Put a Penny In the Slot.

Songs I've been obsessing over lately.

Hearts A Mess - Gotye (3AM Remix)
The Sun - The Naked And Famous
The Wolves (Act l Act ll) - Ellie Goulding (Bon Iver Cover)
All My Alibis - El Sportivo & The Blooz
Shook - Sigur Ros Vs. Mobb Deep (Emancipator Mash Up)
Sing - Four Tet
Stay The Same (Feat. Andreya Triana) - Bonobo
Strange And Unprepared - Copeland

Brennivin - The Album Leaf
Lazarus - Circa Survive

R.Dearlove

The Morning After.

A darling of a friend of mine asked for this special treat. This little mix just seems like a fitting match. I'm so happy to have such amazing friends who continuously make me laugh and help me see the bright side of life.

Enjoy.

Blue In Green - Miles Davis
One Evening (Solo Piano Version) - Feist
The Girl From Ipanema - Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto & Stan Getz
I Don't Know What I Can Save You From (Royksopp Remix) - Kings Of Convenience
You Ain't Always There - Hungry Kids Of Hungary
Northern Lights - Bowerbirds
Sing To You - Alain De Courtenay
Tracy's Waters - Patrick Watson
Wonderwall - Ryan Adams

R.Dearlove

For Emma, Forever Ago.

Have you ever loved something so much, no words will ever suffice to how you feel? That's how I feel about many things, maybe I'm too passionate. I was playing Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago and fell once again in love. I remember two years ago searching Rough Trade's website and coming across the gorgeous album cover. After listening to it, my entire idea of music transformed. It was like nothing I've heard before. For the first time I honestly understood the idea of music as an art form. I was beyond belief that a musician could create something so beautiful without really focusing on fundamental structure. Without boundaries, art can grasp an emotion beyond human understanding. Bon Iver's falsetto voice also played an important role to the unique sound. It's a beautiful album, anyone who hasn't listened should. It's never too late.

"This is not the sound of a new man or crispy realization
It's the sound of the unlocking and the lift away
Your love will be
Safe with me"

Re:Stacks - Bon Iver
Skinny Love - Bon Iver

Have a beautiful day,

R. Dearlove

Love this band, Sun Airway. Can't stop listening to their new album, Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier.

"when the moonlight turns your shadow into a traitor
turns you over to a world you can't relate to
i'll be there just to lasso you the moonshine
in the back of your mind just like a wind chime
i'll be there when you call my name oh naoko"

Oh Naoko - Sun Airway

Waiting On You - Sun Airway

R.Dearlove

Song For a Lover of Long Ago

Desolate and haunting, it spreads within. Silence echoes, a gasp for air, a whisper through the night. Crimson streaks the sky. The glow of light, as it peaks through cracks, let's out a single howl. A silent world shatters, lifeless. Again.

Hearts A Mess - Gotye

Different Stars - Trespassers William
Roslyn - Bon Iver & St. Vincent
Lamplight - Cavalier Rose
My Love - Sia
Love Affair - Copeland
Broken Horse - Freelance Whales
Human - Civil Twilight
Black Wave - The Shins
Transatlanticism - Death Cab For Cutie
Concerning The UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois - Sufjan Stevens
Down The Burning Ropes - James Vincent McMorrow

R.Dearlove

It's a Sight to Behold

I've been itching to travel lately. My hopefully planned trip/volunteer experience to Uganda is still up in the air and I just wish a decision could be made soon. I watched this video and was completely absorbed in all the rich colors as well as the culture of this beautiful country. When I do happen to begin my travels, considering on the destination, my playlists would have to suffice. Who better to serenade me than Devendra Banhart?

Morocco & Spain from Mike Matas on Vimeo.

Draft Morning - Hacia Dos Veranos
At The Hop - Devendra Banhart

Ciao,

R.Dearlove

Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself..

