It's hard sometimes, in the dead of winter, to find things that make you happy. This is particularly true in Vancouver, where the sun sets at 4:30 and it wasn't even really out to begin with because it's ALWAYS RAINING. Who chooses to live in a rainforest? Well, me apparently, but that's another story.
Anyway, Lately I've been coming home from work in progressively bad moods. To remedy this, I found several songs (available legally for free download. How delightful!) that lift my spirits, if only for a few minutes. Without further delay, here they are:
-Andrew Bird - "Plasticities" (Daytrotter session)
"Plasticities" (more commonly referred to as "my happy song") is just so simple and beautifully constructed. I find it hard to imagine that I'm the only one who finds it hard not to love.
-Final Fantasy - "Peach, Plum, Pear" (Joanna Newsom cover)
Perhaps I shouldn't be talking about this song, what with my looming cover songs update that will undoubtedly mention it, but it's my blog and I'll do what I want. "Peach, Plum, Pear" is possibly one of the best songs ever written. The only thing that makes it better is the fact that Joanna Newsom isn't singing it. No offense to her, of course. Having to listen to her voice is, in my opinion, a small price to pay to get to listen to her music. It is a relief, however, to get to listen to her music beautifully arranged and sung by someone else. I'm just saying.
-Antony and the Johnsons - "Hope There's Someone"
No, it's not exactly a happy song, but listening to Antony sing is in itself a pleasure. That combined with the amazing and intense way this song ends makes it no less than a treat for the ears, tacky though it may sound.
-Band of Horses - "The Great Salt Lake"
It's a strange phenomenon, I suppose, that technically unhappy songs have the ability to make a person feel better. But for me, it's not about tone or lyrics so much as the beauty of the finished product. I love Ben Bridwell's voice and I adore the melodies he sings in this song. That plus envisioning the nerdy little smile he has on his face while performing, and how can you not feel good, really?
-Rogue Wave - "Eyes"
I can't find words to describe this song because I'm listening to it right now and I'd much rather do that than write. It's just lovely, that's all.
-Built to Spill - "Happiness"
(Ok, I lied about all of them being downloadable. Some jerks are signed to Warner. There's nothing I can do about it. That's what Limewire is for, not that I advocate illegal activity or anything.)
I forgot about this song for quite a while and rediscovered it today. I wasn't even really paying close attention but it pulled me in with the line "Happiness will only happen when it can." An important thing to remember, folks! And besides, winter will be over soon enough.
-Jocelyn
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