Life and Art

But then I'm bewildered, how on earth is life not like "the movies" when people who create movies are, well, alive?! From where would poets, authors or artists in general soak the vividness of their emotions? Don't they live on the same planet we live on? 

The quote presented above is from my blog, a post dated February 14th, 2013. I had just finished reading The Prisoner of Zenda for the first time in the original text, and I was quite surprised and deeply moved by how the author managed to describe the romance between the two characters; Rudolf Rassendyll and the Princess Flavia.

It was beautiful how he described how they wanted each other, missed each other's presence, and truly longed for a life together. However, they ended up apart...that was where I cried.

Here's an excerpt from the 21st chapter in that novel. It's dear to me because it truly made me see how my wish--quoted from my beloved Oscar Wilde--that "life would imitate art" have come true in a way I never suspected:

"I am mad!" I said sullenly.

"I love your madness, dear," she answered.

Her face was away from me, but I caught the sparkle of a tear on her cheek. 

"Is love the only thing?" she asked, in low, sweet tones that seemed to bring a calm even to my wrung heart. "If love were the only thing, I would follow you—in rags, if need be—to the world's end; for you hold my heart in the hollow of your hand! But is love the only thing?"

I made no answer. It gives me shame now to think that I would not help her.

"I know people write and talk as if it were. Perhaps, for some, Fate lets it be. Ah, if I were one of them!"

 As an answer to the questions in my blog quote, they soak that vividness from life. And yes, they do live on the same planet as us, and I was privileged enough to meet some of them, even more privileged to have the close friendship and affection of one.

An artist's heart is designed to clarify every single experience it goes through. It's made to reveal mysteries that lie in everyday encounters, show the tenderness behind crude behaviors, and give meaning to abstract emotions which are then universally related to and understood. Art is created to show us beauty even in presumed ugliness, it's a reminder that the human soul is far more complex and deep than materialistic needs or earthly aspirations. This art can touch you through a word well-placed when uttered, a note well-played, or a paintbrush that holds the right color and makes the right strokes. It's appreciated when it's placed before an eager eye or given to a hungry ear; the receptacles that are willing to deliver such exhilarating experience to another artist's soul...

Twenty (Collective Thoughts from Birthday Week)

Okay, so here it goes...
I turned 20 exactly a week ago. I don't really know how I feel about it, but the immense love I received from so many people (both close to me and just acquaintances) was more than enough to make me feel blessed throughout the whole day. So here's a long due "Thank you!" to everyone who took the time and effort to wish this girl a happy start after a second decade done.

I got into a messy argument with a friend that night. It was not how I imagined my twenties to start, but God only knows what good intentions were put into my actions.
This is all I'm saying about the cause of the state of shock that took over me for the better part of the three days that followed.

I couldn't stay there. I needed to pull my act together both for college, and for a moment I awaited a long long time, the closing ceremony of a civil society project I'd been working on since last July.

When that moment came along, I was very proud of the work my team and I put into the project, and the incredible outcome that I saw in the eyes of everyone, whether staff or participants. Each "thank you" I received reminded me of how much of a privilege it is to be able to help people reach a better understanding of their potentials. And of the impact that the experience, and each and every one I worked with has left in me.

I took a leap of faith to do somethong I always wanted to do, which is sing alone in English in front of a large group of people. I have performed alone before through acting, and I'm already a member of a choir group in my church, but this experience is completely different. I know I don't have the nicest, strongest voice out there, but I also know that a deeply felt song is almost always well-received.
So, I picked "Fix You" by Coldplay. It's a song I truly love. It holds dear memories to me and it's somewhat popular. And I got up there on the stage of the Great Hall in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in front of over a thousand people, and sang it.
I wouldn't lie and say I was afraid, because I wasn't. But having tried that feeling is still a big experience for me. I enjoyed that moment despite all the background noise in my head that had my feelings blurred and distorted for the previous few days. I had fun.

So, to wrap it all up, I need to work on my ability to properly react on time. I remember vividly how each situation leaves me feeling, but I need to allow these feelings to show up like they used to.

