In the jungle, the mighty jungle….

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

I’m sitting in Starbucks (surprise!) and the CD playing is so atrocious I can’t concentrate. So much for reading with a latte in an oversize chair.

Look at your calendar. Last I checked, November 17 is too early for Christmas music. (I know this topic is addressed so often it’s become trite. Give me a moment.)

It’s worse still when those untimely tunes are crooned loudly and off key! I know the Christmas décor and products are intended to boost sales. (And I’m highly susceptible to these ploys. Whenever new merchandise fills the shelves, I rush to examine the brightly colored goods. I’m ready to drop $20 on a set of mugs from the last merchandize blitz.)

However, when the music is this painful, I’m surprised customers aren’t running out of the store! The girls studying near me muttered to each other, “This is horrible.” The song they complained about was followed by another that should have been retired years ago. There’s no place for “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” in a coffee shop—ever.

I’ve got strength for battles against calendars & maps

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

When Gary Chapman penned his over-hyped The Five Love Languages, I think he forgot a few. Everyone knows I count sarcasm among my “love languages.” Sarcasm is a safe indication of my comfort level with a person. If I can mock you, I think you’re fantastic.

I hereby submit another love language for consideration. Mixed tapes have long been tomes of thoughtful messages, presented in a fashion that their creator could probably otherwise not manage. Technology has increased the ease of today’s version, the mixed CD, but the heart behind the project remains.

I don’t make such discs often. But when I do, I take immense pleasure in considering a selection of songs tailored to an individual. They may be selected based on the recipient’s previously indicated musical inclinations. This was the case with a disc I burned last summer for my friend Brandon. I knew he liked the little bit of Patty Griffin he’d heard. I sent him a sampler that included a few highlights from her albums, as well as songs from other musicians I suspected he’d enjoy. After he purchased Patty CDs, I knew the mission was successful.

Songs on a mixed disc may reflect a common theme. Alisa and I share a love of coffee and an ever-increasing snobbery toward that beverage. (She’s more advanced than I am, I must admit. And I would hope so, since she’s currently a barista at the ‘bucks!) Developing a compilation of coffee-related songs was a natural outpouring of that love. So too was a similar disc I created for a coffeehouse this summer.

Sometimes it’s fun to create a CD for a specific person but without a particular reason. That was my mission this morning. I have a postcard I’ve been meaning to send Lara, but I figured I’d wait until I had something to accompany it. I had a few blank CDs occupying my CD case, and I know Lara enjoys being exposed to new music. (She collected all sorts of recommendations from our fellow interns this summer!) So I grabbed my CD case, my computer and a blank disc and set to work.

The disc began as a compilation of songs she had probably never heard that I thought she ought to appreciate. (Isn’t that just dandy? Seize every opportunity to force your musical interests on others!) As I worked, it evolved into a twangier effort than I expected. Thus, Under the (Southern) Influence was born.

Under the (Southern) Influence

Never mind that the musicians on this CD hail from numerous locales, such as California (Nickel Creek), Missouri (Sandra McCracken), Massachusetts (Patty Griffin), Ireland (Damien Rice) and England (Jamie Cullum). Their twang evokes sophisticated echoes of my homeland. Several southerners – and Texans – are also represented, including Tara Leigh Cobble (Tennessee), Caedmon’s Call and Old 97’s (Texas) and Marc Broussard (Louisiana).

