There are days when outside your window
I see my reflection as I slowly pass
And I long for this mirrored perspective
When we'll be lovers, lovers at last
All You Need is Love, Love the One You're With, Love Will Keep Us Together, Love is Everywhere, Beware!
When things work out and align love is a magical force. Two people meet and somehow figure out a way to not only coexist but actually enjoy each others company. Despite different upbringings, tastes, beliefs and habits. If all goes to plan, the couple can take the strengths of each other, adapt some of those better qualities into themselves while also remaining independent and self sufficient. Sounds easy right? Of course not! There's a reason why the divorce rate is close to 45%. Most of the time love can be messy. Someone likes someone more than the other. Someone changes and doesn't find connection with their partner. Sometimes people are assholes. Sometimes you had a partner that really got into the swing music revival in the late 90's! Like most, I've been on all ends of these sceneries. All can be quite challenging (well not the swing music of the 90's, but I did flirt with ska music during that time. Hey, nobody's perfect!)
While the first three songs are great and what we all want, since it's the spooky season let’s dive into the theme of the last tune written by Mr. Tweedy. While we all hope to have a Hallmark love affair often times things go sideways. To help us cope, Hollywood and songwriters put a magnifying glass on these everyday people issues which sometimes makes us feel better about our lives. We're all a bit crazy but hey, at least we’re not THAT crazy!
Since it's been a bit (wow a year) here's three songs to add to your spooky playlist, and three movies that deal with relationships gone wrong. This first title from Death Cab for Cutie should be self explanatory. I included the album version with the 4 plus minute instrumental intro (as a Cure fan I applaud a long opening) As the music builds I feel it projects the narrators building anger and frustration about his object of desire. There's a radio edit if that's not your jam. I originally saw this video on MTV when this album came out. I know they kind of broke out earlier with some tunes featured in the OC, but I was a little older when that show came out. I'm more fluent in 90210 with a minor in Dawson's Creek.
As for the second song, I may be misinterpreting, but it does give me the "trapped in a well, it puts the lotion on its skin" vibe. I saw Cigarettes After Sex open for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds years back and became an instant fan. Great album to spin on a rainy afternoon. Not all of the songs are about locking up loved ones.
Lastly, I threw in a War on Drugs song about moving on, heartache, and taking the healthier approach to loss. (aka, not locking up a loved one in a well) Working through all the things, cocooning a bit and then hopefully reemerging as a better version of oneself. That screenplay perhaps would be a better late 90's early 2000's indie flick and a rather dull thriller. It's all about balance people. (Side note, if you are going through some things I recommend their 2017 A Deeper Understanding album by the band for some cheap therapy)
As for the three movies, let's stick to the themes of the first two songs. Up first, a young Clint Eastwood is a radio DJ in Santa Barbara and ends up sleeping with one of his fans. While he thought it was more of a casual fling, she thought differently...and she's not too pleased with his decision.
Next up is a trashy film (I mean that as a compliment) from the late 90's starring Mark Walhberg when he was still more Marky than Mark. The good girl falls for the bad boy and well, he turns out to be bad. I remember anticipation for this film coming out and a bunch of us going opening night when I was in high school. It's 90's a-fuck also staring future America's Sweetheart and book club guru, Reese Witherspoon as well as my childhood crush, (Samanta!) Alyssa Milano as the rebellious best friend. Also features multiple songs by Bush. Great movie to watch with a group. Nicole 4 Eva...IYKYK.
Lastly, sometimes new friends can be creepy too! Having roommates can be terrifying (I had one in college that would throw his chicken skins on the carpet?!) but at least he didn't start wearing my clothes, get the same haircut as me or kill my dog..spoiler alert)
Happy Halloween season everyone. I plan on posting more spooky suggestions over the coming week.
