Singing Along With The Radio

A list of songs I recently bought:

1. "Rome" by Phoenix
I love this band. I really enjoy their music. 'Listomania' was my favorite song for quite a while. Very catchy, French, and I like their lyrics. Lyrics are a big part of music for me. A little techno-y, almost; alternative at its best.

2. "Chelsea Dagger" by the Fratellis
This band was first introduced to me at a music ensemble concert at my school. One of my friends and his bandmates performed a song of theirs, and I really liked it (the song was 'Henrietta' which I recognized from Made of Honor the movie). I like the guitars from this band, and the lead singer has a voice exactly perfect for my friend David's. Plus, back-up vocals.

3. "Dressed In Dresden" by the Hundred In the Hands
iTunes indie-alternative music recommendations for April. That's where I found this one. I thought it sounded interesting, and I was right. The music is fun to drive to, and they remind me of something (though I can't pinpoint what it is exactly, at this moment). They're a little eclectic, but I suppose it depends on your point of view.

4. "Written In Reverse" by Spoon
"The Underdog" was the first song I heard by this band--guess which movie? Since I discovered them, I've loved them. There's something about the lead singer's voice that attracts me. And this song? The discordant piano chords and strange guitar riffs, the rough edge of Britt Daniel's voice, and the idea behind the song lyrics too. The music is, overall, the best part of this song, though. I appreciate the differences between songs.

5. "Coffee Girl" by the Tragically Hip
Another FanFic recommendation. I found it in one of those smutty stories--this one by hunterhunting--I read, and got curious. Looked the band up, listened, and fell for them. This is a song perfect for writing to, or about, or with. It's calm, yet alive, and it's a great introduction to this Canadian band. Have I mentioned I love Canada, Toronto specifically?

6. "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand
I recognized this song from my youth. I'm not sure how old it is, but it's been out for years now. The other day in Gov. and Poly. we were having a debate over music because somebody's phone started ringing to Muse (which I love) and Carp said she hated them. Logan accused her of liking Franz, and she, predictably, loved them. So, out of need to know what my beloved band was going up against, I looked them up, heard this song, and bought it because it was part of my past.

7. "Fallen (Acoustic) [feat. Hayley Williams]" by Death In The Park
Have to admit, part of the reason I bought this song was the cover art. It's cute, actually. Oh, and Hayley William's. (In case you don't know, she's the lead singer of Paramore). Another attractive factor is that it's acoustic, and for some reason, this always strikes me as more honest and heartfelt (electric is more energetic, not for pondering so much as enjoying). There's some kind of instrument in the background that I can't quite pinpoint, but I love the effect it has on the song too.

8. "Float On" by Modest Mouse
Old song, I know. Well, older. It's not Dean Martin, after all. Still, love this song. And I knew all the lyrics before I bought it. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised I didn't have it before. But when we made it our graduation song for this year, I figured I kind of needed to buy it just for nostalgia purposes for my future. Also, love the message in it. I seriously need to Float On right now.

9. "All Good Things" by the Weepies
Yet another FanFic influence. Gondolier's story this time. I looked them up last year when I first started reading, didn't like them that much, and left them. Then, yesterday, I found it somehow extensively through iTunes, listened to this song, and fell in love. Great harmonies, pure voices, and I do enjoy the whale on the album cover. Don't know why I didn't like them at first.

10. "Hello" the Glee Cast Version
I'm a Gleek, it's true. When they first played this song (originally by Lionel Richie) my breath caught in my chest. I don't know if it was Jonathan Groff's voice that made me die a little, or how good Lea Michelle sounded with him. Still, it brought tears to my eyes. I love piano, and I loved the lyrics. Also enjoyed the introduction of the cello and various other instruments.

11. "I'm Shipping Up To Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys
Recommended to me by my last date--we got to discussing music, and I mentioned Flogging Molly and Mumford and Sons. He rebutted with this. And I listened.
I love Irish rock. Must be something of my heritage partying in my blood. Very rough vocals, different style than that of my usual alternative. It's very good for an introduction to the Green Isle's musical contributions.

12. "The Calculation" by Regina Spektor
I've heard her name a lot. When I went to the California State Summer School of the Arts last summer (a creative writing course), everyone was discussing her latest album. I had no idea who she was. And it was only yesterday I decided I would look her up. Of course, my love for piano hooked me immediately (is it pathetic I can't even play?). Also, something in the lyrics made me smile, if only because I suck at math and this song is a cute way of saying that.

13. "Moments Between Sleep" by VersaEmerge
I'm not sure how I found them--browsing, probably. Still, I enjoyed the song. The band reminds me of Paramore and Flyleaf. Soft female lead who can toughen up when needed, lively guitars in the chorus, and the potential to make for good writing music.

