30 Days/30 Songs. Day 19: A Song from your Favorite Album

Let's Go Crazy -Prince (and the Revolution)


"Dearly Beloved..." Prince seductively declares over a funeral organ.
 
"We are gathered here today to get through this thing called LIFE.
Electric word, 'life' it means: forever.and that's a mighty long time...but I'm here to tell ya, there's something else...
The afterworld. A world of never ending happiness. You can always see the sun; day, or night..."

Suddenly the eulogy for 'this thing called life' picks up and we are invited to a celebration of daily opposition of de-elevators and words of misplaced authority by Dr. Everything Will Be Alright.

Exactly. Let's Go Crazy.
This song opens up my favorite album of all time, and invites the listener to shrug off all expectations of what's coming and just enjoy the experience. Not my favorite song on the album, but definitely stands out as one of the most important ones.

I thought it was awesome when I heard Public Enemy's 1990 single 'Brothers Gonna Work It Out' and recognized the sample from Prince's guitar solo. Dopeness.
I also heard that the Minnesota Twins play this song whenever someone hits a homerun. Props to Minnesota I suppose.

He's coming.
Take me away!

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 18: A Song That you Wish you Heard on the Radio

Shaka - Q-Tip

Let's just be real here.
Fact: (well should be universally accepted as a fact) Q-Tip is the greatest producer/rapper in hip-hop history. (Some of you are gonna scream, Dilla. I love you guys.)

Before RZA was making 'Bobby Digital' records, there was 'The Brother Abstract'

Before T.I. was fighting himself on records, there was Tip. (which in reality is why T.I. had to change his name from Tip when he hit the mainstream)

Now why you wanna go and do that, love huh? (see what I did there?)

Before Kanye was stroking his ego and ya'll were stanning him for basically biting the RZA's approach to music- there was Q-Tip.
Hell, before Kanye decided to croon about 808s and Heartbreaks, Andre invited us to The Love Below, and before that-
Q-Tip got laughed at and shelved for making Kamaal/The Abstract

Yes. The brother from The Tribe ...who introduced us to Dilla.

So it really pisses me off when in 2008 all I heard on the radio was 'Lollipop' and 'Heartless' and whatever trash Gucci Mane was talking about at the moment. I never once- not once heard anything from Q-Tip's offering, The Renaissance. 

Even to this day, as I scan the iPods of friends and so called hip-hop heads I see every single Lil' Wayne mixtape but I don't see anything from Tribe or Q-Tip. But I digress. 

This particular song was not released as a single, it's the last track on The Renaissance and it's a sweet but banger worthy yet poetically calm tribute to his fallen brothers. If this (or any of the actual singles from the album) would've gotten radio play I'm sure you would've agreed. ...but it didn't.

Good thing I don't listen to the radio.

(I couldn't find a decent video for 'Shaka' so I embedded another song from the album called 'Gettin Up')

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 17: A Song That You Hear often on the Radio

Niggas In Paris -The Throne (Jay-Z and Kanye West)

SIGH.
I am so sick of hearing this fucking song. I think I enjoyed it ONE good time. The night Watch the Throne was released. I played the album and said to myself- ok. "This is a standout track"
I should've expected that the radios, DJ's, sunday school teachers, mimes and every body else would play this song over...

...and over.
I took a drive the other day and I had to have been in the car for about 23 minutes, and I swear this song got played on the SAME station three times. THREE TIMES.
I once saw a woman pull over on the side of the road just to dance to this song.

Seriously. There's only one other song that I hear on the radio more than this one- and that's that Beyonce song.

The strongest beer in the world

I freaking love the times we live in!
Yes.
That IS A BEER INSIDE A SQUIRREL.

Learn about it here: http://www.asylum.com/2010/07/22/its-the-worlds-strongest-most-expensive-beer-inside-a-squi/

30 Songs/30 Days. Day 16: A Song that you Used to Love, but now Hate

Diwali Riddim - Steven "Lenky" Marsden

or as YOU may better know it as:

No Letting Go - Wayne Wonder
Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh) - Lumidee
Get Busy - Sean Paul
Elephant Message - Elephant Man

...and a shit load of other songs

No other song got played more times in 2002-03 more than THIS damn song. I kinda feel shitty complaining about it, because not only did I party to all 20+ renditions of the damn song, but I own a lot of them. (especially the four I just named)

AND I don't know when it happened, but I am sick. and. tired. of hearing that clap clap drum of this fucking song. JUST TIRED.

