My Halloween Playlist

Happy Halloween. I guess.
Halloween is arguably my least favorite holiday. I love the time of season it comes with, but fact is, it's a fake holiday. Just like Valentine's Day. You try to celebrate it. Fit the cliches. Do your traditions. Yous till have to go to work that day.
So here are some Halloween-themed songs to play on this day of homemade spookiness.

+The Misfits Night of the Living Dead 
Hard to pick which Misfits song to add. All their songs relate to science fiction or stuff from horror flicks. They even have a song called "Halloween." This band is the one good thing the holiday has to offer.
+Sonic Youth Halloween 
As far as Sonic Youth songs go, this song's kinda a dime-a-dozen. The guitars are hypnotic, it musically sounds like a dream, Kim is giving spoken-word prose poetry about schizophrenia or sex or whatever. I like it.
+The Microphones Headless Horseman
He says stuff about nature and animals and having a flaming pumpkin head. I think it's supposed to be a sad song.
+Michael Jackson Thriller
I'm mad at myself for putting this on here.
+Warren Zevon Werewolves of London
At the end of the day, this Warren Zevon song isn't his scariest. I only know a couple other songs by him. One's called "Excitable Boy," where he talks a man who grows up to a rapist murderer. But this song is about werewolves and it's fun to singalong to.
+Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Stagger Lee
Nick Cave has written tons of scary songs (my personal fave "The Carny"), which eventually lead to an album called "Murder Ballads," literally true to its title. "Stagger Lee" has a lot (a lot) of swearing in it, and the noise that comes 3 minutes in scares me. So even though Cave has been louder before, I don't think he's been so straightforwardly violent. It's discomforting.
+Edgar Winter Group Frankenstein
No lyrics required. What looks scarier than Frankenstein? Edgar Winter.
...He's an albino.... and he had 70s rocker hair... They Only Come Out at Night...
Okay, I'm a terrible person.

+Slint Nosferatu Man
Did you know he quotes Hank Williams in this song? Also, do you know what time signature it's in?
+David Bowie Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)
This song isn't scary. I mean, the term "super creep" is in the title. That rhymes with "Super Freak." The song sounds more like that. But David Bowie has the tendency to look scary at times.
+Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti Fright Night
This song, like all Ariel Pink songs, is scary because it sounds like a late-nite acid trip. I see myself cruising down a boulevard at 2am past neon lights drawn by the animators of Duck Tales. Now that's a Halloween story if I've ever heard one!

10 Most Important Women in Music, 2015

10 Patrice Quinn

Patrice Quinn is the first clear voice you hear on Kamasi Washington's The Epic. It's hard for me to critique jazz, both musically and vocally, but Kamasi picked her as his band's lead singer for a reason. Her work on "The Rhythm Changes," which she co-wrote, is my favorite. It's like a narration of the human universe, appropriately backed by Kamasi's galactic jazz band. I suppose every town has a woman who can sing like Patrice, but her work gives "the jazz singer next door" the epic treatment.



9 Marlana Evans (aka Rapsody)

I was introduced to Rapsody via my favorite album of the year, Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly. She's the only guest artist on the album who obviously out-raps Kendrick. Apparently she's been around a couple years, but nobody would know if it wasn't for her verse on "Complexion." Fer delivery sounds natural and passionate, and her message (both on this album and in her solo work) is humble approach of hope for the black community. "Color of your skin, color of your eyes? That's the real blues, baby!" "The next James Bond gonna be black as me!" I am excited to see the rest of her career unfurl.


8 Kelela Mizanekristos (aka Kelela)

Kelela is definitely the artist to watch on this list. She's one of the new driving forces in the alternative R&B movement. Her new EP is kinda slow and I think there's room for improvement, but her music's dark enough for me believe in her. If you (like myself) have learned to despise The Weeknd, try her out, this is your step up.




7 Matana Roberts

Matana Roberts is an avant-garde jazz artists who fuses abrasive noise with standard jazz elements. Her albums are a series of complex, chaptered stories titled "Coin Coin," with this year's Coin Coin Chapter Three: River Run Thee as her newest accomplishment. There are no breaks between tracks; the (ahem) "music" just flows on. I love her work and she's probably the most progressive artist on the list.


6 Brittany Howard
While Matana may be "progressive," Brittany Howard's Alabama Shakes are "progressing." Their new album is a great slice of alternative rock; I'd rank it more in the TV on the Radio realm than The Black Keys. Their music is a lot less quaint than before. Brittany has rediscovered herself as a purist "rock" artist and has even started a comical solo project under the pseudonym Thunderbitch. If you really want to hear the thunder she offers, "Give Me All Your Love" blows their old track "Hold On" out of the water.



