#springplaylist

«The Other Cheek» (A Spotify Playlist)

I am sitting on Good Friday, pondering on the nature of thanatophobia, the fear of death and dying. The 2020 Portal is a unique opportunity to make peace with our fears, be friends with all, regardless of energy or intention. Particles fly; an exchange of DNA happens. In the midst of transmutation thoughts materialize quicker. The flow, the redesign—the veritable ascending—that is part of the new alignment of this dear planet occurs at an accelerated rate. Being open and calm, changes come forth smoothly. Tense and dispersed, a more urgent realignment is needed…a reset. An instant synthesis with whom we truly are.

Oh! Nights and visions! When faced with the drama of existence, one must turn the other cheek. No resistance. The disarming switch of focus effortlessly redirecting our attention to productivity and evolution.

The music here takes me on a voyage from my early days of childhood to travel through time and space. I often think of the house on the rocky hill: I used to go down the wooden ladder to the bare rock nearby, sit there and stare at the sunlight on the ground.

The air was very much like now. Everywhere an opportunity for contemplation. A facsimile of the 18th century. The light makes every wall sublime painting. Flowers greet us in the night. There is a balm in music, and perhaps now we seek it more than ever.

This playlist features music by Gioachino Rossini, Igor Stravinsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky, William Grant Still, Will Marion Cook, Sean Shepherd, Frédéric Chopin, Reagan Fabry, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, and Johann Strauss II.

The photograph by Dietmar captures Van and I’s birthday party at Henry’s, January 20, 2019, a glorious evening with dear friends. Jane helped me move the furniture so we could pose. I am wearing a custom crown by King Icry, Levi’s Iconic 501 jeans, and a vintage Tommy Hilfiger Red Label Denim shirt.

«Walks-Between» (A Spotify Playlist)

Once, while parked in front of the post office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I heard “Angelitos Negros” on the radio, sung by Eartha Kitt.

The music transported me to another place—justified by the sublime vibration of Eartha’s voice and also the dream-like music. Right now, I also think of the movie Beetlejuice, how “Jump In the Line” by Harry Belafonte plays over the end credits, stopping time with its sound somewhere between dimensions…the music with its subtle supernatural drive and masterful balance of layers, sound textures, and reverberation…Harry’s voice leading the way with verve, masterful command and punctuation.

In that spirit goes this playlist, comprised of 8 songs totaling 23 minutes, including Harry Belafonte, Yma Sumac, Rosemary Clooney with Pérez Prado, La Lupe, Josephine Baker with Lecuona Cuban Boys, Eartha, Mina, and Iris Chacón.

A playlist as ethereal microfiche…a record of mystical moments.

The photo was taken by the barn at the Sowinskis’ during last summer’s visit. I am holding Karen’s dear Miss Houdini, and wearing a renaissance-style shirt…a gift from Dominic.

Im quite bad with technology, so I was only able to do this much. I chose these songs with you in mind. Feel better, okay? I have an actual mixtape waiting for you here at Seoul.  Only half the songs made it on this playlist, so I guess you just have to come home to find out the rest. Sending you lots of love! I love you, Choi Minho-ssi. <3

1. Tell me you Love me- Bolbbalagan4

2. Picnic- O.When

3. Confession - Standing Egg

4. Inner Circle- Retro Funkee

The weather is still all over the map, and so are our latest musical preferences. So, naturally, it’s time for an eclectic spring playlist! Pair with your new spring haircut/highlights/manicure, as one does (and arrange your appointment the easy way—on our new message platform).

Related:

LB-Sides: Spring Euphoria

LB-Sides: Soulful Spring