The Hawk In Paris (Part Deux)

Hey there! You remember the last time I posted about these guys?
Of course you don't. It's probably the first time you've ever heard of them as well. But it's alright, I'm here to the rescue!
You are about to witness the actual definition of awesome music. This is The Hawk In Paris, an electronic music project created and produced by Dan Haseltine (the amazing frontman of Jars of Clay), Matt Bronleewe (the amazing producer) and Jeremy Bose (musical mad scientist of sorts). These guys were friends in college, worked together, separated for ten years then came back to write together again, producing this one of a kind musical project.
It's basically pop music, with heavy electronic influences from 80s bands (Depeche Mode, Massive Attack...etc).
I said it last time I wrote about them; I never thought I'd like electronic music until I first listened to them, I recall the first song I previewed was "The New Hello (His)". I was shocked, then gave it a 2nd and 3rd chance, then got hooked on them for eternity.
I wanted to share with you a song called Beg For Love in the last post. I couldn't because I had obtained the demo version from Dan Haseltine's website, on which he left it available for download for only one day. He didn't wish for it to be spread as I presume, so I didn't post it to my SoundCloud account. That was the demo version.
They had released only two EPs until October 29th when they released their full length album Freaks. It included my dear "Beg For Love"  just with a different bridge instrumental. Needless to say, I was THRILLED!
Much to my joy they also graciously put it up to their SoundCloud account, so there you go. the much sought after: Beg For Love (with the lyrics that I deciphered)

Beg For Love (from their LP, FREAKS)

Lover in waiting out in the winter
You just wanna hold her or she wants just to let go
Will you watch her walk away?
Are you really gonna let her go?
Lie in the circus, forgotten your while
Your voice, over-rated, or she wants just to let go
Will you watch her walk away?
Are you really gonna let her go?

Don't make me beg for love, if I don't want to
Don't make me beg for love

There's a break in the action, a pause in the violin
She's a boat on the ocean, a drift on your silence
Will you watch her float away?
Are you really gonna let her go?
On this occasion, steady breathing is a cleansification
You'll be dead, she'll be leaving
Will you watch her float away?
Are you really gonna let her go?

Don't make me beg for love, if I don't want to
Don't make me beg for love

[bridge]
Don't make her wait, make her wait any longer (x 4)

Don't make me beg for love, if I don't want to
Don't make me beg for love

This next song is also one of my favorites on the album, it's called Wake Me Up. Here's a lyric video I found on YouTube, enjoy!
Wake Me Up (from the LP FREAKS):
That's it, guys! I hope you enjoyed the songs as much I do.
They are currently crowd-funding the release of FREAKS on CD and vinyl, they're almost there. So, check out these links if you're interested in their project:
PledgeMusic Crowd-funding project: Link
FREAKS: On iTunes
FREAKS: On Spotify
My last post: The Hawk In Paris
Freaks + Outcasts EP on NoiseTrade: Link

Pompton Lakes (THE band!)

Okay guys, I'm so very excited to be writing about those guys! It's been quite some time since my last "musical" post. But I guarantee you this band will make your day a lot better once you have a listen to their stuff, talk about the real deal! 

Their style/genre as self-proclaimed is "Safe Rock", and I guess it's fitting. The laid back feel to their music is very relaxing yet very uplifting. And their lead vocalist, Jeff Martin, has a flexible, mellow, beautiful voice.Their songs are more of an experience than just "songs". They average at 4 minutes long, yet you'll feel so absorbed into the music that they'll feel longer. 

Put your headphones on. Lie on your bed in the dark. Listen to Pompton Lakes. 

They released their début album "Rest" in October last year, it's a mix of songs that meld very well together. They are a band of Christian members, so their lyrics are mostly faith-based. They don't preach and aren't saying the same old same old. They're innovative in their sound, so I'm pretty sure whether you're an occasional listener or an experienced musician, you'll hear something you'll like :)

So, here are some examples of why they're a great band:



1- Music video for the opening track "Home":
A great song, with a nicely made music video of a hipster-ish feel, enjoy!

Lyrics:

Lately I've tried to find home

In places where I know it can't be found

I looked at You 'cause where else can I go?

Apart from You I'm truly on my own

I lost this one, but still have victory

Your arms are open, You set me free

You gave me breath, now I need faith

I pray that You would help me keep my path straight

I looked at You 'cause where else can I go?

