05 December 2014

Daily Joy » Aimee Mann


Perhaps it was just a matter of time my beloved industry would get its paws on the already morally (yet wonderfully) corrupt game, Cards Against Humanity.

Hat tip to The Juggernaut for this overnight internet and ad land darling. Spoiler alert if you're on my gift list this year. :) Happy Weekend, All. xo ~ Joy

> That's Just What You Are
by Aimee Mann

In our endeavor we are never seeing eye to eye
No guts to serve us so forever may we wave goodbye
And you're always telling me that it's my turn to move
When I wonder what could make the needle jump the groove

I won't fall for the oldest trick in the book
So don't sit there and think you're off of the hook
By saying there is no use changing 'cause

That's just what you are
That's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fears
What's the matter with the truth, did I offend your ears
By suggesting that a change might be a thing to try
Like it would kill you just to try and be a nicer guy

It's not like you would lose some critical piece
If somehow you moved point A to point B
Maintaining there is no point changing 'cause

That's just what you are
That's just what you are

Now I could talk to you till I'm blue in the face
But we still would arrive at the very same place
With you running around and me out of the race

So maybe you're right, nobody can take
Something older than time and hope you could make
It better, that would be a mistake

So take it just so far

'Cause that's just what you are
That's just what you are
That's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fears
What's the matter with the truth, did I offend your ears
You're like a sleepwalking man, it's a danger to wake you
Even when it is apparent where your actions will take you

That's just what you are
And that's just what you are
That's just what you are
That's just what you are



24 October 2014

Daily Joy » Yo La Tengo



Goodbye, Summer. Hello, Indian Summer. You sure look amazing today in the 'ol O-HI-O. Taking a quick break from work to share one of my favorite fall tunes. It's chill tune chock full of percussion goodness. Perfect pairing for a weekend drive to take in all the beauty of fall. Enjoy!

> Autumn Sweater
by Yo La Tengo

when I heard the knock on the door
I couldn't catch my breath
is it too late to call this off?

we could slip away
wouldn't that be better?
me with nothing to say
and you in your autumn sweater

I tried my best to hide in the crowded room
it's nearly possible
I wait for you, oh, most patiently

we could slip away
wouldn't that be better?
me with nothing to say
and you in your autumn sweater

so I looked for your eyes and the waves looked like
they'd pour right out of them
I'll try hard, I'll try always
but it's a waste of time
it's a waste of time if I can't smile easily
like in the beginning
in the beginning

we could slip away
wouldn't that be better?
me with nothing to say
and you in your autumn sweater

we could slip away
wouldn't that be better?
me with nothing to say
and you in your autumn sweater
you in your autumn sweater
you in your autumn sweater
you in your autumn sweater


05 September 2014

Daily Joy » Handsome Boy Modeling School


 

A week full of type explorations is always time well spent. A week exploring type AND listening to music? Well, it's been a banner week for this girl. I've chose this sultry lil number by Handsome Boy Modeling School to offset this playful type specimen from the inspiration consortium: ChangeTheThought. Enjoy and remember, when in doubt, the truth shall set you free. ;)  Happy weekend! xo Joy

> The Truth
by Handsome Boy Modeling School

Go ...
Go to the mountain if you must
Go to the burning bush
Happy would ease your troubled mind
How do the fade just stay behind?

I know you better than you think I do
Don't worry babe.. this is why i fell in love with you
The man in the looking glass
Is looking back at you at last

You can't hide from the truth
Because the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth
Because the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth
Because the truth is all there is
You can't hide

If happy times are too few and far between
It's a pity dear, we can't erase the things we've seen
So disappear, vanish if you wish
Just go before you're swallowed up by bitterness

And the truth is you can't hide from the truth
And the truth hurts because the truth is all there is
I realized some time ago that I would have to let you go

May not be true to see that you would return one day
But in your present state you may as well not be here at all
You wear a thin disguise, it's from yourself you hide
Just take a look at us, we are heading for a fall

