Day Fifteen: A Song That Describes You, Entitled "You"

So, when this song came out I was pretty sure it was written about me. I tend to be pretty self absorbed though. I'm sure most ladies of my generation, who are intelligent but unable to find their place in the working world can relate, waitress or not. However, currently being a waitress who also happens to be in the middle of a "what am I doing with my life" crisis, I can easily relate to this song and even find it a bit uplifting. Some shit sucks but other shit is off the hook awesome. I like my friends, I like to dance, I like music, and my dog rules. I suppose that is the Midwestern spirit that fuels many of Atmosphere's tunes and is engrained in all us Minnesotans. Don't let the bullshit get you down. Find solace in the good. Don't complain too much. And try to enjoy life in whatever capacity you are able. Oh, and be honest, work hard, and eat Hot Dish.

So here it is, a song that describes me:

Side note-I just watched the official music video for the first time and it's all finger boarding! I can't escape skateboarding! What the hell?!?



"You"
by Atmosphere

You love the people that love you.
You hear the music they move to.
You give your ode to the fall through.
But you don't know you don't know you don't know you don't know.
You love the people that love you.
You hear the music they move to.
You give your ode to the fall through.
But you don't know you don't know you don't know you don't know you.

You just got off work, huh?
Another night feeling like the worst one.
You didn't even count your tips yet,
But you can tell that it ain't no big step.
I don't see why you so nice to customers
They're all fucks and low lives.
But don't fight, just keep the lip stiff
And get that money it's the weekend shift.
But why they all gotta be freaks.
Wish they would just eat and leave.
And keep they eyes to theyselves, already insecure, don't need any help.
But you can blame the pride that makes you hold your anger inside,
But deep down you wanna curse them all.
Fuck off asshole jerk off dirt ball.

You love the people that love you.
You hear the music they move to.
You give your ode to the fall through.
But you don't know you don't know you don't know you don't know.
You love the people that love you.
You hear the music they move to.
You give your ode to the fall through.
But you don't know you don't know you don't know you don't know you.

Now attitude check,
Still show up? You haven't quit yet?
And even when you're meek and sweet
They still treat you like a piece of meat. Huh.
Outrageous, each day this clock tick tock and you still a waitress.
Trying to pay them student loans
And the lights and the phone and the food and the home.
And you ain't quite broke but you couldn't afford that place on your own.
Gotta roommate, to split the rent with
Now you never feel independent.
And everything seems so hallow
Cause after work, where'd that smile go?
Better bring it back tomorrow.
Now, pick up the pace and you might make bar close.
Perfect, last call then some.
Flirtin', sexual tension.
Surfin', through them men
Cause they all searching for that bent one.
But just one to bend, and you look like you could be my friend.
With a smile like that, I gotta flirt.
Girl, you just look like you got off work.
Huh.. huh... huh...

You love the people that love you.
You hear the music they move to.
You give your ode to the fall through.
But you don't know you don't know you don't know you don't know.
You love the people that love you.
You hear the music they move to.
You give your ode to the fall through.
But you don't know you don't know you don't know you don't know you.


Runners Up:

Santogold-I'm a lady
Nellie McKay-Dog Song
Neko Case-That Teenage Feeling
MGMT-Kids

Next Up-A song you used to love but now hate


*Bonus Atmosphere Song (just for kicks)*

A Year Ago Today

As of today I have officially lived in New Jersey (NYC area) for an entire year. In some ways it feels as though the past year has flown by and in other ways it feels as though it has been eons since I was a Minnesotan. Looking back on my time in Minnesota is like trying to remember a hazy dream. I remember how it felt to be there but Minnesota itself is no longer clear. I mainly attribute this phenomenon to being a much different person now that I was then. I mean, at heart I am still the same person, but really I am much different as well. It’s difficult to explain. A lot has changed in my life not only in the past year, but in the past three years. In the past year alone I’ve been unemployed, had two different jobs, and have whittled myself down to a size I haven’t been since 15. I’ve become comfortable using public transportation, am not fazed by rats or pigeons, swim in the ocean, and (on occasion) enjoy conversing with strangers. Moving away has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I confronted something I was (honestly, still am, a little bit) truly frightened of and have come out the other end a bit stronger and wiser. I always wondered what it would feel like to move away from home. Now I know.

So this is a reflection/celebration of the past year of my life. It has been challenging, stressful, beautiful, exciting, and unforgettable.

