, this will be song number 7 ( the highest honor in my mixed tape making methods). If I could only hear one song for the remainder of eternity it would have to be this. I have discovered I'm not alone, either. This crystallizes my thoughts:

jordanevolz(youtube): The chord progression-key progression-mode progression that they use in this freaking blows my mind. Absolutely brilliant! I want to touch myself right now... bad... just because of how ridiculous this song is. I wish I could eat this song and make it part of me... or make shoes that play this song out little speakers everytime I walk around. Wow, talk about an eargasm. If I could produce music like this, I would be in constant bliss.

that.

Of Montreal

Theme song of yesterday, last night, and today:

Of Montreal, "Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games"

So I saw these guys last night at a free concert, because my city is cool like that.  And the concert was good I guess, but what I enjoyed the most was listening to them all day yesterday; I do my concert homework.  This also involved reading their Wikipedia page and looking up lyrics.

I mostly enjoy this song because of the lyric "We'll be Tristan and Isolde, but make sure I see white sails".  For those of you that don't know, Tristan and Isolde (and Isolde's husband, King Mark) predate the King Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot love triangle, and in my opinion is way sexier because Tristan and Isolde actually get it on- but because of a love potion (so that makes the adultery okay)!  The white sails part is in reference to a portion of the story where a friend of Tristan's is trying to bring Isolde to him by a ship, and it was agreed that if he had Isolde with him he would put up white sails, and if she was not with him, he would put up black sails.  Tristan's jealous snake of a wife (thinking that Tris and Isolde were going to hook up again-duh) lies and says the ship has black sails.  Tristan, decides in Romeo fashion that it would be better to off himself.  So Isolde sees her dead Tristan, and dies as well.

How romantic.  And how silly to hear in a poppy upbeat song.  But I love smart lyrics, and these are a win for me.

Oh, and they used the song (edited) in an Outback commercial.  Ridiculous.


Here's the actual song, with cute little violent animals.

Cold War Kids

Song of this (and many recent) moment(s):

Cold War Kids, "Rubidoux"

How do I love thee, Cold War Kids? In all the ways.

I can't think of a situation that wouldn't be made more pleasant by CWK. Even my angry post- roller-derby-tail-bone agrees. As much as it can. For a tail bone. An angry tail bone.

also, I've had this conversation twice (with the same person):

me: blah blah blah cold war kids blah blah

her: cold orchids? wha???

didn't even lose my patience. such is the joy CWK brings to me.

Fiona Apple

Theme song of the evening:

Fiona Apple, "Waltz (Better Than Fine)"

I have always had a love affair with Fiona Apple.  I love all of her songs.  All of them.  I know all the lyrics.  All of them.

And she's like a pair of pearl earrings.  She goes with everything.  Or a hot guy.  Hot guys go with everything too.

Appleseed Cast

song of this moment:

Appleseed Cast, "Poseidon"

It's raining. There's a cool breeze. The air is filled with an electric charge. Everything feels fresh.

I had big plans for getting things done today. did nothing. I needed that.

I'm not sure of how I found this, I'm just glad I did.

Beirut

Theme artist of the day:

Beirut, "A Sunday Smile", "The Shrew", "Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)"

Today's blog post, presented to you in three acts (I listen to This American Life too much these days).  I too took a much needed recoup day in therms of blog writing.  I'm glad that Holly and I both take the same day without talking to each other.  We can just read each other's mind.  You know you want to be friends with us, based on that alone.

So today is hot.  And breezy.  And lazy.  And perfect Beirut weather.

Act One:
A Sunday Smile



Act Two:
The Shrew



Act Three:
Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)

Dandy Warhols

Song of the moment:

Dandy Warhols, "Bohemian Like You"

I took an epiphany break yesterday. It was delicious.

I am currently being pursued/perused by someone that:

a. has mad metaphor mixing skills.

b. makes pie charts for my amusement.

c. strings words together like such: " another blurry post donut stress syndrome morning, where we are safely post donut apocalypse but still shaken to our core, our faith in humanity consumed in the fray like a french cruller. "

d. has a giant tattoo of Buddha eating a bucket of KFC on his back.