I should apologize for my absence, it's been much too long. Alas, here I am again and ready to spill. I've been obliged to share my mixes I've worked on recently. Although this is not necessarily a substantial mix and may not have much significance to anyone else, this is the music I've relied on lately to get me through my busy days. And when I'm sitting anxiously awaiting for the subway to whisk me away in the late hours, I have something lovely to accompany me on my long wait.

Most of these tunes are relatively new and fresh off the hypeworthy totem pole. An essential piece to this mix is Young the Giant. They have finally released their self-titled album today and it's safe for me to say that it's one of my favorite albums of the year. I expect an exquisitely beautiful future for these fine men.

So here it is, a special mix from me to you.

Time To Wander - Gypsy & The Cat
Strings - Young The Giant
Headspace - We Barbarians
Coming Around - Hungry Kids Of Hungary
Lucidity - Tame Impala
Young Blood - The Naked And Famous
Rill Rill - Sleigh Bells
Bodysnatchers - Radiohead
Plane Temp - Glasser
Out, Don't.. - Gauntlet Hair
Masters In China - Priscilla Ahn
And If My Heart Should Somehow Stop - James Vincent McMorrow

Enjoy,

R. Dearlove

Faded High

With one more month left of summer, I have much to reflect on. I've had the pleasure of experiencing some new and amazing music throughout the past few months. I've also been able to attend incredible concerts including Fang Island and The Flaming Lips; Atlas Sound, The National and Rufus Wainwright; Freelance Whales, Arkells and Tokyo Police Club and finally Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. They left me in awe. Last night I was also able to watch Arcade Fire's concert at MSG live on their YouTube Channel. The show was intense and I wish I was there holding up Win Butler as he jumped into thee crowd song after song.

Here is my fourth summer mix filled with songs that I can't help but sing along to... sing on the top of my lungs that is. it's such a joy to wake up each morning and realize what great music is awaiting. So here you go, enjoy these lovely tunes.

Summer Mix 4:

Boy - Ra Ra Riot
My Body - Young The Giant
Cold War - The Morning Benders
Not Sick - Tokyo Police Club
TAOS - Menomena
Ballad Of Hugo Chavez - Arkells
Loon And The Lion - Levek
Next Girl - The Black Keys
Bushwick Blues - Delta Spirit
Summer Nights Lakeside - Gospel Claws
Silver Screen - Beat Connection
Brother - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

R.Dearlove

Make an Appearance, Our Minds Have Gone Mad.

"It's time to make a start

To get to know your heart

Time to show your face

Time to take your place"

Every now and then I stumble into an amorphous state of mind, trying simply to move forward without feeling helpless and lost. Sometimes it feels as if all my thoughts, both conscious and unconscious, are meshed together into one. What was once a distant dream becomes a constant reminder of what could be; what could be discovered, and what could be possible. During these periods of time, the music that suffices can be described as a sudden and mellow hush that engages the senses. Listen and feel that aching calmness, as it collects over time and escapes in a masterpiece of sound.

Pleasure Sighs - The Morning Benders
Stitches - The Morning Benders
Open Invitation - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Stay In The Shade - Jose Gonzalez
Cubism Dream - Local Natives
Sticky Thread - Local Natives

R.Dearlove

The Hope is We Have so Much to Feel Good About.

And here is Summer Mix three. The first song, should be on everyone's life soundtrack. I have had it on repeat for the past several hours. The lyrics and beat just have me up dancing around, excited for the next years to come. So much to look forward to, new adventures, new friends. This whole mix is rather uplifting and fun. Take risks, worry less and love more, enjoy what life offers no matter what.

"When you're happy like a fool
Let it take you over
When everything is out
You gotta take it in"

Summer Mix 3:

Good Life - OneRepublic
Jackie Wants A Black Eye - Dr. Dog
Walkabout - Atlas Sound
My Own Sinking Ship - Good Old War
Black & Milds - Cataldo
Furr - Blitzen Trapper
Lust For Life - Girls
Dog Days Are Over - Florence & The Machine
Ocean And A Rock - Lisa Hannigan
Daylight - Matt And Kim
Harmony To My Heartbeat - Sally Seltmann
Home (RAC Mix) - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

R.Dearlove

Close Your Eyes

Your secret from Jean-Sebastien Monzani on Vimeo.

