Weekly Song List: Friday, November 2nd

And so, here we have the first Weekly Song List of November! I love this time of year. I feel like the first day of November is a sort of clean slate. Halloween is done, you've got the "holidays" in the not so distant future. Starbucks breaks out their Christmas stuff. I'm a big fan of peppermint hot chocolate.

But I'm getting off topic. I give you 7 songs that I've been listening to non-stop, and the reasons that I love them.

1. Lilies. Bat For Lashes: From her new, gorgeous, brilliant album The Haunted Man. I love this album. It was really hard to choose just one song for this list, but "Lilies" it is. It's the first song on the album. Beautiful, haunting, hopeful song. Well done Natasha Khan.

2. Who. David Byrne & St. Vincent: Heard this song on WERS this week and immediately loved it. I bought the album later that same day. David Byrne sounds better than ever. And St. Vincent is someone who I'm really interested in and intrigued by. I've loved a lot of her solo work and was excited to learn of these two working together. Their styles and voices work really well together. Love this song! It's definitely one to listen to on repeat.

3. Danse Caribe. Andrew Bird: Oh my. Andrew Bird. My newest music crush. Again WERS introduces me to someone new and wonderful. "Danse Caribe" is one of my favorite songs of his (so far). I still have so much to hear of and learn about this fellow.

4. Skinny Love. Bon Iver: Love Bon Iver. Love this album. For Emma, Forever Ago. Love this song. Justin Vernon's voice is so beautiful and delicate. Heart melting for sure.

5. Shank Hill St. Shovels & Rope: I was lucky enough to see Shovels & Rope (Cary Ann Hearst & Michael Trent) open for Jack White earlier this Fall, and I just bought tickets for one of their Winter shows as well. I'm very excited. They're amazing live. This song is from their album O' Be Joyful which I bought this week. This song is a favorite. Rich, heavy drums. And the lyrics are nice and dark.

6. That Was My Veil. PJ Harvey & John Parish: My favorite PJ Harvey song ever. A real gem of song. Super atmospheric. Gritty. Gorgeous.

7. Here Sometimes. Blonde Redhead: Another new album for me. Penny Sparkle. Blonde Redhead had completely fallen off my radar, and then a couple of weekends ago I was hanging out with a friend and she was like "I love the most recent Blonde Redhead album" and I was like "what album are we talking about?" Oh my sweet goodness. Penny Sparkle is so good. The whole entire thing. Very atmospheric. Odd in all the best ways. I'm very excited about this album.

Photo: Shovels & Rope

Happy Halloween From Fussy Gussy!!!

Happy Halloween from Fussy Gussy (and Dean Winchester?) Swoon.

I hope that you're having a blast on this night of vamps and ghouls and other spooky things that go bump in the night.

Aside from it being Halloween, it is also Wednesday (my usual Weekly Song List day), and I've been thinking: since my previous two Weekly Song Lists have been posted on Friday why not try that out for a while?

And so, your Fussy Gussy Weekly Song Lists will now be posted every Friday, featuring seven songs that I love and the reasons why. Until Friday!!!

Weekly Song List: Friday, October 26th

Craft fair mania!!! It's been a crazy week getting ready for the Salem Open Market and (as always) there are a few key songs that have helped keep my energy up. Stylistically, they're all over the place. But for me, they work wonders. 

And so, I give you this week's song list. Enjoy!

1. Paddling Out. Miike Snow: As all of my Twitter followers know, Miike Snow has been one of my favorite bands to listen to while getting ready for this craft fair. Their music blows my mind all the time, but the energy of album Happy To You really set the tone for my week. I also saw these guys live in Portland, ME this past weekend, so that experience is still fresh in my mind. I love this song with all of my heart. They played it live and it was a blast to dance to with a theater full of happy people.

2. Joy Ride. The Killers: From their 2006 album Day & Age. Again, I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something magical about this album that helps me to be super focused on my work, and yet full of energy and spirit. This song is a particular favorite. Love the whole album. Also, Sam's Town holds this same magic for me.

3. In Particular. Blonde Redhead: From their 2000 album Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons. I was completely obsessed with this album in 2000. I remember listening to it over and over again in my studio (I went to art school, so I spent a lot of time in my studio). Such a great album. And again, that inexplicable motivating force.

