Draußen? Grau. Natürlich.

Well, today was a dreary day in Kirksville. The whole day was sort of gray, in every way. Generally, days like these make me sad, and today was perhaps no different, although there is one, pardon the cliche, silver lining to these sorts of overcast days. Now what, do you ask, could be the silver lining? Well, my friends, that would be the music that accompanies these sorts of days.

I am an iPod junkie, and therefore, I seldom walk anywhere without it. So, today, in between classes and responsibilities, I listened to some GREAT cloudy day music.

I started my day with Bon Iver. I listened especially to "Skinny Love" and, of course, "Flume." The other day, a fellow music major friend and I were talking about the emotions we like to sing. We both decided that, while love songs and happiness can be easy and fun sometimes, we really prefer to sing sadness.  I think that's why Bon Iver speaks so clearly to me when it's cloudy outside. Sometimes, it is really soothing to feel in touch with the sad, sonorous harmonies of this type of music and today was one of those times.

Without much thought as to why, I know that the lyrics to "Skinny Love",  /And I told you to be patient And I told you to be fine And I told you to be balanced And I told you to be kind/ really speak to me. But isn't that what art is for, after all? To speak to your soul, even when you aren't sure what it's saying.

My other gray day band that kept popping up in my head and on my iPod today was Beirut. Beirut is an American indie band that mixes Balkan folk and and other Eastern European folk with Western pop music. I could listen to "Postcards from Italy"or "Nantes" all day. Now, I'm not a naturally sad person and I have a lovely life, but sometimes, I love to get into this music and let it affect my mood. The beautiful melody lines and harmony lines that correspond really play on my heartstrings, in a good way.

So, on this gray day, if the weather's got you down, embrace it. Kick back and listen to my recommendations today...

-"Elephant Gun"- Beirut
-"The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!"- Sufjan Stevens
-"Naked As We Came"-Iron and Wine
-"Silver Lining"-Rilo Kiley

So, take a break, read up and then plug in for some tunes. You'll be glad you did.