The Mental Soundtrack

Favorite Songs of 2012

2012-12-31T11:23:00.001-05:00

I wanted to wrap 2012 up with a list of my favorite songs. Descriptions will follow shortly -- for now, enjoy these tunes. Have a happy and healthy New Year!

25. We Are Never Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift

24. Cheerleader - St. Vincent

23. Rivers and Roads - The Head and the Heart

22. Mercy - Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz

21. Bad Religion - Frank Ocean

20. Happy Pills - Norah Jones

19. Black Girls - Chester French

18. We Come Running - Youngblood Hawke

17. Madness - MUSE

16. Houdini - Foster the People

15. Bad Girls - M.I.A.

14. Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye ft. Kimbra

13. Too Close - Alex Claire

12. Mountain Sound - Of Monsters and Men

11. Hold On - Alabama Shakes

10. Simple Song - The Shins

9. Stubborn Love - The Lumineers

8. Take a Walk - Passion Pit

7. It's Time - Imagine Dragons

6. Let's Go - Matt & Kim

5. Locked Out of Heaven - Bruno Mars

4. Disparate Youth - Santigold

3. I Will Wait - Mumford and Sons

2. Home - Phillip Phillips

1. Tongue Tied - Grouplove

2012-11-03T02:26:00.000-04:00

So here is a summary of the road trip thus far...

State College, PA

A last minute decision to see Bruce Springsteen in concert. Ultimately one of the best life decisions. This was the ultimate night of seeing old friends and familiar places in the Penn State campus and downtown area. I felt right at home again.

Chicago, IL

After a couple of stops in rural Ohio to refuel and Notre Dame in South Bend, IN to check out the football scene, I made it to my next destination. By far, my favorite city, Chicago was met with a large pint of German bier after a long drive from central PA. This visit would prove to be another successful re-acquaintance with old friends.

Tomorrow brings forth a morning in Chicago and my trek through Iowa to Nebraska!

Epic, Soul-Searching Roadtrip Across America

2012-10-29T16:16:00.001-04:00

It's been a dream of mine to do what they do in the movies -- the epic, soul-searching roadtrip across America. A time to not only discover new lands, but to discover yourself, some might consider it a life necessity.. At the end of this week, I'll be making my move from Philadelphia to my new job in the SF Bay Area. I plan on logging my progress and discoveries in this blog. Stops include the following:

1. State College, PA

My alma mater, I'll begin this epic roadtrip with training wheels by making the first stop Penn State. This will be the perfect time to say goodbye to old friends and see the campus and downtown area one more time.

2. Chicago, IL

My absolute favorite American city, spending the night in Chicago is a given. This will be another time to say goodbye to old friends now living in the area while admiring the cityscape from afar.

3. Omaha, NE

I'm not all that familiar with Omaha, but a friend of a friend was gracious enough to host me for the night. Looking forward to getting a taste of the area. This is the furthest West I have ever driven.

4. Denver, CO

I'm excited to see Denver. I've always wondered what it's like to live in a city among mountains. Here, I'll have the chance to see an old childhood friend while getting a quick tour of what the Mile High City has to offer.

5. Salt Lake City, UT

Home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City will be my 5th stop on this epic roadtrip. Some sites I plan on seeing are Liberty Park, International Peace Gardens, and the Historic Temple Square. I'm not sure when else I'm going to be in this city, so might as well see as much as I can while here.

6. Reno, NV

This will probably be the quirkiest, most unpredictable stop of them all. I'm not really sure of what to expect -- a grittier, mini Las Vegas? Anyway, Reno will be my last stop before reaching San Francisco and the hotel is already booked. Looks like I'll be living in style at the casino while gambling away my leftover roadtrip money.

7. San Francisco, CA

And finally, we reach San Francisco. Time to find a downtown apartment and get started with Google!

Looking for any roadtrip and site-seeing tips, as well as new friends in the Bay Area. Any help is appreciated! Stay tuned for updates as I make my trip across I-80!

Twelve Things I'm Grateful For

2012-10-21T17:37:00.002-04:00

I came across this article on the 7 Habits of Extraordinary People and was especially taken by number 6, The Habit of Gratefulness. Here is what it had to say:

6. The Habit of Gratefulness
Yes, we want more and we want it now, but looking at what we have is crucial for self-fulfillment and self-transformation. If you constantly look at what you don’t have, it’s easy to become bitter, envious and stuck.

By practicing sincere gratefulness for all the people in your life, all the opportunities you’ve had, the luxury you live in, you’ll have perspective of what is truly important. Create a Top 10 list of things you’re grateful for and update it constantly to never get out of touch with the abundance that surrounds you.

I decided to tackle this project. I can tell you that picking just 10 things was not an easy task when I really sat down and thought about it. I could only narrow it down to 12 different things. What's great about this list is that it can change each day, depending on what you're going through at the moment. Better yet, it's a great way to think about and keep inventory of the things that have affected your life in a positive way. Here's what I came up with:

1. Food, Shelter, Clothing, Sanitation, Education, Healthcare

Without resources to these basic needs, where would we be? I'm grateful for the daily access to food, shelter, clothing, sanitation, education, and healthcare in order to live a healthy life of the mind and body.

2. Family and Friends

I wouldn't be anywhere without the love and support of my family and friends. They lend strength in moments of greatest need and have taught me how to give back. I look up to my parents and am grateful for everything they have sacrificed for the family they created. And I'm so lucky to have such supportive friends.

3. Freedom of Expression

Can't think of any place I would rather live permanently than the U.S.A. We are free to lend voice to the things we believe in and shape the course of our nation.

4. Teachers

Along with my parents, I've learned everything I know from the teachers and mentors in my life. From kindergarten through college, and even today, continuous learning and absorption of new information have been made possible because of teachers.

5. A Career

Having a regular paycheck is definitely one of the greatest feelings. With a job comes self-worth. I'm even more grateful for my career now that I have the opportunity to join Google next month!

6. Technology

We've become so reliant upon technology in our day-to-day functioning. As hefty as they are, I don't think I would ever go back to not carrying a smart-phone around in my pocket. From intricate public transportation to mobile devices, we're surrounded by technology that keeps us moving and accomplishing our dreams.

7. Nature

Sometimes you just need to stop and look around at the beauty that surrounds us. Let the sun wash over you with its rays of energy. Take in the colorful foliage of the fall and lush verdancy of the spring. There's nothing like taking a walk and breathing in the fresh, natural air that energizes life.

8. Random Acts of Kindness

The most random, unexpected acts of kindness take our breath away. From a stranger holding the door while entering a convenience store to a friend going out of there way to pick you up when your stranded in the middle of nowhere, these are the events that make the world a sweeter place.

9. Fear and Criticism

I've learned to appreciate jumping into the unknown from time to time. Seize those opportunities of leaving your comfort zone. As a result of your actions, you might face criticism, whether it is constructive or negative. That feedback may hurt in the beginning, but in the long-run, it makes you into a stronger, more self-aware person. I'm grateful for those opportunities.

10. Music

One of my strongest passions in life, music is what evokes memories of the places you've been, the people you've met, and the events you've been a part of. I can't think of a stronger, more emotional source of happiness. Without it, we would live in a boring, colorless world.

11. Love and Heartbreak

With love and heartbreak comes a stronger heart and capacity to care for the things that bring you happiness. Sure, heartbreak can lead to countless hours of Elliott Smith playback or excessive consumption of ice cream, but ultimately, there is a life lesson to be learned. Without love, you lose the will to live. Without heartbreak of all shades -- romantic or mortal or aspirant -- you forget where strength can be found. I'm grateful that love and heartbreak (as devastating as it can be) have each helped me realize where to find it.

12. Laughter

They say that laughter is medicine for the mind and body. From lower blood pressure to memory improvement, moments of laughter -- the universal indicator of euphoric happiness -- does the heart good.

So what do you think - what are your top dozen things you are grateful for? I'd love to hear it!

New Portfolio Page

2012-08-04T12:28:00.000-04:00

Hey friends! Sorry, I know it's been a while since my last post. It's been a busy summer and I want to share some of my adventures with you! In the coming weeks, I'll have a summer in review for you -- talking about some of the concerts I've seen and projects I've been working on. Also, I'd like your feedback on a bucket list I'm creating. What's on your list? More on that soon....
For now, I've created a Portfolio page for some of my professional work including an Infographic resume done through Illustrator. I felt like this would be a great way to keep track of and showcase my latest projects. Any feedback is welcome. Check it out!
Hope everyone is having a happy and safe summer so far!

Summer Anthems of 2012

2012-05-25T21:54:00.001-04:00

The unofficial start to the summer season begins this weekend! During these next three months, you'll find your days rife with barbecuing, baseball games, and beach trips. And on your journey to these outdoor events, you'll keep a handful of songs on rotation repeatedly to keep the energy going strong. Whether your cruising on the road with the windows down or owning the dance floor at your favorite bar, these songs are sure to set the mood for summer partying.

These are my favorite Summer Anthems of 2012. Feel free to comment and provide your own suggestions!

5. Scream - Usher

Infectious beat? Check. Innuendo-ridden lyrics? Check. Soaring vocals? Check. The quintessential summer song, Usher is back just in time with another hit song for all to sing their loudest to.

4. Boyfriend - Justin Bieber

Is it ok to like a Justin Bieber song? Regardless, I'm digging his sound for the first time in his young musical career. Though I don't quite buy into his newly discovered "swagger and edginess" (it seems pretty forced and the lyrics say otherwise), I'm loving the blend of synthetic whistle, overpowering bass, and restrained vocals.

3. Too Close (Alex Clare)

This one is different. Not sure if it's in rotation on Top 40 radio, but just imagine yourself driving at night with the windows down letting the summer breeze dance along to this aggressive beat. Dubstep meets Indie -- a widely welcomed surprise.

2. We Run The Night (Havana Brown featuring Pitbull)

It sounds like three songs in one, sampling a number of previously-released dance tracks, but it definitely works. Droves of party-goers tend to freak out when this one starts blasting on the dance floor.

1. Titanium (David Guetta featuring Sia)

RED HOT. That's how to best describe the number one Summer Anthem. And an anthem it unabashedly is -- expressing the emotional proclamation of self-sufficiency and empowerment. Without a doubt, Guetta's sound in this hit is titanium.

This Weekend, Dry the Rain

2012-04-19T23:14:00.001-04:00

This weekend, thousands upon thousands of Penn State students and alumni will be celebrating Blue and White weekend. The weekend is essentially a preview and celebration of the Fall 2012 football season with a scrimmage, carnival, fireworks, food, and entertainment taking place. What's more, it's also a great weekend to reunite with old friends on Penn State's campus in the beautiful springtime weather. Unfortunately, it's looking like a wet weekend. To help Dry the Rain, I thought I would share a song I love by the relatively unknown, The Beta Band.

The lyrics of the song are meant to be taken at face value in reference to the upcoming rainy weekend. But feel free to look in deeper if you so choose.

Firefly Music Festival

2012-04-06T14:41:00.000-04:00

The summer days are quickly filling up with concert dates. One of many events I'm looking forward to is the Firefly Music Festival. Located at The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway (I didn't know Delaware had a race track!), the festival is taking place from Friday, July 20th thru Sunday, July 22nd.

Firefly will be home to some of my personal favorites:

The Killers

The Black Keys

Death Cab for Cutie

The Flaming Lips

Cake

Girl Talk

Young The Giant

Cold War Kids

The Wallflowers

AWOLNATION

Grouplove

And so many more...!

3-day passes to the festival can be purchased here. Additionally, there is camping available for the weekend if you are looking for a place to crash with a group of friends while making new ones.

Tickets too expensive? Well there are opportunities to volunteer and see the performances for free while off-shift! Positions range from concessions to parking to event security.