I am thoroughly entertained.

Crushes = $0

Clever crushes that make you laugh = still $0. but funny. and that has to be worth something.

(shame I can't use the real video. it's funny)

Zee Avi

Song of the moment:

Zee Avi, "Is This The End"

I love Zee (LOVE). And I love this. And I especially love when a song captures everything you wont/can't/shouldn't say with such precision that even though you can't/wont bring yourself to say it, you know someone, somewhere, gets it. Even if the person who should never will.

love/love/love

Crystal Castles and Robyn

Theme song for yesterday:

Crystal Castles, "Vanished"

I like lab work.  Really, I do.  But sometimes I just need a.... boost.  All those chemicals, me running around with protective eye wear and gloves (not to mention the lab coat 3 sizes too big), and the hours and hours and hours of doing the same task over and over and over again; really starts to wear on you without the proper musical motivation.  So I listen to this, after I get sick of listening to Ira Glass ("Act One of our program") and Dan Savage ("Go lift someone's luggage tonight") on their respective podcasts.  This song was an addiction of mine this past December and reminds me of finals, baking cookies, and it being fucking cold in my house.  Now it reminds me of tetrabromoethane, acetic acid and my quest for understanding what delta 18O data really means.  Charming.




Theme song of the afternoon:

Robyn, "Fembot"

Go ahead.  Judge me.  I'm pumped for this album to come out.  Anyone that writes lyrics like "Fembots have feelings too", gets an automatic win in my book.  And she's Swedish.  Ok, so I am envious of her of makeup techniques.

Team Sleep

song of the moment:

Team Sleep, "Ever"

I know, I know. I said I'd cover my starting run song.

I also know that this isn't my kind of thing.

The thing is that today was rainy. and dark. and my pants were too long and thus wet at the cuff. and I spent a good deal of time getting all emotional (gross.) over a situation that will never change yet I keep hoping it will (definition of insanity, right? doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results).

so, I found this cd at the dollar tree a few days back and, like most things music, I found it just when I needed it. today.

wet pant legs. tears. clammy, damp skin. warming car. driving.

cold and soft, that's how I'd sum it up.

The National

Theme song of the day:

The National, "Slow Show"

Sigh.

The Prodigy

song of the moment:

The Prodigy, "Hot Ride"

While I love/worship/adore Pearl (best running shoes EVER. in my limited experience) Izumi's new motto "Run Like An Animal", we do disagree on this:

Real runners don't listen to music.

Nay. Nay, I say.

While I do try out new running music regularly there are two constants: the first and last song. My first song is a tried and true masterpiece that never fails to make my awkward muscles and limbs synchronize - that, I will cover tomorrow.

This is my favorite of three last songs (I switch them up. novelty. mood. yeah.) the last song marks the end of my run, energizes me, and - in the case of this one - simultaneously shoves me while choking me up at 3:56.

It's just that good.

The Black Keys

Guest Author: Luke from Dose of Truth fame

Theme song from Luke:
The Black Keys, "Just Couldn't Tie Me Down"

Greetings loyal readers! As you may, or may not be aware of, Kelsey has asked me to write a guest blog entry for your enjoyment! SO without further adieu, lets get started.

The number one issue facing bloggers on the internet today is easily credibility. In an effort to establish myself as a credible music listener, I will now share an anecdote of my own personal music “awakening.”

When I was maybe 12 or 13 I found an abandoned 78rpm record. The Steve Miller Band Greatest Hits 1974-78. This record is what first introduced me to classic rock and blues. I must have listened to it dozens of times on a rediscovered record player (this one has a good needle!) before moving into the 21st century and purchasing it on CD. What followed was years of classic rock fandom, and a fond appreciation for extremely talented guitarists.

Now, I'm not purely living my musical life in the 1970's. Not only that, but my musical taste has been greatly broadened over time. A quick peruse through my iPod could uncover such back to back tracks as Eric Church and Rage Against The Machine, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Cat Stevens, or Bedouin Soundclash and (the protagonist of this post) The Black Keys. Given my musical roots, which I've done the best to offer you the reader the Readers Digest version of, you'll understand why I enjoy them.

