the oh-twelve project

May- the whole thing

mygirlbetty — Fri, 11 May 2012 07:00:00 -0400

This month is dedicated to the splendor of the ordinary, which is sort of a hobby of mine, and to voyages not yet taken.

The Suburbs- Arcade Fire

I have spent a good deal of time lately wandering amongst houses and blocks, looking at windows and lawns and discarded toys and armchairs on verandahs and wondering whose they are. Marveling at people in the street. Seeing someone walking somewhere to do something that I will never be involved in or know at all and being amazed by that. I think there is something really cool about the lives that are lived all around us. All the different happenings laid out over suburbs like clothes to wear the next day.

Do You Realize?? – The Flaming Lips

This song. If you’re ever feeling down about the state of the world, or politicians have been doing stupid, awful things again, or someone has hurt your feelings, chuck on this bad boy. If you can manage to be walking through lovely Autumn air past gorgeous flowers at the time that will only help.

Winter- The Dodos

I know it’s early, but it wasn’t chosen only because of the absolutely excellent cold snap we’ve been having and the fact that I get to wear my gloves again and be snuggly all the time. It’s also one of those songs that no matter how many times I listen to it, I can’t get enough. It’s melodic and sort of heartbreaking and full of tippity tappity drums and woopy brass and the ukulele. Damn. Also as singalong songs go, this is a hit. So be buoyed and sing along, Doyle.

Neighborhood #1 (tunnels)- Arcade Fire

There is something so like a journey about this album. Complete with fading maps and an increasing sense of joy. It’s like every time I listen, I don’t know where they’re taking me. Or I just love it a whole hell of a lot. Either way. Man! Just, fucking, turn this up, yeah? Revel in this shit.

The Giant of Illinois- Andrew Bird

Sweetly sad is tasty treat that I’ll never tire of. There will be a lot more of it over the year. Also stirring strings. And plunky strings.

Nantes- Beirut

Doyle, bless his heart, wisely announced that he loved the Beirut stuff I’ve been putting on occasionally and coincidentally I have been eating them up lately so it’s only right that they’re here. I like this one a lot. It has a slow build, an obvious sort of polka vibe but manages to stay quite dramatic and a bit tragicised. They just do every little bit so right, you know? Perfect piecemeal layering of drums, and strings and brass and harmony like a really passionate, slightly eighties gypsy cake.

Break Me Gently- Doves

I am going to Europe later in the year. I had sort of forgotten about it a lot up till recently but I’ve been getting that stirring feeling again. The one that knows I’ll be somewhere new soon-ish and is glad because it craves the unknown like oxygen. This song always makes me think of the first time I was walking the streets of towns in Ireland, all those years ago.

Different Names For the Same Thing- Death Cab For Cutie

Another Europe song. Though I didn’t get this album till I got home, whenever I hear it I’m right back on a train to Switzerland again waiting for a landscape I’ve never looked at before or staring out at the ocean in Spain or stalking through dark German streets. It’s the perfect sound for it all.

Happiness- Riceboy Sleeps

For this song- do me a favour: stop whatever you’re doing, close your eyes, and wait patiently. It’s long, and it’s a little slow but if you wait and you listen and you let it carry you some time near the middle you’ll hear it. Your day and your sadness and your tired shoulders will drip off you like water and you’ll be somewhere white, and golden and else.

If I Had a Boat- James Vincent McMorrow

I found this song last month (thank you free iTunes download) and have already endangered it by listening to it in excess. I am now on rations, which will hopefully last a while longer. I find it to be gorgeous, totally dramatic, and wonderfully full up of a sorrow that I don’t really understand, which is my favorite kind. I don’t really know what he’s doing some of the time lyrically, but man, find a more Grey’s-Anatomy-cliffhanger-episode sounding song. Dare you.

A Sunday Smile- Beirut

I don’t know what it is! His voice? The absolutely edible harmony? The fact that I’m frequently transported to some sort of Bulgarian wedding or funeral feast when listening? Whatever it is, the chorus brings me near tears and definite chills.

Africa- Toto

I believe this requires no explanation.

A Minha Menina- The Bees

Because it’s not all melancholy and gorgeous, lilting harmonies. Sometimes it’s ridiculous, utterly danceable fun.

Holy, Holy, Holy- Sufjan Stevens

Doyle is not a religious guy. And I haven’t snuck this song in as an attempt to change that. I just feel like this song celebrates all the quiet, small glories that are around us daily, and I know Doyle would dig that. He sees the beauty in the mess and even though he might not agree, I think that connects him with something vast and lovely.