Apart from You I'm truly on my own

I lost this one, but still have victory

Your arms are open, You set me free

Running back home, running back home, to You

I've been in the dark but now I see light, peeking through

I lost this one, but still have victory

Your arms are open, You set me free

(running back home, running back home)

I lost this one, but still have victory

Your arms are open, Your love has set me free

Your arms wide open, Your love has set me free

 2- Rest:
Words cannot describe how much I love this song, nor how beautiful it really is. Click the play button on the widget below to listen.

Rest by pomptonlakes

Lyrics:
Find rest, oh my soul, in Christ alone

When you walk through the waters
I am there, there with you
And when you pass through the rivers
They will not sweep over you

In quietness and trust
You will find love

When you walk through the fire
You will not, not be burned
On days when you feel like you’re on your own
You’re not alone, not alone


In quietness and trust
You will find love

Find Rest, oh my soul
In Christ alone

Side note: if you're hearing sleigh bells in this non-Christmas song, and you think you've lost it. You didn't, I was a bit surprised too. It's done so tastefully that it's just the perfect addition to this song. Kudos for the PL guys for pulling this one off!
3- Pride: 
This one is a favorite of mine, listen below!



Lyrics:
I’ve spent enough time in my Pride
Now I’m trying to get out
Trying to get out
I want to be Your hands and feet
But I’m caught in between
I’m caught in between

I’ve run far enough from You
And I’ve wrestled with the truth
I’ve wrestled with the truth
But when I look up toward the stars
So clearly there You are
So clearly there You are

You make a way
Where I thought there was no way



4- Merciful:
Another beautiful song on this album...

Lyrics:
I come to You today
I know it’s been sometime
Well it seems like I’ve been running for
Most of my young life
As if I get too close
That I might prove You right…

That You’re good
And You are Merciful

And if you need some time
I would understand
Who am I to think You’d come running
Now that I am back
What if I get close
And You don’t prove me right



Special thanks to: Jeff Martin, the lead singer of Pompton Lakes, for providing me with the lyrics to Rest, Pride and Merciful...and for being super humble!
Also to: the folks at Blimey Cow for introducing this amazing band to us, mere mortals.

I hope you enjoyed the great music and please, check out this band, you won't regret it!!

Pompton Lakes:
On Facebook 
On Twitter
Official website
 
"Rest":
On iTunes
On Spotify 

Worn...

So, I wake up again, scrubbing my eyes and wishing the day to be over already...

I wrote this sentence in an earlier post describing how I had been feeling most of the time lately. What I didn't know is that there's this song that echoes exactly what I felt like. I've written it in bold font in the lyrics below, listen to the song by clicking on the play button :)
Here it is,
Worn by tenth avenue north:

Lyrics:
I’m tired I’m worn
My heart is heavy
From the work it takes
To keep on breathing
I’ve made mistakes
I’ve let my hope fail
My soul feels crushed
By the weight of this world

And I know that You can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart
That’s frail and torn
I wanna know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that’s dead inside can be reborn
Cause I’m worn

I know I need to lift my eyes up
But I'm too weak
Life just won’t let up
And I know that you can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart
That’s frail and torn
I wanna know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that’s dead inside can be reborn
Cause I’m worn

My prayers are wearing thin
And I’m worn
Even before the day begins
I’m worn
I’ve lost my will to fight
I’m worn
So, heaven come and flood my eyes

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart
That’s frail and torn
I wanna know a song can rise
From the ashes of a broken life
And all that’s dead inside can be reborn
Cause all that’s dead inside will be reborn

Though I’m worn
Yeah I’m worn

Only difference is that Mike Donehey phrased it beautifully, with a great melody and a great singing ability, not much difference from what you're getting here ;)
However, I'll continue blurting out what I feel in need to say. It's therapeutic. And to whomever is reading this, you should do that too!
Yeah...

EDIT (March 15th, 2013): This song holds so much more meaning and beauty than I posted on here almost 3 months ago. I guess I didn't listen beyond my own words when it came to it. It's now I pray that "All that's dead inside can be reborn." Because there's alot that's dead inside...
I will not delete this, I just wanted to add what I thought of my post for now.
Peace to you :)

Merry Christmas!