[J-Live]
Now presiding in this quarter: hip-hop
Justice, my rap forté
Judge, jury, bailing for prosecuting D.A.
Et ceteras, paraphas
My modus operende
It's carpe diem whether the fact or word is your way
Comprende?
The people versus, you ain't no Sensi
Teaching that style of word-play
We got the words they
Regardless of what your friends say
They're all disable
Striken from the record and deemed indimissable
And this long arm of the law grabs a mighter
Shoot dope lines first and ask questions later
The death sentence of this live litagator
Close the case tighter than the jaws of a 'gator
Stenonographer, that study law again, the jargon
Let your counselors 'a barking, in hopes of a plea bargain
But when you read back verbatim
What they're saying to pursuade them
They realize exactly how i've played them
I come with the truth, whole truth and nothing but
'Cause the truth hurts just as much as fuckin' with lies will
I brew skill with free fills from now until
Plagerizing MC's get their flows distilled

Baby I don't die without you by my side
As long as you return into these arms that burn
Baby I won't die just take a look inside
Into these eyes that burn, come to these arms that yearn

I won't die, if you leave me high
I won't die if you're not by my side

And the truth hurts because the truth is all there is
And the truth hurts because the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth
Because the truth is all there is
You can't hide from the truth..



06 August 2014

Daily Joy » Clem Snide



Listening to some bittersweet old school Clem Snide today while designing, so hit the twitter to see what they had going on. As a huge supporter of home concerts, I want to share this cool opportunity of hosting a living room show. If your city is listed, reach out to them. You won't regret this unique experience!

And Eef, should your travels bring you to Columbus, OH, I'd gladly host. Our city is the jam, Man. Buzzfeed even says so. (see reasons #6, #9, #15, and #18)

>Evil vs. Good
by Clem Snide

'Cause you're so evil and I'm so good
I'll You'll make it up to you me some day.


 ______________________________

BONUS ROUND » those close to me know one of my guilty pleasures is the Brothers Gibb (aka the Bee Gees.) Check out Eef's rendition of "How can you mend a broken heart?" (great question, btw) His vocal twist takes this song to another level. #swoon


25 July 2014

Daily Joy » Pete Yorn

Happy 14th Birthday, Jonah!

Holy wow: this is a post I never anticipated having the opportunity to create. Bernese Mountain Dogs' lifespan typically caps at 10 years. This gentle giant of mine is a whopping FOURTEEN today. He is everything one could ask for in a dog: loyal, loving, and a non-slobberer. :) He has gotten me through some very dark days. Still does. And every morning I delight that he is still among us, to grace us with his kind soul. I am hopeful for many more days with him. We'll see... Happy weekend, All. xo ~Joy

by Pete Yorn

When you come back from the dead
And you stare through my window
I'll pretend you're never there
I'll pretend we are shadows
We are shadows

There'll come a day, I'll let you in
Wash you down, dress you in my clothes
Lay your head on my pillow
Lay your head on my own
On my own

We are growing up together
We are growing old together
We are growing old
We are growing up together
We are growing old together
We are growing old

They said you wouldn't be sitting here
On your own
On your own
They said you wouldn't be sitting here
On your own
On your own

When the storm closes to you
And the wind shakes your body
I'll admit you're not alone
I'll admit you're never alone
You're not alone

They said you wouldn't be sitting here
On your own
On your own
They said you wouldn't be sitting here
On your own
On your own

We are growing up together
We are growing old together
We are growing old..



24 July 2014

Daily Joy » CSCA Pinewood Derby

Drop. The. Hammer.

Tonight's the night, and while I can't be there, you should! CSCA (the Columbus Society of Communicating Arts), a design organization very near and dear to my heart, is holding their annual Pinewood Derby. You will see derby car innovation + creativity unlike any around, I promise. And a big shout out CD102.5FM for hosting our event. Whole lotta local love going around! Catch the Derby results here.

by Sniff 'n' The Tears
A lil old school driving tune for you.

by The Avalanches
A new tune that makes you feel like driving.