4. Movement & Location. Punch Brothers: Talk about motivating. This song literally moves forward, and at a great and steady speed. Such a beautiful song. This song was my introduction to Punch Brothers. Upon hearing more of their music though, and seeing them live a few weeks ago, I'm now totally enamored with these fellows. If you haven't heard it yet, listen to this song immediately.

5. Poor Tom. Led Zeppelin: I think that this is the first Led Zeppelin song I've featured on a weekly song list, which is crazy bananas. I have so much love for Led Zeppelin. Oh my sweet goodness. Like "Movement & Location", "Poor Tom" has amazing forward movement to it. The drums!!! I mean, seriously. The drums. Awesome. I recently invested in the Led Zeppelin complete studio recordings box set. Excellent idea on my part.

6. You've Got Her In Your Pocket. The White Stripes: I know that this song has already been featured on one of my weekly song list, but that just goes to show you how much I love it. Jack White and his guitar. I would do a variety of very dramatic things to hear him play this song live, as is. Just Jack and his guitar. Oh my! A beautiful, heartbreaking song.

7. Cooling. Tori Amos: From the 1999 double album To Venus and Back. This particular song is from the live album portion. I initially heard this song on the PBS live music/interview show Sessions At West 54th during which a musician or band would perform and then David Byrne would interview them about their music and creative process. Amazing show. I saw Tori on this show and it completely changed my feelings toward her music. I felt so connected to her creative process and ideas, and I really enjoyed her live performance. "Cooling" was her closing song and it blew me away/made me cry. Gorgeous song. I'd say it's one of my all time favorite songs. On this recording she talks about how she only plays it live "because it just didn't want to be on any of the records". She also refers to it as "one of her best friends of all the songs". I love this idea of her songs taking on their own identities and having a will of their own. Brilliant.

Photo: Miike Snow

P.S. Woah! I wrote so much about that Tori Amos song. I guess I just has a lot to say about it??? It didn't seem like that much when I was writing it, but alas.

Weekly Song List: For Friday, October 26th

As you likely know (from my pervious post), I am in the midst of craft fair craziness getting ready for the Salem Open Market this coming weekend. I've been sewing up a storm, making all sorts of Halloween themed pot holders, dish towels, aprons, and more.

And so, my weekly song list will be posted on Friday this week. Hmmm. Halloween theme, perhaps???

Also, stay tuned for my weekly American Horror Story post, also on Friday. Oh, how I love this show!

Photo: Natasha Khan of Bat For Lashes

P.S. I just bought the new Bat For Lashes album The Haunted Man. Can't wait until it arrives!!! I'll most definitely be writing about it. And soon.

Weekly Song List: Friday, October 19th

In light of my seeing Beach House live in concert earlier this week, I knew that I simply had to begin this week's song list with a Beach House song.

And this led to some interesting things. I started adding different songs, all of which were by ladies. 3 songs in I decided to run with it. And so I give you this week's song list. Lady love.

1. 10 Mile Stereo. Beach House: By now you likely know that I saw these two live in concert earlier this week. Amazing show! Oh my sweet goodness. It was stunning. Energetic. This song has sort of been my "life line" to my memory of the show. For whatever reason, I can picture the stage in my mind when I hear this song. Love it. Love the drum machine. Love Victoria Legrand's voice.

2. Margaret vs. Pauline. Neko Case: I have so much love for this song and for the lady herself. So, so much love. The story of the song is so uniquely sad. "Two girls ride the blue line, two girls walk down the same street. One left a sweater sittin' on the train and the other lost three fingers at the cannery." Brilliant.

3. Skylark. K.d. Lang: I've been lucky enough to see K.d. Lang in concert not once but twice. I feel like she has one of those voices that could melt anything. It's so warm and rich and beautiful. This song is from the Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil soundtrack featuring the songs of Johnny Mercer. "Skylark" opens and closes the flim, if I remember correctly. Gorgeousness. Pure gorgeousness.

4. Melody. Blonde Redhead: This song is my American Horror Story consumed mind entering the mix. I don't know why exactly, but this song reminds me so much of AHS. The atmosphere. The drums. The story to some extent. At any rate, it's a great song.

