Mental Health Awareness Month

Once again I am doing my best to promote and support mental health awareness month. Take a moment to listen to these songs and empathize with the people who wrote them in that moment. 


Lithium

I’m so lonely, that’s okay, I shaved my head
And I’m not sad
And just maybe I’m to blame for all I’ve heard
But I’m not sure
— Nirvana

Kurt Cobain's tragic suicide is well known, so the part I am going to focus on here is the less well known aspects of his mental health battle. His family had a history of mental illness, with multiple family members committing suicide in violent ways. Mental Health issues commonly run in families and genetics is one of the primary risk factors. Kurt was diagnosed with ADD at a young age and later diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (also known as manic-depression). This is similar to serious clinical depression with the addition of mood swings, which can result in everything from rage to euphoria.  During his manic states Kurt would be incredibly productive, with his depressive states caused him to be characterized as lazy. Bipolar people are much more likely to be addicted to drugs and alcohol as was the case with Kurt as well.  In his suicide note he was suffering with delusional guilt and expressed that he felt like his wife and child would be better off without him in their lives. I recently saw a t-shirt for sale online that had his suicide note on the front of it. It made me extremely upset, that someone would ever think that was an appropriate way to support a band or be edgy. It is disgusting to trivialize the anguish that someone must be feeling to take their own lives. Kurt often said and frequently wrote in his journals "I hate myself and want to die", if you have never had pervasive negative thoughts like that you should count yourself lucky and try to better understand and empathize with people who do. Some people's challenges aren't clearly visible from the outside, things like success with their career, or having a family can't completely erase these thoughts.


A portrait of

 
I was thinking about how great
It would be if I could make the tightness in my chest go away
— Sorority Noise

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I Got The Blues (Macaroni and Cheese)

I’m feeling bad for saying that I’m lonely
When I have so many people who care so much about me
I’ll keep ignoring texts from good friends asking if I’m ok
— Sledding with Tigers

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Mad world

Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow
— Gary Jules

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Mental Health Awareness Month

This month all of the songs and writing in my posts will be in an effort to bring attention and perspective to Mental Health Awareness month. Of all the illnesses that affect the people you see everyday mental issues are the most misunderstood. The other thing that makes this topic so important is that each person is able to help the people around them to a greater degree than they realize. The impact you can make on someone with cancer is limited but your effort and kindness for someone suffering with mental health issues can literally be the difference between life and death. Just last week Avicii lost his battle with mental health and commited sucide. I've selected songs that are meant to invoke empathy, inspire, and articulate the struggles of mental health issues and addiction.


Twilight

You don’t deserve to be lonely
But those drugs you got won’t make you feel better
Pretty soon you’ll find it’s the only
Little part of your life you’re keeping together
— Elltiot Smith

Elliott Smith had mental health and addiction issues, it is reported that he was smoking up to $1500 dollars of heroin and crack each day. He also was paranoid and believed he was being followed by a white van. However he was starting to turn his life around and gave up all drugs, alcohol, and caffeine. He also was finishing the details on his latest album that was set to release soon. 

He got in an argument with his girlfriend, she claims she locked herself in the bathroom then heard a scream and when she opened the door he had a knife in his chest. It was reported as a suicide based on her testimony and his mental health history. However the autopsy confirmed there were no drugs in his system and was much more consistent with homicide than with murder, including possible defense wounds on his hands and multiple stab wounds in his chest. His girlfriend was never charged and she later sued his family for 15% of his estate claiming that she was entitled to it since they lived together. I think it is very likely that Elliott Smith's murderer got away with the crime based on an improper investigation by the police, allowing his mental health and addiction issues to bias their investigation. 


the middle

Don’t write yourself off yet
It’s only in your head you feel left out or looked down on
Just do your best
Do everything you can
Don’t you worry what their bitter hearts are going to say
— Jimmy Eat World

This song was inspired by an email from a fan that the lead singer received from a high school student who felt like she wasn't punk enough for the punk crowd or cool enough for the popular crowd and felt like she was stuck in "the middle" in between all the cliques at school.  