To Build a Home- Cinematic Orchestra

Just another haunting and mammoth tune to take us out. We started in the suburbs and we end here. Seems fitting to me. Like we’ve turned in a driveway and realized we’ve arrived and we hadn’t realized. And it’s wonderful and awful all at once because it means the part where we’re moving has ended and something new is happening.

God I talk some shit.

April- the whole thing

mygirlbetty — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 07:45:12 -0400

A Girl Like You- Edwyn Collins

A long time favourite, smoldering away in the back of my head until I hear it on a dance floor or alternately until I’m constructing a leviathanesque playlist teeth full of nineties classics and my housemate Kate says what about that Edwyn Collins song at which point it bursts into life again and I shimmy my shoulders and wonder how I ever got along without it. One of the coolest tracks to slip stealthily out of the nineties. Undeniable sass.

A Commotion- Feist

Still love this album and the intensity and slight tension that this song begins with, its seeming chant of “Barbara BUSH” (I know that’s not what it is, but come on) and its brass and slightly seventies detective film grooves are good companions for the very changie weather and of course the roller coaster that is mine, Doyle’s or anyone’s life. It’s been a fairly emotional and odd old March but as Leslie says “If it rips you all apart, then glad you still at your heart”. This is just. So. Good.

Trounce- Jonathan Boulet

Some more lovely chaos, because who is without that?

Hero-Regina Spektor

This is one of those songs who seem to be about you, and your life and your pain and everything that has ever been wrong, but rendered in such a beautiful way that you’re almost glad that tragedy happens, that things break and fall apart so you could hear it written so. A perfectly crafted soundtrack for heartbreak.

Santa Fe- Beirut

On a lighter note, this is one of the best tracks from Beirut’s latest album. Which is odd because it seems so different from their other stuff I love so much. But it never fails to make me smile, and nod my head and still manages to skirt Majesty while being fun and light and perfection in your ears as you’re walking on a sunny Autumn day. Gorgeous.

Amsterdam- Coldplay

As I said, it’s been a bit of a rough month. So I’ve been diving accordingly into my stashes of stupidly haunting and melancholy sounds, the kind that make me stare into the middle distance and hunch my shoulders against the weight of the world or wish it was raining and I was in black and white. All that crap. Anyway, this track is one of my favorite heart-punchers from way back. Got me limping heroically through some tough times. No idea really what it’s about but you try listening to this and not desperately conjuring up things you have to overcome to a soundtrack of anguished piano and brave guitar.

Is There a Ghost- Band of Horses

Another one of my heart kick songs, though a bit of an odd one. I just really love the sound of it.

Power- Kanye West

Now for something completely different. Some of the month just gone, (and I’m willing to bet the one coming) has needed some stupid-arrogant beatz to feel totally awesome too. I’m sort of digging on hip-hop lately. I’ve always had it in me, I suspect. Anyway I dig this song a fair bit and frigging lap up the disgustingly obvious irony that comes with that. It’s a little gift for Doyle, on account of how gangsta he is.

Money- The Drums

A bit more fun, plus, what the hell, right? Ostensibly about a dude who wants to buy someone he likes (I guess) … something, but has no money, and the reason he wants to buy them something is that they’re going to die? Also some obscure references to guns and running away so I can only assume it’s a hitman singing to his hitlifepartner and being bummed that all that cash they saved up has been frozen by the feds. Fun though. Fun.

Weightless- City and Colour

Look- I’m not that girl. It’s not all Oh God My Life. I just need Doyle to have the chance to belt out “THEN YOU TURN AND YOU WALK AWAY FROM MEEE” like everyone should. Plus, how smooth and excellent is it? It’s a little jammie, a little rough and his voice is so lush and wonderful.

Brother- Matt Corby

Someone has got to make sure Doylie is up to date and obviously Matt Corby has been going gangbusters lately. I may be entirely naff and not nearly underground enough by saying this, but I think this song is a gorgeous tumult. Also, also- Doyle does this novelty singing voice that sounds remarkably like Matt’s when he does the bellowie parts. Looking forward to hearing his remix.

I am Trying to Break Your Heart- Wilco

A long, long, long time audio hot bath of mine. The beginning bars see my shoulders relax and my mouth set itself in a contended smile, ready for a quiet and lengthy and satisfying trip. I frigging adore it. I just can’t think of many songs I love more and that I think get it so right. It’s just got so much going on, you know, but you never feel like it’s too much. It’s just this lovely, busy, quaint and normal story. Also, it contains one of my favorite lyric fragments of all time and uses the word ‘assassin’ as a verb.

