Snoop Dogg/Lion

Okay, I thought the documentary was interesting, but it seemed to drag on at times. Yes, I get it, he smokes a ton of weed. But what didn't occur to me was how interwoven that was with the music of Jamaica. I think Snoop Dogg really wanted to have that genuine Reggae sound, and did not do it for the publicity. His music seemed to really reflect the culture he was submerged in, and that impressed me and showed me his skills as an artist. I was glad that he was attempting to shift from the conventional rap consisting of murders, guns, and sex to love and unity. I feel like Snoop Dogg (or Lion or whatever I don't really care or understand the thought process behind the name change but oh well) is setting an example for the rest of the rappers that yes, you can still be a big-shot and create music that does not revolve around drugs. So, publicity stunt or not, some good came out of his Jamaican excursion. Perhaps Snoop Dogg was going through a self-reflection period, and wanted to make music that meant something (which is what I kind of gathered from the documentary), and for that I have newfound respect.

Concert

I saw Bombay Bicycle Club in concert the other day and it was amazing to say the least. They sounded so unified and deliberate with every note, and their harmonies were basically perfect. I am now partial to live music, just because the talent of the artists never cease to amaze me. The lights synchronized with the music so well that I felt like I was listening to their music for the first time. I love the use of guitar and repetition, because the repeated phrases never get old but instead evolve into a new chorus, a new verse, and a new section of the song. It's extremely impressive. Plus, the guest female vocalist on tour with Bombay Bicycle Club was extremely talented and had an impressive range, and seemed to supplement the lead singer's voice perfectly. Here is a video I took of one of the songs off their new album, "It's Alright Now" --

The Morning Benders

I found "The Morning Benders" on Spotify recently and I really like listening to them as I work or just sit at home. They have a soft rock sound that complements artists like Youth Lagoon, Tame Impala, and St. Vincent. Their sound is not overpowering but has a solid guitar foundation and alternates from loud to soft, keeping me interested. I really like the song "Promise" right now for the really cool harmonies and "Excuses" for the calming tone and interesting lyrics.

Acoustic Version of "Promises" (really good)

"Excuses"

Green Day

I really don't like Green Day on a regular basis, but after watching that documentary I have a newfound respect for the guy-liner-wearing artists. Billie Joe's lyrics were representative of the rebellious generation witnessing 9/11 and the constraints of suburbia, a theme that I haven't really seen or heard of in rock music until now. I'm familiar with the anti-war movements in rock and the songs reflecting hardships like the Great Depression, but I had never realized that opinions like those in the past can be translated to the present day. I really enjoyed watching Green Day's music on Broadway -- something I never expected beforehand-- and I thought Billie's star performance on stage was extremely impressive. I still don't like the screaming, super intense sound of some of Green Day's music, but I still appreciate the way he worked in his own life and current events into his music.

Jack Johnson

I have been listening to Jack Johnson a lot during IB testing. His music is extremely soothing and relaxing, especially songs like "Banana Pancakes" and "At Or With Me" and "You and Your Heart." Kendall and I listen to him a lot on car rides home when were both tired and not in the mood to sit through the never ending line leaving the Anderson parking lot.

Trojan Live

Today I went to Trojan Live during class and it was such a cool experience! Way better than last year (which to be honest was not the best). There was one girl who kept messing up her chords and couldn't seem to get started. Everyone in the audience started to clap and cheer her on. It was a really cool experience that I never expected, and kind of ironic due to the crackdown on bullying recently. Caleb and Zion did a great job and so did Olivia Waterman-- there are some talented kids at our school.

Broken Bells

I really really rEALLY love the Broken Bells right now and have been listening to their Spotify profile for a couple weeks. Due to the fact that it's made up of Danger Mouse and a member of the Shins, Broken Bell's credibility has skyrocketed (for me at least). Danger Mouse, the ingenious creator of the Grey Album, surprised me--- these are seemingly different genres and its nice to see the triangulation of certain contemporary artists. My favorite songs are "Holding On For Life" and "After the Disco." They just look so cool in this video I want to see them so badly.......