Doing alright
A little jiving on a Saturday night
And come what may
Gonna dance the day away

Jenny was sweet
Show a smile for the people she needs
I'm trouble, let's drive,
I don't know the way you came alive

News is blue (the news is blue)
Has its own way to get to you
What can I do (what can I do)
When I remember my time with you

Pick up your feet
Got to move to the trick of the beat
There is no lead
Just take your place in the driver's seat

Driver's seat, oohoo, driver's seat, yeah

Doing alright
A little jiving on a Saturday night
And come what may
Gonna dance the day away

Driver's seat, oohoo, driver's seat, yeah

Jenny was sweet
There is no lead
Pick up your feet, pick up, pick up
Pick up your feet, gonna dance the day away

Driver's seat, oohoo, driver's seat, yeah
Driver's seat, oohoo, driver's seat, yeah
Driver's seat...

18 July 2014

Daily Joy » The Replacements


I am headed to Forecastle Festival this Sunday specifically to see The Replacements and Beck. Much like seeing Beck earlier this season, The Replacements are a bucket list item for me. If you need further evidence of Paul Westerberg and crew's power, here's a great ode to them that I found on Meredith Listens twitter feed. So... let's hear it for soul-wrecking, round 2, eh? ;)  Have a great weekend. xo ~Joy

>I Will Dare
by The Replacements

How young are you?
How old am I?
Let's count the rings around my eyes
How smart are you?
How dumb am I?
Don't count any of my advice

Oh, meet me anyplace or anywhere or anytime
Now I don't care, meet me tonight
If you will dare, I might dare

Call me on Thursday, if you will
Or call me on Wednesday, better still
Ain't lost yet, so I gotta be a winner
Fingernails and a cigarette's a lousy dinner
Young, are you?

Meet me anyplace or anywhere or anytime
Now, I don't care, meet me tonight
If you will dare, I will dare


17 July 2014

Daily Joy » Band of Horses



Band of Horses are coming the LC Pavilion this Friday. Laredo is one of my favorite tunes — which I featured back in December 2010.  This song has definitely stood the test of time. If you make the show, enjoy!

Gonna take a trip to Laredo
Gonna take a dip in the lake
Oh, I'm at a crossroads with myself
I don't got no one else

Impossibilities at the door
I won't be needing them anymore
Oh, is this the first time in your life?
It's hard just to get by

But oh, my love, don't you even know?
And oh, my love, are you really gone?
Ooooh

And can you see the world through a window?
Are you having troubles in droves?
Oh, I think the worst thing I could do
Is get back home to you

I put a bullet in my Kia Lorenzo
A kitchen knife up to my face
Throw me in the deep of Jenner Lake
Believe me when I say

That oh, my love, you don't even call
And oh, my love, is that you on the phone?
Ooooh

And oh, my love, you don't even know
That oh, my love, are you really gone?
Ooooh


09 July 2014

Trainwreck

(...there goes my site's PG rating)

I posted this to my Pinterest account a long time ago. It’s still funny as hell. And rings more true today than ever. It's fitting I'm composing this post on the anniversary of the passing of my friend, Ned Williamson. He was taken from us far too soon. Grief is a tough thing. One day you’re okay, feeling stable, the next moment any small nuance can kick you to the curb, leaving you a total wreck. I think it's because the profound impact people can have on your life — and then the fact they never fully got to learn of that impact — is what's so hard for us to accept in the end.

Ned's absence is a meaningful reminder for me to embrace life, love boldly, and take risks. Some days I am better at it than others. But I am trying. And I have my eye on the prize. So this post is dedicated to those conversations we have with ourselves during our challenges. And as you'll quickly see, the artists below have captured these sentiments like poetry in motion.

Enjoy this post. And the tunes (17 of them!) The music player is at the bottom. Or you can click on the individual tunes, which open/play/download in a separate window.

Thank you for your time. And your heart. ~Joy




Laser cut pre-dawn curiosity from Alice in Wonderland 
I am a morning person. Have been since childhood. La la love that time. Great thinking time - I design in my haze from when my alarm goes off to when I actually rouse from my bed. I resolve nuances I couldn't quite figure out when my brain was conscious. And, who doesn't love a great morning workout? I'm on my way to achieving breakfast club member status at Melt Hot Fitness. :) Owner Kelly Sodergren's mix of a heated studio, dim lighting, and a music library that rivals my own makes the wee hour wake up call beyond worth it. I always leave the studio feeling stronger. If not in my limbs, at least in my mind.