In retrospect, HOW the hell the American music industry allowed ONE song- not a sample, not an interpolation, but THE EXACT SAME DAMN SONG to not only dominate the charts, but do it disguised as all these other damn songs beyond my scope of comprehension.

But I can't think about it too hard... because like I said:

"I partied to all 20+ renditions of it."

Somebody on YouTube decided to show you what I'm talkin' 'bout.

0:00 : Wayne Wonder - No Letting Go
1:18 : TOK - Galang Gal
2:15 : Elephant Man - Elephant Message
3:41 : Sean Paul - Get Busy
4:25 : Lumidee - Never Leave You (Uh Oooh Uh Oooh)
5:34 : Brick & Lace - Love Is Wicked
6:30 : Crissy D - Make It Real Good
7:08 : Danny English & Eggnog - Party Time
8:20 : Sufferer - Bounty Killer

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 15: A Song that Describes You

Alfie - (Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David)
Various Artists ... some known versions:
Dionne Warwick '67
Cher '66
Joss Stone '04
Stevie Wonder (harmonica instrumental) '68


What's it all about?

Even though this song doesn't describe me... the lyrics were built to simulate a woman speaking to a man, (Alfie- the title character from the movie Alfie) and whenever I hear this song, I feel like that man is me.

...and I can never answer that burning question:

What is it all about?


However...for those of you that feel as though I cheated- here's a song that does describe me:

Runaway - Kanye West (feat. Pusha T)


I feel this song gives a deeper glimpse at the fear and regret behind my ambivalence and inability to fully commit, even to a woman I truly love--there are simply too many temptations, my old habits are too ingrained, and it seems every woman I've been with has made it too easy for me to buy into my excuses. Sometimes I don't understand why some of the women I deal with won't give into my attempts to drive them away--even if I admitted that it'll break me if she finally does give up and leave.

That said, this is truly a beautiful song, I feel that it's not about someone who doesn't love the woman he's with, but about a guy that admits that he doesn't really know how to love anyone, including himself--hence the back and forth between lines that play up his secret pockets of self-loathing and lines that brag about his money and its ability to pull in women. He admits that his woman is a "good girl", but he's still addicted to the "hood rats" even though he knows their attraction to him is almost certainly totally shallow and all about what he could provide for them if they took her place. To me there's a lingering sadness in this song about the loneliness of that fact--he can't really connect, so he drowns himself in money and stray pussy, and feels helpless to change that fact. I absolutely love this song, I'd never blatantly admit that kind of vulnerability; so luckily he said it for me.

30 Songs/30 Days. Day 14: A Song Nobody Would Expect You to Love

The Show - Lenka (acoustically covered by Kerris Dorsey)

This song reminds me of that line from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing it goes:

"All the world's a stage, and the men and women merely players..."

This is another song that I heard a couple times and didn't pay much attention, (I thought it was cute and that's about it) only to hear an acoustic cover by the young actress Kerris Dorsey in the film 2011 film, Moneyball.

Like I said, I heard the song before- but it was something about watching that movie that amplified the meaning of the song. Especially that-'You're such a loser, Dad' replacement. (see the movie. Or...my earlier post) The meaning- which kind of reminds me of a Brad Pitt quote, (who coincidentally is the star of the film) which goes:

"I embrace the messiness of life. I find it so beautiful, actually" (said to GQ magazine in 2005)

The meaning, that life is often unsettling and hard to figure out, sometimes leaving you overwhelmed. She compares life itself to a show, which we all are in the audience of. A lot of people are disgruntled with life. Life hasn't been good to them. This song, a show is a metaphor for life, and some people "want their money back." They want a refund on their life because they feel like they've been cheated. She responds to them by saying "Just enjoy the show."
We are all in this audience, we all have ups and downs, failures and victories. (sometimes we have victories that feel like failures) It's because of this we all have to live in the moment. Don't fret over life's twists and turns, it's uncertainty. These things are are part of life.

Just embrace them and be happy.

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 13: A Song That is a Guilty Pleasure

Butcher Pete  (Part 1 of 2)      -Roy Brown

I don't care what nobody says.
This is my shit.
When I first heard it, I wasn't moved. Years later, I heard it again- on a video game of all places. (Fallout 3)

I had to have played that game at least 12 times. So that means I heard this song about 195 times in one year. More specifically 195 times in 6 months.

