Newdrivehome

A journey, including all of lifes nonsense.

recent posts

  • “Did you lose yourself somewhere out there?”

    Newdrivehome Blog #38

    (Goo Goo Dolls – Name)

    There are few moments in life that remind you how beautiful and unpredictable life can actually be. I’ve always felt they are the moments you forget or overlook; but those are the times in life that mean the most. I think it’s easy to forget how those moments feel and it makes sense when life gets so busy.

    Although my life has gotten chaotic recently…it feels good to know that a song like this still has the ability to remind me how to take a step back.

    I’ve always felt the emotion of this song with every word John Rzeznik sings. It reminds me of lost moments in life that you’ve been moved on from but still can’t fully forget, still feel regret, or you’ve made peace with. I guess for me it’s impossible to fully nail down a solitary emotion I can feel when listen. I just know it’s powerful and I love it.

    I think it reminds me how as the years start to build below us…you begin to see how we’ve lost a lot by just living life and losing our innocence. The things that we are supposed to leave behind sometimes feel good, like certain vices or situations and it hurts but it’s needed to grow. It’s a gloomy way of putting it but it’s the truth.

    My favorite line in this song is:

    “I think about you all the time. But I don’t need the same”.

    I could write an entire blog on that line alone. Sometimes it’s just how things have to be in life and I’m here for it. The good days wouldn’t be good unless the dark times let you appreciate them.

    It always surprises me how easily the words flow out of me with every song that I deep dive. I love how every one of these songs (any song actually) can have the effect on me. Thank you for everyone reading that’s been here on this writing journey…it means more than I could ever express.

  • “Take me Back to the Night We Met”

    Newdrivehome Blog #38

    (Lord Huron – The Night We Met)

    I’ll admit I’m always romanticizing things in my life and it’s beautiful and problematic at the same time. But I will never change that part of me…because that’s why I write music and this blog. I’d rather stand out than be apart of the rest of the world.

    I’ve had years to think about this song and the moment in my life that signifies how important this song that makes me feel so melancholy and love nostalgia.

    I met my best friend on a cold December day in 2017 and things were romantic quick and we fell in love and I wanted to ensure she was part of my life for the rest of my life. As our relationship fell apart; I always felt that after years and years, we’d end up back together…and the years passed as life leads us on that other path.

    But after all these years we still found each other after chaos relationships and unsure life situations. It was a week ago, on a flight to Denver when I stood alone and felt more alone than Ive ever felt. We weren’t on talking terms at that point and somehow when I got back to town…you came back, at a time in my life when I was so lost. And in an evening I felt more complete than I had for years.

    I don’t know what the future holds but I think I’m still on the right path…and I’m glad I was there to help you feel safe again. I always miss you and Ms. “anonymously” you know that. I’m glad we connected again and please don’t be so upset about this blog entry. See you soon…hopefully 😉

  • “Because tonight will be the night”

    Newdrivehome Blog #37
    (Secondhand Serenade – Fall for you)

    I think I randomly met Tom the drummer of “Secondhand Serenade” after the 2006 Bleed the Dream/FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND tour…back when living in the van in LA were real times. But I was so stoked when you started drums for Secondhand Serenade. Over the years I’ve always enjoyed our random convos (I’m always Nebraska Joe) after years of no talking. It always continues up like it was yesterday; but this blog entry mostly is just to name drop you, because I’ve been proud of all the projects you’ve been apart of.

    But, me being an emo kid…this song has always hit a proper chord to me…if you haven’t heard it, listen to this beautiful song and the drummer kills it (from what I hear). Getting old sucks, miss you man!

  • “Home is wherever I’m with you”

    Newdrivehome Blog #36

    (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home)

    It doesn’t matter how miserable I get, I think it gives me comfort knowing how beautiful the world can be. There’s something about those special people in your life that have the ability to understand & center your uneven thoughts and problematic life outlooks.

    I’m the poster boy for unnecessary overthinking that stumps me from growth. So the times with those that absorb your energy and reflect straight positively, is so welcome. I feel that’s the best way to describe the thanksgiving season this year. I’ve always felt like home is where the people most important to me are.

    This reminds me how important it is to surround yourself with love and positive people and situations. This song has always felt romantic to me but I think it’s a general song about how home feels perfect with the right people.

    I love everything about this song but it somehow means MORE now after this holiday. Listen and interpret however you want but, for me…I’m home when I’m around the people that truly love me.

  • “All these people drinking lover’s spit”

    Newdrivehome Blog #35

    (Broken Social Scene – Lover’s Spit)

    Before tonight I didn’t fully understand what the saying “core memory” meant; and although I’ve been listening to this song since 2002…tonight just made sense. Life gets tumultuous and during the chaos times a song like this can let me feel “ok”.