Lucius

The beginning of "Turn It Around" by Lucius starts very slowly, with the beat kicking in around 30 seconds (a little long if you ask me). She reminds me of St. Vincent in terms of pitch of voice (slightly lower than usual) and has a really interesting vibe. Lucius comes off as techno indie, but as I listen to more of her music she (wait I just realized there are two girls, so THEY) have a quiet side as well. Their album Wildewoman contains an assortment of moods and seems like a dynamic experience.

Concert

Last night I saw Vampire Weekend (for the third time) in concert and it was absolutely amazing. I really love how each of the band members play independently but in sync at the same time. Ezra Koenig (lead singer) was hilarious and interacted with the crowd so much more than he did previously, due to the fact that the concert was held at Stubbs and therefore was a smaller venue. Their set list was flawless-- it was so great just being in the atmosphere of it all. My favorite part of this band is the guitar and how playful // folky it sounds without being full-blown folk music. Here a video I took of their song "Walcott" --

ACL Lineup

The ACL lineup this year is much  better than last year in my opinion. The masterminds behind the scenes did a good job of ensuring there would be a variety of genres, from Skrillex to Pearl Jam. Eminem is a huge headliner that left plenty of people over the moon, however I will more than likely skip that concert. If time allows/if there are no other bands playing at the moment I would love to see Pearl Jam, just because I know they can play and have the years of skill and raw talent to back it up (plus I just enjoy their old rocker vibe). I am SO extremely excited to see Beck because I have been a longtime fan of his older grunge albums in addition to his brand new mellow songs.
Say Goodbye -- Beck (one of my favorite of his new ones)

In addition to Beck, I am probably most excited for Spoon. Spoon has been a favorite of mine for so long and I absolutely cannot WAIT to see them live again. Major Lazer would be cool if there is nothing else to see. I also want to see the Avett Brothers, The Head and The Heart, Broken Bells (for sure), maybe Childish Gambino, Chvrches, St. Vincent, Phantogram, Fitz and the Tantrums, and more.

Youth Lagoon

The song "Canons" by Youth Lagoon has been hanging around my Spotify for the last couple of weeks and I realized that it is my favorite song to do homework to, especially when writing essays. I haven't exactly explored Youth Lagoon in depth but, based off this song, I would like to hear more. "Canons" has cool guitar chords that persist throughout the song, and it has a voice overlay that makes everything sound retro, almost from a distance. Youth Lagoon is a one man band composed of Trevor Powers, and in this live rendition of "Canons" he proves to be a proficient piano player as well. This acoustic version is really pure and innocent, but I'll include the studio version too so you can hear the overlay I'm referring to...

Nirvana... (again)

I know I already blogged about Nirvana back in October, but watching their Unplugged MTV performance really made me appreciate their actual musical abilities more so than before. Kurt Cobain's voice has such a raw pull to it, one of the reasons why they were such a successful band. The songs have such a strong connotation to each and every one of them, breaking the fourth wall and really connecting with the audience. Nirvana has a hardcore/grunge reputation that causes random "rebellious teens" to adopt their music simply for its rebellious and alternative qualities, not for the message or delivery. This isn't really an issue, but it certainly bothers me (and I'm sure other people as well) to see random girls/people in general walking around in Nirvana merchandise purely for the namesake and without any regard to the actual music they are advertising. Nevertheless, Nevermind is an extraordinary album with a ridiculous amount of hit songs, all maintaining their own unique message and feel while having an undertone that ties the album tracks together. After watching Unplugged in class, I decided that "Dumb" was my favorite song of the show....

St. Vincent

I started listening to St. Vincent after you showed us in class one time, and I really like her stuff. The one word I can think of describing her is "unique," because I have honestly never heard anything quite like her music. My favorite song is "Digital Witness," but I enjoy "Cruel" and "Rattlesnake." Now I regret not seeing her at SXSW (granted, I was out of town, but still). Her music has a cool edge and all around interesting aspect that drew me in from the beginning.

