Recommendations for fall

Fall is finally here, and I could not be happier about it. In the past, I've created special autumn playlists to pump me up for apple-picking and pumpkin eating, but this year I'm pretty much listening to the same few albums over and over. So instead, here are a handful of things that have been entertaining me lately.

The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten

Every time I listen to this album, I fall a little bit more in love with it. Before Handwritten, I was a casual Gaslight listener—I liked a bunch of songs but could not have told you anything about the band. Well, this was the album that transformed me into a fan. Every song has its own personality, yet together they make up such a complete, cohesive collection. Beautiful.

Songbook by Nick Hornby

I bought this book on a whim when I found it used for $2, and I am so glad I did. If you don't know who Nick Hornby is, you should stop reading my blog immediately and run to your nearest bookstore, because he is a far better writer than I am. Songbook is essentially a collection of short essays about his favorite songs. While I am not familiar with most of them, I found myself struck by his musical musings. He took all my passions and emotions towards music and turned them into beautiful prose.

On the concert experience: "...You could feel the whole audience fall in love with her, and the song, and the evening. It was one of those rare moments—miraculous, in the context of a rock show—which make you grateful for the music you know, the music you have yet to hear, the books you have read and are going to read, maybe even the life you live." Amen.

Lost

Years ago, I watched bits and pieces with my college roommate, but I have finally decided to watch this show from the beginning. I am so with the times. Do you think George W. Bush will get reelected, you guys?

Blaqk Audio - Bright Black Heaven

Electronic music isn't usually my thing, but I'll buy pretty much anything Davey Havok wants to sell me. This album was actually finished years ago but did not make it to shelves until a couple weeks ago, so I'm just grateful to finally have it in my possession. I haven't decided yet if it's as good as their previous release, CexCells, but I do know that "Let's Be Honest" makes me dance like a fool and "Ill-Lit Ships" is one of my all-time favorite BA songs. Not too shabby.

Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

A short blurb won't do this book justice. Usually after finishing a book, I close it and move on with my life, but after this one, I sat speechless for a while. It's a coming of age tale about 14-year-old June and how the death of her uncle turns her world upside down. The story was moving and the writing is just poetic.  

There you have it. And this upcoming Tuesday, three different bands I love are putting out new albums, so I will soon be flooded with even more recommendations. Until then, enjoy.