Music!

Sorry for the last post, everyone! I got stuck at work until late tonight... bleh. But here I am, ready to talk about one of my passions in life--music!

Music has played a massive role in my life, as I'm sure it has for many of you. I grew up playing piano (and still love it to this day!), and eventually began learning drums and guitar. I also took voice lessons for a period of time and have enjoyed studying the creation of music as an intellectual pursuit. I love the universality of music. Even if you don't like the same music as someone else, everyone, in general, can all say that music is something that they enjoy.

I associate music very much with memory. The sound of a certain song or album will bring back memories from specific moments, people, seasons, and life situations. The way music is so ingrained into the brain is phenomenal and never ceases to amaze me. It provokes such strong emotion that's inexplicable until you experience the emotion itself. I get a similar feeling with other sensory experiences as well, especially smell. But music is a very special experience for me. It has been something that has allowed me to escape from what's going on around me, enhance great experiences, and quell moments of overwhelming anxiety. It is with me when I'm sick or sad. It has also started many conversations that have blossomed into beautiful friendships. It also transcends language barriers depending on what it is. I have been able to connect with non-English speakers through music, which is an incredible experience.

I have many musical favorites that provoke different emotions for me, or I prefer to listen to during different activities or seasons. I am a huge r&b fan, but also really enjoy screamy/shouty post-hardcore. I've posted some of my favorites below (and noted if they have language that may offend some). I hope you enjoy listening to them and I'm excited to look at other people's posts, as I really love talking about music. I like to know why people like what they like, as music opens an entirely new door for conversation.

Let's let the music do the talking!

Bjork: Undo
If I'm ever feeling anxious or need to study, she's my go-to girl (along with St. Vincent/Annie Clark... you should find her if you don't love her already)

The Weeknd: Heaven or Las Vegas (Warning: language!)
The Weeknd is one of my all-time favorite artists. I listen to him every single day and often fall asleep to Abel's sweet, sweet voice. You may know him via Drake promoting him, but listen to him without Drake and you'll probably want to kiss his face.

Sunny Day Real Estate: In Circles
Sunny Day encompasses many of the things that I love musically. It's gritty, loud, shouty, and intricate.

Death Cab for Cutie: Two Cars
But really, who doesn't love Death Cab?

Kendrick Lamar: M.A.A.D. City (Warning: language!)
This entire album is about Kendrick growing up in Compton. He explains that he was born to be a very peaceful soul, but the life he lived there forced him into gang violence and he hates that that's what he became, as it isn't who he is. It's seriously one of the most thought-provoking albums, even if it doesn't seem to be on the surface. He's one of the most moving rap artists, along with Immortal Technique (but I won't rehash that obsession).

The Goo Goo Dolls: Iris
This has been my favorite song since I was in Kindergarten. It's one of the most comforting songs for me to hear since I've loved it my entire life.

Young Magic: Sparkly
If this doesn't calm you, I don't know what will.

Sun Kil Moon: Moorestown
This entire album, "April," was written about the artist's (Mark Kozelek) long-term girlfriend who died in April. It's probably the most excruciatingly painful albums I've ever heard, but also hauntingly beautiful. Every single song is just perfect. If you want to have a good cry fest by yourself, take this with you. Or just listen to it anyway and try not to cry.

Saosin: Lost Symphonies
Because anything that Anthony Green has ever touched brings me back to really great times in my life.

Owen: Playing Possum for a Peak
If you enjoy acoustic at all, you will freak out at how great this song is.

Interpol: Obstacle 1
It's just phenomenal. All of it. I'm sure someone else in here MUST be an Interpol fan.