5. Shotgun Down the Avalanche. Shawn Colvin: Gorgeous acoustic version of this song. Recorded as part of the Columbia Records Radio Hour. I heard it for the first time on my local folk radio station, and have listened to it a zillion times since. I love to sing along with this one.

6. Baker Baker. Tori Amos: This song breaks my heart every time I hear it. Between the lyrics   about hearts made of icing and Tori's voice, what other option is there but heartbreak?

7. The Hill. Marketa Irglova: From the movie Once. Simple. Beautiful. Again, with the heartbreak. Marketa's voice is so tender and seemingly on the verge of breaking but also so strong and full. If you haven't seen this movie, see it. Immediately.

Photo: Beach House

Weekly Song List For Friday, October 19th

My brain is so consumed with thoughts of American Horror Story that I feel like it might implode. Oh, how I love hyperbole!

And on that note, this week's song list will be posted on Friday, October 19th. Perhaps it will even be an AHS themed list? We shall see. Until Friday.

Weekly Song List: Wednesday, October 10th

I hope that you've had a great week so far! Autumn is in full force here. The leaves are changing and it's chilly in that perfect crisp Autumn way. I've started wearing my wool socks and slippers. Yes! I love this time of year.

Starting next week, I'll be putting together some themed song lists, but for now please enjoy this collection of 7 beautiful songs that I cannot seem to get enough of lately. I have so much love for all of them.

1. Survival. Muse: Muse is one of my all time favorite bands. I think they're absolutely brilliant. This song is from their new album The 2nd Law, which I literally bought yesterday at Newbury Comics. It's an amazing album (more on that later), and this song is my favorite so far. It makes me feel like a Warrior Queen.

2. Make a Fist. Phatogram: There's something very forward-moving about this song. It has a lot of momentum. I love that. Phantogram are magical to me. Beautiful songs full of electricity and energy and light.

3. Rest In Bed. Laura Marling: It's no secret that I absolutely adore Laura Marling. Her songs are so soulful and beautiful and pure and warm. I love them. Especially this one.

4. It'll Happen. Punch Brothers: It's also no secret that I'm crazy enamored with Punch Brothers after seeing them live in Portsmouth, NH one week ago. This song is one of my favorites. Very subtle and sweet and lovely. I don't believe they performed this live, but I was in a happiness induced delirium, so I can't be certain.

5. Lonesome Valley. Tom Brosseau: I've listened to this song more than any other song this week. Literally. I think it's perfect. Beautiful and perfect.

6. Sunrise, Sunset. Bright Eyes: I think that Conor Oberst (AKA Bright Eyes) is one of the great song writers of our time. This song is from Fevers & Mirrors, which was my first Bright Eyes album. It's also my favorite. This song is a real gem. I love them klezmer influence and Conor's voice is so heart wrenching.

7. Girl's Song In Winter. Vashti Bunyan: Everything about this song is magic to me. The recording, plenty of crackle and hiss. Vashti's voice. Gorgeous. I also (generally) love songs that are about the Wintertime. Very bittersweet and beautiful. And perfect ending song.

Photo: Phantogram

Oh My Sweet Goodness, Supernatural Is Back!

This past Wednesday, my favorite TV show Supernatural returned for its 8th season. I don't want to spoil anything for those who have not watched, but let's just say it did not disappoint. The Winchesters are back to the grind and they're both as handsome as ever. Swoon.

Stylistically, this first episode of the season seemed a little different. Edgier, or something? Darker. There were some very funny moments (don't get me wrong), but in general it felt more somber. More dark. There's ample use of flashbacks which is very different, but works really well, I think. And the use of music was (as usual) fantastic!

I'm planning a second viewing over the long weekend, and I'm so excited for next week's episode!

P.S. A detail that I just remembered: there are lots of different locations in this episode, my favorite of which is "Kermit, Texas". I know that the use of the word "Kermit" exists outside of The Muppets, but for me it only exists in regards to The Muppets.

Weekly Song List: Wednesday, October 3rd

This week's song list is inspired by some of the live music that I was lucky enough to see (and hear) this week and past weekend.

I saw Jack White not once, but twice. Holy smokes! Amazing, unforgettable shows. Both with his all lady band The Peacocks.

