Get happy!

After waking up and spending most of the morning in an unexplicably foul mood, I returned to my apartment after classes seeking a mood boost. After a quick lunch and some amusing TV (which is tough to come by these days), I found myself in search of a musical fix. I have quite a few "feel-good" albums in my CD arsenal, and today Flin Flon's "Boo-Boo" was my weapon of choice. I can't recall how exactly I first heard of Flin Flon (most likely through Last.fm), but I was pleasantly surprised to come across this album, a "used" copy (listened to not more than once, if at all, by its previous owner), for $7 at FYE this summer. I was struck by its "playful" demeanor and nonsensical lyrics right off the bat, and given the season, it was a perfect fit. Every time I give it a spin, it brings back those colorful moods that the summertime stirs up. Laughter may be the best medicine, but music is certainly nipping on its heels.



To learn more about Flin Flon:

http://www.teenbeat.net/artists/flinflon.htm

FYE has had a few surprises in store, especially for being generally overpriced and having a hit-or-miss selection...the Flin Flon CD was probably my favorite find, but the best deal I got, hands down, was The Up On In's "Steps For The Light" album. It was a "used" copy for $2.99...but the best part was opening it up to find that it was still sealed. Brand spanking new. The luck of the draw indeed...

Wish list.

I've had this odd little idea rolling around in my mind for a while, and after perusing a recent blog entry (one that encouraged viewer participation and helped to foster some interesting personal insights), I was reminded of it once more. I've only read a couple of issues of Interview magazine, but I'm intriguing by the stories that the featured guests have to tell, even if I don't have a vested interest in their public persona. What if someone were to take that concept and carry it out through "everyday" people? Find a few willing participants in schools, restaurants, shopping malls, etc., sit them down, and let them roll out personal anecdotes, stories of triumph, failure, or just getting out and living life. There's something oddly comforting about the human condition sometimes; perhaps it is our ability to make that connection with other people and cement understanding of our own issues. Glimmering eyes have many tales to tell, even if they belong to the most ordinary-looking John/Jane Doe...fortunately, appearances can be deceiving.

Great in '08.

Just for fun, here are some of the album releases I'm anticipating this year...

The Duke Spirit "Neptune"- I'm not entirely sure when/if this is getting a U.S. release date, but hopefully I'll get a copy of my very own soon...to sample some of the new cuts, head on over to http://www.dukespirit.com/lovetoken/. So far, so good.

Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut- They're generating a solid buzz amongst the numerous mp3/media blogs, but my first exposure to the band was through NPR's All Songs Considered podcast...after sampling a few of their other tracks, I'm keyed into their sound as well...should be a good upbeat soundtrack to carry me into the springtime.

New Portishead this year? I hope so...the band performed 5 new songs at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival this past December, and the magic seems to still be there, even with a 10-year lapse from their last album. Fingers crossed for this one.

Though I am barely familiar with Stephen Malkmus' work, either solo or with Pavement, I'm looking forward to the release of "Real Emotional Trash". How come? Two words: Janet Weiss. Certainly this album will also be the starting point for my exploration of all things Malkmus.

Rumors are swirling in regards to a possible My Bloody Valentine album...not as confident about this release, but I'll certainly look into it if/when the new material comes to light. Other rumored releases include Autolux and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the former of which I more eagerly await. Nevertheless, I am curious as to where the YYYs will take their new material...

Glancing at this year's album forecast, I can pick out a few more potential gems...

Dead Meadow "Old Growth"

Boris "Smile"

Apollo Sunshine "Mysteries Of The Old Soul"

Flight of the Conchords

Doves

If this year is anything like last year, I will be discovering plenty of new bands along the way, so no matter what comes of these releases, my ears will be happy. Guaranteed.

Alive.

First post of the new year...between work and school I've been kept on my toes, and despite some doubts and stresses, I'm feeling very satisfied with where everything is/has been going. 2007 was a highly eventful and successful year, but I have reason to believe that 2008 is destined to match, if not beat, that level of success. My class schedules for the foreseeable future are going to be jam-packed and invariably stressful, but I have the resolve to take them on and find fulfillment in my newfound knowledge. I also would love become more involved in the community, both here and back home. Earlier today, I, along with a few others from my Japanese class, volunteered at a "Multicultural Day" event at the local children's museum. The city where I currently reside and go to school has an unfortunate, notable lack of "culture" and ethnic diversity; to see such an outpouring of support and a grandiose display of cultural traditions stirred up true joy from within. I realized then that I was taking part in a cultural "leap", so to speak; it's certainly a step in the right direction for this city. Glancing around at all of the bright, shimmering clothes, decorations, and faces, it made me think about the power of culture...no matter how bleak a city may seem, there will inevitably be people that add color and life to compensate. Now that's something I hope to see much more of in the months to come...