Alright, it's not really Christmas Eve for me. My Coptic Orthodox Christian Christmas is actually on Jan. 7th. So, I will just be nice and go along with this.
Christmas, what a wonderful season it is. It marks the whole winter with its characteristic symbols. You just can't help but picture winter with all the pretty lights, red and green, Christmas tree theme going on. At least I can't. But I've come to realize my expectations are getting lower by the day. I no longer get so excited for the holidays as I did when I was a little kid. The pure joy I got from rain, frosty weather and family gatherings is no more. I'm not saying I am depressed or unhappy or whatever, I'm not. It's just that days take away the excitement I used to experience as a kid with the holidays approaching. They were such a big deal for me, and now I'm completely indifferent.
However, as I fail to be so very "festive" I try to focus on what matters to me most this season, God. Last year my prayer was to stop being so materialistic and to think of what truly matters which is Jesus' birth . I can say it came through. My thoughts cling to Him more than anything now. Even the silly Mayan 2012 prophecy brought me closer to Him, and for this I am grateful.

Music I am listening to now:
Here's the first, a song by "tenth avenue north". I see it as a prayer to stop clinging to "All The Pretty Things" and put our lives in God's hands. It's perfect when all that's on our minds is gifts and food and clothes and such. It always lifts my sight to the sky, to heaven where I belong :)

All The Pretty Things by tenth avenue north:

Lyrics:
We are, we are, we're caught in the in between
Of who we already are and who we are yet to be
And we're looking for love but finding we're still in need
It's only what we have lost will we be allowed to keep

And we're waiting but our eyes are wandering
To all this earth holds dear

Look at all the pretty things
That steal my heart away
I can feel I'm fading
'Cause Lord I love so many things
That keep me from Your face
Come and save me

We run we run to finally be set free
But we're fighting for what we've already received

So we're waiting but our eyes are wandering
To all this earth holds dear

Look at all the pretty things
That steal my heart away
I can feel I'm fading
'Cause Lord I love so many things
That keep me from Your face
Come and save me

We are we are caught in the in between
But we're fighting for what we already have received
We are we are caught in the in between
But we're fighting for what we already have received

Look at all the pretty things
That steal my heart away
I can feel I'm fading
'Cause Lord I love so many things
That keep me from Your face
Come and save me 

Yup, pretty powerful song, It's not gifts that are important this time of the year, it's JESUS' birth!

What echoes this sentiment is another song by a quite surprising artist, Taylor Swift. She wrote a song called "Christmas Must Be Something More" which I really like as it captures the whole idea. Here it is.

Christmas Must Be Something More by Taylor Swift:

Lyrics:
What if ribbons and bows didn't mean a thing
Would the song still survive without 5 golden rings
Would you still wanna kiss without mistletoe
What would happen if God never let it snow
What would happen if Christmas Carols told a lie
Tell me what you would find

You'd say that today holds something special
Something holy and not superficial
So here's to the birthday boy who saved our lives
It's something we all try to ignore
And put a wreath up on your door
So here's something you should know that is for sure
Christmas must be something more

What if angels did not pay attention to
All the things that we wish they would always do
What if happiness came in a cardboard box
Then I'd think there was something we all forgot
What would happen if presents all went away
Tell me what would you find

You'd say that today holds something special
Something holy and not superficial
So here's to the birthday boy who saved our lives
It's something we all try to ignore
And put a wreath up on your door
So here's something you should know that is for sure
Christmas must be something more

We get so caught up in all of it
Business and relationships
100 mile an hour lives
And it's this time of year
And everybody's here
It seems the last thing on your mind

Is that today holds something special
Something holy and not superficial
So here's to Jesus Christ  who saved our lives
It's something we all try to ignore
And put a wreath up on your door
So here's something you should know that is for sure
Christmas must be something (x2)
Christmas must be something more
There's gotta be more








I promise to try to be more Christmas-y the next time I'm posting. 
Merry Christmas! :)

Tenth Avenue North

Time for yet another music themed post. This time it's a better known band, Tenth Avenue North.
The band was referred to me by a new friend who is also a musician, before that I had listened to some of their songs but in a more scattered way. So I got their albums and started listening carefully. I gotta admit, it's lyrics that catch my ear at first. Music is also important but I just can't listen to something when I don't agree with what it's saying, even if it's set to the best musical piece ever known to the human kind. So, I went on to dig deep into the lyrics, because I gotta be honest at first all of the music sounded the same to me (embarrassing I know). The hooks are just the catchiest. And from a band of Christian faith, the lyrics are incredible!
Here I picked one song from each album they released, these are not necessarily my favorites since most of their material is great to me except for some occasional flops on each album. These are just the ones I feel are the right combo of music, lyrics and vocal performance.

