Weezer Wednesday

Today, I decided to look back on a favorite band of mine that, not gonna lie, I forget about a lot. Everyone knows their songs, yet they are often forgotten until resurrected somehow by an individual who says, "Oh, yeah, Weezer."

That was me today.


Now, if you immediately went to your iTunes to search for Weezer, then their magic has touched your life, too. They are one of those bands that sits on the median between mainstream and some weird, indie band. But that's the beauty of Weezer. There is the "hits" Weezer and then there is Weezer Weezer. Because sure, you have Island In The Sun, Buddy Holly, Hash Pipe, Beverly Hills, yes, but then there is also The Other Way, Cold Dark World, or Smile. Weezer is Weezer, I suppose; it shouldn't matter. Each album is unique and has been hated on at one point, except maybe the Blue Album.

Well, that is all for Weezer Wednesday. Remember to remember this great band by listening to some songs, regardless of their popularity. I highly suggest Smile.

Enjoy: Enjoyment.

Currently listening to: Heart Songs by Weezer

Obladi, Oblada life goes on, BRA!

Oh hai.

I just got owned at my track meet and read some of the most racist, stereotyping bullshit facebook comments on the face of the earth and I am feeling like words cannot describe how enraged I am. So, I am letting off some steam with some music, and it is helping. For the most part, anyway. I received an email that made me incredibly happy today; my playlist was chosen for the day to be played at noon, which is something The Current does everyday. I chose: Wicked Blood by Sea Wolf, Good Morning (The Future) by Rogue Wave and Winter Winds by Mumford and Sons. And for my reason, I said, "Three great songs by three great artists who deserve to be billionaires." Apparently, that was a direct quote on the air. Well, I was just being truthful.

There are some other songs I feel should be on this playlist, too. For the Current it was only three songs, but I shall add in some of my other favorites and highly suggest you listen to them. If you want, that is.


All Fires by Swan Lake.

I am thoroughly convinced that in order to become an indie musician you need to think of the most ridiculous thing you can or else you will look foolish with something plain. Although, Swan Lake is not that weird, it is a pretty good example. I will never be able to pronounce Yeasayer correctly, though. I'm just saying.

Anyway, sorry for the tangent, this song will be played at my wedding and funeral. It is so incredibly beautiful and haunting. It sounds completely ridiculous, but when I listen to it, I feel like I have just cried. But not just any cry; it is the cry where your soul just aches and crying is the only cure for the pain. If you do not know what I am talking about then you are either not human or you are Derrick. And if you are reading this, then you are not Derrick.



When I'm Small by Phantogram

I was actually going to go see this groovy duo last night as they opened for The Antlers, but that fell through. This song is funky and delightful. And all I really gonna say about this song is back beat, they has it. They has it, indeed.


Autumn Beds by Modest Mouse

Holy love. Modest Mouse has always been close to my heart, and I am sure I have spazzed about this song before, but I cannot help it; I love it so dearly. The banjo makes this song, for me, anyway. It smooths over well with Issac Brock's vocals which are calm and mellow (for most of the song). This was a weird album, in general, for Modest Mouse. Some of their songs were actually, what?!? Happy! Shocking.

Wake up by Arcade Fire

I doubt I have stressed how great Arcade Fire is, and I do not know how to adequately describe in English words my love for this band; especially this song. I do not remember where I heard this song for the first time, probably on the Current, but it blew my mind. It is kind of like Id Enganger by Of Montreal, it just feels good to yell. Soul yelling.



Me and My Arrow by Harry Nilsson

I more or less put this song on here because it's hilarious. Straight up. I can only guess that the band Me and My Arrow are paying homage to the late Nilsson. Make sure the version you listen to has the beginning vocals explaining who Arrow is.


Also, any Sea Wolf song. Basically. Haha.


Well, thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy ze music. :)


Currently listening to: Middle Distance Runner by Sea Wolf

Say Goodnight, Permalight

Thursday evening was one of those nights you only hear about in movies; they definitely do not happen often. Or maybe they do, and I need to live more. Either way, Thursday: best day of my life.

