Author Archives: ec144421

To be very honest, I enjoyed the first Voices performance a lot more. While I appreciate the voices of other students very much, I found it a little strange that they would be willing to share certain things with the entire student body–strangers, really. It soon became obvious to me that these monologues were written in the hopes that they would be read out loud for the entire world to hear, and my inner cynic fed on the thought that these monologues were pretentious or, to be frank, attention seeking. But I rebuked myself, as I realized that these judgements were based on my own standards and ideas. Others may have found these monologues to be edifying or even encouraging. I personally find it uncomfortable to speak about my life to others, but that does not constitute as a universal social norm. Once I put that aside, I was able to appreciate the performance a lot more. Baruch needs a creative outlet, and the monologues are a very good way to go about it.

I have always wanted to be a published author, so listening to one speak was definitely an experience for me. I didn’t want to attend this seminar, at first, but attending did do me some good. I’m not much of one for asking public questions, but the ones asked did help me look into what it means to be a writer. Creating something publishable doesn’t happen overnight. Many times, it will be years until a work is close to completion. This was an encouragement to me as one who is often discouraged when what I’m working on doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere. It was pretty awesome to see what is behind the glue bound pages of a book.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/playlist/Freshman+Project/77744410

1. Luca – Brand New: This song is among my favorite five songs by my favorite band. This was the song I listened to most when  I did my whole soul searching thing. It’s also really appealing towards the end when they get really loud and I like showing this song to my friends for the first time and watch them jump when that part comes. I don’t know. It’s very satisfying.

2. Cousin Cleotis – Capdown: I got into ska the beginning of my senior year of high school and it definitely gets my adrenaline going. It’s a perfect mix of my favorite genres and has never failed to put me in a good mood.

3. Cry To Me – Solomon Burke: It’s a very “gospel-y” selection and I appreciate that. I like that it makes me want to sing along and dance at the same time. It’s also Solomon Burke which is always always ALWAYS a plus.

4. Sole Salvation – The English Beat (The Beat UK): A different kind of ska. This song has huge sentimental value. It’s difficult to explain but the music in itself is its own language apart from the lyrics. Sound is a dialect that I appreciate, and this one really speaks to my  heart and soul (yep, it’s as cheesy as it sounds).

5. The Tennis Song – Original Broadway Cast: I’ve been into musical theater from a very young age. This song is my favorite from this past March’s musical. I didn’t sing this one, however, it isn’t difficult to appreciate the innuendo and the wordplay that runs rampant in this musical. This song encapsulates the tempo of the musical in itself.

6. Hallelujah I Love Her So – Ray Charles: Ray Charles has always been a favorite of mine. I really miss old love songs. Sometimes, I just listen to Ray and pray that someone will come out with something amazing like he did. I also think his songs are my good luck audition songs.

7. The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens: This is the best picker upper. I guarantee that no matter how pissed you are, this song will make you laugh, even if you laugh angrily. It’s foolproof.

8. Haitian Fight Song – Charles Mingus: I love jazz. I can’t exactly explain why this song hits the spot, but it’s really something else. It’s a different version from the one I usually listen to (my favorite version) but it suffices. It’s still got all the “umph” and I guess I like it because of the euphoria it supplies.

9. I Need Some Sleep – The Eels: I first heard this song in Shek 2. I have really bad insomnia on occasion and this song (not necessarily the words) sounds exactly how I feel. It’s a lullaby but at the same time, it has a hint of despair.

10. Over and Done With – The Proclaimers: One of my favorite songs by what will probably be the best Scottish twins ever to walk the earth. I suppose I identify with this song for no particular reason. I just feel understood when I listen to it and, again, it’s not necessarily anything they say in the song.