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i want to be well

Illness likes to prey upon the lonely, prey upon the lonely
Wave goodbye, oh, I would rather be, but I would rather be fine
— Sufjan Stevens

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Medicine

You could still be what you want to
What you said you were when I met you
You’ve got a warm heart, you’ve got a beautiful brain
But it’s disintegrating from all the medicine.
— Daughter

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Lennondary

A self-portrait of John Lennon dressed as Hitler sold for 54k this week, which is more than Hitler ever sold his own self-portraits for. 


Best New Song: Just Dumb Enough to Try

 
But I’m just dumb enough to try
To keep you in my life
— Father John Misty

Buttercup

I’ll be fine on my own, she said, I don’t need you inside my head
— Hippo Campus

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I can't Live Without My Mother's Love

 
I can’t live without my mother providing her light
— Sun Kil Moon

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Devil Boy

 
To finally realize my price... was it you or I?
— Seven Mary Three

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Jack in the Box

Jack White says he's only listened to his own music for the past year, which sounds healthy. He's been a big proponent of the move toward people buying old-school records, but even he is stuck listening to the same one over and over again rather than have to switch it out. 


Best New Song: Sky Full of Song

 
Be careful, oh, my darling, oh, be careful what it takes
From what I’ve seen so far, the good ones always seem to break
— Florence + The Machine

River

Take me to your river
I wanna go
Take me to your river
I wanna know
— Leon Bridges

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Irish Exit

 
You’re the guy that always brings the drugs
When nobody wants drugs
— Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton

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Difficult

And now I’m standing in the rain
And your hair, it’s falling in your face
And I know we’re doing the right thing
— Billy Raffoul

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Yoko Oh No

This week a $20,000 rock inscribed with "Love Yourself" by Yoko Ono was stolen from her art exhibit in Toronto. It is kind of ironic that her rock would be stolen after her meddling helped to steal rock from so many by breaking up the Beatles. 


Best New Song: Cold Cave

 
I want the kind of love that hurts when you take it away from me
— Gin Wigmore

Night Shift

 
You got a 9 to 5, so I’ll take the night shift
And I’ll never see you again if I can help it
— Lucy Dacus

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Keep

 
It’s been a long 12 months and I’ve
Been living around just fine
— Pity Sex

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Sometime Around Midnight

As you stand under the bar lights
And the band plays some song
About forgetting yourself for a while
And the piano’s this melancholy soundtrack to her smile
— The Airborne Toxic Event

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Aladdin Stain

Unfortunately the David Bowie statue that I wrote about a few weeks ago has been vandalized with "Feed the homeless first" and "RIP DB" spray-painted on it.  A Bowie fan has offered 5k to a homeless charity if the perpetrator turns themselves in, which may be a good idea as the person was captured on camera. Apparently this person couldn't find the hundreds of other nearby extravagances to deface and had to ruin a statue, and also cost more money from the government to fix it. 


Best New Song: Never Say Die

 
All you want is to play at playing god
— CHVRCHES

Everyday Robots

 
We are everyday robots on our phones
In the process of getting home
— Damon Albarn

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Song For a Netflix Account

The good don’t die young, they just haven’t had time to
Fuck up the same as the rest of us yet
— Pat The Bunny

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There is a Light That Never Goes Out

 
To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die
— The Smiths

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Smashed Pumpkin

Billy Corgan the frontman of Smashing Pumpkins has said recently that "80% for the things that I get held up and mocked for, I'm doing intentionally". I can relate to that, if you are making fun of me the joke is on you not me. Like the time I locked my keys in my car while it was running and locked myself out of the house during a blizzard. My dad made fun of me but the joke was on him, I was doing it intentionally on a level of humor and brilliance he just didn't understand. 


Best New Song: Hold My Girl

 
I’ve got time, I’ve got love
Got confidence you’ll rise above
— George Ezra

Talking With Strangers

Yesterday I was anxious and alone
So I called a friend to make me feel okay
And for a moment, I found myself angry at him for offering help
When I should have just been grateful for what he gave
— Miya Folick

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Imagining My Man

 
It can be so hard to forgive
It’s not what I thought, and it’s not what I pictured
— Aldous Harding

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Better Strange

 
You’re so much better strange
You’re so much better when you make mistakes with me
— James Supercave

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Flight of The Stairs

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Music and comedy group Flight of the Concords, best known for their hilarious HBO show a few years ago had re-united to tour the UK. The tour has been delayed "Unfortunately I’ve broken two bones in my hand today in a very rock’n’roll injury—falling down some stairs" said Bret in an Instagram post.

