I have tumbled

There will be more discussion about this later, but I have started a tumblr.

One of the things I want to do on there is a do picture post for every day in October. Anybody have any suggestions of any themes for the days?

http://themroshow.tumblr.com/

You Know How I Feel

I promise I'm going to try my best to have a meaningful post tomorrow (I tried to get to it tonight, but just didn't work out) but this song crept into my head and I feel I like I just need to share it and actually use it in moving forward. Plus, it's a break from only posting songs that deal with hard times.

Also, I heard some group named this the best cover song of all time. Hard to argue

P.S. For trivia purposes only, I learned of this version of the song when it was featured in Seven Pounds. Such a great movie.

Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me..
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom in the trees
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me...
And I'm feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun
You know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all out having fun
You know what I mean
Sleep in peace
When, the this day is done
And this old world
Is a new world
And a bold world
For me...

Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know how I feel
yeah, freedom is mine
When you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me...

yeah, ooh
Oh, ooh...

Oooh, ooh..free, free loving you...
Oooh, oooh
Feeling good

(50) Sundays of Music: #14

#14: Green Day - American Idiot

I have to admit, as much as I talk about music and my love for it, I missed out on the "early stuff" with Green Day being one of the casualties. I didn't grow up with Dookie and "Time of Your Life" was really my first exposure to them so I'm not jaded to this release like most of their hardcore fan base. I see this album for what it is - a stand alone musical masterpiece.

There are a lot of places to discover music. Nowadays, you have Pandora, iTunes recommendations and social networking blogs that post the latest "band you need to know but when a certain amount of people do I'm not going to like them anymore" artists. But there is a way to discover that was very overlooked until Guitar Hero and Rock Band hit the scene - video games.

"American Idiot" (the song) appeared on the soundtrack for one of the Madden games. That's where I got used to it and one day bought the cd and gave it a shot. I have to admit, at first I was just kind of like "eh." I liked the title track and really liked "Holiday" before the radio got a hold of it. It would be a while before I truly appreciated the cd as a whole.

One of the reasons was because to this day "When September Ends" is one my least favorite and at one time was heavily played on the radio. I want to make sure that statement came across correct: "least favorite" doesn't mean I didn't like it. (and yes, I know the story behind it. But like I said, just a "least favorite") But radio-overexposure also killed "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" for me as well, another song I really liked.

But what turned me around to this cd was actually when I started opening my eyes to music for what it was. Interpreting the lyrics, appreciating the bass lines, realizing what goes in to making a song. I've come to appreciate songs that are unique and I found that in "Jesus of Suburbia." It's a 9-minute track that acts like a 5-for-1 deal.

And it's also an example of what the album does - tells a story. I feel a lot of times, artists will put out songs with singles to get on the radio and make money. I appreciate and respect Green Day for, at a time when they had already done that in their careers, taking a chance and doing something creative.

Also, I have to admit. Green Day Rock Band helped me appreciate "Homecoming" which is similar to "Jesus of Suburbia" in the multiple-songs-condensed-into-one formula. That and "Whatsername." So that's why the following three tracks are displayed.

NOTE: Please, if you have never given these tracks a listen or have been jaded to them because you don't like the cd (you are entitled to your opinion), for me - give these songs a try.

(50) Sundays of Music: #15

#15: Taking Back Sunday - Tell All Your Friends

There are certain albums that, in my opinion, define a time period. Some go on to be known as classics. "Pinkerton" by Weezer, "Clarity" by Jimmy Eat World are some of the classics that came before the time that I got into good music but still hear about to this day. However, I was fortunate to get into "Tell All Your Friends" at just the right time.

I give that kind of intro because the debut album from Taking Back Sunday still has fans clamoring for them to go back to this style three albums later. The lineup has changed a few times since this release, but has recently gone back to these members and it will be interesting to see what happens in the future of TBS.

My personal memories from these tracks involve making a picture slideshow to "There's No 'I' in Team," overplaying "You're So Last Summer" during relationship struggles and being assigned a part to sing along to "Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From the Team)" at a 2007 concert - one of the best moments of my life.

However, to really hammer home the point that this is a cd of a generation, I figured I would do something special this week and turn the words over to my blogger friends and have them do the talking for me.

From ___j @this is me; consequently:

I remember the first time I heard them. It was the summer before my senior year of high school. I was sitting in my room searching for new music, and I found it. The first song I heard was “Cute without the E”. I listened to it over and over and over…It was like a God send.

Before then, my c.d. collection was comprised of N*SYNC, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and the Dixie Chicks. Needless to say, I needed a change, and TBS was just what the doctor ordered. They opened my eyes to a whole new genre.

Over the years, they have changed not only by replacing some of their band members, but also changed their sound. I can honestly say that in my mind these guys can do no wrong. Their music has gotten me through the good times and the bad, and they will always be my favorite band of all time.

From Liz @ Dance to the Radio:

My list of favorite albums is carefully composed of those that are excellent straight through. Skipping a song doesn't cross my mind while listening. Tell All Your Friends by Taking Back Sunday makes this list. It is a very influential album from my high school years and still is on frequent rotation. When I hear the intro to You Know How I Do I am instantly brought back to late nights driving through the suburbs with my windows down and my close friends singing at the top of our lungs. This album is the reason why I like Taking Back Sunday. Ten high energy, brilliant pop-punk tracks that are anthems of my youth.

From Mike @ This Song Starts a Craze:

When Tell All Your Friends came out in 2002, it was a game changer. Like The Clash’s self-titled album, or The Cure’s Pornography, Taking Back Sunday created an album that would be the benchmark for years to come. It defined a scene. Suddenly, Long Island was a creative hot spot for melodic hardcore, and the genre had it’s own version of The Rolling Stones. Adam Lazzara’s cocky sarcasm called to mind the serpentine swagger of Mick Jagger, while John Nolan’s freshly layered guitar parts called to mind Keith Richards’s timeless songwriting. They were dangerous while being melodic, accessible while staying sophisticated, and the MySpace generation loved them for it. The buzz saw opening of “You Know How I Do” and the tongue twisting dual vocals in “Cute Without The ‘E’ (Cut From The Team)” ushered in a new era, one where bands from a punk tradition didn’t have to sound like Green Day. And while it provided a snapshot of 2002, it also captured how it felt to come of age at the beginning of the decade. People my age understand that Tell All Your Friends isn’t just an album with clever hooks; it’s an album that captures growing up. It showcases the irrationally that comes from a friendship imploding (“There’s No ‘I’ In Team”) and how your wits could keep you from feeling second class (“Your So Last Summer”). In many ways, it plays like a diary, documenting the pain of growing up, in a time where everything seems big and intimate. Musical impact aside, Tell All Your Friends goes down as a classic not just because of its legacy, but because its songs were the kind of songs to get under your skin, and stay there. It’s the kind of record you wanted to tell all your friends about, simply because it was a soundtrack to the things you were going through together

One picture = many words

Left to right: myself, Shedrick, Brandon, Derek. Circa 2005ish

I don't know why but I'm thinking about Shedrick a lot lately. I carry him with me on my wrist so it's like I see him everyday. But I think I could just really use him in my life.

I recently talked to Brandon after him moving to Virginia and becoming a ghost. He did what he had to do though and it was good to catch up.

Derek was living in the city I just moved to... and then he left right when I got here. But we still keep in touch and he is a great guy.

I think I want to get these posts out of the way before I do a whole blog-redo and try to get some new people to come on board.

But really, I think I just love this picture. And how simple everything once was.

Mr O's Music News

First off, after a month or so of speculation, it has finally been confirmed. On Monday, I will bee seeing The Kings of Leon headline a show in Birmingham. But wait, there's more. The opener? THE BLACK KEYS! To say I'm excited about this is an understatement. For one, I haven't been to a concert in a while. My last experience (Warped Tour) was kinda just, "eh" with one good band - Pierce the Veil. The last few concerts have been club stuff, which is amazing, but I'm ready for an arena show. To just sit and enjoy the music. And I have recently become a huge fan of the keys, absolutely loving and absorbing their sound. So Monday night should be a special night.

*sidenote: There is a person responsible for my going to said concert. I'm just not sure if they want to be identified. But I would like to publicly say thank you and it means so much.

I know I've talked about Anberlin a lot lately, but I want to get this out of the way. Their new cd is great and I am loving it. I think I finally nailed down why I like them so much. I was having a conversation the other day that revolved around why I don't yell when I get mad. I guess I'm kinda one of those get stern and use dagger words rather than make my voice louder and just be an ass. I think you can tell when I'm mad when I start cussing a little bit more or you can just tell by my tone. Anyway, I think that's why I like Anberlin so much. The majority of their lyrics revolve around heartache and anger, but it's a sung in a way where he isn't yelling or whining. It's just such a unique emotional outlet, one that I can definitely get behind. And that is why they are my third favorite band.

Speaking of favorites, news is starting to leak out about My Chemical Romance's new cd. The 19-year-old in me is starting to get a little excited.

