Song of the Day (Down in the Valley) 08.09.13

Two weeks into August - better start bustin' out those thicker layers. Before you know it, the colder winds will be sweepin' in.

But let's not worry about that right now. It's Friday, it's the end of the week. Almost time to relax. And let's be honest, is there really a better way to go into the weekend than with music? No, I don't think so.

This week I'm going back to a band I featured a few months ago, The Head and the Heart. They only have one album but I really enjoy their sound and I'm curious about what they'll release in the future. It's been a long week and the weather has been a bit of a downer - grey skies, not a whole lot of sun, so the following song fits pretty well. It's one of those songs that I'd want to listen to on a rainy day, bundled up in my house with a cup of tea and maybe a candle or two (yeah - just picture that). But don't get me wrong, it's not a sad song - it just gives off that relaxed, cozy feeling. Personally I love the crisp guitar at the beginning and how the whole piece feels "old timey." It's also a nice touch that as the song builds, more and more instruments join, violins, a piano, etc - culminating in a beautiful harmony. And of course, I can't help but think of Yosemite when the lyrics "down in the valley with whiskey rivers" pass by. Hopefully the following does its job and mellows you out as we coast into the weekend. This is The Head and the Heart's "Down in the Valley."

Her

I just can't stop showing you these awesome movies trailers. Sure, it helps that I'm currently embedded in that side of the industry, but they've just been too good recently not to share them with you. Thinking back to a few weeks ago when I mentioned how I hadn't shared a decent trailer with you - it seems like the universe answered my call.

So what do I have for you today? It's the trailer for Spike Jonze's new film. If you recall - I have a crush on Spike. Not only because I think he is one of the most imaginative people working in the industry today, but because his work is one of the reasons I wanted to pursue film. When I was younger I absolutely feel in love with his music videos - their whimsical style, feel good nature, bright colors. They were just so far from anything else being put out at the time and then he switched directions and began tackling feature films. The one that sticks out most to me? "Where the Wild Things Are." Not only because it is a book near and dear to my heart, but because it's absolutely stunning. The cinematography, the colors, the wide vistas, costumes. It's a perfect love letter to a story I grew up on. I'll even forever remember the night I went and saw it - where and with who.

That was his last film - four years ago. Luckily for all of us, his new film is coming out later this year. Titled, "Her," it's about a man who falls in love with the operating system on his computer. Quirky I know - but you have to expect that with Spike. I'm aware it sounds a bit out there - but the operating system is supposed to be the first true A.I. that is self aware, so it constantly evolves, grows, learns, and exists. Do I have some doubts that a full film can revolve around this story? Sure - but right now I'm pretty stoked for its release because of the trailer. It's edited extremely well, with great pacing, a fantastic score, and injected with some absolutely gorgeous shots. Technically, it's done everything right.

There's something about this film that has me hooked. The theme, the exploration of love and relationships, the dichotomy of life via humans and ever evolving technology. I'm curious to see how it turns out.

Even if it's a dud - at least the trailer is great.

40 Days

I have some good news for you. This is the last week of summer frisbee league. So, tonight will be the last night that you'll have to deal with me coming home exhausted, not in the mood to write a story.

But, per usual, I do have something to help pass the time.

Surprisingly not a video. Instead I'm going to present you with a website. About two close friends who happened to be single at the same time and decided to begin an experiment. They'd date each other for forty days (with no prior intimacy or dating) and document it. One was always eager to dive into relationships, as she put it, "loved to love" and the other, had a commitment issue, bouncing from girl to girl only after a few dates. Along the course of the forty days, there were some guidelines - they'd see a couples therapist, they'd have to see each other every day, take at least one weekend trip, there would be no dating, hooking up, or seeing anyone else (along with a few other rules). And throughout all of this, they'd fill out a questionnaire each day, explaining how things were going.

Sound interesting right? That's because it is.

So I stumbled upon this site earlier today through a friend and I've been hooked. Apparently the forty days have already come and gone, but they are in the process of posting each "day." Today was day 29, with 11 more to go. What I find so fascinating about this whole process is readying the answers from each person regarding the same question. Something Jessie might notice, Tim may completely overlook and visa versa. And throughout this process (although I'll admit I haven't caught up yet) I find myself judging each person differently as their confessions/answers to the questions are posted. Sometimes I feel for one, while I'm angered at the other and sometimes I just want to yell at the both of them - to get their shit together. It has already gone much much deeper into each of their psyches than I would have ever imagined and I cannot wait to see where else it goes.

