…or some other pun on flipping. I know usually I give YOU the suggestions and point out all the hip, cool concerts going on, but here’s the thing: I want to hear feedback. You should give me some suggestions, present me with albums to review, tell me about some baller shows going on in the Chicagoland area, and I will publicize the shit out of it (and give you credit for leading me to the holy grail). You can either comment on this here post, or if you scroll to the bottom of the page, there might be a little link with my contact information (seriously?!?!? YES, seriously!). Or you can click the “the girl” link at the top of the page, and you get a perdy little picture of me (aw, shucks!).
The relationship between a girl and her iTunes.
The following selections are all by Owen (musician Mike Kinsella). I cannot wait for the new album, and in anticipation, I am honoring him by dedicating a SUGGESTIONS post to his band Owen.
“The Sad Waltzes of Pietro Crespi.” This was my first introduction to Owen. Musically it is subtle and beautiful in composition, lyrically the words are sweet and sentimental; this song reigns supreme as one of my all time favorite tracks. The lyrics themselves diverge from typical love songs where artists are overly poetic. If anything, Mike goes the opposite and sings from his heart without thought to flourishes. A straight shot from the hip, so to speak. The first time I heard it his baldness of sentiment shocked me. I thought and felt those same things, wanted to say them, but was too frightened by the depth of their truth. Other musicians were not that upfront in their lyrics, which goes to prove why I think some of his genius lies in his words. Favorite moment from this song: “Could you love someone enough, after all you’ve had and then lost, it’s a simple question; I’m only asking because I don’t want to die alone. Could you love someone completely, and yes by someone I mean me, spoiled sick like milk you let sit too long, it’s a simple question.” (Track found on At Home With Owen.)
“Who Found Who’s Hair in Who’s Bed?” I became obsessed with this song this past year. I had listened to it previously, but when circumstances in my life began to change, my focus on this song became decidedly clearer. As obvious from the title, the track discusses betrayal. Yet the composition is distinctly upbeat. It reminds me of The Format‘s album Dog Problems. It is one of the most depressing conglomeration of songs lyrically, however every track makes you want to sing and dance. This song from Owen has that feel (okay, maybe not by it’s dance-likeness, but it definitely propels through the words with a poppy vibe). I cannot boast enough for his ability to sing and play in a way that leads the listeners to feel as if he is singing solely to them.Once again Mike shows his skill for blunt lyricism with an opening line of, “I’m usually not one to speak up, but your decisions of late are by all accounts pretty fucked up, but not in a good way.” (Track found on I Do Perceive.)
“Good Friends, Bad Habits.” Probably one of my favorite tracks of all time (like “The Sad Waltzes of Pietro Crespi” in how I am emotionally bound to this song). The composition has a dreamlike quality to it; the auditory equal to your head swimming after a night out with friends. And yet, there is something melodic, calming, and distinctly rock n’ roll in its sound. What I love about this song the most, though, as is typical with me, are the lyrics. The storyboard behind the song. Mike tells his listeners about his friends, his good friends with bad habits, the literary romantics (“they fuck like Wilde and indulge like Hemingway”). He reflects on his own life, how he no longer is part of that crowd, and in his honesty of being jealous, he turns around and allows us to see what changed it for him: his daughter. Best and most poignant lyrics: “Sometimes, like every time a train passes, I get jealous of the long nights, blurred lights, the red eyes, bar fights, the where the hell am I and how did I get here with one shoe and which way to the nearest train? Sometimes, like every time she breathes, I embrace my routine.” I definitely shed a tear the first time I heard this song. It’s beautiful. (Track found on New Leaves.)
“A Trenchant Critique.” What moves me on this track is the composition. The lyrics are brilliant, as well, but the music catches my attention and holds me far before Mike begins singing. A gorgeous blend of drums, strings, with a smattering of guitar, and his voice seamlessly melding into the framework. When I was younger, there were certain songs that I felt down in my gut, coursing through my body as if somehow I was infected with the poetry and the sounds were in my blood stream moving to my fingertips and toes. This track has that effect. I literally put it on, close my eyes, and melt into the notes. When Mike begins to sing, it weaves such a wonderful image among the variant beats. When the strings come in, the dimension shifts again and, especially if you listen on headphones, the song fills your head. My favorite lyrics are from the opening: “You said that you finally heard the voices in my head, or at least I think you did. I’m so easily confused, an inebriated fool, who doesn’t know his right from left, or often right from wrong.” (Track found on New Leaves.)
