Silent Night...

As one who has lived a nocturnal existence, as an insomniac and a night auditor, I have spent my fair share of evenings surrounded by thoughts and convictions as my only company. Night is an intimate ritual as it envelopes the human heart. For the weary it provides peace, for the fearful it harbours inescapable horrors, for lovers-liberation. In all of our allusion, have we maligned darkness unduly? Perhaps the blank slate reflects our own psychological state more clearly than a mirror. As the harvest vines begin to wither, are death and decay byproducts of the extended evening, or is it a gracious cover?

Similarly unsettling is the nothingness that represents silence. Darkness is at least visual. In that moment of recollection for lives lost, silence can become an unwitting accomplice. Silence is nothing if not predictable.

Speaking of introductions...

Le Husband and I spend an awful lot of time perusing bookstore shelves, well he spends a lot of time perusing shelves, you'll find me in the music section. Recently during our annual after Christmas sale excursion I overheard a song from the uber popular Twilight movie. And I'm hooked.

This is a stellar soundtrack with one exception. Robert Pattinson sings a song in the key of Tracy Chapman; mumbly, jumbly, and folksy. Hankering for some Freddy Mercury a la radiohead check out Muse© Warner Music UK Ltd // Photo credit: Perou

Somebody spank me...

I couldn't let the arrival of the newest Britney Spears Album go ignored. While I am no fan of the first single, and the horrendous video (props to the stylist, demerits to the director and storyboard artist.) As is normally the case its what remains unsaid that holds the story. Listen to Phonography for a titillation of innuendo.

Isn't it ironic...

I love this woman. I would lay flower petals beneath her feet, playfully dangle grapes while reclined on a divan, or if desired wave one of those frilly feather fans. Love in the platonic/appreciative/understanding version a gay man could love a member of the fairer sex. If only that would be enough to satiate any singular person. Which is why I want to thank Alanis for giving me the better end of the deal. I'm sure such sychophantic behaviour isn't want she is searching for in her quest for love. But the heartache and wisdom she has gleened from her relationships is beautiful music to my ears. I love Versions of Violence from her most recent album Flavors of Entanglement. Rinse and Repeat.

A thousand Beautiful things...

Many thanks to the musicians, who provide the soundtrack of my life, while I secretly envy some of you, and loathe others. I cannot begrudge you the joy, peace, angst, and sultryness that you elicit. My life is rich with the words and melodies that you have created. To hum is to be happy. I cannot list all of my favorite singers here but I want to give an overview of songs that continue to touch my heart, my ire, and cause my toes to tap.

I dedicate Memory from CATS by Steven Soundheim sung by Elaine Paige to youth for it is a fleeting thing. Living in the past however is a wasteful thing.
A Whiter shade of Pale by Procol Harum
Total Eclipse of the Heart as sung by Bonnie Tyler
I dedicate Silence by Delirium to those who have passed away, your silence can be both a blessing and a curse, in its finality.
My relationship with God is mirrored in Blasphemous Rumours by Depeche Mode.
To those who have shelved dreams or trusted too deeply I recommend Never is a Promise by Fiona Apple
For those who confuse ignorance and bliss, whether your religion is Catholic, Mormon, or Southern Baptist enjoy Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac, justification for intolerance under any name is not Christian.
I dedicate These Dreams by Heart to those who seek understanding in a world that is not always as it appears.
I dedicate Insensitive by Jann Arden to my first love; word for word I couldn't have said it better. And while it has taken years to forgive, I will never forget, and for that I am thankful. The best lessons in life, like merchandise are expensive.
Jewel Foolish Games
Stay by Lisa Loeb
I dedicate Nobody Lives without love performed by Eddi Reader to anyone who has ever been in love, no one is ever the same once touched.
I won't say I'm in Love from Hercules
The Heart asks pleasure first by Michael Nyman
and while Winter by Tori Amos who captures the joy, and sorrow for such a season, for life is not always bright and cheerful. Seasons of a heart are also written by floods of tears, and the icy chill of a hardened heart. I myself prefer Cher and Believe in hope, faith, charity, and above all - love.

Songs for Solitude...

As a fan of indie rock music, I was amazed at the sound of this mellow, soporific harmony. This female duet, Orenda and Maria formally known as Azure Ray, has a keen ear for the light, orchestral sounds. The standout track, "Sleep" produces a depressing tone suitable for those unable to find their way out of bed. At once mournful and optimistic, this is truly a gem, deserving of an intellectual following:

Fill these spaces up with days
In my room you can go you can stay
I can't sleep i can't speak to you
Now these years locked in my drawer
I'll open to see just to be sure
I can't sleep i can't speak to you
And so i'm reaching out for the one
And so i've learned the meaning of the sun
And all this like a message comes to shift my point of view
I'm watching through my own light
As it tints the shade of you
Hold my wine hold it in
Nobody's lost but nobody wins

--If you wonder why you continue to get up every morning and live your life, this album is for you.

Party Prep: Music

Background music is not essential, but why would you not take advantage of eerie, plotting, driving tones to enhance the mood of your get together? I don't believe one's home stereo should rival that of a discotheque. Be a responsible neighbor and host, it's titled background noise for a reason: to cover up the random but evident moments when commentary and discussion lull. People don't like silence it makes them uncomfortable. So too can the thought of dressing up, and going to someone else's home to mingle with people one has never met. A favorite song can seem like a long lost friend.

For an aura of camp, fun, and frolic, try:





For a lively yet haunting mood I recommend:



With the aid of a few wireless speakers, surround sound can be achieved in a variety of locations from the front porch to the patio.

A secondary soundtrack...

I'll admit my fondness for the usual pop 40, well at least until the last year. Having graduated from the 24-30 demographic that gets the media hype, I've noticed that the usual fare doesn't grab and hold my attention. I've been spending more time perusing old favorites and enjoying the unreleased singles from my favorite albums, as well as the almost famous. In honor of the holiday I dedicate Excess by Tricky.

Gimme More...

So it has been a rocky road, but let me tell y'all - the turmoil translates into an incredible album. While the pure sexpot of "Slave for you" cannot be imitated "Fire and Ice" continues the smoldering heat.