כל הדברים התפתח

Lately, I have had a growing obsession for Sufjan Stevens. I have heard his name floating around like a bubble I chose to ignore. Late last year was when I really started to getting into his hymn covers (which are luscious, sweet, and abstract).

I have written about him before, but I think Sufjan doesn't need me or anyone else for that matter to spend numerous paragraphs in pretty language in order for people to be interested in his music. He just needs to be heard.

In the likes of Iron & Wine and Elliot Smith, let me share with you the songs that have tugged at my acoustic heart.

"Chicago"


"John Wayne Gacy Jr." Yes, this song is about the serial killer.


"For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Yspilanti" One of my favorites of his.


"Vito's Ordination Song"


"The Dress Looks Nice On You"


"Holy, Holy, Holy"


Title: "All Things Grow" in Hebrew
In My Head: "Inside A Boy" by My Brightest Diamond

C'est Cette Période De L'année

Imogen just blew my mind.

She will cause yours to combust in a second.



Title: "It's That Time of Year" in French
In My Head: "Thank U" by Alanis Morissette

Si Perdu Mes Cheveux et Ma Jeunesse

My towel fresh out of the dryer to wipe your drip-dropping hair.
That hug right before you leave a friend that you know you won't see for a while.
The look that there might be something more.
When a friend says, "I'll pray for you".
Finding the perfect skipping stone, and missing.
Those few breaths in which you and the mirror are not arguing.
Remembering the times tears were shed, realizing that you had forgotten until now.
An A paper that you think you don't deserve.
Acknowledging that perfection is a myth, but one you feed into consistently.
Being lost in a wood that should be familiar, but is a stranger all the same.
Someone who is quick to forgive.
Your lovable pet who either is blind to your faults or ignores them.
The beauty that comes with the imperfect, broken, nonsensical, and lost.



That's how I feel when I listen to this song.

I keep listening so that it can become moisturizer. I need this song to nourish my frail and dehydrated soul. Its words need to penetrate past my skin, to fight to get to my bloodstream. Maybe then will I actually believe that these words are true.

Title: "If I Lost My Hair and My Youth" in French
In My Head: "Utopia" by Alanis Morissette

.พวกนี้ของฉันเพชรดัง

These are the gems.
These are suns of my recent days.
These are butterflies that dance near my ear, so beautiful, graceful, and fun.
They shine.
They are deep musical bays, with soft water, a clean, crisp scent, and a vague taste of salt.


The first is my current inner weather report.
The second is the soundtrack to dream that is sleeping on the horizon.

"I'll be the one who'll break my heart. I'll be the one to hold the gun."



"In his eyes are a thousand stars on a dark sky...We crash like lightening into love."

Title: "These are my diamond rings" in Thai
In My Head: "Kiss The Girl" from The Little Mermaid

συχαρίκια

Hello, my few lovely readers!! How's your week? Let me know in comments!

I have a few pieces of news to share, but first, my apologies for lack of posting in the past weeks! I will most definitely try to do better. Let us the lick the chocolate smothered bowl of good news.

1) I decided to give up male artists for Lent because I obsess over them. I am consistently distracted by being attracted. It's been really hard, but it's also an opportunity to discover new female artists. I can only consume about 9% of my entire music library. This fast is really helping me become closer to the Protector (as Fleet Foxes might say). I found the gems of First Aid Kit and Kate Nash (I did a post on Ms. Nash a while ago, but I think it's time to refresh your memory). Future post stars, ofcourse.

2) I am a soon-to-be contributing blogger for Princeton Record Exchange!! It's one the largest independent record exchanges in the country, and it's just ten minutes from my house! So, not only can you read my work here, but also *hopefully* semi-frequently on their blog.


3) I just bought Feist's The Reminder. That might not seem significant, but
when you hear it, you'll realize that she is awesome. Her cover of Nina Simone's "Sea Lion" is a cornucopia of harmonies and succulent vocals. Taste this sour apple lollipop with a bite of sweetness.

Here is the live version:


This is the other track that has me under her hypnosis: "So Sorry"


Title: "Good News" in Greek
In My Head: "Hide And Seek" by Imogen Heap

Mine Ord

Words of My Blog
Listens of the Day:
"Happy is a Yuppie Word" by Switchfoot
"Stars" by David Crowder Band
"Wake Up" by Leeland
"Other Side of the World" by KT Tunstall
"1907" by Phoenix

P.S. If you want to do this really cool word collage as well, the site is Wordle.

In My Head: The fragment of a song that I just wrote. It's called Bamboo and currently lasts about 10 seconds or so. I'll post it on here very soon, as well as the Brett Dennen show post. ;)
Title:"My Words" in Norwegian

Глубоко Синий и Зеленый

"...Deep blue and green, color of her eyes lookin' at me, early in the morning..."

