Quintet is a (sometimes, monthly; sometimes, quarterly) music review of any five songs I happen to come across/stumble upon, or were recommended, any how, any time. Suggestions from readers are most welcome because music deserves to be shared. Let me be your convert or critic.
The meaning of radio, or what it signifies, has changed, and consequently mirrored a musical phase in my life. When I was young, the radio, or listening to it, meant entertainment. I would look forward not only to the songs but to the witty commercials and funny banter between radio djs. When my taste in music became, well, sophisticated, I viewed radio as the propagator of mainstream music... the destroyer of the inherent coolness of some musicians and their music. I revelled in the fact that I listened to Jason Mraz before he became really famous. I liked Tristan Prettyman, Cynthia Alexander, The Jerks and some other non-mainstream musicians. Since the radio wasn't playing the music I wanted, I became my own radio. I created my own playlist I felt empowered by having ultimate control on what I listen to. When I graduated from college, saw my college friends less, and had lesser time for music-finding, I relied on the radio, especially when I'm travelling to school, to work and back home.
This week, I rediscovered the freshness that radio offers. I revelled in the randomness of radio music. I welcomed the break from all the monotony it provided because, lately, my choice in music was greatly affected by law school. I had to choose music that was reading-friendly, since I hate reading in complete silence. Anything which wasn't, I readily dropped from my playlist.
Anyway, these are the songs I liked the best, or, at least, the ones I liked enough for me to remember it to be able to download it for this review.
Friday I'm in Love by The Cure
Don't you love it when you wake up and go to work/school and the song that plays on the radio perfectly captures your mood or changes your mood to the upbeat state you want to start your day with? You get that extra bounce in your step, a certain shine in your eyes, and a little twinkle in your smile. This is what I felt when I listened to Friday I'm in Love on a Friday on my way to work. It's just magic. I've listened to this song before--during my The Cure phase--but that particular Friday morning, it had more meaning, mas may dating, ika nga.
Verdict: Listening to this song on any other day of the week may make it lose its magic but nonetheless it's okay.
Side note: From Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist: Q: What's wrong with The Cure? A: What are they The Cure-ing?
German Girl by The Lotus Eaters
The beat, the singer's voice and over-all feel of the song makes me just want to listen to it repeatedly. It reminds me of the time I first listened to In The Beginning by K'naan. To be honest, I don't know what the song is about...but, hey, it's catchy---the right amount of catchy.
Verdict: It has that road-trip-music potential.
Tears for Fears - Sadly I couldn't remember lyrics nor the title of the Tears for Fears song that played after German Girl and Friday I'm in Love that fateful Friday morning. I guess German Girl and Friday I'm in Love were too great that it crowded out any remnant of the Tears for Fears song in my memory. At least, now, I have an idea that Tears for Fears might be worth the listen.
Just Say Yes by Snow Patrol
Upon listening to the first few seconds of the song I knew the band that played it. I was guessing between The Script, The Cure, Hall and Oates and Snow Patrol because they all sounded alike. Unlike German Girl, I liked Just Say Yes more for its lyrics than it's beat.
"...It's not a test nor a trick of the mind, only love...
...I can feel your heartbeat through my shirt..."
Verdict: With lyrics like these, who wouldn't want to jump in and "just say yes" to love?! Me. haha No, seriously, even its lyrics appealed to a romance-cynic like me. Good song.
This City by Patrick Stump ft. Lupe Fiasco
Upbeat + Catchy lyrics ("My city is a threat to the rest!") + loud = Guaranteed radio/air time
Plus, it's a good song to dance, sing and rap to, and for someone who memorized Linkin Park's In The End (read: me) this is a big plus. I'm not usually into 'party' songs but any song that reminds me of my blockmates and the good times that is College is always a nice song.
Verdict: It's perfect for road trips or parties with friends.
Lastly, in choosing to listen to the radio, there is an element of gamble. One is not assured that he will listen to good music every time he turns on the radio. Some days are good; on most days, though, crappy music permeate the airwaves.
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You may want to read:
Quintet 1: Music to my ears
Quintet 2: Holy Week Playlist
Quintet 3: GLEE-king Out
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