Good morning from Cleveland!
Last night, I was at home working in the flowerbeds as rain began to fall. It was a steady rain, but nothing heavy to the point where I would seek shelter. That part came later, and for the moment I was planting flowers that are either going to bloom fantastically, or wither at the hands of my questionable gardening skills!
Later, as the rain came pouring down complete with a light show provided by the lightning, I stood on the porch watching, enjoying a much needed cool breeze after a particularly hot day. As the evening passed by, I found myself upstairs in my “living room,” windows open with a feeling that reminded me a lot of several vacation destinations that I enjoyed with my family as a kid.
These are the reasons that the average person should want to be a home owner.
Which is why it’s funny that nearly a month ago, I felt like life might be potentially calling me to leave Ohio. And now, nearly a month later, my internal adviser tells me that Ohio is where it’s at. For now.
This morning, I’m taking rapid transit as part of my re-entry into public transportation. My Ipod shuffles through a particularly interesting mix in my world where it’s alright for New Order’s “Bizarre Love Triangle” to play right before “Dose” by Filter. The Ipod is really hitting the mark on this particular morning.
The folks over at The Velvet Rope are currently asking the question is the Ipod ruining music taste?
My quick answer is absolutely not – the above link has some great discussion on the point that you’ll probably enjoy checking out.
In my previous foray into public transportation, it was the 90’s – the time of my 20s, and most importantly the belief that Car? I don’t need no stinkin’ car! In that time, I was armed with my Sony Discman, and musically, I always knew where things were going, because I had chosen the path.
Public transit these days is different – I often let my Ipod shuffle amongst the 13 thousand-plus songs, and I watch where it goes. On this particular morning, the Ipod hits three very distinct tracks in a row:
Barenaked Ladies have one of my all-time favorite examples of a song completely re-imagined with the version of “Brian Wilson” that was released on the live album Rock Spectacle. It’s a completely different version of a song that I already loved. Reborn. “Home” is another track from Barenaked Ladies Are Me, an album that is slowly starting to work its way into my lengthy catalog of albums that I appreciate. I didn’t dig the album when I first got it – it was the first potential misfire from the band for me, but now I’m starting to get it. The jury is still completely out on their new children’s album Snacktime – haven’t listened.
The title track from an album that I really should have loved more, a long time ago. When Echo came out, it really didn’t hit me with where I was at with life at that point. Now that I’ve done some more living, I appreciate more where Tom was coming from with this album.
Danny Wilde + The Rembrandts – Tomorrow’s Mine
In 1998, Rembrandts principals Phil Solem and Danny Wilde had gone their separate ways. Wilde kept the name active partially with Spin This, the singular release credited to Danny Wilde + The Rembrandts. I thought it was another brilliant entry in their collectively under-appreciated catalog. Record sales indicate that the rest of the world didn’t quite agree.
I’m walking the short distance from the rapid stop to the office, and the thought occurs to me how good the past 12 hours have been. I ended the day feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything that needed to be accomplished for the week, and it had been a day where I hadn’t accomplished even half of what I hoped to in that time.
Now, as I’m walking with a light rain falling, I feel completely different. Music has a great way of making that happen for you when you need it most – just had to share it with all of you. Have a great day!