Mundane Mondays: Dance A Little Jig and Scream A Little Scream

Those who know me know I can dance to a song no one else can hear. Music is at times playing in my head causing me to dance little jigs of bliss because music has that effect on me. No, contrary to your first impressions of that statement, I’m not insane for hearing music no one else can hear. Though, I could be termed crazy for other reasons.

While I love talking about books, I always enjoy changing things up a bit and talking about music. Of course I can’t help bragging by telling of a recent ‘musical’ experience. Thus there is another reason for talking about music in a Mundane Mondays post.

G (my friend Anna’s brother): Maddie! I’ve met the male you.

I could have taken this many ways, but my interest was spiked.

Me: Oh? How so?

G: He is to me what you are to Anna, in terms of music suggestions.

Me: Oh? How old is this male me? Is he hot?

G: He is my age. His name is Neal. (Notice no answer was given as to his level of hotness.)

While I don’t mind younger men, there is something to be said when G, who is my youngest brother’s age, is telling me about a guy. My interest wanes of course because I’m not likely to become a cougar, even when music is hanging in the balance. I was extremely awed by G’s compliment and humbled that he thought so much of me to make such a comment.

Brag session over, I now have music recommendations to share!



The Head and The Heart - Rivers & Roads: I can't remember how I found them, but I can't get enough of their folksie sound. I especially enjoy their live sessions at The Doe Bay Sessions. Would anyone like to buy me a ticket to the next session? :)



Dr. Dog - Heart It Races: Pandora! If you had stepped into the shop Saturday you would have seen me dancing quite unabashedly to this song. I originally heard Architecture in Helsinki's version sometime ago, but I think I like this version better. You are dancing, aren't you?!?



Annaliese - Rusty: Do I watch Jane by Design? Yes, I'm guilty as charged.



Arkells - Book Club: PureVolume, thank you! What could be better than music about books? Oh yes and a song with my name in it!



You Me At Six - Save It For The Bedroom: Maybe I shouldn't like this song, but I do and the acoustic version is my favorite. I quickly bought 2 of their CDs and am frequently finding that I like ALL of their music.



Glorious Rebellion - Don't Dip The Pen In Company Ink: PureVolume...again. Fellow Hoosiers and good music to boot. Have a listen!



Till the World Ends (Cover) - I See Stars: I don't like Britany Spears' music, with the exception of Hit Me Baby One Time and Lucky (for my own reasons). However, I absolutely can't get enough of this cover. It is especially fun to blast it in my car while driving in town. Plus this wouldn't be a music post by me without one screamo song.


Now I'm off to use my iTunes gift card that someone FINALLY got me for my birthday. Do yourselves a favor and buy some music too and show your support for these artists!

Mundane Mondays: Musing with the Muse

I will spare you the typical apology intro following my long absences from posting (nonetheless I am sorry).

Today is all about music. I feel sure that I've expressed my deep appreciation for music in the past. I mean I'm the girl with my iPod (auto-correct corrected this to opossum) engraved (hey it was free) with music is an outburst of the soul*. The only other thing in this life that I readily, and with little thought, shell out cash for are books, those of course come first.

Talk about diverse! These days its screamo and folk/pop and I never object to dance tuneage. I am even versed in dubstep and weirder yet...screamo rap. Did you know there was such a thing?

I owe several mix taps to the muse box and friends. That being said below is a mundane Monday playlist. The songs stir in me meaning (reminding me of love) or inspire me with their lyrics. I want to share my findings and then I’m off to find blank CDs because otherwise I am going to hear it from people.

Scarlet Shroud by Vanna


When I was new to the screamo scene last year at this time, I had the guidance into the dark side :) by 2 guys (B and C u know who u are).  Me being the student, I was bound to strike out on my own and began my research. Vanna hit my radar screen and was an instant ‘can’t get enough’. Scarlet Shroud is from their newest album, and They Came Baring Bones. It is not as hard as their other songs, but it ranks amongst my favorites.

Promises by Nero

Dubstep? Techno? Electronic? Who cares I can dance to it and makes for awesome dance while driving music. I owe their finding to Skrillex and B. If you like this song, definitely check out their cover of  Crush On You.

Start Again by Evangelion

This song reminds me of my growing up years. It has a 90’s grunge feeling. That is by no means a negative observation and I, well I like it. Ok? Via Ruberman on Twitter ;)

Jungle by Emma Louise

Follow her videos on youtube! I have to give it to youtube sometimes they are spot on with their recommendations. I can't help, but drum my stirring wheel and belt this song out.


Double Trouble by Jack and White

Hello 60’s and shaking your hips to the sound of this Indy duo that is just plain fun. Many of their other songs I appreciate for the lyrics as well.

Damage by Fit For Rivals

Youtube (auto-correct corrected this to toughness) and their recommendations! I first listened to this group and couldn't figure out if the lead singer, Rene, was a male or female. It seems I was not alone. Rene is a girl (unless the comments were wrong). Which proves even more how talented she is because the scratchiness of her voice (a good thing) combined with the effect is a huge draw. My pocket book does not often allow for an entire album purchase, which I was forever trying to explain to B, but for once I ignored the pleas for its frugality. I purchased their entire CD on iTunes (shhh).

Anna Sun by Walk the Moon

I don’t want to type anything...just sing. I so enjoy the build up at the beginning of this song. Oh Anna sun, what do you know...