A David Bowie statue has been unveiled in an English city, hopefully every other city worldwide can catch up and finish their tributes soon.


Best New Song: Crow Pt. 2

Sleeping, wondering in her twilight half-awareness
Where her mother went
I know that you died
— Mount Eerie

Ten Things

Because right now all you have is time, time, time
But someday that time will run out
That’s the only thing you can be absolutely certain about
— Paul Baribeau

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Tomorrow

But don’t bring tomorrow
Cause I already know
I’ll lose you
— Daughter

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Hey Jude

 
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better
— The Beatles

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It's Just One of Those Days

Honestly the news lately has seemed like Mad Libs have come to life and the news this week is no different. Front man for Limp Bizkit Fred Durst is directing a movie staring John Travolta, obviously with these two both at the peaks of their popularity this film is sure to be a smash.


Best New Song: Your Dog

 
Always talk to other people
Dart my eyes across the room
— Soccer Mommy

It's Raining Outside

rent goes up
pay stays the same
and they wonder who to blame
when the honest man is getting high
— Pedals On Our Pirate Ships

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Standing In The Cold

But you had my soul
Standing in the cold
Trying to get back home
Frozen to the bone
— Drenge

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Werewolf

 
All through the night, until the light of day, and we are doomed to play
— Cat Power

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Killer Music

Normally the rap side is where I detail artists committing crimes, but in France a CONVICTED murderer who killed his girlfriend ten years ago is headlining a festival and the festival has stood by it's decision. It just goes to show, before commiting a crime you should definitely be sure to be a rich white guy, it is going to help considerably.

I decided to include a track from the new rearranged version of Sorority Noise's Grahammy Winning album that was just released along with the news that the band will be going on hiatus after this summer's tour. 


Best New Song: No Halo (Acoustic)

 
I’m placing bets against myself
And honestly I’m a mess
— Sorority Noise

Afterglow

 
When you get that feeling from your head to toe, I just want to be with you so that you know
— Pet Fangs

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Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore

What am I going to do when I can see that you’ve been crying
And you don’t want no help from me?
— Marlon Williams

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If Winter Ends

 
And so I drink to stay warm,
and to kill selected memories
— Bright Eyes

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I'm a Weirdo

Not to make every week about Thom Yorke but I said if he ever started acting like Kanye I would keep you posted and he has been doing exactly that; he's been tweeting weird stuff lately that has some people speculating he may be coming out with a new solo album. Although the most likely scenario is that he is tweeting weird stuff because he is a weird guy. 

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Best New Song: Mr. Tillman

 
Is there someone we can call?
Perhaps you shouldn’t drink alone
— Father John Misty

Pray For Newtown

So when your birthday comes and you’re feeling pretty good
Baking cakes and opening gifts and stuffing your mouth with food
Take a moment for the children who lost their lives
Think of their families and how they mourn and cry
— Sun Kil Moon

I wanted to include this song a few weeks ago when there was a school shooting, but I thought, no, there will be another bigger one soon. I wish I wasn't right.... I strongly recommend giving this song a listen in the wake of recent events.


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Waiting For The World To Change

Now we see everything that’s going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don’t have the means
To rise above and beat it
— John Mayer

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People

And people are people regardless of skin
And people are people regardless of creed
People are people regardless of gender
People are people regardless of anything
— AJJ

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Everything in its Right Place

Thome Yorke of Radiohead will be integrated into a new 360-degree audiovisual installation in Berlin. I honestly can't think of a more Thome Yorke thing for him to be doing, it truly is everything in its right place.

