In the meantime though, I wanted to briefly rant on about my muse of the summer - Sia (and, specifically, her 3rd solo effort, Some People Have Real Problems). Yes, I know its been out since 2008 - I am, after all, hopelessly late on most trends (though, in truth, I have been getting into her since the mid-2000s). But this summer - the summer of classical music, French gypsy jazz, and Pimms - she cut through like a knife that sings sweetly in your ear.
If you haven't listened to her peculiarly crafted pop ditties, then you are one of the 'some people' she reckons have real problems. It truly is thoroughly recommended listening. Having said that, I think what got the summer beach ball rolling was seeing her live at Homebake.
I had meant to buy tickets, can't remember why I didn't - and I felt like the kid who failed the 'you have to be this tall' test for the roller coaster at the theme park. I had visions of storming the gate or jumping the fence - something very rock'n'roll - when I spotted a couple of guys standing on a small rock wall outside the gates and made my way over. You could just see Sia's head and a couple of her band. A brief introduction (they were Irish backpackers) and offering of beer (which I gratefully accepted) and we settled into quiet appreciation of singer's blonde bob as it floated over the sponsor's banner clad security fencing.
Here is that exact moment, captured from within:
We acknowledged each song with muted nods. I think we may have swayed a little. At least mentally we were holding hands. Music can do that to you. Draw strangers to a park, bring them together for a moment and leave them altered ever so slightly for the experience. In my case, it shaped the summer.
So, as we gear up for a big year at budtrap.com, bring your best music and moments into 2010. And, of course, your BudTrap!
About this column:
BudTrap was born out of our love of music - and the frustration of having to deal with headphones that kept getting tangled up. Nothing's changed. We still listen to an awful lot of music - and go to a stack of gigs; it's our passion. So each week we like to share a little about what we've been listening to - good or bad - and spread that passion. Yeah we get a bit opinionated and worked up, that's what it's all about. We encourage you to bite back, join the discussion and let us know what's been rocking your world.
