Music Monday - Regina Spektor "Blue Lips"

I love Regina Spektor.  She's so weird... in a good way.  Her music is very unsuaul, definitely not everyone's cup of tea.  But that's okay, I like it.  I stumbled onto her album Begin to Hope right as "Fidelity" hit some of the radio stations.  It was a moderate hit, and then faded into the background.  I stayed with her.  I listened to that album nonstop for a awhile.  And then she released Far. And it was much quirkier than Begin to Hope.  And I liked the quirkiness. By far, my favorite song on the album is "Blue Lips."  Right away I liked the music.  And then I started to listen to the lyrics.  It took me a awhile to really get them.  Her lyrics are often intricate, sometimes confusing, but always interesting.  I relate to her questioning of religions... is all the mindless submission really the point?  Aren't we supposed to question?  Shouldn't we attempt to understand?

I had to include the full lyrics, because one part just doesn't make any sense.  It's a story; a story of revelation.

He stumbled into faith and thought, God this is all there is The pictures in his mind arose and began to breathe And all the Gods and all the worlds Began colliding on a backdrop of blue

Blue lips, blue veins

He took a step but then felt tired, he said I'll rest a little while But when he tried to walk again he wasn't a child And all the people hurried fast, real fast And no one ever smiled

Blue lips, blue veins Blue, the color of our planet from far, far away Blue lips, blue veins Blue, the color of our planet from far, far away

He stumbled into faith and thought, God this is all there is The pictures in his mind arose and began to breathe And no one saw and no one heard, they just followed lead The pictures in his mind awoke and began to breed

They started out, beneath the knowledge tree And they chopped it down to make white picket fences And marching along the railroad tracks They smile real wide for the camera lenses They made it past the enemy lines Just to become enslaved in the assembly lines

Music Monday -- NeedtoBreathe "Stones Under Rushing Water"

Found NeedtoBreathe about a year ago; loved it! I really liked the entire album "The Oustiders" but this song has to be my favorite. The music is awesome. The lyrics are awesome. The guest singer is awesome -- Sara Watkins, 1/3 of Nickel Creek and a solo artist. This quiet song really hits me. I just want to listen to it over and over and over again. It's sad, but not a song I can only listen to when I'm down. I sing it all the time, in the car, at home, at the coffeehouse (under my breath of course), in the shower, everywhere. I put the acoustic, in studio version up, but for the full effect your really need to listen to the album version with Sara Watkins. Trust me, you'll love it.

Why don't we dance anymore I'm not okay with that
Why don't we laugh anymore I'm not okay with that
The years go by like stones under rushing water
We only know, we only know when it's gone

Music Monday -- Spoken "1992"

I found Spoken about two years ago.  Initially, I picked it up from the library because I liked the cover art.  I am a sucker for good cover art.  It will entice me to check out just about any genre.  So I picked up "Last Chance to Breathe" and started listening. My first thought: "whoa, that's a little heavy" with the screaming.  But I had just started to listening to people like A Day to Remember and Haste the Day, so it's was an adjustment for me.  Then I started to listen closer.  The lyrics started to really jump out at me.

I think "1992" is my favorite song on the album.  Often with Christian music artists, there isn't much creativity with teh lyrics.  It's a lot of "Praise Jesus" and the like.  A couple of years ago, I attended an ACSI (Christian schools conference) session where the moderator was commenting on worldview in media (music, movies, and television shows).  He commented about the need for creative Christian lyricists to appeal to new markets of listeners.  I completely agreeed with him and then really started listening to Christian artists.  There wasn't much creativity or artistry.  And it was sad.  But then I started finding artists like Spoken.  Artists that actually put some time and effort into their lyrics to actually say something other than "Praise Jesus."  I think that's why I like this song so much.  The Christian message is there, but not so obvious that you see it coming from a mile away.  It sneaks in there, but makes a much more powerful song.

Lyrics:

I've waited my whole life for this To stand here face to face with you All my failures, fears, and doubts have all been taken away Remember when I waited up through the night just to hear you To hear you call my name The second of your voice took all of my heartache away Taken away I think of all the time I missed Never knowing about you But then your grace could take away my regrets, my insecurities Remember when I waited up through the night just to hear you To hear you say my name The sound of your voice took all of my heartache away Taken away I gave you my heart, I gave everything to you And in return you gave me everything that I could never deserve You gave me freedom I think of all the times I missed Never knowing about you, about you I gave everything to you, I gave everything to you I gave you my heart, I gave everything to you...

