You've stumbled upon the blog of Paul Malan. I love my family, I love to write, I love to ride my bikes, and I love to take pictures. Maybe someday I'll think of something clever or arresting to say right here.(As I wrote earlier, I think the book Schott’s Original Miscellany is a great idea – random knowledge compiled in list form is surprisingly fun to read. I thought it’d be fun to add a category of blog entries filed under “miscellany” that would take a similar format as the book, though more wordy and stuff about me, because it is, after all, my blog.)
It is true that I am known for my musical snobbery, but every now and again I am forced to suspend my hatred for popular music and admit that a certain band or song is worthwhile. In this first-ever miscellany post, here’s a short list of music I really like even though I heard it first on the radio:
“Everything” by Michael Bublé
I know I’m only supposed to tolerate popular music, but I absolutely love this song. If Wendy and I were to get married again, this would be the wedding video soundtrack for sure. Maybe we even play this on the kitchen stereo and dance around the room together, pretending we can croon as well as Bublé. Maybe.
Albert Hammond, Jr.
I heard the song “Everyone Gets a Star” on the radio during my grueling half-mile commute last year and had to Google the lyrics to find out who it was. Very catchy.
Ben Folds
With or without the “Five,” I dig Ben Folds. You probably heard Brick on the radio along with the rest of the world, but in my estimation their best song (and one of the greatest songs ever) is The Ascent of Stan.
Panic! At the Disco
So what if their style is largely trendy emo? Clever, catchy, and fun.
Keane
Keane is what happens when you use a piano instead of a guitar in rock music. It’s beautiful.
Oh, and Keane should really stick to audible entertainment. Visually, they leave more than a little something to be wanted. And that's stated as kindly as I can.