1. By Your Side - from Over And Underneath (their debut album):

Lyrics:
Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away..

Why are you looking.. for love
Why are you still searching... as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

chorus-
cause I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you calling
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

Chorus
cause I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you calling
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Here in my side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you calling
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you


(Chorus 2x)

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go
love, love

cause I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you calling
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you


Here in my side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you calling
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Here in my side
My hands are holding you

2. Healing Begins - from The Light Meets The Dark: 
(this was a tough pick because their sophomore is my favorite release, but this song is amazing and the melody is really addictive. Oh, and the name of the album comes from its lyrics)

Lyrics:
So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside

So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now

This is where the healing begins oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear

So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now oh

This is where the healing begins oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us

This is where the healing begins oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

3. Don't Stop The Madness - from The Struggle: 
(chosen primarily for lyrical reasons, I don't savor the ongoing "choir" theme this album has. Still a pretty good song)


Lyrics:
There's a beggar down inside of me
Standing on the corner of the street
And my shame is my only company
Can use some cash, but can't admit my need
For what you've got and what I could receive
I need you love to come and break the silence

Don't stop the madness
Don't stop the chaos
Don't stop the pain surrounding me
Don't be afraid, Lord, to break my heart
Just bring me down to my knees, yeah

All I hear is what they're selling me
That God is love, he isn't suffering
And what you need's a little faith and prosperity
But, oh my God, I know there's more than this
If you promise pain it can't be meaningless
So make me poor if that's the price for freedom

Don't stop the madness
Don't stop the chaos
Don't stop the pain surrounding me
Don't be afraid, Lord, to break my heart
If it brings me down to my knees, yeah

In a marriage lost
And the cry in the dark
Don't stop with your love
And the mother's tear
For the child that starves
Don't stop with your love
When we're breaking down
We're falling apart
Don't stop with your love
And with new eyes to see
This is your mercy
Don't stop with your love

Don't stop the madness
Don't stop the chaos
Don't stop the pain inside of me
Do whatever it takes to give me your heart
And bring me down to my knees, Lord

 That's it for now, I guess I shall return with a holiday themed post right before Christmas. It's really close though :)

Mood Swings

I admit it, I've been acting like a total 4 year-old this week. The week began terribly with having to spend a whole day outside. I hate the outdoors!! It was pure torture for me. But then it was finding out the results of two quizzes I had taken the week before. Oh God, did I mess up! I was appalled, mostly of myself, I didn't even think I could do this bad. I was a complete wreck by Tuesday.
I have no idea what happened, but suddenly it all went better. Like when you give some candy to the aforementioned 4 year-old after crying hysterically. It probably has something to do with a pep talk given to me by a friend, I was like: "That's it, I'm done"...but then she was like: "Get up on your feet and just don't give a crap about it!" I NEEDED this!
The next day I had yet another quiz, physics this time. I felt pretty terrible before it, but after it was done...well, it was done anyway.
And I hit rock bottom again. A person with whom I've been friends for some time posted on facebook what implies that they just don't care anymore, about anything or anyone (pretty sure it's me at this case). I was angry, for I've been trying to reach out to this person while they just don't. I never wanted it to be like this, it hurts just to talk about it
 Since I decided not to give a crap about anything either, I tried to get my mind off of it. Let me tell you, listening to Gangnam Style by Psy does help, I was just laughing my butt off like an idiot :D
The soundtrack to the week is VERY diverse, ranging from slow, moody, melancholic songs, to upbeat, energetic pop. I'm the kind of girl who listens to Jars Of Clay and Taylor Swift, and I don't think I'd want to change that :))
So, here are the songs that stuck with me. They're on the two sides of the spectrum, but to me they're all good music.

P.s. to listen to any of the songs just click on the play button under the title :)

1. Headphones by Jars Of Clay:

Lyrics:
I don't have to hear it, if I don't want to
I can drown this out, pull the curtains down on you
It's a heavy world, it's too much for me to care
If I close my eyes, it's not there

With my headphones on, with my headphones on
With my headphones on, with my headphones on

We watch television...but the sound is something else
Just a song played against the drama, so the hurt is never felt
I take in the war-fires, and I'm chilled by the current events
It's so hopeless, but there's a pop song in my

Headphones on, in my headphones on
With my headphones on, with my headphones on

At the Tube Stop, you sit down across from me
(I can see you looking back at me)
I think I know you
By the sad eyes that I see
I want to tell you (It's a heavy world)
Everything will be okay
You wouldn't hear it (I don't want to have to hear it)
So we go our separate ways...