Unfortunately I feel like the news section for Alternative is going to devolve into a depressing announcement of reunion tours, overdoses, and realizing your favorite albums came out 20 years ago and that partying for two decades has left the band looking like they had to be reanimated from the dead for the reunion.  In that vein, Smashing Pumpkins has announced a reunion tour with three quarters of the original members including the driving force of the band Billy Corgan. Corgan was known in the early 2000's for being a talented asshole and more recently for being on conspiracy theory nutjob Alex Jones' show and saying insane things online. This tour promises to have the behind the scenes drama of Fleetwood Mac and hopefully part of this money-grab includes a behind the music documentary. 


Best New Song: Don't Move Back to LA

You say I lost my soul or sold it out
But I told you, I want you
I told you, I want you
I told you now
— Okkervil River

Keep Yourself Warm

 
It takes more than fucking someone
you don’t know to keep warm
— Frightened Rabbit

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The Past is a Grotesque Animal

 
It’s so embarrassing to need someone like I do you
How can I explain?
— Of Montreal

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Heavy in Your Arms

I was a heavy heart to carry
My feet dragged across ground
And he took me to the river
Where he slowly let me drown
— Florence + The Machine

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Quincy Groans

In possibly the most candid interview's ever legendary record producer Quincy Jones (best known for his work with Michael Jackson) has been scorching everyone he's ever met with his harsh brand of honesty. He said that Michael Jackson used to steal songs and rip off the people who helped create them. 

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Best New Song: Blood Knows

 
Just hold your breath
Just hold my waist
— Rhye

Waiting Around to Die

Lots of booze and lots of ramblin’
It’s easier than just waitin’ around to die
— Townes Van Zandt

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Boys Will Be Boys

 
Would ya blame your little sister
If she cried to you for help?
— Stella Donnelly

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Drunk Drivers (Killer Whales)

Here’s that voice in your head
Giving you shit again
But you know he loves you
And he doesn’t mean to cause you pain
— Car Seat Headrest

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Lana Del Cray

Hopefully everyone enjoyed The Grahammy's which had just the perfect amount of awards go to Bruno Mars. Going forward I'll try to keep it a little less self-righteous and a little more sarcastic as I am pretty sure nobody cares what I liked best from last year in music (Cigarettes After Sex) or otherwise (mezcal tequila). Putting "Cigarettes after Sex" in both spots in parenthesis there would have been a better joke but I'm honest to a fault. 

This week some lunatic stalker tried to kidnap singer Lana Del Rey and showed up to one of her concerts with a knife, luckily local police were able to prevent an attack. The stalker posted on Facebook that "I heard you call me through all your songs I heard it... so we can have our son". Really scary that delusion people like this think they are destined to be with celebrities. I mean how crazy is this guy that he can't see that Lana and I are meant to be together, so it would obviously never work between them?


Best New Song: Get Out

 
Good intentions never good enough
— CHVRCHES

Album of the year

And I know she loved me then
I swear to god she did
It’s the way she’d bite my lower lip
And push her hips against my hips
And dig her nails so deep into my skin
— The Good Life

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Hollywood

 
I was looking forward to see where I was going
But I don’t know if I can make it, no, I don’t know if I could
— Tobais Jesso Jr.

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For the captain

 
All that is your beauty
All and all that is your treasure
I could smell your skin beside me
Say I hope I am here forever
— Okkervil River

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The 2nd Annual Grahammy Awards!

It is finally the time of year for the biggest awards in music The Grahammy's! This week the winners will are crowned and those receiving awards can have their careers changed forever. Many of these artists see this award as their assent to the top of their field. 

And the awards go to...

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Best Cover

James Blake - Vincent

This heartbreaking song as redone by James Blake is incredible. Lacking the usual adjustments to the audio that typically accompany James Blake songs this really showcases his talent as a more traditional performer rather than the niche he has carved out for himself. 

But I could’ve told you, Vincent
This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you

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Most Surprising Song

Kesha - Bastards

Kesha has dropped the "$" from her name (sadly) and is releasing a totally different direction of music than what she is known for. Clearly unafraid and eager to be known for more than her club tracks, this song really shows her range and the new direction of her music. 

Don’t let the bastards get you down, oh no
Don’t let the assholes wear you out
— Kesha

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Best Songwriting

Father John Misty - Pure Comedy

There were many strong contenders for this award this year, but the song that fit best with the year itself was this one. It takes on the absurdity of life for humans as we move past the struggles of animals and create new struggles for ourselves. Creating ideologies and goverments to seperate us and make us less free. 

