During my brief time in Providence, my phone conked out. Luckily, it's been more than enough time since I last upgraded my cell phone, so I wandered in to Verizon and got myself the phone that I've been desiring for quite some time. In the past, I've been quite attached to my cell phones - mostly due to the photo and text message content. I'm a bit of a freak. If I got rid of my phone, prior to turning it in, I would make a .doc file on whatever word processing program I had and copied over the times, dates, people, and messages that I had in the phone. I'd email myself the photos, and in doing all of that, preserve the memories I'd made.
Lately though, I've been feeling the restless desire to blank everything out. So I activated my new phone, and said goodbye to the past without copying anything over. :)
If anyone's interested, I updated to the Verizon Voyager (which is the closest I'll get to the iPhone), and my ringtone is no longer "I Will Follow" by U2. I thought that sent the wrong message. It's now "That's the Way (My Love Is)" by the Smashing Pumpkins. Actually, this is the verse that rings out when people call:
"That's the way my love is That's the way I care You should call on me baby I'm always there for you."
I have not kept up with posting as much as I'd like because I've been so busy working and studying. I'm happy to report that my birthday has passed, so I start another year with several birthday parties under my belt and a lot of joy within.
I just returned from a weekend in Providence, where I celebrated my pal Bryn's 23rd birthday. A fun time was had by all as it often is with such hilarious folks. I came home to New Jersey to hear some interestingly shocking stuff, and find myself contemplating the basis of blogging and how I feel about continuing mine. I'm pleased to say that I shook everything off and want to continue being an avid music fan via writing about what I like.
To make a quick comment about blogging, I really enjoy and appreciate blogging about music and how my life influences my musical choices as I craft a soundtrack to my existence. You guys must enjoy it too, as I get a lot of email comments and contacts from bands. Thanks! I don't always, however, enjoy the fact that people can pretty much write whatever they want without a counterpoint. But that's the paradox of freedom, isn't it? So I can't hate on it too much. Like right in this second, I could say, "Hey Sarah, thanks for stalking me outside my window" and no one would ever know if it was true or not, unless I took an active stance in conveying the truth. That's what really makes me happy to have this blog, actually. I enjoy having an outlet for factual material and my neutralized opinion on a subject base. I can say, "I like this music because," and have some supporting ideas about how I feel on a band or song, and you all are always welcome to disagree or agree. I like having a flexible perspective and open discussion. So thank you all for making this medium worthwhile.
Now I'm off to have dinner with Ali, who is a constant in my life as well as a positive grounding force. I thank her and my other closest friends for being intelligent and lovely people, and for always keeping their heads above the messes and knowing the truth of who I am.
I've been listening to an odd mix of hip hop, hipster tunes, Dave Matthews, and John Mayer. So might as well toss some here.
"Stay or Leave" has been particularly soothing lately. I enjoy his lyric of "what day is this?" as I am someone who will remember specific dates in relation to events that are memorable to me.
Also, just to keep up with random musical happenings: Roisin Murphy's new video was released. You Know Me Better (below)
This past weekend, Vampire Weekend was on SNL. They were fun to watch, however, the episode itself sucked. Anyway, NBC took down the videos of the performance that were on YouTube, so here's A-Punk instead.
The We Are Scientists are one of the musical loves of my life. Seriously, if I could marry Keith Murray, without even having met him, I would. I think he and his bandmates are just that brilliant and hilariously witty and I'm sure he and I could build a life on mutual awesomeness and amazing hair.
Their latest album, Brain Thrust Mastery, releases on March 18th, just a few days after my birthday, and I'm excitedly awaiting the album's arrival. (By the way, if you feel like being super duper "let's do a kind act for a stranger" nice and want to buy it for me, there's an Amazon.com wishlist link on the left panel).
In the meantime, here's the song and video for After Hours, which has been on repeat in my car for the last few days. It's along the same vein of their previous works, but I feel as if it is a testament to their evolution as artists. There is an emotional growth and depth that hasn't been as present in their previous songs. Yes, they are talented. Yes, their music is danceable. But there is something about this one particular song that exudes a level of sadness in addition to its catchy beats and hook. It lures you in, and that to me, is a sign that their presence is expanding.
And if anyone has any information as to what happened to the third member of the band, Michael Tapper, and what the circumstances were surrounding his departure from the band, drop me an email. His exclusion from their latest album and promo material as well as the lack of information available about it is turning into somewhat of a musical mystery for me. I think, currently, I'd much rather find out what happened to Michael Tapper than know who really killed JFK.
And just for fun: I've winced at the lengthy interviews with interviewers who just don't comprehend the sarcasm and don't know how to handle a responder with quick remarks and a dry humor that could last for days. Honestly and truly though, these guys are phenomenal. They are entertaining, smart, adorable, and craft superior music. Don't let their mastery of the mind intimidate your ears!
Nine Inch Nails quietly released an instrumental album last night. Well, four albums actually. I haven't had the chance to download it yet, so I'd love to hear some feedback from fans as to Trent Reznor's current musical undertaking. In addition, the four album download is only 5 bucks. That's an awesome deal. Unlike Radiohead's In Rainbows which was incredibly affordable (you got to name your own price) but didn't entirely meet expectations, Ghosts I-IV has already far exceeded the available supply on Nine Inch Nails' website, so listeners and downloaders should probably turn to Amazon to get an accurate and error free mp3 experience.
I don't have any anecdote or musical review to go along with this one. It just so happens that Wilco is on SNL tonight and I enjoy their music. So here ya go.
Wilco - Hate it Here from Sky Blue Sky I wonder if they'll be hanging out with Fred Armisen again after his brief cameo in their documentary, "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart." I hope so.
Meh, might as well link to the opening credits of the documentary.