U2

I love listening to U2. After watching the documentary a while ago about The Edge, Jack White, and Jimmy Page, I formed a newfound respect for The Edge and his contribution to the band. I like how U2's sound is rock but with a slight electronic feel that incorporates technology without changing the entire vibe. The constant renovations that The Edge makes to U2's sound, in part with the rest of the band of course, emphasizes the message they try to get across. U2 has embedded war protests and fights against diseases into their albums, which (I believe) is one of the reasons why they are such a highly regarded band. They could have very well stuck to traditional chords and lyrics that generated revenue and fame, but they chose to adopt a well-deserved cause, which I believe is admirable. My favorite songs are Ordinary People, Beautiful Day, Vertigo, City of Blinding Lights, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Get on Your Boots, Miracle Drug, All Because of You.

Voxtrot

I just heard the song "The Start of Something" by Voxtrot yesterday and really really enjoy it. I found it through my spotify radio and began to like it due to its similarity to The Smiths and The Strokes. They have a retro sound that stands out among the artists of today AND they're from Austin. Which makes them even better. I have only heard one song so far but I definitely plan on looking up their discography in its entirety. Their career was very short lived, for they released their first self-titled album in 2007 and broke up in 2010. In a way, this is good for me because it means I won't drop $40 on yet another concert ticket, but it also means that I don't get to hear them live. Which is sad. Anyway, I really like this band and recommend that you listen to this song! Yay fellow Austinites.

Hair Metal

The other day was Hair Metal day, and it was strange to say the least. I was ignorant to the level of androgynous men that were prominent in rock bands throughout the 80s. They were certainly not afraid to experiment with their clothing/actions, especially in Kiss, Twisted Sister, and Warrant. There were man times where I was surprised after a band member turned around and showed himself to be a boy with excellent hair, not a girl. It seems paradoxical to me to have these male rock members achieve this grunge-rebellion-edgy image through feminine qualities (clothing, hair, the pitch of their singing...). I knew how Kiss painted their faces and wore ridiculous clothing but the largely androgynous cloud over this rock era was news to me. It is also strange in that people were far less accepting of gay rights and homosexuality than today, and yet (as many people pointed out in class) they were contradicting what many people considered heterosexuality. It all seems strange to me. I would not have liked to live in this time period... it sounds scary.

20 feet from Stardom

From what I was able to see from the documentary, backup singers are under appreciated and over talented. The range, ability, and devotion of these singers often times surpasses the "artists" of today, specifically those who rely on autotune to support their feeble vocals. The fact that you know someone who has only had two people not need the assistance of autotuning signifies a greater issue with American pop culture, in that we are fed this bubblegum-pop-techno-no-talent-necessary music that passes for good when in reality it is merely catchy. That is not to say that the quality of music has declined, because there are plenty of artists that are more than qualified for praise. However the mainstream media shoves artists like Selena Gomez and Britney Spears and Flo Rida who aren't even good at singing or rapping or whatever they do, but they are famous and they can generate revenue and that's what really matters, right? The documentary really unearths the disconnect from melodic tracks and harmonies that the American public suffers today.

Ellie Goulding

So I went to this Ellie Goulding concert this past Saturday and it was phenomenal. It was such a fun concert to just GO to and be in this amazing atmosphere of excitement and genuine talent. Ellie has such an impressive range that makes her songs almost exclusively compatible with her voice. I love pretty much every song she has come out with, especially "Figure 8" and her cover of "Your Song" by Elton John. Heres a video from her concert!

Bombay Bicycle Club

Bombay Bicycle Club came out with a new album that I AM IN LOVE WITH. I listen to their album every time I study or read or just sit around. Their songs are a mix of indie-techno-alternative thats really captivating and soothing at the same time. I highly recommend this album in its entirety. And, since they're going to Lollapalooza, I am trying to find myself a ticket. Stay tuned.