The only thing that seems to make them feel alive
Is the struggle to survive
But the only thing that they request
Is something to numb the pain with
Until there’s nothing human left

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Best Track

Lorde - Liability

This track is the centerpiece of a beautiful album that is easily one of the most memorable of the year. It's powerful lines resting largerly on the strength of her voice convey emotion that matches perfectly with the lyrics. 

The truth is I am a toy that people enjoy
’Til all of the tricks don’t work anymore
And then they are bored of me

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Album of the Year

Cigarettes After Sex - Self Titled

I'm pretty confident that this will be the only place you see this album listed as the best of the year. I am fine with that, as I am biased by the face that I love every single note in this album and have probably listened to it over 100 times since it was released in June. It is absolutely perfect and I cannot recommend it enough for times when you want to lower the lights and listen to music to relax.

I know that you say I get mean when I’m drinking
But then again sometimes I get really sweet
So what does it mean if I tell you to go fuck yourself
Or if I say that you’re beautiful to me

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Grahammy Nominees for Album of the Year

It is finally the time of year for the biggest awards in music The Grahammy's! This week nominees for Album of the Year are announced with the winner chosen next week in addition to the winners for other categories as well. Take a listen to these great albums and maybe your favorite will be chosen for Album of The Year.

I've complied the best track from each of the nominated albums into a playlist, as well as the entire album for each band. These albums were chosen for the quality of the entire album from beginning to end so I highly recommend listening to the entire album if you enjoy any of the tracks in the playlist below.  Also remember to hit the Subscribe button above if you haven't already to get an email reminder when the winner is announced next week!


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Brand New - Science Fiction

Best Track - Desert

This long awaited album the band's first since 2009 definitely delivered. It brought back the heavy tones and angst the band is known for without while still managing to be a distinct and evolved piece of their catalog. 

 
Could never be heaven without you
— Could Never Be Heaven

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Lorde - Melodrama

Best Track - Liability

This album really shows an evolution and development from Lorde's previous albums. The theme throughout the album inspired by the breakup with her longtime boyfriend. The album has a heavy sense of solitude that carries with both the melodies and lyrics. It explores feelings of lonliness that can be felt even while with company.

But my hips have missed your hips
So, let’s get to know the kicks
Will you sway with me?
Go astray with me?
— Sober

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Mount Eerie - A Crow Looked at Me

Best Track - Real Death

This album is definitely not for someone who is trying to have their music cheer them up. Written about the slow death of his wife from cancer and his attempts to raise their child on his own and move on is absolutely heartbreaking. The amount of empathy this album evokes and its ability to transform your day really showcases the impact can have on a person.

You were thinking ahead to a future you must have known deep down would not include you
— Real Death

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Cigarettes After Sex - self titled

Best Track - Apocalypse

Don't let the less than exciting album cover fool you, this album is absolutely worth your time. The sultry tones and relaxing tempo are great whether you are reading a book or closing your eyes to listen intently. At the same time the fun and catchy lyrics can be perfect for singing along in the car.

It’s so sweet, knowing that you love me
Though we don’t need to say it to each other, sweet
Knowing that I love you, and running my fingers through your hair
It’s so sweet
— Sweet

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Dude York - Sincerely

Best Track - Twin Moons

Definitely one of the most fun albums of the year with each song having a special punch to it. The upbeat edge that the album has will put you in a great mood to take on the day. I also am lucky enough to confirm that this band is even better live as they amplify the fun of the album with humor and antics on stage. 

Like I can hardly wait for my heartbreak
Yeah, I just keep on acting like he won’t ever find out
Like he don’t already know
— Love Is

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Portugal. The Man - Woodstock

Best Track - Feel it still

This is one band where you have no idea whatsoever what to expect from each new album. Each album stands alone as its own art piece with unique flavor and style. This album is no exception as it brings the quality and suprise that you have come to expect from this band. 

 
Livin’ life like we’re the only ones that know we’re famous
— Rich Friends

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Sorority Noise - You're Not As _____ As You Think

Best Track - A Portrait Of

This Emo album really has a sense of purpose to it, each song has it's own perspective. Each track builds into a narrative as it examines the relationships between people and the effect they have on each other. Many of the songs delve into how a person can help another with their attention and affection or hurt them with their neglect.  

