Late-night summer musings

So Regina Spektor's new album, Far, came out on Tuesday. Even though the album is great, I find myself digging through her old stuff and feeling amazed all over again. I know I've said it before, but when she sings, there is a sense of freedom and peace that I don't think I could ever really achieve. I feel it when I hear it, and who knows? Maybe she has internal struggles that she's able to hide through her music, but I would never know the difference. "Field Below" is the perfect song for people like me, who sometimes feel like they're the last people on earth to be awake, or maybe the first people to wake...but hearing this, they know they're not alone. Also it's perfect for us city-dwellers.

Seriously, maybe it's the summer and mental R&R that I've finally afforded myself, but I'm beginning to feel like I could write music again. I hope that it comes back to me soon. It won't happen overnight, and it won't be perfect, but I've gotten to a place where I'm totally ok with it. It's been a long time since I've been in this high of spirits and confident about my abilities to do things. I feel like I'm learning and growing so much that perhaps I can finally put it to words. I miss being able to express myself like that, but there's hope for me yet! Thanks Regina, as always!


I wish I'd see a field below
I wish I'd hear a rooster crow
But there are none that live downtown
And so the day starts out so slow

Again, the sun was never called
And darkness spreads over the snow
like ancient bruises
I'm awake, I feel the ache

Magic (Ben Folds) - University of Chicago Voices In Your Head

Another rendition that gives me chills

Sacramento State Jazz Singers - Selfless, Cold and Composed

Ben Folds held a contest where he picked the best a cappella versions of his songs to record for an album. Awesome idea, and this is one of the better interpretations selected. I hope they make the final cut for the album!

President-Elect Barack Obama on Election Night

Grant Park, Chicago
November 4th, 2008

Jay-Z - History

Now that all the smoke is gone,
And the battle's finally won
Victory is finally ours
History, so long so long

1/17/09 Barack Obama BALTIMORE SPEECH PART 2

1/17/09 Barack Obama BALTIMORE SPEECH PART 1

Obama Stops in Baltimore

I was here! Waited in line since 11:30am and stood around until 4:15 when he actually spoke. Yay Baltimore! Yay Obama!

Jamie Cullum - Gran Torino

This song is the perfect complement to the film. I haven't seen any other major Clint Eastwood movies, but this one was unexpectedly good...totally not what I imagined Clint Eastwood doing. It seems he enjoys doing movies about the underdog. In any case, it's a real gem and, in my opinion, the best underrated movie to come out in 2008 (sure, other then Dark Knight, whatever.)