But that's not why this song is my guilty pleasure. Sure, this song is early blues/R&B... but the true reason doesn't come until after you hear this song 3 or 4 times and REALLY listen to what's going on here.
Song about a butcher? What can be so bad?


Hey everybody, did the news get around
About a guy named Butcher Pete
Oh, Pete just flew into this town
And he's choppin' up all the women's meat

[Chorus]
He's hackin' and wackin' and smackin'
He's hackin' and wackin' and smackin'
He's hackin' and wackin' and smackin'
He just hacks, wacks, choppin' that meat

Butcher Pete's got a long sharp knife
He starts choppin' and don't know when to stop
All you fellows betta watch your wifes
'Cause Pete don't care who's meat he chops

..and that's just a quarter of the tale. (There's 2 parts of the song- and THAT'S just a portion of Part 1)
Sure, there are plenty of old blues songs that were either horrifically violent, or sexually explicit, but Roy Brown wasn't satisfied with one or the other. He decided to just cleverly do BOTH. If you couldn't figure it out, "Butcher Pete" is about a guy who goes around the countryside "chopping up all the women's meat" with his "long sharp knife." Still don't get it? Wow you're dense. This is a rare example where hiding the sexual content behind double entendres and innuendo somehow can make something a thousand times more offensive. Especially when you get to the jail anal rape part. Wait...

what?

The Bizarro Bucket List (Things I NEVER want to do before I die)

So everyone is writing bucket lists. I don't remember hearing that term much before that movie came out.

I saw that movie on the flight back home from overseas. I thought it was okay, but I had already been hip to the whole 'bucket list' game. For a couple years prior to that I'd already owned a clever little book called 101 Things to Do Before You Die, which took the whole majesty or ambition out of crafting a bucket list.
Especially for a daredevil like myself.

Coincidentally enough, I was talking to a friend of mine not too long after viewing the movie, about his recent heartbreak, and he mentioned how he never in life wanted to be in my position. (not having anyone to love, a loner, blah blah blah) Believe it or not, for a second, I staggered. It got me to thinking about whether or not I would die alone, and if so- would I be okay with that.

A week later, it was discovered that the girl we were discussing had played him in a multitude of ways, the main one being financial. At that discovery I very maliciously retorted, 'Gee, I never want to be in your position' ...I still chuckle at that. Without further ado, here goes:

1. Break a Bone
A lot of people are surprised this have never happened to me, given the amount of scars I've collected, and the shit I've done. Well, it's true. I've banged up bones before- but never broken one. I'd like to keep it that way. I'm not ready for that cast life.








2. Cheat on my Girlfriend
I'm just not interested in the whole sneaking around thing. Has nothing to do with my morals, or whatever. Simply put, I just do NOT want to add another set of secrets to the long list of ones I already have. I don't have time to be sneaking around just because I can't keep my dick in my pants. I just DO NOT have the patience. Besides, by the time I have a successful relationship that lasts longer than 3 months, catching diseases will probably be easier than picking boogers.



3. Fail at Marriage
Yeah, see I'm a 'one shot, one kill' kinda guy- and I figure if I get over all my own insecurities and what nots to do something as huge as get married, I'm in it for the long haul. I have very little respect for the sanctity of marriage- however I do not appreciate the mockery it is now. There are more divorces nowadays than marriages. (and that doesn't even make since. lol) I don't want to waste all that time and money. So regardless of whatever financial, personal problems my wife and I encounter, we're getting over it.
...Or I'm taking that heifer for everything and keeping all of mine.





4. Be Sentenced to Prison 
Sometimes, I do dirt. Hopefully I never go to PRISON over it. Jail's bad. I've done jail several times. Prison is a whole other ballpark. The food is disgusting, there's absolutely nothing to do ALL day. And...
Let's not even bring up the other thing...





5. Eat Vegan Food
I've never had tofu, soy or any of that 'taste just like' shit. I don't want any imitation animal in my mouth. EVER. This is becoming increasingly difficult with Peta corrupting minds every day, and all these trendy ass veggie spots masquerading as normal food spots.
Animals were put here for me to eat. It's the freakin' circle of life. Mufasa said so.
(This also goes for you Gluten-free bastards)




6. Have Naked Sex on a Beach. (or have naked anything anywhere near SAND)

So. I've had sex on a playground that had sand there before, and I kept my pants on, around my ankles. We weren't even fully in the damn sand now that I think about it. We were on a sliding board. Drunk. Doing it like we didn't have our own respective apartments to retreat to. Just that barbaric carnal urge... for 16 minutes of pleasure... only to suffer for what felt like an eternity of sand particles in my nether regions. Weeks of scratching and washing. The most annoying shit EVER.