    I can’t fully explain it…but it feels good to know that this song…is one that calms me down. I’m currently and always will be in love with the idea of romanticism. It’s a curse and gift and listening to this song helps me remind me that the lyrics and vibe of this song is what makes sense.

    Enjoy everything. I’m always here to understand the music that has become my heartbeat.

  • “Come and rest your bones with me”

    Newdrivehome Blog # 34

    (Maroon 5 – Sunday Morning)

    I had meant to write about this song for a while but I’m easily distracted some days. Today is Sunday and after this morning’s jog…whether it be the beautiful morning, the smooth vibes, or good memories (or a joggers high), I fell in love with this jam again.

    It’s hard to believe this song was released in 2002; but to this day the crisp smooth vocals of Adam Levine and the bands jazzy song structure are a perfect combination of listening pleasure on a Sunday morning.

    “And I would gladly hit the road, get up and go if I knew, that someday it would lead me back to you”.

    Has always been my favorite lyric in this song’s arrangement. Much respect goes to Adam Levine’s lyrical smoothness and the Matt Wallace production.

    If you want to jump onto this good mood vibe on this Sunday…or any day. Start your day with this jam.

  • “Blue Christmas”

    Newdrivehome Blog # 33

    (Elvis Presley – Blue Christmas)

    Holiday series #1

    Looking at the charts this year: 1957 was a good year for music…Elvis conquered the charts as is expected. But also, Buddy Holly released his version of “Peggy Sue”; Little Richard released “Lucille” and Fats Domino released the emotional single “I’m Walkin”. I only mentioned these songs to remind everyone reading about the hits released in 1957 (rarely talked about).

    Back on the current topic…Elvis Presleys “Blue Christmas” cemented this song and the feeling its story tells…forever. I don’t think the expression “blue Christmas” wouldn’t feel the same if the 1957 song hadn’t changed the entire gauge of seasons landscape.

    Such a beautiful expression of unrequited love that, I’ve honestly felt every season for years. Alas, I love the holidays and the feeling I get when I see the downtowns and malls whip out the Christmas decorations after thanksgiving. I always spend it with my closest family and although I hope and often think the day when I’m not entirely solo on those days…I’ll always love the time I spend with family, because we don’t live forever. But more importantly for a lonely soul like me…songs like this classic always keep me company. New holiday series starts now! Follow along!

  • Saint Michael Myers

    Newdrivehome Blog #32

    (Trippie Redd – Saint Michael Myers)

    I rarely write about recent rap…although I’ve always respected Trippie Redd and everything he speaks about…because he’s talented and emotional. He’ll always be a guy I can lose an entire night drinking with (based on experience). But, I’m writing about his release from last week, his album “Saint Michael” and a single from a BANKS feature, I’ve respected and loved her since I first were introduced to her back in 2013’s “Waiting Game” single…back then I was hooked and I applaud Trippie for using a Banks feature. If you haven’t heard Trippie’s latest album, check it out. And check out Banks “Holding Back”. Another solid single.

  • “Dream Scenario”

    Newdrivehome Blog # 31

    (A24’s “Dream Scenario”)

    I will say this…this is the first film I’ve been asked to write about and this one, is so surreal and is just about current cancel culture as it is about the dark side of synchronicity. (If there is a such thing).

    I watched this brilliant film after sent an advance copy to write about…I watched three times over the past couple days between regular work and life’s nonsense. I understood the message from the first watch, but I wanted to write about this film without giving spoilers. Which, that alone showed to be difficult.

    This film starts with college professor Paul Matthews who is played by the always fantastic Nicholas Cage. And I must say the depth and awkwardness he played in this character is memorable. Essentially the film starts with a few others outside of Matthews life having dreams about him and it starts to gain traction (viral attention, if you will). And throughout the journey things become more darker and difficult…as it does these days with the pros and cons of anything going major internet viral.

    The movie follows the opportunistic consumerism (in part thanks to Michael Cera’s character as a marketing agent) and real life backlash of being apart of these types of scenarios.

    It was very overwhelming watching this film and trying to find the fantasy of it because based on how the world works these days and how it seems synchronicity does exist and is more visible recent.

    Watching the dream that starts so unbelievable and fantastically perfect, slowly drive into a nightmare happens quick and really happens without much of real “truth” from our main character. I grew close to Cage’s character throughout the film…he really is a good hearted, good man and really didn’t have much say over the events though-out the movie.