So, I woke up this morning with "Easier" by Joe Purdy in my head because I went on a walk and listened to it on repeat last night. The song is about a relationship that is starting to get hazy, which has nothing to do with my situation at all. But, I began thinking that that song is a subliminal reminder to not put the hope of your existence into someone else.

I am learning. I am in training. I want to be that cloud that gets frustrated and tired with being a nomad and decides to take a rest as a fog. I want to stop searching for that place of contentment in myself. I want to feel satisfied with myself. I want to feel full, to feel complete.

Joe Purdy's "Easier" has one line that goes "Are we gonna get to paint this town deep blue and green, color of your eyes lookin' at me early in the morning". For 45 minutes while messing with Facebook and YouTube, that line orbited all my thoughts.

I then decided to take another look at myself and see myself through new lenses: web-cam lenses. I took so many pictures of myself organically to peel away my fear and self-consciousness.

Here was my inspiration:


Title: "Deep blue and green" in Russian
In My Head: See above ;)

Talvez Caio Para Você

Remember this?

Landon Pigg's "(Falling In Love At The) Coffee Shop" left a melodic echo in my ears months after I saw this commercial. I honestly do not know this artist very well yet; I just wanted to share this winter-y little ditty.

Here's the whole song:


I always want to drink hot chocolate or tea when I play this. I also get the craving to go to the Gryphon and pick up some tea...Happy Sipping!

Title: "Maybe I'm Falling For You" in Portuguese
In My Head: "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys

Les diamants Et les Perles Dans Vos Cheveux

On Friday night, I had the pleasure of watch The Darjeeling Limited for the first time with two of my favorite people: Julia, my suitemate, and her boyfriend, Jason. If you ever a get a chance to see it, take it. Takes place in India, and about three brothers. That's all I'm spilling. In the footsteps of Nike, just see it.

Before the movie, there is a short film entitled Hotel Chevalier. At the three minute mark of this thirteen minute short, an accordian opens to an unfamiliar, but catchy and lovely tune, followed quickly by a man's comparing his lovely lady to some French woman. It comes from Jason Schwartzman's iHome, before answering the door to find Natalie Portman asking the exact question the audience is: "What's this music?"

While watching this, I grabbed a post-it pad and a pink pen to scribble some of the lyrics to google them later and unveil this precious musical not-quite-antique baby ruby.

Note: Even though it's a short film, it's rated R, so I am giving you the first part as a free sample. If you actually want to taste the entire cone, look it up on YouTube.


"Where Do You Go To, My Lovely" by Peter Sarstedt, a one hit wonder from 1969.
I did not find a video that I like for this song, but I'm sure the film snippet was a chocolate-covered pretzal - sweet with a little bite.

Title: "Diamonds And Pearls In Your Hair" in French
In My Head: "Put A Record On" by Unkle Bob (star of the next post)

Vous remercier Glen Pour Rappeler de M'Etre Reconnaissant

Today was one of those days where all the pieces come together to make something cooler than you first imagined. I submitted my RA application today,which I thought was going to kill me due to my procrastination. But, He is gracious enough to cut me some slack, even when I don't deserve it.

I am oh so very pleasantly surprised and happy about where I am right now. If the weather was warmer, I would sit under a tree, complete with that old checkboard cloth, Paper Towns by John Green, my iPod, and some homemade iced tea. As for me, right now, I choose to write my blog with wet socks, Earl Grey, some homework calling my name, and a board game waiting for my piece.

Oh! One last thing, before I offer up an incredible song. On February 10th, I am going to see Brett Dennen at the World Cafe Live in Philly with my Papa!! Also, if there are any Ben Kweller fans out there who read this blog (doubt it), if you pre-order his new album, you get a free autographed poster. Awesome, right?

I chose this song for two reasons. One-I love Glen Phillips (former lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket). I think he's a genious and a wise man. He's the one to go to for beautiful, sheer honesty in music. Thank you, Chico, for introducing me to this ringmaster of acoustic brilliance. Two-The song's called "I Don't Need Anything (That I Don't Already Have)". I need to listen to this song more often because it takes the sleep out of my eye in order to accurately see how blessed I am.

P.S. I ususally fast from music on Thursdays. I didn't listen to any though today. =) Can't say the same for last week.

P.P.S. Correction: Fleet Foxes' entire album needs to be on my snow playlist. Amazing snow soundtrack that I highly recommend. More on that later.

Title: "Thank You Glen For Reminding Me To Be Thankful" in French
In My Head: The awesomeness of the song "A Joyful Noise" by the same oh so magnificant G. Phil.

