Baseball, after music, is a full on obsession with my family. One of my earliest memories was chasing Gary Gaetty down at the local mall (my mother pushing my little sister in her stroller) to get his autograph. He was the nicest guy, not only did he give us the autograph but also helped us choose a cologne for my dad for Father’s Day.
As I grew up I fostered true adoration for some of the greats that passed through the Twin’s dugout. Dave Winfield personified power and class and Paul Molitor was a regular topic at the dinner table. And Kirby oh man did I love that guy. I was broken hearted when he was forced into retirement after catching a ball to the side of the face. At the initial and, in my mind, ONLY goodbye event I cried harder than I ever have in public –to the open mockery of some punk kids behind us. When I found out he had died I literally fell off the tredmill. It was a sad day for the whole family.
Anyways, it was only natural for music to be tied into the baseball facsination. Starting with my youthful desire to be the organ player at a major league stadium it led to noting the songs the players choose to have play when they go up to bat. I have come to the conclusion that it is a huge reflection of the players personality. Johann Santana choose Santana’s Smooth a nice rock song with a little Latin tinge and the shared name a wink at his sense of humor. Joe Mauer, hometown boy, hired a local musician to write his. I could go on.
I find it very telling what song a person would choose if they were a pro player. So, in honor of this years opening day I posed the question to a variety of people and got a variety of tunes in response. Here are some of the intriguing the results:
John Mellencamp - The Authority Song (my mother)
Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger
Georgian Chant – Cherubic Hymn
Death From Above 1979- You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine
Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Y Control
Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock – It Takes Two
What would your song be? Leave it in comments…
As things have begun to warm up here in Philly the signs of Spring are v. noticeable; water ice has reappeared, as have short sleeves and skirts not to mention the option for outdoor dining and once again relying on mah bike Finn to get me everywhere. And while no one is more excited to put away the coat, break out the picnic blanket and usher in the inevitably balls hot sweaty summer heat than this girl I feel as though there needs to be a momentary pause to reflect on the chaos and change that this winter represented for so many. More than any other time in my life has change been so pervasive in everyone’s lives. It has taken all forms good, bad, tragic, surprising, hopeful and revelatory but that’s the way we evolve right? Pushing through each with our own degree of grace, self awareness and humor. Spring sets the perfect stage for paying our lessons forward, licking wounds, exploring new potential and saying fuck it to the obvious path and “yes please” to new adventures.
The soundtrack for this you ask? Well that’s kinda up to you since you’re all captains of your own ships (as my dad would say) but I’ll get you started…
Dan Auerbach -When The Night Comes
Pausingly beautiful. Auerbach is the lead singer for the Black Keys, an excellent group in their own right so it should come as no surprise that his solo is as complex and carefully crafted as his recent release I Keep It Hid. This song speaks to my heads tendency to run amok at night and the need to put effort into calming my thoughts down or knowing who I can rely on to help with the effort.
Guillemots – Trains To Brazil (acoustic)
I adore the Guillemots. Their music is honest and varies enough to touch on a number of soundtrack moments (which is why they’ve been TV soundtrack friendly for a while now). The album version of this song is grand but I really like this pared down version. Mostly because it plays up their ability to craft a good lyric.
The Weepies - Can’t Go Back Now
Another group you’ve heard on any number of TV shows. I was v. pleased when they started to get much deserved attention. This song is unabashedly on the feel good song but there’s nothing wrong with that is there?
Innercity Pirates- Companimals
I just discovered this indie punk/pop gang from the UK. They are cheeky and irreverent and all in all a good time for the ears. They are charging through the blogosphere right now and I’m happy to join the pack. This song seemed particularly appropriate for this post. We are all a spot improved by a little companimal action, especially with sprinkles.
Ben Gibbard feat Jenny Lewis – Nothing Better
The original is fantastic but the addition of Ms. Lewis’ fine vocals gives it a much appreciated softness. The crowd noise is a lil distracting but if you just listen to the lyrics and embrace the spirit of the moment it’ll do its thing.
Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity.
