Acoustic guitar with a soulful voice? Check and check. Plus, covers of songs that every single person has on his/her "emo" playlist to life.
Check it: The Golden Unplugged Album by Radiohead.
Check it: The Golden Unplugged Album by Radiohead.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Capri Sun
He thought he was the coolest shit since capri suns...I don't know why I thought of capri suns. May be cause I really want one right now. those things are so good. but you need to drink like 3 of em to feel satisfied.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
ZitFacePunch
Oldie: What's that on your face?
Newbie: My eye?
Oldie: No! Next to your EYE.
Newbie: [self-consciously fingers her zit] It's a blemish.
Oldie: Oh. I thought someone had punched you in the face.
Newbie: My eye?
Oldie: No! Next to your EYE.
Newbie: [self-consciously fingers her zit] It's a blemish.
Oldie: Oh. I thought someone had punched you in the face.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Bands on the Periphery of my Indie Rock Radar IV
Kids in the Street (All-American Rejects).
Good beats and poppy lyrics have swayed AAR back on to my playlist. Their past few albums have had some hits (Dirty Little Secret, Swing Swing) and amidst the generics, and this album is no different.
They stay true to the essence of AAR: Upbeats followed by slowed tempo harmonies. The body bounces along with your head shake.
I went to their concert a few weeks back. I had to. Why? Because, when I was 17 years old, they were playing in Athens, GA and I couldn't make it then. This was me arriving eight years later. They don't age, by the way. If anything, the band has grown comfortable with their insanity (as it was always present) and is proof of youth (yup. i would totally do this btw).
Personally, I like them for being young (it's how I live). They likely have a personal music taste that is more deeply evolved than their own genre. And yet, everyone needs a little bit of pop to their beat.
Instantaneous reaction: Ba-bum-bum.
Someday's Gone
Fast and Slow
Kids in the Street
Out the Door
Really...the whole album deserves (at least) one listen (with some songs on repeat).
Good beats and poppy lyrics have swayed AAR back on to my playlist. Their past few albums have had some hits (Dirty Little Secret, Swing Swing) and amidst the generics, and this album is no different.
They stay true to the essence of AAR: Upbeats followed by slowed tempo harmonies. The body bounces along with your head shake.
I went to their concert a few weeks back. I had to. Why? Because, when I was 17 years old, they were playing in Athens, GA and I couldn't make it then. This was me arriving eight years later. They don't age, by the way. If anything, the band has grown comfortable with their insanity (as it was always present) and is proof of youth (yup. i would totally do this btw).
Personally, I like them for being young (it's how I live). They likely have a personal music taste that is more deeply evolved than their own genre. And yet, everyone needs a little bit of pop to their beat.
Instantaneous reaction: Ba-bum-bum.
Someday's Gone
Fast and Slow
Kids in the Street
Out the Door
Really...the whole album deserves (at least) one listen (with some songs on repeat).
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Goodbye, shoes
I'm not a fan of shoes. When I finally have a pair that I like, I never let go of them. I can't even remember the last pair of shoes that I've thrown away. They disappear by two main ways: the universe or the madre...basically, they either get lost/stolen or simply thrown out.
I like to think about all I've experienced in a pair of shoes--what moments did they bear my weight? When did they support me while I was going through a rough patch? It's a bit strange, I know. But take my Keds, for example. It's torn, worn out, and has its own battle scars. That permanent scuff you see on the side, over there on the left, if from the cobble stone streets of Jerusalem, and the tear marks you see on the right shoe are from a rough fall during a kickball match.
These shoes etch a picture for my own stories. They are reminders of moments, however small, I may otherwise forget of what all has happened in the short time I've had a certain pair of shoes.
The reason I'm writing this is that my sandals are broken. And when I say broken, I truly mean beyond repair from tape or glue (because I've actually tried). It's a bit disappointing in my eyes. In those shoes, I started my first day of college, explored places in five different continents, and they immidiately were one of the first things I'd pack for a family trip.
I kind of feel ridiculous about this, but oh well.
Thanks for the memories.
I like to think about all I've experienced in a pair of shoes--what moments did they bear my weight? When did they support me while I was going through a rough patch? It's a bit strange, I know. But take my Keds, for example. It's torn, worn out, and has its own battle scars. That permanent scuff you see on the side, over there on the left, if from the cobble stone streets of Jerusalem, and the tear marks you see on the right shoe are from a rough fall during a kickball match.
