Thoughts on music...

Music is one of those things that I will never be able to fully articulate how it affects my mood, my day, my life. It dictates a lot for me. 


How good is this road trip going to be? 
How hard will I work out today? 
What will I listen to today to help me get through something difficult/painful? 
What are they gonna play at the club so I know I will have a good time dancing?
What is gonna get me through today?
Is it going to bring up memories that I'm ready for?
What new music is out there for me to create some new memories?
What kind of music makes you bop around?
What song am I going to have in my head this morning when I wake up (and subsequently all throughout the day)?


I love music and I love that it can soundtrack any part of your day/life.


Some artists out there are just so good/addictive that you can't get enough of them.  For the last two months, Robyn has been just that artist for me.

ROBYN!!!!

She is everywhere. She is at the bar, she is on the radio, she is in the background of some TV show I'm watching...My friends are blogging about her. 

I made a rough little playlist on youtube that I have been listening to pretty much nonstop at work. ENJOY!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ketX6HITIDU&feature=&p=86F361199553743F&index=0&playnext=1

Earthen Vessel

Last night, I was doing some last minute holiday shopping and on my way home I was flipping through the radio stations and happened upon MPR and heard a name I recognized - Ben Larson.  I can't say that we were friends, but we were acquaintances and worked together a couple of times at some open mics when we both attended Luther College. Ben Larson was a radiant, good man - and you didn't have to be close to him to see/know this.

During the earthquake in Haiti last January, I was advising a service learning experience trip in Kampala, Uganda.  I didn't even know about the earthquake until about a week and a half after the fact, as we were pretty isolated from all media as well as the internet.  I first heard about the earthquake from one of my students who had managed to find a random newspaper in Kampala and he shared the information with us one evening.  I learned of Ben's death after I arrived back to the U.S. at the end of January.  I hadn't looked at facebook in almost  month, let alone checked my email, so happening upon a facebook event for a memorial for Ben was really shocking.

It's been almost a year since this event, but it feels like it was just yesterday that it happened.  As I was sitting in the car, driving home, I listened to Ben's cousin and his wife talk about their experience during the earthquake, and how they've been dealing with everything since the earthquake.  The end of the interview included a song of Ben's called "Earthen Vessel".  I parked the car and listened to every word and thought about Ben, how his life was cut short, his wife, his cousin. I got home and looked up the song and listened to it again.  Even though I'm not religious and I don't believe in God, this song reached me in a very real way.  I sat and cried as I listened to Ben singing,

"...Everything I love is a gift to me
Everything I know is a gift to me
All my family is a gift to me..."

There is truth in these words.

Happy Holidays...

A Song For The Day

this is a picture of most of the bloggers in my other blog....it's a music blog called "A Song For The Day"

it's a collaborative blog and i love it...and i love the people that write for it.

missing from the lineup is sumner...this is what she looks like:

Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)::Cloud Cult

today marks the release day of Cloud Cult's eighth album Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes). you can purchase it directly from them HERE, or you can go to iTunes and download it, or you can find out what stores are selling it. and what's super impresssive, almost as much as the music, is the fact that you will be supporting an independent, not for profit, green record label! Earthology Records! however you choose to support them, it will be a wise life choice for all involved :)

Feel Good Ghosts is, by far, one of the best CDs i have every owned in my short 25 years and will already have been played just as many, if not more, times than all of my Ani DiFranco cds...(which is saying a LOT!). i was introduced to Cloud Cult through this very blog, thanks to one of our guest bloggers (kelsey!), and i've been literally hooked ever since. it isn't very often that one can listen to an entire cd and enjoy every single track individually, as well as the cd as a whole, and i can honestly say that this is exactly the case for this album.

while trying to think of which tracks i wanted to blog about, i really couldn't single it down to one...hell, even two songs. so, fortunately, i was able to let technology make the decision for me...as there are only a few songs available to listen to online :)

i'll let y'all decide which ones are your favorites!