With our headphones on, with our headphones on
With our headphones on, with our headphones on
I don't wanna be the one who tries to figure it out
I don't need another reason I should care about you
You don't want to know my story
You don't want to own my pain
Living in a heavy, heavy world
And there's a pop song in my head
I don't want to have to hear it

2. Scenic Route also by Jars Of Clay:

Lyrics:
Don't turn your back on me
Or read in between my words
I'm trying to drag this out
Taking the scenic route

I know we could get there much faster if we wanted to
But that isn't what you and I came here to do

No nails to untie the knots
No veins left to take the shots
No touch to end a fight
Or letting who's wrong be right

We're just sitting like novels we've picked up but never read through
You think you know my ending, I think I know yours, too
You see, nowhere in these old conversations is there anything new

Even though we know the sun will rise
Every ray of light still takes us by, by surprise

Baby, leave it all behind
Baby, leave it all behind
Missed a road sign
I don't want to get home soon
Drive the car all the way around the moon
Baby, we could get lost
We have another state to cross
We could find each other out
Tell our secrets on the scenic route
I don't want to get home soon
Drive the car around the moon
I don't want to crush you or rush you
I'm not going faster if you want to and if you want to
I don't want to rush you or crush you
But I won't go faster if you want to
It's not what we came here to do
I just want to drive
I just want to drive
  
3. Red by Taylor Swift:
 

Lyrics:
Loving him is like driving a new Maserati down a dead end street
Faster than the wind, passionate as sin, ending so suddenly
Loving him is like trying to change your mind once you’re already flying through the free fall
Like the colors in autumn, so bright, just before they lose it all

Losing him was blue, like I’ve never known
Missing him was dark grey, all alone
Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you never met
But loving him was red
Loving him was red

Touching him was like realizing all you ever wanted was right there in front of you
Memorizing him was as easy as knowing all the words to your old favorite song
Fighting with him was like trying to solve a crossword and realizing there’s no right answer
Regretting him was like wishing you’d never found out that love could be that strong

Losing him was blue, like I’ve never known
Missing him was dark grey, all alone
Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you never met
But loving him was red

Oh, red
Burning red

Remembering him comes in flashbacks, in echoes
Tell myself it’s time now, gotta let go
But moving on from him is impossible when I still see it all in my head
Burning red
Loving him was red

Oh, losing him was blue, like I’ve never known
Missing him was dark grey, all alone
Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you never met
‘Cause loving him was red
Yeah, yeah red
Burning red

And that’s why he’s spinning round in my head
Comes back to me, burning red
Yeah, yeah
His love was like driving a new Maserati down a dead end street

That's it peeps, the stuff I needed to blurt out. I shall go back to being buried alive in books, praying it would all pay off in the end.

Peace, Love and Longing for Perfection :) 

The Hawk In Paris

This is my current obsession. The Hawk In Paris is an electronic pop, 80's inspired music project. They've released two EPs so far, both are awesome. So awesome that the first time I've listened to any of the songs chills were running through my whole body, good kind of chills.
I dare you not to get addicted to this work of art. I never even thought an electronic project would appeal to me in any sort of way, turns out I'm a big sucker for GOOD electronic music. 
Here are some examples, judge for yourselves!

Science Fiction from "His+Hers" EP (2011) : 

Lyrics:
You're a robot army, sent to end my race
Like a sea swallowing cities, I'll be gone without a trace
And in your chronic, most apocalyptic state of mind
You will leave the Earth behind (x2)


Chorus:
'Cause sometimes in the future, the Earth won't spin
Someday, I'll see you floating in

And our love is science, our love is science fiction(x2)

We used up our feelings in a war to gain control
Now there's nothing in the crossfire, and no more stars to follow
We are space-like satellites, and orbits that won't touch
You're missing me so much, and I'm missing you so much

[Chorus]