These shoes etch a picture for my own stories. They are reminders of moments, however small, I may otherwise forget of what all has happened in the short time I've had a certain pair of shoes.
The reason I'm writing this is that my sandals are broken. And when I say broken, I truly mean beyond repair from tape or glue (because I've actually tried). It's a bit disappointing in my eyes. In those shoes, I started my first day of college, explored places in five different continents, and they immidiately were one of the first things I'd pack for a family trip.
I kind of feel ridiculous about this, but oh well.
Thanks for the memories.
Monday, May 7, 2012
R&R (Ricky and Reminiscence)
Fondly remembered as...
Ricky: Didn't you have a bitchy roommate at one point? Yeh, the bitch that liked cookies.
Ricky's Morning Song
Jensen Healey?
Justin Hines?
Juvenile Hormone?
Jimi Hendrix?
James Hetfield?
ooh, i know. Josh Hartnett
Good morning!
Vegetarianism.
"I want to start a hindu-friendly version of Chik-fil-a. It will be called Chickpea-fil-a."
When I asked for a Christmas present...
"What do you want? A macaroni picture frame? I can totally do that."
Ricky on my Crush
"You do not love him, you're just twitter pated." (see Bambi for understanding)
Ricky: Didn't you have a bitchy roommate at one point? Yeh, the bitch that liked cookies.
Ricky's Morning Song
Jensen Healey?
Justin Hines?
Juvenile Hormone?
Jimi Hendrix?
James Hetfield?
ooh, i know. Josh Hartnett
Good morning!
Vegetarianism.
"I want to start a hindu-friendly version of Chik-fil-a. It will be called Chickpea-fil-a."
When I asked for a Christmas present...
"What do you want? A macaroni picture frame? I can totally do that."
Ricky on my Crush
"You do not love him, you're just twitter pated." (see Bambi for understanding)
Thursday, May 3, 2012
My friend Ricky
I have a friend named Ricky. If you have met Ricky--then you know why I fall short of an adequate illustration. I absolutely adore this boy. The other day, Ricky said something ridiculous. He often says something ridiculous that creates a smile and suddenly the day is lighter and a bit more on the bright side. His words make you laugh. Shake your head. And then roll your eyes. All with a smile.
Hence, new tag: "thingsrickysays."
Let's start this with two memorable quotations:
How Ricky says Bye: "Alright, I gotta go...Love peace and chicken grease."
Ricky on Evolution: "If someone was walking down the street and had a nice coat or hat or something it would almost be easier to click a 'like' button on the person rather than complimenting them on how much you enjoy their attire...one day, we're all gonna be social retards."
Hence, new tag: "thingsrickysays."
Let's start this with two memorable quotations:
How Ricky says Bye: "Alright, I gotta go...Love peace and chicken grease."
Ricky on Evolution: "If someone was walking down the street and had a nice coat or hat or something it would almost be easier to click a 'like' button on the person rather than complimenting them on how much you enjoy their attire...one day, we're all gonna be social retards."
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Bands on the Periphery of my indie rock radar III
These are the filler songs in the soundtrack to my day. They are fitted between the intense and truly uplifting -- they smooth, nonchalant glaze before a roughed and emotionally spirited sea. Definitely try them out but remember them to be just what they are: Generalized Smile Fillers. (Note -- there is nothing wrong with this category. In fact, I'm probably going to hit up their concerts as they each come through town. This is me calling it like it is -- and recognizing what it is not.)
The Drums (Album: The Drums)
An upbeat tune prevaids through the majority of the songs. They have the smooth-slick voice that glides easily with your day. The corners of the mouth perk. The head sways as the rest of the body continues in its busy-bee mood. This is likely to occur within the first verse of Best Friend. It the trend continues in It Will All End in Tears.
Rxn: Bomp in your seat -- turn to the window -- watch the clouds lift and lighten the color of your day (Note: It's not a blast of sunshine cascading your soul; merely a perk of the lips).
Shearwater (Album: Animal Joy)
I play the song Dread Sovereign on repeat. The beat is heavy and pulls you back -- it constrains the song overall, restricting flight. I like this album for its concept. I find it ironic (and thus the unconscious smirk) that the drummer's name is Thor. Yes, Thor -- like the mythological hammer-carrying being. Well, this album resonates Thor's heavy beat. I have listened to the entire album several times and yet only that one song stays in mind. I leave it to the reader as to what that means.
