Wow, I got to give myself a pat in the back for my fifth post this year! (Check my track record.) It’s hilarious, really. So goes the title of my post. I don’t want to speak too soon but I’m liking the habit of spending about a few minutes to an hour just to sit down and write a post. These days I go through my day looking for inspiration as to what music I’d be sharing on this blog. I realized, it’s something that I like to do with…pretty much everyone.
I’m just surprised that my passion for music – which I’ve taken for granted for some time – is still in me and has in fact grown stronger. Plus, living and breathing music has helped me deal with the separation anxiety that’s been creeping up on me lately.
Swedes are so flexible! (c/o: Beatsperminute)
Now, for the good part of this post. I found a gem in YouTube just by checking some other stuff by Lykke Li, an artist Kat got me in to. And boy, am I in to this artist. A bit of context: Last week I grew ecstatic when I found out that she’s from Sweden. I’ve written here before about how totally gaga I am about music imports from Sweden namely The Knife, The Cardigans, Fever Ray and Robyn. All over the world, the Swedes are especially known for the most impressive metal music to ever grace the ears of metalheads everywhere. What people fail to realize is that Sweden is likewise on the cutting edge of pop, electro-pop, electro-clash-pop and other permutations of this particular genre. A music genre which frankly, the rest of the world attributes to the whole of EUROPE as though it is a big chunk of land with no musical diversity whatsoever. YES, all of these great electro bands do come from Europe but not ALL OF THEM from the same country. And I’m sure a lot of you do not care, but once you can tell the nuances then you get to appreciate that each country has a distinct flavor to offer.
It just so happens that of all the music that came out of Europe, it was Sweden’s music which captivated me the most. Therefore, I stand by my statement back in 2010 that Sweden is my Music MECCA! It is an absolute must in my lifetime for me to embark on a music pilgrimage to Sweden. And I hope by the time that materializes, the bands I adore are still playing – I don’t CARE if they play in a big stadium or a small pub. I DON’T GIVE A DAMN. I want to bask in Robyn’s ringing voice live. I want to hear The Cardigans play a set, regardless if I don’t understand a word they say in between. If I could just watch the Dreijer twins of The Knife perform just one show – ONE SHOW – then I will die HAPPY.
I have to admit that today’s fill is a bit on the strong end but I can’t help it, all thanks to Lykke Li.
So back to Lykke Li.
You know this video I’m about to share is not the best quality I could find but it has caught my imagination.
I can imagine myself in the crowd of Lykke Li’s concert, feeling the anticipation of the next song. Then the riff of The Knife’s “Silent Shout” comes on. I go mental. My delirious scream will be drowned out by an army of music minions clinging on to every beat, every bass line, every fucking synth!
And then the decrescendo. Lykke Li’s haunting voice emerges and sings, “Until we bleed”.
Magic.
I look forward to watching concerts like this in the first world! Geez, I have trouble containing myself. Over and out.
Home
Airplane mode
I won’t be surprised if people grow skeptical about my departure for the US. When are you REALLY leaving? In fact, I already have my first customer. My friend Miko drawled out the other day, “LEAVE ALREADY!” Fine. Even my mother and brother complained. They think I have no interest in leaving anymore. Sure. I have no interest in making use of an immigrant visa which cost an arm and a leg, caused me brief psychological distress and waited for nearly three years for. I am just that kind of girl, eh?
Window seats are the best! (Source: Click-through)
So I admit: I have been
stallinglingering but I’m slowly being coaxed to the thought of being on a plane to a lalaland. The best part of my mental picture of this trip is the actual plane ride. I love riding planes despite the crappy airplane food in some trips I’ve been on and the even crappier music they have on-flight. But for now, let me emphasize on the latter. SERIOUSLY. If you are a point person from any particular airline – especially a certain flag carrier I’m quite familiar with – please, please, PLEASE consult someone on the music you play on board. Including but not limited to the choice of channels for your in-flight music “radio”, I’m not sure what you call it. What is up with all the eighties jazz music? I don’t mean to be an elitist, but honestly, have y’all not heard of music from at least the likes of Buddha Bar? Come on. Or even more tasteful post-rock alternative music NOT adult radio for the young and hip like moi. Consider that in-flight you are not allowed to use your ipod or any electronic device which carries one’s music of choice. That could be 13 hours on the plane in my case. Acceptable. But please, please, PLEASE care to accommodate different demographics when it comes to music and films.Okay, so now I’m done with my rant.
What kind of music would I want to hear on a plane anyway? Naturally the kind of music that convinces me I’m going to live through the flight!
Anyway, this playlist is in no way my recommendation on what constitutes I’m-gonna-live-after-this-flight music. But I sure would be pleasantly surprised if I hear this music on the plane.
MGMT – Time to pretend [ Download ]
La Roux – In for the kill [ Download ]
Hooverphonic – Mad about you [ Download ]
Jonsi – Tornado [ Download ]
Hey Ocean – California [ Download ]