1. Home – Marc Broussard :: I love the percussion in this song, especially late in the track when they really let loose! Makes me wanna dance.
2. Volcano (instrumental) – Damien Rice :: I already adore Damien Rice (and the other two recordings I have of this song), but the interplay between the cello and electric guitar here make me fall in love with his music all over again.
3. English Girls, Approximately – Ryan Adams :: I don’t know why American Adams is fascinated with Brits, but I love the bright, cheery guitar on this song.
4. Here’s to Hindsight – Tara Leigh Cobble :: Tara Leigh called this a hootenanny, but this fun song also has a serious (and uplifting) message.
5. Florida – Patty Griffin :: Here’s hoping you never consider my home state with the same poetic forlorn as Patty.
6. All Night – Sam Phillips :: I know nothing about this artist, but I love the sultry vocals of this track.
7. Find You Out (What Matters) – Sandra McCracken :: Sandra is one of my favorite songwriters and the primary reason I’m going to Atlanta this weekend. (She also wrote “Manner and the Means,” featured later on this disc.)
8. Spit on a Stranger – Nickel Creek :: Nickel Creek is my favorite band, and their versatility is one reason why. This song is a cover of the indie alternative band, Pavement.
9. Melancholy Polly – Alison Moorer :: Moorer provides an easy listen, but the song’s upbeat nature betrays its lonely title character. I think of it as a musical character sketch.
10. 500 Miles – Sandra McCracken :: The hints of a banjo add charm to this song, already a favorite for a girl who regularly embarks on 500 mile journeys.
11. All at Sea – Jamie Cullum :: Here’s to relaxing with good music at the end of a long day.
12. I Should’ve Known Better – Nickel Creek :: I may not have cause for bitterness, but this remains a favorite angry relationship tune.
13. Calendars & Maps – Tara Leigh Cobble :: Tara Leigh cuts to the heart of long distance relationships – it’s a struggle, but it can be worthwhile. And that’s why I had to include it. 
14. New York – Ryan Adams :: Because we need to take a trip there, someday!
15. Crash on the Barrelhead – Old 97’s :: As I added songs, this CD got twangier and twangier. What better excuse to include one of my favorite random songs?
16. Manner and the Means – Caedmon’s Call :: Because everyone should know that Caedmon’s Call is more than the simplistic songs played on Christian radio.
17. Dirty Pearly – Angela McClusky :: McClusky communicates a reminder of a woman’s worth in an honest vocal.
18. Dixie – Think of this as the theme song of the South. We may have lost the war, but we retained our heritage – and you know you love it! 🙂
19. Oh Atlanta – Alison Krauss + Union Station :: Krauss may be a Yankee by birth (she’s from Illinois), but this bluegrass number beckons me to road trip on a sunny Southern day.

Here’s hoping Lara doesn’t read this, because it’s way more fun to be surprised than to know you’ve got something coming to you. 🙂 But I’m pretty sure she doesn’t read this page; she only gets online in the computer lab, so even if she does access it, it’s not on a terribly regular basis. Oh, and I know the songs aren’t all twangy. They just worked together, okay?

And now for a disclaimer merited by any mention of burning CDs. I am not all for copying music for people. I think it’s unfair to the artists who make their living from their craft, some of whom I’ve become rather friendly with. But I do believe in using a sampler disc to introduce people to music they may want to purchase. That’s why I never use more than two or three songs from a single CD on a mixed disc. You’ve always got to leave them wanting more! If you disagree with this policy, let me know… especially if your songs are included here. I’ll be sure not to include you on future compilations if you’re uncomfortable with the idea.

Every time I hear that song, I go back

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

In light of yesterday’s thrice-updated blog, today I offer you the latest in blogging trends…

The Soundtrack to Your Life Survey
Make a soundtrack for your life, matching songs with the following:

Opening song: “Faith My Eyes” by Caedmon’s Call
Waking up: “Green Eyes” by Coldplay
First date: “Strong Enough” by Sheryl Crow
First kiss: “Tomorrow Night” by Patty Griffin
Falling in love: “Winter’s Ending” by Tara Leigh Cobble
Seeing an old love: “I Should’ve Known Better” by Nickel Creek
Heartbreak: “Cheers Darling” by Damien Rice
Driving fast: “Crush” by Dave Matthews Band
Getting ready to go out: “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain
Partying with friends: “Sin Wagon” by Dixie Chicks
Dancing at a club: “They” by Jem
Flirting: “Spit on a Stranger” by Nickel Creek
Feeling sexy: “The Morning Song” by Jewel
Walking alone in the rain: “Rain” by Patty Griffin
Missing someone: “These Are Days” by 10,000 Maniacs
Playing in the ocean: “Be True to Your School” by Beach Boys
Summer vacation: “Get Out the Map” by Indigo Girls
Fighting with someone: “You’re so Vain” by Carly Simon
Acting goofy with friends: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something
Thinking back: “Clarity” by John Mayer
Feeling depressed: “Painting Pictures of Egypt” by Sara Groves
Christmas time: “Sing Mary Sing” by Jennifer Knapp
Falling asleep: “Daylight” by Alison Krauss + Union Station
Closing song: “Every Season” by Nichole Nordeman

