Inspired by Sounds

Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday

 

Everyone listens to music. Some do so in different ways than others. I usually turn the volume up as loud as possible, then eventually get paranoid about losing hearing abilities and turn it down, but only a smidgen. It only takes me a nanosecond to recognize the beginning notes of any Brand New song, and then I can basically tell you everything you didn’t care to know about the bands’ origin and history. I call it my sixth sense. Anyway, none of this information matters if I continue without filling you in on why I chose this topic to touch on today.

So one of my very best buddies wrote a passage including some of her very favorite songs. In light of this event, I decided I, too, wanted to write about it. I don’t condone copying, though, so I will go about it a little differently. First of all, I wasn’t always this into music and all that it includes. I do have some people to thank before diving into the good stuff. So I have this brother, (I only claim him on good days), that showed me a Paramore song before I played in a sixth grade basketball game. For that moment on, I turned away from my pop-country driven childhood and ran into the light, and dark, of the world of Alternative music and similar genres. I think I made as many baskets as I ever would in that faithful game of grade-school b-ball. The music just took over, pumped me up more than I thought possible. That might be the reasoning behind my very vivid recollection of a random day from what feels like my past life. In other words, thanks big bro, for introducing me to a world you don’t really dabble in much anymore, but have strong and valid memories for to this day. Warped Tour rules.

The music isn’t even the highlight of this post. It is how it can change anything and everything about a situation, good or bad, without even trying. It can act as an imaginary object, floating through the air as waves of energy that only some can feel down to their bones. It can act as a background feature or the main event, depending on the person listening. Your favorite song could be playing in some strangers car across the universe, said stranger unwillingly turning the volume down to hear Siri politely instruct them to take a left to the nearest Arby’s. On the other side, someone could be watching this song being performed live for the first time in some basement apartment ten years in the past. Perspective is key. Without it, music is mostly just sounds strategically placed together by someone who understands the theory behind it. I am here to tell you it is much, much more than that.

Without brains, the sounds we recognize as melodies today wouldn’t exist. I’m not some kind of expert, and I will not be able to prove why my opinions matter on this subject, but I do have strong feelings about why music matters and why it matters to me. Remember, it is called art for a reason, people. You make it what you want it to be, and if you can’t, it is still considered art. Here comes the perspective part again. That makes sense, right? So what if you can’t play more than a few chords on a guitar, you can take those four chords and play nearly every hit pop song imaginable. Trust me, it is as true as it is remarkable. I don’t know much about theory or the science behind this shit, but I do know that most of your favorite songs are in the key of C. I seem to have derailed from my original train of thought… Ah well, all is relevant!

This is the real kicker, the cool part. Music is reinvented every second of every day. There are kids in basements around the world breaking sticks on the backbeat of a rough punk song, trying to differentiate themselves from the average four piece band. There are no rules! Well, there are a couple of rules. But aren’t those made to break anyway? Does anyone know where I was going with this? Neither do I. Music is cool. Here are some songs that rock my brain from side to side, giving me some sort of musical migraine.

Paramore – Brighter.   This is an oldie, but goodie. Don’t question me, just look it up.

Bon Iver – Flume.  I know, I know, everyone loves this album. Well not as much as I do! Flume is a great opener, with beautiful lyrics and a flow only a year in the woods can bring.

The Wonder Years – I Just Want to Sell Out My Funeral.   Very unique jam. It is a combination of the entire album that comes before it, taking all the hooks and moods of the other songs and throwing them together into one of the best closers of any album I have come across in the last ten years. Listen and hear for yourself.

Modern Baseball – …And Beyond.   A short little ditty by a really rad band I discovered out of the depths of YouTube. This is one of favorites, mostly due to my longing for a not-so-abrupt ending.

Taking Back Sunday – Better Homes and Gardens.   Based on a very distressed relationship, as many great songs are, this song is constructed in such a unique way, the verses differing from the refrain in texture and feeling, both taking you deeper and deeper into the meaning of the song.

Jimmy Eat World – 23.   I really have no words for this particular song. It is the one that I will never skip when I’m on shuffle.

Mumford & Sons – Cold Arms.   Such an under-rated tune. I will always melt to Marcus Mumford’s lower register, not to mention the simple instrumentals and build.

Brand New – Seventy Times Seven.   So much angst. This is my favorite version of one of my favorite bands. Welcome to my middle school brain, internet.

Foo Fighters – Learn to Fly.   Run and tell all of the angels, this is still a great song. Sorry, I realize that was cheesy, but I think I’m funny, so it’s staying. Foos for life.

Hall & Oates – Rich Girl.   Random? Maybe, but I will always get on board when we are rhyming rich with bitch. Every single time.

 

And there you have it, ten of my favorite songs, plus a whole lot of rambling. Thanks for reading. I hope you take the time to appreciate music the way you prefer today and everyday. It really does make a difference. Stay rad, my friends, even if your day isn’t. And remember, Dave Grohl dropped out of high school to play drums in some random grunge band. It just happened to be Nirvana, which was luck on his part. The lesson is still there, though! Follow your damn dreams.