And last night I saw Punch Brothers at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. Oh my sweet goodness! Incredible show. From the venue to the opening act to the Punch Brothers themselves. Truly fantastic.

But more on that later.

Each song in this week's list connects back to these live shows in one way or another. Be it a song that I heard live, or a song that I listened to in the car driving to one these shows. There's a definite atmosphere to this group of songs. Sort of bluegrass, dark country, and melancholy.

And so, here you have it! 7 songs from me to you.

1. Hell's Bells. Cary Ann Hearst: This lady is my new favorite. I adore her. She and her husband Michael Trent make up a two person band called Shovels & Rope. I saw these two in Boston opening for Jack White and they slayed me. Absolutely blew me away. This song "Hell's Bells" is a foot stomper of a song.

2. Nostalgia. Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo: It's not secret how much I love the BBC Wallander series starring Kenneth Branagh. Well, this is the song used in the beautiful blue and yellow opening credits. Gorgeous! Emily Barker is so talented and soulful. I hope to see her play live some day. I think she'd be amazing.

3. Flippen. Punch Brothers: What can I say about this song and/or about Punch Brothers? I loved their music long before seeing them live, and now that I've had that experience, I'm completely in awe of them. Literal awe. I'm not being hyperbolic here. They're all so crazy skilled with their instruments, and they way that they play off one another and with one another is mind boggling to me.

4. How to Grow a Woman From the Ground. Tom Brosseau: This man writes the most beautiful songs. Opening for Punch Brothers, he came out on stage with his guitar and a harmonica. He told stories (which I loved). And he played this (and many other) bittersweet, beautiful songs.

5. Behind That Locked Door. Yim Yames: From Yim Yames' (Jim James') Tribute To EP. The song was written by George Harrison. Gorgeous song. Lots of air and space in this song. It's also very warm and sweet to me. Jim James' voice melts my heart.

6. Where Did You Sleep Last Night?. Leadbelly: This song is one of the darkest songs I know. From the actual song to the recording of it, to his voice. Haunting, I'd say.

7. Carolina Drama. The Raconteurs: This song rivals "Broken Boy Soldiers" as my favorite Raconteurs song. I have so much love for this song. I'd love to hear this song live. It's a real story song. Amazing atmosphere. And Jack White's voice sounds incredible.

Photo: Punch Brothers

Jack White Omaha, Eight (Or So) Weeks Later

In typical me fashion, I've waited much too long to write a post about my trip to Nebraska to see Jack White at the Omaha Music Hall. But, it's been eight (or so) weeks since the show and it's still very fresh in my mind.

My Mom joined me on the trip. We spent the day in Omaha shopping in the Old Market and at Wolf Brothers Western Shop. We drove all over the city. It was a gorgeous day in Omaha.

And then there was the show. Unforgettable! Fantastic! As good as if not better than the Roseland Ballroom show. Well...that show was fantastic as well, but for different reasons. The Music Hall was a great venue. Very intimate and charming. The sound was awesome, and Jack's voice sounded incredible. Like, unbelievably good. Especially considering he'd played Lollapalooza the night before. His voice was warm, rich, and clear.

My Mom and I had great seats in the front row of the balcony, a little right of center. Perfect view of the stage. Jack looked very handsome with his hair combed back over his ears, and an elegant black vest, white collared shirt, black tie ensemble, finished off by what looked like dark grey wool (???) straight leg pants and white patent leather short boots (or booties...I've written about this before...are they booties when men wear them?)

I was lucky enough to see The Buzzards for a second time, and they were as awesome and as loud as in NYC. I love this band! And I still have a crush on the tambourine-player-come-background-singer-come-mandolin/sometimes piano player.

The crowd was great. Lots of singing along. My mom remembers that during "You Know That I Know" Jack stopped singing because we were all singing, and that he smiled at this. I don't remember this specifically because I one of the people singing along, lost in the moment of it all. I love live music!

Jack and The Buzzards played for a really long time, thank goodness! The show kept going and going and going. And at the end, they all came together on stage and bowed. It was great, refreshing, and very heart-warming. Like they're a whole, solid band, not one guy being backed by a band. My Mom even commented that Jack doesn't seem like the type who wants a ton of attention, that he wants to share the attention with his band mates equally and never "outshine" them. I thought this was very insightful of her. And I have to agree, Mom. Excellent observation.