A couple of notes:
Alisa: You know that has to be my “falling in love” song, ’cause every time I so much as mention a guy, you mention that song… 🙂 Someday, it’ll be fully appropriate!
Megan: Five – count ’em, five – songs by Christian artists. Where are my points?
Some of these songs may not seem to make sense with the categories. I can elaborate if there’s confusion… but I assure you, they make sense to me. 🙂

This perfect moment will soon be leaving me

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

I sighed as I pushed open the sticker-covered door for a final time and stepped out into the bright sunlight. Blinking, I turned toward the crosswalk and walked toward my car.

After tonight, Vinyl Solution will exist only in the memories of Tuscaloosa music enthusiasts. I’ve only lived in the city for a year, but the store quickly became my favorite. I stumbled upon it during the early stages of the Great CD Collection Improvement of 2003. Vinyl contributed a number of important discs to my collection.

It was there that I found 1000 Kisses (one of my favorite CDs by one of my favorite musicians) for a measly $8.99. On a hot August afternoon, I hobbled out of the store with Hootie and the Blowfish and the Indigo Girls in hand. Dave Matthews’ solo effort wormed its way into my world after Vinyl offered it for $11. This afternoon, I made Garbage’s Version 2.0 (once a victim of the Great CD Clean Out of 2000) mine again. Thanks to close-out prices, the brand-new CD was $4.50.

What does that say to you, other than that I’ve got an uncanny ability to recall which CD I purchased where and when? Well, it might be evidence of the good times I associate with that hole-in-the-wall shop on The Strip. CD buying is a loner’s sport, and most of mine has been conducted accordingly. I’ve spent hours browsing the racks at Vinyl and other local stores. During a stretch of employment last summer, I allowed myself a CD a week as a reward for hard work. My favorite Sunday afternoons included a cup of coffee, a book and eventually a walk to the CD store. I’ve even got a picture of the shop hanging on my bedroom wall.

The store’s demise is allegedly due to on-line music downloads. Need a reason to obtain your music legally? Owner George Hadjidakis is a great place to start.

The aforementioned picture hanging in my bedroom

But that’s the broken place that’s where you are

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

Well, I was never less than perfectly happy without you
And I was never more inclined to stay on my own
But I guess the best surprises come when you’re not looking
‘Cause I was dying, but I never would have known

I know I’ve been quoting Tara Leigh Cobble (and in this case, Oliver Lollis) quite a bit lately, both in my blog and my away messages. There simply aren’t enough artists who sing about these screwed up relationship things from a Christian perspective!

Not that I’m in a relationship, mind you. I’m no where close! But I go through these cycles where I think about guys a lot, and right now I’m at the peak of another.

See, there’s a problem with this house that I’ve constructed
Fashioned carefully from all the strongest stones
‘Cause I see cracks in the walls I’ve never noticed
Ignore the crumbling as I try to live alone

This could be the theme song of my love life, only without anyone on the receiving end. I don’t know when I got so skeptical about men (though those of you who know the ex-boyfriend should know that it was long before he entered the scene). But sure enough, this is where I am.

You know what? I kind of like my “anti-swoony” attitude. I used to be the girl who daydreamed about marriage on a daily basis. I doodled my (future) kids’ names in the margins of my notebooks when I should have been paying attention to my Old Testament professor. (Sarah Grace and Caleb Joshua are my favorites, in case you were wondering. Joshua is the best name ever.) My closest friends and I would make bets on which of us would be the first down the aisle, and I often had the most votes.

