studio's greatest hits - volume II

That's right -- there are plenty of other tunes that got me and several others through the daily (and nightly) grind of architectural studio.

Let's visit a few more:

The Association - Windy



This song was one of a few Association songs that I had on my computer in studio (see "Cherish" revisited in one of my previous blog entries). It's got a peppy, airy sound that kicked your ass right out of that 3 AM funk you found yourself in. Another interesting aside -- Ryan Kurlbaum, fellow member of my studio during 5th year, made up some ridiculous story that this song was written about his sorority brother's aunt named Wendy or something. Sure, Ryan, we believe you.


The Lovin' Spoonful - Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?



This song is so heavy with meaning I don't know where to start. Yes, it sure sounds like they're singing about deciding between two girls and the inner turmoil that goes along with it. But this question crosses all boundaries and knows no limits. Anyone could apply it to their own life. Which of these five design schemes do I pursue? Do I drink Mad Dog 20/20 or Evil Eye tonight? This song is short in length, but chock full of meaning. (Also, I couldn't find a good video for this song, so it's some lame slideshow -- but still, I do love that embed function.)


Ween - Piss Up a Rope



A big "fuck you" with a country twist. This is about some dude kicking his woman out, because he's had enough of her whoring and disrespect. But it could just as easily apply to: that studio professor who's too busy being a douche to help you with your design (he shall remain nameless), that guy you're playing in intramural racquetball who screams with rage every time something doesn't go his way (I beat him good, too), or the parking patrol, making you feel like a fugitive every night of the week (Dan Typaldos knows from experience -- the irony being he missed his first Ween concert ever due to a BOOT on his car back on May 6, 2003). It's got some pretty quotable lyrics, too.


Ween - Waving my Dick in the Wind





This isn't just a vulgar homage to public indecency. It's also a story of reunion, love rekindled, and a distaste for law enforcement. It also happened to be a tune Dan and I would play in studio, as we waved our phantom members in the air, to motivate and inspire not just us, but our classmates as well. Never did so much work get done in studio as it did right after a rousing rendition of "Waving My Dick in the Wind." (I've included two versions here: one that Gretchen, Dan and I saw live on 8/11/07, and another version that's slightly better quality.)


Frank Zappa - Uncle Remus



The hatred Gretchen had for this song was equivalent in measure to the love Dan and I had. As we air guitared its solos, and Gretchen sat there disgusted, something happened. Cleveland steamers were designed (Dan and my 3rd year performing arts center), schlongs were born (Dan's 5th year high rise building). It was wonderful. (Also, couldn't find a good video for this song, but it's still the audio, and again I got to use that fulfilling embed function.)


Journey - Lights



Journey didn't get played too much in studio, but on a couple fateful evenings at 909 Kearney St. (my residence for 3 years in Manhattan), namely Pure Funk B-day 2004 and that one night me, John, and Mullet drank SoCo and listened to Journey, Journey made the room come alive. It was a magic similar to that one so often felt in studio when a particular song was suddenly heard from your computer speakers. Hence, it gets an honorary mention in Studio's Greatest Hits (also, like many Journey videos, it's fairly ridiculous and awesome at the same time, most probably because it comes from the late 70's, a fairly ridiculous time).

Until next time, remember sometimes all it takes is a song to get you where you want to go, even if where you want to go is somewhere, ANYWHERE, as long as it's away from all the mind-numbing work that's slowly crushing your soul.