06 August 2010

No Apologies

::     R E G R E T S Y  / Where DIY Meets WTF     ::

So....let's just talk about a "Damn: I wish I had thought of that" moment. We all know/love Etsy. But there are some odd-ish things lurking about that site. Regretsy (the self-titled 'Where DIY meets WTF' web site) was to the quick on recognizing those less than stellar homemade madness and illuminate them to those of us who deem ourselves as purveyors of good taste. But really who are we to judge? Hard to say. I mean I "L" to the "O" to the "V" to the "E" IKEA, but frankly those bags are an ergonomic nightmare. Too large... But alas here's a Babe (Inrgrid, to be exact) on Regretsy who's made fashion from them. Check out the site - it's so wrong, it's right.

While I am in the advertising/communications biz, my degree on paper is a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) so while Regretsy is awesome, I have empathy for the fine artists/crafts-persons I've met along the way that felt their craft was not understood by the masses.

For my readers this post is a blend of the madness that possibly goes into these possible creative geniuses. (One departing thought: Snuggie. Who knew...)

Out of the Blue
Julian Casablancas
I get to see Jules, The Strokes frontman, Friday night in Chicago at Lollapalooza! They are in the same time slot as Lady Gaga. I will peek at her, but just a blush. The Strokes have my love. Can't wait! This tune, "Somewhere along the way, my hopefulness turned to sadness..." is so very Jeklly/Hyde-ian. Brilliant.

Heavens To Purgatory
The Most Serene Republic
Perfect song title for such a debatable topic. Hidden hand claps - my achilles heel.

The Rat
The Walkmen
This band will be at Lolla too. Nice. But that's not why they are in this post. The entire angst of the tune, "you've got a lot of nerve..." Those lyrics ring true to artists who are expressing themselves in a manner which no one else might immediately connect. It's a lonely, angry feeling. They capture it poetically w/this tune.

The Captive Mind
The Helio Sequence
I love this band. Check them out if their sound is new to you. The song title represents what sets creative folks apart from the herd - we are always on a quest.

Beautiful Wreck
Shawn Mullins
Art. Life. Love. All beautiful wrecks. Ingredients for an interesting life. Deelish.

Forgive Me, Love
Clem Snide
My Mom sewed a lot. Threw herself passionately hours into projects. As such she, and many a crafts persons, consider their objets de art, as a love. Clem Snide is such an amazing band -- their sound -- so honest, that this song, while a love song, felt so perfect for this post. 

Baby, We'll Be Fine
The National
This is my one and only "must see" band this weekend at Lolla. There are loads of great bands but I want see/feel The National. I have art directed/produced a music video in my mind each and every single time I hear this song as the lyrics are so visually rich. I relate to it, or know that those that do. And per this post, it's so apropos to (creative) angst.

Misunderstood
Wilco
Who isn't misunderstood? "I'd like to thank you all for nothin'..." Oh, cry me a river, Jeff Tweedy... ;)

Bittersweet
Big Head Todd & The Monsters
I chose this song as creativity is in fact bittersweet. But knowing this song is a fave of a good friend of mine brings double pleasure. Huge props go out to Ms. Alexandra Kelley. She is a tsumani of awesomeness in her passion for the Columbus Arts Scene via community awareness. (ie. Pecha Kucha and  Goodale Park Music Series to name a few...) Thank you, Alex!

Regret
New Order
So the dance of 'second guessing' begins. It's so amazing to design/create something you love. But then... you want to share it w/others. And then, whoo-boey, the second guessing begins. For those on Regretsy, I am guessing their audience were die-hard happy hour go-ers: "Sure, Chuck Taylors cut at the toe make for awesome tennis-sandals... " Wha...? This tune makes me smile mostly as there was a local Columbus/Cinci Band: The Websters, that played this song. A highlight for me any time we'd go see them play: "I was upset you see/Almost all the time/You used to be a stranger/Now you are mine..."

Supposed To Be
Jack Johnson
For the record, I am not a Jack Johnson fan when it comes to his tried and true pop tunes. But man, he has some songs that I just love and as such, credit him as a strong singer/songwriter. Check him on the Thicker Than Water soundtrack if his pop stuff leaves you cold. This specific tune is off the Curious George Soundtrack and it haunts me as my dear friend Ned saw this film before I did and commented on the film's deeper meaning via the soundtrack. This tune encapsulates so much about creativity. And life. Ambiance tip: Headphones on. Loud. Repeat.

Pick Up The Pieces
Average White Band
 As the saying goes, "If you haven't failed, you're not trying hard enough."
But hear me now: we creatives are not wimps. Be it our 8-10pm advertising jobs, or the 24/7 stay-at-home-crafter. We are creative. Hear us roar. ;) We can take criticism (kind of) and figure out how to make greater greatness. It's all part of what we call, The Creative Process.

Testify.

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Maybe it's up with the stars
Maybe it's under the sea
Maybe it's not very far
Maybe this is how it's supposed to be

Maybe it's trapped in a jar
Something we've already seen
Maybe it's nowhere at all
Maybe this is how it's supposed to be

Looking forward as we rewind
Looking back is a trap sometimes
Being here is so easy to do

If you want to... (repeat)


~ Supposed to Be by Jack Johnson
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