On August 25^th, 2010, in my first blog entry on this site I wrote:

“Moving is a daunting feat. We, Kyle, and I, packed our entire lives into a 15ft Budget rental truck and hauled all the way to Jersey City with little idea of what was awaiting us once we arrived. Kyle drove the entire way of course while I regaled him with my stunning sense of humor and charm. Our Chihuahua, Jumbo, also accompanied us on the extravaganza. He was not thrilled and is just now beginning to fall into normalcy.

. . . Upon first viewing, it seemed impossibly small and was disappointingly dirty. There . . . Kyle hauled most of it up by himself while I guarded the truck. In the interest of full discloser, at this point, I was ready to hop on a plane (or even drive the truck) back to Minneapolis.”

A year later and I think we are all still struggling to define normalcy for ourselves individually and as a unit. Jumbo may be the most adjusted one of the three. His main thrill in life is to smell things, and in the streets of our hood, he is never without a whiff of something. I guess a dog’s nose is like a human’s smart phone. He also finds great pleasure in chasing pigeons. I don’t often allow him to indulge in such frivolity but, from time to time, we do give a pigeon a run for its money. It’s actually somewhat satisfying. Anyway, I’d be lying if I said that I never think about returning to Minnesota. Some weeks here are better than others and sometimes throwing in the towel seems like an appealing option. The apartment no longer feels small but it does feel a bit far out (a problem that we are hoping to rectify this winter!) All in all I’d say it’s been an enlightening/successful first year here.

First year in the east coast-photo montage:

Central Park Spring 2011

Fort Tilden Beach Summer 2011

My Birthday

Birthday 2011

My office in Newark-where I no longer work

Post Christmas Snowpocalypse 2010

New Years Eve 2011

Christmas Day 2010

Christmas 2010

November 2010

Winter 2010

Fall 2010

Flat Iron building

Coney Island-September 2010

First views of the city-August 2010

It is difficult to write about a journey while one is still on it. It remains to be seen how my time here will pan out. My hopes for the coming year include finding some semblance of stability and figuring out some sort of career/life role. It has been an amazing year.

Day Fourteen: Getting the Game Right and Having Your Coach Bag Too

I’ve been sitting on this entry for a few days, perplexed as to what to write about. The specific theme is “a song no one would expect you to like.” I like a wide variety of music but have very rarely considered what the general populace would or would not expect me to listen to. The whole idea of thinking about what people would be surprised to find out I listen to seems a bit self indulgent and, honestly, a bit stupid -like somehow I’m going to blow your minds with some obscure reference to some sort of song that is incongruous with my personality. Well, human beings are complex, and being a human being, I am also complex. People are attracted to specific songs for all sorts of reasons; those reasons often have no logical explanation and rarely have to do with a song’s artistic merit.

I’ve been going over various songs (lackadaisically) for a few days now and find nothing shocking or surprising about anything I listen to. I suppose that is because I know my own back stories and associations. However, there is one group that I think my predilection toward would be found surprising by people who do not know me well. In the year 2002 I was introduced to them by a very interesting/"chill" roommate. He lent me a couple 3-6 Mafia albums and in doing so, created a tried and true 3-6 Mafia fan. Outwardly, their music could be construed as ignorant gangster rap but that would just be a classification made in error (as we know ignorance begets ignorance). Maybe part of the appeal is irony? But the beats are phat, the lyrics-amazing/hilarious (purposely? I believe so), and 3-6 subscribes to a time honored tradition of southern hip-hop stylings. Maybe I should turn in my Feminist’s Club card for enjoying a song professing a bitch's getting of the game wrong. Or even turn my nose up at the insinuation that smoking all night and drinking all day should be the American way. But what would be the fun in that? And that is what 3-6 Mafia is, fun. I can’t help but like them. Is this revelation shocking? If you know me, probably not.

So here it is, a song “no one would expect me to like." Thanks be to Youtube for this fun anime mash-up.