“A Bird in Hand.” I have so many other favorites, well, Owen’s whole discography is considered favorites, but this is a track that has been repeated countless times since first listen (probably more than the others combined). As stated earlier, Mike has this beautiful bluntness to the point of reckless, but it adds sincerity to his art. This song was in the running for the wedding song. The composition is dynamic and airy. I can literally visualize the music and the shapes and colors that come across are warm and glowing. The lyrics impress me because Mike is saying “I love you” without saying “I love you” (pardon my obvious statement, for those who have heard this song, but my point is he is saying all the moments he shows his love and means it, and that reflects those three words. That is how I understood/understand what love is, and how you express it). I even like the bridge when a distorted electric guitar shreds for a minute. It mimics chaos and the rock n’ roll obviously felt within the relationship. Favorite lyrics: ”You know what you are to me, don’t make me say it, over and over again. It’s way too late or much too early, you know how I get when I’m left alone to my vices, like the grown ups did when I was a kid, except I’m a bird in your hand, so take me as I am.” (Track found on At Home With Owen.)
This is the show I am looking forward to the most this year. And then Owen in September. And I need to actually catch Chris Broach DJ-ing at some point. I am pretty sure it would be BALLER.
I just wanted to share this quote, taken from The Name of the Wind written by Patrick Rothfuss. I believe it explains my attachment to music accurately:
“I was so deeply in the music that I couldn’t have told you where it stopped and my blood began.”
Lots of upcoming shows and events worth checking out in the Chicago area:
This Thursday at Beat Kitchen, He is We plays an early show, so you better stop by. On 7/1, also known as this Friday, Farraday, The Born Ready, Adora, and Just Left at Metro. 6:00 PM show. Be there or be square. We are also celebrating our wonderful city with the Taste of Chicago. This weekend I will be out and about working it for Metro, so come down and hang out with me at the Taste! On 7/8 Sun Kil Moon plays at Lincoln Hall. If you don’t know who that is, you need to look him up immediately. Mark Kozelek is musical genius with interlacing guitar rhythms and poetic lyrics. Absolutely gorgeous. Then the weekend of 7/9 and 7/10 is WestFest. Local H will perform on Saturday night. BALLER. There will be a DJ stage, along with another for live music throughout the day. Food, art, music, and other entertainment for families and singles alike. I will be working WestFest, so you should stop on by. Pitchfork competes against Old St. Pat’s Block Party the weekend of the 15th, but both are worth checking out. Block Party is the premiere place for singles in the city this summer. Pitchfork is for those independent music lovers. Farraday will be opening for Cobra Starship and Plain White T’s at the Block Party on Saturday, so you will definitely want to check that out. Come say hi while I am working Pitchfork!
This is a summer of greatness. Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to explore the city, delve into personal interests, and have a damn good time. They are also amazing chances to see local talent. These festivals offer artists from the area a chance to showcase their wares. By going you are not only supporting them, but the city.
P.S. MARK ROSE CD RELEASE PARTY THIS FRIDAY! Limited tickets available. You definitely want to get those. Live music, open bar, hardcopy of the CD and face time with the man himself. Check out the information here.
If you haven’t seen these guys yet, this summer is the perfect opportunity to get to know them. Not only does Farraday have a show this Friday at METRO, but they have now added on an additional show for Old St. Pat’s Block Party on 7/15. They will be playing along with Cobra Starship, and another great Chicago band, Plain White T’s. CHECK THEM OUT!
As you know from earlier posts, I am all about supporting local artists. With this economy, it is hard to follow your passion in full force. Other things, like making a living at jobs that may pay well, but have no connection to what is important to you, get in the way. Few people ever have the opportunity to set off on the path that leads to a goal or dream coming to fruition. And that, I believe, is sad. The arts are one of the most affected areas when it comes to budget cuts, yet people fail to realize that in times of great depression (monetarily and emotionally) that entertainment has always been a saving grace. When the world is unhappy, we turn towards the industry to give us a break from reality. Why, then, are we not nurturing the future of art? Why do we not support, with all of our heart, mind, and body, future artists? Really think about it.
Hello ladies and gentlemen! This weekend there are many opportunities to get out and about in the city! One is the Green Music Festival this Saturday and Sunday at Wicker Park. I will be there both days. There is a $5 recommended donation. It is a family fun event, with many activities for the little ones. Also live music split between two stages. Come learn how to serve your planet better and discover new ways to go green!
The past several days I have been in a music coma. Headphones on, volume up, and emotion tuned in. The focus of my attention has been on Jet Black Sunrise. They are a five-piece alternative rock band hailing from Boston, MA, and they recently released Falling, their debut LP. It took over a year to come to fruition, but now that it’s here, it’s well worth the wait. At first listen, my thought was, “When did The Hold Steady release a new album?” And that is a high compliment. There is definitely a symbiotic relationship among the musicians; feeding energy to one another and powering the songs from beginning to end. And that compatibility is heard throughout the entire track listing, giving the album a certain je ne sais quoi.
Five musicians therefore five writers and five contributing voices…
Putting in a plug for a great local artist: Mr. Mark Rose (follow on twitter @MrMarkDRose) is having his full length released and in honor of this occasion, he is throwing a party. Check out the link for more information and gobble that ticket up! (And maybe get me one, too, maybe? Please.) CONGRATS MARK! Your music is wonderful and I cannot wait for the new album’s release!