Check out these too:
-Fast Fast by Let’s Buy Happiness
-The King and All Of His Men by Wolf Gang
-Patterns by Band Of Skulls
-The Greatest American Sob Story by Underminded
-Bluebeard by Band Of Horses (I'm sure you have heard them before, but I never thought I would like another of their songs as much as The Funeral...I don't mind being wrong)

Hit me up on Spotify my new music haven :). Be proud of me I typed this entire post on my kindle (hence the commentary mentioning auto-correct occurrences) while driving back from Chicago last night. Okay so among other things I have attempted while driving, this was not one of them. No I was a passenger and I was thinking ahead because I knew time would not be on my side today to write this post. Be thankful! I am demanding aren't I?


*“Music is an outburst of the soul.” quote by Frederick Delius

It Sung the Song of my heart....Music

(Note: I wrote this Saturday night, January 15, and am just now getting around to posting it....sorry)

It is easy, common place, to find your area of expertise in writing and stick to it. Branching out and embracing subjects that aren't necessarily your forte is the true challenge. At times I shrink away from these unfamiliar territories and other times I look forward to a new subject. I typically write about books and movies. I've written about music in the past and tried to sound as though I knew what I was talking about. I don't think it worked out too well for me. I'm up to trying again though.

Music has been on my mind lately. I've always liked it. Whether it be listening or dancing, it literally feels as though it flows through my veins. That is a great feeling. Music has long been about the beat, the sound, the feeling it gives me. My friend always would go on and on about this or that song having amazing lyrics. I would just look at her like she was smoking something. Sure I would sing along with the words, but paying close attention to what was actually being said wasn't important to me. Music after all is about the sound, right, not the words?

However, I have started to really listen and appreciate what is being said in the music I listen to. When you stop to process what is being sung you connect on a new level with the music. Certain songs you play more because now their lyrics touch on what you're feeling, what you're going through at that very moment. Some songs feel like they were written with my life situations in mind. I have a strong desire to claim them as my own, royalty check perhaps?

Stumbled across this gem about a month ago and I can't stop playing it. The song is simple, but it puts my feelings out there so much better than I could.

Sleepless by Until June
(excerpt)

Did you ever love someone
So much you couldn't bear the thought of losing them
Well I remember the sleepless nights
When I'd lie awake
If only I could tell you how I feel
....
Well I would walk around the earth
To have another chance with you
Spend the evening, painting thoughts of all you do
Well I remember the sleepless nights
When I'd lie awake
If only I could tell you how I feel

I'm already humming the song, pondering what it means to me.

When you gain this new perspective of music your ears are on constant alert. Listening, learning and even frightening yourself at times to what you never took the time to hear. A good beat is just that good, but we get too wrapped up with that, that the music continues to lose its flair (Hence the downward spiral of music today.) Words are powerful.

Safe to Say by Vanna
(excerpt)

I'll leave my heart there by your bedside
If you swear that your eyes won't stray
To be honest, I've been hoping
To find the words to say

I'll leave my heart there by your bedside
If you swear that your eyes won't stray
And honestly, honestly
I only let go for the sake of you

Ask anyone close to me, I abhor modern poetry. There is a yucky taste it leaves in my mouth, to say nothing about the writing style. "I can't like it." However, the more I listen, really listen, to music I realize that these musicians out there are the next wave of poets. I don't know if they know it, but they are.

A hundred years ago lovers would exchange verse with one another. They would even quote famous poets in letters or memorize lines to capture the attention of their lucky man or woman. What do we do today? Another friend told me recently she used to spend hours making mix tapes (CDs) for guys. These collections are work. Thoughts and heart are poured into what is being put out there for another person to hear. Yes you aren't the writer of these "modern poems," but you're putting a piece of you into it. The songs meant something to you and you're hoping and praying the lucky receiver realizes what it means. Wake up! The songs, music, lyrics are this generations whispered love poem.

If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn by Sleeping with Sirens
(excerpt)

They say that love is forever
Your forever is all that I need
Please stay as long as you need
Can't promise that things won't be broken
But I swear that I will never leave
Please stay forever with me

I feel like there was more I wanted to say. It is late, after 12, and my mind is on shut down. I'm almost tempted to get online and gobble up some more lyrics. I am becoming a lyric junky and to make matters worse my iPod is full. I even discovered how to put lyrics on my iPod so I can read and listen. This may end up being bad just because it takes up space, but I can't help myself.

A quick playlist I've thrown together for this post (the lyrics are great of course):

- Mariella by Kate Nash
- These Walls by Trapt
- The Funeral by Band of Horses
- Jolene by Ray LaMontagne
- Rise & Fall by Carlotta
- Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation
- Safe to Say by Vanna
- 9 Crimes by Damien Rice
- Innocent Tears by David Thornton
- CrushCrushCrush by Paramore
- Cough Syrup by Young the Giant
- Sleepless by Until June
- Winter Winds by Mumford & Sons
- Audience by Cold War Kids

Oh I could add so many more! :)

One last recommendation before I let you off to LISTEN to music. The Bible has beautiful poetry (and wisdom) all throughout. I have recently read the book of Ecclesiastes twice. It is becoming my favorite book of the Bible. I may even be reading it again soon. Read it, ponder some and be prepared for perhaps not the most encouraging read, but certainly thought provoking.

Ecclesiastes 7:29
This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes.