Self-Reflexive City Gazing
So here’s something that I’ve had written but never actually got around to getting it posted/published anywhere. Now that I’m contributing here, I feel like this is a good outlet for it.
Sometimes life inevitably gets you thinking. And as television and films have taught us, when a protagonist gets introspective, it’s time to cue the music and make him/her walk around the city in montage form. Sure, it may be cliché, but it works.
As someone who aims to believe that life really is like the movies, I constantly indulge myself in the art of making Self-Reflexive City Gazing montage playlists. As I was scanning through some of these playlists, I noticed several overlapping tracks. Here are a few songs that pop up a lot in my lists and some reasons where and why they work.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Storm
- The first track off of Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven is a moody, hopeful trip. This is streetcar music after a long night. As your head gets too heavy to hold up and you have your hoodie on, leaning against the window of the streetcar, you can gaze at the city slowly going to bed. The drums in the song build just as you realize that life is going to be a-okay.
Fiona Apple – Paper Bag
- Apple’s breezy lyrics work for that much needed relaxing stroll after a rift with a loved one. Maybe have a seat in Allan Gardens (mid-day) and figure out where your passions lie in the course of your love life. Fiona will understand.
Joan As Police Woman – Flushed Chest
- You got some thinking to do and you aren’t sure how to feel about it. Life’s a bit overwhelming, it’s the near caving in moment and you need to go for a jog lakeside. Joan Wasser will give you the right pace to clear your head. After all, she was dating Jeff Buckley when he died, so she’s definitely needed to clear her head, probably much more than you…
The National – City Middle
- Matt Berninger loves to be self-reflexive and self-deprecating. And sometimes, he just gets it right. You want to get caught up in your own self-wallowing? Let The National be the underscore. Go to some place where you feel as though you’ve been jaded. Then flick on the song and let the wallowing commence.
Andrew Bird – The Naming of Things
- Bird’s mellow voice is perfect for those nights when you leave your friends after drinking it up with them in the Annex. The bars have closed, you’ve gone back to one of their places, and alas, there too the booze has run dry and it’s time to head home and pass out. For some reason, not a single cab has passed by. Andrew Bird keeps you sane and makes sure that you’ll get home safe and sound.
The Twilight Sad – Cold Days from the Birdhouse
- We arrive at a personal choice rooted in a specific moment. As I was down about a girl who I was infatuated with (the feelings were not reciprocated), I needed to get out of my apartment. I didn’t wear a big enough jacket and the night was freezing. I decided to walk to the Distillery (knowing that she might be there) and thought if I happened to see her there, it was meant to work out. She wasn’t there. Cue The Twilight Sad.
Joel Plaskett – I Love This Town
- Sometimes you get caught up and think Toronto is the best damn place in the world and it puts a smile right on your face. Let Joel Plaskett work with your optimism and enthusiasm. He may not be talking about Toronto specifically in his song, but you can make the lines work for you. Go walk around your favourite part of town and list off the reasons why you love this town.
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