7/27/09

Somewhere on the Internet, you'll find the music of SpeakEasy. This album has meant so much to me in the past few months, it seems only right to share it on the (so-called) songwriting blog that I (so-called) run.

Soundtracking my days and nights in New York more than anything else, 'EndInSight' has become synonymous with my personal peaks and falls throughout 2009. It's consistently reminded me that no matter how hard the fall, there's always one last punch to pull.

I first heard this unbelievably advanced debut record being played in a garage a little less than a year ago. It's amazing to me that it's come this far, and it's definitely worth spreading the word about.

Dramatic, melodic, fun, powerful, DOUBLE-TIME!, and so many other qualities make Speakeasy a truly original attempt in today's copycat playground of a music industry. So bite your lip, press play and listen to something real for a change. Come on now. Listen!!! You'll see what I mean.

Cherish all those things you know,
There's no other way but down
-Phony, Speakeasy
EndInSight

7/26/09

Modest Mouse songs are so genuine.




We have one chance,
one chance to get everything right.
My friends, my habits, my family,
they mean so much to me.
I just don't think that it's right.
I've seen so many ships sail in,
just to head back out again and go off sinking.
-One Chance, Modest Mouse
Good News For People Who Love Bad News

7/14/09

So. Much. Feel. In this song. And delay. It's gorgeous, with amazing verse-to-chorus dynamics, guitars that kind of float around really driving metal-like rhythm sensibilities.



It's not enough to say what you say
You've got to show me that you mean it all
A lie for you your dying day
~Joy Peninsula,
Mt.Helium, Faces

7/13/09

Leonard Cohen is tired of people singing his 'Hallelujah.'

And who could blame him? In his enormous catalog, it's the song that gets constant attentions in covers and soundtracks. It's a song that inspires many an emotion in one's heart and mind, recalls plenty of experience and heartache in a single word, and with that Cohen successfully fulfilled his role as a musician, a modern day minstrel.

I obviously agree that it's a beautiful piece, extremely versatile with a fairly simple arrangement that a number of singers/songwriters have made their own. But that doesn't mean it should be everywhere. There's so many versions that it becomes overdone, a sick-of-it-all kind of feel.

Things like this make me feel like pop music is crying out for it's own revival, we need songs with that kind of experience and heartache for our generation so we can stop borrowing everyone else's.

7/9/09

Four Year Strong is awesome, and so are the good ole hits of the 90s. Although honestly, new material > cover albums...whatever, they're so loud and harmony-heavy and fantastic that I'm sure it'll be fun.

7/9/09

I love this song. Also, I like this video, think it does the song justice.

7/7/09

For some reason, this is the only Wilco song I ever come across/can get into. Supposedly off their best record, I only have Sky Blue Sky which is supposedly their worst. Hearin' a lot about Wilco lately, prolly just 'cause their indie vibe has weathered the decades and they've retained their fans while gaining new ones. Good for them! I dig their vibe. More will be consumed.

7/1/09

And Michael Shepard's piano playing.


One of my fave tracks from their most recent record.


This is GORGEOUS acoustic.


Are they perfect live or are they perfect live?

It's sad that I was too poor to see them when they most recently came through NY.
*crosses fingers for fall tour*

7/1/09

I think 'Family Guy' does some of the best mocking music bits of any satirical cartoon show. Some of my faves for your amusement (and because I feel like watching them right now):



"Maybe I'll take a walk outside....to the D Chord.." Gets me every time! Love the Dylan mocking at the end.


Honestly, who doesn't hate those guys?



My boyfriend and I made this our song. Just this version, and this video, though. Hilarious.