And I said, “love is such a weakness, and it’s better not to fall,”
And I’ll admit, it’s satisfying to pretend that I am strong
You know, no one has accused me of not trying to know it all
But I’m finding that I’ve never been so wrong
For everyone but you

That girl disappeared somewhere along the line. I don’t know what (or who?) caused that, except perhaps a healthy dose of reality. Instead of daydreaming about wedding gowns, I’ve nearly gone to the opposite extreme. My attitude is now one of “I don’t need a man, and you’re crazy if you’re going to convince me otherwise.”

There’s a warm day once a week when winter’s ending
Bringing little bits of summer yet to come
It’s like those times that we’re together when it’s tempting
To take your hand instead of turn and run

There’s some truth to that. I don’t need a man. I’m happy to be a young, single Christian woman. I’m throwing a lot of effort toward starting a career, and I have some great friends for support. I have interests, I have hobbies, I have Jesus. I don’t have a boyfriend.

See, I could talk all night about how I’m so happy
But I’d be wasting words on things just halfway true
If real contentment is a constant, then I wonder
Why I often wish that I were holding you

There’s effects of that mentality. Despite the truth in it, my desire for independence is also rooted in doubts and insecurity. Therefore, if I find myself intrigued by a man, I’m quick to beat myself up for it. “It’ll never happen!” I tell myself. “You’re just being silly. Put that out of your mind.”

And you can call it what you want, and write it off as just temptation
Wear the single life and dress it to the nines
But those sweet freedom berries make a bitter glass to drink
When no one’s there to share with you the wine

I think that extreme may be just as bad as the other. Balance, please?

–Tara Leigh Cobble & Oliver Lollis, “Winter’s Ending”

Now I don’t want to beg you, baby, for something maybe you could never give

Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

I love getting new CDs.

It’s a great feeling when the release day finally arrives for a CD you’ve been anticipating. Because I’m a bit of a dork, I’ll get up and get ready with the intention of being at the CD store just as soon as they open. I’ll run in, buy my CD and pop it in the CD player as soon as I get in my car. I’ll carry that CD with me to and from the car as I continue the day.

Tuesday was the release day for the latest Patty Griffin disc, Impossible Dream. I’ve only been waiting since, oh, about the time I fell madly in love with Patty’s music. This is the first studio disc she’s released since I’ve been a fan.

The trouble with Patty is that I can never decide which of her albums is my favorite. I have them all… love them all. (Okay, okay… I like Flaming Red. But one out of six ain’t bad.) When my friend Josh called me to discuss the album on Wednesday, I hadn’t determined my favorite track just yet.

I’ve had a few days to digest it now, and I think I’m ready to talk. The conclusion that I’ve reached is that there are different Pattys for different moods. There are exceptions to every rule, but in my mind, each of these albums has its own overriding tone.