- Gildna Radner
I’m about to dive into my taxes which will undoubtedly be a depressing process but dems da breaks for consultants. The few things that are going to get me through: knowing that next year I’ll hopefully get breaks as a small business owner (thanks Obama), the supply of bevies in the fridge, the fact that tomorrow the weekend unofficially begins with Metropolis at the Barbary followed with Pink Skull Friday at Transit and finally the playlist of new to me tunes I’ll be listening to as I shuffle through all these papers, ugh. I thought I’d share a little of the action with those of you who may be taxing or simply in need of a mid week new music mix.
Bell X1 Saw them perform last fall and was a little disappointed but with the recent release of Blue Lights On The Runway I’d give them a second chance. Blow Ins is just one tracks off the album I’m enjoying.
Plushgun I have a soft spot for Plushgun. Not really sure why. Perhaps its their new wave danciness er their lyrics but I’m not in a questioning mood so just go with it… Dancing In A Minefield
The Weakerthans very similar to Death Cab with beautiful songwriting and simply rhythms. They never disappoint especially when I’m needing a spot of thinking music. Left & Leaving
is a superb song for reflecting.
Cursive Their new album Mama I’m Swollen is getting a lot of attention and for good reason, its really good. The folks at Saddle Creek have a true ear for talent. The rolling instrumentals on From The Hips drive the pace of the lyrics from shoegaze to full horn section rock out. I’m itching to catch these guys live.
Dinosaur Feathers A Brooklyn band that I came upon whose interesting hollow harmonies and unique percussion have kept them on frequent repeat lately. The song behind the title Teenage Whore isn’t what you’d expect. Take a listen to it (and the rest of their stuff) and you’ll know what I mean. Can’t wait to see what these kids have coming round the pike.
Harlem Shakes Currently these guys are tearing it up in Austin and I wish I could be there to see the line up they’ve managed to put together all in anticipation of the release of Technicolor Health. Strictly Game is a taste of what that album will have to offer and I for one can’t wait to see them in April when they role through Philly.
Ok, enough with the procrastinating time to get down to business.
On the flip side of the movie soundtrack coin are those scenes where music is a direct line from the movie to the audience when the characters are enjoying the tune right along with you. These are a selection of memorable musical moments performed on film with one line associations.
Tiny Dancer - Elton John
Almost Famous
Cameron Crow knows how to build a soundtrack (this movie explains how he got that way ) and the timing and song choice for this scene is impeccable.
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Wayne’s World
You know you’ve recreated this scene at least once, just admit it.
Lets Get It On – Jack Black
High Fidelity
Hands down one of the best movies about music lovers, by music lovers for music lovers.
Kiss The Girl – Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid
This is one of those Disney songs that is oddly appropriate for mermaids and humans alike.
Wig In A Box – Hedwig
Hedwig & The Angry Inch
Brilliant, simply brilliant.
Moon River - Audrey Hepburn
Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Audrey with a guitar on a fire escape. An iconic quality of movie moment that just doesn’t seem to happen anymore.
***This one took A LOT of digging so I hope you enjoy…
Al La Claire Fontaine - Naomi Watts & Children’s Choir
The Painted Veil
The Oscars are this Sunday! Normally I would have folks over to do red carpet commentary and cast faux ballots for a chocolate gold guy. Alas, this year I will be in the car on the way to a gig in Virginia so I will be getting my Oscar fix by posting here.
One of the reasons I started blogging was because I have a strangely consistent soundtrack to my life. Whether I note the music playing at certain times, have a song running through my head during the day or find a particular song seemingly written for me I would say I have a musical association to most moments. Not surprisingly I have a total affinity to movie soundtracks and scores. There are composers who are widely known; Phillip Glass [the Qatsi trilogy, The Illusionist, The Hours] John Williams [Star Wars, Indiana Jones, ET] and Ennio Morricone [A Fist Full Of Dollars, Once Upon A Time In America, Cinema Paradiso] for example. And there are those who you don’t really know until you start to pay attention; Rachel Portman, Yann Tiersen, Gabrel Yared… Regardless of their fame all good movie composers can grab you, put you in the moment, make your pulse race or you heartbreak.When you notice yourself totally swept up in a scene largely due to the music playing in the background it transcends the usual movie watching experience. Here are a few of my favorites…
Theme To Jurassic Park – John Williams
I vividly remember watching the first heli-pan over the “costa rican” dinosaur park. The imagery paired with the gradual build of this piece was like butter on hot toast they melted into each other creating a truly delicious experience. It pressed me back into my chair and put me there for the rest of the movie. When I got the chance to play this in orchestra it brought the song to a whole new level. I think soundtracks a the way to draw interest into the wonder instrumental/classical music can impart.