Bridge:
And I can feel near you the gravity is growing
This transmission isn't showing
And we have a problem, we have a problem
There's nothing we can do to keep our worlds from colliding
Keep our world from colliding

And our love is science, our love is science fiction (repeat)


Put Your Arms Around Me (from the same EP) :
 
Lyrics:
Welcome to the fracture
Here in the the land of broken things
We burned our history lessons 
In the fire of childhood kings
When we run out of ammunition
And we exhaust our last defense
And we go from screams to whispers
This might all make more sense

We've finally disconnected
We are unemotional
And the anthems we are singing
Don't mean anything at all
We're afraid of our conclusions
What we love will kill us first
And the way to tell the difference
From what we hate only makes things worse
 
(Put your arms, your arms around me now)

We are objects without motion
Set this way by force
When our broken hearts give bad ideas
That cause the great divorce
And we found "suburbi-anderthal"
In its natural state
It acts and looks just like us all
But we still don't relate

Rolling windows up in neighborhoods we drive through in our cars
Most days we can avoid them, so things will stay the way they are

Put your arms around me
Put your arms around me now (x2)

Bridge:
I can hear the sounds of violins
In every word you breathe
And the worst of what's become of you
Is what's become of me
I can feel your hands are shaking
While you reach into the night
Don't let go
I'll hold on tight

Put your arms around me
Put your arms around me now (x2)


The New Hello (His)
(there's a Hers version, explains the name of the EP, but this is my favorite version of the song)
 
Lyrics:
(Girls on one side, Boys on the other)
She was falling down the mountain, an avalanche of human stone
As she tumbled to the valley, she thought she’s better off alone
He felt the pressure of a million miles underneath the sea
Still taking in water from a love that couldn’t be

It was girls on one side, boys on the other
No one was dancing or looking for love

Sometimes it’s over before it begins
No one takes a risk and everyone wins
If you love someone, then let them go
‘Cause goodbye is the new hello
The new hello

She was hanging in the shadows, a ghost along the flowered walls
And when she stepped out of the darkness, she thought she'll never love at all
He felt the pressure of a million lies underneath his skin
Still waiting for the courage and the music to begin

It was girls on one side, boys on the other
No one was dancing or looking for love

Sometimes it’s over before it begins
No one takes a risk and everyone wins
If you love someone, then let them go
‘Cause goodbye is the new hello
The new hello

As the boys took the hands of the angels
She watched him frozen to the floor
When the lights slid off of the mirror ball
She couldn't see him anymore
She walked right out the door

Sometimes it’s over before it begins
No one takes a risk and everyone wins
If you love someone, then let them go
‘Cause goodbye is the new hello (x2)

(Girls on one side, Boys on the other)

The lyrics are superb, and singing along is LOTS of fun. Left to add is that the first EP had some slower, sadder songs, the kind you'd listen to after a big break up. I admit I'm not so big into the whole "tormented lover" thing, maybe because I've never really been one. They will be left for another time :D

And now for the big finish. This song was featured on the hit show "Pretty Little Liars", right in the middle of an awesome episode, and from the YouTube comments (and my humble opinion) you could see it fitted like a glove.

Here is Freaks from the "Freaks" EP:

 

 

 Lyrics:

We have a flair for the shade and the in between
We like to run with the wolves from the darker scene
When we turn the safety off, the shots are automatic
All our friends tell their friends we’re so dramatic

We’ll have you wrapped around our trigger finger
Queen bee yellow, you’re the skin for our stinger
We’ll make you swoon, make it hurt just a little
We’re the boys and the girls and the freaks in the middle

We know the halls you walk are unforgiving
It’s not the kind of place to find your place among the living
We have a plan, we’ve got the means for your liberation
You’ll only have to blur the lines on a few occasions

We have you wrapped around our trigger finger
Queen bee yellow, you’re the skin for our stinger
We’ll make you swoon, make you hurt just a little
We’re the boys and the girls and the freaks in the middle
Boys and the girls and the freaks in the middle
Boys and the girls and the freaks in the middle

We have the cure for your crisis never patent pending
If you come along with us the doors are never ending
If you want to rule the world you’ve got to stop pretending
If you want to rule the world you’ve got to stop pretending

See, we’ve got them wrapped around our trigger fingers
Queen bee yellow, they’re the skin for our stingers
We’ll make them swoon, make it hurt just a little
We’re the boys and the girls and the freaks in the middle
Boys and the girls and the freaks in the middle

Alright then, this was what's on my mind right now. Hopefully I'll be posting soon about more stuff, but for now I'm kinda stuck with studying.