Lyrics
You Got Da Game Wrong
[Verse 1: Juicy J]
Yah, she freaky, freaky deeky, didnt ya see her in a bikini
Porno movies we got plenty, and ya know they smoke them beenies
For this chick you might be feenin, for you birshes, might be dreamin
If she stuck up, I'm like whut up?I ain't got nothin but lent and pennies
Tell yo boyfriend cut the crap-and, heard he got that fire ass capp-and
Always wearin that shiny white gold, tellin everybody its platinum
Dont you groupies hate on Juicy, actin like you never knew me
I ain't the one be droppin dollars, I'm just out to get the chewin
Now she fuckin one of my niggas, pimped the trick weak on the trigga
Watchin us on BET and, chillin wit our nigga Tigger
Why they datin, I ain't hatin, got a call from Sally Payton
Now I'm gamin on this hi-zoe, took her out real latey latey
Pushin Bentleys, ridin caddy, when she see me calls me daddy
Heard she like to chief on chronic, roll it up and hit this Cali
You fuck my bitch, I fuck yo bitch, thats the way it is in showbiz
Mane fa sho that freak you dont kiss, keep that spray for smelly fishes

[Chorus]
I need a coach bag
Bitch you got da game wrong
I need my hair done
Bitch you got da game wrong
I wanna go out tonight
Bitch you got da game wrong
Mane thats just my friend
Bitch you got da game wrong
I need my car fixed
Bitch you got da game wrong
my baby needs some shoes
Bitch you got da game wrong
I wanna go out tonight
Bitch you got da game wrong
Mane thats just my friend
Bitch you got da game wrong

[Verse 2: DJ Paul]
Bitch, drop that purse like its hot, I'm pickin it up like its not
Stayin fresh in brand new clothes, sponsored by my brand new hoes
Keepin one on every block, she fuck up bust her head with glock
When I slam cadillac do's, 17 inch vogues
On the curb, sip and serve, ask a broad "whats the word?"
Wrong answer mean as cancer when I'm on that fuckin bird
Runny nose and roastin hoes, kickin in them hotel do's
Gotta keep that paper right, up all night and hype off white
Big Bizness, Bizness Big when you talkin bout pimpin trick
Gotta keep an eye out for them bitches tryna pimp ya dig?
In the 2 thou, manne that shit done got so popular
Push a pimp like me way back like some backwards binoculars
But real pimps gon stay afloat like rubber ducks in white folks tubs
Clouds creepin up above, smoke burnin from this bud
Bitch, feel it 'fore I deal it, hoe how you gon hustle me?
Im born and bred by HCP, I'll leave your blood off in these streets! Beatch!


Let us also not forget that they are Academy Award winners. Here is the proof:

The Performance



The Speech




Lern bout it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_6_Mafia

Next up: A song that describes you

Lucky Thirteen: Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy Some Buble

I only just recently have really come to understand what a guilty pleasure is in regards to the music one listens to. I have always had an “own it” attitude about all of the “embarrassing” music I listen to. I have absolutely no problem professing my love of hair metal, cheesy 80’s pop, Britney Spears, country music, and so on and so forth. If it’s got a catchy hook and fun lyrics chances are I have liked it, do like it, or will like it. Only within the past few months have I stumbled upon music that I am actually embarrassed to admit that I like. I’ve kept this secret close to the chest but in the name of my commitment to my self-inflicted blogging cause I will divest myself of this torrid secret, once and for all, right here, right now.

His name is Michael Buble and I love him. With his charming good looks and enchanting warbles it’s hard to suppress my devotion. When his songs come on the radio my mood lightens and the whole world becomes an optimist’s paradise. I get seriously giddy. I have never had such a euphoric experience with music before. He just makes me feel good. You know? I know it’s cheesy and not in that cool ironic sort of way. I know his songs take advantage/play on my more “feminine” sensibilities but seriously, I just don’t give a fuck. I fucking love Michael fucking Buble. This is real.

So, my hat’s off to you, Michael Buble. Thanks for creating music that makes me feel utterly embarrassed, wretchedly guilty, divinely optimistic, and considerably less sardonic. You are my rock. You are my warm happy place. You are the light that guides my ship. You are the cure for all that is wrong with the world (you and puppies). You are the answer to the eternal glass half full/empty conundrum. You are having cake and eating it too. Thank you Michael Buble, just for being you. In a world full of cynicism and apathy I know I can always count on you to be genuine and honest.

So here it is, today’s song. Listen to it. Smile. Spread the love. I dare you to keep your heart from melting. Try not to fall in love with Buble. It’s hard. (bad casting choice on the blonde though. . . )



I also love grocery stores!!! soul mates? probably.



