A Small, Black Fly

It was a nice day, so I opened the window.

I saw him come in through the corner of my eye, the smallest of my periphery.By the time I could see him clearly, it was too late.

He flew around the room, careful not to get too close, and I pretended not to notice. I just assumed he would leave, but he stayed all winter long.

When spring came, I got distracted by a spider, and I don't know what became of him. He may have been in the corner, or he may have flown away, but by the time the spider had left, he was sitting on my wall as if he had been there the whole time. When the moth showed up to distract me while my body got rid of the venom, he flew around the room. He once tried to land on my foot, but I quickly brushed him off.

When the moth left, he began to make more noise. He landed on my hand, but this time I held still. We stared at each other, afraid to move, and he eventually flew away. Whether I left my hand in the same place or not, he always came back, but only for short visits.

He started to tease me, flying around the room, buzzing in my ear for a split second now and again. He zipped away before I could turn my head, not staying long enough or getting close enough to be caught. So I left the window open, but he wouldn't leave. I quickly grew tired of this.

I have terrible aim, so I only got his wing or maybe his leg. Now he sits, wounded but proud, in the windowsill. I hope he flies away.

But then what would I think about?

"Poison and Wine"--The Civil Wars

SOUND Article: 7/3/12


http://www.soundmagonline.com/poison-and-wine-the-civil-wars/


Sometimes you have to listen to a song because it hurts.

A friend showed me “Poison and Wine” a few months ago, and when it got to the chorus he said, “I mean, duh.” With perfect harmony, the Civil Wars simply, beautifully and perfectly explain a specific kind of heartache. Everyone has been there — and it always hurts — but you always get through it, marching on like the steady drum beat in this song.

"Heartbeat"--The New Electric Sound

SOUND Article: 6/19/12

http://www.soundmagonline.com/heartbeat-the-new-electric-sound/

Have you been looking for “a surf-rock/oldies-inspired band with a new twist and shout?” One that sounds “like a hydro-electric Surfaris Mothra rising from the ashes of an African village burned to the ground by minotaurs from Buddy Holly’s personally shaded zoo garden in the sky”?

Well, according to The New Electric Sound’s Facebook description, you are in luck. This up-and-coming band, formed last August, knows how to kick it old school and pump up the whammy to create a sound that is both new and electric. NES is offering a free download of their new song, “Heartbeat,” to get listeners excited for their album release show on June 22 in Provo, UT. Download the single for free here and listen to some of the group’s other great songs so you can get pumped for a great summer on the beach.

"Blindsided"--Bon Iver

SOUND Article: 5/16/12

http://www.soundmagonline.com/blindsided-bon-iver/


In preparation for a nine and a half hour road trip, I decided to buy some new albums to make the solo-drive more bearable. Some were new, some were old, some were suggestions from friends and some were suggestions from the guy at the store. Having completed the drive there and back (almost 20 hours total), I now consider myself an expert on good driving music.

I particularly enjoyed listening to Bon Iver’s album, For Emma, Forever Ago. Everything about his music is soothing and enchanting. The fifth song on the album, “Blindsided,” was definitely my favorite. As I drove through northern Idaho — green, mountainous and insanely beautiful — this song played and I was entranced by the rhythmic, sweet sadness. I thought to myself, “Everything about this moment is perfect.” Have a listen.

"I Wanna Be Your Man"--Willy Moon

SOUND Article: 3/20/12

http://www.soundmagonline.com/i-wanna-be-your-man-willy-moon/

Standing in the spotlight in a sharp, well-tailored suit, Willy Moon will take you back to the 1950s (or at least how you imagine the 1950s based on the many times you’ve seen the movie Grease) with his song “I Wanna Be Your Man.” He’s not afraid of talkin’ jive or shaking his hips — and you can’t go wrong with a name like Willy Moon.

This short, catchy song is heavy on the whammy and reminiscent of the days of early rock n’ roll that makes me nostalgic for a time period I didn’t get to experience. The black and white music video and side part help, too. If you listen closely, however, it sounds like some of the instrumentals are being played in reverse alongside some breathy percussion, making this song more interesting and addicting. It’s over before you know it, so enjoy it while you can.

Listen to “I Wanna Be Your Man” by Willy Moon below: