Good Wintertime song

Snow falling outside and its a nice winter night. Despite summer and falls comfortability, I think that I like the winter most. I've always thought that people who don't understand the beauty of snow and a crisp cold night lack character. But, all things in moderation I suppose. Anyway, a podcast I listen to (All songs considered) had a feature this weekend about breakup songs in honour of Valentine's Day. Most of the songs weren't for me but one stood out. Sarah Siskind's Lovin's for Fools. Last year I was really into Bon Iver and they do a cover of this song as well. I thought I'd post the original in this space though. Sad songs always work best in the cold.

Classic

For me, John Lennon has always been one of the few people who inspire genuine inspiration. He is the classic iconoclast and I think I've always been drawn to that type of public figure. The man who knows himself and is blessed with talent beyond his peers, but who rejects the complacency of adoration and celebrity. After proving his mastery of popular culture he charted his own course. I love that in the face of complete domination (bigger than Jesus?) of the public spotlight, he remained thoughtful and reflective. In addition to his song God, this song is such an awesome example of his unique genius. I was reminded of it after seeing it featured in the credits to the movie Funny People a few months ago. This kind of authenticity is so rare to tap into...enjoy



WATCHING THE WHEELS
People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing
Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin
When I say that I'm o.k. well they look at me kind of strange
Surely you're not happy now you no longer play the game

People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away
Well they give me all kinds of advice designed to enlighten me
When I tell them that I'm doing fine watching shadows on the wall
Don't you miss the big time boy you're no longer on the ball

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go

Ah, people asking questions lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions
Well they shake their heads and they look at me as if I've lost my mind
I tell them there's no hurry
I'm just sitting here doing time

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go

SEQUINS!!!

Time for a new comedian update. Alongside Ricky Gervais (see below), Aziz Ansari is on my short list of favourite comedians from the past several years. I think his enthusiasm and cadence are hilarious. Also, I like that he is just straight-up funny without having to play up the minority angle too much. I love fellow Canadian Russell Peters for example but at some point it feels like he's just taking the obvious route. So far, Aziz has been hilarious but hilarious on his own merits. In addition to his ridiculously good role in Funny People, Aziz is on Parks and Rec right now. Though it took me nearly a full season to warm to it, this show now has me hooked and is probably the best comedy show on television.

Check out his website:
http://azizisbored.tumblr.com/

New Song Pick

New Vampire Weekend.

The new Vampire Weekend record is out and I'm liking it a lot. It sounds like a slightly more mellow version of the debut album. The first record was one of my favourites and so I was hoping for more of the same and thats mostly what I got with this new record. The debut single is Horchata but so far Diplomat's Son is what I keep coming back to. Its got a background loop that I think is M.I.A. I think this track and this record as a whole will keep growing on me and will hopefully peak during Spring/Summer when music like this is best enjoyed.

Could only dig up a live version:


It’s not right but it’s now or never
And if I wait could I ever forgive myself?

On a night when the moon glows yellow in the riptide
With the light from the TVs buzzing in the house

Cuz I’m gonna cut it where I can
And then I’m gonna duck out behind them
If I ever had a chance it’s now then
But I never had the feeling I could offer that to you

To offer it to you would be cruel
When all I want to do is use, use you

He was a diplomat’s son
It was ‘81

Dressed in white with my car keys hidden in the kitchen
I could sleep wherever I lay my head

And the sight of your two shoes sitting in the bathtub
Let me know that I shouldn’t give up just yet

Cuz I’m gonna take it from Simon
And then I’m gonna duck out behind them
If I ever had a chance it’s now then
But I never had the feeling I could offer that to you

To offer it to you would be cruel
When all I want to do is use, use you

He was a diplomat’s son
It was ‘81

I know, you’ll say
I’m not doing it right
But this is how I want it

I can’t go back
To how I felt before—

That night I smoked a joint
With my best friend
We found ourselves in bed
When I woke up he was gone

He was the diplomat’s son
It was ‘81

Looking out at the ice-cold water all around me
I can’t feel any traces of that other place

In the dark when the wind comes racing off the river
There’s a car all black with diplomatic plates