7. Blow It All in Vegas
I'm just NOT the gambling type, a lot of my friends are. Don't get me wrong, I'll take the trip to the casino or whatever- but that whole 'keep taking the risk even though the place is designed for you to lose and you are in the hole'? The most I feel comfortable losing is $200 bucks. After that, I hit the slots, and drink $400 in free liquor. That's the way I am, there's no changing my mind on that one.

8. Play Golf
Because I, like Mark Twain, think the game is a good walk ruined. I just do not have the time- EVER- to be walking around swatting at balls while somebody else carries my instruments like a douche is just not my cup o' tea. I'll admit. Hitting things really hard is always fun, but all the other aspects of this 'game' is an exercise in not letting your frustrations with the 'game' make you completely lose your shit. Seriously. Antique Road Show has more action than any golf game I've tried to watch.


9. Befriend someone whose life is inspired a Lifetime movie
Which in my ignorant mode of thinking literally means: I don't want to befriend any rape victims, domestic abuse victims, or moms that had their children taken by someone, and then they became notorious/famous because of it. Sue me.

10. BE ANYWHERE NEAR THIS FUCKING ... THING.

Son. I shouldn't even have to explain. This the type of shit that's only supposed to exist on Fallout 3 or some shit. Just know, if that's ever in my house- it's time to pull the firearm out.


...and that's it.
I have others, you know- the shit that's on everyone's list like 'box a kangaroo', 'buy anything by Justin Beiber', or 'find out I'm allergic to bacon' but I didn't wanna be too long winded. What are some of yours?

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 12: A Song From a Band You Hate

This one was easy. I could have simply said anything from Young Money/Cash Money... but that would've been too easy.

I decided to interpret the question- by asking myself what song do I like from a band I simultaneously hate. Okay. I came up with two. (Although one isn't a group. ...but then again,  the other one technically isn't the group they claim to be)

Heartbreaker - will.i.am.

I'm not a Black Eyed Peas fan at all. In fact, I've never enjoyed any of their songs post adding Fergie to the group. I don't despise them... I just don't get down to their hits. I think they're cheesy as fuck. However, this particular song was played over, and over at this bar I used to work at. Until one day I actually discovered that I went on iTunes and bought it.

Damn if this shit ain't catchy. But it's just as equally corny. lol
(the video featured some chick named Cheryl Cole that's not on the album version)

the second and the one I originally thought of was:

Angels - Diddy/Dirty Money (feat. The Notorious B.I.G.)

The sole reason I technically hate Dirty Money is because it's a blatant ruse. Diddy, I respect you but those broads are nothing more but glorified backup singers.

At least that's the way I see it.
Until they drop their own album without your name attached to it, I can't really see them as a 'group' Ok. Maybe I'm being harsh. There were several times on 'their' album, Last Train to Paris where the girls are showcased.

Speaking of Last Train to Paris,  I did enjoy the offering. Mostly because I didn't expect to be BLOWN away lyrically, I expected great production, feel good dance hip-hop dance, or drive down I-95 doin a buck music. That's exactly what I got.

Can't really be mad at that.

Anyway, I first heard Angels long before the album was finally released, and I immediately recognized the Jay-Z 'Where I'm From' sample, (which is really a sample in itself of 'Bad Bad Man' by Fat Joe) and I was compelled to listen further- then I heard my boy Biggie with a recycled verse from 'My Downfall' followed by Diddy and his 'glorified backup singers' croon out a tale of toxic love.

A lot of people hated it. I liked it, despite my feelings towards the group. I thought the video was cool too.
When the album was finally released, imagine my surprise to see it had been destroyed by a verse from Rick Ross added post it's release as a single.

Ugh. at least we'll always have the original on the video.

Title: Angels (feat. The Notorious B.I.G.)
Artist: Diddy- Dirty Money
Album: Last Train to Paris
Released: December 14, 2010

Soiree [Happiness]

My 29th birthday was celebrated at Policy back in December. Policy is a nice little place over on 14th and T St. NW. I hadn't thrown an official party in a while, and I was worried that I'd be a little out of element. However the staff of Policy made sure that me and my crew had a great time. I'm not gonna talk about the things that happened- but I am going to share some of the pictures that made it out.

