C is for Cumbersome Courtship

C-Cannonball. His is a voice which seems constantly on the verge of breaking, and that is why I love it. With “Cannonball,” in particular, Damien Rice demonstrates his considerable talents as a musician and a poet. The sparse acoustic accompaniment beautifully sets this tale of wistful infatuation. Rice’s voice is full of passion and uncertainty, and these emotions are enhanced by the dynamic contrast of his guitar. The opposing ideas set forth in the chorus illustrate the contradictions and complexities of love. This seemingly simple piece is reflective of the brilliance of O as an album. If you don’t own it, you need to!

Stones taught me to fly. Love taught me to lie. Life taught me to die. So it's not hard to fall, when you float like a cannonball…

Damien Rice, “Cannonball,” O, 2002

B is for Beach Balls

B- The Boys of Summer. In this melancholy piece, songwriters Don Henley and Mike Campbell expertly created a classic tale of love lost. The lyrics detail a tumultuous memory of first love, and the overwhelming yet impossible desire to recapture those seemingly eternal emotions. Beautifully set against the backdrop of the haunting score, this sad story is infused with idealism and indignation. Henley’s voice perfectly articulates the desolation of regret. The hope and determination of the chorus shines brilliantly in contrast to the hypnotic pallor of the verse’s melody. The pulsating notes of the accompaniment, paired with small passages of narrative guitar, create an unforgettable atmospheric quality. Of course, I cannot discuss this song without giving credit to the poignant and perfectly directed video. But what I love about this song the most is that it’s so easy to sing along to…

Nobody on the road, nobody on the beach. I feel it in the air, the summer's out of reach…

Don Henley, “Boys of Summer,” Building the Perfect Beast, 1984

A is for Anticipated Anguish

A-And So It Goes. As with many Billy Joel songs, the beauty of this piece lies within its simplicity. The repetitive melody of this tune ascends and descends as a wave of sorrow and understanding. The rhymes are simple and eloquent, and the theme of the lyrics is universal. Joel delicately reminds us that failed relationships, however tragic, are an expected part of life. He also proves that with reflection, one can achieve a greater understanding of the connections that tether one human to another. The song, as a whole, calms my heart and breaks it simultaneously.

And so it goes, and so it goes. And so will you, soon, I suppose…
Billy Joel, “And So It Goes,” Storm Front, 1989

Auditory Alphabet Approaching

I started this series a few years ago, but only wrote a few entries before I gave up. Let's see if I'm up to the challenge.

I’m aiming for amusing, or at least trivial, to help drag me out of this pit. I’m also aiming for alphabetical, to restore a sense of order. And I’m going to discuss music, because I miss it so. We have XM and an iPod and an old school radio and music channels available on cable. I have little excuse not to listen. So as long as I remember to tune in, and sing along, I imagine my mood will be much improved…

Happy Halloween

Here's a picture of my creepy basement sure to chill your soul...

We'll most likely be trick-or-treating at the mall tonight, rather than braving the cold and snow.

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

Here are some photographs from Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, taken on a trip to New York several years ago.

Halloween Countdown

According to the ticker on my husband's computer, there are fifteen days left until Halloween 2009. If my tired brain were capable of doing simple math, I might have looked at the date and told you the same thing. In honor of my favorite holiday, here are some old pictures...