  • Living with Ghosts – I love the simplicity of a girl with her guitar. Patty’s voice shines on this album. No, it’s not perfection – there are awkward moments – but it’s real. This is the album I put on when I’m feeling bitter and want to shout it out (“Every Little Bit”) or despondent and sorry for myself (“Moses”).
  • Flaming Red – Patty plugged in sees the most time in my player on Friday mornings when I’m getting ready. It’s a great dancing-around-while-putting-on-make-up CD…. and yes, I realize that not every song fits that description. They’re my least favorites. (On the other hand, I love “Carry Me.”)
  • Silver Bell – My love for this CD may be amplified by its relative rarity. It also suits the most diverse array of moods… tracks at the beginning (“Boston,” “Perfect White Girls”) fit my dancing-around-and-singing-at-the-top-of-my-lungs moods. Several songs (“Little God,” “Driving”) fall somewhere between that and a more melancholy place; they still have opportunities for belting it out, but the passion is somehow different. My favorites on the CD (“Top of the World,” “One More Girl”) are depressing and leave me in the mood to bawl. The production on this CD may not be as clean as it could be… but what do you expect of a disc that was never actually released? That’s fine by me.
  • 1000 Kisses – When I’m in the mood to fall in love, 1000 Kisses gets the most airtime. These are mostly not happy songs, but their instrumentation tugs at me. They’re lyrically beautiful and they leave me reflecting on life. (“I’m not looking for the rest of your life/ I just want another chance to live”) Patty is my favorite songwriter because it’s so easy for me to relate to her.
  • A Kiss in Time – The only way I can describe the mood that moves me to play this CD is as a “diverse Patty” mood. A live compilation of songs from Patty’s first three (released) studio discs has its own appeal. There are versions on this CD that I prefer to the original (“Be Careful,” for example, though it is the song that made me fall in love with Patty’s music in the first place.)
  • Impossible Dream – Finally we get to the CD that inspired this rambling. 🙂 I’ve decided that this is my sad Patty CD. Again, there are exceptions – “Love Throw a Line” is upbeat, and though its lyrics are melancholy, “Useless Desires” sparkles. (It’s the mandolin.) Those two stand out to me now because I’ve been in a good mood all week, but I think my favorite is “Florida.” That’s not just because I grew up there – though it plays a part. 🙂 It’s just a beautiful song… and again, there’s something sad about it. (Of course, not in my favorite part – the first two verses just remind me of driving around Jacksonville with my friends: “Couple of young girls went/ Sailing down on A1A/ To the arms of Florida/ Sailing down the highway/ Singing their heads off/ Protected by the Holy Ghost/ Flying in from the ocean/ Driving with their eyes closed”) I also think this is her strongest album as far coherence is concerned. It doesn’t end on a weak note, as do the others.

    • Yeah, so pretty much you don’t want to call and ask me my thoughts about a new CD… ’cause this is what you get, days later. I’ll have to share this with my friend next time we talk.

    Protected: I’m going to take more, more from you, letter by letter

    Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

    I promised a couple (literally) of you a transcript of my interview with Tara Leigh Cobble… so here it is! More power to you if you actually read the entire thing. It came out to just over 18 pages single spaced – almost 9,000 words long. (That’s why I referenced Dave Matthews’ “Too Much” in the subject line – could I talk any more?!) We’re password protected here because I don’t want anyone ganking my quotes for their own uses.

    Enjoy!

    CJW: Alright, I’m going to record you and I’m going to sit it over here so it’s a little bit closer to you because I can make out my own mumbling better than I can other people’s.

    TLC: Good point. Would you like me to sit closer to it or rub it against my face?

    CJW: Well you could if it made you feel better but I think we’ll be okay. (laughs) Okay, I’ll try to go somewhat quickly so we don’t take up too much time. First of all, background info. I don’t want to dwell too heavily on that because I read the different things, the articles you have linked to on your Web site, so, but I haven’t read them in the past week, which I probably should’ve done. So, is your family musical?

    TLC: Yes. My dad used to play the banjo professionally, and everyone sings and plays instruments and things like that. No one does it for a living, but they’re all very musically inclined.

    CJW: Okay, so you grew up in that kind of atmosphere, then. Did you have lessons or did you just…?

    TLC: I took – I was in choir, which kind of serves as voice lessons, but not really. I took a few guitar lessons. The guitar teacher was really into smoking weed (laughs) so I quit after not very long. So that sort of helped me get my starter’s chops. Then mostly just self-taught, hanging out with musicians a lot. I sort of put myself in places like Guitar Center, in the guitar corner where the guy who’s the guitar tech is walking around showing everybody things. Sort of, “Teach me something!” Sort of impromptu lessons I guess.

    CJW: Probably a little bit cheaper, too! (laughing) What are other interest that you have?

    TLC: (laughs) I’m like, should I be honest?

    CJW: You should be honest.

    TLC: I like hunting. I like the outdoors, camping, politics, voting… I also like… I really like the 2:28 and hunting. (laughs) And shoes. I like shoes a lot (laughs). And Conan O’Brien – I love Conan O’Brien! If there’s one thing I try to do every day, it’s watch Conan O’Brien for a few minutes.