Where? Fine Line Cafe
Who? Rogue Wave and Guests
Time? 8

Doors did not open until 8, actually, and music did not start til 9. We were there, at my request and pestering, by 7:20 and no one was there. I was making sure we were there to get a good spot, based on past concerts. Well, we were the first ones there, and I was shocked. We waited outside singing Permalight
in an attempt to get Train's Hey, Soul Sister trash out of our heads. After awhile, another couple came from Iowa and we chatted with them for awhile before who should come a walking down the street, but Pat Spurgeon, the drummer for Rogue Wave. We chatted briefly and took a quick picture before he scampered back inside.


We sat around listening to music provided by The Current for awhile, before JBM started playing at 8. Although I was not familiar with his work, he sounded like a mix between Fleet Foxes and James Taylor. Very chill. His set was not very long, though. I wish he would have played more.

Next up was Man/Miracle. This band is one of the reason I go to concerts. The passion and energy that came out of these guys was incredible. Each member got into their songs and rocked out. In turn, we rocked out, too. I would have been pleased with just these two acts. But then came Rogue Wave.

Let me add also, that I started out standing behind a rather tall woman, who basically was standing there not getting into the music at all. Center stage, just standing there. If the music was not terrific, I would have been sobbing. Right before Rogue Wave got into their set, I squeezed myself between this tall woman and the stage. Right up in front between Pat and Zach. My soul was about to get rocked.

Remember a few months ago when Permalight was one of my most anticipated albums of 2010? Well, it was for good reason. Between Zach Rogue's vocals and the band's sound, you are airlifted into a car, driving down highway 5, with the windows down on a July summer day. Might be my favorite Rogue Wave album.



Most of the songs played were off of Permalight, but they played a few oldies and favorites including Lake Michigan, Chicago x12, and Eyes. I loved all the songs they chose. I thoroughly rocked out. Especially the ending because Man/Miracle returned and every member began beating a drum.


After the concert, I jumped on stage, and snagged the setlist. We then made our way over to Pat, who was just chilling by the side of the stage, and we were greeted with hugs. It was surreal. Pat gave us a drumstick, signed my setlist, then went to talk to someone else. After standing around, wondering if we would get to speak to Zach, we started talking to the bassist, who oddly looked a lot like Kid Rock. He apparently had not been in Rogue Wave for very long, but was interested in how long we had been fans of the band. He signed my setlist, then left us to wait for Zach. We chatted with a few of the member of Miracle/Man, while waiting, on everything from the concert to how "sleepy" St. Paul was. We snagged a few pictures more pictures, too.


Then, finally, Zach came out. It was the strangest feeling ever, talking to the lead singer of Rogue Wave. It was almost like I already knew him from years of listening to Rogue Wave. He was such a sweet guy and talked to us for awhile. Our conversation was interrupted a lot by rude fans who apparently did not know how to wait their turn, though.



We made our way to leave, but ended up talking to even more members of Man/Miracle. They made comments about how great of fans we were because were rocking out while everyone else in the crowd was just standing and being motionless. It was not hard, honestly, they were a great band. The lead singer gave us a signed copy of their album because we admitted that we had never heard of them before the concert. Now it is nothing but happy listening. Check them out if you have a chance.



Thanks to Carrie for all these pictures!

Soulifyin' Mystifying

I’m walking I’m a southern stream get to the river before I run too low.

I would just like to say, that I love Sea Wolf. Sometimes there are songs that blow your soul; they just make you feel good regardless of a terrible situation, event, time, etc. Today was one of those days and Sea Wolf brought me back to a warm, happy feeling. As I walked back from dinner, in my mind all I heard was, "You're a wolf, boy, get out of this town," but being yelled by the gypsy woman in the song.

You're a wolf, boy, get out of this town. You're a wolf.

I have a million things to do, but time to just sit and listen to some marvelous music. It seems like the only thing that will enable me to memorize 40 works of art. Michelangelo is dead, but he owns my life. Ridiculous. Sea Wolf will get me through the evening and the rest of the semester, I just know it. I mean, the name was taken from one of Jack London's adventures. Amazing? I think so.

I felt the cold of the ice and water, come flowing through as it pulled me under.