sunshine Archives - immersed in cool music

Porches-Car//immersed in cool music

The simple can be very complex.

Look closer.

One of the most beautiful things to me, is witnessing abundant sunshine pouring through a window on a cold winter day. The shadows it creates are artistic and lovely. If your eyes are keenly sharp and focused, the floating dust becomes visible and almost poetic as it moves in the light. A simple vision that goes unnoticed day after day, yet when focused on, can almost unnerve the senses.

I remember distinctly the first time I discovered this, as a child, sitting in my father’s favorite wingback chair in a dark basement, TV room. I witnessed a glimmer of sunlight coming through, but it caught my attention and struck me as an interesting, curious phenomena.

Many things we take for granted can, slowly and sleepily, be ignored or forgotten. Do we recognize the beauty and the uniqueness of those everyday occurrences, when we are busy and hurried? Perhaps it is in the quietest hour, where the simple can become utterly beautiful. Oddly, in the calm, I have the feeling of being adrift in a world surrounded by others, yet strangely my thoughts are separate. I wish I knew what others might be thinking. What others might see.

This morning, I woke from a deep sleep, and as my brain ‘came to’ from slumbering dreams, a strand of sunshine swam across my eyes through a small crack in the bedroom blinds. It was a lovely way to wake and it reminded me of that childhood moment, when I felt safe and loved and wildly curious about the world. An honest reflection on time, space and the simplicity of life.

I am such a nutty fan of Porches. I have been happily listening to them for many years. Their new album, Pool, is out now. Many of the songs grabbed me right away, but “Car”, is a favorite on an album of twelve really solid tunes. Known for his toe tapping beat and smooth, soft vocals this Porches song doesn’t disappoint. “Car” is a lovingly simple idea, yet curiously can become a complex deep thought in its delivery. In my own thoughts, I contemplate my inner ‘drive’ and the direction I am headed, how about you?

Listen.

Porches-Car

“Oh what a machine

Oh what a machine

Oh what a machine

Oh…”

The song, “Car”, is titled after an everyday object that we sometimes take for granted until we are without it. A car provides movement and keeps us going forward and beyond where we would be able to go otherwise. I love the way the music spins like a wheel of predictability, but is so pleasing to the ears. Vocals that echo deeply and guitars which keep the music in motion, only confirm the growth of the songwriting and production. I have praised the work of Porches. before, so check this link to catch up and learn more about Aaron Maine and the band.

This song is just one example of many on the album that exemplifies the growing confidence of Aaron Maine of Porches. Here is another beautiful example…simple, yet the idea is so powerful and complex.

Enjoy. These two songs only scratch the surface of the bittersweet depths of the album, Pool.

Porches. Security

Tyler Lyle-Ditchdigger

Mood Monday.

Today was a ‘fry an egg on the asphalt’ kind of day. Incredibly hot.

I don’t know what I was thinking to head out on the bike trail so late in the day, but I knew I needed to wash the mess out of my head. Taking on miles and miles of bike trail helps to clear out my mind. I knew I needed that more than anything this Monday.

Monday actually proved to be the perfect day for me to bike, due to the lack of people and crowds. It was doggone lonely, except for the occasional biker, like myself. Thinking back, I didn’t mind the heat because it actually tested my resolve and I had to push through the uncomfortable perspiration and body ache of pedaling fast through the woods. There were moments of self-doubt and maybe a little fear, but I forged ahead and came out stronger in the end.

Yes, it was a little selfish (because I have a million other things to do), but most of the time I err on the side of not being selfish enough. Lately, it seems, I am in serious need of nurturing me, and I only have quick moments where I can squeeze in the possibility to do what I love. You see, tomorrow I will be on jury duty. Yes, out of 1,000,000 plus residents in my county, it seems I have jury duty once again.

So, my week might be shot….who knows. The last trial I was on lasted a week. A week of gruesome details and horrific crimes committed. I am happy to do my duty, but the idea of it made me positive, I should ride today.

Outside in the fresh air, moving the majority of my muscles in perpetual rhythm, and listening to amazing music, my mood began to improve. My head started out a little cloudy, but ended up in happy sunshine. On the trail, this song blasted through my earphones, and I knew it suited my mood perfectly. After stopping halfway for a snack, I cued it up for a second time, then repeated it on the drive home, and again when I showered away all of the sweat and grime of the dusty path.

Give it a listen….

“I choose my eyes wide open

and my heart half-broken everytime

over the gilded golden shackle

and the reassuring sentimental lie.

I’ve seen the rolling meadows

and the cruelest ghettos in this town.

I know the baker and the undertaker

and the girl with the stars on her gown.

But the song that sounds the best to me

is the chorus of the maple tree.

And that river bends in through the sea.

Its course is fixed and so are we,

it seems.

But I’ve got sunshine,

sunshine all over me.

And brown eyes,

blue skies are all I see…”

Tyler Lyle is a Georgia native (Carrollton) and even spent some time in Atlanta’s music scene playing at Eddie’s Attic. Eddie’s Attic in Decatur is famous for bringing about fresh talent and catapulting music careers. It was the place where John Mayor, Shawn Mullins, The Indigo Girls, and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland honed their musical talents. It makes sense to me, of course his talent would be included in the long history of that fun place.

From Georgia, to California, and now living in NYC, Tyler is developing his voice and songwriting skill. Doing a little research, I was blown away with the story around the writing of the songs for his new album, The Native Genius of Desert Plants. I won’t print the whole story here, but if you’re curious (and you should be, cause it is worth the time) then check out his bandcamp page. It gives a beautiful story of his trials and struggles and the peace he found in the surprisingly resilient desert plants. Seriously, it is an amazing personal testimony of growth and discovery. I think “Ditchdigger” was written before this journey, but clearly he took the song and perfected it. He certainly made it my ‘on repeat’ favorite. To me, the entire album is a songwriting treasure.

I learned from his story, sometimes it takes a thoughtful journey and exploration outside of the expected to bring about clarity. I find it kind of amazing that I first heard this song on my bike ride today.

Perhaps this unforeseen connection was…

Quit Yer Bellyaching and Just Watch….You’re Welcome

I found this sweet relief from a new twitter follower (thanks guys!). This video saved my life this very cold morning in the deep South. With only 9〫 at mid-morning, I was in desperate need for a little warmth and a reminder that this weather is only temporary. Thank you, Sensual Harassment, for this great video and dreamy sound. They are a Brooklyn band that describes themselves as new wave/psych-pop/disco. You can even get a free download, just click the link to their website to find out how. C’mon, how sweet is that? I’m going to be listening for sure. Enjoy the virtual, sweet sunshine of “Capri Suntan”. No need to thank me, thank Sensual Harassment.