So now the question is, who else is going to what promises to be an incredible celebration of music?!

5 Concerts I Wish I Could Afford to See

2012-03-04T19:21:00.000-05:00

Rocking out at a concert along with thousands of other fans with the idolization and love for the same music is always a treat. Every few years, the opportunity to see your absolute favorite bands and solo artists live in their rawest and most organic form presents itself. It can also be an opportunity to discover someone new, whether they are performing as an opening act or you're able to swipe a last-minute ticket for an unfamiliar band.

Unfortunately, concerts are expensive -- especially when tickets are being flipped for hundreds of dollars on StubHub or eBay. That is why we have to be choosy when deciding which concert is the best bang for our buck. I wish I could see all of the shows below but unfortunately, I'm going to have to decide who I want to rock out to the most. See below for my 5 Concerts I Wish I Could Afford to See!

THE BLACK KEYS
March 10th
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
Currently priced from $75

This show is going to be huge. The Black Keys at Wells Fargo? Fans in Philly have been waiting for this one.

GOTYE
March 23rd
Tower Theater, Upper Darby
Currently priced from $57

It's my dream to hear Somebody I Used to Know live. It's not everyday you get xylophones clinking so smoothly against a steady baseline.

M83
May 10th
Union Transfer, Philadelphia
Currently priced from $80

This is the one I'm aching to see the most. Union Transfer, a more intimate hall with killer acoustics, is the perfect venue for the retro-electronic styling of M83. That sax solo is going to sound amazing!

GROUPLOVE
June 11th
TLA, Philadelphia
Currently priced from $36

This seems like the kind of band that knows how to put on a fun show, whether its by virtue of their infectious melodies or crowd interaction.

COLDPLAY
July 5th and 6th, Philadelphia
Currently priced from $100

This is the big one. It's so big, Coldplay decided to book two nights for their stop in Philly. I'm both ecstatic and conflicted on this one. I really enjoy Coldplay's older music more than their newer stuff. Either way, it's going to be a amazing show -- and man, do they put on a show.

So there you are! What are your most anticipate concerts of the next few months? Feel free to post comments on the blog if you agree/disagree or have any other suggestions. Also, let me know if anyone is selling tickets at an affordable price ;)

I'll leave you with one show I've already purchased tickets for -- along with my wonderful girlfriend and some great friends. I'm absolutely fired up for this one...it's FOSTER THE PEOPLE this upcoming June at The Mann Center!

THON 2012 Raises Record-Shattering $10.68 Million!!

2012-02-20T23:12:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the THON community for raising a record-breaking $10.68 million!!

The funds go toward the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children's Hospital. With THON, the emotional and financial support goes toward the families with children undergoing cancer treatment and toward the research so that one day we can find a cure.

This year, we Brighten Every Journey For The Kids!

There and Back Again: A Commuter's Tale

2012-02-08T22:19:00.002-05:00

WARNING: The nerd in me is about to show...in case you've somehow never seen this side of my personality before ;)

My commute to work sometimes feels like an epic journey through the countryside. Kind of like the Lord of the Rings. You never know what you will run into, what obstacles you will have to overcome, and who you will see along the way. If you are lucky enough, the ride can be pretty smooth. On most days though, you can expect it to look like Hell on Earth. Here's a little peek of what you can expect on the daily commute:

There are twisty-turny roads through wood and farmland...

The Shire

...office buildings that tower over and reach up up and away...

The Two Towers

...aggressive drivers (or the slow-as-molasses commuter) who think the road is theirs to own and that the turn signal is optional when changing lanes...

Ring Wraiths

...and the Blue Route during rush hour traffic.

Mordor

The reason why I bring this up is because of an interesting article I read today. According to BusinessNewsDaily, employee disengagement at work may be linked to the length of a workday commute. Workers who drive more than 45 minutes a day to get to and from work are more likely to not be engaged in or feel an emotional connection with their workplace. With an hour+ commute, I guess I'm screwed!

