Gulf Shores 2010

I don't have a song for tonight, just the sound of the waves.  My heart is fo very full this Thanksgiving.
It is usually a very spiritual time for me and this trip doesn't seem like it's going to be any different. I feel most like myself when I'm near the ocean.. I get quite a bit of writing done and spend a good amount of time reflecting.  Then I go back refreshed, more grounded than when I first arrived.  So far, I'm off to a great start.  Happy Thanksgiving. :)

When You Find Me - Joshua Radin

I'm not sure why I haven't posted this song sooner. It is one of my all-time favorites.  I recently watched a delightful film called Adam. It featured this during one of the pivotal moments in the storyline and just renewed my love for the song.  Joshua Radin and Maria Taylor are mesmerizing together.  The lyrics are fairly simple, but have always managed to catch my attention.  "My only weakness is knowing your secrets.."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q27RnEQkZk&feature=related

Speaking a Dead Language & Lovesick Mistake

I should be writing a speech worth half of my grade or studying for the economics test that can make or break my final average or at least resting up for a busy week.   However, for the past two nights, I've been completely absorbed with music, writing, and late 18th/early 19th century stories of romance and poetry.  If you know me at all, this is absolutely out of character (the romance part of it) and I have no idea where it has come from.  Well, maybe I have an idea...but I'm usually a cynical, realistic expectations kind of girl.  The second I begin to gain interest in romance, I rebel against the feeling of not being in control of my emotions. I grab the nearest shoot-em-up movie, a dark beer, and I talk myself out of it.  It keeps me grounded.  Lately though, I can't shake this feeling of wanting to be caught up in something bigger than myself, something that inspires poetry like what I've been reading.

So anyway, here are two songs in heavy rotation on my ipod right now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8rQPF-qESU&feature=related
Speaking a Dead Language - Joy Williams
"We built a tall, tall tower/towards the sun, towards the sun."

Joy Williams is part of The Civil Wars, a lovely husband/wife duo. Typically, I find her solo work to be a little too clean-cut, predictable, and cheery.  However, this song seems painfully honest...it has an almost ethereal quality to it. Her voice is delicate and haunting.  It sounds as if she went through a tranformation, but sadly...this is the only song from her newest, short album that has such depth.  I do hope to hear more songs like this from her in the future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qctgovObf1o
Lovesick Mistake - Erin McCarley

I've had this one tucked away for quite some time. I'll play it from time to time but had never really developed an attachment until now.  I came across this artist when she was doing the Hotel Cafe tour in fall of 2008.  I wasn't able to attend the nearest concert, but she later toured with my favorite band, Jack's Mannequin in the spring of 2009. This track on her 2008 album was good, but not great.  It had too much of a pop sound for my particular taste.  This version is a live recording and is muchhhhh improved.  It has a more soulfull feel to it and really strikes a chord in my life right now.

Sharon Van Etten - One Day

I've had this song on repeat since earlier this evening when it was first sent to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3Ly2A9mbo
Thank you, Cody, for the introduction. I'm hooked.

Ring the Bells - Satellite

I didn't think of you all weekend.  I laughed more genuinely, felt a little more like myself.  
I breathed in deeper than I had in ages, and when I remembered you...I didn't miss you nearly as much as I had the day before. I'm not sure I can explain how much of a relief it was to allow myself to let go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9txMrr3tpc

Sunday Sentiment

It was a great weekend, full of new friends and laughter.  We went camping near the Perdido Key.  It was cold, but wonderful. Now, I'm exhausted...near sleep, but fighting it all the same.

I think I'm more open to music when I'm tired, the way it just melts over me, rich and beautiful.
How, when I'm not searching for a certain sound, it fills my ears with meaning and pulls down gently on my eyes as if to say..sleep won't hinder the message of this one.

Here are two songs that discovered me tonight:
The first is Heal for the Honey by Brooke Waggoner.  Initially, I thought the pace to be too slow.  However, when it crescendos...the wait is worth it. So beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxroVbjzeSg&feature=fvw
Who knew food coloring in water could have such a visual impact?
"Oh, I am a dreamer, but I'll deny it 'til the day I die."

The next song is called Swing Gently by Leona Naess. 
I'm a sucker for good lyrics, especially those with alliteration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiHmsfmzAwM