Ratty Tunes

You Lose and You Gain

2010-06-15T00:41:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-12-28T00:32:00.001-08:00

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.

2009-12-18T10:09:00.001-08:00

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

Who'd Have Known?

2009-11-08T15:43:00.001-08:00

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.

2009-10-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-10-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

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.

A Very Brady Disaster.

2009-09-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

I recently stumbled across a horrible, impossible to look away from gem of a video from "The Brady Bunch Variety Hour". It's definitely a guilty pleasure in the worst sense.

Since finding this, a few friends have passed it along through facebook, and sadly, I also inspired this LineOut post on the Stranger's site.

Researching the show a bit, I discovered it was the bastard child of Sid & Marty Kroftt, which explains so much. I also found a brief article on the show, talking about a book on the Brady phenomenom and the rather odd show.

I must admit, the creations of Sid & Marty have always had a strange and hypnotic effect on me. I remember seeing some of their stuff late Saturday night on Nick at Nite as a teenager. Probably explains a lot, huh?

The Day Before You Came.

2009-06-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful little song. The last recorded single of ABBA, from 1982.

Currently addicted to...

2009-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Dolly Parton: Backwoods Barbie.

I have no shame. She drives me crazy...

Rewarding Bad Behavior.

2009-05-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

I've always been lured in by rewards. Especially when it comes to music. Offer some music as an incentive? I'm interested. Bin of clearance CDs? I'll take 20 minutes and look.

That said, when I made my last major Apple purchase, I signed up for their card. It comes with iTunes rewards, and while I don't spend a lot (usually) it is very nice. I've probably gotten about $75 bucks in rewards from it, which always means hours of hand-wringing and calculating exactly how to squeeze the most music out of the rewards card.

When I bought some furniture a month(ish) ago, I knew I would be setting myself for some nice rewards. What better way to encourage spending, right?

While I know just buying the music outright would be a more beneficial agreement, I'll take what I can get. Today, what I got is $50 to spend on iTunes... now I just need to figure out what I want. Suggestions?

One to Spin: Melissa Etheridge's Skin.

2009-05-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

Please forgive me
If I don't know what to do
It's an old fire
This familiar desire
But my skin is painfully new

I've followed Melissa Etheridge for a long time. While more recent outings have left me less impressed, her music continues to speak to me in a way that is not easily defined. In 2001, fresh from a breakup, she released Skin. Personally, I was in transition as well, a twenty-two year old living in a very harsh reality.

This album, its words, its tone, its very being touches me. It brings some very real emotions to the surface, identifies some things I can't speak. Opening with Lover Please, the story is put into motion. One of heartache, hope, fear, and empowerment. The peeling away of one's self and replacing it with something new.

By the closing lines of Heal Me, the listener is part of the journey. Down to one, moving forward, healing, ready to embrace the world again, the skin, painfully new. A highly recommended listen, and an album that transforms this sometimes lonely, sometimes battered soul into a more confident, ready to face the world individual.

Dancing in the Tweets.

2009-05-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

Just a quick Monday morning update. Over the weekend, I discovered what at the moment is my favorite use of Twitter. I heartily endorse Disco Delivery for those into that kind of music (yours truly included), and the gentleman behind the site has started using Twitter. He updates frequently, as sharing music through a quick few words and a URL is far easier than writing a full review. A few highlights, directly from his tweets:

"I'm half a year behind, but a friend just introduced this to me. Swedes do everything right, even bland pop idol singers http://bit.ly/VqOw6"

"is starting to enjoy the new Benny & Björn song, in spite of it's dated production values.. http://bit.ly/MpEAr"

Just fantastic. More music for me to digest, and some great tunes that I would probably never have found on my own.

What's that sound?

2009-05-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

So, with a little fanfare, I formally dragged this little section of my online world into the forefront a few weeks ago. Some tweaks, some edits, and some videos later, it still hasn't really been properly niched.

I've struggled a bit, as I don't want it to turn into a video repository. I want this to also be where I discuss and share music and how it integrates with my life. Sure, it may be 1/3 to 1/2 videos, but it should also be reviews, reactions to suggestions from friends, and just just music chatter. We'll see if I can balance it.

I must say that at the moment, I am heavily leaving on Goldfrapp, Jill Sobule, and Pat Benatar. Not sure why, but it's working. More later.

A little Chumba.

2009-04-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

A video for a song that should be a rallying cry.

San Francisco

2009-04-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

No other artist consistently gives me warm fuzzies.

~shiny~

2009-04-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

Music. Makes the people. Dance. Yeah.  Or something like that. Music is such a vital part of every day, so I am aim to share it in some super spectacular way. We'll see how this takes shape.

It took a little while, but slowly, I am taking baby steps towards making this space useable. Now it's got a shiny new look, with the YouTube playlist nicely set to the right. I have added links and am taking names! Slowly, I want this to grow, I'd like to have some open threads, with people giving me suggestions on music.

Also of note, I am collecting music and podcast sites. I stumbled onto Pseudopod a while ago, and it's a great short story horror podcast. Disco Delivery is a great resource as well, by someone who loves disco. Of course, Pandora is amazing as well, and worth the link. If anyone has any others, please pass them along for consideration.

The List.

2009-04-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

You know, flying all over for one week gave me some great experiences. It also had its moments of pure hell. Coming back from Manchester, NH on Southwest gave me the bulk of them.

For what I paid, I certainly can't complain, despite the gusts of wind I thought would tear the plane from the sky, their wonky seating system and the screaming children.

Additionally, I ended up next to a very nice gentleman coming back from New York. Being able to chat with him passed the time, and made the screaming child a little less annoying. (I wish I could say the same about the obviously overwhelmed parent.)

He was very passionate about music, especially Radiohead. As the flight continued, he asked if I would like suggestions on some music and produced the list pictured here. That chicken scratch is a list of artists, the albums I should listen to, the genre they fit in, and stars for the must listen ones. All in all, pretty impressive, since I never got his name. As for the list? Well, let me decipher it for you.

The List
• Radiohead (Ok Computer, In Rainbows) *
• Sufjan Stevens (Illinois)
• Magnetic Fields (69 Love Songs) *
• Final Fantasy (He Poos Clouds) *
• Grizzly Bear (Yellow House, ???)
• Department of Eagles (In Ear Park)
• M83 (Saturdays = Youth) *
• Talking Heads (Speaking in Tongues) *
• Panda Bear (Person Pitch)
• Yo La Tengo (I Am Not Afraid of You)
• Fleet Foxes (S/T)
• Elliott Smith (XO, Either/Or)
• The Velvet Underground (& Nico) *
• Animal Collective (Feels, Merriweather PP)
• The Notwist (Near Golden)
• Beach House
• My Bloody Valentine (Loveless)
• Joy Division (Closer)
• Pavement (Crooked Rain)
• Sigur Rós (Takk...) *

It's a pretty impressive list. I know 3-5 of the artists and actually have one of the above albums. Wow though, I guess between this guy and a few others, I've got a lot of ground to cover musically.