It's Friday - Reader's Pick

From Wendy B.  She claims she listens to "weird, old stuff."  Works for me.   Thanks for sharing.

Listen to this:
The High Road - The Feelies     
Cherub Rock - Smashing Pumpkins    

The Old 'New'

I am constantly on the hunt for new music.  There is nothing better than finding an artist or album that I like and taking the time to explore their sound or it's story, respectively.  That said, every once in a while it's good to pull out something from the past; to listen to the artists that helped influence much of what we listen to today.  I can't deny that much of my love for music is rooted in many of the albums that I discovered throughout my tragic years of junior high.  My husband (who also has a passion for music) recently suggested that we sit back and listen to U2's Joshua Tree, which was released in 1987, from start to finish.  As each song played, we talked about where we were when the album came out, the memories that certain songs brought to mind and how we shared the experience with our friends at the time.  For both of us, this album had such a strong influence during a time in our lives when music had a huge impact.  I was totally blown away by how moved I still am by this album.  Without the work of artists like these, we wouldn't have the work of the new artists that we're listening to today.  Next time you're scrolling through your music library, consider taking some time to rediscover an old album.  Enjoy the old 'new'.

Listen to this:
Exit - U2 (Joshua Tree)  

and if you have the time, listen to this, too:
One Tree Hill - U2 (Joshua Tree)  

Look Up

On Saturday I went for a run in Franconia, NH.  This was my first of many runs that I will do up there this winter.  Despite the fact that it was chilly, it was a crisp, sunny afternoon and unlike last year, there wasn't any snow on the ground yet.  I have a love/hate relationship with the running up in NH.  It is almost impossible to find a run in this particular area that doesn't include several long, often steep, rolling hills.  While I know these make me stronger, they are not my favorite.  Unfortunately, I do not have a choice, so I  complain about it once or twice at the start of the season and then I try and accept it for what it is.  I find myself "tackling" these runs.  I grab my ipod, turn up the volume and zone out.  When I get to the first hill, I usually tuck my head down, lean forward and trudge up while trying not to think about it too much.  When I get to the top, I tend to quickly shift gears and enjoy the easy cruise down the other side.  This is how it goes for most of the run.  On Saturday, I happened to look up and to my left when I got to the top of Sunset Hill Road.  I did a double take and then I paused my music and stopped completely. I had to take a minute to stare at this incredible view of the mountains with the sun behind them.  It was surreal.  If I hadn't looked up for that random moment, I would have missed this small treat that the run provided.  What a shame that would have been.  This was another one of the moments when I realized how much more running has to offer.  Don't forget to look up.

Listen to this:

Stay Gold - The Big Pink   

It's Friday - Reader's Pick

From Dina H. (my live music partner).  Oh, how we miss you!  Thanks for sharing.

Listen to this:
When I'm Small - Phantogram