No One Said It Would Be Easy - this is the first track on the cd and i would argue that it is a good highlight song, or a song that best exemplifies the musical stylings one can only anticipate to expect from Cloud Cult. it combines layers of electronica, piano, acoustic guitar, vocal harmonies, and some kick ass percussion!


Everybody Here Is A Cloud - this song directly follows the first track...but is a great example of how each of these songs flow right into one another, thus making the album almost feel like one song that lasts about 40 mind blowing minutes! talk about
\--/jammin!\--/


When Water Comes to Life - as the fourth track, we get a taste of the other instrumentals that are often included in Cloud Cult, with the edition of a violin, cello, oboe, etc...giving the group even more layers than a pineapple upside down cake! yum!


Story of the Grandson of Jesus - this is the ninth track and one of the more...rockin tracks, as it gives you that feeling of wanting to be in company of others to share in musical communion, while jumping up and down to all the accentuated punches in the song.


Hurricane and Fire Survival Guide - once again, this song flows really well after the previous track...which only heightens one's urge to jam out with your clam out...or rock out with your cock out...whichever you prefer.


May Your Hearts Stay Strong - this is the eleventh track on the cd and is probably one of the less immediately happy songs, but still freakin rockin, if you ask me.


well folks, that's that. i hope y'all enjoyed this sample of cloud cult's latest album and go out and support this indie-minnesotan group!!!

the end.
<3,
meggo.

How These Days Grow Long::Brandi Carlile

'nuf said:

Top 20 New-To-Me Artists

this blog is the top 20 new-to-me artists of 2008 (thus far), for me...many of these artists aren't exactly 'new', but they've become new to me and i want to share them with all y'all! i put it in alphabetical order b/c i really couldn't decide how to rank them b/c they're all pretty different/unique and cross genres a lot...so here goes:

1. Adrianne


this woman rocks. her music is what i would classify as acoustic lesbionic folk rock. i dig her voice and her songs are always jam packed with emotion. she also has this sweet youtube page where she showcases her new music (a lot of which is collaborated with members from the group Girlyman). Click HERE to check them out!

2. The Bird and The Bee


the first lady/dude duo of this list, the bird and the bee will make you wanna jam out...with your clam out...or rock out with your cock out - whichever works best for you. they are indie-unique and will make you appreciate their alternative nerdiness ;)

3. Brandi Carlile


i want to have brandi carlile's babies. i've seen her live twice now...and i really can't wait to do her...i mean it...again. never have i ever witnessed an artist utilize her voice to evoke gut wrenching emotion like brandi. plus, she really just knows how to give her songs that extra kick...some spice...a left hook...a curveball...you know what i mean? she's amazing.

4. The Brunettes


the second lady/dude indie duo on my list, the brunettes bring a sort of euro-chic touch to their songs. if you're looking for a group that is as eclectic as itunes music store, check them out HERE.

5. The Cliks


i first came across this group when i was watching the L word a couple seasons back...but became reintroduced to them when my friend Dylan told me to check them out earlier this past fall. this group is canadian and queer. 'nuff said.

6. Cloud Cult


cloud cult rocks. plain and simple. if you're looking to find some music and lyrics to match your heart, go for this group. there are so many things that make this group super cool and one of them is their commitment to indie music. despite multiple major label offers, they've stuck to their beliefs and their non-profit label is also an environmental one as well! PLUS, they also have added former bassist of Tapes 'n Tapes (who will be mentioned later), Shawn Neary!

7. Ingrid Michaelson


for all you grey's anatomy fans, you will probably recognize ingrid, since four of her songs have been featured on the late night hospital intern drama. or, if you are an avid watcher of old navy commercials (specifically the fair isle sweater ads)...if you're feelin a little emo but not really feelin dude emo music, ingrid is your woman.