And so, here's a complete list of songs played by Jack White and The Buzzards on August 6th at the Omaha Music Hall:

Hello Operator
Weep Themselves To Sleep
Missing Pieces
Trash Tongue Talker
Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
Wasting My Time
Hotel Yorba
You Know That I Know
Hypocritical Kiss
Top Yourself
I Cut Like a Buffalo
Cannon/Pipeline
Broken Boy Soldiers
We're Going To Be Friends
Blunderbuss
I'm Slowly Turning Into You
Take Me With You When You Go

Encore:
Steady As She Goes
Freedom At 21
Sixteen Saltines
Catch Hell Blues
Seen Nation Army
Goodnight, Irene

A good long show. And I loved every second of it! My favorites were "I'm Slowly Turning Into You", "Hotel Yorba" (the crowd went crazy for this one!), "You Know That I Know" (the crowd went crazy for this one, too), "Blunderbuss", and "Goodnight, Irene". Wonderful night, wonderful show.

Photo by Jo McCaughey.

My Secret Love From Grace Of My Heart

I would have included this song on my Weekly Song List, but alas it is not actually from the 1960s. It just sounds that way. "My Secret Love" was featured in the movie Grace of My Heart and was recorded by Miss Lily Banquette. 

Grace of My Heart is a fantastic gem of a movie starring Illeana Douglas. It's not officially a biopic, but it heavily references the lives, careers, and music of a few ladies of the era.

Photo: Illeana Douglas, Bridget Fonda, & Patsy Kensit

Portrait Of Petula: Happy Heart

Album cover art for Portrait of Petula featuring "Happy Heart" as seen on today's Weekly Song List.

Weekly Song List: Friday, September 21st

As I started collecting songs for this week's song list I noticed a smidge of theme a-brewin'. So I decided to go for it.

This week's song list is dedicated to ladies of the 1960s. Enjoy!

1. Happy Heart. Petula Clark (1969): I first heard this song in 1994 watching Shallow Grave (Danny Boyle's directorial debut). Great movie, by the way. Chilling. I should watch it again! I love this song because of the movie, and because of my sister. She (unrelated to the movie) bought the album Portrait of Petula (also in the mid-90s) and played it in her car all the time.

2. The Time Has Come To Choose. Janie Jones (1968): From Dream Babes Volume 4. I collect these Dream Babes compilations. I got my first in 2001 or 2002? They're awesome compilations of British female singers/song writers from the 60s. Highly recommended. This Janie Jones track is one of my faves.

3. He's a Rebel. The Crystals (1962): Written by Gene Pitney and produced by Phil Spector. One of my all time favorite girl group songs. Love it!

4. Without Him. Lulu (1968): Written as "Without Her" by Harry Nilsson in 1967. I saw Lulu in To Sir With Love when I was in high school, but it wasn't until college that I started listening to her music. Her voice is one of the best ever. And her singing seems so natural and effortless. Love her. She was also an amazing mentor on American Idol a few years back.

5. I Can Never Go Home Anymore. The Shangri-Las (1965): What's not to love about The Shangri-Las. First off, their name. The best. The melodrama of most of their songs. Outrageous. This song is particularly melodramatic and sad.

6.  The Crying Game. Brenda Lee (1965): One of the greatest songs ever written as far as I'm concerned. I loved the Boy George version from the 90s (which he did for the movie soundtrack of The Crying Game) and sought out this Brenda Lee version more recently. Gorgeous. Haunting. Perfect.

7. Train Song. Vashti Bunyan (1966): Vashti Bunyan is one of my all time favorites. I love all of her music, so it was hard to choose one song to include here. "Train Song" might be her most famous? It's been covered by Ben Gibbard & Feist (on the Dark Was the Night compilation) and by Ren Harvieu & Karen Elson more recently. Beautiful song. Bittersweet (as most of her songs are) and the production is very gritty and low-fi.

Photo: Vashti Bunyan Just Another Diamond Day album cover

So You Think You Can Dance Is Over (Oh No!)

