Simple vs. complicated. shared vs. free.
I love a poetic, complicated, filled with nuances slow song. But I can also appreciate the idea, the something simple idea that sparks the genius in wordy, fluid, beautifully linguistic literature.
Even so, a beautifully simple song or lyric will always make me stop and say, “Wow.”
Sometimes, thats what I miss about being younger - the music. So much that I listen to now is artificially produced by a computer or a machine. It’s less about the lyrics, less about the music, less genuine and less authentic. Instead of an actual person saying “this is my song, this is me, with my instrument, singing to you”, it’s people with producers and music directors and vocal coaches and everyone telling you to to create something that the general audience will like instead of making something real and personal.
I’m listening to The Get-Up Kids”, a band Noble introduced to me. I had heard the song “Valentine” before but never pursued the band at all. I heard the Song “Campfire Kansas” and was instantly addicted. It’s just a guy playing a song on his guitar, singing about hanging out in the summer with a bunch of his buddies. It’s so simple and perfect, and instantly takes me back to highschool with my friends.
“Mass Pike” was on a mix tape one of my friends boyfriend’s burned her a few years ago. I heard this song when we were driving around one day and thought it was great. These songs are so genuinely happy, fun and laid-back. It’s like recalling a memory that makes you nostalgic and comforted. It actually reminds you of what it feels like to be young and carefree again.
Sometimes I feel like this is how I know someone will be interesting or not. If you can understand this sentiment, and if you like music that’s more than computerized, senthisized, monotonous beats, then you’re probably cool.
Maybe I’m making really generalized statments, but lately I feel like all I hear people talking about and listening to is dubstep and house. This enjoyable, laid-back pop punk is a thing of the past.
I went off in a tangent. But the phrase is “The best things in life are free.” I disagree. My favorite things in life are things that are shared. When someone finds something cool or interesting, and they think it’s awesome enough that they want me to enjoy it too, well, thats the best. The best, most fun things in life are shared (although I guess that does make them free too. But the knowledge of such a great thing is free!) A good song, or good music, is shared. Someone can recommend something to you that you may love. Same goes with a good restaurant. And to me, Good music and good food are two things that speak any language. A good book, too. When someone reads a book, they typically judge how much they liked it based on something about that book that restonates with them. That’s why I think a book recommendation is a very personal, amazing thing. It’s someone sharing something quite personal with you. SOmething about that book made them feel good, understood, and interesting, and they think you’ll feel the same way. It’s like sharing a whole new perspective with someone. Idea sharing is the best. Hands down.
I can’t think or write anymore. But basically what I’m saying is. I wish music would just go back to the basics. And Sharing is Caring.
“We laughed away the sunburn as we laughed away the day. But what we lost means nothing for the memories will stay.
-The Get-Up Kids “Campfire Kansas.
“We’d stay afloat and make the most of everything.”
-“Campfire Kansas”
“Lets take the moon and make is shine for everyone.”
-“Campfire Kansas”
“Your arms in mine, anytime. Wouldn’t trade anything. You’re still my everything. To my suprise, for my eyes…you arrived. Don’t worry, I’ll catch you. Don’t ever worry. “
The Get-Up Kids “I’ll Catch You”
1988