8. Jenny Owen Youngs


this woman is musical genius. LOVE her. not only does she write really witty and snarky songs, she has done some AMAZING covers of Nelly's 'Hot in Herrre', a hot rendition of the Postal Service's 'The District Sleeps Alone Tonight', a pretty hot version of Kelly Clarkson's lesbionic break-up song 'Since U Been Gone', a sultry and yet hilarious cover of Boys II Men's 'I'll Make Love to You', and finally, a cover medley that highlights Kelis' 'Milkshake', Pocahontas' 'Colors of the Wind', Missy Elliott's 'Work It', and finally Jay Z's '99 Problems'.

9. Joshua James


nothin says emo like a boy from lincoln, nebraska with a guitar and some nerdy glasses and sweet t-shirts. but in all seriousness, joshua james is really talented. beautifully talented...and beautiful. he is a very beautiful male musician. coming from a lezbian, this is saying a lot. he's my new favorite dude.

10. Joshua Radin


along the lines of ingrid michaelson comes joshua radin. joshua has also had songs featured on grey's anatomy, but it is through his connections with good friend/actor/director, zach braff, that much of his music has been featured on other tv shows/movies (scrubs,the last kiss). but regardless of who he knows and where you've heard him, he is very talented. and the way he harmonizes with girlfriend schuyler fisk is just plain beautiful.

11. Kimya Dawson


what i love about kimya dawson is that her songs and her voice sound like that a snarky, sassy, super smart 20-something would write...her sing-songy lyrical stylings turn me on. she makes you feel like you're not the only one who feels 'that' way. most favorite lyric of her's:
having been fucked is no excuse for being fucked up.

12. Maneli Jamal


it's not often that i listen to music that has no words, but it's also more rare for me to be moved by music with no words...maneli jamal is probably the most talented guitarist that i will ever hear in my lifetime. he has a way of bringing out feelings and sensations without having to speak a word...his guitar speaks for him and it's simply one of the most beautiful things your ears will ever come across...regardless of what type/genre of music you dig. he's also quite the artist!

13. Meiko


so, apparently i have a thing for artists who've been featured on the tv show, grey's anatomy. whatever. i can't help it if i dig chill folk/alternative/indie/emo music. and how can you blame me once you get a hold of meiko for yourself? seriously folks...there's something super sexy AND fierce about someone who can reach the top 35 AND hold the #1 folk album for over a month on itunes - and that's without being signed onto a major record label! she's sort of a big deal, so you should look out for her and prepare to enjoy yourself :)

14. Muse


my roommate introduced me to muse and i am eternally grateful. they freakin rock! they make me want to be able to jam out on the bass guitar like they do. i envy their musical stylings. plus, they are featured on Guitar Hero, which, for anyone who knows me, means eternal greatness!!!

15. Paramore


ok...here's a group that seriously kicks ass. AND they do it w/a female lead singer. they make avril lavine look worse than britney spears. (no offense avril/britney fans...sort of...) what i like best about this group is the fact that they totally rock and they're all under the age of 24...actually, they range from ages 17 to 24!!! INSANE. they make emo/rock pop sound meaningful while leaving the bitchy, bratty whining on the curb. plus, lead singer Hayley Williams is pretty cute to boot.

16. Sia


what can i say about Sia...she's weird. she's Aussie. but she's that good kind of weird...refreshing weird...quirky weird...she's the type of artist that makes you feel like she would be a lot of fun for people with ADD/ADHD. she's got a great voice and a hyper-active imagination. if you haven't heard of her, or if you've only heard her hit song "Breathe Me" (which was featured on the last episode of the show Six Feet Under), you need to hear more of her!

17. Sick of Sarah


this 4 woman band out of minneapolis, mn is fierce. if you're looking for female fronted indie rock bands, this is one you should most definitely add to your itunes playlist. SoS is fresh, innovative, and they make you wanna blast their songs with the windows down!! keep an eye out for this group...i have a feeling they're about to explode and become real big in the near future.

