I've been feeling opposite to "Confidence Man" as well - Perhaps "Insecure Woman"? I find, sometimes when I sit down to write and even when I have notes to work off of, the writing juices aren't flowing and yet there's a commitment to the craft of working on a regular Substack that I feel compelled to do. I'm glad that you were able to wrestle with your emotions and embrace them and make something beautiful out of them. Also if you were on the East Coast, beyond the jet lag, I find the lack of sun in the Winter to be tough on energy levels and mood (i.e. Vitamin D intake) and if you were in transit or not outside as much this may contribute to that. It's been a full on "Cranberries" week for me. I rediscovered my love for this Irish band and particularly "No Need to Argue" which was literally one of a few albums where 90% of the songs I would listen to on repeat on my discman. This album was amazing and it wasn't even the one that gave us "Dreams" or "Linger" (Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?) which I didn't even recall. If you need in the future more reflective #bittersweetmood vibes or #emo vibes, I recommend them.
I think it would have to be “Insecurity Woman” to keep the verb tense in line. :) The lack of sun, as you mention, likely played a big role too. I sat out in it with my dog for an hour today, soaking it in.
Regarding The Cranberries, I actually wrote a piece back in September about them, and my dislike for cranberry-related food and Thanksgiving food in general. I think you might get a kick out of it. I haven’t heard (I don’t think) any of the band’s later albums, only EEIDI, SWCI (that’s an acronym mouthful!) and No Need To Argue. I’ll check that song out!
Confidence man is one of those bands I would've made fun of people for listening to back in the day while also blasting it in my car. Hard to stay sad/mad/down/whatever when they're playing.
Part 2 - this morning's morning dance jam also included Missy Elliot's The Rain, Janet Jackson's All For You, from Pony Sweat's Jan 2023 Mixtape (if you haven't discovered Pony Sweat's fiercely non-competitve, anti-perfectionist, freedom of movement aerobics (live & online) classes here in LA that feels like "dancing in your bedroom to your favorite mixtape", must check out: https://www.ponysweataerobics.com). You can't NOT move. Thanks for getting us moving today!
100% relatable essay. I especially love the progression of 1) I don't know what to write, 2) I suck at writing, 3) there are no more good ideas, 4) DANCE INTERMISSION 5) delivers a stellar post.
When I need to get out of a funk, I play Cloud Cult. A couple examples include:
Thanks for the Cloud Cult picks! It reminds me that I should do a post about “cult” bands. Blue Oyster Cult, The Cult...Surely several more. Kevin- don't steal the idea!;)
BTW, I loved reading about your encounter w/Josh Radnor & chat about Cloud Cult. A coworker and I (we work at the airport) have along running Ted Mosby joke that will make absolutely zero sense to anyone but us.
Inspired! So glad you found your way to the dance as a reminder to get out of the head and back in the body. I’ve been doing the same, dancing every morning to clear the mental cobwebs. It really works. Right now I’m playing a lot of Rihanna in preparation for her Half Time show. Beyonce’s Homecoming at Coachella was my dance jam at start of year when the rains were keeping us inside (that album really shakes off the blues, all those live marching bands in unison, it’s church). I want to see a video of you cutting lose in the man cave…
I've been feeling opposite to "Confidence Man" as well - Perhaps "Insecure Woman"? I find, sometimes when I sit down to write and even when I have notes to work off of, the writing juices aren't flowing and yet there's a commitment to the craft of working on a regular Substack that I feel compelled to do. I'm glad that you were able to wrestle with your emotions and embrace them and make something beautiful out of them. Also if you were on the East Coast, beyond the jet lag, I find the lack of sun in the Winter to be tough on energy levels and mood (i.e. Vitamin D intake) and if you were in transit or not outside as much this may contribute to that. It's been a full on "Cranberries" week for me. I rediscovered my love for this Irish band and particularly "No Need to Argue" which was literally one of a few albums where 90% of the songs I would listen to on repeat on my discman. This album was amazing and it wasn't even the one that gave us "Dreams" or "Linger" (Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?) which I didn't even recall. If you need in the future more reflective #bittersweetmood vibes or #emo vibes, I recommend them.
I think it would have to be “Insecurity Woman” to keep the verb tense in line. :) The lack of sun, as you mention, likely played a big role too. I sat out in it with my dog for an hour today, soaking it in.
Regarding The Cranberries, I actually wrote a piece back in September about them, and my dislike for cranberry-related food and Thanksgiving food in general. I think you might get a kick out of it. I haven’t heard (I don’t think) any of the band’s later albums, only EEIDI, SWCI (that’s an acronym mouthful!) and No Need To Argue. I’ll check that song out!
https://open.substack.com/pub/earworm/p/the-cranberries-zombie?r=1046qe&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Confidence man is one of those bands I would've made fun of people for listening to back in the day while also blasting it in my car. Hard to stay sad/mad/down/whatever when they're playing.
Part 2 - this morning's morning dance jam also included Missy Elliot's The Rain, Janet Jackson's All For You, from Pony Sweat's Jan 2023 Mixtape (if you haven't discovered Pony Sweat's fiercely non-competitve, anti-perfectionist, freedom of movement aerobics (live & online) classes here in LA that feels like "dancing in your bedroom to your favorite mixtape", must check out: https://www.ponysweataerobics.com). You can't NOT move. Thanks for getting us moving today!
Love the name pony sweat!
100% relatable essay. I especially love the progression of 1) I don't know what to write, 2) I suck at writing, 3) there are no more good ideas, 4) DANCE INTERMISSION 5) delivers a stellar post.
When I need to get out of a funk, I play Cloud Cult. A couple examples include:
- Room full of people in your head - https://open.spotify.com/track/5ChbQCDuNdE3U1E51rL6j2?si=6a26e5e6cdd845a2
- Please Remain Calm is more "dancy," or actually more of a power run to get the rage anxiety out. https://open.spotify.com/track/02kqKkPLuF0qVZcUNP0YFB?si=dfb7acbd8e6e4e99
Thanks for the Cloud Cult picks! It reminds me that I should do a post about “cult” bands. Blue Oyster Cult, The Cult...Surely several more. Kevin- don't steal the idea!;)
Only if you promise to work in Living Colour's "Cult of Personality." :)
It's a deal!
Definitely relatable!
BTW, I loved reading about your encounter w/Josh Radnor & chat about Cloud Cult. A coworker and I (we work at the airport) have along running Ted Mosby joke that will make absolutely zero sense to anyone but us.
Inspired! So glad you found your way to the dance as a reminder to get out of the head and back in the body. I’ve been doing the same, dancing every morning to clear the mental cobwebs. It really works. Right now I’m playing a lot of Rihanna in preparation for her Half Time show. Beyonce’s Homecoming at Coachella was my dance jam at start of year when the rains were keeping us inside (that album really shakes off the blues, all those live marching bands in unison, it’s church). I want to see a video of you cutting lose in the man cave…
You can have a personalized dance video!
YES PLEASE!
Maybe I should make that the bonus for people who become paid subscribers!;) hint hint....