avanderzwan

In my profession, web development and design, I have a lot of time to sit at a computer and listen to music. I listen to music in headphones for about 7-8 hours everyday… that is approximately 6 albums worth give or take a few. I go through a lot of music and I consider it one of my passions. However, over the last 5-6 months I have found it difficult to really get into any specific albums. Some of you know the love that I have for Cloud Cult and Frightened Rabbit, these artists have made loving music more difficult for me because the bar is now so high.

However, I have two new prospects and I will mention them here… Note: You can listen to the full albums at the end of the post, just sign up for a free lala.com account.

Number 1: Karen O and the Kids – Where the Wild Things Are OST
I don’t know if I have a thing for albums written for kids, or if it’s that I was the ‘Bull’ in the Grand Rapids Ballety Company’s performance of Where the Wild Things Are, or if it’s that Spike Jonze directed the new film, or even if it all stems to Arcade Fire doing their trailer… either way, this film has been getting me more and more excited. I recently picked up the Original Sound Track and have been unable to put it down. This album is fun, it is interesting, and really, it keeps me on the edge of my seat. I don’t know what ethos this film is going to be, but I believe it is going to be a dark and honest representation of what it is like to be a child, while still being playful and redemptive. This album really transcends this idea of love vs. struggle. I’m really enjoying it so far.

Number 2: The Mountain Goats – The Life Of The World To Come
Every track on this album is titled after a bible verse. I’m not entirely familiar with the intricacies of this album yet, but have given it some serious time and I would recommend it. John Darniel really hits on the serious side of what I am trying to do with my music writing.

I’m not sure… but I think these might be funnier than the actual movie. The best part is that they barely mention Juno. (I think they are funny) (The third is the funniest, but they are all funny)

Thanks to Rob, I found out today that Paste Magazine is following in the footsteps of Radiohead and are giving subscriptions for a price determined by the buyer (full story). It seems like an awsome idea. As stated in the article though, paste readers do not have the same devotion that Radiohead fans have. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

This is only a promotion that is going on for 2 weeks. You can sign up here: https://sfsdata.com/PASTE/PAGNYOP.aspx?key=9ISO114

Let me know if you sign up. I did… $7 for a year of Paste = GREAT DEAL!

This is simply a genius film. If anyone has free time and it is playing near you, I strongly recommend it. If you are sick of sugar coated love stories, fake barbie-doll actors; if you like heart-wrenching/raw music, artistic creation, or relating to other people, be it friends, parents, or rivals, go see this film. I loved it.

This track is played at the beginning of the film. You can see clips from the movie, in this video, of him actually playing it in the streets of Dublin.

Please let me know what you think.