Ok, so this series is in response to Calth’s suggestion that we post more material with personal significance. Apparently he’s an emotional guy…
The first installment of Because… is tailored for Calth specifically because he shares my tie to the studio culture, but I think anyone who’s experienced a semi-rigorous educational system can relate (don’t mean to exclude our tOSU readers, I’ll get you back next time!).
As I type this, it’s 1:43 AM, I’m in studio after six hours of work, I’m getting ready to walk home, and I have the unnerving feeling of having an incomplete idea buried somewhere in the ole’ mind grapes. The burning question: what do I listen to on the way home? Well if it’s after Christmas and before mid-February, my go-to is without a doubt Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts by M83. There’s just something about the album that perfectly matches the mood of a frigid, late night walk in the snow — walls of fuzzy electronics, stark drum machines, and repetition… lots of repetition. It’s a subtle album, but damn does it hit you hard if you’re in the right mood. What blows my mind is how natural the sounds are, even though so much of it is synthesizer. This is what a blizzard sounds like.
Seriously, if you’re not feeling it right away, try taking this one out for a walk on a cold night with a thought you just can’t shake. I still remember walking home one night freshman year from central campus during an epic snow storm with this album turned up so loud it was numbing my ears (or that may have been the cold). I got home about halfway through “On A White Lake…”, but I walked right past my dorm and toward the stadium because I knew I had to finish with the track “Gone”. For my money, the 3:01 mark of that song is about as perfect as it gets. If you listen closely, I swear you can hear a series of screams.
And now it’s out into the snow for me…
Check It Out If… You like walls of sound and/or electronic music, it’s snowing and/or nighttime, you need music for the mind grapes, or you just like taking long walks on the beach (in winter).
UPDATE: I apologize for the confusion but apparently the system was playing “Gone” instead of “Run Into Flowers”. The problem has been reconciled but definitely go back and listen to “Run Into Flowers” — great track.
This….. This is precisely what i was after. I have yet to try this this out but i have experienced Explosions in the Sky, who are perfect for long, carefree walks in fall. The season definitely makes a difference on this one because (SPOILER: emotional) the colors of the leaves. I don’t know why but their sound is perfect for fall. Everything is so smooth and flowy. Do not attempt this when stressed, as it will will seem slow and drawn out and you may get antsy in your pantsy.
Also- James Franco is going to Yale for a masters in English Lit, please make friends as the closest connection i have with someone famous is Hootie from the Blowfish.
Ah yes Explosions In The Sky are a fall band for me as well. They actually have a new one coming out this year.
Ya we’ve been trying to find Franco but I’m pretty sure he’s not here full time. I’ll tell him to give you a call next time I run into him though.
Also David, go back and listen to “Run Into Flowers” again. The system was playing “Gone” by mistake. I just fixed it.
Don’t worry i listened to the whole album. Some of it was pretty damn epic. Also i thought of something awesome right after i posted about Explosions exploding your mind grapes into a fine wine but, i forgotted.
Haha, nice.