"Haven't Met You Yet"

I'm not surprised, not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times I stopped keeping track
Talk myself in, I talk myself out
I get all worked up then I let myself down

I tried so very hard not to loose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought, I thought of every possibility

And I know some day that it’ll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid that I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

I might have to wait, I’ll never give up
I guess it's half timin and the other half's luck
Wherever you are, whenever it's right
You'll come outta nowhere and into my life

And I know that we can be so amazin
And baby your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility

Somehow I know that it’ll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And promise you kid I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

They say all’s fair in love and war
But I won’t need to fight it
We'll get it right and we'll be united

And I know that we can be so amazin
And bein in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility

And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you kid I’ll give more than I get

Oh you know it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And promise you kid to give so much more than I get yeah
I just haven't met you yet

I just haven't met you yet
Oh promise you kid to give so much more than I get
I said love love love love love love love
I just haven't met you yet

Runners up:

1. Dave Mathews Band (mostly I hate them, but every once in a while, I like them)
2. Gin Blossoms
3. Better Than Ezra
4. Ashlee Simpson

Up next: A Song that no one would expect you to love

Day Twelve: Hated It

So I have been remiss these past few weeks but I am back now. I recently started work at this place:

Which makes me miss this place:

It has been a pretty intense process that has taken way too much of my mental faculties. I have graduated from the training phase into the “hazing” phase. Anyway, there will be plenty of time in the near future to use this space as a vehicle to vent my waitressing frustrations. I just wanted to explain where my brain has been the past month. I would now like to continue my mission of blogging about the thirty day song challenge. Today is day twelve which means today’s blog will feature a song from a band I hate. There are many bands I dislike and I am a big fan of hating things. But to choose just one song from one hated band? Ugh. Decisions are the worst.

So here it goes. Although I will admit that there are U2 songs I love I am an unabashed hater of Bono (take the sunglasses off already!) and the whole motley lot of them. They are so obnoxious that even their philanthropy does not absolve them of their douchery thus garnering my unabashed hate. My dream: someone cool/awesome covers all of the U2 songs I like (creating better renditions) so I never have to actually listen to Bono ever again.

So here is one of my all time favorite songs of all time performed by a band I hate

I will admit that in this video they look pretty awesome so I have included these for some perspective:

Runners up

Metallica-whiny babies ruined music downloading/take themselves too seriously

Nickelback-horrible wretched souless music

Rush-yawn/creepy singer

Limp Bizkit-duh

Next up: A song that is a guilty pleasure

Day Eleven: You'll Be My Favorite

Today’s topic is totally banal and I am not sure why it’s even part of the challenge. Simply, all I have to do is choose a song (any song!) from my favorite band. Stupid.

I am principally against the practice of having “one favorite thing.” I usually find that favorites are contingent upon a complex set of circumstances i.e. time, place, mood, happenstance, hormones, etc. . . However, this band has been continuously impressing me for years now. I liked them before they became ubiquitous and I still like them even though they are experiencing a hipster backlash. The music is pop infused fun; the lyrics are intelligent, entertaining, thought provoking, and dada-esque; and the band itself is comprised of nerd-dorks. All the makings of something I would totally be into-quirky intelligent songs to dance to. Why not?!?

I can’t quite recall the first time I heard MGMT. All I can remember is one day, for seemingly no reason, having “Electric Feel” in my head. Although, at the time I did not know it was “Electric Feel.” Tracking it down was a difficult challenge that comprised the better part of a day. I bought their first album, Oracular Spectacular, almost immediately (on vinyl because I’m cool) after pinpointed the mystery song. Since that day it has been one of my most listened to albums. I also had the pleasure of seeing MGMT at last year’s Rock the Garden, although a more intimate venue would have been preferable. Their latest release, Congratulations, is also quiet good. The album itself was scratch off-which was fun.

Here it is. A song from my “favorite” band:

Next up:

A song from a band you hate

Day Ten: A Song To Sleep To

Today topic is a song to fall asleep to. This theme is extra appropriate because a) I've been extra sleepy this weekend and b) I have a sleeping Chihuahua on me at this very moment. I am very particular about the songs I can fall asleep to. They cannot have any lyrics because my brain will listen to the words while I am asleep and choose one it likes as a wake up term. They can also not be overly raucous because I am a light sleeper (sort of-I have very peculiar sleep idiosyncrasies that would be too boring to explain). I actually very very rarely listen to music when falling asleep.

However, I find Philip Glass perfect music to nap to. I genuinely appreciate Philip Glass in my waking life as well and recently had the pleasure of seeing him perform this song live at an experimental jazz festival in Manhattan. Also, I once did fall asleep (almost instantly) while watching Koyaanisqatsi: Life out of Balance, a film scored by Philip Glass. So here it is, "Glassworks" by Philip Glass.

Sleep easy.




Next up:
A song from your favorite band