Thursday, April 10, 2014

People As Songs: Part 1

There is a little bit of music in everyone I suppose, after all, songs are just stories for the most part. I am setting out to pick the pieces of music that best represent some dear friends of mine. Represent via individual lyrics, overarching themes, or just general feel. Now obviously this is completely subjective, and just my opinions. Some of these may seem out of left field, some you may disagree with. Feel free to throw words like, "pretentious drip", or, "over analyzing drangle" at me. I appreciate all feedback, and of course, still think highly of nearly all of you! Here's to new friends and great music.


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1: Sammi Lanzetta, your song is "Song 2" by Blur











Short, sweet, to the point. No Bullshit. You are the definition of a windows down, volume loud friend. One of my favorite all time driving songs, I have never failed to bounce around whenever it plays. I feel that much like the lyrics to the song, there are things people have trouble understanding about you. Beneath it's outward party appearance there is definitely a deeper current running through this track. It's your business though, to most of the world you keep it loud and fantastic. Two minutes of high fructose, kick ass attitude

"Pleased to meet you."

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2: Max Lindgren, your song is "The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon & Garfunkel








One of the finest songs the duo ever put out in my humble opinion. A multi-faceted track that walks the line between buoyant and somber, the tune was written by Paul Simon as his partner left for Mexico for a movie shoot, leaving him behind in New York. Max, you never fail to offer the most cheery, uplifting comments to all of us lucky enough to call you friend. Your outlook on life seems to be one of self championed simplicity, and you wear it well. But I think there is a lonely side, a solemn part of you that shows it's head from time to time. A direct parallel to Simon losing his best friend and still managing to smile about it. Like the sun shining through clouds, it's sometimes hard to tell if it just started raining or finally stopped.

"I've got nothing to do today but smile"

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3: Taylor Edwards, your song is "Float On" by Modest Mouse









Almost painfully obvious. There are those that know you better, but to me, you are the embodiment of indomitability. This track marked a drastic change of sound for the Washingtonian trio. While they held on to a degree of their harshness, a clear reflection of maturity brought on by age came out. I don't think anything could keep you down, and if so, certainly not for long. A reminder to the rest of us to keep our chin up and wear a smile because it makes you prettier and helps you live longer. This is not to be mistaken for simplicity, just like Isaac acknowledges, life can and WILL get shitty, but keeping your head above water is easy if you have someone to float with. Here's to the current, and the raft.

"Don't worry, even if things end up a bit too heavy, we'll all float on"

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4: Ryad Chaoui, your song is "Hoppípolla" by Sigur Rós









There's not a chance on this earth that I will make it through this song without getting at least a little bit choked up, and I know nearly nothing about it besides what it makes me feel. You are beautiful man. You are unshackled by the burdens of corporeality, floating high above the rest of us. You have a smile that lights up the room and a laugh that makes me wonder why I'm not laughing with you. This song is one of the most uplifting pieces of music I have ever heard, and I put it on whenever I need a pick me up. The title translates to "Hopping into puddles", and echoes the simplistic wonder of enjoying life for what it is, a journey meant to be shared with those you care about. Sharing is easy when the person is as caring as you.

"Og g fae blo nasir, en g stend alltaf upp"
(And I get a nosebleed, but I always stand up)

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5. Paislee Jahed, your song is "She's Only 18" by Red Hot Chili Peppers











A song about the world as it is and the girl that will conquer it. This track has it all, attitude, warmth, sensuality, and a wicked sense of itself. You have potential in spades, Paislee. I see in you someone who could climb any mountain on the map, and the style to make it look easy. One of the most effortlessly cool people I know, you seem to shrug off everything you don't deem worthy of your time or energy with relative ease. Woe to anyone who may hold you down or drag you back, they won't be in the picture for long. Like the wailing guitar in the background, you approach life with a guided hand, but a cacophonous reverb. Folks can try to be cool, but they won't ever be Paislee cool.

"Knock the world off it's feet and straight onto it's head"


I hope you got a kick out of this, and hope nobody feels left out. I intend to come back and deliver more to all you lovely people. I am a lucky person to be burdened with the friendship of you folks, and I know you will continue to be great, and make me smile.