From the album “Keep Telling Myself it’s Alright” (2008, def jam)
One of the calmer songs of this one-man band. Ashes Divide is the side project of A Perfect Circle’s Billy Howerdel.
Some about me:
Age: 37
Zodiac: Aquarius
Favourite show: tie between Santa Clarita Diet and A handmaid’s tale.
Favourite song of the moment: Hostages by the Howl & the Hum
Describe yourself in one word: mindful
What do you say?
I am tired today and my shoulder hurts af. Not sure what I did wrong again, but it hasn’t hurt like this in a long while. I mean, I was never pain-free, but today it feels like I am at a peak. Time for surgery, I guess. No need to stall any longer.
On the up-side. I still feel happy and relaxed. A nice feeling for a change.
From the album “Return to the Cookie Mountain” (2006, 4AD)
Today I share a song that was suggested to me this morning by a Dutch music enthusiast. Great man with a lot of depth and knowledge about life and music.
I had a couple of very nice days, even though I haven’t slept a lot and had to be up early in the morning. I had conversations that were far from ordinary. Stimulation of the mind.
Enjoy the music. Stay passionate and true to yourself.
In March and April, T E Morris released a couple of songs he wrote in isolation – Isolation Songs. He took one hour each day to write a complete song. Sometimes there were some preexisting ideas, some days something new was created. Guitar, piano, electronic, with lyrics and vocals or without. The material is raw around the edges and that is exactly what makes these songs poignant and real. T E Morris is on Patreon – if you want to hear more and want to support the artist, do it via Patreon or BandCamp.
From the album called “Konturen”. (2019, Columbia Records)
The lyrics to this song are very touching and valid.
German original:
Wir wissen alles überall Doch viel zu wenig über uns Und dieses Bisschen wird dann noch geteilt Was einmal echt war, ist jetzt kalt Heute künstlich, früher Kunst Weil Grenzen nicht bemerkt, geht oft zu weit
Wir haben tausende von Freunden Doch Haben sie jedoch noch nie geseh’n Viel zu grell blendet der bunte Schein Wir haben tausende von Träumen Doch verlieren das echte Leben Es zerfällt zu Staub aus Nullen und Einsen
Ich brauche was zum Anfassen Dann kann ich wieder loslassen Ich will mich nicht mehr anpassen Ich will mein Leben wieder selbst in meiner Hand haben Wenn wir ertrinken mehr und mehr, in diesem kalten, lichter Meer Wenn überall über alles geht Ist der Moment nichts mehr wert
Falsche Richtung Schritt für Schritt Bis die nächste Welle bricht Keine Zeit um noch mal Luft zu holen Wir entfernen uns Klick für Klick Von dem was eigentlich wirklich ist Schwimmen wir gegen oder mit dem Strom
Wir haben tausende von Träumen Doch verlieren das echte Leben Wir verlaufen uns im Smog und Nebel
Ich brauche was zum Anfassen Dann kann ich wieder loslassen Ich will mich nicht mehr anpassen Ich will mein Leben wieder selbst in meiner Hand haben Wenn wir ertrinken mehr und mehr, in diesem kalten, lichter Meer Wenn überall über alles geht Ist der Moment nichts mehr wert
Und wie oft habe ich schon gedacht Wie oft haben wir uns verpasst Weil unsere Welt zu laut blinkt Man kann viel klarer hören und sehen Viel besser fühlen und verstehen Komm lass mal wieder ein Bisschen reden Und die Köpfe wieder hochnehmen
Ich brauche was zum Anfassen Dann kann ich wieder loslassen Ich will mich nicht mehr anpassen Ich will mein Leben wieder selbst in meiner Hand haben Wenn wir ertrinken mehr und mehr, in diesem kalten, lichter Meer Wenn überall über alles geht Ist der Moment nichts mehr were
English translation:
We know everything everywhere But far too little about us And that little bit is then shared What was once real is now cold Artificial today, art in the past Because limits are not noticed, often goes too far
We have thousands of friends But have never seen them before The colorful glow is far too bright We have thousands of dreams Yet lose real life It disintegrates into dust of zeros and ones
I need something to touch Then I can let go again I don’t want to adjust anymore I want to have my life in my own hands again If we drown more and more, in this cold, clear sea When everything goes above and beyond The moment is no longer worth anything
Wrong direction step by step Until the next wave breaks No time to breathe again We move away click by click Of what actually is Let’s swim against or with the current
We have thousands of dreams Yet lose real life We get lost in smog and fog
I need something to touch Then I can let go again I don’t want to adjust anymore I want to have my life in my own hands again If we drown more and more, in this cold, clear sea When everything goes above and beyond The moment is no longer worth anything
And how often have I thought How many times have we missed each other Because our world is blinking too loud You can hear and see much more clearly Feel and understand much better Come on, let’s talk a little more And put your heads up again
I need something to touch Then I can let go again I don’t want to adjust anymore I want to have my life in my own hands again If we drown more and more, in this cold, clear sea When everything goes above and beyond The moment is no longer worth anything
This is google translate but I was not calm and focussed enough tonight to give a proper translation.
Change is coming, but as of this moment, I am not allowed to share more information.
But the books… The support is overwhelming; the sales not impressive at all. But… I’ll keep on keeping on. There are fire and passion in me, and everything will be okay. There was another anxiety attack today, after some calm and quiet weeks.
