"Oh, Inverted World..."

Have you ever watched a movie and just... felt it? Or listened to a song, and felt the words and the instruments move through your body like a current. The feelings touch every fiber in your body and spark something real. The connection that you have with something like music or a movie is just so fantastic... You try, with all that you have, to describe it. I, of course, just watched Garden State. If you haven't seen it, stop reading this blog. Stop now. Go to the video store and rent it. If they don't have it, go to another video store. You do not stop until you find that movie. Every time I watch this movie, I want to (and well, do) cry. And not for the typical reasons that someone cries in a movie. The love story, the deaths, the ultimate triumph of the protagonist. Granted, those are all ingredients to a brilliant movie. But they aren't in the meat of the story. The truth and the message of the story. That is what makes me cry. The connection that this movie can make with just about everyone. What a wonderful feeling it is to know that you aren't alone in this confusing world. What an amazing feeling it is to know that it is okay to be weird and silly and awkward and loud and quiet and anything you want to be. If there is one thing, only one, that I must choose to derive from this movie, it is hope. A huge reason for the feelings that come from this movie is the soundtrack. This movie is solely based around one of the greatest bands of all time (granted, I am biased... they are one of my favorite bands of all times): The Shins. Which is why I have two homework assignments for anyone who could possibly ever read this blog, whether it be this week, next month, or years from now. First, rent Garden State. Watch it, and learn from it. Second, go to either http://www.theshins.com/ and watch the videos that they have under "Media" or youtube.com and search Sub Pop Records and listen to every Shin video they have. Breathe in the pure glory of the songs. Sink them in. Let the lyrics move through you! Let all of it take you over and give you the answers to life. That is what Garden State and The Shins have done for me. I hope they can do the same for you, too.

Love, Bre

The Shins: My Personal Favorites:
"New Slang"*
"Australia"
"Gone For Good"
"Know Your Onion!"
"Those To Come"
"A Comet Appears"
"The Past And The Pending"
"Caring is Creepy"
"Red Rabbits"
"Sea Legs"
"Saint Simon"*

Throughly Apologetic

Hello, blog.
I owe you quite a large apology. I have not written in you since November 15th of last year. I have an easy explanation  which I hope that you accept. On November 26th of last year, I found my happiness. This blog was a way for me to write my feelings out, because for the most part, I didn't have much happiness. But November 26th, 2010, was when my love began. And even though I hate to admit it, a guy kept me from writing. I wish that my own will and love of writing would have pulled through and made time for you, blog. But I was too preoccupied with my life and my new relationship. But now, I am on summer vacation! Which means, more time for me to write. More quality time for me and my words :) My happiness, my love and I, are infinitely happy. I am in love! And boy, is it wonderful. I see sunlight wherever I go. I crave his warmth when he isn't near. I hear my favorite love songs play in my head when I look into his blue eyes. "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing!" as the movie goes. Anyhow, I mustn't bother you with my going-ons. I will get to my point; my music. This post's theme is love. Suprised? I knew you would be. There are many kinds of love, all of which are important: friendship, family, romantic. Hell, I even find love is words. I wonder if I can define word love. Hm. Word Love (n): "The intense satisfaction upon writing, hearing, speaking, or reading a word or combination of words." Meh. It is late, and that will do for now. Revisions to definition: Coming Soon! That is all for me. I'm spent! Goodnight, good-morning, good-day; Wherever you are in the world, I salute you! Go soak in your love. Trust me, it's all around you.

Love, Bre

Lovely, lovely, love songs:
"The Girl" by City and Colour
"Here's A Love Song" by Syd
"Made Up Lovesong #43" by Guillemots*
"Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls (I know, I know, "let's be original". But you all know that this song is essential to life!)
"Breathe Me" by Sia
 "Strange Powers" by The Magnetic Fields
"What If You" by Joshua Radin
"1,000 Things" by Jason Mraz*
"Us" by Regina Spektor
"You Picked Me" by A Fine Frenzy
"A Pair of Brown Eyes" by The Pogues

Unheard-of Artist? I Say Change That!

Ever come across an artist who, under an unfortunate circumstance, is not well-known? But SHOULD BE? This happens to me all the time. I will be browsing on the internet, coming across random sites, and I will hear a song on a site and... boom! I guess "boom" isn't quite the right word for the feeling I get when I come across a marvelous artist, but it will suffice for now. Anyways, I was blog browsing and Jon Auer was an artist someone mentioned in their blog. I looked him up, and turns out, he is fantastic. Check him out by clicking on the link below.
Jon Auer- Live at Maxwell's

Love, Bre