Week 2: "You Can Always Live Off Rice and Potatoes..."

Hey hey,

So I finished my exams last Thursday (I don't take to much pride in this statement being an English major with a...let's say less than full...course load) and have started my Holiday shopping much to the dismay of my bottom line.  I've been scouring second hand antique stores and select bargain bins to quiet the roars of the almighty VISA monster, but much like that Abominable Snowman in the beloved Rudolph claymation special, its one persistent bugger.

As it stands, I'm decidedly in the red because of my lack of green this holiday season, and so my offering to this week's Mixtape gestures toward the down and out:

 1. Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue



There's something comforting about knowing that the artists I loved listening to when I was an awkward kid have grown up and changed with me.  I remember first seeing Rilo Kiley's Portion for Foxes on Much Music's the Wedge one late Saturday night.  Ever since, I've had a musical hard-on for Ms. Lewis.  This tune's Jack Daniel's harmonies get me every time.  The song reminds us that while nobody helps the liars...every once and a while they can help themselves.

2. The Deadly Snakes - Gore Veil



"Through this veil I could find I could see my mortality, I could see it staring back and me, I could see it point and laugh at me."  I first heard this tune on Grant Lawrence's top 20 songs of the 2000's podcast while I was out on a long run.  It was the middle of winter, icy, cold, and I was bonking.  Something about the triumphant vocals and the postmodern poetry of the lyrics got me through that 95 minute run in mid January and whenever I'm home alone and feelin' down I'll belt out this tune. " da dada da, da dada da..."

Word to your mum,
Rob J.