And please go check out The Hawk In Paris, you wont regret that!

Change

A lot has been happening to me recently, especially in the last couple of years. practically nothing I'd known about myself or about the people around me stayed the same. the way people treat me and the way I treat them back, my attitude towards certain subjects, my taste in music, even my appearance has changed. it's just a bit confusing to me, how can ALOT change in such a small period of time, is it even possible? or am I delusional? I have no idea.
I started thinking about this in the light of a friendship that started in summer 2011, it was amazing how much me and this friend had in common...we'd talk for hours and hours and not get bored, our likes and dislikes were almost identical, I even remember one time we had taken a quiz and we got the same score, the funny thing is that we got the same question wrong choosing the very same wrong choice! connecting with this friend was something special, we helped each other get through lots of rough times and we always counted on each other to be there.
However, it didn't stay this way. we kind or started drifting apart, we'd go for almost two weeks without chatting on Facebook or even saying hi. the weird thing is that when asked, this friend says it's just being busy that's keeping us apart and that we'd go back to our "norm" if we got the chance. I just simply don't get it. they say that if people want you in their lives they'd walk the distance to find you amidst their everyday business. I fear that we don't do this anymore. part of the blame surely lies on me, the problem is that I have some sort of a repulsive force against people, even the people I love the most, I'd say something stupid or insensitive and than they're gone, or even not say anything at all, because sometimes it's the only reason one wants to leave; not getting enough attention. I tried to start conversations, but I guess if the other half is unwilling to talk it will be completely fruitless.
The thing I fear the most is that I might be over-analyzing things, and that this person wants to be my friend as much as I do, it's just hard for me to watch people walk away from my life one after the other while questioning the reasons why, and doubting that I could be the problem in the first place.
Here's a song that pops into my head every time I think about this,

The Chronicles of Narnia Soundtrack - 01 - Jars of Clay - Waiting For the World to Fall
Lyrics:
I'm afraid it's been too long to try to find the reasons why
I let my world close in around a smaller patch of fading sky
But now I've grown beyond the walls to where I've never been
And it's still winter in my wonderland

I'm waiting for the world to fall
I'm waiting for the scene to change
I'm waiting when the colors come
I'm waiting to let my world come undone

I close my eyes and try to see the world unbroken underneath
The farther off and already it just might make the life I lead
A little more than make-believe when all my skies are painted blue
And the clouds don't ever change the shape of who I am to You

I'm waiting for the world to fall
I'm waiting for the scene to change
I'm waiting when the colors come
I'm waiting to let my world come undone

When I catch the light of falling stars my view is changing me
My view is changing me

My Actual 1st Post: Perfection Interrupted

Honestly I had no intentions/ plans to post first thing about the blog name, it was the most clever thing I could think of that suited what I'm going for here. So as I playfully Googled the blog (lame I know), I came across this song that bears the same name!
Uncanny coincidence?! Maybe.
I'm the least bit interested in the music, it's the lyrics that are kinda awesome :))
Here it is: Perfection Interrupted by Leeni (God only knows who she is/ they are)

Lyrics:
You're like a movie that's been edited, for a Sunday afternoon rotation
You're like a poorly dubbed foreign film, everything's lost in translation
You're like a sitcom's lame substitute for vulgarity
You're like a B-rate actor's lack of sincerity

[Chorus]
You're like an outtake to a beautifully scripted scene,
where the actor tripped and fell and shouted something obscene
You are perfection, interrupted
And your decent heart has somehow been corrupted

You're like the remake of a classic that didn't need to be improved upon
You're like the fake teeth made of plastic, where all the glisten has been painted on
You're like the logo of blatant product placement
You're like the lead in a horror film who locks herself in the basement

When the world comes to an end, we will look up at the sky,
It will fade to black as the credits roll by,
We will all look for our names for a touch of validation,
But yours will be misspelled, there's an i where the a should go.

I prescribe not listening to it more than twice, it wears off quite easily. But think of it this way, if it were set to more pop-ish music and sung by an A-list popstar, it would've made it to Billboard's top 100 :D
Enjoy :)