Heartstrings.

Aside from time spent running and doing Christmasy things, I've been sifting through records and old cd's since coming home for the holidays. All this digging and hours spent listening to music this week have made posting really difficult. I also suck at decisions, but holy smokes.... there's quite the number of mind-blowing songs out there. We're lucky.

Music has a powerful way of nestling itself into our memories and is unparalleled in terms of uprooting strong emotions. Sometimes a song can devour conscious thought as it takes its course while we travel to another world. Some remind us of people in our lives, whether the relationship is fond or quite the opposite. Others grab us with their sheer musical brilliance. Perhaps they find a hook and latch onto your heartstrings. Whatever the case, the beauty of a mind-blowing song is that it doesn't need to be critically acclaimed. Each person finds merit on their own and that's the best part. You love what you love! 

My first one for the week is Madame George from Van Morrison's Astral Weeks in 1968. This entire album is something else. I don't remember when I started loving Van Morrison, but his music was about all that settled me during my first 9 months. According to my parents, Tupelo Honey was way more effective than any lullaby. Oddly enough I still find the same thing when I listen to his music-- it's like a sort of calm settles into me and I can't be bothered with anything else. The string arrangement is beautiful and his vocals are so unrefined and honest its just incredible. Madame George came at a time when Morrison was trying to find his identity as a musician and bounce back from a turbulent contract with his first recording label, as they tried desperately to push him into pop music. This album is his rebuttal. Some argue that the song is about a transvestite if you really listen to the lyrics, but he suggests it's just "a song about a bunch of people." He's never been one for interviews and comes across as pretty grouchy sometimes. Maybe he's just introverted. Maybe that's why Madame George absorbs me -- music is his release and that's why it comes across so raw. I can't figure it out, but I really love this song:

The next one is from post-rock, minimalist group Sigur Ros. Most of their songs are in a made-up or Icelandic tongue that sounds mystical and enchanting. Their music has a rare capacity to make you feel empty but fulfilled at the same time. It's strange, but something keeps me coming back. I had the fortune of seeing Sigur Ros live at Massey Hall with my Dad and sister a few years ago. They opened with Svefn G Englar, which is an incredibly haunting and beautiful, epic song. I looked over at Allie as we sat on the edge of our seats and we both had tears in our eyes within the first few minutes. Everyone around us was mesmerized by their performance, as we all had our eyes glued on a stage lit by small tea lights. I didn't listen to anything but Sigur for months afterwards and I still go on benders pretty often.  It's game over if I stumble upon one of their songs while working. I'm going to post "Glosoli"since the accompanying music video is unbelievable (the song is great, too). If you have a minute also check out videos for Hoppipola or Viorar Vel Til Loftarasa. Listen when you're on your own:

Actually you know what... watch this one too. If not for the music, then just the video. 

Okay, whew, I promise this is my last song! The next is from Ennio Morricone. He's composed a ton of music for films, including The Mission and The Untouchables (both awesome). I love this one too:

Okay, that's all for  now. Hope you liked them and Merry Christmas!

Love, Tara