Filed by Trevor at 3:09 pm under Pop Culture, The Arts

“You are the one/You’ll never be alone again/You’re more than in my head” — Shiny Toy Guns, “You Are the One”

I’m sorry I’ve been so quiet this past month. I’m moving to Chicago this coming Monday and all of my time and energy has been thrown into packing, etc. It’s interesting: I’ve been out of a job (read: self-employed) for just over a month now and it barely feels like it. I was in Chicago for a week looking for a place to live, then on the gulf coast of Florida for another week at the UUMN conference, then I spent a week with my grandmother soaking up as much time as I could before I close up shop. Plus, I’ve got another recital this Sunday. So in the interest of sanity I’m taking just a brief break from all of the mirthful packing activities that dog my footsteps this week.

So anyway, on to something I hope will make you happy.

I heard “You Are the One” in the car while on the way to Lincoln Park to drop Devon off at the Royal George and I’ve been hooked ever since. I finally bought the album last night and I’ve had it on a loop for the better portion of the day. Not exactly the most insightful lyrics on the planet, but that’s OK — the music is what I respond to most. The updated ’80s synths are a nice touch, plus the harmonic language the band uses is unusually complex compared to much of what is being turned out today. And anyone who knows me well enough knows I’m a sucker for a good straight tone. The chick needs to go, though. Even Amy Lee has a difficult time keeping a healthy voice with all that belting, and you, ma’am, are no Amy Lee.

This is the kind of music that feeds me. I have yet to hear them live, though, which in my opinion is the truest test of a band’s musicianship. Until then, enjoy the guyliner!