LasciarLo Nevica

I couldn't take it. I love my blog, but I have been holding back from posting more than once a week in order for readers to savor the musical nectar and keep wanting more. So, here I am again.

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes...


Snow is magical. Any arguments?

Surprisingly, I have never made a snow playlist officially until now, but there are specific songs that I do listen to, just not in a physical playlist. I have over fifty playlists, but I didn't have a snow one. Better late than never.

I'm On My Way by Rich Price
(Falling In Love At The) Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg
All That I Want by The Weepies
Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root
Covered In Snow by William Fitzsimmons
Northern Sky by Nick Drake
Hold You In My Arms by Ray LaMontagne
You Are The Everything by Redbird
Much Farther To Go by Rosie Thomas
Lydia by Slaid Cleaves
White As Snow by Jon Foreman
One Part Love by Jeffrey Foucault
Lovers In Japan (Acoustic Version) by Coldplay
Star Mile by Joshua Radin
Sunday Best by Augustana
Winter Song by Ingrid Michaelson & Sara Bareilles
All My Days by Alexi Murdoch (anything by him, actually)
St. Patrick's Day by John Mayer
Heroes & Thieves by Vanessa Carlton
Lion's Mane by Iron & Wine
How Deep Is Your Love by The Bird & The Bee
The Chain by Ingrid Michaelson
Dreams by The Cranberries
White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes

"All Of My Days" by Alexi Murdoch, live at the Mercury Lounge. Care for a sample?


Title: "Let It Snow" in Italian
In My Head: "Sea of Love" by Cat Power

Smør Ansikt

One of my dream jobs is a film soundtrack producer. I love the art and technique of picking out music tailored to the scene. This post is allowing me to dip my toes in. Here is a short film is called Butterface, and it's about a guy working up the courage to talk to the girl who is sitting beside him on the train. My music selection for this short film would be "Plasticities" by Andrew Bird from the Daytrotter sessions. Watch the film alone first, then play "Plasticities" in the background. I was deliciously pleased with the combination.



Title: "Butter Face" in Norwegian
In My Head: "Wedding Dress" by Derek Webb

Een Meisje Op Een Draad

So, it is an early Sunday morning. I have spent mine so far watching Counting Crows perform live at the Sound Stage on the channel trying to be the next PBS. "Rain King" is an incredible song, but I still have not given Counting Crows the appreciation they deserve. Their latest album entitled Saturday Nights, Sunday Mornings :) was only a name until I saw it unfold like a morning glory on the television. Counting Crows does not get much gratitude, it seems. Rolling Stone wrote an article in their favor. I didn't need some Rolling Stone writer to tell me that I shouldn't judge a book by its cover. All I needed to do was to take just one tired minute of my own and donate it to a man who had big eyes overflowing with passion and honesty with what he was singing. "On A Tuesday In Amsterdam Long Ago" was introduced by lead singer Adam Duritz as "the same song as 'Accidentally In Love' but from a distance".


"She's a carnival driver
Hung in the sky
Cutting through time
Like a memory
Strung on a wire

The color of anything
Fades in the air
But she is the film
Of a book of the story
Of the smell of her hair"
That is the que to the end of words.

Title: "A Girl On A Wire" in Dutch
In My Head: "Come Around" by Counting Crows

Jordbær I Sommertiden

This is my winter sun-shower.

Fleet Foxes is becoming one of my favorites. I have been holding back this gem until January, because I feel like this month is more wintery than December. "White Winter Hymnal" has been marinating to perfection until its present release. A friend of mine described the video for "White Winter Hymnal" as beautiful. I agree, but it is much harder to describe...I wish more songs were as captivating as this one.

This is for my professor, whose birthday is today. It's very birthday-esque, if you think about it.


Title: "Strawberries In The Summertime" in Norwegian
In My Head: "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz

Somos Nuvens, Nós Somos Cochichos

Shara Worden is known as My Brightest Diamond. I'm going to let her do the talking.


Title: "We Are Clouds, We Are Whispers" in Portugese
In My Head: "Oh No" by Andrew Bird (My sister bought this song on iTunes, meaning I cannot claim it as my own.)

In De Stilte Van De Tuin

Frustrated is the young lady who cannot find the opening scene of the Lake House,but who eventually did. The movie itself does not satisfy, but the first few minutes could have been worth the price tag. The film opens with guitars echoing each other leading to the silky strings. "(I Can't Seem To) Make You Mine" sounds like a sweet late winter rain. To match this luscious symphony, the first minute of the film displays lines of letters as if they are clouds being driven by the wind. Ink dances from the penmenship, imitading the graceful smoke from a Marlboro.



