Assignment 23- Andy

In the everyday hustle-bustle of our busy lives there is often little time to slow down and think. I find that certain kinds of music and even specific artists allow for better and more complete introspection. This playlist is designed to assist in deep thought and reflection. To get the full effect of these tracks try to listen to and really analyze every aspect of each one. Be warned- not all the songs in this playlist are "sad", but they will inspire feels in even the toughest listeners.

The Playlist

Track 2: To Build a Home- The Cinematic Orchestra. I have to admit I am not very familiar with this group, but from what I can tell, this is stylistically different from most of their other music. This song is a reflects on the meaning and significance of "home" and the relationships that make up one's home. Its a beautiful piece that leaves you waiting for each individual note. One of my favorite aspects of the track is the fantastic dynamic contrast and lyrics. This song leads the listener to consider their own relationships and their value that we often take for granted.

Track 3: Gossip in the Grain- Ray LaMontagne. Ray LaMontagne has been one of my favorite singer-songwriters for years. Not only is he a fantastic musician and excellent songwriter, but his unique, raspy voice combined with masterful storytelling creates a truly fantastic atmosphere. This song uses birds to describe human behavior and eerily soft composition to create a commentary. The listener is left questioning the meaning and implications of this song long after the last note.

Track 4: John Wayne Gacy Jr.- Sufjan Stevens. This is honestly one of the creepiest songs I have ever heard. If you don't pay attention to the lyrics or name of the song it seems like a simple ballad when it in fact subtly describes a series of gruesome and horrifying murders and the psyche of the man behind them; it is enough to leave any listener reeling. Sufjan Stevens is not one of my favorite artists, but he is an extremely talented multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter who is helping to redefine the genre.

Track 7: Beyond the Valley of Three White Horses- Andrew Bird. I can safely say Andrew Bird is the most brilliant musician that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Beginning his musical career as a violinist, he eventually moved onto many other instruments and his own unique style of songwriting. He is a master violinist and whistler and plays any number of instruments in his varied songs. If you would like to listen to something different I strongly suggest listening to "The Mysterious Production of Eggs", one of his first (and best) studio albums. This song is actually a reprise of the first song on the album "Hands of Glory", but it is almost all instrumental and showcases his incredible ability on the violin. I find it clears my mind completely and allows one to focus on the deep intricacies of the track.

Track 9: Kettering- The Antlers. I find it very hard to describe this song. I first came across this album quite a while ago and was instantly taken in by it. The album, titled "Hospice", describes the pain of taking care of a dying loved one and the relationships that often form between caretakers and those they look after. It is a hauntingly beautiful piece with a powerful story that pulls at the listeners emotions. 

I have only described a few of the songs on this playlist, but keep in mind that ALL of these songs represent far more than they seem on the surface. Good music balances instrumental music and lyrical choice and both work together to create a meaning that is sometimes hard to grasp. I urge you, in all music, to really think about a song as a whole and how it relates to your life. You will find that you love music more and that there is a reason music is an art.