18: Music Theme #1 - Sleep

There was a dark age during which I was not a blogger. I don't like to think about it because the sheer amount of lost content is just dizzying. Episodes of Dr. Phil, and important cultural events like...well I'm sure there was something. For the record, this was 2014-2016. I was SO depressed that even when I got excited about being creative, by the time I had actually sat down to do so the feeling was long lost. I'm just grateful I was able to hold down a job and help put food on the floor because I wasn't good for much else. I certainly wasn't achieving the level of human potential that I am today, running a blog with several readers, attending important artistic and society functions if there were any.

The only reason I mention that hideous, murky and fortunately interim bloglessness is because I was reminded of the lone bright spot of my "creative" life during that time: a Reddit forum called Music Theme Time. Every day a new person would pick a theme and users would be allowed to post 1-4 songs "on theme" and everyone would vote for a winner. I took it way too seriously and had a blast digging for on topic gems and I've decided to keep all the fun to my blog and my taste. Not only will I have a great time sharing songs I think everyone will like, I'll be chiseling away the marble of regret to reveal a sculpture of great beauty and maturity. I think?

Today's theme is something that was on everyone's mind at work today: SLEEP! 

I'm extremely proud to say that after my cat, wife, and work obligations are taken care of, I will cut anyone that gets in between me and my PJs. I turn into an absolute chunk of half-melted wax after 7PM, a shell of my former self and barely able to hold a coherent conversation let alone reference pop culture adequately. It makes socializing difficult, but I'll tell anyone that asks: I'd rather be in bed *winkyface*

Jawbreaker - Sleep (1992)

Jawbreaker was always way too literate to be a run of the mill punk band, and on "Sleep" they explored alternative rock and emo so successfully it was clear they could handle any rock genre and make it their own. "Sleep" is a song about escape, drawing a parallel between rest and avoidance that paints a dark portrait. "I know that I must try to break out of this cell I call my life; to go to sleep is just to hide away." The metaphorical value of sleep will be in full bloom throughout this list, and this song is a gorgeously grey look into a mirror; the recognition that you can't hide from yourself. 

Eminem featuring DMX and Obie Trice - Go to Sleep (2003)

Speaking of dark ages, this song was definitely during Eminem's darkest phase. Admittedly not for everyone, and a far cry from The Real Slim Shady, most of his tracks involved wanting to kill absolutely everyone. Same as before, except now it sounded like he might be serious. This song actually scared me a little the first time I heard it - it is claustrophobic and like, way beyond a normal level of angry. Even with two A-list rappers, it feels too grimey to be mainstream, making it ideal for a Jet Li soundtrack...? Here we have the sleep as death metaphor for the first time, with a delightfully nasty juxtaposition of murderous rage and lullaby. As usual, great to bump on your ride to the chiropractor or to pick up a new pair of khakis. 

the Beatles - I'm Only Sleeping (1966)

Not only is this one of my favorite Beatles songs, I think of it as the quintessential John Lennon song. He was famous for his ability to sleep at all hours of the day and this song was rumored to be written in response to Paul McCartney having to wake John up to work on music. "Revolver" is correctly beloved and considered a big step forward for pop music in general and in "I'm Only Sleeping" you can hear every element of the group's songcraft and production talent. The first use of backward guitar on a pop record, the song blends dreamy pop elements with tightly knit vocal harmonies. The band loved writing about beds and being tired, but this is their best "Sleep" song. It is such a pleasure to have a blog where I can follow up a DMX song with a Beatles song.

The Postal Service - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight (2003)

For at least two sweaty nineteen year olds sharing a bedroom in Madison, WI, this was the album of early 2003. My friend Pete and I listened to it on repeat (along with a few other favorites) while we played Grand Theft Auto III and pretended to ignore each other downloading porn. I had been into Death Cab for Cutie for a few years, so I was immediately interested in a side project that incorporated an electronic songwriting partner. Relatively speaking for indie music, this album was an absolute blockbuster; it was Sub Pop Records' best selling album since Nirvana's Bleach - which came out in 1989! There is just so much to like about the songs here, and "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight" is the most successful blending of indie pop and electronica on the record. "The district sleeps alone tonight, after the bars turn out their lights and send the autos swerving into the loneliest evening. And I am finally seeing why I was the one worth leaving." 💔💔💔

bonus from the same album "Sleeping In" 

(They must've been exhausted)

Gabrielle - Dreams (1993)

I'm guessing in a few years this will be strictly a 90s music blog. Songs like this don't help; a distinctly early 90s combination of 80s pop melody with modern (at the time) production and instrumentation. Gabrielle's voice and the song's positive message helped make it a huge hit and I have a special place in my heart for it because it was part of my first open mic night rotation of cover songs I learned. Kind of sad, really HAHA. Sort of half cheating because sleeping does not necessarily equate to dreaming but Sara and I just heard this song while waiting in line to donate at Goodwill and I was waiting for a chance to shoehorn it into the fading light.

Billy Joel - River of Dreams (1993)

...and of course this song is also from 1993! "River of Dreams" was on a constant loop in our house when this album came out. I think my sister even sang it at a talent show? It is SO cheesy but for white people in Green Bay, WI were were rockin' out, man! It is almost painful to compare a song like this to what is being played on the radio today, and it is no surprise even Billy Joel was like, "That's enough for me." It isn't as catchy as something like "Uptown Girl" or as universal as something like "Piano Man" but I think it is his most fully realized song, and something the whole nerdy family can enjoy on the drive to Hansen's. 

Labyrinth - The Night of Dreams (1998)

A song about sleep and dreaming by my favorite Italian Power Metal band. If you have an open mind and are looking for more triumph in your life, I highly suggest this album. It will empower you and you will be taken on an epic journey of metal discovery and cheesy imagery. The great thing about Western Europe is that they don't do irony - this is dragon/wizard shit and it is seriously beautiful, no apologies or context. I'm such a fan of this album and the over the top way it explores its themes, both lyrically and musically, I'm going to include the full lyrics for you to headbang to before bed:

Close your eyes

Can you see?

It's the land of Secret Dreams(TM)

Take my hands, follow me where time escapes from reality

Can you feel the loneliness burning in my heart?

I would need an Angel to teach me again to fly

Fly to me and save me

Heal my broken wings

Close your eyes and kiss me

'cause tonight...

It's The Night of Dreams(TM)

And your crystal eyes could drive me to the light

It's the night of dreams and I can finally dream to fly - higher, till the sky!

Every day and every night I look up for your eyes

Rain is falling from the sky like tears and I don't like (English isn't their first language, OK?)

Now I wonder what I would ever have been if I had never met you

Stars in the sky are shining as never before

Now I can answer, I know: what is love? (Posed in the form of a question à la Jeopardy!)

******

As always, thank you for reading some or all of this. Take care of yourselves, kiss your pets, and get plenty of rest!

-Jack