Rxn: Pulled-down-drenched-flight-ROAR.
The Drums (Album: The Drums)
An upbeat tune prevaids through the majority of the songs. They have the smooth-slick voice that glides easily with your day. The corners of the mouth perk. The head sways as the rest of the body continues in its busy-bee mood. This is likely to occur within the first verse of Best Friend. It the trend continues in It Will All End in Tears.
Rxn: Bomp in your seat -- turn to the window -- watch the clouds lift and lighten the color of your day (Note: It's not a blast of sunshine cascading your soul; merely a perk of the lips).
Shearwater (Album: Animal Joy)
I play the song Dread Sovereign on repeat. The beat is heavy and pulls you back -- it constrains the song overall, restricting flight. I like this album for its concept. I find it ironic (and thus the unconscious smirk) that the drummer's name is Thor. Yes, Thor -- like the mythological hammer-carrying being. Well, this album resonates Thor's heavy beat. I have listened to the entire album several times and yet only that one song stays in mind. I leave it to the reader as to what that means.
Rxn: Pulled-down-drenched-flight-ROAR.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Experimentation
First off, I've been a baking fiend lately and tried out these new cookies:
I'm not a big fan of sugar cookies, but the caramel and chocolate add the right kind of sweet to the whole combination. The nut on top counters all the sweetness in the cookie and it's just a lot of fun to make. Kudos to Betty Crocker's flickr page for so many great cooking and baking ideas! You should check it out if when you're looking for new ideas and sometimes the recipes are included as well!
Lastly, I heard a few songs from Of Monsters and Men yesterday and I liked what I heard. I don't remember what songs I listened to, but here are a few to test out:
Little Talks (I think this is one of their more popular songs, but I think it's just okay)
I know I'm posting this at 4:30 in the morning. I do have a life...promise.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Young Love
[Two middle aged women waiting for the metro on the way back to the office, post lunch]:
MAW1: Is [your son] still with that girl?
MAWA2: Yup. And ya know what? I took his cell phone away and his laptop away and the first thing he says is, Can I call [girl's name] before you take it away? I need to let her know.
MAW1: That's real good. He's learning how to have a relationship. [tone shift]. You know, I had this boy when I was little. He used to live catty-corner from my house. He used to play in the dirt. That lasted until the second grade. But you know, I carried a torch for that man until the 11th grade...He was a big boy by that time. [wistful]
MAW1: Is [your son] still with that girl?
MAWA2: Yup. And ya know what? I took his cell phone away and his laptop away and the first thing he says is, Can I call [girl's name] before you take it away? I need to let her know.
MAW1: That's real good. He's learning how to have a relationship. [tone shift]. You know, I had this boy when I was little. He used to live catty-corner from my house. He used to play in the dirt. That lasted until the second grade. But you know, I carried a torch for that man until the 11th grade...He was a big boy by that time. [wistful]
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The Office: Self - Congratulatory Talk
Newbie: [Explaining analysis]
Oldie: [Accepting the analysis. Nods.]
Newbie: Go me!
Oldie: 'Go me'?
Newbie: Go me!
Oldie: What is that? Some new age talk?
Newbie: That is me congratulating myself because I know you won't.
Oldie: [Accepting the analysis. Nods.]
Newbie: Go me!
Oldie: 'Go me'?
Newbie: Go me!
Oldie: What is that? Some new age talk?
Newbie: That is me congratulating myself because I know you won't.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Bands on the periphery of my indie-rock radar II: The Big Pink
Today's feature: The Big Pink
Loving them! I'm currently listening to the first album (released a few years back), "A Brief History of Love," on repeat. It's upbeat yet refrains from being too pop-y. There's that edge of techno (call it European, if you must) that pervades through tracks like Too Young to Love and Tonight. Definitely songs for the middle of the run work-out track. Perfect for a study-break-dance-in-your-room moment. You enter a rave within your mind and collapse to a music-guided rhythm for those four minutes and ten seconds. Another favorite: Dominos. Another bob-of-the-head with a heavier landing beat.
The lyrics are simple with subtle truths in the imagery. Perhaps, truly the briefest history of some stages of the human emotion of love/attachment.
