Yellowcard - Believe

There is so much to say today and yet I can't seem to say any of it as eloquently as I think is necessary.  For this I apologize.  Still, I write.

10 years ago I was a freshman in college.  Barely.  I hadn't been away from home for much more than a few weeks.  I hadn't even adjusted to my new class schedule or getting up in time for my 9am class.  Most days I slept through my alarm and found myself rushing out of bed, slipping on my rollerblades (class was a good 25 minute walk and I take pride in how quick I could run up 4 flights of stairs in my skates) and speeding to class still in my pajamas - never turning on the TV.  For some reason, on September 11, 2001 my alarm actually did it's job.  But instead of the Sportscenter that morning you all know what was on the television. 

And while most of the world watched for hours stunned and unable to look away I spent those hours on my dorm room phone (I didn't yet own a cell phone) trying to reach my mother.  My mother who worked just a few blocks from the Twin Towers.  To this day few things infuriate me more than the automated words "all circuits are busy, please try again".  After racking up quite an expensive phone bill (dorm room calls were like $0.10 per minute) I learned that my mother had been picked up by an amazing cab driver and had walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and though shaken, she was OK.  The day after 9/11 I got my first cell phone.  And it wasn't long after that my mother quit her job in the city.  And to this day she won't take the subway. 

Anyway, that's my story.  But today I think of those who didn't make it home.  I think of the bravery of the "Heroes of 9/11" and the kindness of strangers towards one another.  I think of those who've lost their lives in the ongoing fight to keep this country and the world a safer place.  I think of those families who've endured the loss of loved ones throughout it all. 

I can't believe it's been 10 years.  It feels like a lifetime ago.  I can't believe it's been 10 years.  It still hasn't ended.

Counting Crows - If I Could Give All My Love

You've heard this song hundreds of times before and it's a good song, but then one day you hear it and it just clicks.  There's no explanation.  No deep meaning.  But, suddenly it's on repeat and finds its way onto various playlist and becomes the song you sing in the shower...

I am proud to present Counting Crows - If I Could Give All My Love.




PS.  I live in the south now, but this is as CLOSE to country as I get... or will ever get!

PPS. Adam Duritz is one of my hereos. 

PPPS.  Counting Crows, Live and Collective Soul was one of the best concerts I've ever been to.

The Beatles - In My Life

I know I just blogged music, but I couldn't do anything else today.  I thought about going with some quotes, but it's all right there.. in his music....

Today marks the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's assassination.  Though I hadn't yet been born when John Lennon was tragically taken, his music had a profound impact on me and will no doubt continue to impact generations not yet born..
This is my favorite Beatles song... (what's yours?)


And for my cover-lovers this is pretty amazing...

Ben Lee - Into the Dark

I know you've missed my regular music selections... despair no more.

Tupac - Smile

"Literally" is a word often misused.  Too many times do people use 'literally' as a descriptive word for emphasis.  No, it isn't literally hot as hell.  No, you didn't literally die from laughter. 

On the other hand, this song did literally change my life - for better or worse.  From when I first heard this song as a freshman in college I can track its impact on my life right up until today.  This song has directly led to friendships and "romantic' relationships.  It has led to joy I couldn't imagine and heartache I never wanted to.  Though I'm sure it's not written for the problems of a white kid from suburbia, this song has helped me through some bad times and given me hope that they'll be more good ones. 

I often talk about the Butterfly Effect on this blog - because I think it's fascinating - and this is a perfect example.  One silly little 4 minute song by a guy I've never met has altered my life is immeasurable ways. 

What songs have had a real effect on your lives?

The video has a pretty long intro.  If you're short on time skip ahead to about the 1 minute mark.  Also, if you get the chance I highly recommend VH1's Rock Doc on Tupac.  


Thank you (??) Nick L. for introducing me to this song and apparently changing my life forever. 

Friends with Talent - Music

Speaking of music, here's another installment in my 'Friends with Talent' series.