And I'm so sad about it. It's no secret that I love to dance. I also love So You Think You Can Dance and while I'll miss it terribly, I'm so happy for this season's winners. I'm happy for the finalists. They were all amazing, awe inspiring, and (frankly) thrilling to watch week after week.

In celebration of this most excellent dance show I thought I'd put together a list of my top 10 favorite dances of the season. It's been a difficult list to whittle down, but at long last, I've done it. And I hope that you enjoy watching these dances as much as I have.

My Top 10 SYTYCD Season 9 Fave Dances (in no particular order):

Witney & Chehon Bollywood choreographed by Nakul Dev Mahajan
Amelia & Will Contemporary choreographed by Sonya Tayeh
Lindsay & Cole Contemporary choreographed by Mandy Moore
Cyrus & Comfort Dubstep choreographed by Christopher Scott
Chehon & Kathryn Contemporary choreographed by Tyce Diorio
Witney & Twitch Hip Hop choreographed by Luther Brown
Tiffany & Benji Jive choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux
Chehon & Allison Contemporary choreographed by Stacey Tookey
Eliana & Alex Contemporary choreographed by Travis Wall
Lindsay & Cole Contemporary choreographed by Mia Michaels

I also loved Twitch,Cyrus, Comfort, & Christopher Scott's hip hop routine which aired this evening, on the finale. Very clever stuff. I totally have a dance crush on Christopher Scott.

Ben Folds + Fraggles = Something Spectacular

This is one very happy, awesome Monday, and I have Ben Folds Five to thank for it. Not only is their new song "Do It Anyway"  (from their new album The Sound of the Life and the Mind) fantastically catchy and like a breath of fresh air, but the music video for the song features Fraggles! Yes, you read that correctly. Fraggles, as in Muppets who live underground and eat lots of radishes.

As you likely already know about me, I love the Muppets, and Fraggle Rock was one of my favorite shows growing up. Pair this love of Fraggles with a great song and a sincere yet humorous music video and you've got something that was destined to make me smile and swoon.

The video was produced by Nerdist Industries, and features actress Anna Kendrick, actor/comic Roy Corddroy, and Nerdist founder Chris Hardwick.

Weekly Song List: Wednesday, September 12th

It's starting to feel like Autumn in New England. This makes me very happy! Autumn is my favorite season, and even though I'm no longer in school, it always feels like a fresh start to the year. And with that, I bring you the first Weekly Song List of the school year!

1. Can't Let Go. Lucinda Williams: This song acted as a sort of soundtrack for my recent trip to San Francisco. I love the energy of the song and it's a great one to sing along to, especially when your driving along the Pacific with the windows down.

2. Stubborn Love. The Lumineers: It's no secret how much I adore this song. There's a certain build to the song that I love, and the lyrics are fantastic. A little sad, but that's how I like them (much of the time).

3. To Live Is To Fly. Townes Van Zandt: I only recently discovered Townes Van Zandt, and this is the song that sealed my love for his music. I could listen to this song all day long.

4. To Ohio. The Low Anthem: I love The Low Anthem, especially when they sing in that deep, gravelly voice. Swoon. Also, a sad song. "Lost my love before her time. Now every new love is just a shadow." Heartbreaking, right?

5. Twilight. Elliott Smith: Elliott Smith is one of my all time favorite song writers, without a doubt. XO is one of my all time favorite albums. I've listen to his music more than most. And this song is one of my particular favorites. So simple and sad and beautiful.

6. Kentucky Avenue. Tom Waits: I love this man. And I love this song. What's it all about? I have no idea, except what the lyrics tell me. It's an interesting story, and (for me) it's oozing with romance. "Watch out for broken glass, put your shoes and socks on, and come along with me".

7. Battle of Trees. Tori Amos: From Tori Amos' recent album Night of Hunters. I find this song perfectly charming and beautiful. And I love the Erik Satie piano.

********************************************************************************

8. (Happy September Bonus Song) The Land of Might-Have-Been. Jeremy Northam: I thought I'd include a little something extra this week. I love this song from the movie Gosford Park, performed so perfectly by the impossibly handsome Jeremy Northam.

Photo: Tom Waits

Until Next Week...

Fussy Gussy will be on a brief hiatus this week (and weekend, due to an unforeseen under-the-weather-ness), but I'll be back next week with a truly unforgettable Weekly Song List and lots of movie/book/TV show reviews.

And so, I leave you with this beautiful movie posted for the Judy Garland technicolor classic Meet Me In St. Louis. Great movie. Great songs. And Judy Garland is priceless.

Until Monday. Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Weekly Song List: Wednesday, August 22nd

Since I'm clearly preoccupied with my childhood  experiences of the gothic and the romantic (see my posts for the past week or so), I thought I'd dedicate this week's song list to just that. Songs that are gothic and romantic, and filled with some sort of darkness or magic. Songs that would have fit perfectly with my somewhat macabre childhood sensibilities.

1. Glass. Bat For Lashes: My favorite favorite Bat For Lashes song. From her album Two Suns. This songs makes me think of The Neverending Story. Which reminds me, I should watch that too as part of my mini movie marathon. Totally exhilarating song. It has such momentum and atmosphere.

2. 1816, The Year Without a Summer. Rasputina: This song is about the "Little Ice Age" which is apparently when Mary Shelley wrote or started to write Frankenstein. This event is also documented in the movie Rowing With the Wind (which is part of my mini movie marathon). Great song. Rasputina are one of my all time favorites. Love them.

3. The Wolf. Fever Ray: From the soundtrack for the movie Red Riding Hood. Awesome song. There's something very tribal about it. In the movie, it plays during a sort of celebration that involves darkness, dancing, and lots of fire.

4. Heavy In Your Arms. Florence + The Machine: From the Twilight Saga: Eclipse movie soundtrack. When did these soundtracks get to be so awesome!?! This is actually my favorite Florence song. Gorgeous. Love the heavy sound, and the dramatic build.

5. Love Is Blindness. Jack White: Cover of the U2 song. Featured on the 20th anniversary full album cover of Achtung Baby. I've already written about song on this very blog. I love it in so many ways. I love the loudness of it at times and the space within it. I love Jack's voice. It's also one of my favorite U2 songs.

6. When Doves Cry. Prince & The Revolution: I thought I'd include a song that I was actually listening to in the 80s. I was really into Prince when I was 8 or 9. And this song held so much mystery for me. It seemed very intense and about things that I could not relate to, but were intrigued by. I remember being in my bedroom, dancing to this song in pink leather pumps that were two sizes too big for me.

7. Jackie. Sinéad O'Connor: From her album The Lion and The Cobra. Gorgeous song about a lady waiting (for eternity) for her Jackie to return from the sea. Haunting. Beautiful. Eerie. Perfectly ghostly. Perfectly romantic.

Photo: Rasputina

The Bride, Once Bitten, Labyrinth, And More!!!

My copy of The Bride arrived today. I'm so excited to watch it. I think I may have a sort of mini movie marathon this week and watch The Bride, Rowing With the Wind, Labyrinth, and Once Bitten.

These particular movies all came out between 1985 and 1988, and they all have a certain supernatural or fantasy element. All have a definite gothic atmosphere. And with the exception of Rowing With the Wind (which I don't believe I've seen all the way through), all of these movies had a huge impact on me as a kid. These stories seemed terribly romantic, very "grown-up", and very, very dark.

It seems crazy to me to think that I may have seen The Bride when I was only 7 years old. What!?! I remember my sister (as clear as day) talking about this movie, and how it was a big deal since Sting was in it. The poster totally intrigued me and I was completely fascinated by the story. It wasn't until years later, in high school, that I read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I think it may be time to read that one again. After I finish Rebecca, that is.

Photo: promotional still from The Bride

Rock & Roll Yard Sale Tomorrow!!!

I'm happy to announce that I'll be at the Rock & Roll Yard Sale tomorrow, from 11AM to 5PM. That's Sunday, August 19th, in Union Square, Somerville, MA. This yard sale is the BEST. It's so much. Not only are there crafty darlings (like yours truly), but also vintage goodies, home baked deliciousness, live music, and tons of records. And you know how I love records. I'm so excited!

What: Rock & Roll Yard Sale
Where: Union Square, Somerville, MA
When: August 19th (11-5)

Hope you're having a great weekend!