Celine cries over Abbey Road

Abbey Road by The Beatles (1969)

It's difficult for me to choose a favourite Beatles album, but when pressed (not that that happens very often), I usually say Abbey Road. Confusingly, while it was the last album they recorded together, it was released before Let It Be. I don't have anything interesting to add to the volumes that have been written about the Beatles or this album, but I'd just like to share some thoughts on why this is generally my go-to favourite Beatles album:

- They were all clearly at the top of their game (although, let's be honest, when were they ever not the best in the biz?). Side one plays like a typical album with distinct songs, while side two ends with a medley of awesomeness.

- Everyone's distinct style and personality comes through - not only on the various tracks (with each member contributing at least one song), but especially on "The End" with Ringo's drum solo and George, Paul, and John taking turns with the guitar solos.

- The three-part (triple-tracked to sound like 9 voices) harmonies on "Because."

- I don't think I've ever listened to "Golden Slumbers" without crying...

I could really go on and on, but in order to maintain some semblance of sanity, I'll leave it at that. Basically it blows my mind how these four guys were able to crank out awesomeness time and time again. And anyone who disagrees that the Beatles were the greatest band that ever existed is just plain wrong. (I feel I should add a disclaimer here: I'm not saying everyone has to love the Beatles or that all of their songs were pure gold, but just considering their influence and the cultural impact they had (especially in light of the short time they were actually producing records), there's no other band that can touch them.)

I'm Your Villain

Happy Halloween to those inclined to celebrate it. I had convinced a few of my co-workers that it would be hilarious if we all dressed as Luigi (from Super Mario Brothers - if that even requires clarification). But this weekend I realised I did't have a green shirt and found out that everyone else had abandoned the plan as well. Boo! So I made a bear costume instead. As much as I love dressing up, I'm not super crazy about Halloween because I don't like scary stuff. So I kept my celebrating pretty low-key. It did, however, involve a pretty awesome vaguely Halloween-themed playlist.

These days

1. I made myself a note a few weeks (or maybe months by now) back to stop buying records, since that seems to be where most of my money goes, but it hasn't worked. I also like having certain albums/singles only on vinyl. Like this album by the Specials or a bossa nova one I've appropriated from my mom's record collection.
   This past Saturday I spent the day on my own and listened to music for hours. One of my favourite ways to spend a day, really.
   
   
2. I went down to Olympia for the day last week. Or was it the week before last? Sometime recently. I get a bit weirded out when I have to leave the city. Especially if I have to spend time in the suburbs. It makes me quite nervous. (I mean, Olympia is a city of its own, but you have to go through suburbs/smaller towns to get there. Just thought I should clarify.)
   

Every morning I would see her waiting at the stop

I've spent a lot of time waiting for buses lately. Since classes have started up again at the university, my bus is never on time anymore and I haven't made it in to work at 9 in a while (we have flexible hours though, so don't think I'm too terrible of an employee!).

Today on the way to the bus stop after work, I saw a Batman costume in the window of a toy/kid's clothing store and almost went in to buy it. Because I'm an adult who makes responsible decisions. (Or maybe I had Parks and Recreation on the brain and wanted to treat myself to a Batman suit like Ben...) I knew I was already running late for the bus though and reason won out (a rather rare occurrence) and I resisted. But now I'm tempted to go back tomorrow at lunch and at least have a closer look at it.

And while we're on the subject of bus stops, I used to love this song as a kid. And I still do!

Pretty snazzy video, huh? Those lights, the stripes, the Vox Phantom, some sweet 60s dance moves - what's not to love?

Celine cries over 13

Welcome to the first installment of what I shall be calling "Celine cries over music" a.k.a. a listing of my favourite albums. These won't necessarily be in any order (partly due to the fact that I have a very difficult time deciding on a favourite Beatles album) and I don't have super varied tastes in music, so consider yourself forewarned. And as excited as I am to share my favourites, I'm horrible at articulating my feelings about music because mostly I just want to gush and sigh and cry when I listen to music I really enjoy...

First up: 13 by Blur (1999)

Surprise, surprise, I know. A big shocker (especially for anyone who has seen my tumblr) that I'm starting off with this. The penultimate album by Blur (not including compilations) and the last one before Graham Coxon's departure from the group. Cue uncontrollable sobbing.

I suppose the album isn't exactly an easy listen. Even after having listened to the album more times that I could possibly count, it still manages to stir up a whole sea of emotions for me. I don't want to get super pretentious and delve into a review of the album; that's what critics (ha!) are for, so I'll just share the following about my two favourite tracks:

1. When I listen to "Caramel", I find myself wondering how this it isn't everyone's favourite song. It has everything I look for in music: it's familiar, yet otherworldly; it scares me, yet it's oddly soothing. The layers of sound, the lyrics and Damon's voice, the slow build-up to the controlled chaos toward the end of the song, only to have it calm back down and fade out the way it began - it blows my mind every single time I listen to it. I've got chills now just thinking about it.

2. I first became aware of Blur through"Coffee and TV". I remember seeing the video and thinking it was cute and sad and loving the singer's voice. (It came as a bit of a shock when I later found out that Graham wasn't the usual singer in the band, although I love Damon's voice as well.) I like the contrast of the upbeat sound of the song and the rather melancholy lyrics. And the guitar solo? Pure awesomeness.

I Want To Tell You

1. I picked up the new book on George Harrison this weekend and have been spending a lot of time flipping through it, reading and re-reading the pages. Until I was in college I never listened to anything but the Beatles. I just didn't see the need to. They were and are a huge influence on me. George was always my favourite. I remember going to school in tears on the day he died.

2. I'm starting a course in audio production tomorrow, which I'm quite nervous about. But then again, I get nervous about everything. I haven't taken classes in a while and I'm not really looking forward to having to juggle school and work, but I'm excited to be learning about something that really interests me. And I'm a huge nerd for any kind of audio equipment. I may or may not have gotten a new pair of shoes to start the school year. I guess you're never too old for that back to school feeling.