There are plenty of other factors that weigh in on employee disengagement. For example, many people are simply unfazed by a long commute and can function normally no matter the circumstances of travel. Additionally, how employees are managed plays a major role in determining how much they value their work. What's disappointing is that according to the survey mentioned in the article, the majority of Americans are just simply not engaged in their work.

For the full article, click here! I plan on having more very soon, so stay tuned!. I'm cooking up a few deliciously epic blog posts -- hopefully for within the next week or two. Thanks for reading!

Life After College Roadmap | MintLife Blog | Personal Finance News & Advice

2012-01-21T18:32:00.000-05:00

I love this! Check out the infographic at the link below for a full post-college roadmap. It covers pretty much everything you need to know, from setting budgets to keeping up with an exercise routine.

Life After College Roadmap | MintLife Blog | Personal Finance News & Advice:

'via Blog this'

THON 2012 -- Help Kids Fight Cancer

2012-01-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

With the third fundraising weekend canceled due to unsafe weather conditions, your support is needed more than ever in the fight against pediatric cancer! Help the largest student-run philanthropy in the world lend its support to The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, by donating online at www.thon.org. Every dollar counts in making a difference in the life of a child, whether that donation goes toward covering medical expenses or funding cancer research.

Penn State Dance Marathon, affectionately know as THON, is a year-long fundraising effort that culminates in an emotional, uplifting 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon at Penn State University. Every year, millions of funds are raised to support Penn State Children's Hospital. Donations are collected by means of door-to-door canvassing, fundraising events, canister solicitations, letter drives, online giving, and corporate contacts.

Together we can prevail against the fight against cancer. Again, please lend your emotional and financial support by donating at www.thon.org and passing the message along to your friends and family. And click below for a little inspiration on what THON WEEKEND is all about!

Three Rules For Making Donations Matter in Haiti

2012-01-12T10:45:00.002-05:00

With Haiti still undergoing recovery after the disastrous 7.0-magnitude earthquake in early 2010, there is still much room for relief and reconstruction. In this article, you will find helpful tips on how to make an impact donation to help Haiti on its road to recovery. Basically, the writer recommends the following:

Rule No. 1: Do not send physical donations.
Rule No. 2: Donate money to reputable relief organizations with a local presence.
Rule No. 3: If you wish to volunteer in a disaster zone, plan your actions thoughtfully.

Probably one of the most interesting and meaningful donations given was this:

"Trevor and I were on a walk through Cité Soleil, and we went into a church made of tin roofing material. There, on desks made from scrap lumber, were several teens working on vector calculus problems (that's Calc III). They have no calculus teacher and are able to do this because they found a textbook in a donation pile and have been teaching themselves. This picture was not posed, and they didn't know we were coming; this was a totally random interaction."

The Life Reports II - NYTimes.com

2012-01-11T22:20:00.000-05:00

This opinion piece shares some wisdom imparted by people over the age of 70. It's a rather captivating read -- highly recommended if you need a little inspiration on the best way to hold onto the reins of your own life. Here is an excerpt of what to expect and the rest at the link below:

The happier ones divided time into (somewhat artificial) phases. They wrote things like: There were six crucial decisions in my life. Then they organized their lives around those pivot points. By seeing time as something divisible into chunks, they could more easily stop and self-appraise. They had more control over their fate.

Beware rumination. There were many long, detailed essays by people who are experts at self-examination. They could finely calibrate each passing emotion. But these people often did not lead the happiest or most fulfilling lives. It’s not only that they were driven to introspection by bad events. Through self-obsession, they seemed to reinforce the very emotions, thoughts and habits they were trying to escape.

The Life Reports II - NYTimes.com:

'via Blog this'

How to Be More Interesting - In Ten Simple Steps (Forbes)

2012-01-05T13:03:00.001-05:00

I just found this article on forbes.com during my lunch break. I like the advice and the simple visuals -- a unique way of making each point.

Part of my goals for 2012 is to improve in each of these areas and be a part of the things I truly enjoy and believe in. I hope the steps in this article are helpful to you too. Do you have any ideas on "how to be more interesting"?

