To tell this story, we need to go back. Way back. To 2007.
Ok, three years ago may not seem like that long of a time but definitely feels like it. As some of you know, I was born in California but raised in Alabama after I moved here at the age of 8. Well, only my dad and I moved out here leaving behind nearly all of my family on my mom's side. As a result, I go back to California frequently. Two members of my family I always look forward to visiting are my younger brothers. They are about four years younger than me meaning each step I take, they are only a few behind (I was leaving high school right as they were entering).
The summer of 2007 will always be memorable for me because in that short amount of time I grew very close to one of my brothers and grew apart from the other. In that regard, I guess it's a bittersweet memory. On one hand, I will always have that summer that took a good relationship and made it great. On the other hand, I will always have that summer that took a good relationship and turned it fragile. Three years later I am still close with one and while things have gotten better with the other, we both just know that it is never going to be as great as it could have been.
How is all this relevant to my Sunday Music Countdown? Because during that great/tumultuous summer, this cd basically provided the soundtrack. It was cool because this was during the time after my brothers started heavily getting into the "screamo" scene, a genre of music that took me a while to embrace (and even still I pick and choose who I listen to). But amidst all the yelling coming through the speakers, they put in this self-titled cd by Lost Ocean. I was pleasantly surprised to hear a sound referred to as "piano rock." It was a different kind of chill, the kind that you could drive to. And that's what I did, having to spend a lot of time in the car between the city where my grandparents lived and the city where my brothers lived.
This is the kind of cd that as soon as the I start the opening track, I am instantly transported back to I-5, McHenry Avenue in Modesto and the streets of my brothers' hometown of Stockton.
So I hate to sound like this, but I'm pretty sure the majority of you don't know this cd, at least compared to the feedback I've gotten from the selections from artists like Yellowcard, Coldplay, No Doubt. However, I would have NEVER heard of this band if not for my brothers. So take a chance like I did. I think you will like it.
Oh- some people may not know this, but I most certainly do. :) "Just Glide" is a FABULOUS song and even though it reminds me of driving alongside a vast body of water- it takes me back to the summer of 2007 (which you know about) and how I would take really long drives, by myself, in the middle of the night. I would drive for hours one way just to get away. It didn't matter how much money I spent, but I just had to go. I had this album mixed with my Maroon 5, Fiona Apple, Coldplay and some Debussy and I would go. It obviously wasn't a great summer for me, but it certainly brings back memories. :)
ReplyDeleteOh man Matt, here's a band you know that I don't! I'll have to check them out ASAP, now that I'm all graduated, I'll have more time for things like this haha!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Ben Folds - who happens to be my favourite piano rockstar.
ReplyDeleteI love it when certain albums become soundtracks for life events - good or bad.
So I have never heard of this band, but after a first listen, I can tell I will really like them. I like the more mellow stuff. :) They remind me of a few indie bands I listen to but I can't quite put my finger on exactly who.
ReplyDeleteAs far as your relationship with your other brother-- things can change as people grow and mature...things could be amazing between you two in a few years. :)