Main Titles (Chocolat) – Rachel Portman
I love Rachel Portman’s work. She has provided the scores to a ton of movies (Benny & Joon, Cider House Rules, Joy Luck Club…) but her work on Chocolat was what first grabbed me. The movie about a nomadic Chocolat maker in Southern France is incredibly sensual yet whimsical and Portman brings that to live with her orchestrations and Jango Reinhard-esqu gypsy guitar score. If you haven’t seen it put it on your list!
Ada Plays (Cold Mountain) – Gabriel Yared
The music in this movie is equivalent to another character. Musicans (Jack White) were acting and actors ( Nicole Kidman & Brendan Gleeson) were playing music Yared’s score tucks seamlessly into the fold. This track convey so much of Ada’s character arc in the movie from city girl to independent mountain woman. Exceptional work.
The Postman Poet (Il Postino) - Luic Bacalav
The threads of art, music and poetry that weave through this movie combine to so perfectly they truly become one and bring life to this simple movie about Pablo Neruda’s influence on the love life of his mailman while exiled on an Italian island. The music dances with the rhythm of Neruda’s works and reflects the air and mood of Italy perfectly. The same refrain occurs in most of the score’s tracks but with subtle variations. It is another movie you should add to your list if you haven’t seen it already.
Finally, I don’t have a DRM free copy of this one to share so I will leave you with this
Ashokan Farewell (The Civil War) – Jay Unger
The folks at The Red Hot Organization (with a little producing support from the National’s Dessner brothers) have released the 20th compilation to raise funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. Dark Was The Night is a two disc release with 31 tracks showcasing some of today’s best acts.The tracks cover a smattering of delicious sounds from the up tempo Knotty Pine put forth by Dirty Projectors and David Byrne to the steady and playful So far Around the Bend by The National to the title track Dark Was The Night by the Kronos Quartet. In an interview posted on Pop Tarts Suck Toasted Bryce Dessner says they had to turn away offers of B-sides and rarities from some acts and I have to say the editorial decision was a wise one. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this album are the interesting pairings that came together in support of this fantastic cause. The interweaving sounds of Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner on Big Red Machine are so natural its pauses you. And Feist’s double duty contributions simply reaffirm her talent and creativity. Particularly on Train Song where she turns up her twang to parlay with Mr. Gibbard. I’m only posting this track in hopes you will go and buy the whole collection. Opportunities to put your money out for such a great endeavor and in return get an amazing bit of music are rare so don’t let it pas you by. If fund raising always sounded this good I’d be broke.
Pop Tarts Suck Toasted Interview with Bryce Dessner
Train Song - Feist & Ben Gibbard
Buy Dark Was The Night Here
I couldn’t decide on a subtheme for the big V-Day post so I am going with three very different love songs that probably won’t be on any of the other lists. No real rhyme or reason other than they’re good.
Love and Happiness – Al Green
I saw The Rev. at an outdoor festival in St Paul thee years ago that was pathetically attended. But other than feeling disappointed in my fellow Minneasotans for not showing proper love the show was amazing. He gave it is all and put on a fantastic show. He performed all of his classics and his delivery of Love & Happiness was epic.
All You Need Is Love – Lynden david hall
This gospel version of the Beatles classic is from the wedding scene in Love Actually and as cheesy as it is I think it would be pretty fantastic to have a gospel choir serenade me at my wedding.
I’m Gonna Always Love You - Miss Piggy, Kermit The Frog, Fozzie Bear, Rowlf, Scooter & The Great Gonzo
Muppet Love, as pure as it comes.