Spice Up Your Life- Spice Girls

Another rememberance for aforementioned playlist, I believe this song to be a prime example of the good that can come from a nineties girl band. I would like to imagine that Doyle will turn this right up and shake out the weirdness the rest of the playlist has left as well as anything else unsavory that might be hanging around. God bless pop music. Dare you not to jiggle anything.

Much Against Everyone’s Advice-Soulwax

A wee little Swedish rock/pop nugget for you. See, the month has been off, and pained and melancholy and weird and tiring, but it’s also been excited and pleasant and sky-music-flower-friend filled. In short, it’s been like any other month, only a little more in need of bandaiding so you still need a bit of a strut. Where would be we be without the strut?

There Is a Light That Never Goes Out- The Smiths

The happy ending.

We’re golfers now.

mygirlbetty — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 01:06:31 -0400

We’re golfers now.

Infinity Guitars- Sleigh Bells. Fuckin ay.

mygirlbetty — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:27:43 -0400

Infinity Guitars- Sleigh Bells.

Fuckin ay.

March- the whole thing

mygirlbetty — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:26:37 -0400

So it’s getting a touch ridiculous. I haven’t actually laid eyes on Doyle for over a month. I hope he exists, but it’s possible I’ve been composing CDs and sentences for a friend who I created.

That would explain how dazzling and well dressed he was.

Oh well. Here is March.

Itchin’ On a Photograph- Grouplove

The beginning of Autumn should sound fresh and clean and fun. There is something quite emotive and nostalgic about Grouplove’s sound and there are threads of a colder wind moving through the party here I think.

Allah, Allah, Allah- mewithoutyou

I dunno. This song appeals to me so much, but it’s sort of hokey too. It’s so celebratory and joyful. It’s about the God in all of us, and about joining with your brothers and sisters and being thankful and forgiving all together and I think that is marvelous. Also, any song with a big old group sing is going to sucker punch me right in the cry hole.

“If you care to sing forgiveness songs come down and join our band, and we’ll cut you like a sword and sing forgiveness songs”.

A/B Machines- Sleigh Bells

Firstly. If you don’t know Sleigh Bells, like me about three weeks ago, please just do yourself a solid and GET ON IT because you WILL BE A BETTER AND MORE ROCKING PERSON FOR IT.

Ahem.

Secondly, this song is so much fun (as is the entire album). The combination of electro trash pop, hot guitars, heavy beats and sickly sweet vocals is somehow strut-tastic in a way I didn’t know could exist. It’s musical wizardry.

Home is a Fire- Death Cab For Cutie

I found out they were touring near the beginning of the year, at the same time as I found out Bon Iver and Beirut were. It was a heartrending time for me, as I didn’t have a lot of money to throw at bands. I went with Death Cab, because in the end I feel like I made my decision a long time ago, when I gave them my heart. Dramatic but true. And though their latest album was average at best, I still adore them, and always will.

Ps they were SO GOOD live and it was last month which is why they’re getting some airtime in the mix and this song was one I really did actually like from Codes and Keys. Thank you boys.

Blindsided- Bon Iver

This song always makes me feel unconscionably soothed. I’m never sure what it’s about. It sounds sort of longing and sad and settled at the same time. It’s a balmy evening swaying in a hammock type song. So, so lovely.

Because in every month, particularly ones that are a bit busier and maybe a bit flustered, like mine’s been, we need to sway in a hammock every now and then.

Elephant Gun- Beirut

I find this song impossibly beautiful. It’s haunting and poignant and sort of a farewell and a welcome at the same time. Oh man it’s beautiful. Oh man. I just can’t figure out how they take me and plonk me in the middle of another person’s life -like the life of a gypsy, or a tired and sad circus performer, or an old man remembering his wedding- like they do. It’s not fair.

Easier- Grizzly Bear

First track on Yellow house, very gentle and plinky plonky, sort of quaint and faded (which incidentally is the sort of sepia kind of business they do best) like the antique bits and bobs that Doyle likes. Practical at some level but mainly pretty now.

You Are The Blood- Sufjan Stevens

He’s a nutter, our man Sufjan. No question. But he’s a brilliant nutter, and you can always sort of feel what’s driving him in the song you’re listening to, whether it’s the banjo folky business or the synthy auto-tune business. This one gives me goosebumps. The theatrics, and the build up, and the beat provided by alternating stomps and claps, and the poetry of it. It’s a storm. And a march. And an ode to something vast and powerful. Don’t even get me started on the entirely over the top and beautiful piano parts. I had a reasonably filling and satisfying month, spiritually speaking. And that is why the mewithoutyou and the Sufjan (and the everything else I suppose) are necessary.

We Laugh Indoors- Death Cab For Cutie

This is one of my all time favorites. It’s got a very down to earth, sort of get on with and go to the shops sound (in a cool way), and then cuts away to a bridge that just makes you want to slap the cashier (in a cool way) because how can anything be normal, and then it’s back to being eighties and edgy and slight and fun and cool weathery.

Infinity Guitars- Sleigh Bells

HOLY SHIT. I literally cannot tell you how much I FUCKING LOVE THIS SONG. My ratio of ass-kickery to non ass-kickery has really increased lately, mainly because I’ve lived on a diet of this song and a few cups of coffee. Doyle. If you’re real: here. Lose your shit. You’re welcome.

These Few Presidents- Why?

This song is a good Why? gateway track. It’s not overly offensive and is a little catchy and fun, but still has a bit of edge to it. I harbor an earnest belief that everyone would benefit from listening to a bit of Why?. Also if I hadn’t seen Doyle for years, his would be a funeral I’d fly to from anywhere.

I Have Nothing- Whitney Houston

So, the Whitney tribute track. Unexpected considering the rest of the mix? Possibly. But when you consider Doyle and my love for the cheesy PLUS the fact that without Doyle I could conceivably say I have nothing, not so out of place.

A Lack of Colour – Death Cab For Cutie

Oh, this song. It’s like, something blue and small and quiet that I didn’t even know was there stretches and touches my heart a little when I listen to this song and I start wishing for heartbreak so it could be all mine, be about me, because it’s so perfect.

I miss you Doyle. xx

Bucky Done Gun-M.I.A

mygirlbetty — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:30:06 -0500

Bucky Done Gun-M.I.A

February Tracks 6-10

mygirlbetty — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:28:00 -0500

Slow Show- The National

Doyle loves a romance. This track is one of the most romantic I’ve ever known. It’s human and rawish and honest and scared and sweet. More National as the café I visited reminded me of how amazing they are.

Pagan Angel in a Borrowed Car- Iron and Wine

Out of nowhere I rediscovered Iron and Wine. I only have one album and I rarely listen to it but I seem to have found the part of my soul it nestles nicely into. The soft but steady rhythm makes me think of dirt roads and the solid wash of rain that nearly makes you forget the sticky warmth of the day before. It’s a gentle but a certain song and I like that it has such a specific colour in my mind.

Bucky Done Gun- M.I.A.

On my third go at No Lights No Lycra they played this song and I knew it was meant for Doyle. It’s unexpected, tempo-wise and hugely dance-able which is just Doyle all over. Pop-tastic.

Kingdom of Rust- Doves

If the Iron and Wine song earlier was a bit of driving on a dirt road then this is pelting down a hill in the darkness, urgent and longing. Or something. It has a richness and a melancholy to it, I think. My February has been both full and poignant, so I think this is fitting.

Resurrection Fern- Iron and Wine

Another Iron and Wine, because it’s so lovely and earnest and it seems to be about looking hopefully towards an end to something. Or that’s how it seems to me. So it’s a summing up of February, which was lovely and a prayer for a sweet and soft and hopeful March.

Blue Hour by Turin Brakes

mygirlbetty — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:07:58 -0500

Blue Hour by Turin Brakes

February- Tracks 1-5

mygirlbetty — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:54:43 -0500

Somebody that I used to know- Gotye featuring Kimbra.

Jan ended as it usually does in a blaze of sunshine and, amongst other wide open hopeful days, the annual celebration of the forming of our nation. My friends and I don’t really dig on Australia day, partially because nationalism just isn’t our thing, partially because we don’t like our flag, partially because as tacky as we can be none of us are tacky enough to suggest a day of holiday and ritual celebration on the anniversary of the beginnings of the genocide, displacement, abuse and cultural murder of the people group native to our country. We’re quirky like that. So we make use of the day off and the sunshine by celebrating music with the aid of the annual Triple J’s hottest 100. Gotye got the unsurprising, possibly contentious but ultimately (I think, and it’s my blog) well deserved honour of number 1 with this track. I still think it’s a great song. Also Doyle knows Kimbra which means he virtually knows Wally which means he’s a superstar by association.

Feeling Good- My Brightest Diamond.

Her totally dramas voice is so stupidly suited to the tremulous, baited breath-esque power brassed vibe of this song. I love the sexiness, that it basically begs for a sultry shimmy (or a striptease, if another friend is to be believed). Mainly I love that it’s a song about those inexplicable times when you look at the trees, at the sun, at bugs and birds and people and you say “Oh damn, is this altogether the fucking best”. I started Feb at a conference basically having the time of my life and rediscovering my place in the world, so this song seems appropriate. Hopefully my feeling on incandescent joy transfers to Doyle via musical osmosis.

Blue Hour- Turin Brakes

Some songs are, for me, a warm bath. Others are a cup of tea or a lie down in a dark field with the stars overhead. This song is probably like a walk in that field, a cool breeze on your face, the memory of the gently lapping of your bath fresh in your mind and a warm keep cup of tea in hand. Or something. At times when I have been beset by noise and company (however cheerful) and thought and things and I need to still myself and literally feel the day dropping from my shoulders, I put on Ether Song by Turin Brakes and close my eyes.

Fake Empire- The National.

One of the better opening tracks of any album ever, I reckon. I love the dusky, old school sound of his voice, the slow build up, the commentary, the gentle anticipation of more to come. Doyle and I once visited a café we’d been excited about, only to find its soundtrack provided by the radio. We were very jaded. I went back in Jan and they were only playing the National and my faith in humanity and café proprieters was restored.

I just dance the way I feel- Ou Est La Swimming Pool

I found No Lights No Lycra this year. That hour and a half of completely letting go and dancing like no one’s watching is quite seriously the highlight of my week. It’s exhilarating and gleeful and just insane and mind boggling amounts of fun. So Doyle, and anyone else, as you listen to this song, close your eyes, forget your surroundings and dance like you don’t care. It will change your life.

Feb... ish

mygirlbetty — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:46:20 -0500

VERY VERY LATE. Was away at the start of Feb, and have not seen Doyle which means I haven’t given him his soundtrack which has led me to steal some of the songs I had thought to include for March’s offering as now he only has a week or so to enjoy this one. Sorry internet- you must be so disillusioned.

The Black Keys- Gold On the Ceiling

mygirlbetty — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:31:31 -0500

The Black Keys- Gold On the Ceiling

January Tracks 13-16

mygirlbetty — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:29:47 -0500

Sufjan Stevens- Chicago (acoustic). When making mixes for friends, (particularly for those who might be Illinoise virgins) I usually stick some Suf’ in. Mainly because he’s heaven. Chicago will forever be one of the better things to come out of the human race and this version is a wee quiet one, a bit twinkly and kind and subtle. It reminded me of gentleness, which we all need, all year long.

Jose Gonsalez- Love Will Tear Us Apart. I don’t care what kind of a music purist you are, this version is greatness. Jose’s voice is so honest. Something about the mix of the eighties and the earthy… it seems a bit out of time, or melancholy or something. Dramas.

Polyphonic Spree- It’s the Sun. Because Hey! It’s the Sun! And it makes me shine! We all need a bit of marvelous hippie’s in choir robes yelling about the sun from time to time.

The Black Keys- Gold On the Ceiling. I’m letting the Black Keys play out the end of the month, as they started it for me. And I’m telling you. Such. A. Kicking. Song. Warning: near illegal amounts of sass.

Fleet Foxes- Sun It Rises.

mygirlbetty — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:51:26 -0500

Fleet Foxes- Sun It Rises.

January Tracks 9-12

mygirlbetty — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:35:55 -0500

The Lightning Seeds- You Showed Me. Sticky, sultry grooves for warm nights, beaches and smiles exchanged with strangers.

Sondre Lerche- Let My Love Open the Door. I really like this song. I think it’s a beautiful, folky, hokey version and Doyle and I are both suckers for the glorious orchestra fills that creep slowly in. It’s sweet and simple and fresh and lovely. Plus none of these mixes is going to be complete without something a little love song dedications friendly. Doyle- hold your horses, we’ll get to Celine.

Fleet Foxes-Sun it Rises. I’ve actually always thought of this album as a little autumnal sounding. But, it’s named for the sun, and he’s always around at the minute and it sounds a woodsy and magical and like leaving your home early in the morning with the sun as your conspirator and embarking on an adventure. There is a part of Doyle (and of all of us) that yearns to explore and to unearth beauty.

David Bowid- Oh! You Pretty Things. Fantastic song. Quirky and sing-a-long-able and pretty appropriate for Doylie, particularly if like me you think it’s about one pretty thing then realise too late it’s about pretty things plural. Oh well.

January Tracks 5-8

mygirlbetty — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:19:06 -0500

Broken Bells – Vaporise. This guy starts out low key, sort of creeps up, then brings in a lovely, jammy seventies vibe that never gets out of hand. It’s actually about the futile hope that most of us foster that our lives will be different and exciting and says it’s never to late to try to be excited by your life. Which I think is mirrored in the way the song sounds. It’s vibrant and fun and peppy while staying steadily paced and lovely to listen to, just like the beautifully pedestrian days we come to take for granted.

Sarah Blasko- Planet New Year. I’m not above picking a song based on its title (see what I did there? Ay ay?), but this song sounds a little like the year carrying on, if you know what I mean. After the initial sort of hype of resolutions and maybe going back to work the melancholy sweetness of just getting on with it.

The Shins- Kissing the Lipless. Just fun just so much fun and also a great way to kick off the album its from so I guess I thought another great way to kick off the year. Sounds like summer.

The Black Keys-Lonely Boy. Only discovered this band and thusly this song right on the year change, so I’ve been listening to it a lot and I suspect it’s going to be one of those songs that always reminds me of this time. Also, it’s ENTIRELY KICK-ASS AND SHOULD BE COMPULSORY STRUTTING MUSIC.

Doyle puts chopsticks in his top lip and says "Team Edward..

mygirlbetty — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:20:48 -0500

…That’s the vampire one, right?”

Doyle is a walrus.

mygirlbetty — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:18:47 -0500

Doyle is a walrus.

January- Tracks 1-4

mygirlbetty — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:38:00 -0500

For the January compilation I’ve used a combination of songs that I am digging and songs that were specifically chosen as ‘New Year” songs. A fumbling attempt to address the complex nature of the unknown and to meet it with a tipped hat and a wry smile.

Jonathan Boulet- One Who Fly Two Who Die. I’m a huge fan of this song. It’s so immediate and busy and confronting somehow (so much percussion, so many words, where do I look etc) but it has a real prettiness and definite “shake it” vibes. l find it difficult to ignore and that’s what I want for Doyle. To kick off the New Year with some undeniable gusto and excellent drum fills. Get in there my son.

Gotye- I Feel Better. I feel like maybe I’m not allowed to like this song? It’s so smiles and fun and jivin’ sixties licks and we’re supposed to be ironic, right? and Indie. I’m supposed to frown at this song because it’s so happy and mainstream now and let’s be honest, not that groundbreaking lyrically. I don’t care. Because at the start of a year you’re weary from the one before but you can’t be because it’s a new day! And so you shake it off, wring out all your old soggy resolutions and self control and yoga or learning French tapes and strut into the face of the unknown. And you need a bit of a boogie to do that. Dance, Doyle! DANCE!!

Josh Pyke- Don’t Want to Let You Down. We put so much pressure on ourselves at the start of a year (I WILL BE A BETTER WIFE/SON/LAWYER/TREE SURGEON AND GET FIT AND SMILE AT THE CREEPY 7/11 GUY AND NOT HATE MY BROTHER FOR BEING SUCCESSFUL AND SAVE PUPPIES AND CURE CANCER AND FINALLY WATCH ALL OF BREAKING BAD), and this song is about the gentle pressure a dude has placed on himself not to let his person down. So while it’s not exactly the same I like that it’s a little nod to our agreement with the new year that we’ll try our hardest but we’re a little scared we’ll fuck it up. Plus it’s lovely, and mentions wanting to buy the person a dog which is nice and I like a bit of Josh Pyke. You need a bit of grace about you at the beginning of things.

Feist- The Bad in Each Other. Feist’s album Metals is cooing to me gently all the time at the minute. This track is smooth and a bit brash, clangie and grey like the odd weather we’ve been having. Reminds me of water and storms. For the mysterious times.

Feist- The Bad In Each Other

mygirlbetty — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:38:00 -0500

Feist- The Bad In Each Other

Doyle is fabulous.

mygirlbetty — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:49:17 -0500

He asked me to make him a soundtrack for his life which, by anyone’s standards is a reasonably big responsibility. I’m going to try anyway.

Here I will tell you (the internet) about Doyle’s soundtrack which will be inspired by my life, anyone who wants to help me, Doyle himself and the exquisite and mysterious joy of music.

Bon Voyage.