My homeboy Tam made it out, which was a big deal, because he doesn't drink as much as my other friends, nor does he live within the city. So he came out to let his hair down. Sweet.

Keiana and Will made it out too. Which will probably be their last public appearance now that they got a baby on the way. Congrats, guys.

These two made it out too. I wonder if they were ready for that shit show.

My cadre came out heels and flirty dresses. Eye candy for days.

 These guys got there. I heard they had a tough time getting in, it was crazy packed.

 My cousin Derrell popped up out of nowhere.

...however, this is how my night ended. Sheesh.

“To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness.”
                                                                                      - Mary Stuart

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 11: A Song From Your Favorite Band

17 Days 
(The rain will come down, then U will have 2 choose. If U believe, look 2 the dawn and U shall never lose.)

-Prince (& The Revolution)

Talk about long ass song titles. 

That's legit the original title of the song. Although on further releases of the song simply called it '17 Days' This song was originally released as a B-side to 'When Doves Cry' (which was the lead single from Purple Rain) it wasn't released on an album until much later on Prince's greatest hits album. 

And although the song, (much like most of the songs credited to 'Prince & The Revolution') was written and produced mostly by Prince, it was originally credited to the entire band. So I don't feel like a complete cheater using this as a song from my favorite band. Because let's face it. Prince is fucking awesome. 

If I had to choose an all-around favorite artist of all time, Prince wins hands down. 

Anyway, this song- refers to how long it's been since Prince's former lover left him for someone else, leaving with "twp cigarettes and this broken heart of mine" For such a lyrically sad song, it definitely is the shit. 

I once saw an online video of Prince performing this song at his Welcome 2 tour last year. In the video, he also blends elements of Teena Marie's 'Lovergirl' and extra instrumentation. 

I've heard people say he originally wrote this for Vanity 6, but when Vanity left he kept it for himself. I guess he recognized it's genius. 

As far as legacy goes, the song would later go on to be sampled by MC Lyte for her hit, "Paper Thin"

Title: 17 Days
Artist: Prince (& The Revolution)
Album: (B-Side to When Doves Cry) / The Hits/The B-SidesReleased: March 16, 1984 / Sept. 14, 1993


Buy Here

Whatever happened, HAPPENED. [Perfectly Normal]

I implore you to watch that before moving on. [NSFW]


This is arguably the most important scene from a little movie from Kevin Smith called, 'Chasing Amy' (1997) (Lol. I know my friends are sick of me referencing this film, however- there's so many things you can learn from it.
Anyway, a cyber friend of mine asked the question today:
Question for you guys. What is a "respectable," yet realistic, number for a 25-30 year old woman? I'm interested in ur opinion.

Here's my answer: WHO GIVES A SHIT?

Let's eliminate the bullshit that this question contains, and get to the real issue here.

Full disclosure.

In a relationship you don't have to tell your mate every damn thing. It's a relationship for crying out loud, not an oath in court. Hell, some people don't want to know everything that you've done before they came along. Some of them even say, "Hey I don't wanna know about your old whoring ways"
I like these people. Respect these people and their decision. Don't tell them anything they don't ask about.
Just do not volunteer the info.

Everyone has the right to their past and the experiences that made them who they are. A person shouldn't have to hide experiences and pretend like things did not happen.

They had a life before you.
Past lovers exist.

In my opinion, it's not only insecure as fuck, but hugely psychotic to believe that a past checkered with sexual escapades, or carnal discovery should just fucking vanish because YOUR brand new ass just arrived in your 'shining armor.' Same thing goes for people that want their significant others to burn old pictures, letters, throw away old trinkets, or never ever speak to, or mention old exes.
Because you feel everything before you shouldn't exist?

Thing is, you don't get to date a blank slate. You don't get a fresh sheet. Why do you feel you deserve one?
If you really feel that way, move over to the middle east where they still practice arranged marriages at 14 years old.

I believe that when a woman enters my life I want to know about her past because I'm interested in her present. Not because I want to judge her past actions. Because who she is now, is formed by who she was then, and all that she's been through. Not because I think she has a disease. Lots of sex doesn't equate to germ sponge, and I think people that use that argument have just admitted they lost the argument and that they are driving blindfolded. I'm not threatened by all those old guys, or any mementos she kept of them. You shouldn't be either.

Don't get me wrong. I don't sit in bed and say,
"Ooh PLEASE tell me about that time you went down on 4 guys in a line like a circus seal."
Grow up.

