Pop Music Notes

I have been attempting to find a way to appropriately wrap up the New Year mentally, and I have failed miserably. 2009 has been an intense rollercoaster filled with severe disappointments and undeniable joys, and while every year is distinct, this one is truly like no other year I have experienced in my 40 years of existence. Fortunately, I received an email from the group Raining Jane this morning that handled all of this in one fell swoop.

There’s nothing like a starry sky to send a wish upon
A twinkle in a darkened night becomes the hopeful dawn
Together for the countdown, hold our spirits high
Suspended in a moment held between the hands of time

My love of these ladies just continues to grow, and I would expect nothing less than the instant classic “New Year” from them. Instead of their usual expansive sound, this is a stripped-down performance with an acoustic guitar, a little bit of what sounds like a xylophone, and some of the sweetest harmonies I have heard this year. Normally I would say that the best part of the song is that it is free to download, but I would absolutely pay for this.

All that’s built will bend
All that’s broke will mend
All that starts will end
Let the New Year begin

I know I am not alone in my relief of seeing 2009 become a Wiki entry, but rolling over and blocking out the world isn’t an option, either. We continue to engage with people and events that make our lives richer, because that’s what living is about. The community and family that I have found through this blog has been one of my biggest joys over the past two years, and I thank each of you for stopping by to see what one lone music dork has to say. I wish each of you a safe and joyful New Year’s Eve, and a remarkable 2010. Here’s to many more musical revelations and debates in the New Year.

Looking back on all that’s been said and done
The chances that were taken and the battles overcome
Memory lives on long after conversation ends
And what I will remember is your love, my friends