5 Courtney Barnett

I will begin by saying: Courtney's new album is overrated. Then why is he ranked so high? Maybe I'm biased because I'm ridiculously attracted to her blue eyes. But even more than her eyes, I love her personality. When she's good, she's really good. She's an original songwriter through and through; lyrically human, almost conversational. Songs like "Depreston" give me faith in her future.


4 Chelsea Wolfe

Oh, goth rock: The genre both created and killed by Nick Cave. Any goth acts after the 80s just pass as something neoclassical; purposely attempting to sound like the original 80s aesthetic. But it doesn't count as "ripping off" someone if you totally nail it.
Chelsea Wolfe does just that on her exuberant album Abyss. She even breaks the classic mold, sounding far chunkier than Siouxsie and the Banshees even. The bass is heavy, the riffs are huge, the instruments vary. The closest thing goth has to a Physical Graffiti. Chelsea is dark and depressing, but far from hopeless. 




3 Tahliah Debrett Barnett (aka FKA Twigs)

I didn't make this kind of list last year, but FKA Twigs would be my easy pick for #1 with her debut album LP1. Her new EP M3LL155X is just as good, but it only has 5 songs. When your biggest problem as an artist is not putting out enough material-- AND you've just released new music for two consecutive years-- you're in a good place. This mid-decade run of futuristic R&B from Twigs will be remembered by critics for years to come. Industrial, glitchy, dark, catchy, sexy, angsty, musically and vocally impressive. What could she possibly do next?





2 Bjork Guomundsdottir (aka Bjork)

Bjork is 49 years old. Her most acclaimed album was released 20 years ago. Why should we still care about Bjork? Classic greats like Bob Dylan and Paul Simon had reborn classic "breakup albums" in their middle age. Bjork did that this year with Vulnerica. The strings sections are complicated and gorgeous. Her voice sounds overwhelmingly heartbroken (the clearest lyric on the album: "I have emotional needs!"). The beats are freaking weird (this is Bjork after all). Her best work in over 10 years and easily one of the best albums of 2015.


1 Julia Holter

I was introduced to Julia Holter two years ago and rather enjoyed her experimental songwriter album Loud City Song. The direction she takes on her new album Have You In My Wilderness apparently required a full strings orchestra for every track. Of all the whimsical, open-minded songwriting out there, Julia arcs the hurdle on Wilderness. More "beautiful" than "boring," she creates an isolated atmosphere of zen; constantly visualizing shadows, the sky, the ocean. Complete with vocal echoes, subtle jazz breakdowns, estranged piano balladry  and some harpsichords, Julia conquers the baroque genre. Freaking beautiful.

Scott's LDS General Conference Real-Time Notes: Sunday AM

There are a lot of cute girls in this apartment. I cannot count the number of stupid jokes I've already said. Thank you for saving my scenario, Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
Don't worry, it's not like they're gonna read this.
"Redeemer of Israel." Another one ranked among the most sung at Conference.
"If the Savior Stood Beside Me." Is this a children's hymn? It almost exactly rhymes with Father John Misty's "When You're Smiling and Astride Me." Not the most appropriate reference, but it's true... Ah, this is a children's hymn. And a really pretty one, at that.
President Thomas S. Monson
Be an example in word and in conversation. Coarse language has become a norm. Speak with vulnerability and kindness.
Be an example of charity, the pure love of Christ.
Faith and doubt cannot exist at the same time, for one will dispel the other.
Purity (in mind, body and spirit) will give us peace of mind.
We are different because (among other things) we won't adhere to demeaning media or humor.
His voice is going.
I think he's leaning on the podium. His head is now an entire foot lower than when he started speaking. Suddenly, this talk is dramatic.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband
He cites his testimony to his mother teaching him at childhood.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson
... aka"The Young One"
He looks like all of my dad's siblings wrapped into one person.

