today’s tunes: demons (Guster vs The National)

for today’s tunes, you get a twofer Tuesday, as I present two songs – both titled “demons”.

the 1st version is from the band Guster, off their 2nd album Goldfly (1997).  Guster has long been a favorite of my wife and I – I think we’ve seen them live multiple times now.

Honest is easy
Fiction is where genius lies
Cause it’s easier sometimes
Not to be involved
Somehow I make you believe

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the 2nd version is from the band The National, off their brand new album Trouble Will Find Me (2013, just released this week).  I LOVE this band – and have everyone of their albums, plus a smattering of live stuff as well.

The worried talk to god goes on.
I sincerely tried to love it,
Wish that I could rise above it.

But I stay down,
With my demons.

what do you think?  vote in the poll below on which version you prefer:

today’s tunes: sea of love by The National

this is the 1st music video from the latest album “Trouble will Find Me” by The National, available for pre-order now.

I love the kid playing air guitar the whole time.

today’s tunes: falling slowly – Glen Hansard & Lisa Hannigan

this is an amazing live performance of the song “Falling Slowly”, performed by Glen Hansard with Lisa Hannigan.

take this sinking boat
and point it home
we’ve still got time

 

mistaken for strangers

………….and now for something completely different…………

this is a trailer for an upcoming documentary from one of my favorite bands, The National.

In 2010, The National embarked on the biggest tour of their career… Lead singer Matt Berninger invited his younger brother, Tom, to join the tour’s crew.

Tom’s at sea in the world of indie rock, and living in his brother’s shadow brings out the younger sibling in him – he drinks, complains, and struggles to balance his ambition with his tour responsibilities.

A cinematic juxtaposition that locks comedy and stoicism together on a tour bus, Mistaken for Strangers delivers an entertaining story of family, music and artistic aspiration.

I’m definitely looking forward to their new album and this documentary.

first day of spring

technically, today is the 1st day of spring.  but at least in Michigan, it certainly doesn’t feel like it!  a little while back we had a day or two or three of temperatures creeping up into the 50′s and 60′s, but ever since we’ve been back in a cold snap, with constant freezing temperatures, and random bits of snow falling as well.

but it should warm up soon, and sailing won’t be too far behind.

(full disclosure – this video for the song is pretty weird… but I kind of like the song, and it IS the first day of spring).

My friend…
Don’t just sit there and ruminate…
With your navel to contemplate…
It’s a beautiful day outside…
Time’s passing you by…
Come on out…
Don’t just sit there catatonic…
I’m feeling supersonic…
A warm wind is sweeping by…
The sun’s full in the sky…
And there’s no way of knowing,
No way to know,
Know how long it’ll last,
No way of knowing,
No way to know,
Know how long it’ll last…

Moby Dick

so does the name “Moby Dick” conjure up thoughts of a sailor’s life on an 1800′s whaling ship, sailing with Captain Ahab, on his quest for the giant white sperm whale in Herman Melville’s classic text by that name?

or do you instead think of the amazing drum solo by the late John Henry Bonham, drummer extraordinaire for the band Led Zeppelin?

thoughts?  does it have to be either/or?

what if we combine the two – and rock out with some Led Zeppelin, WHILE sailing on your boat, preferably without a crazy white whale nearby to capsize you.