This is my favorite song called "Feel" ^^^^^

The audio is better in this version!

Elvis Costello

We listened to Elvis Costello and I never realized the story behind his name. I think it takes a lot of confidence (and a little arrogance) to adopt the name of the King of Rock before his time has even remotely passed. Regardless, Elvis Costello has a distinct and identifying voice which is what, I think, really makes a standout artist.  My favorite songs by him are Alison, Radio Radio, and Watching the Detectives, and (What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love, & Understanding.

SXSW

Unfortunately I will be gone for SXSW but the good news is that I'll be here on Wednesday! Kendall and I heard Shelby talking in class about Tyler the Creator coming to the Mohawk Wednesday night, so we made definite plans to go. I come back Tuesday and leave Thursday so clearly it was fate. Regardless Kendall and I will be waiting for Tyler to come on Wednesday night because after we saw him at Jambalaya we made a deal to see him if he was ever in Austin again. I can't wait to see Tyler because we had to leave his other concert early and I will DEFINITELY be there the entire time. Videos to come...

Lorde

My friend invited me to the Lorde concert on Monday night, which was really exciting because I have loved her new album ever since it came out. Lorde is really unique artist and, although she is pretty mainstream now, I still love to listen to her. Sydney Zucker actually showed me Lorde's hit song "Royals" way back at the end of junior year, so I listened to her over the summer.

Lorde's unique voice has a low tone that can jump to a high range in the blink of an eye. Her image appeals to me in that she represents the teenagers of our time, and I feel like I can relate to her (she is 17 and has an IB diploma....sound familiar?). The lyrics of her songs apply to my own encounters throughout high school, something that has been hard for me to find lately in the artists I have been listening to. The simplicity of the instruments in her songs really showcases her voice and keeps me engaged throughout the entire 3-4 minutes, which is sometimes hard to do. I love her whole album top to bottom and particularly enjoy the song "World Alone" because of the subject matter and how relevant it is to my life now, in addition to the ability to make her voice soft, whiny, intense, and comforting all in one song. The use of a synthesizer (I think that's what it's called... we talked about it in class... the square drum-pad-thing?) is apparent throughout her album but is used in a supportive way, not in an annoying-techno-electronic sort of way.

Her show was incredible and simple, around 1 hour 15 minutes. It was the perfect length and her stage presence was supplemented by a keyboard and drum set, and that's all. This left the stage open for her to move around and dance (very strangely), but most importantly it emphasized her voice. She truly had an amazing show and thankfully omitted the annoying theatrics that many singers utilize on their tours.

I took some videos (the quality isn't that great because it was really dark)--

"White Teeth Teens"

"400 Lux" (another favorite)

Beck

We talked about Beck the other day in class and I have loved listening to his old early albums. Songs such as "Que Onde Guero" "E-Pro" "Where its At" and "Girl" are some of my favorites. I would embed a video but for some reason my youtube isn't working... oh well. His use of electronic-grunge sounds are really impressive because he keeps his music from sounding "electro" in the sense that Beck's beat is not solely computerized, but incorporates grunge/techno sounds in addition to guitar and drums (for example in the beginning of "Girl"). This combination of genres is what really drew me to Beck. I have yet to listen to his new album, and from what we sampled in class, I can already  tell its very different. It sounds much slower and mellow, almost like really really soft rock. The small bit I did hear surprised me because I was so used to hearing him with a rough, raw voice and his new album was quite the opposite. I look forward to listening to his new stuff and comparing it to the old -- hopefully I'll like it just as much. 