You said, ‘I’m sorry, why do I feel so alone?’
I said, ‘I’m sorry, is there anything that I can do?’
You said, ‘Care about me like you used to.’
— Car

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Happy MLK Day

It was revealed this week that David Bowie suffered a minor heart attack in 2004 which lead to him taking a break from touring as well as a long break from music. He would only produce two more albums after that point with his final album being released two days before his death from cancer in 2016. 


Best New Song: We're going Home

No second chances but all we can do is try
— Vance Joy

(No one knows me) Like The piano

 
No one knows me like the piano in my mother’s home
— Sampha

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Leather and Lace

And sometimes I cry
But that time I saw you
I knew with you to light my nights
Somehow I’d get by
— Stevie Nicks

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Easy

 
I was born to love
And I intend to love you
— Joanna Newsome

Joanna Newsome is married to Andy Samberg of SNL and Brooklyn 99, which is surprising because I can't think of any two types of music more disparate than harp music and "Dick in a Box". They recenently had a baby and it is anyone's guess as to what type of music that baby will make.


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Carreying into 2018

Well I joked last week about letting everyone know if Thom Yorke was ever involved in any drama, and now I am stuck relaying some drama this week. Radiohead's lawyers have sued Lana Del Rey over her song Get Free for being to similar to Radiohead's 1992 Classic Creep. Posted on Lana's Twitter account "Although I know my song wasn’t inspired by Creep, Radiohead feel it was and want 100% of the publishing - I offered up to 40 over the last few months but they will only accept 100.” I would guess this is a case of overzealous lawyers and may be dropped as soon as the band actually gets involved. The main similarities in the songs are the elongation of words into more syllables which does sound similar. If Radiohead is willing to sue over that though they reee-hehehehehe-heealllllyyyy should have gone after Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective in 94'.


Best New Song: God save our young blood

 
We can never stop movin’, we see nothin’ but the green lights
— Børns & Lana Del Rey

Man on the moon

Now, Andy, did you hear about this one?
Tell me, are you locked in the punch?
Hey, Andy, are you goofing on Elvis?
Hey, baby, are we losing touch?
— R.E.M.

This song is about Andy Kaufman, and the Movie Starring Jim Carrey is named after it. A recent Netflix documentary "Jim and Andy" about how Jim Carrey stayed in character as Andy is excellent. It was suppressed by the studio for over 20 years because the studio was worried if anyone saw the footage they would think Jim was an "asshole". He stayed in character on and off screen causing considerable stress and drama off set. I promise I will never reference Jim Carrey in the same week multiple times again unless absolutely necessary (or if I feel like it).


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Affection

I know that you say I get mean when I’m drinking
But then again sometimes I get really sweet
— Cigarettes After Sex

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Desert

 
Don’t come running to me
When they’re coming for you
— Brand New

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The Beginning of Your Weekly Music Recommendations

Welcome to the first week of the non-rap version of this newsletter/site. I will do my best to take the parts that people appreciated most from the rap version and use them here but the format will naturally be different. I know people appreciated the fun facts and humor in the rap section and I will do my best to provide heavy sarcasm here as well. Unfortunately, people like Thom Yorke of Radiohead provide significantly fewer antics and opportunities for mockery than Kanye West. I promise to notify you if Thom Yorke announces he is running for President in 2020, gets in a feud with Taylor Swift, or claims the Government administered AIDS.

I hope you like this format, I will update it every Monday, please share with your friends and enemies and take a listen and subscribe below.


Best New Song: Tonya Harding

Are you lonely at night?
Do you miss all the glory
And the mythical story
Of the Olympian life?
— Sufjan Stevens

Your Best American Girl

 
Your mother wouldn’t approve of how my mother raised me
But I do, I think I do
— Mitski

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I Wanna Rock Out In My Dreams

 
The older I get, the more articulate I am at whining
— AJJ

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Avalanche

 
The crumbs of love that you offer me
They’re the crumbs I’ve left behind
— Leonard Cohen

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