I feel its difficult to pick one song that will adequately summarize them, so I will just offer up one of my personal favorites. I hope you enjoy it, and as always, thanks for reading.

Citizen Cope

Theme song of the day (my life):

Citizen Cope, "Sideways"

Ok.  So let's be frank.  Every single woman I have had "the sex talk" with has agreed that there just isn't enough of that happening.  Apparently we (yes, we) make up a contingent of women that don't say "no, thanks" to amorous affection.  Too bad for you boys that haven't found us, and too bad for you boys that have.

This song is perfect for that thing that's just not happening (enough) for anyone.

Damian Rice

Theme song this moment:

Damien Rice, "Delicate"

I feel kind of dirty posting this. In the bad way.

I can't help imagining that being above such sentiments would make me exponentially more appealing to the opposite sex. I care just enough to listen in secret while plotting your undoing*. Cheers!

*much like a cat, minus the listening.

Nina Simone and Songs: Ohia

Theme song of yesterday:

Nina Simone, "Be My Husband"

After scouting around My Brightest Diamond videos on the youtube, I ran across this, then remembered that Nina Simone kicks so much ass and why wasn't I listeningtoherallthetime.





Theme song of this morning at 3 AM:

Songs: Ohia, "Blue Chicago Moon"

This entry makes me sad.  Because it was at this time, that I realized that I would have to kill my boyfriend at some point in the not too distant future.  I was awake at 3 in the morning because I never fell asleep.  Because someone was snoring.  I was not snoring.  The cat was not snoring.  .....

So I took out my earplugs and put in some earbuds and cranked the iPod to dangerous levels and drowned out as much snoring as possible with soothing Songs: Ohia.  I ended up listening to all of the Songs: Ohia I have before I fell asleep for 2.4534 minutes, then the phone rang (not my phone).  And then it rang again a few hours later (again, not my phone).

Boyfriend rolls over, "Thanks for not smothering me last night".

I'm not promising anything, boyfriend.  But keep me in a constant supply of humorous online videos and I'll see if I can put off your smothering date.

PJ Harvey

Theme song this day:

PJ Harvey, "Man Size"

I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to post more Cold War Kids but that seems like cheating.

This is an everyday theme song. I never tire of it. It's just that good.

M.I.A.

Theme song this (yester)day:

M.I.A., "10 Dollar"

Maybe it was the gratuitous trips to ethnic markets (Asian Market and Al Noor), maybe it was the paneer paratha, seaweed salad, banana chips, red bean mochi ice cream balls, or the rahaat loukhoum, maybe it was the security guard insistent on my smoking his hookah. Maybe it was falling asleep to that documentary about Attila.

Please! It tastes like peach!

if I had a dollar... or 10.

The xx and My Brightest Diamond

Theme song of yesterday:

The xx, "Crystalised"

Spiking a fever and feeling like crap.  Music seems like a bad idea with the headache.  But this isn't music, this is The xx.  Totally different.






Theme song of the day:

My Brightest Diamond, "Gone Away"

Still sick.  Don't bother me.

Zee Avi

Theme song this day:

Zee Avi, "First of the Gang"

I had very large martinis at a very small jewelry "party". Need I say more?

Presidents of the United States of America

Theme song this day:

Presidents of the United States of America, "Candy"

stupid misplaced loyalty.

Gogol Bordello

Theme song of the day:

Gogol Bordello, "Wonderlust King"

It's amazing... the time I spend procrastinating greatly outweighs the time it actually takes me to work.  And the work always seems so damn painful and horrible, but it's really only an hour or two of actual work.  I always forget this.

If I was a dude I would not procrastinate growing a 'stash like this guy.  I would also never wear a shirt. And speaking of guys, since when does it smell like Hot Guy in my office...?

sweetafton23

Theme song this day:

sweetafton23, "Toxic"

I will not make out with the art guy. will not. will not. will not.

