Rat Girl - by Kristin Hersh

I first heard Throwing Muses in college.  It was my freshman year, and "Counting Backwards" came on the radio.  (Oh how I love college radio.)  I remember being drawn in immediately, because their sound was so unique.  I walked to the record store that day and bought "The Real Ramona".  I've been a fan ever since.  

The mixture of the band's sound, Kristin Hersh's voice, and her lyrics, is compelling and beautiful.  I confess I don't understand a lot of her lyrics at all, and yet I still love the songs.  (Funny...as I type that, I seem to recall my mother saying the same thing about Joni Mitchell.)  Similar to an abstract painting, you may not know what the artist was feeling or thinking as s/he created it, but you can still evaluate it based on its beauty and the way it makes you feel.  

Kristin has written several books, one of which is entitled "Rat Girl".  This book describes one year of her life, during which she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, recorded Throwing Muses' first album, and had her first son at the age of 19.  It is fascinating, touching, inspiring, and surprisingly really funny.  I feel like I'm now able to listen to that first album through an entirely different lens.  I also loved getting a little glimpse into the beautiful bond that exists between the band members.  Even if you have never heard of Throwing Muses or don't like their music, I'd still highly recommend this book.  

Here's a link to the New York Times book review.

Update:  If you do like the Muses, also check out this playlist Kristin created to accompany the reading of the book.  I love hearing the stories behind some of her lyrics.  

The first four minutes include a reading from the book.  Skip to 4:10 if you want to hear a song.

Soundtrack of My Life

Have you ever thought of the songs that make up the soundtrack of your life?  Not necessarily your favorite songs, but the ones that take you back to specific points in time.  I've thought of attempting to make a list several times in the past, but I found it too daunting a task.  However, I've seen a couple others do it and decided I should give it a shot.

It would be too difficult to explain the story or explanation behind each song, although maybe I'll do that at some point.  For example, when I hear 'Borderline', I am suddenly 9 years old, swimming in the pool at the apartment complex we lived in at that time.  It reminds me of ice cold Mountain Dew.  Every song on this list brings back specific memories like that.

For now, let's just stick to the playlist.

Early Childhood
1.  Borderline - Madonna
2.  Thriller - Michael Jackson
3.  Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran
4.  Ladies of the Canyon - Joni Mitchell
5.  Tide is High - Blondie
6.  Blister in the Sun - Violent Femmes

High School
7.   Is It Really So Strange? - The Smiths
8.   Just Like Heaven - The Cure
9.   Personal Jesus - Depeche Mode

10. The Joker - Steve Miller Band
11. Vienna - Billy Joel

12. Born to Lose - Social Distortion

13. Hunger Strike - Temple of the Dog

14. Give it Away - Red Hot Chili Peppers

College
15. Carolina in my Mind - James Taylor
16. Betterman - Pearl Jam
17. Jimi Thing - Dave Matthews Band
18. The Wood Song - Indigo Girls
19. Counting Backwards - Throwing Muses
20. Hand in my Pocket - Alanis Morissette
21. One in a Million - Pet Shop Boys
22. Judas My Heart - Belly
23. When I Come Around - Green Day
24. Here & Now - Letters to Cleo
25. Live in Tomorrow - Juliana Hatfield
26. Little Plastic Castle - Ani DiFranco
27. Omaha - Counting Crows
28. This Time of Year - Better Than Ezra

My 20s
29. Blue - The Jayhawks
30. If I had $1,000,000 - Barenaked Ladies
31. Inside - Patti Rothberg
32. Between The Bars - Elliott Smith
33. His Lamest Flame - Mary Lou Lord
34. Summertime - The Sundays
35. Elevation - U2

Early 30s
36. Hey Ya! - Outkast
37. Times Like These - Foo Fighters
38. Making Pies - Patty Griffin
39. Somewhere - K's Choice

40. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road - Lucinda Williams

41. Alone - Susan Tedeschi

42. You're The First, The Last, My Everything - Barry White

Married with Children
43. This is the Life - Amy MacDonald
44. Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars
45. I and Love and You - The Avett Brothers
46. Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People
47. Boom - Wild Flag
48. Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes
49. Rhthm and Soul - Spoon
50. Lonely Boy - The Black Keys

I can't believe what an eclectic mix this is, or that I wrote Throwing Muses next to Alanis Morisette.  This was a really fun exercise, though.  Not so fun was cutting songs to keep the list to 50!  My life, it seems, is very full of music.  It was also hard to steer clear of my personal favorites and focus on the songs that bring back memories - those are often very different.