I won't waste too much of your time telling you about these talented artists or what they do, just click the links and check it out and let me/them know what you think.

http://amiestreet.com/music/sheehan-perera/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sheehan-Perera/13165527066?ref=ts


http://www.sumanthswaminathan.com/


If any of you have other friends with talent that you'd like to promote please send something my way. 

Less Than Jake - The Science Of Selling Yourself Short

It's been a while since I gave you some new music to enjoy.  Here goes.

The Turtles - It Ain't Me Babe

When I say 'the Turtles' I bet the majority of you will flash on Michaelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo and my personal favorite Donatello.. Some of you may think of 'Happy Together' and still others will just go blank..

For those who think of 'Happy Together', you've likely been brainwashed like the rest of the mass public.  It's a good song no doubt, but this one is oh so much better.  (Yes, it's a Bob Dylan cover, but no one is comparing The Turtles to the legendary Bob Dylan..  This cover is awesome though.)


the turtles - it ain t me babe

My Life In Song Titles

When I get to reminiscing or thinking about my past, often the memories are accompanied by songs that remind me of that time or that feeling, etc.  My life doesn't have a soundtrack, but it would be cool if it did.. Below is my life in song titles (an albums worth in chronologic order).  

Self-Esteem - The Offspring
Underdog - Yellowcard
Don't Tread On Me - Metallica
History of A Boring Town - Less Than Jake
Smile - Tu Pac
I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend - Real Big Fish
Patiently - Domestic Problems
Got You Where I Want You - The Flys
Mistakes We Knew We Were Making - Mae
All For You - Sister Hazel
Jackass - Green Day
Bitch Went Nuts - Ben Folds
Shattered - O.A.R.
I've Got My Mind Set On You - George Harrison
Only In Dreams - Weezer
Dirty Little Secret - All American Rejects
Vindicated - Dashboard Confessional
Don't Look Back In Anger - Oasis
Shine On - Needtobreathe

* Note: These are all songs I truly enjoy. 
** Note: This is different from 'my life in song lyrics' which I will probably do another time.

Rilo Kiley / Joey The Rat

Back in college I went with some friends to a concert of the relatively unknown band Ozma (tickets were $7 so even though I didn't know the band I figured what the hell).  Ozma (who have sinced toured with Weezer) turned out to be pretty awesome.  I highly recommend their album 'Rock and Roll Part Three'.

This post, however, is not about Ozma.  This post is about the band which opened for Ozma on that fateful day.  This band was Rilo Kiley - another band I had never heard of. 

Rilo Kiley's music was OK.  They were a good live act, and they have a few songs worthy of a download, but it wasn't the music that caught my attention.  It was the face of the guitarist that was like seeing a ghost.  Can you recognize the face on the left?

Maybe you'll have better luck recognizing the face on the right?

Yes, that is the same face. 

The kid who once played Joey 'The Rat' on Boy Meets World [starring Ben Savage] has joined up with another former child star (Jenny Lewis - Troop Beverly Hills and The Wiz [maybe not coincidentally staring Fred Savage]) to create Rilo Kiley.

Maybe you all don't find this interesting, but it was to me..  Afterall, I spent the majority of my television watching childhood with Cory, Shawn and Topanga. 

-Thank you Dan S. for inviting me to that concert years ago.

Domestic Problems - Beautiful Girl

This song is just really beautiful (for lack of a better word) and seems so genuine that it can't help but get into my soul just a little. Let me know if you enjoy it.

(Disclaimer: I don't think this live version sounds as good as the album version, but I couldn't find that online to embed here.)

Lyrics | Domestic Problems lyrics - Beautiful Girl lyrics


Thanks to John F. for introducing me to Domestic Problems almost 10 years ago.

Jimmy Eat World - Kill

I've tried to keep this blog from getting too personal... I mean, it's my blog and I'm the only writer so of course it's going to have a lot of my personality in it, but I've tried to keep it pretty much free from my actual life - from the ups and downs. Today I'm going to change that a little.