Not only is reading each update super engaging, both Jessie and Timothy are designers out of New York, so each entry is filled with their creative genius - drawings, animations, videos. I'm envious of their imaginations and abilities.

Obviously start with day 1 - way at the bottom of the page.

Hopefully you like it as much as I do - I've become completely enamored with it...

40 Days of Dating

Ocean Melody

When he had stepped off the plane and the humidity washed over his face, immediately forming a thin layer of perspiration on his skin, he knew he had made it to paradise.

It was a vacation he needed to take. By himself. He had booked it spur of the moment, no real destination in mind. When he had first boarded the plane he was a little nervous - scared of what was to come. He had never been there. Knew nothing about the island, the culture, what kind of weather was to arrive later. He was strictly going with the flow.

The room was nice if not a little bit tiny, but it didn't really matter. The only time he planned on spending within its four walls was to sleep, change, and wash up. He wasn't there to stay inside. Deep down within he felt the need to go out and explore. Meet the locals, trying new things, embrace the culture. For the last eight months his mind had become polluted - filled with all the spoils of the big city. Pollution, stubbornness, commuters, office politics, and worst of all selfishness. As all of it slowly seeped into his body he could feel it weighing down on his soul, pressing against his heart. He felt less like a man, less like a human being, and more like cattle - just a piece of meat in the work force. Easily forgotten about - chewed up and spit out once used.

So explore he did. He made it a routine to walk around the town in the early morning. Strike up conversations with the fishermen that were loading their boats with nets and chum, help the older shriveled ladies with their groceries as they wandered back from the grocery store, waved at children as they made their way to school. After a couple days he no longer needed to provoke interactions - the people of the town smiled when they saw him, asked him how his previous night was - what he did, where did he go. Simple questions. And that's all he ever needed. He felt appreciated again. Like a part of the community. It was startling that complete strangers had the ability to make him feel like someone again - that he was worth while. He could feel the weight coming off his chest, a bounce coming back to his step - he felt refreshed.

And that was all before he had found the piano. Just sitting there, nestled along the walkway by the pier. It had seen better days. The wood had become swollen with seawater, bulging and swelling, cracking in some spots. It's surface was covered in a fine white layer of dried salt - color faded, stolen by the sun. When he first sat down, he didn't imagine it could sound as pure and rich as it did. Somehow the wires hadn't lost tension, managing to weather the elements. As his fingers danced across the keys, its beautiful tone drifted out over the bay, filling the air. It wasn't long before a little girl came out of an alleyway and sat on the wall, staring at him as he played, gently nodding her head and tapping her feet. When he was finished, she scamped away, without a word, back from where she came.

The very next day, he ended his evening the same way and much to his surprise, again the little girl came out, sat, listened, and left. He couldn't help but feel a little strange about the situation, but he couldn't help but appreciate the audience. As his vacation continued, a nightly session became a routine and each time, she'd be there, ready to listen. Not a word was said between them until it was his last evening on the island before he had to return home. After he was done playing, before she made her way back into town, he leaned forward and explained that he was leaving the next day and how much he had enjoyed sharing each night with her. She just stared back expressionless - letting his words linger in the humidity for a moment or two before shimmying off the wall and disappearing into the night.

Before he made his way to the airport the next day, he did one final loop through the town, wishing the fishermen a bountiful harvest, saying goodbye to the old ladies, and passing the piano one final time. As he walked by, he noticed something resting on top - a little bracelet, of twine and sea shells, clearly handmade. Below it there was a folded piece of paper. Placing the gift on his wrist, he opened the paper - finding it to be a note.

"Thank you."

Push For Greatness

As she ran forward, all she could focus on was the cold. How it was going to grab hold of her ankles, reach up through her muscles and steal the air from her lungs, pull all of her energy out through her legs.

She had practiced for this the entire summer. Early mornings, when the dew was still fresh on the grass, followed by laps back and forth along the coastline. Lunch squeezed into the middle of the day, after the time spent in the water and before she got onto a bicycle, riding until the sun just began to fall from the sky, at which point she'd dismount and continue on foot, throughout the neighborhood until it was hidden below the horizon, when the crickets began to chirp - guiding her back to her driveway. This routine went on for weeks. Each leg slowly got bigger. She'd add a few more laps, a couple extra miles, maybe a hill or two towards the end. She had to keep pushing herself. Preparing for the race.

When she got home her body was sore and she was well aware. Her muscles ached, her lower back was stiff - thighs like jello. After a long, steamy shower she'd spread out on the floor and stretch, massaging the life back into her muscles, applying icy hot in the really knotted places. The smell of menthol filling her room.