I shouldn't make out with the art guy.

I'm gonna make out with the art guy, aren't I?

ah damm.

Röyksopp

Theme song of the day:

Royksopp, "The Girl And The Robot"

Okay.  It's a rainy shitty day.  And you are grumpy.  And tired.  And not wanting to work.  And need a back rub.  Clearly the only answer is Norwegian synth pop, complete with guest Swedish lead singer, Robyn!  Productivity immediately soars to 73.2837%.  Congratulations, sir.




Please feel free to also check out the official video here.  For obvious reasons, the Norwegian's don't want this video getting out and about too much and have disabled embedding.  If viewed too much by too many people, I would expect a global aneurysm.

Cold War Kids

Theme song this (yester)day:

Cold War Kids, "Saint John"

ob·ses·sion

1 : a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling; broadly : compelling motivation
2 : something that causes an obsession

I have a confession to make. Well, two, actually.

1. I fell asleep while watching a movie last night (Waitress) and did not rise until this morning, hence the not-so-sexy-non-post action yesterday.

2. I have never really gotten the Beatles.

I know. I know. Flame me. Hate me. Create elaborate dolls in my likeness and do unspeakably horrible things to them.

I'm not saying I think they suck, I don't. I'm not saying I look down upon those who GET them, I don't. (Though I am suspicious of some of you.) I'm not saying I don't enjoy some of their stuff, I do. I'm not saying they weren't pretty. I'm not saying they weren't clever. Please don't kill me.

What I am saying is that I have never understood the whole OMGBEATLES mania. Until now. Sort of.

I am well aware that Cold War Kids are not the Beatles, I'm not comparing the two. As I was watching this video for the 3,564th time it occurred to me that maybe the Beatles make some people's neck hairs stand in a similar fashion. And - just like that - I got it.

(this video is not for those prone to motion sickness, if that is the case just close your eyes and listen. and repeat repeat repeat)

William Elliott Whitmore

Theme song of the day:

William Elliott Whitmore, "Lift My Jug (Song for Hub Cale)"

It's Three Creeks season!  That means poking around in the caves, camping by the creeks, swimming in the creeks, hiking in/around/through the creeks and of course, skipping rocks in the creeks.  This season also coincides with William Elliott Whitmore season, and both appeal to my Midwestern Sensibilities.

I will try not to get too preachy about what people should and should not listen to... but WEW is one of the best.  Amazing.  Go buy all of the stuff he's selling here.  Right now.  I promise you he's not paying me to say that.  Plus, he wouldn't have to pay me, maybe just make out with me.  Just a little bit.

Miss Kittin

Theme song this day:

Miss Kittin, "Barefoot Tonight"

Running is rough. It's grueling. It's not particularly effective for weight loss (I know. I was shocked too). When you are forced to take a break due to a repetitive stress injury to your calves from *cough* not stretching properly *cough* it can be nearly impossible to find the motivation to return.

That is, until you find some gnarly, overgrown, secret trails. And you arm yourself with your arsenal of superhero theme songs. And the sun is shining just so. And the wind is blowing just right. And you are ducking, jumping, and tearing through the woods like you're the star of your own personal video game. Maybe for only two minutes at a time but even superheros have to start somewhere.

You'll never go back to a treadmill, that's for sure.

Leadbelly/Nirvana

Theme song of the day:

Leadbelly, "In The Pines"/ Nirvana, "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?

Both versions of this song have always been favorites of mine, though I can't really relate to the lyrics...  I've had nothing to do with philandering/missing partners, who ended up sleeping in a stand of pines.  Nor have I had something to do with a guy being dismembered in a train incident.

Sorry for slipping two songs in for one day (bonus video too!), but I'm just a sneaky little vixen like that.

Gary Nock

Theme song this day:

Gary Nock, "Dynamite"

"You got that look in your eye, that i hate to know

i'm humming the song that i sing when i feel like i wanna go home
and nothing you say can keep me from thinking the worst...
I guess that sometimes, you cant help but fight
You're Dynamite."

Port O'Brien

Theme Song of the Day:

Port O'Brien, "I Woke Up Today"

The hipster concert committee has deemed this song to be universally appealing to all hipsters.  Something about the DIY nature of the band, the hand clapping, and of course the "WAAAAAAAAAAAHHH WAH UH UH WA OOOH OOOOOOOOH" chorus is rather charming and easy to sing along to even when your lose blood circulation to your extremities due to tight clothing.

If you are listening to this song at home, and not at one of their concerts, just remember to jump up and down the whole time the song plays to recreate the concert esthetic.  Maybe bang on a pot or pan too.

Nadia Oh

Theme song this day:

Nadia Oh, "Got Your Number"

There are days that are full of sunshine, too much ice cream, hiking hidden trails, windows down, music up, breezes. This is one of those days.

There are songs that remind you of a pretty/smart/funny Latin boy, the locking of eyes, the fluttery stomach, and the flushing of cheeks. This is one of those songs.

Cloud Cult

Theme Song of the Day:

Cloud Cult, "It's What You Need"

Short, sweet, and quirky. Just like that moment at the coffee shop where after staring at the cute guy at the next table across from you, you realize he looks awfully like someone you once had a fling with. This only makes matters worse and you end up staring at him more, wondering if he has a similar misfortune as that fellow you had a fling with did.  This is not the best course of action and it quickly gets uncomfortable because you end up locking eyes, and then rapidly looking out the window, causing undue whiplash.  The moment is finally broken when he leaves with a lovely, conservatively dressed, skinnier version of yourself.

The moment then comes back, hours later, when you see him in a classroom in your department building. You lock eyes.  Repeat.

Just like you should put this song on repeat.

Sorry for the lame video.

Cold War Kids

Theme song this day:

Cold War Kids, "God, make up your mind"

Sometimes you just have one of those days when, generally speaking, you stay up until 3:26 am debating your pseudo boyfriend on his hardcore religious beliefs which, on many levels, you respect and adore but ultimately find intensely frustrating in that YOU AREN'T ACTUALLY SEXING whatsoever. And then you spend the next day poorly rested, hormonally challenged, stuffing your face full of Amish "friendship" bread (and now feel as though you should be eating it through a hole in the sheet with the lights out. The bread too. ), and having imaginary conversations in which you deftly put all of his fears/guilt to rest. In the next room. With a fan on for noise. And then you wake up and realize it's just you and the bread. Forever.

What? You never have those days? Fuck you.

Questioning. Longing. Shivering. Repeating.

Beck

Theme Song of the Day:

Beck, "Loser"

Maybe not such an ambiguous message here and there are innumerable situations where this can apply.  Perhaps your cat is unhappy with the new food you bought it.  Perhaps you failed English 101 again.   Perhaps you've never been able to sexually satisfy any of your 2.5 partners.  Either way, Beck made it okay to suck.  In the 90's.  It's not the 90's anymore.  Bummer for you.

And I'm sure there is no reason why, at this time, I would be thinking I that am a loser. It certainly would have nothing to do with me being in graduate school, and it being week 3 of Horrible Advisor Meetings that end in me crying in the department bathroom with mascara running down my face and onto my "slightly" hipster Decemberists shirt and then locking my lab keys in the lab because I forgot to clip them back on my person with my exceptionally weathered carabiner.

The White Stripes

Theme song this day:

The White Stripes, "Ball and Biscuit"

Recipe for proper mid-western mating ritual: acknowledge (alleged) competition, casually suggest ownership of magical powers of legendary proportions, stripper guitar music dance, repeat for 7:17. Much like Field of Dreams, if you replace Kevin Costner with yourself and the oddly placed baseball field with pure sex appeal.

Raw, sexy, baseball playing ghosts. And all that that implies.

Ladytron

Theme song of the day:

Ladytron, "Black Cat"

Perfect for talking yourself up in the mirror in your underwear and bra.  Fun tip!  Especially enjoyable if you memorize the Hungarian lyrics and pretend you are a Hungarian supermodel; don't forget the heels and lipstick.