Before The Music Ends: 8.25.09

I've been moving around in the last week from city to city (hello Los Angeles!) and amidst all the packing, I came across remnants of my late high school years and early college years. There were pictures, diaries, notes from friends, ticket stubs, and lists I had been compiling over the years for CD mixes that I had planned to make.  So, I've decided to go ahead and finish my lists, look them over, and narrow them down to bring you a weekly playlist of songs to listen to for any given occasion. This week we're starting with the dreaded, yet highly entertaining list to research.... The Break Up Mix.

One of the reason I got into music in the first place is because of it really is universal. Name any emotion, and I guarantee you there is a song somewhere that will help you get passed it, or simply describe exactly what you're feeling. Music is something that people can always fall back on as a support system. I'm choosing to start with The Break Up Mix because a breakup is something that everyone goes through at some point. And during that time (assuming you were the dumped) you feel alone, sad, depressed, and like no one understands what you're feeling. Chances are, you're also asking yourself "why me?" and "will I ever survive this?" or something along those lines. Well guess what?!? Turn on the radio. You're not alone!! Did you know that songs about relationships ending account for about 70% of the music out there? Just a little trivia for you.  Someone somewhere has already gone through what you're going through and has decided to turn it into music for you to listen to when you need to get all those tears out, or when you want to feel angry at the asshole (or bitch) that left you, or when you're simply reminiscing. During breakups, some people fall into their Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream modes, or sappy chick flicks like The Notebook... I choose to make a mixtape (CD, playlist... whatever theyre called these days). So here is my list. There are PLENTY more I have on there, but I can only write so many... Feel free to add your comments and suggestions.. I'm always looking for new songs to add to my mix!!

Don't Think Twice,  It's Alright- Bob Dylan

   "I'm walking down that long, lonesome road, babe. Where I'm bound, I can't tell. But goodbye's too good of a word, gal. So I'll just say fare thee well. I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind. You could have done better, but I don't mind. You just kinda wasted my precious time. But don't think twice, it's alright."

Last Goodbye- Jeff Buckley

   "Well this is our last embrace. Must I dream and always see your face? Why can't we overcome this wall? Baby, maybe it's just because I didn't know you at all"Somebody That I Used To Know- Elliot Smith

   "I had tender feelings that you made hard. But its your heart, not mine, thats scarred. So when I go home, I'll be happy to go. You're just somebody that I used to know"

You're ExLover is Dead- Stars

   "There's one thing I want to say, so I'll be brave. You were what I wanted. I gave what I gave. I'm not sorry I met you, I'm not sorry it's over. I'm not sorry there's nothing to save"

Walk Away- Ben Harper

   "They say time will make all this go away. But it's time that has taken my tomorrows and turned them into yesterdays"

I Wanted You To Feel The Same- The Radio Dept.

   "It breaks my heart to say that when I was in pain, I wanted you to feel the same. But nothing gets you really, it's a shame. Can't believe you didn't feel a thing"

Skinny Love- Bon Iver

   "I told you to be patient. I told you to be fine. I told you to be balanced. I told you to be kind. And in the morning I'll be with you, but it'll be a different 'kind'"

The Fight Song- The Appleseed Cast

   "We're finding fault, when you kissed her, or you slept with him, or you didn't care. Now it all breaks, disintegrates. Well this is the last thing I'll take, cause I can't face you now."

Shespider- Mew

   "In right wing fashion with paste and generosity because no one is safe from someone, somewhere's embrace, and so I have decided to dislike you now."

Kill- Jimmy Eat World

   "I can't help it, baby, this is who I am. Sorry, but I can't just go turn off how I feel. You kill me, you build me up, but just to watch me break. I know what I should do, but I just can't walk away."

Don't Come Around Here No More- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

   "I've given up. Stop. You tangled my emotions. I've given up, honey. Please admit its over. Don't come around here no more"

With or Without You- U2

   "My hands are tied. My body bruised, she's got me with nothing to win and nothing to lose"

It's Cool, We Can Still Be Friends- Bright Eyes

   "And you say that I hurt you, in a voice like a prayer. Yeah, well maybe I hurt you sometimes, but let's contrast and compare. Lift up your shirt. The wound isn't there"

Go Your Own Way- Fleetwood Mac

   "If I could, then I would give you my world. How can I? When you won't take it from me"

And others...

- Sometime Around Midnight- Airborne Toxic Event

- How's It Gonna Be- Third Eye Blind

- Backyard- Guster

- Boo- Pinback

- Hope You're Happy Now- The Sounds

- Song For The Dumped- Ben Folds Five (hilarious!)

- It'll All Work Out- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

- It Ain't Me, Babe- Bob Dylan

- The Winner Takes All- ABBA

- I've Been Loving You Too Long- Otis Redding

And I have to end my list with The Killers'- "Mr Brightside" simply because I WAS Mr. Brightside and the song describes it for me perfectly.

So go ahead... comment your own picks... becuase I know there's more out there that I forgot! And in the meantime I'll leave you with a cool song by an awesome new band called White Rabbits... "Percussion Gun" There's no way this song can't cheer you up after going through all those breakup songs!

Dalit

dalit@themensfashionblog.com

Seasonal Cookery

Plan ahead when in the kitchen and use what nature provides for you. Using seasonal vegetables guarantees dishes with great flavors every time you cook. Use this guide to match recipes with the best each season has to offer.

 

spring Prepare light entrees and salads that emphasize spring vegetables like asparagus, leeks, and green onions. Also use fresh herbs, such as basil and cilantro.

 

summer Use your grill to prepare seafood, poultry, or meats and serve with the season's ample bell peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, green beans, greens like arugula and spinach, snow peas, tomatoes, and zucchini.

 

autumn During this time of the year include the best of the harvest in your menus with mushrooms, onions, potatoes, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.

 

winter Use your broiler to prepare hearty recipes using winter's supply, including hearty greens, winter squash, and root vegetables. Incorporate the flavors of winter by using fresh herbs like sage and rosemary.

 

Got questions or comments? Email me!
 
-Matt
matt@themensfashionblog.com

Sale of the Day

James Pearse Toast Linen Button Up

Org: $196.00

Sale: $74.99

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Scarves: The Must Have Accessory This Fall

Fall is just around the corner, and a scarf can add a lot more to your look than just keeping you warm. In the many cultures, a simple scarf can mean a lot of different things. For example, Religions such as Judaism under Halakhah (Jewish Law) promotes modest dress code among women. Married Jewish women wear scarves to cover their hair. The Tallit is commonly worn by Jewish men especially for prayers. However, in most circumstances today, scarves are worn for fashion purposes. Scarves are a great way to make any plain outfit, into something a little more unique. You can wear them with a coat, or with a tee shirt. Anyway you decide to choose to wear your scarf; you need to remember a few simple rules. First off, just wrap the scarf around your neck once, and let the rest go. We don’t want to get carried away and look like Randy from A Christmas Story. Second, pick out a color that suits you and your features, but do not go over board. Pick something with 2 or 3 colors, or 1 color with several shades. This color scheme tends to go with more in your wardrobe. Third, Make sure your scarf is long enough. We don’t want to make you look like a fat man in a little coat. When purchasing a scarf, go ahead and try it on, and make sure the length goes with your body height. When it comes to thickness of your scarf, be careful. If you purchase a really thin white scarf, it may look like you wrapped your self in toilet paper; but if you buy a overly intense thick scarf, you may look like you have a neck brace on. So guys, before the weather starts to change, go grab your self a scarf, it is sure to give you instant sex appeal this winter.