I thought of one so far: keeping up with current events. If you understand and can speak about some of the things happening outside of your own world, it should make you a whole lot more interesting when being a part of daily conversations. It's also a positive first step to exploring this great, big world out there! Which leads me to my favorite piece of advice and the rest of the steps....

1.Go exploring.Explore ideas, places, and opinions. The inside of the echo chamber is where are all the boring people hang out.

Living in Student Loan Debt

2011-12-28T15:42:00.001-05:00

The price to pay for 5 years of college is living in student loan debt. It's a good thing I made sure those 5 years were well worth it!

I plan on fulfilling my commitment to paying off college loans by using the following roadmap as a guide. Below you will find shocking figures, such as student loan debt being higher than credit card debt by $22 billion!!! I've read about student loan debt getting out of control and that this market will be the next to collapse -- much like the housing market. Is there no way to stop us from heading in that direction? Is college really worth all of the money we sacrifice and are indebted by?

The consolidated payment plan with automatic online debit seems to be the way to go. That way you have less that you have to keep track of, as well as time saved on making regular payments.

Here's to being in college debt for the next 15+ years!

Happy Holidays!!

2011-12-24T20:25:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone good health and happiness this Holiday season! I hope it lives up to being the most memorable one with your friends and family. Enjoy the feast and gifts!
Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah to all!

20 Favorite Songs of 2011

2011-12-20T16:49:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the year when everybody reflects back on their favorites. You will see critics everywhere publishing their "Best Of..." lists, from the cities with the lowest unemployment rate to most memorable Youtube videos. Well I thought I would give this little project a try and post my 20 Favorite Songs of 2011. So sit back in a comfy chair and turn up those speakers / blast those headphones. You're about to take an epic journey on The Mental Soundtrack!

20. Moneygrabber - Fitz & The Tantrums

Motown is back with this soulful indie-pop tune of Fitz & The Tantrums. This song carries a full sound with blazing trumpets, catchy backup vocals, and a dance-able nostalgic beat. Proclamations of Don't come back anytime, I've already had your kind. This is your payback, moneygrabber are sure to empower any listener who has felt cheated before - whether at the hand of a manipulative boss or from a bad past relationship. Moneygrabber will have you singing your vindictive heart out.

19. Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine

There is something other-worldly about Florence + The Machine and the tracks this band releases -- especially the 2011 hit, Shake It Out. Like a prayer, Florence Welch chants:

Shake it out, Shake it out
Oh oh oh!
It's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So, shake him off!

This song is overflowing with raw emotion and is another one that leaves the listener with a sense of empowerment over an obstacle they may be facing. Life is too short, so celebrate now and shake that nasty devil off your back!

18. Helena Beat - Foster The People

This year, Foster The People burst onto the scene with their catchy, yet disturbing, hit song Pumped Up Kicks. Their follow-up, Helena Beat, is even more infectious with its vigorous rhythm and eerie vocals. Like most Foster The People songs, the lyrics are dark and balanced by a somewhat lively melody. This band is a refreshing change to the music scene and a welcome addition to the 2011 playlist.

17. Promises, Promises - Incubus

Incubus has been around since the early '90s and has released songs under an array of musical genres. Promises, Promises is easy on the ears with its traditional alternative rock routes and is even a blast to sing along to. The chorus sounds like:

I'm on the road of least resistance
I'd rather give up than give in to this
So promise me only one thing, would you?
Just don't ever make me promises

That fear of commitment and how people can build walls to stop themselves from being hurt is something that listeners can relate to. Paying homage to '90s alternative rock, Promises, Promises successfully takes us down that rocky road.

16. Video Games - Lana Del Rey

Haunting, mysterious, timeless. Video Games, by Lana Del Rey, is one of those songs that you may initially want to turn the dial away from on the radio. Yet there is something about it that hooks you and mesmerizes you to the end. It's probably the lyrics. The words of this song seem mundane but are hypnotic. There seems to be this strange recurring mention of video games in each of the verses as well. What is this obsession with video games? Perhaps that is what we are supposed to be wondering while listening to this complicated modern-day love song...