    Towards the last watch I found myself trying to find the heart of this film and I did towards the end…the REAL heart, when the protagonist (Matthews) is trying to connect with his newly separated wife, via technology. Without getting too deep (giving spoilers) into what that means it just showed me that…we all are in the same boat. The comedy in this movie has a unique way of showing the dark comedy in the world today. It reminded me of the surreal set we are walking into each and every day and how important it is to stay grounded into the REAL world around us. I can’t be one of the only ones whose dreams have been more surreal recent…whether that’s based on the information highway being so available & accessible or other means is yet to see.

    Just remember, dreams are an escape but reality is where we live and die. Even in the dark days…I think life can be funny, goofy, and unpredictable…which what I saw watching this film.

    “Dream Scenario” is currently on limited release and releases wide on November 22nd in theaters! And streaming next month.

  • “I’m working so I won’t have to try so hard”

    Newdrivehome Blog # 30

    (The Strokes – Someday)

    Today’ blog entry is short and sweet. The importance of this song in music and my life is phenomenal…it gives me strength on my darkest days. I’ve loved this band over half my life, ever since their help with reviving garage and indie rock in the early 2000’s…thanks to this album. But, this song particularly just deepened my love of NYC and everything this single made me feel.

    This song was the soundtrack to my life years ago…when I was young and decided to pick up my life and move to New York City…I had never even been on a plane…let alone a city of this of size. But I dived in and immediately drowned in overwhelming situations but loved every minute.

    That city changed my life and so did this song…and after each listen of it, I’m reminded of the inspiration I got from it when I was unsure of where I was going. But I’m glad The Strokes were there to help as the city ate me alive and spit me out…only to make me stronger. It’s a big reason I’m the way I am today.

  • “Cause I’m just about to set fire to everything I see”

    Newdrivehome Blog #29

    (John Mayer – Edge of Desire)

    It took years of being absolutely in love with this song before I realized this perfectly captures the feeling of yearning. Honestly when I first discovered that, it terrified me to death….I could finally put a word to the feeling I’ve felt over the years when I was late night listening this song on repeat.

    It will always make me feel as if I’m not alone when I’m feeling absolutely lonely. Knowing that Mayer captured the feeling perfectly…makes me feel better. It’s just written beautifully and delivers the message with poise. The bridge alone is worth a mention.

    I remember buying this album the first day it came out and immediately going on a road trip…loving this track the most. Although I listened to the message, but didn’t fully understand it til years later…it hooked me. Possibly foreshadowing the tumultuous times that were awaited me ahead.

    I started writing and playing music in large part because of John Mayer…from the lyrical proficiency and the melodies that never left my head. He will always be the reason I embraced my ability to express anything that happens in my life into musical/poetry language.

  • Hey! It’s Friday night…where are your kids at?!

    Newdrivehome Blog #28

    (Blink 182 – Dammit)

    So for me, “Dammit” was my theme song when I went to high school parties (when I was younger)…only because of the third act of the movie, “Can’t Hardly Wait”…and also because…it’s a rad song. I will fill you in about the third act of this movie; chaos explodes after an entire night of legendary late 90s teen movie stories…when a house party gets busted…and a clepto steals a cop car. #iykyk

    If you haven’t seen “Can’t Hardly Yet”…where have you been?!? It’s a timeless classic and I have to give the props to my parents who, when I went to talk to them this evening were watching it. (Thanks again, for the inspiration!)

    In the future I’ll make a whole series about the importance of Blink-182 and the music that affected us around the early 00’s as we grew up into the people we became today. But for now, the fact that this movie was playing reminded me of ALL of us growing up around the time this song was released. It’s a sharp contrast to the awkward homebody I’ve became and love these days. Ahh…nostalgia, the drug that never wears out!

  • “He can’t resist, what’s with this attraction”

    Newdrivehome Blog # 27

    (888 – Decades)

    I’ve been friends with Danny…and Danny from 888 since they played in the crazy Drop Dead, Gorgeous days til now and I’ve always been impressed in every project they’ve been apart of. Cooper’s drum skills are terrifyingly good. (See, “Worse than a Fairy Tale”). And Stillman has always delivered in the emotional lyrics department.

    I could talk about their projects for days but I’d rattle on too much…google them for more info about them.

    Although upbeat, this song from “888”, lyrically at least felt about growing older in a relationship when your significant is cheating or roaming and knowing how every scene in this situation is going to go. And finally being fed up with it…but still being attracted to them, although they’ve failed you.

    The way the beat and lyrics work together to make this situation…something to move your head to…is fantastic and the production together with that make a song that I’ll hold in my forever head playlist. Check it out…their whole EP and everything they’ve ever been apart of it, its worth a listen.