the subjective perspective of an analytical optimist

Tag Archives: music

Simple Math

I think this song is powerful and brilliant on its own merits, but the music video is fascinating and adds so much. I’m not sure about the meaning behind either, but I’ve been enjoying it and thought I’d share.Continue Reading

The Best Part of Christmas

I’ve never been one to get into the holiday spirit. The idea of mass present-buying once a year seems ridiculous to me. Incessant Christmas music, glaring superficial decor, and Santa Clauses showing up in October and lingering for what feels like a lifetime is simply annoying. I enjoy the baking, but I have a bit of a sweet tooth and willContinue Reading

God Is An Astronaut

As much effort as I’ve put into attempted writing, I’m coming up short. I’m still tired and in recovery mode, so for the next few days I’ll share simple things – quotes, pictures, songs, or possibly a list of the many books I’ve acquired over the past week. For today, a new song. My younger brother isContinue Reading

In the Sun

A chaotic week means less time for writing; however, that also means more time spent in the car with my music. I’ve always preferred profound and deeply affective music, but the emotional pungent lyrics and instrumentals seem even more powerful when you’re looking for spark of inspiration, e.g. while writing a novel. Good books fall into twoContinue Reading

M83 and Active Child

Several months ago, I heard that the bands M83 and Active Child were coming to town and immediately saved the date on my calendar. Unfortunately the show sold out before I had the chance to buy tickets. I deleted the event from my calendar and forgot about it. That is until a few hours before the concert beganContinue Reading

Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and The Walkmen

“You are at a musical concert. Congratulations.” read the screen at Comerica Theater. After fighting through an hour of rush hour traffic where my average speed was literally 3.3 miles per hour, I finally made it to the venue and met up with my friend. As many of you may know by now, I suffer from directional dyslexia and neither I nor myContinue Reading

Forever If Ever

I first discovered Jon McLaughlin in 2006 through Pandora radio and fell in love with his music. I went to great lengths in 2007 to special-order his elusive first release, Indiana, which I still love, and then met him in concert later that year. His next album, OK Now, was released in 2008; it was moreContinue Reading

Andrew Belle and The Milk Carton Kids

One of my favorite bands, The Decemberists, is in town tonight. However, I couldn’t justify the cost of ticket. And, unfortunately, the band is taking a three year hiatus after this tour to work on other projects, so they won’t be back anytime soon. I’m slightly disappointed about that, but I suppose that’s why bands release their music. IfContinue Reading

What I’m Listening To

Several years ago, I discovered Pandora.com, an online radio station that is customized based on your ratings. I haven’t used the service in four years, but within the last year my brother introduced me to another customized online music service, Last.fm. The free web service connects to your iTunes account and “scrobbles,” allowing the softwareContinue Reading

Dark Was the Night

Typically I don’t like gift cards. I carry the plastic plates around, excited to have some pseudo cash. That is until that moment after the transaction when I realize “Oh crap, I forgot to use my gift card…even though that’s the reason I came here in the first place.” Starbucks, Dillard’s, California Pizza Kitchen, AJ’s Fine Foods, Z’Tejas,Continue Reading