15. Changing - The Airborne Toxic Event

She's trying to change him. He says he can't be changed and does not want anymore nagging. Most heartbreaking are these words:

Days pass and turn into weeks,
when we don't even speak.
We just lay wide awake and pretend we're asleep.
You go home alone and you're checking your phone
and you're looking at me like I'm something you own.

Well it's a good thing the actual melody doesn't come off as heartbreaking as these lyrics do. "Changing" is another catchy, mocking tune that will have you singing right along.

14. Junk Of The Heart (Happy) - The Kooks

Try your hardest not to smile while listening to this one. The Kooks sing about the one you are after and how all you want to do is make them happy. It's a light, poppy tune sure to win you over with its charm.

13. You Da One - Rihanna

Rihanna songs are usually a mixed bag. Some are true hits and bring something new to the music scene while others are useless and uninspired. It turns out that "You Da One" falls into the former category. Do you like a side of dubstep with your serving of bubble gum pop? This one sure has that for you. This is the best and most inspired Rihanna song all year.

12. Tighten Up - The Black Keys

A song about a relationship gone wrong and the therapy that goes with it, The Black Keys continue to deliver a different, nostalgic sound with "Tighten Up". The guitar riff is brilliant and the drop in tempo adds an extra layer of polish to this track.

11. Judas - Lady Gaga

The definition of a "guilty pleasure", Lady Gaga continues to prove that she is out of her mind with "Judas".

I'm just a Holy Fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby

The beat is kickin' and brings the listener back to the bombastic sound of 80s pop. Judas is therapy for leaving the darkness for the light.

10. Sleep Forever - Portugal. The Man

Ready to fill your ears with some trippy, prog rock? The sound of synthesizers, full orchestras and a tender guitar will warm your heart. The lead singer, John Baldwin Gourley, sings about coming to terms with death and accepting the full life that has been led. This is an inspiring song, especially in the final moments when the full back-up vocals kick in.

9. East Harlem - Beirut

An accordion, a ukulele, and a lineup of brass instruments add up to a truly lovely, blissful song. Just let your head sway back and forth to get the full effect.

8. Undisclosed Desires - MUSE

Although their last album, The Resistance, was a bit of a disappointment, British rock band, MUSE, delivers some of their best work with the funky "Undisclosed Desires". We are treated to a scorching bass and those expected lyrics of paranoia gothic romance. Here's a taste:

I want to exorcise the demons from your past
I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart

Cheesy and over-the-top? Perhaps. But we have come to expect and embrace this part of MUSE.

7. Shake Me Down - Cage The Elephant

Check out that guitar and that mighty rock beat. "Shake Me Down" grabs at your soul and shakes you up. You'll be sure to sing along with the cathartic lyrics:

Even on a cloudy day,
I'll keep my eyes fixed on the sun

This is Cage the Elephant's best since "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked".

6. Don't Carry It All - The Decemberists

The Decemberists carries you into a different time period, into a small town where everybody knows each others' business. Birth, life, harvest, death -- a toast to it all -- "Don't Carry It All" celebrates and reminiscently takes you through all of the seasons.

5. Block After Block - Matt And Kim

There aren't too many songs as peppy and fun as Matt And Kim's "Block After Block". Take a step back and appreciate what you have accomplished. While you are reflecting, you can't help but drum your hands to the beat of this hot track.

4. Don't Gotta Work It Out - Fitz & The Tantrums

The only band to make the list twice, Fitz & The Tantrums, proved to be the one to look out for in 2012.

We don't, gotta work it out
cause no one's, gonna tell you where to find me
when you, you come looking for me
cause I've been walking out the door before you know it
and you better believe

Breakups seem to be the overarching theme for this band. So far it's working with the sound they have created and should work for years to come.