> Can’t Wake Up
by The Apache Relay
For those who prefer the snooze button over the benefits of a vigorous morning activity, this one's for you. It's all about matters of the heart.

> Coffee
by Sylvan Esso
This tune plays during our Barre class warm-up at Melt. Until recently, I didn't know who the artist was as I'm pretty sure whipping out my phone to Shazam a song in class is a no-no. My bud seanHARTMAN, recently suggested I give Sylan Esso a spin. And then it all clicked. Thanks, Universe.

This tune is hauntingly fantastic. It might be my 2014 version of the highly addictive Two Dots by Lusine (another one perfect for your edit sessions, Bil Zelman.)

 I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel.

In the spirit of gettin' after it, away we go....
by Hacienda
I've had this tune in my "potential posts" list for a long time. So happy to have found it a fitting home. Dan Aurbach produced the track. I feel his thumbprint all over it. And I like it. The documentary-style video is pretty sweet too. My heart IS racing.

by Young the Giant
I'm a sucker for songs about driving, mostly because I love driving. And listening to music while driving. So yeah, this song was pretty much a slam dunk:
"Get out the car it's time for me to drive. Oh, you can't hide for long. I want to spend the night. Just tell me you were all alone. It's so wonderful. Hey, I feel wonderful"

Inspiration overload from this yogi

Josie Schweitzer definitely has a cult following. If not in her yoga studio, Thank Yoga, then most definitely via her Instagram feed. Checking her posts have been part of my morning routine for awhile now. Motivation on so many levels. Give her a follow too!

by The Whitest Boy Alive
This band's name juxtaposed with their sound was a delightful and unexpected treat for me. And then I saw their photo and it all made sense. Bummed they broke up. I like the tempo of this tune... good for decision making. And again, me w/the lyrics. I know, I know...
"So many people telling me one way. So many people telling me to stay. Never had time to have my mind made up."


 
Branding Phobia about the culture of anti-branding to Barcelona

Somewhere in my mind, thematically pairing: Training + Barcelona branding + Kitten + Girls + Boys makes perfect sense. Trust me, eeeez good.

> Girls Chase Boys
by Ingrid Michelson

"Their tears were their love" Poem #34

by Lucius
Ok, back on track: Training? Check. Soul-wrecking images/lyrics? Yup yup. The steel drum used in this version makes my ears happy as it's not the version I had originally heard.

> Put Me to Work
by PAPA
Oh man, I hope to catch PAPA at Lollapalooza specifically for this tune. The energy captured digitally has got to be 1000-fold when on a stage. That's a whole lotta piano going on (pronounced: pie-ann-oh)

 I Feel Good Today by Niels Buschk

Upside of this nervous energy phase I'm in, I (finally) bought a bike. Don't know why I resisted this so long. Thankful for the nudge. And now down the rabbit hole of this lifestyle I go.

> First Time High (Reconstructionist Remix of An Eluardian Instance)
by Of Montreal
"And I accept you as my very first mover." Mover? What the...? Makes me chuckle.

> Friendly Pressure (Cool Breeze Remix)
by Jhelisa
Turn up the volume and enjoy this funky remix.


A BODY IN MOTION STAYS IN MOTION

These rest of these images and tunes embrace freedom. Don't let others hold you back. Be true to yourself. Find your footing. Find your voice. Powerful stuff, right? 

by José Gonzalez
From the The Secret Life of Walter Mitty soundtrack. I love the anthemic vibe from the children's choir in this tune. Great fit for this Continue to Wonder image. 
"Heart's on fire, leaving all behind you. Dark as night, let the lightning guide"

by Vacationer
Dear Skully's: 7:15pm show times are stupid.
Dear Vacationer: You have a new LP out. Could you not play for 15 more minutes? Sigh... Although it made for the most memorable near-miss ever. "Good night, Columbus." 

by The Black Hollies
When I'm not working on blog playlists, this band is in heavy rotation for me. I cannot get enough of their old-school hippie vibe. This song is about being stuck in between... and it's on point. You really should get out of nowhere and just Be. Here. Now.