By the time she made it downstairs, her mother would have dinner prepared. The usual fair for the rest of the family, meatloaf, pot roast, macaroni and cheese. But for her, there'd be something special. Not because she had asked for it, but because her mother knew how serious she was taking training and wanted to provide her body what it needed. Some hearty protein - chicken or fish, accompanied by hearty vegetables - broccoli, spinach, and some carbohydrates - usually assorted pastas. She always felt special when her mother placed her plate down, but also a little guilty. Her mom didn't need to go out of her way - but she had always insisted - saying she was proud of her daughter's drive.

Once dinner was done, she'd make her way over to the sink and clean up everything - her way of saying "thank you" to her mother. She had done all the hard work, preparing the food - the least she could do was take care of the mess. When everything was clean and her hands were covered in suds and pruned, she'd make her way into the living room, collapsing on the couch wherever there was space. She never cared what was on the television. Just the company around her and the cozy feeling of being home during the summer made her happy - the humid air, bugs humming outside, bouncing off the screen door - it all brought a smile to her face. Most nights, as much as she tried, she'd begin nodding off by the end of the first show. Before she actually fell asleep she'd pry herself from the cushions, hug and kiss her family members, and drag herself upstairs, falling into bed, ready to welcome the sleep that was about to embrace her.

And on this went the entire summer. Day after day. Morning after morning.

When the water finally made contact with her skin, she heard herself gasp. She could feel the cold begin to make its way up her leg, but she fought back against it - pushing the pins and needles, the pain, out of her mind. She had to keep going - had to finish the race.

After all, this was the year she was going to beat her brother.

We could close the curtains, pretend like there's no world outside.

Song of the Day (Better Together) 08.02.13

Happy August everyone!

I can't believe it snuck up on us that quick - but it's here. Summer is already almost over, so soak up what's left before it's gone!

This week has been a tough one, super busy, and we've been down a person, but no worries, we've made it through in one piece. I couldn't be happier that it's Friday. And of course you all know what that means. Yes - of course the weekend, but also time for some music!

This week I'll be presenting you with only one song - but don't worry, it's a good one. To be honest, I usually come into these posts knowing exactly what song I'm going to share. Most times a couple days in advance. But today as I was driving home, I had my iPod on shuffle and this little diddy came on. At first I didn't recognize it. Sure, I knew who the artist was right away, yet the song itself just wasn't clicking. But right away I found myself bobbing and swaying in my seat, caught up in the rhythm and melody. When it was over, I had to restart it and focus on the lyrics. The second time through I couldn't help but find myself smiling. The words were infectious, cute, and appropriate for the type of mood I was in. Overall it's the perfect summer song to be cruising down the highway tapping your foot to - sun setting off in the distance, knowing the beach is just over the horizon. It's just a light-hearted, feel good tune. If you aren't familiar with it like I wasn't, hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I do. This is Jack Johnson's, "Better Together."

Walter Mitty

I'm a huge reader. Well, I guess I used to be. Life has gotten in the way recently so I haven't had nearly as much time as I'd like, but regardless, I don't think I could survive in this world without a good piece of literature in my hand.

I remember reading a short story back in high school, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," and absolutely falling in love with it. The prose, the imagery, the imagination of the mina character. Everything about it was wonderful. And to be honest, until recently, I had forgotten about it. I couldn't tell you the last time I had thought about it. Recently, I was skimming one of my film websites and saw that Ben Stiller was directing another movie and that he was about a guy who day dreams throughout his work days. At the time, since I wasn't reading in depth, it flew right over my head - until I was at the movies this past weekend and I saw a trailer for it.

Hollywood did it. Mr Stiller did it. They took the story that I loved so dearly and turned it into a film. Holy cow. At first, once my excitement died down a little bit, I became a tad hesitant. Over the years I've fallen out of love with Ben Stiller, his recent work, his acting - I didn't even really like Tropic Thunder which was his last directorial job. So I wasn't sure how I was going to feel.

After seeing the trailer, my faith in completely restored. Yes - it could be because the trailer itself is absolutely phenomenal, but I have a feeling it is much more than that. There is just a tone to the footage, upbeat and whimsical. All the shots are beautiful. The set pieces look amazing. And the more I think about it, I think this will be a great roll for Ben - I've gone back and reread the story and am confident that he'll deliver.

On a side note - please take notice of how amazing the trailer is. No dialogue until the end? One song throughout?

Is it Christmas yet?