The new album, "Future This," is a good follow - up. Try out Stay Gold -- for some reason, it echoes in me a reminiscence of old school tracks. Not sure exactly what -- but there is a catchy-ness to it that draws me. Is it some underlying 90s appeal that is the trigger? I don't know. But I like it. Also, if you ignore the first 23 seconds of the song 1313 -- you will likely enjoy it. I did :)
Actually, my recommendation is to just scroll and skip the first 23 seconds of the above mentioned song (1313)..otherwise, you might second-guess my musical taste. Truly, there are lyrics tucked away within the melodies of the songs that just hit dead on. And you nod. Then smile.
Instantaneous reaction: 1) Shut the office door. 2) Bob your head. 3) Dance in your seat (repeat steps 2 - 3).
Loving them! I'm currently listening to the first album (released a few years back), "A Brief History of Love," on repeat. It's upbeat yet refrains from being too pop-y. There's that edge of techno (call it European, if you must) that pervades through tracks like Too Young to Love and Tonight. Definitely songs for the middle of the run work-out track. Perfect for a study-break-dance-in-your-room moment. You enter a rave within your mind and collapse to a music-guided rhythm for those four minutes and ten seconds. Another favorite: Dominos. Another bob-of-the-head with a heavier landing beat.
The lyrics are simple with subtle truths in the imagery. Perhaps, truly the briefest history of some stages of the human emotion of love/attachment.
The new album, "Future This," is a good follow - up. Try out Stay Gold -- for some reason, it echoes in me a reminiscence of old school tracks. Not sure exactly what -- but there is a catchy-ness to it that draws me. Is it some underlying 90s appeal that is the trigger? I don't know. But I like it. Also, if you ignore the first 23 seconds of the song 1313 -- you will likely enjoy it. I did :)
Actually, my recommendation is to just scroll and skip the first 23 seconds of the above mentioned song (1313)..otherwise, you might second-guess my musical taste. Truly, there are lyrics tucked away within the melodies of the songs that just hit dead on. And you nod. Then smile.
Instantaneous reaction: 1) Shut the office door. 2) Bob your head. 3) Dance in your seat (repeat steps 2 - 3).
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Office: Coffee Break in Winter
[Newbies on Coffee Break]
*Exit Coffee Shop*
*Collective laughter*
*Conversation of the type between non - friends yet similarly situated in workplace environment*
*ICE FALLS FROM THE LEDGE INCHES AWAY!!!*
Hysterical female Newbie: Oh my God! I almost got killed by a icicle! It's like the movie where the pedophile dies because he got stabbed by the icicle. But I'm not a pedophile!
Newbie A: Killed by an icicle?
Newbie B: What pedophile?
Hysterical female Newbie: You know. That movie.
Newbie C: Final Destination?
Newbie B: Pedophile?
Newbie C: There are a lot of movies where people die from icicles.
Hysterical female Newbie: I'm not a pedophile!
*Exit Coffee Shop*
*Collective laughter*
*Conversation of the type between non - friends yet similarly situated in workplace environment*
*ICE FALLS FROM THE LEDGE INCHES AWAY!!!*
Hysterical female Newbie: Oh my God! I almost got killed by a icicle! It's like the movie where the pedophile dies because he got stabbed by the icicle. But I'm not a pedophile!
Newbie A: Killed by an icicle?
Newbie B: What pedophile?
Hysterical female Newbie: You know. That movie.
Newbie C: Final Destination?
Newbie B: Pedophile?
Newbie C: There are a lot of movies where people die from icicles.
Hysterical female Newbie: I'm not a pedophile!
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Apology Scene
Newbie: I'm sorry I was cranky earlier.
Oldie: You can be cranky.
Newbie: That's really nice of you to say but there's no excuse for my bad behavior.
Oldie: No. I mean I don't give a rat's ass if you're cranky. I don't care.
Newbie: [pause] Oh. I thought you meant that I should feel free to express myself.
Oldie: I meant that I don't care.
Oldie: You can be cranky.
Newbie: That's really nice of you to say but there's no excuse for my bad behavior.
Oldie: No. I mean I don't give a rat's ass if you're cranky. I don't care.
Newbie: [pause] Oh. I thought you meant that I should feel free to express myself.
Oldie: I meant that I don't care.
Decor -- Desserts
Eye Candy.
There is art in everything -- even in desserts. The swirl, the dots, the swoosh.