The source of the problem, (and I can't pretend like I'm not directing this at men anymore) is a little mind set called the Virgin/Whore Dichotomy. (Go look it up.)
"It's okay to be a whore when I want my dick sucked, but I can't marry a girl that has sucked 37 dicks."
What the fuck ever.

These men that think that way, or even any guy that answered that question with an actual number needs to be sat down and told this:

GET THE FUCK OVER IT.

"How can a woman be expected to be happy with a man who insists on treating her as if she were a perfectly normal human being?”                                     

                                                                                      -Oscar Wilde

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 10: A Song that Makes You Fall Asleep

In A Sentimental Mood - Duke Ellington (feat. John Coltrane)

I make playlists in iTunes for various occasions. Except sex. I do NOT have a sex soundtrack. I'm not focused, or smooth enough to have set the mood music in the background.

I tried once, but the playing of Usher's 'Burn', Dionne Farris' 'Hopeless', and Foreigner's 'I Want to Know What Love Is' really confused the girl I was with.

I am however quite skilled at creating playlists for parties and doing homework, and more importantly- to drift away to snoozetown.

My Sleep through the Static playlist has survived 4 computers and been burned by at least 6 friends. The most important song on the playlist?

In a Sentimental Mood by the Duke.
What can you say about this song that hasn't already been said about your best orgasm? Far from being one of the Duke's better compositions- it definitely goes down as one of his most recognizable. This particular version also features another jazz legend, John Coltrane, and his mighty saxophone. Most people probably recognize this piece from the 1997 film, Love Jones. It was also included on the soundtrack.

An amazing tidbit about this song is that it was composed on the spot to help his friend put two lady friends in a more subtle mood. Wow.
Even though the song's intent was not to make me fall asleep, something about listening to this song at the end of a long day, laying in bed makes me feel like that is its sole intention.
And before you know it, I'm out.

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 9: A Song You Can Dance To

Dance Tonight - Lucy Pearl

Man, I don't dance anymore. 'anymore' because the last time I danced well, it was 1988 with my Uncle Dwayne and we were watching Breakin'

Ever since being a B-Boy stopped being cool in the late 80's I haven't really danced. Well...maybe that one time when Chubb Rock's 'Treat 'Em Right' dropped... but nope. Tony T. doesn't do the dancing. I don't care what airhead folk ya'll know that got it in their head that dancing equates to 'great in bed' because I don't dance and I have not received any complaints in that area.

However, there is ONE exception to this rule. That exception came in the year 2000. A little before I entered the military, former Tony! Toni! Toné! member Raphael Saadiq hooked up with Dawn Robinson, (formerly of En Vogue) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (formerly of A Tribe Called Quest) to form Lucy Pearl. How awesome does that shit sound?

The group wouldn't last long- (unfortunately) but before they left us, they dropped their first single, 'Dance Tonight' man. That song, that group- was so soulful, so rhythm and blues, while so feel good. It just had a really good sound that hadn't been heard by my ears in a while. Maybe what made it worse for me was this was the last song I heard before entering my 10 week long basic training for the Navy. For 10 weeks this played in my head.

It was the first song I played when I graduated boot camp. I danced on the train ride back to base. (well... no I didn't but I definitely bopped my head and tapped my foot. Them passengers knew I had a groove going on)

To this day, this song brings that feeling of no worries over me.
And it probably will forever.

Title: Dance Tonight
Artist: Lucy Pearl
Album: Lucy Pearl
Released: May 23, 2000

Buy Here

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 8: A Song That You Know All the Words To

I know the words to a lot of songs. So I had to come up with a way to pick ONE out of them all, which was difficult. I figured, I needed to come up with a song that isn't on the list anywhere else, lyrics I'd probably never forget, and at the same time gave me that feeling that I wanted to mouth along with the artist whenever I heard it.

At first, I thought of:

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

One of my favorite song lyrics is contained in this very song.


"I find it hard, 
hard to find.
Oh well, 
whatever.
Never mind."

So meaningful, yet simultaneously utter nonsense. The whole song is. Go read the lyrics. The song went on to become an unexpected hit from the young Nirvana, which would unintentionally become anthem for apathetic kids of Generation X. Even the title of the song is misleading. Kurt Cobain, Nirvana's frontman came home to discover the message "Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit" spray painted on his wall. Since he had been discussing anarchism, punk rock, and similar topics, with some friends, Cobain interpreted the slogan as having a revolutionary meaning. What the writer actually meant, however, was that Cobain smelled like the deodorant Teen Spirit, which his girlfriend at the time wore. Hilarious.