18. The Sounds


are you a fan of Blondie, or The Cars? if so, you will love The Sounds...they're Swedish...but way better than IKEA. and they'll compliment your music library better than a poang chair could ever compliment your reading room.

19. Tapes 'n Tapes


what is so cool about this group made of insanely smart kids from MN (they're insanely smart b/c they all graduated from Carleton College)? the fact that they got huge due to underground, indie music bloggers from around the world. if you're into music that incorporates intelligent lyrical and compositional formations, as well as euphonium, beer bottles and spoons (among other things), then you're really gonna dig this group.

20. Thao with The Get Down Stay Down


and last but not least, thao with the get down stay down. this group ROCKS! \--/ \--/ (for those of you non-dorks out there in cyber-blog space, that is totally the symbol for ROCK...you know...that thing you do with your hands when you fold in all but your pinky and pointer finger...that is followed simultaneously with some head bangin.) this is the kind of group that i would totally want to become a groupie for and just follow their tours across the country jamming out at concerts. i don't know much about them, as i've only been listening to their stuff on their myspace site for about a week now, but they seriously ROCK y'all...
---

ani is good for your soul.

so i went to an ani difranco concert in baltimore recently and while i was there,
i purchased another official bootleg cd. she makes these official bootlegs of live
shows she does all over the world and the one i got was from madison, wisconsin in
2004.

most of the bootlegs have very similar playlists, but every so often you'll find one
that has a new song or a song that is old but sounds different b/c it's live and
she's just by herself.

yesterday, i was walking to campus and then later to/from work listening to it.
it's a good cd! she's really talkative and friendly and happy sounding...even when
she's about to play a sad song.  it's just a good cd.

i digress...

she played rock paper scissors and i was floored. i was having a sort of shitty day
yesterday for various reasons, mostly due to the fact that this break up with the
lady has been more of a rollercoaster in terms of how i'm dealing and how i feel
about the situation in general. yesterday was a pissy day.

and then rock paper scissors came on. i listened carefully to the words (like a good
ani disciple) and found myself relating a LOT to the song and the song's message.
throughout this entire breakup process, i have turned to ani to find a way to grieve,
heal, process, move on, etc. i don't know what i'd do if i didn't have this music.

i think i would go insane. i don't have time for a therapist, and my friend's aren't
always going to be available for me to bitch/cry/talk things through with them. but
i have my music, and enough time by myself to listen and work things out.

below are the lyrics to the song. i tried to find a clip of the song to play on
project playlist (www.projectplaylist.com) (if you haven't heard of it, you should check it out, it's pretty
decent), but alas, there was none.  so, you'll just have to go online and buy your
own copy...which is totally worth the $10 btw (www.righteousbaberecords.com)

anyway, that's all.
the end.
love,
meghan.

Rock Paper Scissors : Ani DiFranco

it's rock paper scissors as to whether
i will get over you at all
it's hand against hand and both hands are mine
it's standing in a circular line
which is not to say that i am not also happy
a happy meal with a surprise inside
surprise surprise here's another bright light in your eyes
exposing all the stuff you're not calculating enough to hide

but this melancholy that i carry makes me feel so grown up
at my kitchen table doing shots of resignation
i never thought i'd see the day when i would say i give up
and break the stallions of my wildest expectations

but i do not want to know you this way
surrounded by so much pain
but how am i supposed to let go of you this way
like a bird into the sky of my brain?

i think i could accept all these dark colors
as just part of some bigger color scheme
if it wasn't for that drippy string quartet of sadness
underscoring each smiling scene
desire drags me right out of myself
a gas-soaked rope tied to a piece of coal
and i'm getting pretty good at looking at the bright side
while the flames rip along the sand and swallow me whole

but this melancholy that i carry makes me feel so grown up
at my kitchen table doing shots of resignation
i never thought i'd see the day when i would say i give up
and break the stallions of my wildest expectations

but i do not want to know you this way
surrounded by so much pain
but how am i supposed to let go of you this way
like a bird into the sky of my brain?