Other news I've heard involves cool shows. Andrew McMahon will perform double duties in November when both his bands, Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, do a show together for the first time ever. If I lived near LA, there would be nothing stopping me from going. Also, after weeks or rumors, Weezer finally confirmed the "Blinkerton" tour where they will be performing The Blue Album and Pinkerton in their entirety - two nights, one city. I'm not the biggest Weezer fan, but that is pretty cool.

Three big names in music dropped cds Tuesday - Brandon Flowers (from the Killers), Weezer and Linkin Park. "A Thousand Suns" by Linkin Park is the only cd I have listened to so far and I have to say - I'm in between. I want to hate it, but there is something different about it that allows it to stand out. Though it feels more like a soundtrack to a sci-fi movie than an actual studio album. The crazy amount of interludes and chanting tracks kind of take it away, but there are a couple definite Linkin Park tracks on there. Jimmy Eat World and Kanye West still have cds to come out this month and I have to say that I'm definitely looking forward to hearing from Mr. West.

Speaking of new stuff, Kings of Leon have a new cd coming out in October. Has anybody heard the new song "Radioactive"? If so, what do you think? My quick thoughts is that it's a decent song, but it sounds, to me, more like an album track than a lead single.

And finally, to close this out, I really can't wait to tell all of you, my friends, about this coming Sunday's selection in the countdown.

(50) Sundays of Music: #16

#16: Panic! at the Disco - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

Let's go ahead and get this out of the way: If I was doing a list of my worst/most disappointing albums, Panic's "Pretty.Odd" would be in the top three. Now that that information is out of the way, let's go return to the era of the exclamation mark.

Once again, I go back to my freshman year of college. I am roommates with Hedman, another music aficionado and he says to me "man, you need to hear this band" and I have a first listen and I am intrigued. I listen to it a few more times, like it, and end up getting it from Target because it was on sale ridiculously cheap.

My Christmas of 2005 will always coincide with this cd. I went back home to work at my high school job and it was the only time since leaving for college that I stayed back at my parent's house. I spent a lot of time chilling by myself in my room and this cd was what was playing.

I became totally immersed. The fast techno beats, the witty lyrics, the intros and interludes. I loved everything about it. It was a sound I had never heard before and unfortunately never really heard again.

I realize most of the responses will talk about this and I will say it too. The radio overplay of "I Write Sins, Not Tragedies" killed this cd for me as well as everyone else. But after stepping away for a while, some of these songs randomly popped up on a shuffle and I knew I made the right decision by putting this in the top 20.

Also, I have to say. "Build God, Then We'll Talk" is one of my top ten videos of all time.

These guys can break up, take the ! away and put it back and come out with a, well, pretty odd second cd. But "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" will always hold a significant place in my musical library. Enjoy the examples below.

9 years

About a year ago, I tried to get political on here. It was out of my element, and I have stayed away from it ever since. With the TV's at work here on CNN and MSNBC constantly, I see news headlines all day. I've thought about throwing my two cents in here every now and then, and I may at a later point, but that's not what this post is about.

This post is not about controversy. It's not about religion, political parties, the economy or any of the problems my country is currently facing either during this time period or surrounding the events of this weekend.

It's about remembrance. 9 years ago on this date, a terrorist attack happened that, quite frankly, took me a while to grasp. Honestly, the first time everything really hit me was when I heard a 911 call that someone played in real time with one of the towers falling. It brought the human element to my heart and it made me realize what had happened.

All I can think about today is the many, many innocent lives that were lost along with the many, many lives of the police officers and firefighters who lost their lives or have been forever scarred by that fateful day.

I personally hope to never see an event like that again in any country, at any time. And my heart goes out to all the families affected by the events of September 11, 2001.

so much so much, so so so much

yes, that title was to be sung in the tune of "so dumb, so dumb, so so so dumb" from this masterpiece

I feel like I haven't posted a, what would you call it, "talking" blog in a good while. And I feel like some people have fallen off the Mr O train. So, thanks to those few followers who stuck by me.

I know I've said this like 27 times, but I really want to get back into blogging. One of the reasons I have kind of slacked off is because I've sort of been stuck in transit since the move from college to adult life. I was staying at an extended stay motel till I found an actual place to move into, which I finally did a week or so ago. But now that all that is settled, I am really about to dive back into this soon. That means: *revamping the look of this very blog, *utilizing 20something and paying attention to others posts, and *going through my reader and cutting out certain blogs so I can focus on the good ones.