I love this website. It makes me want to decorate.
There is art in everything -- even in desserts. The swirl, the dots, the swoosh.
I love this website. It makes me want to decorate.
Friday, January 13, 2012
A Look at History
I forgot the rule that we agreed on last year: I will post interesting links to the blog instead of clogging people's inbox with them.
With that said, check this out: http://www.collegehumor.com/facebook-history
I thought it was pretty clever, but keep in mind that government computers probably won't allow you to visit this CollegeHumor website...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Office: Baby Shower
60 year old men: You have to plan the baby shower.
Girl: What? Why? I don't know anything about baby showers. Or babies.
60 year old men: Aren't any of your friends pregnant?
Girl: Abortions don't count.
*Pause as 60 year old men collect their thoughts.*
Girl: What? Why? I don't know anything about baby showers. Or babies.
60 year old men: Aren't any of your friends pregnant?
Girl: Abortions don't count.
*Pause as 60 year old men collect their thoughts.*
Monday, January 9, 2012
I want to remember this one
I got over my Florida hatred and loved the Broncos v. Steelers game this past weekend. Have been reading articles on Tebow (or as my BFFR would like to say -- My T-Beau) to figure out who it is that I have been blackening with an expo marker for most of my undergrad football games against Florida. Not saying that the guy is an amazing quarterback (he's not -- the stats show this). But there is a degree of uncertainty -- a rush of excitement -- to see how the guy will play (and how the game will unfold). The uncertainty marks the excitement.
I liked this article. Also, I realize that a lot of the liberal people from the North that I hang out with are uncomfortable. I'm from the South, and I don't understand their discomfort.
I liked this article. Also, I realize that a lot of the liberal people from the North that I hang out with are uncomfortable. I'm from the South, and I don't understand their discomfort.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Bands on the periphery of my indie-rock radar (and my instantaneous reaction)
Painted Palms. I'm a little undecided, but I liked the first song on their Canopy EP, entitled "All of Us." Check it out. I think the song is on Grooveshark.com as well as links splattered across the webpages of all those bloggers keeping their eyes (and ears) open for the emerging indie-rock band.
Reaction: Trance-like
Easter Island. The song "Proud" off of the EP will hook you. "Kinkadia" may woo you -- but "Proud" will break your inhibitions.
Reaction: You might forget your surroundings and cry.
Oryx and Crake. I had to play a few of its songs before I found one that I actually liked. May be it's my search for the well-blended combo of lyrics and music -- who knows? The song "Pretty How Towns" prompted this band onto my list "Bed death" is decent, too. You can listen to a few (including my suggestion) here.
Reaction: Long drive with nothing but trees and farms lining those mirror routes criss-crossing the Rural between Here and There.
Youth Lagoon. Try out "Afternoon." The smattering of songs I have listened to from the album (The Year in Hibernation) will launch a slight upturn of the lips and then you float. Try out "Daydream" for this particular sensation.
Reaction: Whimsical Flow.
Beautiful Mess. I think this band is going to be a one song wonder for me -- "Lost Apostate Fre". You can find it on myspace.com. I tripped and found this band by accident but am enjoying the (up)beat and lyrical twists.
Reaction: Bop-bop (as I dance in my seat).
Reaction: Trance-like
Easter Island. The song "Proud" off of the EP will hook you. "Kinkadia" may woo you -- but "Proud" will break your inhibitions.
Reaction: You might forget your surroundings and cry.
Oryx and Crake. I had to play a few of its songs before I found one that I actually liked. May be it's my search for the well-blended combo of lyrics and music -- who knows? The song "Pretty How Towns" prompted this band onto my list "Bed death" is decent, too. You can listen to a few (including my suggestion) here.
Reaction: Long drive with nothing but trees and farms lining those mirror routes criss-crossing the Rural between Here and There.
Youth Lagoon. Try out "Afternoon." The smattering of songs I have listened to from the album (The Year in Hibernation) will launch a slight upturn of the lips and then you float. Try out "Daydream" for this particular sensation.
Reaction: Whimsical Flow.
Beautiful Mess. I think this band is going to be a one song wonder for me -- "Lost Apostate Fre". You can find it on myspace.com. I tripped and found this band by accident but am enjoying the (up)beat and lyrical twists.
Reaction: Bop-bop (as I dance in my seat).
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