You're not dead, you're sleeping

I've loved and I've lost. Who hasn't? But one important lesson I've learned is that it is much more painful to hold on than it is to accept the loss and move forward. However, every once in a while it feels so good to revisit that love and remember it for what it was.

This particular song, "Signs" by Bloc Party, has the ability to make me smile and cry simultaneously. It can hurt so much to think about what's missing in my life, but I remember how lucky I am to have felt that closeness to another human being. And it never ceases to amaze me the traces these people have left behind. I see signs all the time.

Like most of my friends, you may not be a fan of Bloc Party. But this track is like no other. It's not obnoxious, it's emotional. It may be one of the most heartwarming tracks I've listened to in a long time. I urge you to watch and listen to the live version above before you actually download the track. It might give you a whole new perspective on the band, the music, and that special love.

Bloc Party - Signs

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We're gonna win this!

In keeping with the political theme I started on Monday, I introduce to you "Price of Gas" by Bloc Party. Pretty self-explanatory, huh? This track is sick. Listen to it. I mean, really listen to it. Listen to the words. Listen to the guitar, the drums, the bass, the tone of his voice, the intensity of all the dimensions. It hits.

I like the beginning of the track; it sounds so sinister—like our government. And the aggression expressed is intoxicating. It sucks me right in. It makes me want to do something about the situation we're in, here and abroad.

Oil. The price of oil is the central theme...obviously. It seems all the evil in this world stems from greed. Greed for power. Greed for money. Greed for land. Greed for oil. And who suffers? Not those in control, that's for sure. We lose. Me. And you.

But through it all, we must remain positive. We must continue fighting for what is right, for what is just. Like Bloc Party vocalist Kele Okereke wails, "We're gonna win this!"



Bloc Party - Price Of Gas

So I also wanted to try something different today. My pal Riste understands music in a very profound way, and I wanted to pick at his brain. Riste, what's your take on this track?

It's chaos when I listen to the track, especially the beginning—reminds me of our government pulling a thick blanket over our eyes. "We're gonna win this" is yelled over and over, like to grab the blind followers' attention to open their eyes and to follow him or her into a mass protest. Just as the song gets closer to the end, like as if you have this feeling you're actually going to win this fight against the government, you're screaming, "We're gonna win this!" in a mass protest in front of the white house. But their windows are closed and they don't want to hear you; they'll just fix you right up. It ends in silence just as you think the song would keep going into another verse—BUT nothing, dead silence. You got fixed, and then people forget who you are and what you stood for.

"Do as you're told and everything will be OK," as what I've heard for years.

Well your judgment on "OK" is good for you but not me; I like to stick out and be that asshole. I have a voice, I don't care if you want to hear it our not. This song brings that protester out of me. Follow me, and you'll see what I see. Just whip that political crap off your eyes and open your mind.

Or don't listen to me, because you might end up like the person in the picture above. I'll take that RISK.

-Riste Ristevski

The Blue-Eyed Artist

I dedicate this playlist to you, blue-eyed artist, who walked out of my life as quickly as you walked in. But this isn't a bitter message, it's thankful. I am grateful for the imprint you have left on my path. Although you walked out of my life without explanation, you did something very special and profound for me. In the brief time I knew you, you made me feel things I never thought I would or could feel again. That is a gift, blue eyes, and you will never even know.

It pains me that you'll never know what could have been. You excited me, and you still do. But I will admit, part of the reason you still get under my skin, even in your absence, is the mystery, the challenge, the unknown. However, I have no regrets, because I tried. You were hard to crack. But you will never know my story. The story I wanted so badly to share with you.

That door is now closed, and that is unfortunate. You walked in and out as quick as that game of Connect Four at Carol's.

Just listen to the songs, and know your impact.


Erlend Øye - A Sudden Rush (Download)

"A sudden rush of expectation...
Initial hint of disappointment...
Another blow of resignation...
Why did you come at all? If it wasn't for me."



The Whitest Boy Alive - Inflation (Download)

"Painless
So easy
You come fast
And leave me."



Bloc Party - The Present (Download)

"I wish I could've given you the lightness
The lightness that you deserve...
And they say time is a healer
And time will look after you
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Come over."