I’ve been in Cambridge (and the greater Boston area) all weekend, which has been nice in some ways (it’s a great city), and just a bit depressing, since it involved a number of run-ins with the ex in the city where we used to live. Which wasn’t the worst thing ever, but certainly wasn’t fun.
At least I got some Tealuxe, Felipe’s, and Veggie Planet. As much as I enjoy Hanover, there are definitely times when I miss all that Harvard Square has to offer.
Anyways, to commemorate some of the themes of the last couple days, here’s four great songs, including two from a couple of my favorite albums from 2005:
Back to Boston – The Rosebuds
To commemorate the trips back to Boston, here’s a bouncy little tune from another one of those great husband/wife duo The Rosebuds.
And to commemorate my awkward encounters with the girl who broke my heart, what could be better than some Torquil and Amy?
Your Ex Lover is Dead – Stars
It starts with the great voiceover “when there’s nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire” and then segues into one of the prettiest, saddest, and strongest post-breakup songs of all time. Amy Millan turns in a great vocal performance, and then when Torquil Campbell joins in, it’s just heavenly. They’ve both busy with their other projects, but I really can’t wait for the next Stars record – I have a feeling it’s going to be a major breakthrough for an already great band.
And, since it’s November now, how about a couple tunes to commemorate this fine month?
Mr. November – The National
One of my favorite couple songs of last year, this one has only continued to grow on me. The desperation, the wild and frantic (yet somehow still under control) drumming, the tossing and turning…what a fantastic song. And virtually every line is full of signs and portents without ever revealing too much. “I wish that I believed in fate” packs thousands of years of cultural, religious, and political criticism into seven words. And then there’s “I’m the new blue blood, I’m the great white hope.” And, of course, the blistering chorus: “I won’t fuck us over, I’m Mr. November…” If you never got around to checking out The National, let this be your opportunity
A New Holiday (November 16th) – Carissa’s Wierd
One of many Carissa’s Wierd songs to mention that cryptic day, this one (like basically everything they ever did) is quietly beautiful. God I miss that band…