You Lose and You Gain

This gem was shared with me recently, and I can't even begin to convey it's relation to my current position in life. Simply amazing.

Legacy.

The people we bring close during our lives touch us in so many ways. Memories, words, habits, likes/dislikes, it's all some weird sort of contagious thing we pass along to those we encounter. Yet, we blindly move through life, most of us unaware of the moment, unaware that in a few months our catchy saying will be theirs.

The same is true musically. Despite the limited scope of my ex, the over six years we enjoyed together altered me musically. I was exposed to more pop, more strong, female singers, and so much of it seeped into my being. Though some I couldn't stand, and tolerated solely to maintain the peace, others I have become so enamored with that I consider them mine.

Artists like Dido, Fisher, Erasure, Madonna, and Everything but the Girl were just a few I became immersed in. Some songs, I can still hear that haunting voice of my ex as he sung the tune. In the past year, as I have moved on, some artists have remained in my collections, while others haven't.

Dido's new album was quickly acquired when it came out this fall. Darren Hayes is still in my playlist as well. Celine Dion quickly wore out her welcome, and others, I just have needed a break. The plunge into pop goodness isn't complete, and the field of players is crowded.

The legacy remains musically. The influences of another squarely mine, tastes altered, my ears tickled with dulcet tones that were unfamiliar. For that, I am grateful for the experience, and glad that I was open to the musical journey presented.

We Three Kings.

A tidbit for the holiday and a new album next year. 30 years plus and counting. Go Blondie.

Who'd Have Known?

A not-so-secret fav of mine. The video might be a little odd for the song, but it's still cute. (:

You and Me Both.

Total kudos to my friend Caleb for reminding me that Yaz had another album, entitled You and Me Both. I had been so caught up in their hits, in newer indie rock, that I forgotten to explore such a great album.

It's been on rotation since last night and I am totally loving it. It's speaking the language I am am speaking at the moment, which is what makes music so amazing and gives us that connection.

Indeed, my life is about connections at this point, and recent posts speak on that weird stasis I have entered. That said, with vacation in under a week, and my heart so in tune with more than one at the moment, this album was a total breath of fresh air, as well as a perfect translation of my current life.

Cranberry Salvation.

As cliche and polarizing as they were, I must admit I still love the Cranberries. I stumbled across them just like everyone else did, with the big three of "Linger", "Dreams", and "Zombie". All great songs in their own right, with Dolores O'Riordan's unique voice leading the way. Those first two albums were the big ones, yet neither of them really grabbed me. I became a fan with the release of the third album.

To The Faithful Departed stole my heart. I bought the album when it was released, and it went on heavy rotation. From the released "Salvation" and "Free to Decide", to others like "War Child", it was a heavier, emotional ride. One of my favorite videos is the one for Salvation from that album. It's creepy, I'll admit, but it's the perfect video for that song. I still listen to the album, revisiting it's unique sound and thoroughly enjoying it.

The Cranberries recently reunited, the announcement coinciding with the release of O'Riordan's solo album. They are touring again, and I for one am tickled that they are coming to Seattle. Too bad I am not sure I can swing a ticket, but maybe I'll get lucky and have a job, thus being able to afford it. One can dream, right?

If A Song Could Get Me You.

Thanks to Adam, I discovered this adorable video, accompanied by a wonderful song.



The artist, Marit Larsen, has several songs on YouTube, and is Norwegian. She was part of M2M originally before breaking off into her solo career. I must admit some familiarity with the group, and that I like the sound she's producing now more.