3. Midnight City - M83

This one is about the night life. "Midnight City" is one of the more unique-sounding tunes of 2011. That synthesizer siren stays with you long after the song is over and we hear the sultriest use of a saxophone solo all year (and there was a lot of that this year). And yes, this is the one from the Victoria's Secret commercial. Enjoy!

2. We Are Young - Fun

Take a bite into the forbidden fruit that is "We Are Young". There is so much going on with this hit song. A range of emotions, from innocence to surprise to anticipation to regret to acceptance carry this song to greatness. And the video highlights each of these qualities so perfectly -- probably one of the most original, beautiful rawest music videos of the year. I cannot say enough about Fun's "We Are Young". I will leave it up to you to enjoy and to create your own interpretation. Let its sound wash over you.

1. The Honest Truth - Typhoon

What a song. What an honest and true song. Have you ever looked back on life and thought about how you got to where you are today? This one is about taking responsibility for your actions and how your mistakes are a result of the decisions you made and your successes were not possible without the help of your neighbors.

You'll feel chills when the full chorus kicks in out of nowhere with:

Hallelujah, it will be gone soon, yeah
It will be gone soon, yeah
It will be gone soon, yeah

It's just an empty room
This is our darkest cave
We'll never see the day
But slowly make our way up to the mouth

Piss and moan
You let the devil in your home
You let the devil in your home
You let the devil in your home

This is an epic song of revelations. It's simple yet perfect in so many ways. And do you hear those trumpets? Those captivating trumpets? Typhoon's "The Honest Truth" will force you to take a hold of each and every day and make it your own. Required listening for the rest of time -- or at least until the New Year :)

Honorable Mentions:
These are three more great songs that came so close to making the cut. Enjoy!

Rumour Has It (Adele), You (TV On The Radio), I Might (Wilco)

Thanks for checking out my top favorite songs of 2011. What do you think of this list? Do you agree/disagree with any of the choices? Are there any that I was dumb to miss or include? I would love to hear your opinion. There are so many songs that I have not had exposure to, so any suggestions are more than welcome!

Thanks again. More blog posts come soon!

The Brazen Careerist

2011-12-14T22:34:00.002-05:00

Check it Out!

I really enjoy this site. Every week, there is some piece of insightful advice that could apply to our everyday lives. From eliminating student loan debt to identifying ways to make yourself desirable in the job market to figuring out how to make the most of your lunch break, there is something for every young professional or student out there!

Go ahead and give Brazen Careerist a look. Highly recommended reading!

Hope everyone is doing great and is enjoying the holiday season. I'm hoping to do all of my Christmas shopping this weekend. I should have another post up before then!

M83 Midnight City

2011-12-08T22:50:00.000-05:00

Keeping the momentum going! The song is awesome. The video is creepy. Are there any other M83 fans out there?

Also, are creepy, trouble-seeking children the big thing for music videos these days? This one reminds me of Foster The People's Helena Beat.

The Mental Soundtrack

2011-12-08T22:34:00.001-05:00

Welcome everyone!

So, I gave in. I decided it was time to start my own blog. Honestly, all of the cool kids are doing it.

Writing is something I have always enjoyed keeping up with. I took a couple of creative writing classes back in high school and spent much of my free time imagining and drafting my own stories. Unfortunately, since then, I have fallen out of practice and have simply lost that touch. I figured now is time to dive back into it and in one of the more expressive and interactive mediums of today -- the blog. So please, bare with me since I'm new at this. I assure you though, it will be well worth the journey.

Now you may be asking, what is the purpose of this blog? I'm not quite entirely sure yet, but I see it as a way to share some of the randomness that comes up in my day to day life. Anything that elicits a strong reaction, I'm going to share it with the world! That reaction could stem from a number of things -- especially the stories I read and hear about and the music I stumble upon by chance. And trust me, there will be a lot of music too. This is my mental soundtrack -- my stream of consciousness -- and I am very excited for you to be a part of it. Any ideas on how to make this great, please share!

Thanks for reading. And keep on the lookout for an update soon :)

-Zach