Tattoo Tuesdays: Where Words Fail, Music Speaks

Music has a way of closing the largest gaps of social differences. It also has a way of doing the very opposite. However, if you let it (and I implore...do it) music can perform magic.

It seems in every relationship, the good and the bad ones, there is always a song or two or a never ending flow of  undiscovered music that happens because one person decided it was time to share something. I can think of at least one song associated with each of the old and gone friends and the newly made friends. Music is universal, it succeeds so often where we mere mortals fail. Scary what power it holds over us...over me.

Though our hearts (and minds) rarely escape experiences unchanged, music is the gift that keeps on giving. Music is one of those blessings I sit relishing/musing, much as I do with words, "Wow, where would we be, where would I be if God didn't see fit to give us the ability to create symphonies? The ability to write 'foreign little creatures' on lines that direct the sounds of a heart."

Music tells a story. It tells you 'I love you'. It tells a world 'someone broke my heart'. It tells a generation 'get your shit together'. It stirs a well brewed pot of trouble. It can lay to rest a modicum or a plentitude of fears.


Today I'm running Tattoo Tuesdays as a theme post. All tattoos are music inspired. I know, as if you couldn't gather that already. (insert wink)

Photo credit (Flickr/Pintrest find):
Ana Luisa Pinto's '#2 -- mondays are for music'

 

Remember my mentioning of the 'foreign little creatures'? They are speaking a language all their own. According to the photographer, the notes are an actual song. I don't read music, oh to be so lucky, but perhaps you do. Tattoos tell stories and of course this tattoo is brilliant (though it may be the photographers doodling, I can't be sure) because music is telling that story too. Me and finger tattoos...sigh.

 

Pinterest Find

Tattoo Artist: Ellen Westholm

 

I'm not a rose tattoo kind of gal. Truth be told I don't really like real roses even. However, I like this tattoo very much so, rose and all. My first thought, "Hey that looks like Bokeh effect on a tattoo!" I don't entirely, honestly, understand what Bokeh is, but the background feel of this tattoo looks like the Bokeh effect button I use for editing photos. I like it! It has an old world feel with the shading/coloring. Now...I wish I could read what the words say. Can you read it? Sleeves of course equal always a winner in my book.

 

 

Pinterest Find

 

One of my favorite music quotes* is Frederick Delius' words: “Music is an outburst of the soul.” 

This tattoo, for me, is reminiscent of those words. I grew up with cassette tapes and sometimes I get a bit nostalgic and miss them. Then I remember numerous occasions of frustrations with cassette players eating away at the intestines of the cassette tape and I think "Erm...no, I'm good." 

I am a little iffy about the red coloring. I know my Mum's first reaction would be, "Is it suppose to represent blood?" (insert smile) Otherwise love the concept.

 

 

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

~Hans Christian Andersen

 

 

 

Footnotes (my feet have kickass boots on today, what about you?):

• *This quote is etched on the back of my iPod. I think I have mentioned this before.
• Music today - Thank you Spotify for having The Head And The Heart's new album, Let's Be Still! I can't buy it before Christmas, but I can surely indulge on Spotify.

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!