What are the songs that leap to mind as you think about what would be on your own life soundtrack?

Going Solo...

When I was in college, I went out quite a few times by myself.  One of my favorite things to do was to do to a local club to see concerts.  I went with friends a lot, but sometimes I couldn't find anyone to go with me for whatever reason, and I didn't let that stop me from going.  In fact, sometimes I actually preferred going alone.  Seeing music with friends who really like the band is awesome.  You can dance and sing the songs together, discuss your favorites, and it's great.  Seeing music with friends who are ambivalent about who they're watching is not as fun.  I find myself worried about whether or not they're having a good time, and it distracts me from really enjoying the music myself.

I've mentioned Throwing Muses here before.  I've been a fan since college.  Their latest album was their first in ten years, and when I heard they were going to tour a bit as well, I was super excited.  They scheduled a couple shows in Boston, and although I couldn't go to the Friday night show because I was going to be in New York, I found out they were going to come back and do a Monday night show.  I pulled the information up on the computer, and it sat there for a couple weeks.  I was undecided.  Should I go?  Who would I go with?  A Monday night?  I'm not in college any more.  But my husband noticed it, and asked if I was going.  I said I wasn't sure, and he said, "You should just do it.  How many other opportunities will you have to see them?  What if this is the last?"  It was the nudge I needed.   

I couldn't find a friend to go with me, being a Monday night and all.  (And the fact that none of my friends had ever heard of Throwing Muses probably didn't help.)  I also couldn't get a sitter on a Monday night, so I couldn't drag Kevin along.  So I decided to go by myself.  

And it was awesome.

I put a posting on Twitter to try to get rid of my extra ticket, and Tanya Donelly herself replied!  She actually met me at the club, and I tried not to look like I was nervous.  I was so excited to meet her, and she did not disappoint, being cute and sweet and gracious.  I got there early, so I got a good place to stand, and as the club filled up, I didn't move.  I watched.  I listened.  I sang and danced.  I took it all in.  I didn't have to worry about anybody else, and I had the best time.  I'm so happy Kevin pushed me to do it and reminded me that spending time alone is actually pretty wonderful.  

I've gone to movies by myself as well, and even eaten at restaurants solo.  I rather enjoy it, although I haven't done either in long time.  How about you?  Have you ever gone out by yourself?  If so, do you like it?  If not, what's stopping you?  

Throwing Muses - Sunray Venus

Kristin Hersh and Throwing Muses.  Always a favorite.  Definitely a huge part of the soundtrack of my life.  

photo by c brandon/redfern

Hot Stove Cool Music

photo by Kelly Davidson

Overall, the weekend was quiet, a little too quiet at times.  It's tough containing the massive energy of two little boys within the walls of our little house.  With no snow to lure them outside, it's common to see them literally bouncing off the walls.  But we managed.  Lots of games and watching winter sports championships in preparation for the upcoming olympics.

The highlight of the weekend was our outing Saturday night.  Kevin and I attended a benefit concert hosted by Theo Epstein (former GM of the Boston Red Sox), Peter Gammons (baseball commentator), and Mike O'Malley (actor/writer).  They rounded up some of their musician friends for the 14th year in a row to raise money for The Foundation to be Named Later, which benefits many wonderful charities in Boston.  Not only is it for a great cause, but they also just happen to include some of my favorite musicians.

Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) and Tanya Donelly (Throwing Muses, Belly) are two of my all-time favorites, and they are the main reasons I wanted to attend.  They did not disappoint.  We also got to see Kingsley Flood again, and if you haven't checked them out yet, you should.  Especially if you get a chance to see them live.

Live music is so good for my soul.  It fills me up.  Standing in a crowd, feeling the bass in my chest, singing along (or listening), dancing (or standing still).  One of my absolute favorite things in life.

Kingsley Flood

Tanya Donelly and Bill Janovitz

This and That...

Kevin got me a standing mixer for Christmas. I've always wanted one, and I can't wait to try it out for something more complex than chocolate chip cookies (although it's also a dream for chocolate chip cookies!). I went back and forth on what color to get - I'm so indecisive sometimes, it's scary. Part of me wanted to get white or silver, to keep it simple and classic. The other part felt that there's a reason they come in such fun colors, and why not mix it up? So I went for it, choosing this happy light blue. It's another burst of color in my kitchen, and it makes me happy. 

I've been feeling very nostalgic lately. This is not altogether unusual, but it's increased recently due to the return of the X-Files, my favorite TV show from the 90s, and the announcements of reunion tours and new music by both Belly and Letters to Cleo, two of my favorite bands from the 90s. I think I will probably have to come to terms with the fact that I will continue to see anniversary announcements that take me back - Throwing Muses' "The Real Ramona" just turned 25, the Challenger exploded 30 years ago...  

The boys were on vacation last week. Typically, we'd take the week to head north to go skiing, but we weren't able to take the time this year due to our many other upcoming vacation plans. So we stayed home. Kevin and I worked, and the boys stayed home with a sitter. They enjoyed a break from their usual routines, but I admit it was a little strange to have them home while we left for work. It feels good to get back to the usual school routine this week. 

Less than two months to our first actual vacation of the year, and I can't wait! I have our Disneyworld itinerary, including all reservations, all set and ready to go. If it rains...well, we'll just put on our ponchos and go! (But fingers crossed for decent weather, because I need some sunshine!)

We had family visit us last weekend, which is always good and nice to connect, especially those that you don't get to see very often. Life is good. We're working hard, learning, reading, singing, playing... The weather has been dark and cold and wet - mostly a miserable winter this year, and it can be difficult not to get dragged down by it. Things that are helping me lately include good books, card games, college basketball, and family visits. Reminders that it's really all about the little things.

A Few Things...

source unknown

As I said, I've been reading more than writing lately, so I thought I'd share a few of the things I've stumbled across recently.  Enjoy...

Did you see Brian Williams' interview with the American astronauts currently living on the International Space Station?  And have you seen 'Gravity' yet?  It's soooooo cool.

Love this Billboard interview with Throwing Muses.  The music industry - the one creating the most popular music - makes me sad.  But I'm happy that great musicians have found a way to work around it.

Carl Sagan was cool.  This is part of his last interview, and it's disturbing.

20 Excellent Web Sites for Kids.  I limit the amount of time the boys spend on the computer, but when I do allow them time on it, I want to make sure they're getting something of value from it.  Starfall.com has been a favorite of ours, and I'm excited to learn of some other high-quality learning sites out there.

Joni Mitchell Interview.  Super cool.

via ShopTalk

Things to Do Before You're 40.  (Thanks, Lou!)  I love this list, despite the fact that they make you click through every item.  So annoying.  If you don't have the patience, I'll hit some highlights for you:

Stop caring what others think about you.  Buy a piece of artwork.  Skinny dip.  Stay awake until the sun comes up.   Sleep under the stars.  Have dessert without feeling guilty.  Go on a road trip.  Have a crazy weekend in Las Vegas.  Go to the perfect music festival.  Have a home you love.  Own a piece of jewelry that means something.  Be proud of something you achieved through hard work.  Find a form of exercise you actually like.  Have too many books on your "must read" list.  Take a course.

I've done most of the items on the list, and a few I'll never need to do.  (I'll be just fine if I never find a whisky I like, and nobody wants to see me as a blonde.  I also would love to live in another country for a while, but I don't think that's in the cards for us at this point.  And leather trousers...well.  Let's just say that I know my own personal style.) However, I would like to find that perfect shade of red lipstick.  And I'd like to have a signature dish that I serve to guests.

What else must I do before March and the big 4-0 rolls around?

Kristin Hersh - Mississippi Kite

I've been a fan of Kristin Hersh since college, when I discovered Throwing Muses (thank goodness for college radio).  Kristin and her stepsister, Tanya Donelly, went on to perform in other bands as well as put out solo albums, and I've followed both of them through the years.  However, I'll admit that it had been a while since I had listened to Kristin.  Then I picked up her new album, Crooked.  It is awesome.  I should perhaps mention that her voice is an acquired taste - gravely and harsh at times, but it's pure and it's honest.  The guitar on this new album is also really cool, and I find myself listening to songs over and over again just to hear the guitar.

The above video shows Kristin playing a song from Crooked.  And here is an interview with Kristin that I found really interesting.  I love and agree with the interviewer's intro:  It’s a joy when a person whose  work you appreciate turns out, at least within the context of whatever exposure you have to them, to be congruent to the highest ideals and possibilities of that work. ... The artist’s life in her instance turns out to be…. just life. Family, work, artistic pursuits, creating community, this has all become part of a somewhat seamless process of living a very full and “observed life”, truly the only kind worth living, in a mindful, creative and inclusive manner. 

***

Wish List...

Even though we're not doing a gift exchange this year, it's hard not to think about what would make up my wish list.  It's okay to want things, right?  I also always end up getting Kevin something, because I think we should each have a little something under the tree.  It's just more fun that way.  So just in case he decides to reciprocate, I thought I'd share a few of the things I'm wanting right now.  My birthday is in just a few months too, so here are some early ideas.

Perfume.  I need a new scent, and I'm thinking I'd like to try Nectarine Blossom & Honey by Jo Malone.

Wallet.  The wallet I'm using right now was purchased in one of those little side-street shops in NYC, where they pull you off the street into a dark little room stuffed with knock-off bags.  (Mine is a "Coach" wallet.)  I got it at least 15 years ago.   My mom actually stitched it up a couple years ago to extend its life, but it's falling apart again.  It's time for a new one.

Art.  I want more of it in our house.  And I don't want to wait until I know the exact spot for it.  Photographs, posters, paintings…  I just want to collect beautiful things and figure out where they go later.

Daytrotter Membership.  Access to concerts and albums by new bands and favorites.  Yes please.

Records.  Classics I'd love to own include The Real Ramona (Throwing Muses) and August & Everything After (The Counting Crows).  But there's a lot I'd love to have on vinyl.  Some Christmas music would be fun to have too.

Le Creuset dutch oven.  Or a cast iron skillet.  Two items I'd love to add to my kitchen.

I finally got myself a rain coat, but I still need a pair of rain boots.

And workout clothes.  I'm exercising often enough that I could use a few additional items.  Like this maybe.  Or this.  Or this.  Basics.   I could probably use a new pair of shoes too, but I suppose I'd have to try those on myself.

What's on your wish list?

My Favorite Music of 2013

It's that time of year.  Time to compile a list of the music that makes up the soundtrack of my 2013.  As always, it's not a "best of" list, but rather the music that I've gone back to again and again.  At one point, I thought I'd be able to limit myself to a top 10.  Ha!  Whittling it down to 20 was as hard as ever.  I didn't include some awesome albums.  Langhorne Slim & The Law brings me back to summer.  I love Neko Case's album.  I might listen to that one more if she didn't yell out, "Get the fuck away from me!" during one of the choruses.  Can't really listen to that in front of the kids.  I'm also digging Minor Alps at the moment.  Sarah Jarosz and The Civil Wars are as beautiful as ever.  And I'm still getting to know Daughter, along with many 2012 releases I just discovered this year, like Father John Misty.  So I guess consider those my runners up.

The National - Trouble Will Find Me
Tanya Donelly - Swan Song Series
Kingsley Flood - Battles
Jason Isbell - Southeastern

The Lone Bellow - The Lone Bellow
Frank Turner - Tape Deck Heart
Caitlin Rose - The Stand-In
Josh Ritter - Beast in Its Tracks

The Milk Carton Kids - The Ash & Clay
Dawes - Stories Don't End
The Staves - Dead & Born & Grown
Throwing Muses - Purgatory / Paradise

Kurt Vile - Wakin On A Pretty Daze
Phosphorescent - Muchacho
The Oh Hello's - Through the Deep, Dark Valley
Basia Bulat - Tall Tall Shadow

Dr. Dog - B-Room
Pearl Jam - Lightning Bolt
The Head and the Heart - Let's Be Still
The Avett Brothers - Magpie And The Dandelion

What's your favorite music from this past year?

Tanya Donelly - Swan Song Series

Tanya Donelly has been one of my favorites since I discovered Throwing Muses my freshman year of college.  I followed her through her other bands, including The Breeders and Belly, and through her solo work.  She's still making music, and I have been getting to know her latest group of songs, part of what she's entitled the Swan Song Series.  They are beautiful, and I've had several songs on repeat this week, including the one above and Mass Ave, which is on Vol. 1.  You can listen via her website, or buy the songs via band camp.

Happy weekend!