In other news… I celebrated my 13th wedding anniversary last Monday. I am longing for a lot of love, but the truth is, over 20 years ago I met my best friend and married him. Maybe we are not the most conservative and regular couple, but we love each other. Phew…
This song was released in July 2020 on Every Motion Records, which is Felix’s own label. He is an artist through and through, an extraordinary vocalist and his interviews show an intelligent man who cares about life and the state of this earth. Felix is probably better known to a broader audience as the singer of the band Polarkreis 18, they had a huge hit single with the song “Allein Allein” in 2007. Definitely an artist to watch. Hearing him live is a treat too. I saw him years ago at a gig with Maximilian Hecker. 36 people with the staff manning the bar… a gem of a gig that I will never forget.
From the self-titled album “Backyard Babies” that was released in 2006 on BMG. Backyard Babies are a Swedish punk band with eight studio albums under their belt. Their debut “Diesel & Power” was released in 1994. (on Megarock)
The lead singer and guitarist Nicke Borg Homeland released several solo records, as did Dregen (guitarist).
My husband is a big Foo Fighters fan, as is his sister. I am not so sure about them. Something never touched me. Maybe the songs are too produced? Maybe the band is too hyped? I don’t know. Am I allowed to say that I don’t really like the Foo Fighters? What I like is that Dave Grohl is allowed to show his talents, whereas, in Nirvana, he was only the drummer, here he can show off that he is a talented multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He knows how a song should sounds. He knows what works…
From the album “Lucky Town” (1992, Columbia Records). Curiously, Bruce Springsteen released two albums “Human Touch” and “Lucky Town” on the same day. (March 31st, 1992). Apparently, work on “Human Touch” was delayed and shelved. In late 1991, Bruce returned to the studio to write one more song for that record, but he came up with ten new songs and “Lucky Town” was made. It is considered the tenth studio album of Bruce Springsteen and his band – the E Street Band.
The music of New Jersey born musician grew on me lately, until I noticed that he is one of the artists with the most songs in my Spotify Daily Mix playlist. I was quite surprised, but it is a fact. I guess, I was unaware of it because my favourite songs from the Boss are from different albums.
I like that Bruce is telling stories with his songs and some are just so very heartbreaking. Every song is like a short story.
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I am still here… Just tired and getting back in the mindset of returning to work. New rules and regulations are issued daily, and we as de educators need to adjust the material at the nursery but also organise the rooms and spaces. So, I worked yesterday at that, and today new information came forward from the government, and everything had to be changed again. I am passionate about my job, and I am looking forward to working again… But this is draining. I wake up at night, remembering things I forgot and make notes… That’s not healthy. I am working overtime – of course, until at least mid-July, and then we will see how everything will change then again. But it is okay; my presence is needed. I am tired. It is early, but I am off to sleep. Good night dear people. And thank you for checking in ever so often. xx
This song was on the sixth studio album by Depeche Mode, called “Music for the Masses” it was released in 1987 (Mute Records).
I like Depeche Mode a lot. The first CD I ever bought from my own money was “Songs of Faith and Devotion”. That was in 1993 and after that, I invested some money to buy more of their albums. I think the only record missing from my collection is the latest release “Spirit” (2017, Mute Records). I like Martin L Gore’s songwriting, and his voice too (songwriter, guitarist, keyboarder…). He is an amazing vocalist and a layered person, who also sings this song (and others of my favourite DM songs).
From the album “5” (2011, Strata Music). Lamb are a duo from Manchester making mostly electronic music. “5” is the fifth studio album and was released after a five-year hiatus. This song touched me from the first time I heard it. Something about the way Lou Rhodes sings these meaningful lyrics.
Are we not wise enough to give all we are Surely we’re bright enough to outshine the stars But human kind gets so lost in finding its way But we have a chance to make a difference til our dying day
Hm, what to say about Mark Hole. He is obviously terribly talented, but also a bit crazy eccentric. I have been following his Facebook account for a long while. It used to be silent, until this lockdown happened and he is very active now, posting something daily. 5 mins of Marky Madness (He is an artist! Remember that when you click the link 🙂 ) It’s funny though, entertaining. There is madness, and music, and also some more serious moments. Mark is a piece of art, an exceptional character; to be honest. And not always for the faint of heart.
I received the album “F-Sharp” from a friend who had seen Mark as a support act for Tori Amos (in 2008). She knew that I would probably like his music a lot. And I did.
I ordered more of Mark’s albums from him directly. And I received a lot more than just two CDs. I received a T-Shirt that smelled amazing, an autograph, a long handwritten letter, and a wooden chess piece. The chess piece was (according to the letter) the last he had left of an entire chess set that he had received from his ex-girlfriend who inspired songs like Torture Garden.
It’s the knight… I like it a lot…
An exceptional artist and musician, I want to share so many more songs, but if you like these three songs, you will probably go to youtube and find more songs.
I recommend:
Dirty’s what I like I am sharing a link to a live performance because the original video is a bit disturbing – it shows the eccentricity of Mark Hole quite well, though.
People Change Another live performance because it shows off his vocal skills
I hope I made you discover something new. Even if these songs are older, I think that we will hear more from this free-spirited London-based musician. Or at least, I hope so.
reflections of an unquiet mind 