In the hopes to get a fresh start in 2010 I'm going to be spending the next few days exorcising my demons and getting myself in the right mentality to take on the new year.  I'm going to bring you along for the ride.

In the years to come, when I look back on 2009 I'm undoubtedly going to hear this song in my head.  In my life, no song has ever struck such a chord with me.  In the future hopefully this song will serve as a reminder of how weak I became and push me to be a stronger person.

RIAA - It's Not About The Music Anymore

There was a time not too long ago when musicians were in it for the love of the music or to pick up 'chicks' or to get famous.  Sure, there was always the hope for large monetary returns, but it was about a lifestyle.

I do not condone the illegal downloading of music.  I believe musicians should be able to make money for their talent.  I think the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) is a joke, however.  This isn't about the musicians, this is about lawyers making a buck off of the little guy. 

Read This

If you didn't click the link (really people?), this is about a graduate student (who one can assume is what, like 28 years old maybe) getting fined $675,000 for illegally downloading and sharing 30 songs.  If each of these songs was on a different album and he had to purchase these albums, what are we looking at? 
30 albums x $15 an album = $450.  (And once he purchases the albums, he is free to burn as many CD's for anyone that he wants.) 
Can the RIAA tell me that this kid realistically cost them an additional $674,550 in 'damages'/lost sales?  This kid (and he is still a kid) will be in debt most of his life...  How much of this 'win' is going directly to lawyers?  How much to the record label?  how much to the actual artists? 
On top of the fine, he has now been told he must destroy copies of the music he illegally downloaded.  So after paying $675,000 they won't even let him continue to enjoy the music?? 

This isn't justice.  This is a sham.

What was the Question?

Allen Iverson, dubbed "The Answer", has recently announced his retirement from the NBA, and though I was never a fan, I respected his grit and toughness and the way he played everyday.  While he will be remembered for many things on and off the court, hopefully he will continue to stay in the public eye.  Perhaps resuming his once promising rap career..

Jewelz (AI) - Last Night


*Though he announced his retirement, Allen Iverson may still return to the NBA (perhaps the 76ers will sign him for a goodbye tour, and to fill some seats).

Thank you Joe G. for bringing this song into my life 4+ years ago.

Brand New - Sic Transit Gloria... Glory Fades

I feel like it's been a while since I posted a new song. 

I don't know what it is about this song, but it drew me in years ago and hasn't let go...

(As I've said before, I think music is better appreciated without video, but I couldn't find a good audio only version to embed.  Just close your eyes and enjoy the music.)

Guiltless Pleasures

The term ‘guilty pleasure’ is thrown around a lot.  Maybe it’s because I am so secure in myself, or maybe it’s because I lost my dignity and shame a long time ago, but either way, I don’t really believe in guilty pleasures (for the most part). I think if you enjoy something then you shouldn’t have to hide it.  This especially holds true with music.  Here are some songs that tend to have the label ‘guilty pleasure’, but which I think we all secretly enjoy.

I’d ask you to chime in, but that would totally go in the face of the guilty pleasure principle. So please, cower and enjoy these songs with your windows rolled all the way up.

Walk Like An Egyptian – The Bangles
Who brain doesn’t immediately flash to an image of the ‘Egyptian’ dance when this song comes on?

I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred
This song may be the corniest ever written… BUT, don’t pretend you don’t know the words…

I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
I guess it’s acceptable for women to like this song, but every man has to admit Whitney can belt out a tune.  It’s catchy as hell.

Dress You Up In My Love – Madonna
Wacky as she has become, it’s hard for anyone to admit to liking Madonna, but her musical talent is undeniable (at least in the 80’s and 90’s). And this song rocks.

Summer Girls – LFO
You’ll snicker when it comes on the radio or someone’s iPod, but you won’t turn it off...

Hero – Enrique Iglesias
This one is dedicated to a former roommate of mine who happened to enjoy this song more than most... Sure, it’s about the sappiest song ever written, but everyone wants to be someone else’s hero.