I Am Trying To Break Your Heart

I watched the Wilco documentary you lent me with my dad earlier this week and it was soooo good. I really enjoyed all of the insight into the Loft studio in addition to a look into Jeff Tweedy's personal life. I didn't know he had been suffering from intense migraines & vomiting since elementary school, and had to miss a substantial amount of schooling when he was younger. It was also really interesting to witness the fighting between Jay and Jeff (personally, I took Jeff's side on the arguments shown because he seemed to be the most reasonable... but they were both being slightly ridiculous at times). My all time favorite part was hearing Heavy Metal Drummer in the making, along with all of the other songs on "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." Seeing film from the studio was the best part and I really want to watch the other disc sometime, with live concert footage. Watching the band I've grown up with with my dad was a great experience so thank you for letting me borrow it!

Panic! At The Disco

So last Wednesday, kendall and I went I a free acoustic showing of Panic! At The Disco. I had an opportunity to go to their real concert that same night but couldn't make it, so I took the next best thing. it turns out this was even better! I don't normally listen to Panic, I know a song or two, but a couple days before I decided to look them up and check out their top hits. I really like "Miss Jackson," "I Write Sins not Tragedies," and "This is Gospel." Brendon Urie (lead vocals) lead a hilarious free show with his two band mates. he was so charismatic and extremely skilled that I never wanted the show to end. To top it off, acoustic versions of any song always appeal to me, so this was one of the best concerts I've been to. Despite my lac of familiarity, I had a lot of fun just listening to the raw talent these guys had and plan to attend many more Waterloo Records free shows. I have some videos on my phone and looking back on then you can really hear the full range and amazing tone of Brendon's voice, it was so great to go listen and have this experience.

My Own Two Songs

for the songs of our choice, I chose "You Only Live Once" by The Strokes and "I Turn My Camera On" by Spoon. These two songs are some of my absolute favorites and have been such for many years. I love love love the guitar in "You Only Live Once," its one of my favorite sounds and is iconic, to me at least. The Stokes is one of my favorite bands and that was the first song that i heard by them. ITMCO by Spoon was also one of the first Spoon songs I had ever heard. the high vocals and rhythmic guitar/drums are soothing to me, which sounds kind of strange, but its true. Spoon is my favorite Austin band and when I saw them in concert they put on a FLAWLESS show. 

Additionally, I really liked Anton's self-recorded song. The guitar was really cool and very impressive, which is pretty good for me considering I rarely listen to purely instrumental music! 

Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper is a really cool guy that i discovered pretty recently... He has a signature "yelp" that he does in each song that is really funny to me. Plus, I just really enjoy his music. Chance is coming to JMBLYA this year in New Braunfels in May and I CANT GO. I am very upset. Regardless, I like his album Acid Rap a lot and have been listening to it on the way to school. His sound is very distinct to me and thats what peaked my interest from the very beginning. You should listen to "Favorite Song" (which happens to be my favorite...ha ha) featuring Childish Gambino, as well as "Pusha Man."

Frank Ocean

Heather played Frank Ocean as her in-class song choice which was awesome because I happen to love him. Frank Ocean is a great artist with an impressive vocal range and calm, soothing sound. She played "Super Rich Kids" which is a great song that I think is extremely relevant today, especially with the materialistic obsessions that have overcome the American youth. Frank Ocean is not only significant in terms of his music, but as an artist he is an openly gay and extremely successful man, a real icon for the kids of today. I think the importance of his coming-out letter really gave others the confidence needed to embrace themselves and who they really are.

"Pyramids" -- yes that is John Mayer on the lefthand side...

"Thinkin Bout You" -- his voice sounds so insane in this song its crazy

Phantogram

Phantogram has a really cool electronic sound that I would compare to Cherub and Purity Ring. Conveniently, Phantogram AND Cherub are coming to SXSW. Just a thought. Anyway, Phantogram is one of my favorite bands right now, and I've been listening more to the electronic sound with some rock aspects and high female vocals that somehow tie in together. Josh Carter, one of two band members along with Sarah Barthel, describes his sound as "street beat, psych pop" with "lots of rhythms, swirling guitars, spacey keyboards, echoes, airy vocals." My favorite song by Phantogram right now is called "Fall in Love" and unfortunately I cannot find a good live video, so here's the audio:

