I started this 30-day song challenge on April 17, 2024. We were on the return portion of our total solar eclipse road trip, and was slowed down by a blown-out tire in the oil fields of central Texas. Our restful days while waiting for a replacement tire were filled with watching AMC, swimming, and committing to this musical challenge.

Tension is high, civility is low. Humanity has wins like the fall of Harvey Weinstein and the election of openly transgender people to public office and government positions. Yet, the heartbreaking loss of life due to acts of terrorism like the mass shootings in Las Vegas and Sutherland Spring Texas, the vehicles that plowed into crowds in Spain and New York,  leaves us watching the pain and suffering rise, wondering if a tweet will set off a nuclear attack while ordering avocado toast for brunch.

However, I have one talent that can be applied to music and that is spotting patterns. I love patterns and connecting the dots. Every once in awhile I’ll be listening to a song and think, hey I’ve heard this before, this sounds like another song I’ve heard. I’ll then play the tracks and find their subtle similarities.

Desert Trip was a crazy experience. Once again Dan and I headed out to Indio to work at the vinyl oasis in the desert. 4 days of camping and festival life is pure exhaustion, but always worth it because of the priceless memories. The amazing thing about Desert Trip was the energy, everyone there felt like they were a part of something greater.

I played him "The Heart Wants What It Wants" explaining the deep meaning behind the song. Then as Selena hits the chorus he says she ripped off Duran Duran's "Come Undone". Of course I jumped to Selena's defense (more like Selena's producers defense) and say "No, she did not!!", but as he hummed the earworm I quickly heard the connection.

I’ve spoiled myself with live music these past two weeks. I had purchased tickets to Lucero and Kurt Vile back in September, but when I saw the listing for Soko’s Bootleg show on Tumblr, I immediately purchased tickets.

I've been reading An Object of Beauty, and this painting, "El Jaleo" by John Singer Sargent (1882), is mentioned in the book. Immediately, the image reminded me of the "Boy with a Coin" by Iron & Wine music video.  

I've been obsessed with vampires since I was around 5 or 6 years old. Watching vampire films, and asking my Dad to tell me about vampire lore. Most would think letting a 9-year-old watch 'From Dusk till Dawn' is inappropriate, how about a 7-year-old watching Interview with a Vampire.