Oh, he said "distinct impression," not "de-stinkin'-pression."
Just been informed he quoted Preach My Gospel verbatim. I clearly wasn't paying attention.
Elder Dale G. Renlund
Interesting to hear him talk about "emotional distance" as a cardiologist.
To effectively serve others, we must see them through a parents' eyes; through Heavenly Father's eyes. This will open our hearts to their disappointments and fears.
"How Firm a Foundation." Sign language singing for the win!
President Russell M. Nelson
Everybody misses the 3 Apostles who passed recently. I think it's created a more somber tone from the Quorum this Conference.
This dispensation is distinct from any other. It has a lot to do with the church's covenant women.
We need women with a testimony and sense for family, standing out in this "sin-sick" world.
After 3 deaths within the same family, he almost gave up being a heart surgeon. His wife woke him up the next morning and told him to get up, get dressed, get to work.
"We need women" ... "who can detect deception in all of its forms." A personal favorite quality.
Gregory A. Schwitzer 
Comparing communication to musical instruments... ooh...
"True disciples represent the Lord when it may not be convenient to do so."
The Plan of Happiness happens through the family unit.
Claudio R.M. Costa
Mentions teaching his children and learning from his parents.
He talks as though he watched the Atonement take place. I guess, in a way, we all did, from the pre-mortal view. And I guess that's why the sacrament prayers remind us to "always remember Him," or perhaps remember that event. How could we remember something we didn't witness?
I've always recognized Elder Costa's passionate approach to speaking.
"There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today."
President Henry B. Eyring
"The companionship of the Holy Ghost makes the 'good' seem more attractive and temptation less compelling."
"We need the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to spare us moments of doubt."
You can tell that an impression is of the Holy Ghost when what it teaches is square with what the Savior teaches.
"Only through the Holy Ghost can we see people and their gifts as God sees them."
When we accept the promise "always have His Spirit" to be with us, the Savior grants us the purification required ("sanctification") to enter the Kingdom of God.
The Spirit will "enlighten your mind and fill your soul with joy."
"The Spirit of God." Solo! Solo! This is only the 2nd time they've ever done this in conference! A new guy pops up every 8 measures... I always pronounce the title of this song in Elder Jackson's cowboy accent: "Spiritta Gahd!"

FAVORITE TALK
President Eyring
COMMON THEMES
*Family
*Sacrament
*Seeing people in God's eyes
*Dangers of sin (theme from last night's session)
BEST DRESSED
Gregory A. Schwitzer

Scott's LDS General Conference Real-Time Notes: Saturday PM

When are they gonna do it???
Primary children choir? CUTENESS OVERLOAD
They're gonna do it this session!
"Beautiful Savior."
NEW APOSTLES: Ronald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson, Dale G. Renlund

"Search, Ponder and Pray"... fused with children's hymn I've never heard before...
Elder Robert D. Hales
^First man to mention marriage this year. Said some are hesitant to do it due to fear.
(addressing the youth and young adults)
"Never deliberately fly into a thunderstorm. I won't tell you how I found that out."
"Straighten Up and Fly Right"... Nat King Cole reference!
Don't buy things with money you don't have.
Talking about dating now... here we go...
"Have you observed each other under stress?" and many other questions.
"None of us marry perfection, we marry potential."
Please don't date through your 20s just for a good time; it holds back marriage.
Be that (spiritual, attractive, responsible) kind of person you want to marry.
I know you all have friends, but learn to "reach up, not across."
Where do you see yourself in 2 years? Remember, you're a pilot; you're in charge.
Dang, this talk is good! Although he really isn't lookin' so hot...
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
He doesn't look older, but he sounds a lot older.
Maternal love is Divine. Once they have children, their time is no longer their own.
Jesus died of a broken heart, weary and worn out from taking the sins of the world.
Can you imagine standing before your mother when you stand before God? Dang...
Think of the word "bore" as "to bear." To bear testimony, to bear our griefs, etc. Also to carry. True love finding the ability to carry another. A mother carries unborn babies with, wherewith they bear a child. GREAT anecdote about the homosexual missionary, by the way. Change of heart- not social conformity- is when we learn to overcome our anxieties.
Sidenote: I'm tired of argumentative social commentary of any kind. I'm done with it.
"Come Follow Me."
Bradley D. Foster
"I Am a Child of God" is a song about true self-identity.
"Our children are the largest group of investigators in the church."
Sometimes you use your words to teach your children and they only hear their words.
"Did you know Helen Keller had this giant, elaborate doll house? Neither did she." -Melissa Leavitt
"The Son can do nothing of himself, but what He seeth the Father do." Does this literally apply to all father/son relationships?
Children will learn when they're ready to learn.
Hugo Montoya
Smile. (I didn't know he was numbering off principles. Our internet went out.)
A smile to a friend or stranger can make their day. When you smile, it lightens burdens.
Express feelings of compassion to others. Tell people you love/appreciate them.
The Book of Mormon is the cornerstone of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Vern P. Stanfill
My roommate just farted and I suddenly cannot focus.
We choose how long the Lord's light will influence us.
Self-exploitation on social media gives you unneeded credibility.
The adversary will tempt you to stop trying (to feel the spirit).
There is no darkness so dense/difficult that it cannot be overcome by light.
"CTL: Choose The Light" (Andrea Christensen's response to this talk)
James B. Martino
God doesn't answer prayers just to satisfy your inquiries. He wants to teach you.
Not keeping up spiritual habits may lead you to forget the important, undeniable spiritual experiences of your past. It also leads to murmuring through trials.
Trials can strengthen faith and commitment to Christ.
Obedience, study, prayer and fasting are specific hobbies that change your behaviors.
This man is a convert to the church. He gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Gospel because he came into wanting to know whether or not it was all true. Textbook Moroni's promise!
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
This Apostle has my favorite personality! He's talking about the Atonement.
His Atonement empowers Him to succor us so He can carry it all.
Mortality is full of frequent troubles and suffering... NOT caused by our sins.
Earth has no power that heaven cannot cure. Teenagers often experience the feelings of rejection. Singleness and depression were both experienced by the Savior. Even those in prison have come to know God, feeling forgiveness and change of heart after their crime.
Sidenote: Prisons aren't as much about making criminals suffer, but helping them change.
He calls addiction a "disorder."
God is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe.
"I Feel My Savior's Love." Now this sounds cute.
I didn't fall asleep!
Also. this was... The Greatest Saturday Afternoon Session I've Ever Watched.