Red Hot Chili Peppers

The controversy surrounding the Red Hot Chili Peppers is definitely frustrating for certain people, those fans (much like yourself) who are dedicated to their music and consequently let down. I do believe that lip-syncing detracts from the artist's name, career, and authority. In this case, the RHCP carelessly put together a fake performance and showed signs of disregard for their own so-called "sacred" music. That being said, I don't believe this is as huge of a scandal that the media is making it out to be. Yes, people came to see live music and watch the RHCP (who were randomly paired with Bruno Mars... I really didn't understand that grouping...) sing in front of them. Yes, I believe they cheated their audience, both loyal fans and mere football enthusiasts. However, in the grand scheme of things, it won't make a lasting effect. Beyonce, an incredibly talented artist, lip-synced at the Presidential Inauguration. I wouldn't want to screw up that performance either. Regardless, whether the RHCP pre-recorded a track due to stage fright or sheer indifference, the fact that their inability to even plug in a fake cord says more about their attitude than the lack of a live performance.

The Strokes

I have loved The Strokes for a long time and regret not seeing them in concert when they traveled to Austin two years ago. Mostly, I love the way some of their songs change from a softer rock song like "Someday" to the elevated guitar-heavy songs like "Juicebox." They have such a distinct sound that is unlike any other rock band I've heard, better than the generic talk-singing of the early-20s rock bands that have been popular in the past. Listening to them in the car on the way to school certainly wakes me up and helps me focus before soccer games. I like most of their older material, just because it's what I have been comfortable with for the past years of my life. Here are some of the songs that I've enjoyed the most:

"You Only Live Once"

"Reptilia"

"Someday"

"Is This It" -- Julian Casablancas (the lead singer) looks stoned the whole time but....... its a great song

Downtown

We discussed the changing aspects of Austin and its infrastructure last class period, with most of the class residing in Northwest Hills. During this conversation, I kept thinking about how glad I was that I lived downtown. I am right off the 35th street exit on Mopac, and have a 3 minute drive to UT campus. Attending school at Anderson really makes me appreciate my location. There are countless coffee shops, small restaurants, bookstores, thrift shops, grocery stores, etc. that are exclusive to downtown. I can't go to a small place to study or just read when I drive past Anderson Lane. That's why I love downtown-- the food is amazing, the concerts are endless, and the atmosphere is one of a kind. I can't count on one hand the amount of concerts I've been to downtown that were preceded by an amazing meal, whether it be via restaurant or food truck. If I end up going anywhere besides UT, the environment will be what I miss the most. Of course, family and friends and all that. But really, there is no other city that has the alternative feel that Austin downtown does. I have been lucky to experience living in such a thriving part of the city that many of my classmates do not. It's something that I will cherish for the rest of my life!

Two Door Cinema Club

Two Door Cinema Club came to Austin a couple months ago and my friend tried to convince me to go, but I turned it down due to the fact that I rarely listened to them. Of course, now after they have left Austin, I love listening to them. Their new song "Changing of Seasons" has a really cool electronic-rock vibe that, combined with the lead singer's unique Irish voice, creates an interesting sound. Their other hits consist of "Come Back Home," "I Can Talk," "Something Good Can Work," and "What You Know" and never seem to get old for me....

"What You Know"

"I Can Talk"

"Something Good Can Work"

"

Big Star

We listened to part of a Big Star song on Thursday, and unfortunately I was not in class on Wednesday to watch the documentary, so I am not very familiar with this band. I decided to look up some of their  music when I got home the other day and discovered this song, called "Kangaroo." This definitely falls into the "really sad and dark" phase of their career that you described to me. I would try and describe the way this song sounds, but I feel like the indie music website Stereogum does a much better job --

