Swing Swing - The All American Rejects
The Scientist - Coldplay
Lover’s Spit - Broken Social Scene
Do You Realize? - The Flaming Lips
Just Like Honey - The Jesus and Mary Chain
Hello, World! Yulia Chuck, here, your girl Friday ready to provide you with the best of the best when it comes to great alternative rock music and the happenings surrounding it!....
Ugh, I’m sorry, that sounded so corporate, but I really don’t know how else to start this thing. I’ve probably written a dozen variations of this intro and deleted every word, so I’m just sticking to this one. Sorry!
I’m starting this blog from the cold computer lab of the boarding school you’ll never know I attend (unless you’re especially industrious, but come on, that’s just creepy). I managed to bribe the janitor to let me in here by burning him country CDs because he can’t figure out how to work Windows XP.
You’re probably asking why you should care about what someone like me listens to? Well, I might be young, but music sleeps in my bones, and my life’s mission is sharing the songs that make that blood sing with you! (Also, this is my website, so I can do what I want.)
The leaves are changing now, and I can’t help but think back on all the songs that have wrapped themselves around me every time the weather grows cold. I grew up as the immigrant kid, the one with the smelly lunches and the last name no one could pronounce. (Are you shocked that Chuck isn’t my real name?)
I haven’t always had “friends,” at least not in real life, and so the singers of the bands I love have always been the ones there for me. I’ve found myself in their lyrics. They’ve made sure I never felt alone, whether they know it or not. I hope they do.
When I first heard The Scientist by Coldplay, it felt like I’d been wrapped up in a warm, depressing sweater. Those dulcet piano chords felt like every time my heart beat when I thought about a boy who didn’t love me back. It feels like heartache, but also the hope that maybe someday I’ll find someone who’ll love me the same way I would love them. Some people think Coldplay is overrated, but when I heard this song… it stuck with me. It was more than just a song.
Also the music video??? It kind of reminds me of the movie Memento by Christopher Nolan. In the film, the main character has a special type of amnesia where he forgets everything, and so the timelines of the movie is completely in reverse. If you’re heading to Blockbuster to rent something this weekend, that should be your pick.
Now, Swing Swing by All American Rejects set me on fire in a different way. Thematically, it speaks to me with its lyrics about a broken heart and wondering if anyone will ever love you (sound familiar?) but the strong voice of lead singer Tyson Ritter and the upbeat guitars lend it a newer pop-punk sound that makes me feel like there could be hope for me after all. Also, have you seen this guy’s eyes? I couldn’t swoon harder if I tried. (I have a type, apparently).
It’s funny, because my roommate, Lucy, couldn’t be any more opposite to me, but I think we see and appreciate music and art in the same way. She’s been listening to a lot of Goo Goo Dolls (Here is Gone on repeat), Avril Lavigne, who I think is really cool, but is a bit heavier on pop than I like, and Christina Aguilera, of course.
Who could talk about this year in music and not mention Dirrty? I appreciate seeing music through Lucy’s eyes, because it lets me see another world.
I’ve been trying to introduce her to some older indie rock music, though. So far, she loves Just Like Honey by The Jesus and Mary Chain, which is a Scottish band from the 80s for anyone my age. Their sound is mellow and lo-fi, but it washes over you in an 80s goth wave.
Heading into winter, I’m hoping to be able to see some live shows, but that’ll depend entirely on whether or not I can successfully sneak out of here. Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy being young, but I honestly can’t wait to get out of here and finally start living my life!
I’m looking forward to hearing about all your favourite songs, and I hope you stick with me and this blog as I keep writing. I have a feeling it’s going to be an interesting ride.
I’ll leave you with some lyrics from The Flaming Lips:
Do you realize that you have the most beautiful face?
Do you realize we’re floating in space?
Do you realize that happiness makes you cry?
Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die?
P.S. Want to read them all? Sign Up to the mailing list and get a PDF of XOXO Chuck!
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