Then I thought of:

I Try - Talib Kweli (feat. Mary J. Blige)

Here, Talib speaks of swimming through all of society's bullshit. Just the overall struggle, the beautiful messiness of life. and how you just gotta survive despite it all. It kinda reminds me of his previous single, 'Get By' in so many ways. His lyrical wordplay is so clever here as he describes these things behind several complex metaphors. Backed by a Kanye West piano driven instrumental, and on top of all that, Mary belting out a tenacious and determined... "I trrryyyy"

"Life is a beautiful struggle,
people search through the rubble
for a suitable hustle-
Some people usin' the noodle
Some people usin' the muscle
Some people put it all together,
make it fit like a puzzle."




Finally though- it hit me. I knew what song I wanted to pick. It wasn't a song that moved me or I particularly enjoyed in any mood. Just a bunch of words set to a beat, that just happen to be in an alphabetical alliteration.

Alphabet Aerobics (The Cut Chemist 2 1/2 Minute Workout) - Gift of Gab (of Blackalicious)

There's not much to say about this song, because it really has no meaning- besides the clearly obvious. The Gift of Gab is showing of his awesome emcee skills by constructing his bars in slight alliteration in alphabetical order. To top it all off, he increases speed as the song progresses. By the time you reach the 'F's, I dare you to try to keep up.

It's amazing. Every time my iPod shuffles this into play, (because really there's no other reason to listen to the song, it's not a song you can ride out to or anything) I immediately begin spitting his lyrics as if I wrote them.
...and then like all good things, 2 minutes later, it's gone.

Title: Alphabet Aerobics
Artist: Blackalicious
Album: The A2G EP
Released: June 22, 1999

30 Days/30 Songs. Day 7: A Song That Reminds You of a Certain Event

halfcrazy - Musiq (Soulchild)

Unfortunately, I met Cristen. Shit sucks. Because in retrospect I could have saved myself a LOT of embarrassment and frustration.
Although- I'm apathetic (or is it logical?) enough to realize that without Cristen, I never would have been able to do any of the serious, or pseudo-serious dating I've done these last 5 and half years if it weren't for my time with her. So I guess I should chalk it up to a necessary learning experience, huh?

I'm big enough to admit that all of that could have been avoided had I not crossed the line and convinced her that we should attempt a relationship. When we met it was like an unspoken agreement that we were only going to be friends. I, to this day, have no clue how she first perceived me. However, when I first met her, I thought she was cute- but nowhere near cute enough for me to trade all the casual snatch I was tagging in for her.

Funny how crude that sounds, then you realize that only remained true for a couple months. It wasn't long before I was talking to her every day, sharing laughs with her, texting her the most ridiculous oddities and inside jokes.

And then, at her birthday party I saw her leave with some random guy to go fuck him. I felt something I hadn't felt in a while. It made me uncomfortable. Even though up to that point I'd been content in my inane life, I knew quite well what that feeling was. I was jealous.

So I did what any emotional cripple would do. I went and fucked some one else right then and there.
When I returned I'd discover that something was off in you too. You were not pleased at all at my disappearance.

Then came the talk. You were clairvoyant enough to see what the future held if we went down that road. You were hesitant.
Me on the other hand, did like Musiq did in the song.
"I was convinced it would be alright."

...and it was a downhill spiral ever since. Cloud once described us as a 'Fisher Price Sid & Nancy'

...And then this song was released in the midst of all our shit.





...and now, you're married with another kid on the way. We talk what? Once every two months.
Shit.

Title: halfcrazy
Artist: Musiq (soulchild)
Album: Juslisen
Released: May 7, 2002

Buy Here

The Cost of Living [in the relationship]

I've often joked that I have the Seinfeld Dating Curse. That being the repetitive nature of dumping someone you're dating over a superficial flaw. (i.e. 'man hands', 'she ate her peas one at a time', 'her belly button talked' ...yada, yada, yada-See what I did there?)
When in reality it's not me at all... it's a lot of you. The quagmire I currently find myself in was fired from the same cannon of bullshit that I've actually heard my friends say, or write about.