"The most bracing and outsized measure taken on an album of profoundly avant gestures, 'Kangaroo' is the musical centerpiece and a culmination of Chilton’s ever more radical vision for Big Star’s final album. Over the course of it’s cathartic three minutes and 46 seconds, Chilton sings in a pleading, plaintive tone to a would-be paramour — sounding deeply disoriented and not a little strung out. As the weirdest of all love songs unfolds amidst a sea of buzzing feedback and distortion, Stephens’s drums drop in and out unexpectedly, and Chilton’s guitar sounds nearly Eastern at times. The melody is lovely but elliptical and difficult to pinpoint, the overall effect not so much a pop song as a man simply unloading his addled head onto the tape. “Kangaroo” is as beautifully damaged as rock and roll gets, and sets a template for the experimentation of countless great pop acts going forward."

I plan on watching the documentary on Netflix on my own time, one day...... but for now, I will be enjoying this song:

Gray Area

Because my stupid Spotify app isn't loading, which supplies my entire music library, I have been listening to my own music less than I am used to. Despite this setback, I have started to listen to more 80's music (that is, more than I previously have), mostly because I'm watching two shows that are set in the 80's and are chock full of great music. I am currently digging into Hall & Oats after having You Make My Dreams" stuck in my head for weeks on end. As of now, I am enjoying "Out of Touch." I like the different sound of Hall & Oats, and their use of the keyboard and saxophone in "Maneater" is subtle but iconic. The techno sound combined with the rock and roll overall feeling creates something that I really like to listen to. Here are some of my favorites:

"Maneater"

"You Make My Dreams" (my all time favorite)

"Out of Touch"

Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

I really loved listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young in class, and realized I knew way more of their songs than previously thought. I've heard "Our House" many times, plus "Teach Your Children" and "Carry On." My favorite aspect of this group is definitely the four part harmony. It's incredibly impressive how they are able to synchronize their voices in such a unique way. Without the harmonies, I probably would not have enjoyed this band, because they seem to have an old-folk-sometimes-country sound that isn't exactly appealing to me. However, the harmonies keep me interested and appreciative. Their songs come up in lots of movies as well and I never realized it was CSNY until now! Here is "Our House" live in 1974 (The hair in this video is a bonus).

Winter Break

We talked about winter break in class the other day, and I spent part of my time in Washington D.C. While I was there I found this bookstore that my dad used to go to all the time when he was working in the Senator's office. It was a really unique and interesting experience walking around where my dad spent his years fresh out of law school. The bookstore had two levels, a coffee bar, and a space for author's signings. Hearing me describe it doesn't do it justice, because it felt like home to me. Like someone could just walk inside, sit down, and feel like they had lived there all their life. It certainly happened to me. I found a book full of short stories, with one page written in English and the opposite in Spanish. I am hoping that this catalyzes my goal of fluency in the Spanish language, although I am well aware I have a long way to go in that respect. When my dad comes home from his business trip, I'll post a link to their website. It is definitely a cool place you should check out if you ever happen to find yourself in Washington D.C.!

The Smiths

I have been listening to some of "The Smiths" lately after watching a movie that featured them in their soundtrack. I really like their retro sound and the thickness of the lead singer's accent. I feel like it emphasizes the feeling he is trying to communicate, especially in songs like "Asleep" (my personal favorite of theirs). I haven't exactly investigated them thoroughly, but a quote on Wikipedia states that "The BBC described The Smiths as 'the band that inspired deeper devotion than any British group since The Beatles,'" which I thought was especially relevant to our class studies. It's interesting to me to see just how many of the most popular bands in the world are British. It seems that Britain and the US have always been in tune (ha ha) in terms of the music industry, for each country continually produces groundbreaking bands as time goes on. It makes me wonder if there ever was a struggle between the two, or a battle to see who could rival the other's major band/artist at the time. (Was America jealous of the Beatles British success ...) Anyway, here are some of the songs I really like by The Smiths, I hope you like them:


I'm not sure why the video explores a graveyard the entire time, but here is "Asleep" --

"There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"

"This Charming Man"

"How Soon Is Now"