april 8 rpm
Did a bit of #mallatnight ce soir because I'm looking for some new penny loafers for my buddy's wedding (and for after, also). I tried on like fifteen pairs but it wasn't meant to be. I desperately wanted a pair of penny loafers specifically because they'd fit what I plan on wearing. (I also used to steal my brother's in the 1980s and loved them dearly, but and then I turned 10 and they were too small because two of my brothers are wee lil guys).
Anyway, as my trip to the mall did not yield any shoes or shoe-adjacent things, I came home and listened to some music.
On that tip, here are some songs I have been listening to a lot lately and a little bit of yakking about them:
ππ Queen, "Don't Stop Me Now"
Freddie Mercury was a childhood hero of mine. Also, there is a better-than-you-think chance that we are related. No really. When I get sad or feel like the world is without charm, or beauty, or moments that make me question what the point of anything is, I put "Don't Stop Me Now" and/or "Killer Queen" on and save my own life.
π¨οΈπ¨οΈ The Decemberists, "Severed"
π¨οΈπ¨οΈ The Decemberists, "Cutting Stone"
"Severed" was a huuuuuuuuuge track for me in 2019, 2020, and 2021. When the drums start pounding as the verse melts into the chorus (around 1:06) I lose myself in it. As for "Cutting Stone," I love a story song that is also a parable. Also, when the synthy ribbons kick in (around 1:00) I lose myself in it. Ditto for when the female harmonic kicks in around 1:35 after a very audible breath in. The entirety of a life exists in that draw of breath, somehow.
I wasn't a big Decemberists fan until I'll Be Your Girl dropped in 2018. Now I would take a bullet for Colin Meloy.
Sidebar: Colin Meloy's sister is Maile Meloy, something I only just put together.
π¦πΊπ¦πΊ The Shins, "Australia"
What, you're surprised I like whimsical shit like this? What are you, new? Also, if you haven't listened to this banger in a while, put it on and have the lyrics handy so you can experience just how they expand and contract and shape themselves around the edges and in between the cracks in the music.
πΊπΊ Jungle, "Keep Moving"
If anyone wants to go to the Jungle show in Toronto on September 12, lmk. We want to dress up and go to that show and would love some company.
π² gonna
πΌ go
π± touch pass
π³ grass out
π· now
Be good to yourself.
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