    CJW: That’s funny. How many pairs of shoes do you have?

    TLC: Maaaaaybe fifty. Not as many as I would like to, but maybe fifty. Two closets’ worth of shoes, plus a rack on the inside of my closet.

    CJW: What’s your favorite pair of shoes?

    TLC: I got these new black stilettos with the really pointy, pointy toes. They’re so cool. You can wear them with a skirt or with Capri pants or with jeans – all kinds – they’re so, just so diverse. You can put them with anything.

    CJW: Are they comfortable? (laughs)

    TLC: No, not at all! They’re really, really uncomfortable. But I love them! They’re super girly. I almost wore them today, but it was too cold outside.

    CJW: Well, I brought flip flops and these (gestures at chunky heels) with me, so…

    TLC: Those are the best choice for today. They cover the most foot flesh.

    CJW: And these are old, beat up shoes – I’ve had them for almost five years.

    TLC: I was noticing them earlier and I like them.

    CJW: Well, thank you! I like them too, they’re from Sears.

    TLC: I like the ankle strap. Sears has some good shoes.

    CJW: They do, you just have to pay attention.

    TLC: There’s a great store here in Nashville called Off Broadway.

    CJW: (in a sing song voice) Note to self…

    TLC: It’s not actually off Broadway, unfortunately. But if you ask anyone where the roundabout is – the roundabout with the naked music statue – that’s where Off Broadway is. Great shoes there.

    CJW: Now I don’t have very much room in my closet for shoes so I try to keep it to a minimum. I could probably use some of Alisa’s closet space. Her closet’s huge.

    TLC: You could store things under your bed.

    CJW: Well, I already have stuff under my bed. (giggles)

    TLC: Oh, well, never mind.

    Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Protected: Time won’t be our master/ Who died and made it king?

    Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

    One thing that I love about intimate concert venues is the increased ability to understand the lyrics sung before you. Tara Leigh Cobble performed a number of new songs last night. This girl is moving up the ranks of my favorite songwriters – I wouldn’t want to wait till June 8th to understand what those songs were about.

    Of course, there’s a flip side to most situations. The disadvantage of last night was that lyrics that exposed my heart did so in the company of fifty strangers.

    ” I’ve got strength for battles against calendars and maps
    And if you say it’s worth it all, I’ll take the first bus back”

    I listen to Tara Leigh a lot when relationships are weighing on my mind, because her writing hits close to home. Though (for TLC) it’s more about the difficulty of a love life on the road, “Calendars and Maps” carried me back to a long distance relationship of which I was half.

    That relationship is in the past, but I relived a snapshot of it last night. I identified with the words Tara Leigh was singing; I was willing to give the relationship my best. When it ended, I felt as though he was saying I wasn’t worth it.

    Never mind whether or not I am worth it (I think I am, although that particular man and I have no business being together). Rejection is a killer, and it brings to light some of our deepest insecurities. One of my issues is that I don’t believe that any man will think I’m worth it.

    Jesus does. That’s what matters. Most of the time, CJ thinks so too. (That’s almost just as important!) But for those three minutes last night, I was taken back to a place where someone disagreed… and it was a painful moment.

    “‘Cause manliness is tenderness
    And a broad shouldered build
    Safety is standing there
    In the shoes you fill”

    This post is private because it’s rather vulnerable (though I don’t think my words portray my flashback adequately). And that last quote is here just because I like it and it’s from the same song.

    And climb high to the highest rung to shake fists at the sky

    Posted on by Carla Jean Whitley

    Powered by audblogaudio post powered by audblog

    “Standing on a darkened stage, stumbling through the lines
    Others have excuses, I have my reasons why”

    This isn’t the best recording – that’s to be expected of an audio blog from a concert. I have to post this song whenever I get the chance, since it is this site’s namesake and all.

    I’m a reasons why girl. I’m not proud of it, I aim not to be – but I am.