But here is what I have been doing lately:

*graduated, which I might post pics of if anyone is interested (however, most people on here are friends with me on facebook and they have kinda been posted on there). But I guess there are still stories to tell

*going back and forth with a certain girl that causes me to post lyrics about relationships

*diving headfirst into my reporting job. I was all over the front page Tuesday with profiles of our exiting Chief of Police (who is taking a job with the US Marshals) and the person who will take his place.

*getting used to this city. Hung out with coworkers after work the other week and that was kinda cool.

*got moved in to a new house and the funny "first house story" is that it slants. Like, when I first set up my computer desk, my chair rolled all the way back to the other side of the house. Yea, I got a rug to stop it so that's all good. My bfff jme came up and helped me where I seriously needed it. So big thanks to her.

*having really bad toothaches. I was supposed to have my wisdom teeth taken out honestly a year or so ago (maybe two?) but never got to it because of money. This past weekend though, the pain shot through the roof with something I have never experienced. It was like my teeth were pulsing. That started on Saturday and I am still dealing with the pain. My benefits at my job doesn't start until November so it looks I have a couple months to deal with this or I am gonna have to rob a store or something.

*college football started last week which I was excited about, but NFL starts tonight which I am REALLY excited about. I am in a fantasy league (which jeanette is also a part of) and I am just all around excited for this year. I hope my readers don't mind sports talk because this is the year we (the denver broncos) got Tim Tebow and will see how that situation plays out.

*I spent a week hyping up the new Anberlin cd. I have to say, so far, I'm pretty happy with it. There's not really any skipable songs.

Lastly, to end this on a random note, I think this is proof that Will Smith's family will one day take over the world.

And just to follow up

Anberlin's new cd, "Dark is the Way, Light is a Place" came out today.

So far, I have some tracks I really like. Others, I think I am going to get used to (some repeat a lot, and I kind of don't like songs that repeat but I will post about that later).

Here is the really awesome video for their first single, "Impossible"

Hope you enjoy. And expect "normal" blogging to return soon :)

(50) Sundays of Music #17

#17: Anberlin - Never Take Friendship Personal


If you recall, I said earlier when talking about Armor For Sleep in this countdown, that it was one of two cds that I got from my ex for a birthday because I liked the burned version so much I wanted the real thing. "Never Take Friendship Personal" was the other one.

The first time I heard Anberlin, I was immediately intrigued. However, my love for them didn't grow till later. I had to learn to appreciate the work put in by the band because, to be honest, at first, I just kinda thought they were good, but not enough to go crazy over.

Then I listened to them more and more. And I think the thing I admire most about Anberlin is how they can have what some would call "emo" lyrics, but they are sung in an adult setting. Does that make sense? I hope it does. I guess I'm just trying to say it has always felt like real emotion, rather than whining.

And it's not just heartbreak. Love is in there. Relationships in general is an overall theme with the band, as you could kind of see in the countdown leading up to this post.

I have to say, this cd was chosen because it was the one that introduced me to them. But I feel all their releases are on the same level and all have definitive songs. On this release you have songs about staying in touch, a friend confessing love just a little too late, and always bailing on relationships.

It also contains the original version of the band's 2008 radio hit "The Feel Good Drag." Check out the one that was released for this cd, which as a fun fact - was released the year I graduated, and some other standouts below.

Music Sunday Bonus Post #4 of 4

The last day before the #17 selection on the Music Sunday countdown. Missed out on the first three days? Check back here.

So far we have went over the majority of Anberlin's discography. However, they released "Lost Songs" which was a collection of B-sides, covers and acoustic versions of previously released songs. Honestly, I wish more bands would do this.

Their covers are fantastic (Radiohead's "Creep" and The Smith's "There is a Light that Never Goes Out" are on there). But the song for today is one of the b-sides, "The Haunting."

Now, while I am posting lyrics and not videos, I have to make a compromise because, in my opinion, what makes this song is the way he delivers the words.

See what I mean by checking out this acoustic performance.

"Up on this hill in this uncanny house
The wind makes this place creak
The lights, they are flickering
The moon, she is lurking
The clock, it stopped working
At a quarter past three
There's something dancing here in the shadows
And I wish it were us

You haunt me baby
You haunt me here tonight
You haunt me baby
You haunt me here tonight
Tonight, tonight

Can't get your memory off of my mind (My mind)
Just want your heartbeat on top of my mine (On mine)
There's something dancing here in the shadows
And I wish it were us

You haunt me baby
You haunt me here tonight
You haunt me baby
You haunt me here tonight
Tonight, to-

Up on this hill, in this uncanny house
Your spirit I can't see, but I still believe
I can feel your breath on me"

Music Sunday Bonus Post #3 of 4

Not sure what this is all about? Go back to Tuesday's post here.