Disco is far from dead, Friends

> Gimme the Nightclub (dj BC edit)
by Dan Meth
This is a ridiculous mash up of Jay-Z and George Benson. Ridiculously good, that is. In celebration of my upcoming birthday and being 5"4', this Shorty is embracing the disco ball.

 
Opened eyes. Open mind. Open heart. 

I saw MMJ open for Pearl Jam a zillion years ago in Cleveland. They left an indelible impression on me. I'm smitten these two tracks help round out this post.

> The Day is Coming
by My Morning Jacket
Goal setting, at it's best. 

> Speed of Sound (Live_Philly)
by Pearl Jam
Rushing adds unnecessary stress. Slow down. Let great music be your driver. And in this live version, believe: in Eddie we all trust. #testify
"And yet I'm still holdin' tight to this dream of distant light. In that somehow I'll survive. But this night has been a long one. Waiting on a sun that just don't come."

Quote written out on paper with sepia and black ink.

by Minus the Bear

Goodness, I didn't realize this post would be so long. The work showcased above drove the momentum of the post. Matching the tunes is always a labor of love so this was incredibly enjoyable. The final tune wraps this all up nicely:

No excuses, Friends. You can do this. We can do this.



16 June 2014

Just My Type

Fabien Barra's Harmonie Intérieure wall graphics.

Hey. Hi. Remember me? Or this blog? I barely do. My last post was 3 years ago. That's like even before Emoji's were common place.

Wait. What? I know. I know. Sigh...

When Spotify, Rdio, Pandora, iTunes Ping, and Twitter Music came along, it seemed that blogging wasn’t as relevant since you could get your streaming music so readily (ps: nerd joke about Ping and Twitter Music. #posers) I was even using Facebook and Twitter for one-off music posts. But verve for a tune is hard to emit via a mere 140 characters.

During these past few years however, I’ve continued to amass a crazy amount of music and unconsciously paired the tunes with themes from my glorious interweb finds. I’ve been blogging all along, just only in my mind evidently. Who knew?

Recently, a nervous energy has washed over me and it's pushing and poking me to have my voice heard again. As a result, I have a lot to say, get out, unload. Which is why I blogged in the first place: I love writing, and don’t do it enough. This blog used to be an incredible creative outlet for me. The fact you might stop by to read my rants/raves/meanderings and even enjoy the music I posted, well that was back seat to what drove me to continually contribute to this blog.

This specific post might be a bit messy, so feel free to revisit later in the week as I get my sea legs back and see fit to further refine. You can access the tunes playlist style via the Streampad player at the bottom of the browser or download directly by the links w/in the blog post.

Ready? Please carve out about two hours, crank your headphones, maybe even pour a drink (at work–bourbon? / at home–caffeine?) and possibly you'll find you can relate to my catharsis.  xo Joy

THE BEGINNING » Serving up some Barry to set the tone of this post as it's a cautionary tale of entanglement regarding typography and love. Because if you don't have passion for all things, what do you have?
> Love's Theme by Barry White





Love Lightboxing & Layer Tennis matches? Add this type competition to your mix.
Type Fight: an arena for people who like having fun with letters.

Claudia Chow, former Creative Director at HUGE, stated it best at her CSCA lecture, “Designers are obsessed.” Guilty as charged. And within our arsenal of tools, it could be argued we obsess and debate the most about typography as its the foundation for all our projects. One of the biggest font battles going on right now is over at the former Hoefler & Frere-Jones, now operating as, Hoefler & Co. How each party views the foundation of their business relationship is riveting. Their pre-break up documentary, Font Men, illuminates their long-term impact on the type industry.

> Bros
by Wolf Alice. I love this lil unknown band's sound. And the precious lyrics, "I am so lucky you are my best friend..." The EP cover art is just as cute. Reminiscent of all the #tbt pics on Instagram.

> Beautiful War
by Kings of Leon. I'd never profess to be a huge KOL fan but I've possibly featured their tunes here more than any other artist. They are incredible songwriters, as the lyrics of this song demonstrate.

> In My Veins
by Andrew Belle (featuring Erin McCarley). Another incredible songwriter. I met Andrew a few years ago at a valslist.com house concert. I encourage you to see him live. He's the real damn deal. So is this song. (featured on Grey's Anatomy season 6 finale. My point: support house concerts They can introduce you to some amazing talent!)