It takes a lot of sorting, listening and well, testing to make a good between the sheets mix. There are many variables that contribute to setting the right mood (rhythm, lyrics, tone/bass etc) and there a lot of different theories and opinions on the right combos. These are a few that continually find themselves in the running whenever I make a new disc and true to form there should be less talking more um, listening…
A little twitterpation can be a very inspiring thing as demonstrated by the scads of songs, poems, books, haikus, plays etc that have been written in celebration of that twinge of attraction. The only subject that can give it a run for its money is the heart wrenching pain caused by love’s dimise. Whether it is amicable, messy, “just a break,” overdue or way too soon the end of an affair has produced a comparable number and variety of art. Of course, no love themed week would be complete without a little slice of the sour side of amore.
No Children – The Mountain Goats
I saw the MG’s in concert this fall (review) and when this song came around it was delivered with such sincere reflective anger it was clear this was written from a dark place where the only light was sarcasm.
Collide – Howie Day
This is a song I associate with break ups ’cause, well, it was on a friend gave me after I went through one. The song itself isn’t too sad or angsty its just sweet.
No Future Together – Yarn
The honesty on display in this song is a level of straight forwardness I respect. Sometimes you just gotta call it instead of wasting anymore time putting up with subpar treatment. Yarn is a fantastic bluegrass group out of Brooklyn, of course. They are really fresh and therefore hard to catch live because they don’t tour widely…yet. They play a lot of smaller venues and from the sound of the recorded stuff seem like they would make for a good live show.
You’re No God – Laura Marling
There is a moment in some relationships when you know things are coming to an end sooner rather than later when you sense that they feel they are doing you a favor by not breaking up with you. Personally I find the statement “I just don’t want to hurt you” the biggest crock of shit. Hurt is going to happen. Its part of rolling the relationship dice. They should really say “I don’t want to feel guilty for ending this,” and assume the person is strong enough to move on. Whew, ok vent is over. Laura Marking is another songwriter who has a knack for honesty and this song is one of my favorites.
Bitter Radio Single - Hospital Ships
Speaking of honesty… LOVE IT!!!
Chin Up Cheer Up – Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams has released a ridiculous amount of music. From his solo work to Whiskeytown to his stuff with the Cardinals he has covered pretty much every possible relationship angel. A bluish tinge is cast on most of his work but when hes going the rose colored glasses route he does it well. This song is that little bit of encouragement sometimes necessary post break up. Strangely well timed news grab… Ryan Adams is engaged to Mandy Moore. Interesting eh?
Stand Back Up – Sugarland
There is no way this list would even approach complete without a little country music recognition. If ever there were a genre that has taken the break up song and created a truly refined art its the ladies and gentlemen of country music. It made it difficult to choose one so I decided to grab Nashville’s version of I Will Survive. Sugarland emotes the sad side and the hopeful side of the break up song. Another good one for those mixes created to soothe a recently broken heart.
If these don’t cover enough of the breakup bases for you…
Aaaahhhngst
In the third installment of the TWIAPC’s week of <3 stylings of others.
Faith – The Boy Least Likely To
George Micheal’s video for the original was sooooo cool to my little mind when I was younger. The song isn’t half bad either. TBLLT is best known for their indie scene anthem Be Gentle With Me and their twee/bluegrass twist really adds an unexpected touch.
How Deep Is Your Love- The Bird & The Bee
I can go hot and cold on this group. Some of their original stuff can get a little cloying to me but they will forever have a soft spot in my cover loving heart because of this Bee Gee’s resurrection. The brothers Gibb are too often overlooked for their contribution to music, always being shoved off into the disco category. How Deep Is Your Love eats up The Bird & The Bee’s low-fi approach. Very well done.
Bring It On Home To Me – Spoon
This Sam Cooke track has been done and done again. Yet, they all seem to blur together. Except, that is, for this Spoon edition. They run it through an indie group session feel and the hollow vocals and spare percussion strip the classic soul song down and present it all anew.
Run- Leona Lewis
Ms Lewis has herself some pipes and knows how to work them. On this retake of the Snow Patrol song Run she pushes it a little further. The result is an epic love song crying out for a CW drama soundtrack
Real Love – Regina Spektor
Regina Spektor tends to illicit mixed reviews but love her or hate her this cover of John Lennon’s Real Love is, very simply, beautiful. I think John would surely approve.