It's getting really hard to leave the stories of my connection with this band out of these posts. But hopefully it will draw attention to Sunday's post.

Today's album highlight is Anberlin's latest release, coming out exactly two years ago, "New Surrender." I remember being kind of "eh" about it at first because admittedly, it is a slight departure from earlier work. But after giving it a few more rotations I really got into it.

Song selection from today is "Soft Skeletons"

"Dear little girl
There's so much hurt for such a young age
Trapped inside a pretty little lie
Your body's betrayed

Don't fix your eyes on a fix you'll rely on
Fixed her eyes on a fix she relies upon

Stand unafraid
All the good souls
Stand unafraid

When the light starts to burn, and the pain returns
I just wish that I could heal the hurt you feel tonight
There's life in your veins
These needles are chains to hold you down
How can you expect to win this war if you're too afraid to fight?
Are you too afraid to fight?

Dear little one, there was so much pain
Time you can't replace
Trapped inside, too afraid to cry
And now hands and bruises cover face

Don't fix your eyes on a fix you'll rely on
Fixed her eyes on a fix

When the light starts to burn, and the pain returns
I just wish that I could heal the hurt you feel tonight
There's life in your veins
These needles are chains to hold you down
How can you expect to win this war if you're too afraid to fight?

Stand unafraid
All the good souls
Stand unafraid
All of the good souls stand unafraid

When the light starts to burn, and the pain returns
I just wish that I could heal the hurt you feel tonight
There's life in your veins
These needles are chains to hold you down
How can you expect to win this war

When the light starts to burn, and the pain returns
I just wish that I could heal the hurt you feel tonight
There's life in your veins
These needles are chains to hold you down
How can you expect to win this war if you're too afraid to fight?"

Music Sunday Bonus Post #2 of 4

Confused as to what's going on? Check yesterday's post here.

Like I said, I'm holding off on my Anberlin story, but I will say today's selection wasn't that hard as it discusses elements I am still going through, and frankly, I bet we have all been through. There, that's a small glimpse into why I've been busy lately (or it will will be once you read on).

Today's album is "Cities." And while I have a few favorite tracks on there, it was a no-brainer to pick "Dismantle. Repair" as today's pick.

"One last glance from a taxi cab
Images scar my mind
Four weeks've felt like years
Since your full attention was all mine
The night was young and so were we
Talked about life, God, death, and your family
Didn't want any promises,
Just my undivided honesty, and you said

Oh oh, things are gonna change now for the better
Oh oh, things are gonna change, oh, they're gonna change

I am the patron saint of lost causes
A fraction of who I once believed (change)
only a matter of time
Opinions I would try and rewrite
If life had background music playing your song
I've got to be honest, I tried to escape you
But the orchestra plays on, and they sang

Oh oh, things are gonna change now for the better
Oh oh, things are gonna change

Hands, like secrets, are the hardest thing to keep from you
Lines and phrases, like knives, your words can cut me through
Dismantle me down (repair)
You dismantle me
You dismantle me

Give me time to prove
Prove I want the rest of yours (prelude)
Call this a prelude to a lifetime of you
It's not that I hang on every word
I hang myself on what you repeat
It's not that I keep hanging on
I'm never letting go"

Music Sunday Bonus Post #1 of 4

So if you remember a couple Sunday's ago, I said I switched the countdown up because I could. But also to coincide with the release one of my favorite band's new album coming out. So, for the first time in the countdown, I am revealing what band will be featured this coming Sunday. And that band is...

Anberlin.

I will talk more about the band on Sunday. For now, I finally figured out how I am going to celebrate their new release, "Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place" coming out on September 7.

I will count down my favorite Anberlin cds, leading up to Sunday's selection, and then one more friendly reminder next Tuesday. But instead of taking up space with videos, I decided to challenge myself.

All I will do is attempt to find my favorite song from each cd. Trust me, this is hard.

The first cd up for the bonus days is "Blueprints for the Black Market." The song is "Naive Orleans."

"Come and go now as you please
Your actions write the melodies
To those songs that we sing
And you just sing

And I finally found that life goes on without you
And my world still turns when you're not around

Is this the way you want it?
Is this the way it has to be?
Sitting here beside you
When my heart's lost in New Orleans
Dreams come clever
Hearts now severed
Difference of forever
And I am lost there

And I finally found that life goes on without you
And my world still turns when you're not around
And I finally found that life goes on without you
And my world still turns when you're not around"