365 project "what if nothing is just that and suffering is all we're good at?"

132.

artist:as tall as lions
album:self-titled

i remember purchasing this album as clear as anything, because it was such an odd occurrence.

Mandy and i were at bamboozle back in 2007, (i had to look up what year this was, and i cant believe its been five years already. sheesh!) and spent some time wandering around looking at the things under the various tents. we both spotted a man with boxes FULL of records, and made a beeline over to him in order to see if there was anything either of us were interested in.

as we approached the man, he took one look at us and said "i don't have any neutral milk hotel." now, while we had both been listening to this album nonstop that entire spring, neither of us were wearing anything that would give away that we were into that band, at all. as a matter of fact, since we were gearing up to head down to Tennessee for bonnaroo the following month, we were both dressed like dirty hippies, in dresses and jeans.

we both looked at the man with questioning eyes, and he said, "well, isn't that what you girls listen to? neutral milk hotel?" of course we said yes, because it was the truth, and we got to talking to him about all sorts of things-which bands we loved, which ones we were there to see, how weird brand new's set was. he showed us his full sleeve tattoo, which had everything to do with "in the aeroplane over the sea" and we chatted about that for a bit. i distinctly remember the skull with roses for eyes, because that's one of my favorite lines from that album.

as all of this chatter was going on, i was thumbing through the records and the cover of the as tall as lions self-titled album caught my eye. as i was pulling it out of the box to have a closer look, the man behind the table, who i was sure by this point could see my soul, told me that this was a terrific album and that i would love it. i was still debating it when he said "i know you will love it. just go for it" so i figured what the hell, its only 13 dollars, and if nothing else the cover is pretty, so i picked it up.

that man really knew me better than i knew myself that day, as i ended up loving the album.

as i was listening to the album today, which i haven't done for a long time now, i noticed a lot of reoccurring themes that really hit home with me right now. a lot of unrequited love stuff, and the theme of being alone is all over the lyrics that i noticed, especially sleeping alone, which has been something I've been complaining about rather loudly this past week.

if you haven't checked out this band yet, or its been a while since you've heard them, id suggest a low-key day and a cup of coffee, and just sit and listen. its sad and beautiful and it kind of kills me a little bit, which is exactly what I've been looking for this week. i don't know that i have a favorite song on the album, but if you aren't sure where to start, ill suggest love, love, love (love, love). its the kind of song that makes me want to curl up into a ball on the floor and cry my eyes out, but in a good way.