> Take it or Leave it
by Cage The Elephant. They just surprise and delight w/each new release. I doubted they could surpass "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" fame. I was wrong. Proof the journey is more like a marathon, than a sprint?

 Kickstarter darling: Quality playing cards presented through typography.

Who doesn't love a good game of cards? That's what my parents and I did while I was growing up, til their dying days, in fact. Many o' heart felt conversations were had during those games too. Having close friends/family over for a night of cards and conversation is a lost art. Digital be damned. Bring on the analog for this girl. You have been warned.

> Heart is a Drum
by Beck. A bucket list event for me this Friday — I am sure Beck Hansen is going to wreck my soul. Can't wait. Y'all should come and witness my undoing during this, or almost any, song from his Morning Phase LP. Two shows for the price of one?  Let's hope not. :)

Actually, while the song title is drum-centric, it's the delicate introduction of the piano around 1:11 and it's subsequent layering throughout the rest of the song that tugs at me. Greatly looking forward to seeing this song performed live. Melt down be damned.

> Keep Your Heart
by TV on the Radio. For those that love a good falsetto shrill, here you go.

> Lay Your Cards Out
by Polica. Bonus points for working "a sunder" into any song.


These posters tell, "... a love story from hopeful beginning, through falling in love and expressing its passion, the appearance of doubt, the inevitable breakup and its aftermath." See, more than just another pretty (type) face.

by Faces. Some Rod Steward and Ronnie Wood when they were mere legends in their own minds.

by Heart. This is on my list of songs to learn how to play on guitar. But only the first 1:17 of it... And, pretty sure I'd need a guitar first. No worries. I'm a work in progress.

by James. "Wooooowooooowoooowooo." I mean really, what else is there to say?

> To Look at You
by INXS. "Real life documentary" before real life documentaries were ubiquitous.

Concrete letter sculptures submerged in various marine environments around Western Australia.

Underwater typographic installment? In Australia? Told you the interwebs were cool. The photos are even cooler. This raises the bar on the 'out of home' channel ideas.

by Broken Bells. This song was intended for Type Fight playlist above, but it actually has "amok" in the lyrics. I'm all about the details, Friends. And happy accidents.

> The Ocean
by Richard Hawley. My need for the ocean is never satiated. Angry sea. Mellow sea. I'll take any form. I need it at a primal level. Getting my fix this week, in fact. Like Richard croons, "I love you just because." (Man, his voice is quite melty, no?)

A game? Or a font? Google results mayhem. Downright unlawful.

Get yer guns kids. Time to play. No need to conceal weapons here. This takes a while to load but it's a fun silly font game. All creatives love a good distraction.  --> squirrel

by Junip. I like the cadence of this song. Reminds me of biking or blading on a sun-dappled path. God bless, summer. 

by The Cars. KA-POW—some old school Ric Ocasek for you, you Geranium Lovers, you.

Unifying the world's handwriting into a universal typeface.

Kudos for BIC for creating this heavenly distraction while demonstrating incredible restraint in product placement. It's a timely conversation as the art of handwriting is leaving our schools. I'm all for anything, digital or analog, that can highlight the importance of penmanship and handwriting. They have +300k characters entered so far. I can't wait to see where this nets out.  Contribute your fine penmanship, won't you?

by Switchfoot. 1-2-3-4-5...

by San Fermin. I overlooked this song initially. Never saw the build-up coming around :52. Oh, those horns. "I'll fall for you soon enough." Indeed I have, San Fermin.

by Hiromi. Some jazz goodness. May you all find joy in your life.

THE END » Well, that's what nervous energy will get you... I used to end each post w/a single draw of lyrics from a favorite post song. That won't work here as there is just too many from which to choose. Hope you're cool w/the break from format. I'm a firm believer that change is good.

So... for all this "talking," you'd be surprised what a good listener I am. Let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear them. Radio silence is never a good thing, right? Now, time to try to wind down w/some Colin Hay. Thank you. Be well, always. 

> Goodnight Romeo by Colin Hay