Ya'll are killing me these days with these dealbreakers. Seriously. If you got more than five reasons not to be with anyone then you need to just face the music and get comfortable with your hands. You're turning down great opportunities with people, and focusing on shallow, superficial shit. The funny thing is, the reason you're doing it. Whether you want to admit it or not, it's because you believe that your absolutely perfect, complies with all your batshit crazy really stupid nonsense, angel- handpicked by God himself- is on their way into your life, and will be here soon, as long as you don't settle. Because let's face it. Your girlie mags and subliminal messages in movies told you settling was another form of giving up, right?

I said it before, and I stand by it:


THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE ONE.
(Unless, you are currently plugged into a system in which your reality as you perceive it is actually a simulated reality created by sentient machines to pacify and subdue the human population, while your body's heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source.)


You want to be in a long term relationship?
Understand this basic fundamental rule.
You cannot settle down until you learn how to settle for.

You have to learn to put up with things. This is probably why the phrase 'patience is a virtue' has lasted so long. There are no 100% good things in life. Your new Benz is fly, but those maintenance fees are a bitch. Your bank account is very impressive, but what did you have to put up with to get it there? Etc. etc. ...etc.

Flaws.
Everyone has them shits. What are yours? The flaws you should be concerned about are fixable. Your boy of interest pisses with the door open? Tell him to close the fucking door. She eats in bed? Tell her go the fucking kitchen. This whole give and take is similar to buying that new Benz, or catching a train. You gotta pay the fare if you wanna ride the ride.


What YOU have to do is understand what you can put up with, and what you can't put up with. Honestly, you should be able to count on ONE hand all of your "dealbreakers." Dealbreakers can be things like, "she may be a closet racist." "He is in $40,000 of debt" Dealbreakers can not be superficial bullshit like, "Oh, I hate the way you dress." Because if a shallow reason is why you aren't with someone then the problem clearly is YOU.

Deal with it. There is NO perfect person out there for you. Not for anyone. No soul mate. No person born and raised for you and you alone. All of these. Lies. LIIIIIIIEEEEES.

Allow me to show you how society has screwed itself.
You can sit there and tell yourself that blatant lie, (which is kinda beautiful in its Santa Claus, Easter Bunny way) but the reality is, it's a myth. What do we know about myths? Well one, they're built on a bunch of lies, and sometimes there's one atom of truth involved. If you look up Myth, the definition you will get is, an unproved or false collective belief that is used to justify a social institution. I can't think of any better word to describe the belief in soul mates, the belief that two people are perfect for one another. Every long term relationship you've ever heard of is a myth that two people tell others, and it trickles down the grapevine the way myths often do. You're probably shaking your head now, calling me all sorts of names- but I'm serious. All of the best relationships I've ever witnessed, (and I've witnessed a LOT) are built on lies and deceit.

Well what lies and deceit you ask? I'll tell ya.
People in perfect or even really good relationships almost never tell you the whole story. They only tell their best, or their really good. Never the absolute shitty stuff that they had to get over.

When you meet someone for the first time you present an embellished version of yourself. You always lead with your best, and then it's six months later you start to fart in front each other, snore, and wear tube socks with your dress pants. (seriously, someone I know) That my friends, is where the magic lies, the key to longevity- because it's there and only there that you actually meet the person behind the charade. (and vice versa)



The beauty of the long term relationship is every day you get to pretend that your significant other is really that idealized lie you met at first, instead of the actual 'man behind the curtain' that you're actually with. You'll know the truth, that Prince Charming is really just an okay looking guy, who's sweet and honest, but has the disgusting habit of pissing with the door open. The fact that you know this about them, and they know the truth about you- forces you to be a better person.
Forces you to become the you you pretended to be originally, in turn making your lie self true. (If you're smart.)

Because honestly, if you stick around long enough to embrace the better qualities of a person you won't see the eating in bed, the wearing of tube socks with dress pants... the 'yada yada yada'
Remember: No two people want the same thing. No two people are perfectly sexually compatible. It's way too many possibilities and thoughts out there to have such a naive concept be true. If you cannot reconcile with that, then you will continuously be recycled through the lineup. You will forever be plagued with trysts and short lived relationships that are really glorified hook-ups. I guarantee that.
If you forsake a promising opportunity over something stupid, and superficial, or you are waiting for Mr./Mrs Perfect and Right, it will ALWAYS be your fault- Never theirs. I guarantee that too.


Be smart.
The only way to become the one is if someone is willing to pretend you are the one. (and vice versa) That's just the way it is.






"I present myself to you in a form suitable to be in the relationship I wish to achieve with you.” -Luigi Pirandello






(The last three photos are from the 2004 film, Alfie. Check it out.)