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Two of my favorites together in all of their winged majesty.

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I saw that you want to go into immunology. Have you read The Hot Zone?

I have!  It's been a long time, but I thought it was really interesting, both in terms of narrative and the virus itself.

Ebola still creeps me out because of the graphic descriptions in that book.

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If someone likes group projects, then he or she is probably A) a business major, and B) lying.

Just saying.

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The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel.

Steve Furtick

[interlunar]

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One of my favorite things about California: SO MANY CHURROS.  That, in addition to wonderful Mexican/seafood, made it a wonderful place.

[nprmusic]

Grizzly Bear’s fourth album rewards listeners with strange surprises and a few hooky, expansive ringers. Along the way, it showcases the considerable gifts of four guys willing to hover patiently through the detours, without sacrificing the beauty that makes the journey worthwhile.

Stream Shields now.

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WHY MUST I BE IN CLASS RIGHT NOW

THIS IS THE FIRST THING I AM LISTENING TO AFTER MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

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"Teardrop" by Massive Attack - Mezzanine

This song, along with "Glory Box," is my favorite out of the whole trip-hop movement.  It truly is transcendental in terms of vocals, lyrics, and the heartbeat-like beat throbbing in the background.  It really isn't necessary to say much about this song - it speaks for itself.  The video, while it is a little weird, is sort of appropriate for the song.  

I do want to share a bit of trivia about the song that I found really cool.  First, it was originally planned that Madonna would do the vocals for the track.  However, in a 2-1 vote (Vowles being the one who voted for Madonna), Elizabeth Fraser won the ability to write lyrics and do the vocals for the track.  Second, Fraser wrote and recorded the song around the time of Jeff Buckley's passing, which she says influenced her work.

Listening to Madonna's other track with Massive Attack ("I Want You"), I can understand why she was considered and would be interested to hear what she would have done with the song.  However, I am so glad Elizabeth Fraser was picked in the end - what she did with it would have been too tragic to lose to Madonna.

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"It's Time" by Imagine Dragons - Acoustic at SXSW

I am conflicted by how much I have loved this song recently.  I first heard it through the Glee cover (which, surprisingly, is a version I really like).  There is just something very catchy and uplifting about the song that has made it stick in my head for the past few days.

I don't know what has overcome me lately.  Music I would have dismissed very quickly in the past is now really appealing to me.  For instance, the lyrics "This road never looked so lonely - this house doesn't burn down slowly to ashes" normally would come off as really cliche and cheesy but somehow works here.

Maybe something has come over me to make me less of a cynic/critic?

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I just had a wonderful home-cooked meal with two friends that live in South Oakland.  I primarily know the area for its sketchy houses, but I never realized that along Lawn Street, they have such a wonderful view of Southside.  I can honestly say I envy them, especially since they have benches set up for those who want to watch the city.

This kind of interaction is what I love - I like parties/going out every now and then, but I much prefer conversing with people in order to feel connected to them.  I will make sure I do this a lot this semester.

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How satisfying it is to leave a mark on a blank surface. To make a map of my movement, no matter how temporary.

Craig Thompson, Blankets

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opinionsareforming replied to your post: juanalikesmusic replied to your post:...

I know, I’m slightly ashamed to have let it go for this long since so many people I know and respect like her. Where would you recommend I begin?

Hmm...good question.  It's tough when I like a lot of her stuff (although Annie Clark/the band have yet to produce a "perfect" album, if that makes sense). St. Vincent is definitely a band that has gotten better with time, so I would say Strange Mercy is the best album and is probably a good place to get started.  If you want something more cerebral and based on chamber pop, go to Actor.  Strange Mercy is grittier, features Annie Clark's best guitar work (what she is most famous for), and is more personal in terms of lyrics/subject matter.

The song to start with is probably "Marrow" - that definitely has a mix of both her older/newer style.  "Cruel" is considered by some to be an improved version of "Marrow."

My favorites include "Surgeon," "Cheerleader," "Strangers," and "Just The Same But Brand New."   "Year of the Tiger" is very much in the vein of Joni Mitchell (singer-songwriter approach) and is considered to be the strongest track off of the new album along with "Cruel."

I don't have many from the first album (Marry Me) even though it's a solid album as well - "Your Lips Are Red" (especially the live versions that I have posted) and "Human Racing" are pretty cool, though.

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juanalikesmusic replied to your post: juanalikesmusic replied to your post: Love This...

I only listened to it once so I still don’t have a clear opinion about the album. But I enjoyed it a lot. I was expecting it a little bit crazier, but I like it as it is.

Huh - I wonder what an even crazier horn arrangement would have been like.  To be honest, I need to listen to the full album a few more times too - I have been kind of stuck on the songs that grabbed my attention on the first listen.

opinionsareforming replied to your post: juanalikesmusic replied to your post: Love This...

The intro to Outside Of Space & Time was gorgeous. And on the album as a whole, as a bari sax player myself, it was pretty awesome to hear it featured so prominently. David Byrne’s still got it (and now I feel like I should look into St. Vincent).

That is very true - like I said above, I have been kind of stuck on certain songs and neglected others that deserve some attention.  You make a very good point, and it's cool that your instrument got featured on an album! Also, David Byrne definitely still has it.  It makes me want to check out his solo work (something I have neglected since I only recently learned about him/Talking Heads). And if you have followed my blog and somehow managed to avoid St. Vincent, I am impressed.  I guess I tend to inundate people with her :P 

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juanalikesmusic replied to your post: Love This Giant

Thanks for letting me know that NPR is streaming it! I am already listening to it :D

You are welcome!  What do you think of it?  I really love "Ice Age," "Forest Awakes," "Who," and "Dinner for Two" thus far.  The horn arrangements on all of the songs are really cool, but the vocals/lyrics are kind of lacking on certain songs.  Regardless, I think it's a really cool and worthwhile collaboration.

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...I have a confession to make...

...I kind of sort of really like the "It's Time" cover Glee did.  As in I have listened to it a lot today. THIS IS THE GUILTIEST OF ALL GUILTY PLEASURES 

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mysinmysoul replied to your post: I whip out a Casio CTK-50 electric piano in my...

I love your new apartment setup so much. Seriously.

It's nice living with cool, nice, compatible people!

Also, the living room has a cooler feel to it for some reason.  Maybe I'm just happier now?

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I whip out a Casio CTK-50 electric piano in my apartment and start fiddling with it in the common room.  

At first, I think I am bothering my roommates.  Then, my new roommate whips out a kid's piano that he has been modifying to do crazy stuff.

This new living arrangement seems to be working out perfectly.

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Love This Giant

I am really digging this new album by David Byrne and St. Vincent!  It's so exciting, punchy, and crazy - it's nice to have some cool and funky horns/brass in modern music.  I am a little giddy from mere anticipation (and therefore might be overrating it), but it at least is pretty good, if not very good/awesome.  It does seem a little top-heavy at the moment - the songs that stick out most on a first listen for me are "Dinner for Two," "Ice Age," "The Forest Awakes," and "The One Who Breaks Your Heart."  However, there are no songs that are bad/unlistenable, and I found all of them enjoyable in some way, which is fairly rare for me.  These opinions could easily change with repeat listens, though (especially after more sleep).  Regardless, this is definitely an album I am purchasing and is worth a listen.

Now I just need to wait it out for Shields by Grizzly Bear to be released - I have a feeling that it, along with with Love This Giant and kin by iamamiwhoami, are going to be the competitors for top album of the year for me.

For those that want to listen, check it out on NPR's First Listen (here's a link: http://www.npr.org/2012/09/02/160262123/first-listen-david-byrne-st-vincent-love-this-giant)