Theme Thursday - Masochism

A few things before I get to Theme Thursday. 1. Photos and a detailed description of The Mp3 Experiment 4 are up on Improv Everywhere's site. 2. I got to see a preview (or well, my friend called it a preview but according to their website, the play runs August 8th to September 9th, so I'm not sure why she called it a preview) of Shakespeare in the Park's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" last night. It was very enjoyable, despite the slightly chilly weather (but hey, it's no more chilly than most of the air conditioned theaters). And it didn't rain, so that's good. The second half of the play is definitely way better than the first half, so don't leave at intermission (I overheard a guy at a restaurant later saying he left at intermission because he was cold and I told him he missed out). I literally laughed so hard I cried. My favorite part (and I think everyone's favorite part) was the play-within-the-play. The only thing I didn't like was how much music they incorporated, particularly at the very end when they ended it with a boring song instead of just the monologues. The music seemed unnatural. It didn't quite fit and a lot of those actors aren't singers, so it didn't even really sound that great. For the most part the acting was great, although I didn't like the way Mireille Enos overplayed the role of Hermia. I'd have to say my favorites were the workers-turned-actors (who put on the play-within-the-play toward the end). They were all such characters and cracked me up every time they did anything. A word of warning to you if you go though, you have to get in line for tickets (because they're free) by about 7am even though the box office doesn't open until 1pm. I tried to go to Romeo and Juliet but I got there at like 9:30am and was already way behind the cut-off point. Luckily I got these tickets through a friend, so there was no waiting in line involved (I love theater but I am not about to stand in line - or "on line" as New Yorkers like to say - for 6 or so hours). Anyway, now on to Theme Thursday.

Since nobody gave me any suggestions, and since I did sadism last week, I thought I would make this week's theme masochism. Music for Masochists? Yay aliteration. This one should be a lot easier. As I said before, a lot of songs about unrequited love have a certain masochistic undertone.

Let's start with a classic 90s pop song: Love Fool [mp3] - The Cardigans - "First Band on the Moon" (iTunes). This song and I have a sordid (and masochistic) history and so it was the first one I thought of. It's so catchy and upbeat, despite it's rather depressing premise. Maybe this song doesn't seem masochistic to everyone else, but staying with someone you know doesn't really love you is pretty masochistic in my book.

Another upbeat-sounding song: Again and Again [mp3] - The Bird and The Bee - "The Bird and The Bee" (iTunes). This song's masochistic undertones are more subtle. But the lyrics have that sense of repeating mistakes because you just can't help yourself and it hurts but you can't get enough of it. Lyrics: "You're so stupid and perfect and stupid and perfect. I hate you, I want you, I hate you, I hate you. Again, again, again." I'd say it fits.

Mama Mia [mp3] - ABBA - "ABBA Gold" (iTunes). This song is the epitome of that whole "not letting go when you really should" thing I have been describing this whole entry. This one's pretty upbeat too. Why are all masochistic songs so upbeat? Strange, right?

Kill! Kill! Kill! [mp3] - The Pierces - "Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge" (iTunes). I don't know if this song is so much masochistic as just about not being able to get over someone. But I'm totally obsessed with The Pierces and have been looking for a excuses to post about them again. Seriously people, "Thirteen Tales..." is definitely on my list for best albums of 2007. Listen to it. Love it.

My Man (Medley) [mp3] - Regina Spektor - "Live at Bull Moose" (iTunes unavailable). I'd say this one fits the theme best so far. "My man don't treat me right... but he loves me, he loves me, he really really loves me..." And hey, this one's not so upbeat either.

Ok, that's all for today. Leave theme ideas for next Theme Thursday! Tata dahlings.

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Wacky Wednesday - 8.8.07

Today I'm going to post songs that I like because they are just really funny or wacky or silly. Because, like this article I read in Entertainment Weekly today, I agree that sometimes music shouldn't have to be about "high art," but it should just be whatever makes you happy. And these songs make me smile.

Grace Kelly (mp3) - Mika - Life in Cartoon Motion (iTunes). I don't really feel the need to say anything about this song. Just listen to it. You'll see.

Two for the Price of One - Abba - The Visitors (iTunes). Ok, so I can't actually post this one because I only have it in a protected file (stupid iTunes...) and I can't find it anywhere in a post-able format. But I wanted to tell you guys it's out there and it's great and most people have never heard of it because it's not really one of their better known songs. It's a song kind of about the personal ads. And it's also one of the catchiest songs ever. Seriously, it will get stuck in your head for days.

What You Want (mp3) - Mandy Moore - So Real (iTunes). Best underage stripper song ever... I think at one point Mandy Moore offered to reimburse anyone who bought this CD. While I can kind of understand why she might not be so proud of it, I still love the CD because it's hilarious and fun. And she was like, what, 15 and completely not in control of her own career? So don't worry Mandy, you have nothing to be ashamed of. And frankly, I like her better as an actor anyway.

It's Raining Men (mp3) - The Weather Girls - Success (iTunes). I always knew this song (everybody at least kind of knows it), but I had never really listened to it very closely until recently and I actually laughed out loud on the subway listening to it a few days ago and people looked at me like I was crazy. Listen to the beginning. I love the talking in the background. "How low girl?" "What sources now?" haha. Maybe I'm really easily amused, but I mean, the premise of the song is pretty funny too.

Ok, hopefully these songs provided you a little laughter to get through the rest of the week. I know I needed it today. It was a rough day, what with the crazy storms last night and all. I spent more time commuting today than actually working... So yay for fun music that gets us through the 2-hour subway ride that is only supposed to be 25 minutes. Tata dahlings.