Extra fun: the cd has a cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" that I just adore.

Music Monday -- Muse "Knights of Cydonia"

I freaking love this song!  The epic music specifically... Pretty simplistic song in terms of the lyrics, but I do so love the stadium worthy music.  And the video?  Awesome! Unfortunately the embed off of YouTube has been disabled and I really don't feel like spending an hour figuring it out.  If you search for the video, I also recommend the Wembley Stadium live version. Very nice!  Anyone play this on Guitar Hero?  Love it, love it, love it (even if I'm still on medium). And how can we win, When fools can be kings, Don't waste your time, Or time will waste you,

No one's gonna take me alive, The time has come to make things right, You and I must fight for our rights, You and I must fight to survive

Music Monday -- Relient K "Who I am Hates Who I've Been"

I have a huge love for Relient K.  Their music is peppy. catchy, and radio friendly, but underneath they have such interesting songs.  The lyrics contain such pain, despair, joy, love, and so much more.  They pack the songs with a universe full of emotion.  I have so many favorites that I can't just pick one song.  However, this song has been stuck in my head lately.  Specifically the 2nd chorus (below) and prechorus.  The words speak to me.  The words don't exactly describe me and my life, but they give connect to the essence of my life.  It's a sad song, but one that ends in hope. (I've been picking a lot of said music lately, but that's only because it's so beautiful) I talk to absolutely no one. Couldn't keep to myself enough. And the things bottled inside have finally begun To create so much pressure that I'll soon blow up.

I heard the reverberating footsteps Synching up to the beating of my heart, And I was positive that unless I got myself together, I would watch me fall apart.

And I can't let that happen again 'cause then you'll see my heart In the saddest state it's ever been.

This is no place to try and live my life.

Music Monday - Mumford & Sons "White Blank Page"

About three months ago, a FB friend put up the video for "Little Lion Man" and I instantly went out and bought their cd.  I love their sound: a mix of Flogging Molly, Damien Rice, Jamie Cullum, and traditional Irish/bluegrass.  Love, love, love it!  It's different from the other crap I keep hearing (looking at you Justin Beiber).  My local coffeehouse has put Mumford on permanent rotation and I welcome the addition.  Besides the beautiful music, their lyrics are absolutely to die for. Lately I have been stuck on "White Blank Page."   The lyrics are pretty dark, but so hauntingly beautiful: a relationship gone wrong.  I feel for the man singing it... Don't worry, my relationship is not in any way in danger.  But such a beautiful song.  Just wanted to share a bit this morning.

Lyrics :

Can you lie next to her and give her your heart, your heart?
As well as your body, and can you lie next to her and confess your love, your love?
As well as your folly and can you kneel before the king and say ‘I’m clean’, ‘I’m Clean’?
But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart?
But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart?
Her white blank page & a swelling rage, rage
You did not think when you sent me to the brink, the brink
You desired my attention but denied my affections, affections
But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart.
But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart
AhhhAhh(s)
Lead my to the truth and I will follow you with my whole life
Lead my to the truth and I will follow you with my whole life
AhhhAhh(s)

Great video from YouTube.com of their bookstore acoustic set!

Music Monday -- Jars of Clay "Flood"

Ahh... Jars of Clay.... How I love you? I've been a fan since this song came out.  I now own all of their cds and continue to love them.  I've seen them three times in concenrt and loved every minute.  Although they're a Christian band, they really take the time with there lyrics and imagery.  It's not all "Praise Jesus" but a lot of story telling and speaking to people.  I never tire of hearing their songs.  And this is the song that started it all.

My favorite part (the chorus of course):

Lift me up so high that I cannot fall Lift me up Lift me up - when I'm falling Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying Lift me up - I need you to hold me Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again

If you can find them, they released two music videos for this song; one made early and one made exclusively for MTV.  If you can find it, the older version where the lead singer, Dan, has long hair, is better.

Music Monday -- Anberlin "Impossible"

I found Anberlin about two years ago and immediately fell in love with the band.  Great music, great lyrics, great music videos.  They released Dark is the Way, Light is the Price earlier this year.  One of my favorites is "Impossible" off that album.  It's definitely not a very happy song, but one I feel has such strong emotions.  It's hanuntingly beautiful.  The music and lyrics make a complete picture.  The music video is even better.  The graphics are awesome with a great grey scale color scheme. My favorite lyrics:

you're impossible but lovely so impossible to win or please i'm wearing you out, just wearing you out but i'm wearing you down

take what you want from me, it means nothing now take everything from me, it means nothing now not so easy to forget, harder to forget take what you want

Music Monday -- Paramore "Brick by Boring Brick"

I have been in love with Paramore ever since Riot! My students were constantly mentioning the cd and how much they loved various songs, so I figured I should check this out.  I got the cd and listened to it nonstop.  I even made "Misery Business" my ringtone.  The students were amazed when my phone went off during hall decorating for homecoming.  One of them comes up to me and says "Is that 'Misery Business?'" After I confirmed and said I had the cd in my classroom, someone had to run out and get it so we could listen while decorating.  The student then replied "Buff is the coolest, she listens to Paramore" thus cementing my "cool" teacher status. I have loved Riot! and the songs on the Twilight soundtrack.  And then they came out with a new album.  I must admit I don't like all the songs.  The second half is a little weak in my opinion.  And I really don't like "The Only Exception."  Those aside, I love "Brick by Boring Brick."  And the video is awesome!  The dichotimy between fairy tales and real life always intrigues me.  In the same vein I love Sara Bareilles' "Fairy Tale."  Those stories (the newer versions of course) appeal and disgust me.  They are fantasies, but ones that cam harm our ablity to see the world for how it really is.  I'll indulge in a little fantasy but make sure to keep my keep on the ground.

Well, you built up a world of magic
Because your real life is tragic
Yeah, you built up a world of magic

If it's not real
You can't hold it in your hand
You can't feel it with your heart
And I won't believe it

But if it's true
You can see it with your eyes
Oh, even in the dark
And that's where I want to be

Music Monday -- Radiohead "Creep"

I'm always on the lookout for great music videos.  The bf pointed this version out to me.  The entire video was shot using Flash.  The bf assures me that this method was very time consuming.  But I'm pretty certain that the result is awesome!

As to the song, this takes me back to high school.  I loved this song!  So depressing, but so great.  My favorite part of the song is actually the first verse.  I could sing this all day, especially a cloudy, gray, Indiana winter day.  Very perfect!

When you were here before,

couldn't look you in the eye,

Just like an angel,

your skin makes me cry

you float like a feather,

in a beautiful world.

wish I was special,

you're so very special.

Music Monday -- Ok Go "Last Leaf"

A new weekly post: I love music! So I thought it would be fitting every Monday to discuss a can't-get-out-of-my-head song, album, artist, or music video.  Knowing what kind of music a person enjoys says a lot about them. So let's explore what my music says about me. For this Monday, I ran across this great music video by Ok Go.

Ok Go is known for their inventive music videos and this one is no exception.  The video itself is awesome.  The imagination, the continuity, the visuals, the toast.  It takes a lot for me to take notice of a music video.  It has to be something inventive, new, unusual.  This video fits all those categories.  I randomly ran across this video on someone else's blog, that I actually can't remember. (I know, very bad of me)  Upon reaching the end of the video, my only response: stunned silence.  I was shocked into silence.  I couldn't believe what I just saw.  I had to play it again.  Awesome, just awesome.  *Side note: After watching the video, I was actually craving toast.  Pretty funny.

On to the lyrics:  So simplistic, yet still poetic.  I found myself humming this song for the rest of the day.  I don't actually own the album the song is on (Of the Blue Colour of the Sky), although I do own two other Ok Go albums.

The lyrics are a love letter. I wish someone would write a love letter like that to me.  Unfortunately my bf is way too much of a tech geek to do things like that.  So I will live vicariously through music such as this.  Enjoy!

If you should be the last autumn leaf hanging from the tree

I'll still be here waiting on the breeze to bring you down to me

And if it takes forever, forever it'll be

And if it takes forever, forever it'll be

And if you should be the last seed in spring to venture forth a leaf

I'll still be waiting on the rain to warm your heart for me

And if it takes forever, forever it'll be

And if it takes forever, forever it'll be