Apr 23 2007
High Fidelity Hi-Jinks!
There are few works of fiction & cinematic creations that spark my writing drive, make me laugh, squirt out a few tears, and compel me to re-examine, redefine, and seriously expand my record collection as High Fidelity. Originally the masterwork of acclaimed British writer/essayist Nick Hornby, it was further developed into a movie (by audiophile John Cusack & his Chicago-area theater buddies) starring John Cusack, Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Lisa Bonet, & Tim Robbins, among others. And yes, while the book is better than the movie (as it should be), the movie follows the book quite closely, leaving little out (apart from the much-loved scene from the book where the spurned wife attempts to sell Rob Fleming/Gordon her husband’s ridiculously rare collection of 45’s, LP’s, and other music memorabilia for a mere $50).
So, in honor the place that the book & movie hold in my heart, I’m holding the first ever “High Fidelity Hi-Jinks” night at my house. We’ll gather together to view the film, all while drinking cheap wine & eating bad bachelor food in homage to the main character’s diet. Afterwards, everyone will be discussing their Top Five Favorite Sad Pop Songs. Thus, everyone is being charged to pull together those songs onto a blank disc & bring them along to share with the crowd.
If you’re interested in joining us, please contact me for more details. If you’d like to share similar ideas or help me with event planning, submit your comments here! Come one & come all!
April 24th, 2007 at 11:29 am
I’d love to join you in Houston (it is Houston, right?) for your “High Fidelity Hi-Jinks” night. But the commute is just too far. I’ll just do what I normally do - drink cheap wine and listen to sad songs in my apartment in Portland, OR.
John Pattison
April 24th, 2007 at 11:38 am
And as long as you join us in spirit on Saturday night, then that’s what is most important. But if you really want to be a part of the festivities, you can post your Top 5 Sad Pop Songs here in the comment window. I encourage participation on my blog!
April 24th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
However, the sad pop songs, I can certainly contribute to.
1. Everybody Hurts - REM
2. Shelter from the Storm - Bob Dylan
3. All I Want is You - U2
4. Over my Head - the Fray
5. I Will Follow You Into the Dark - Death Cab for Cutie
April 24th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
And remember, just because you don’t live here doesn’t mean you can’t ever visit!
April 27th, 2007 at 11:02 am
1. Brothers on a Hotel Bed - Death Cab For Cutie
2. Song To the Siren - This Mortal Coil
3. Don’t Be Memory - The Chills
4. Mirrorball - Everything But The Girl
5. Will You Find Me? - American Music Club
I’m shuddering just thinking about listening those songs back to back to back to back to back.
April 29th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
1.) “Within a Room Somewhere” (Sixpence None the Richer)
2.) “Don’t Be There” (Switchfoot)
3.) “Still Fighting It” (Ben Folds)
4.) “Who Loves You More” (Plankeye)
5.) “Center Aisle” (Caedmon’s Call/Derek Webb)
April 29th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
1) “Lua” — Bright Eyes
2) “Resplendent” — Vigilantes of Love
3) “Boy Who Stopped The World” — Aaron Sprinkle
4) “Casimir Pulanski Day” — Sufjan Stevens
5) “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” — The Smiths
April 30th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Adam… I love that Sprinkle Song!
1. “Jaded Now” - Bleach
2. “To think of you is to Treasure Absent Memories” - Zao
3. “I still miss someone” - Cash
4. “Mr. Tambourine Man” - Bob Dylan
5. “Cold and all Alone” - MxPx
So many to choose from, Such a little amount.
Like many Zao songs, the emotion can be shadow-casting in content.
out..