Title: "In The Silence Of The Garden" in Dutch
In My Head: "Writing To Reach You" by Travis

Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!

Here's my Christmas gift of my readers. I doubt there are many, but that doesn't matter. That means that there is just enough to gather around a small bonfire in this cold sting of a winter and sip on hot chocolate while I attempt to play Sofia Luz, my guitar. There are enough mugs in my house for the thousands,yet so few of us who never grow ill of unwrapping a new, shiny song or artist. There's nothing better than finding an artist of the past. But, if the artist is still alive, heck, you probably have the opportunity to see him/her/them show off their musical chops at pretty cool venue.

My petite Christmas gift to you is a list of my resources; I'm telling you how to have my never-satisfied eye for music.

Paste Magazine http://pastemagazine.com/ Where I read about my favorite artists

Stereo Gum http://stereogum.com/ Where I can get free downloads of songs by new underground bands

Daytrotter http://daytrotter.com/ Where I can discover new bands while picking up live sessions for free

Pandora http://pandora.com/ Where I can create my own radio stations tailored by what I already listen to and enjoy while the station unveils new artists for me with every use

MSN Music http://music.msn.com/inconcert/ Where I can watch my favorite mainstream artists perform live with amazing picture and sound quality (vs. YouTube)

YouTube http://youtube.com/ Where I can find ancient and sheer music videos, as well as see live footage of a bucket and a half of my favorite artists

MySpace http://myspace.com/ Its music makes up for what Facebook lacks; where I discovered some of favorite artists of all time; artists themselves offer free downloads and display blogs all in one place

More on Christmas...
That's all, folks! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! (You'll hear from me before '09 ;)

Title: "Happy Holidays!" in Latin
In My Head: "Snow Angel" by Over The Rhine

Ho Raccolto I Pezzi Quando mi Sono Svegliato

1) This one's too quiet for words. Watch this:


2)http://www.brushfirerecords.com/index.php/home Go to the "Featured Track" on the right hand side. It's a masterpiece of remix. Kinda makes you wanna dance. It makes my dad play his African drums and believe that Jack Johnson is a bad business man for not having the song be up for sale.

Title: "I picked up the pieces when I woke" in Italian
In My Head: "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" from Phantom Of The Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber

La Dirò Che Ho a Mente

http://beemp3.com/download.php?file=708355&song=Lost+And+Found
Listen to "Lost and Found" by Phoenix (I found a player for it!!!)

My fragmented description:
in red and brick flannel
Princton Record Exchange shirt
gray sweatpants and black socks
in my family room
2:50 in the afternoon of a hazy, glowing Thursday
hair in a new creation out of my face
blast "Lost and Found" from computer
dance moves attempt to be as cool as the music
attempt fails
let my short brown locks drape my face until I shake it out, smelling Garnier

An amazing French band = Phoenix. My new amore!
Hint: Lead singer's girlfriend is Sofia Coppola

Title: "I'll Tell You What I Have In Mind" in Italian
In My Head: "PM's Love Theme" by Craig Armstrong (not sold in the U.S.)

Minha Sinfonia Perfeita Perdida Longa

*Blissful Sigh* Ahh! My soul can rest!

The past hour and a half I have been searching for a key. This key has been lost for years. That glorious, delicious relief when that key is found, or heard, is the catalyst for the overflowing joy that comes with "Eureka!" That word is the absolute best description of the fireworks, the explosion, the volcano of rejoicing refreshment.

A certain song has haunted me for at least 3 years. The shavings and flakes I have held dear to me because within a few minutes inhabits a wonderous treasure, an eruption of flawless euphoria.

I can almost guarantee that you have heard this song. I've been hearing this perfect symphony in trailers throughout the years. You'll hear this, and remember it like an antique dream, covered in dust, but still as crisp as it can be.

What's disgusting is the fact that because it's part of a British film's, Love Actually, soundtrack that is not included on the American verion, it is not on iTunes. (Mind you, I had not seen this movie until about a year ago.) I would've had to pay 5 or 6 euros to get it sent to me from across the Atlantic pond to possess the majestic 2 minute song. But, a certain YouTube user gave a link to a free download of this uncommon gem. It is one of my favorites. My thirst of three long years is finally quenched.

Here, finally, is "PM's Love Theme" by Craig Armstrong, from the motion picture soundtrack of the British film, Love Actually. Yes!


Title: "My Perfect Long Lost Symphony" in Portugese
In My Head: An amazing masterpiece in which its name is no longer a distant, ghostly mystery. It is now alive and well. My ears are sponges, not being able to soak up its flavor to its full potential.