FAVORITE TALK
(tie) Elder Hales + Elder Holland
COMMON THEMES
*The Atonement
*Satan wants us to stop trying
*God answers prayers
*Trials/Suffering/Darkness
BEST DRESSED
Jeffrey "The Solid Gold" Holland

Scott's LDS General Conference Real-Time Notes: Saturday AM

When are they gonna do it???
"Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah!" Brother Heberman was right, they do sing it at Conference a lot. It's one of my top 10 personal favorites. I always imagine it being sung by Elder Mori in his Japanese accent.
Friendly reminder: Pray for the families of those who have died.
"I Know My Savior Loves Me." First time I heard it was at General Conference 5 years ago. I was on my mission. Beautiful children's hymn.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
President Uchtdorf responds to illness the same way I do. Internet > Doctors
"Why does (the Gospel) seem to work better for some than for others?"
--Are we making discipleship too complicated?
Sometimes we complicate things with man-made "good ideas, programs and expectations" that make us lose sight of the purity and plainness of the Gospel. "Living the Gosepl doesn't need to be complicated." Advice: Simplify your road to discipleship.
--Start where you are.
Thought he was gonna say "All You Need Is Love" for a second there...
Satan tempts us to not even try to progress. God sees us as who we can become.
SIMPLIFY CHRIST, "It works wonderfully, would you like to know more?
Deiter F. Uchtdorf strikes again!
Elder M. Russel Ballard 
M. Russel Ballard: The Apostle everybody's gone fishing with when they were 5.
Elder McKenzie always said Elder Richard G. Scott reminded him of Santa Claus...
"Hello little one. What will you become throught the Atonement of Christ?"
Sharing your testimony should be brief and not a speech.
Richard J. Maynes
Can Van Mission, spendin' the day with Richard J!
He says he's from a "multi-cultural LDS family." Like, what, Utah and Idaho?
Keep your clay in the center! (God is the potter)
He's married to a convert to the church...
"We Thank Thee O God, for a Prophet." Of course.
Neill F. Marriot
The South will rise again!
"Still" is apparently a 2-syllable word pronounced "stiy-ell."
Part of me thinks President Uchtodorf can't understand half of what she's saying...

Her family motto: "It will all work out." Consider that in an eternal perspective.
To have a faithful heart, we must "allow it to break" before the Lord.
It is a mortal desire to have things our way.
All jokes aside, this is a deep, heartfelt talk.
Larry R. Lawrence
The Holy Ghost gives honest, customized counsel.
Whether it's cleaning up your room or cleaning up your act, this talk makes me think that all those tiny little good ideas that come to my mind en passe are spiritually driven.
^THEY ARE. Sometimes these are funny little things, but if it's true, it's true.
Sometimes we need to ask the Lord what we're doing wrong/right.
Francisco J. Vinas
If anything, this guy has a calming voice. And he's straight-up doctrine.
Apparently he's like Belen Moyano's grampa.
"Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer." Oh gosh, Elder Holt had the worst version of this song on some hymns CD... Elder Funk remembers.
Elder Quentin L. Cook
--Righteous self-control and conduct.
Self-control is like a muscle: The more you use it, the better it gets. President Hinckley said the same thing about faith and even flexed his arm when he said it, which is still a funny image.
Whoa! Wait, what's 230,000 divided by 5?
--Honoring the Sabbath will increase righteousness and bring protection to the family.
--Divine protections are provided when we are righteous.
"Come, Come Ye Saints." Always reminds me of Earl Ray quoting it in his cowboy accent: "And if we die... happy day!"


FAVORITE TALK
(tie) Larry R. Lawrence + President Uchtdorf
COMMON THEMES
*The Atonement
*The Gospel is simple
*Keep the Sabbath day holy
BEST DRESSED
Neill F. Marriott