14. "Queen of the Furrows" by the Tragically Hip
Same band as above, but this one reminds me more of Mumford and Sons, a British band I love. A little folksy, alternative, with the pure vocals and tangible accent. Something about accents sets my bones on fire. This band has a bunch of albums out, actually. The two songs I chose are from their latest albums. Again, lyrics are great too.

15. "Aha!" by Imogen Heap
Like Regina Spektor, I'd heard her name before. Never checked her out. I'm sure she was also recommended in some story--it seems like in.a.blue.bathrobe would like her music. I think she may have mentioned it once or twice. Still, I liked the song. A little creepy music, interesting vocals, and just an overall kind of mood-setter. Reminds me of Coraline and Nightmare Before Christmas, somehow.

16. "Sad Sad City" by Ghostland Observatory
Okay, now this one I'm sure was recommended by in.a.blue.bathrobe. I listened to it for a while on playlist, but never bought it until yesterday. A little obnoxious, techno, synthesizers, ect. Really, it's just a strange kind of song, but it's fun and a good distraction from everything else bugging you.

17. "Between Sheets" by Imogen Heap
This one is more of a lyric song for me. There aren't very many lines, but the ones existing are good. It's softer and more piano-driven than 'Aha!'. Something about the song touches my 'emotional frontlines' and I really loved the way she sang it. The piano and more natural sound works really well for this one, and it's one of my fast favorites.

18. "Flash Delirium" by MGMT
The Justice remix of 'Electric Feel' has long been my favorite song by them--I think it still is. But as with all MGMT, this is an interesting song. And the cover-art is funny and cute to me. Something also reminds me of the fifties, though that might just be me interpreting things oddly. If you've heard 'Excuses' by the Morning Benders, it too reminds me of the fifties.

19. "In My Head" by Jason Derulo
Yeah, I gave in and bought this. My memories of this song are fun, whether singing along with the radio pumped up in sunny spring, or dancing with my friends and date to this song, there's something catchy about it. Really catchy. It's my only excuse for buying this. And it makes me want to get up and dance, or vacuum along to it. (I like poppy/lively songs for vacuuming).

20. "Like a Prayer" sung by the Glee Cast (still, love the Madonna version too)
This is one of those songs that everyone loves. Madonna. But with a Glee-ful twist on it. I was just excited because it showcased a lot of the characters' vocals instead of just two or three. Kurt sang, for instance, and I love Kurt (he's my favorite character, the gay-fashionista-soprano with family issues that make me sad for him--plus, he's damn strong to deal with everything). Okay, Kurt rant over. Still, enjoy the song. And the choir. It was the closing song of the second episode this season.

21. "Letters from the Sky" by Civil Twilight
Begins with a little piano, kind of haunting voice, violins, and then it gets louder and falls into alternative. The lyrics, as with many a song, make me want to write. And I will, someday. They're a new band I heard about on the radio. It was a contest between one of their songs and some Rob Thomas song, and I liked Civil Twilight a lot better. So I remembered the name, looked them up, and chose this one because I liked the title and the sample. Lyrics, still, I think are a lot of my attraction.

22. "The Distance" by Cake
Something about this song is just motivating. It's not new, obviously--I knew it five years ago. Still, I found it and decided it's one of those songs I just need. Horns, guitar, and inspiring lyrics too. Plus, it's Cake. And who doesn't love Cake (the food and the band)? I like both.

Anyway, those are my musical recs for the day. Take a listen to some, expand your horizons. Or comment and help me expand mine. I love looking for new music and finding great bands.

~hyacinth

Guess I don't need to recommend a song, do I? ;)

Literature that Works

A list of books and plays I've thoroughly loved, in no particular order, for no particular reason:

1. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
What I loved: Rand's descriptions of her characters were amazing to me. I understood them within a few words from their mouths, or based on the reactions from other characters within the novels. Dominique Francon is actually one of my favorite female characters ever, and I admire Howard Roark for staying true to himself in the face of society.

2. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
What I loved: Honestly, Lord Henry was witty and I was both shocked and pleased by some of his comments. I also admire Wilde's referencing of the gay masters of the arts--Shakespeare, Michelangelo, ect. had male lovers, and their works are mentioned as pride in Wilde's own identity. The lesson behind the book was a real hard hitter too, though I can luckily say I'm not at all vain as Dorian was.

3. The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde
What I loved: The epigrams, aphorisms, and word play in general within the novel were hilarious and amazing. I was also able to reconcile my guilt of Bunburying after I read it, though it made me a little wary about being caught. I just like Wilde's work in general.

4. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
What I loved: It took me a while to understand, but once I did, I loved it for the complexity of the society within the book, the many different characters, the contrast between our world and this one, and the way the essentially Utopian society was formed off of our society and degenerated into a distopian novel.

5. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
What I loved: The Little Prince himself. The lessons learned in this book. "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." The fox, and the discussion about stars at the end made me cry. It was a whole new world after I opened my eyes to it. It will also forever carry the memory of the loss of a friend and the way a class came together that morning to keep moving through it.

6. Paper Towns by John Green
What I loved: This book, on the surface, seems as normal as any other young adult book. But really, it requires a deeper reading, or more than one. I sped through the first time, laughing and crying, and slowed the second to analyze a little. Surprisingly, I understood much better and it both scared and reassured me.

7. Twilight and New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
What I loved: While I don't exactly like these books much anymore and I don't enjoy the writing at all, I loved her original plot. I liked her characters until I realized they were flat enough that I could replace them with anybody I wished for. But still, they have been the basis for many a good fanfiction story, so I have to appreciate that at least.

8. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
What I loved: This book made me cry and feel and think about how I treated people and what I could do but wasn't doing. It also made me analyze myself and think about selfishness and anger and sorrow. I'll have to read it again to see if I understand it better now that I have experienced a loss similar.

9. Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamine by Nic Sheff
What I loved: Despite the fact that this book was probably written while high, there are still passages with wonderful imagery, emotion, and clarity within them. If there were ever a book to put you off of drugs, this is it, and for this reason I will never touch meth. The autobiography struck home here.

10. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
What I loved: The word play. I had to act it out with my class, and I enjoyed the opportunity to show off my fake-Cockney accent. Though I thought I sounded a bit Southern, everyone applauded my street-Britishness. However, I dislike Higgins and Freddie and I didn't think anyone in the book should have belonged together.

11. Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
What I loved: The progression of the story and Rowling's writing. You can really see the author's growth from book one to seven. I admire her creativity in creating such an addictive and complete new world. Her characters are rich and rarely flat. Two "bad guys" were my ultimate favorite characters, and I loved that she made her villains so completely human.

12. The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
What I loved: The emotions presented in this novel were touching and terrifying. I also loved the way in which the author leaves the mystery of the main characters problem until the end instead of solving it nicely halfway through. The reader, however, can guess, and the character is emotionally engaging as well as worrying.

13. The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
What I loved: Jace. Clary. Alec. Izzy. Magnus. Simon. Clare's characters were amazingly real, and they were hilariously sarcastic. Jace, especially, is my favorite male literary character ever. Hard shell on the outside, but scared and lonely on the inside, and worthy of redemption. The impossibility of Jace/Clary also helps, and the reader has to carry a torch of hope for them until the end. Also, very dangerous, very well put-together world right within ours--chillingly good description.

14. Tithe and Ironside by Holly Black
What I loved: The fairies. I used to think they were cute, but now I realize they're dangerous as hell. Misunderstandings, mysteries, fear coating a mouth in metallic flavors. Admiring Roiben, and Kaye's cleverness and humanity. Again, a world within ours, to put ours in contrast.

15. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
What I loved: As with much of Dessen's work, though similar is structure and slightly in plot, her characters are refreshingly human. Fears and opportunities, relationships between friends, family, and lovers are explored. Dessen also has a way with finding the truth and making metaphors, with quotes a person can relate to and understand instantaneously.

16. The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
What I loved: It was so different from the Disney movie I loved as a child. The poet isn't even mentioned in the movie, and yet is important in the book. Also, Lord Frollo--in the movie, he's the nasty monster right away, but in the book, I liked him. I suppose the contrast between book and novel really helped me appreciate the darkness within both.

17. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
What I loved: The satire, Darcy, learning about Victorian society, Darcy, the fact that Austen, as a woman, wrote this in such a way, Darcy... Okay, so I loved Darcy, especially when he was being a jerk and was just like 'I can't help but love you, damn it, now marry me and let's get this thing over with.' Also love how the truth of the effects of pride and prejudice were, and how Lizzie and Darcy don't have just one assigned to each, but instead are both.

18. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
What I loved: The plot was slightly twisted, especially the love between characters, but the humor was my favorite part. "Remember that I am an ass; though it not be written down, yet forget not that I am an ass." Hilarious play, in all ways.

19. Hamlet by William Shakespeare
What I loved: Shakespeare has a way with words, 'tis true. I hated Romeo and Juliet, loathed Macbeth, but enjoyed Hamlet. Really, I'm not sure why. I understood him, maybe, and approved of many of his actions. Hated the villains as I was meant. I don't actually know, but it's my favorite play by the Bard and is one of the works that made me remember he is appreciated and remembered for a reason.

~ hyacinth

Music Rec: "Hello, I Love You" by The Doors