Facts From Learnings: Rushmore

 

Fact: Wes Anderson movies come accompanied with some pretty killer soundtracks.

Fact: 1998's Rushmore is one of these movies.

Fact: It took me ten years to watch and thus realize how fantastic this film is. Please learn from my mistake and break down the door to your nearest movie-selling retailer and demand you be sold a copy of Rushmore if you haven't seen it already.

Fact: You should also listen to some Cat Stevens and The Kinks.

Fact: It will seriously improve your quality of life. And make you shake your hips a little. Or a lot.

Fact: Jason Schwartzman is the bomb. No, seriously. If you don't believe me, dig this:

Cat Stevens - Here Comes My Baby

The Kinks - Nothing In This World Can Stop Me Worrying 'Bout That Girl

HOLY IT'S JUNE ALREADY BATMAN!

(A picture of a horse. Because that's exactly how all entries following two month absences should begin. That, and I like ponies.)

Wow. Has it really been over two months since I snuck in here? It's insane to think we're pretty much halfway into 2008.

A few things that have happened in those two months: I lost Peanut Butter (my purple iPod shuffle buddy) and had to bring back Napoleon, my battle-scarred green iPod Mini back from the dead (he dies literally every ten minutes to the point where the only thing I can ever really do with him is listen to the same song on repeat for an hour or so), I've fallen back in love with Third Rock from the Sun (I think the Solomons are my second favourite family after the Bluths), and discovered some pretty neat soundtracks like The Darjeeling Limited and I'm Not There.

A few things I've learned over the past two months: the new Mates of State album is actually a lot better than most people are giving it credit for. I wouldn't think of it as boring or safe -- rather fun, melodic, and probably the easiest thing to listen to that they've ever produced. In other happenings, university is pretty much an entire fucking alternate universe. Although it's kind of nice to sit next to people who blast the entire Vampire Weekend album on their headphones loud enough for you to hear. That said, I've decided Vampire Weekend would pretty much be the soundtrack to The Lion King on Broadway if The Lion King on Broadway ever went indie. Also. The Arcade Fire scoring Mr. Maker-of-Donnie-Darko's new film? Discuss.

Some equations that sum up my thoughts on life right now: Easy Mac = lifesaver, always Nutella = what I plan to live off of during the holidays. Adobe software developers = heartless pricks. Ugly Bill Cosby sweaters = the greatest comeback ever. Cate Blanchett as Bob Dylan = WOAH! Hot cocoa = keeping me sane. Public transport = ridiculous. A vacation = something I am desperately in need of.

Also, I'm looking for a blogging buddy to help me keep running my little baby, so if you're interested, definitely e-mail me! Running this is definitely a lot easier in theory than in real life. A lot of time and effort goes into updating as much as possible and uploading music that is worth everyone's while, so getting someone to assist me on that stuff would make me one happy bunny.

Here are some unrelated but great photos and two songs I love a lot.

The New Pornographers - Adventures in Solitude

The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun

Dynamic Duo: Hell No!

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AWESOMENESS.

(True story)

Every once in a while, I stumble across what I like to refer to as a 'dynamic duo duet'. This is most definately one of them. Who knew little Scandinavian singer-songerwriter Sondre and queen of genius kitsch lyricisim Regina could get together and create something as special as 'Hell No'?

I certainly didn't see this coming, but after discovering this gem of a tune on the Dan In Real Life soundtrack, I've realised male/female argumentative duets have never been as fun.

Made specifically for your "on repeat" buttons.



Listen to Hell No

Next Best Alternative #4: John Mayer = Kid A

I'll be honest - I'm not much of a John Mayer fan. But Radiohead, I do dig. So when someone like Mr. Mayer decides to do his own interpretation of a song like "Kid A" and does it well, this is something I dig, too.
There's just something about this song that will keep it stuck in your head for days, whether it's the plucky guitars, John echoing Thom Yorke in saying things like, "Standing in the shadows at the end of your bed" (again, stalker-y sentiment that seems poignant in its context rather than plain old creepy). Zach Braff would love this, and (I'm betting) subsequently sneak it into the next contemplative scene of a Scrubs episode. You'd love it, too. For good reason.
So download it for a life-changing experience. Or at least something to accompany the soundtrack to a quiet night in. This isn't any "Your Body Is A Wonderland", thank God for that.


Listen to John Mayer - Kid A

New Death Cab & The Issue of Internal Organ Possession

So. New Death Cab. 4:35-ish instrumental intro. Ben feeling it is nessecary to rock out for this amount of time before kicking into the lyrics. Discuss.

I'd have to say I'm kind of split in the middle with the discovery of this. I am not a fan of long, winding instrumental introductions, but I cannot help but feel that the bass and that moment where the drums quietly join in is really great. And then the piano. And the guitar. And how it all slowly, carefully builds up. Sort of like a very long road trip to someplace you've been wanting to go your whole life. And at about 4:34, it turns out that Ben Gibbard can still write a pretty eloquent song. Although, I have to say, there's something pretty chilling and zombie-like concerning the nature of how Ben proclaims he will "possess your heart".

So I guess your enjoyment (or lack) of this will depend entirely on where you're coming from personally. Perhaps you're a long-time fan, and can completely see Chris Walla's workings on the intro to the song. Maybe Ben Gibbard's voice half-way through the song can make you forgive the "extra trimmings" around the song. You might even just be disappointed because it's no Plans. Or maybe you've been living under a rock and only listened to this last night. The sprawling instrumental probably seems obligatory, if not normal to you. Or maybe just listen to Ben when he says, "You gotta spend some time, love" and let this song grow on you.

As I heard on the interwebs earlier this week, you cannot help but admit that, despite whatever direction Death Cab are choosing to go in or explore with the new record, they're still expressing lyrically what lots of us out there are still too scared to say out loud. Even if it is related to the pretty delicate issue of internal organ possession.

Fans will get the oppourtunity to descend and/or climb up DCFC's Narrow Stairs this May.

Listen to "I Will Possess Your Heart"

Song of The Day: The Clash

The Clash have been one of my favourite bands since high school, pretty much. I'm eternally grateful to my friend Hina whom I met in the middle of ninth grade who introduced me to a slew of bands that I missed out in my childhood whilst I was growing up on a steady diet of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, "The Dark Side of The Moon" album and 90's bubblegum pop. One of these bands was the Clash, and after hearing "Should I Stay or Should I Go", I've never looked back.

I recently discovered this gem of a song a few days ago and fell in love with it. It's such a soundtrack-to-my-life-in-high-school song, and it's nice to see that side of these boys after listening to politically fuelled anthems like "White Riot" and "London Calling". It's fun, tongue-in-cheek and catchy without being annoying. Go and play the chorus to this for the boy or girl you like. Seriously, do it. How could they say no?

The Clash - 1-2 Crush on You (from Super Black Market Clash)

Next Best Alternative(s) #3

I feel like I've been neglecting this blog as of late, but university's in full swing and this unfortunately leaves little time across the week for me to sit still and take a breather. The past two weeks have been physically and mentally exhausting, and one of the few things that have been keeping me going is good music (specifically non-crappy covers of great songs, among other things).

Here are two really great K.T Tunstall covers of two very good songs. I'm not really a fan, but I appreciate anyone who can put their own spin on a song without completely butchering the goodness of the original. Especially anyone who can do justice to the White Stripes. So give these a chance:

My Doorbell (originally by the White Stripes)

I Want You Back (originally by the Jackson Five)

(A double-treat because it's the weekend and hopefully these will get it off to a good start)