“I have noticed that if you look carefully at people’s eyes the first five seconds they look at you, the truth of their feelings will shine through for just an instant before it flickers away.” ~The Secret Life of Bees

Go ahead, think of your beautiful secret. "Don't be scared, you are free." Also posted, I have two amazing experimental tunes to share from Kieran Hebden's Four Tet album There Is Love In You.

Angel Echoes - Four Tet

She Just Like To Fight - Four Tet

R.Dearlove

she who lives

And, after a VERY long hiatus, I'm back...




My life. Has been a complete tornado since you've last seen me. Everything, whirling, unstoppable, spinning around each other in beautiful chaos. Moving in every direction, but most importantly, moving. When's the last time I've felt this fulfilled? I couldn't even tell you. But it's about time. It's strange, too, that in the midst of what I would definitely consider to be the greatest trials that have come my way, there are, growing among the weeds, the most wonderful experiences. Would you believe me if I told you that I've changed so much in one month?

While not having the best year during school, I somehow find that my career is exploding faster than a shaken up soda can - FIZZ and POP, there you have it! I'm suddenly working for a latex couture designer I had blogged about so long ago here. During my stay at the Philippines, though it was cut short due to a sudden internship opportunity, I realized just how wonderful family really is. Being raised in America, it's all about individuality, individuality, individuality. While that's all good and dandy, it's easy to forget the importance of the solid support factor you'll find in family. Even my communication with my parents has improved drastically, and I didn't think there was anything really wrong. Truth is, I'd just been ignoring it. Yet, at the peak of our problems, all defenses were broken down and what's left is fresh ground to rebuild on. In addition, even my love life has taken a turn. And though it's far from being anything sure or stable, I can't help but to enjoy every moment I have with it. What else can I do?

This is life - so live it.



Ai

Summer Days

It's a new day, time to start over. Here is Summer Mix 2, much mellower than than the first. It starts with the beautifully lyrical Memoryhouse, works it's way into relaxing pop alternative Matt Pond, takes a turn for the eccentric with Icelandic Sigur Ros, gives a peek to beautiful thick layers of piercing falsetto with James Mcmorrow, and finally ends with the haunting lyrics of Freelance Whales.

Summer Mix 2

Bonfire - Memoryhouse
Made For Glory - Landon Pigg
Ruins - Matt Pond PA
Go Outside - Cults
Celeste - Asobi Seksu
Blue Beard - Band Of Horses
Dens - Holiday Shores
Flugufrelsarinn - Sigur Ros
This Old Dark Machine - James Vincent McMorrow
10 Mile Stereo - Beach House
I'm A Pilot - Fanfarlo
Broken Horse - Freelance Whales

Listen to this on the road as you're traveling far away, away from everything. Relax and breathe in the cool air.

Laugh and move on.

R.Dearlove

New York Summer, I Wish.

Oh New York, how far away you truly are. I miss you terribly. I miss the people, I miss the noise, I miss the chaos and the beautiful moments I used to find myself in. Two more months away is much too long. I will find a way back sooner in order to keep sane. So here I am, feeling nostalgic and wanting so badly to see my Alex and Aisha, my Amanda and Kristen and everyone else so far away. I'm writing this after seeing this unbelievable picture blog that posted all about New York. It left me craving a city walk through the farmers market in Union Square, a stroll through the Meatpacking district and on the Highline, and finally, a night on the town with the girls.

"I love New York on summer afternoons when everyone’s away. There’s something very sensuous about it - overripe, as if all sorts of funny fruits were going to fall into your hands." Great Gatsby

A perfect song for the summer by a new artist, Magic Kids. True Panther announced that their debut album will be called Memphis and will be reduced August 24th.

Summer - Magic Kids

R. Dearlove

They're Just Thoughts, So Go Ahead and Speak.

"I'm back for good, I promise."

... And I really am this time. Lately, so many ideas have circulated my mind but nothing I really cared to write about. Some topics too personal, others just too mundane to share. Well what I have today is the first of the many summer mixes that can be easily downloaded to your iTunes. A combination of classic and eccentric, these songs are a perfect mix for the many summer endeavors you may encounter.

1st Summer Mix

Real Love - Delorean

Animal - Neon Trees
You've Got The Love - The Very Best (The XX & Florence + The Machine Overdub)
oOOoOOo - Oberhofer
Mexican Mavis - Boy & Bear
Souls Of Gold - Sister Crayon
Mouthful Of Diamonds - Phantogram
What You Know (LightsoverLA Remix) - Two Door Cinema Club
Kiara - Bonobo
Celestica (Professor Purple Remix) - Crystal Castles
Living/Breathing - Mesita
John Wayne Gacy Jr. / Specialize (Feat. Pete Rock & & CL Smooth) - Tor / Sufjan Stevens
Who Knows Who Cares - Local Natives
Timshel - Mumford & Sons

Happy Summer,

R.Dearlove

make room

Settled in.

That's what I feel like. The first day back was the hardest, without a doubt. I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed more than a tear for my emptied out room, for the fact that I had survived (just barely) my first year of college. For the roommate that became one of my closest friends. For the realization that my ticket back home was one-way. Two days later, I'm sitting comfortably on my bed, typing my thoughts away, just as I would in my dorm room.

A room is something you make your own.

That's where you wake up in the morning, that's where you close your eyes at night. It's your safe haven. You put things on the walls - your scent is everywhere. All around, there's evidence of you. There's a crumpled bedsheet, a discarded sock. I guess that why it killed me to see my dorm room bare. I had a flashback of when I first set eyes on it. I'd scoffed at it - small, cold, different, uncomfortable. In a year, it had become my home.







- Ai

Home

Hello, blogger. It's been awhile since I've seen you. :) These are my thoughts, lately, expressed through the songs I haven't been able to stop listening to.

`sing for me again?`

Open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn,
You're free
Look into your heart and you'll find
The sky is yours.



I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

`You find what you're looking for
when you're not looking for it.`

To walk with me
All summer long
We sang a song
And strolled on golden sand
Two sweethearts
And the summer wind




The Summer Wind - Madeleine Payroux


'I didn't think I could feel the butterflies again.'

Now that she's back in the atmosphere
With drops of Jupiter in her hair,
She acts like summer and walks like rain, reminds me that there's time to change,
Since the return of her stay on the moon, she listens like spring
and she talks like June



Drops of Jupiter - Train

'There's no way I could resist you.'

Fingers trace your every outline
Paint a picture with my hands
Back and forth we sway like branches in a storm
Change the weather still together when it ends













Sunday Morning - Maroon 5

'Peace, Love, Unity. I forgot how much I liked to hold hands.'

Spinning on that dizzy edge
I kissed her face and kissed her head
And dreamed of all the different ways I had
To make her glow
"Why are you so far away?" she said
"Why won't you ever know that I'm in love with you,
That I'm in love with you?"



Just Like Heaven - Katie Melua

`I don't know how you do it, but I'm falling fast.`

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new














In My Life - The Beatles

`How is it time to leave already?
I'm not ready yet.`

Another aeroplane
Another sunny place
I’m lucky, I know
But I wanna go home
Mmmm, I’ve got to go home







Home - Michael Buble

It's my final day living in NYC until next semester. God knows I'll miss this place dearly. This Monday, I'm hopping on an airplane to the Philippines for almost a month. I'm excited, but I wish everything was timed a little differently.. then again, I believe everything is meant to happen precisely when it should. So we'll see what happens. Starting next Monday, look out for my posts .. I'll try as hard as I can to post a picture everyday.

I still have the jitters,

Ai

It's been awhile...

I know it's been awhile since both Aisha and I have posted but this is the end of the semester and the workload has yet to cease. However, I've raked up many topics to discuss and write about in the next few weeks. For starters, my friend Brandon just introduced Kitsune Noir to me the other day. The creator, Bobby Solomon, makes these amazing weekly themed mixes. I'm going to periodically post my own themed mixes free to download.

For now I'll leave you with Envy On The Coast, from their new album Lowcountry.

The Great American T-Shirt Racket - Envy On The Coast
Made Of Stone - Envy On The Coast

R.Dearlove

Clear Skies When I Think of You.

Exactly.

Clear Skies - Keane

That's all today,

R.Dearlove

reprogram

What happens when you abandon emotion? When you dead yourself off to the world, why do you do it? Is it because you are afraid of being hurt? You've toughened your skin so much that it feels like steel, almost impossible to penetrate. Your walls are far too high - you're only sentencing yourself to life in isolation. And then what? When you were young, what were your dreams? Did you have any?

When you were young, did you say, "When I grow up, I want to be a robot"?

Objects can't feel like people, but can people feel like objects? Used, neglected, loved .. or dead, emotionless, unfeeling, only serving to carry out its proper functions? I'm seeing it in people I love, and I'm afraid they'll never find their way out.





I've been a fan of WongFu Productions for years now. I even met WongFu when they came to Rutgers (they signed my sketchbook!) and it was wonderful. Their new short film, When Five Fell, is a story so bittersweet. It poses this question: Can everyday objects we love, use, and often neglect love us back just as much ... if not, even more?

Check out their website -
Watch their other short films -
Fall in love.

Ai

I've just lost my mind, but I still got you

City Series Rennes #1.1 - Last Morning Soundtrack from KIDAM on Vimeo.

In a time where everything is supposed to be winding down, my life has become even more chaotic. Yes it was my choice to leave projects unfinished until the very end. Yes it was my choice to change my major last minute. And yes it was my choice to email every music internship that craigslist had to offer and now have to go on interviews. My choices. How quickly we agree, rather it be right or wrong. How quickly our choices impact later decisions and so forth. I cannot even fathom what's in store for me in the next few years, nor the next few months. Any slight decision could change everything. I just hope I'll be ready for this change, whenever it shall reach me.

Stay Awake - Lydia
One More Day - Lydia


R.Dearlove

struck.

This short film made me happy during this terrible week. I hope it does the same for you.
I think, right now, I'm moving too fast to be struck by an arrow. Sometimes I wish I'd slow down.

- Ai

aged to imperfection.

College (Etherea Remix) - Animal Collective

Lollipops turn into cigarettes. The innocent ones turn into sluts. Homework goes in the trash. Mobile phones are being used in class. Detention becomes suspension. Soda becomes vodka. Bikes become cars. Kisses turn into sex. Remember when getting high meant swinging on the playground? When protection meant wearing a helmet? When the worst things you could get from boys were cooties? Dad's shoulders were the highest place on Earth and Mom was your hero? Your worst enemies were your siblings. Race issues were about who ran the fastest. War was only a card game. Getting in trouble meant getting put in time-out. And the only drug you knew was cough medicine. When wearing a skirt didn't make you a slut. The most pain you felt was when you skinned your knees, and goodbyes only meant until tomorrow?

And we couldn't wait to grow up.

- Ai

Your Eyes are Like Billboards.

Lisa Solberg, check her out here.

Today, a bit of everything. Things I love. Things that bring me happiness and inspiration.

Go ahead,

scroll down,

and enjoy!

I'm desperately in love with this song by Radical Face.
Welcome Home - Radical Face

A little Rogue Wave to start your day. Such a magnificent song.
Salesman At The Day Of The Parade - Rogue Wave

One of my favorite Blogotheque takes, Bon Iver:

Have a beautiful day,

R.Dearlove