My Heart Songs

Even though Weezer has gone from an influential genius pop band to a a mere jingle generator, I do however take a strong liking to their song “Heart Songs” which lists a bunch of songs that have made them happy over the years. The following songs hold dear memories to me.

Mew Louise Louisa – This is the closing track to my favourite album of all time, also my favourite song of all time. Never has a song provoked such an emotional feeling in me. I really enjoyed listening to this song in the dark – taking in every note.

Arcade Fire Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels) – My friend Kevin Dowse introduced me to these guys. This was the first song I had ever heard. To me, the song marked a new direction in my life – emotionally and musically. I was in my second year of college in a very mentally abusive relationship. Soon after I managed to end it and get on with my life. This song reminds me of the strength I had to overcome an obstacle in my life.

Beck Golden Age – Probably Beck’s best album and this was my favourite song off of it. It made me explorer the folkier side of music. It reminds me of warm Spring mornings in 2003 when nothing seemed to matter.

Beruit Elephant Gun – Another song that came along during a big and positive change in my life. It was the Summer of 2007 when I first heard it. It seemed to match exactly how I was feeling at the time – bright and sunny.

Bon Iver Blood Bank – A very soft and brooding song that also took place during a huge mental change in my life. It reminds me of last years’ cold and dark winter. During those time, this song seemed to provoke a warm and comforting feeling in me.

Clint Mansell – Last Man – I have never been a huge fan of intrumental and/or soundtrack music. But I was introduced this last year. It is from the soundtrack of the excellent movie The Fountain. The song relaxed me no matter how I was feeling. I particularly enjoyed listening to this song along with the rest of the soundtrack when I was going to sleep.

Coldplay Politik – Reminds me of hanging with my friend Steve Uger back in 2002 when the album first came out. Before we all headed off to school, we had a lot of free time. So him and I used to go for hikes up at Greenwood conservation area and would often listen to this track on the way up there. Every time I hear this album, I get this amazing nostalgia from my hangouts with my buddy Steve.

The Dears Expect The Worst/Cos She’s A Tourist – This song was prevalent during my first year of college. I remember I had a small little 1988 Mazda 323 that I drove to and from Durham College. The stereo speakers didn’t work, so I had giant stereo speakers hooked up in my trunk. I would blast this song every time I was in it while opening my little sunroof (the handle would break off every time I did). I ended up with a 93% average that year and met some amazing people who influenced me and gave me confidence.

Death Cab For Cutie Transatlanticism – As emo as this song may be, I remember listening to it when I suffered from a social phobia in my second year of college. I’d often be in my room listening to it. Though it was a bad time, I believe music like this helped me get over these small issues.

Matthew Good Avalanche – Probably my favourite Matt Good song ever. I remember hearing it shortly after a breakup in 2003. It was a song I could easily find comfort in. I loved hearing this song in the winter when it was really cold.

Mew Am I Wry? No – I accidentally heard this song when I was visiting my friend Kayla at her place near Brock University. She picked a random CD to review in an article she was writing for the Brock Press. As soon as I heard the song I loved it. I had a really fun time there and hearing this song makes me think of those really fun and simple times. Plus anyone I meet who have heard the song, seem to have the same reaction of awe.

Muse Map Of The Problematique – I was entering my final year of college after a whole Summer of big decisions. June was conceived and I had to decide to finish school or get a job. I made the right choice and managed to finish my final year which got me this good job. I remember listening to the song with roommates at our really cool, but temporary residence. It was the end of 2006, and very exciting things came in the following months.

Iron And Wine Flightless Bird, American Mouth – As much as Twilight killed the credibility of this song, I’ve loved it for a couple of years now. Val and I like this song a lot. We’d put it on while I’d be getting ready for bed, and I could hear her singing along to it – which is beautiful.