Anything by MC Hammer or Vanilla Ice
Stop; collaborate and listen, Ice is back with a brand new invention: the Hammer Pants.

Leave Me Alone - Michael Jackson

Tonight is the opening of Michael Jackson's 'This Is It'. While it is clearly a gimmick by his family to profit off of his untimely death, it is fitting of the life he lived. In life, he was often taken advantage of (by his father, his brothers and sisters who benefitted from his namesake, and the media - among others), and so too, is he in death.

I choose to remember Michael for his music, his videos and the messages of hope and love that transcended cultures and faiths.

Ordinarily I prefer to post music as audio only because it think it is much more impactful without the distraction of some cheesy music video. I think Michael is the exception. Michael has left me a lot of great songs to choose from, but this has to be my favorite.

'Leave Me Alone'

"People Who Died"

Granted this is sort of old news, but I think it's still note worthy.

In mid-September Jim Carroll died of a heart attack at the age of 59. For those who don't know, Jim Carroll was the author of 'The Basketball Diaries' (which he began writing at age 12 - based on his life) and the musician behind the quasi-hit song 'People Who Died'.

Jim Carroll was apparently one of those people who was good at everything he did. A basketball standout, successful musician and an acclaimed writer, his only failure seemed to be kicking his drug habit – which he eventually succeeded at.

I want to say that Jim Carroll’s life should serve as a cautionary tale against drugs and wasted talent, but the truth is his heroin addiction and his later success were undeniably linked. (Disclaimer: He only found success after he sobered up). Instead, Jim Carroll should stand as a reminder that if you have a passion (in his case writing), you should never give up, no matter where life takes you.

http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/2009/09/aw-crap-jim-carroll-1950-2009

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Carroll

Needtobreathe - Shine On

This song has seen me through some tough times. I recommend listening to it while driving with the windows down and the volume way up.



Somewhere between the end
And the point where we begin
There's a fire burning brightly
That's found it's way to dim
When the feeling's gone...

Shine on Shine on
and onto something new its long and overdue
I will remember you
Shine on shine on
And let the other's see you've got your victory
Will you remember me

I was with you in the valley
And up upon that hill
So take just one more step in front of you
For I am with you still you still
And you're not alone

Shine on Shine on
And onto something new its long and overdue
I will remember you
Shine on shine on
And let the other's see you've got your victory
Will you remember me

Can you see my hands are open I am waiting just ahead
And you think you need it all now
But you needed me instead
Shine on shine on shine on shine on won't you won't you shine

Shine on Shine on
And onto something new its long and overdue
I will remember you
Shine on shine on
And let the other's see you've got your victory
Will you remember me

Weezer - Teenage Victory Song

Ok, so you all know who Weezer is at this point, but you likely have never heard this song. It's a B-side. In terms of my favorite Weezer songs it likely falls just below "Only In Dreams" and just above "Say It Ain't So".



I'm gonna bury you
I'm gonna bury you
I don't care what you do
As long as I approve

'Cause you don't know the way I feel
Spinning here inside this wheel
I've been waiting for so long
To sing my teenage victory song
Whoa Lord I'm comin' home

I'm gonna play all night
I'm gonna beat you right
And mash you in the nads
And kick you outta sight

'Cause you don't know the way I feel
Spinning here inside this wheel
I've been waiting for so long
To sing my teenage victory song
Whoa Lord I'm comin' home

C'mon everybody sing along
Lets make them feel dumb
'Cause they were wrong [they were wrong]
We'll dance and sing the night away [night away]
Say you'll stay

'Cause you don't know the way I feel
Spinning here inside this wheel
I've been waiting for so long
To sing my teenage victory song
Whoa Lord I'm comin' home

C'mon everybody sing along [sing along]
Lets make them feel dumb
'Cause they were wrong [they were wrong]
We'll dance and sing the night away [night away]
Say you'll stay

I'm gonna play all night
I'm gonna beat you right
And mash you in the nads
And kick you outta sight

'Cause you don't know the way I feel