Slingshot

Boarding the plane today I was a head full of noise. Forced to process some everyday business disaster in the midst of what I'd intended to be a peaceful slipping away; A quiet departure from the brutal, beautiful capital of my endlessly expanding homeland. I felt myself disengage. With my thumb to the red button, pre-flight beverage in hand, and the routine safety belt check nearly completed, my digital Walkman emerged. Discretion is key in moments like this. You know what you need; you need songs. You know how quickly those songs can be taken from you if you aren't realistic about the potential dangers of rigid flight attendants. You also know how good it feels when a taxiing plane transforms into a metal-winged miracle as you, eyes closed, sit, scoring the soundtrack of your great escape. It's these moments that inspired everyday people to create moving pictures and sprawling canvases and symphonies. It's these moments where you, being entirely present for however brief a time, IS in fact, art. With the right Lens, Melody, Paint Brush, Math equation it could be defined and reproduced for all of humanity to understand. How perfect that my cautiously adorned headphones lead me not to hassle, but instead to "Us and Them". A track, that to me, largely defines the overriding theme of Pink Floyd's, Dark Side of the Moon album. Somehow, it manages to speak equally to the malaise of a morning interrupted as it does to the general state of the human condition. (At least some human's condition, I'm guessing). This is the stuff of real art and real music. Dissection. Exploration. Pop music with teeth, an experiment in human behavior and sound. What a fulfilling listen. Drifting off into the daytime, so far from my self-appointed capital, just a slingshot to the future.

Comments

Nice post

Dark side of the moon is a wonderful album and "us and them" is a great song. i love reading this articles, than you for shar andrew Airsoft Tactical Vest

HI

HI

I am one of the fans who

I am one of the fans who bought tickets for the Farther from Earth tour before the opportunity with the Fray came up........

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wow you can write

Andy,
Your writing is so beautiful. It all has meaning behind. So much more than just the words on the page. I'm editor of my schools newspaper, and I wish I could someday write as beautifully as you.
I'm coming to see you at the Norva:), March 5th! Can't wait! It would be great if I could meet you after. I've been a fan since SoCo and have always wanted to just talk to you.
See ya in march,
-rachel

You know if you wanted to,

You know if you wanted to, you could probably write books and get awards? Your write beautifully, you play piano amazingly, and just about every aspect of any one of your talents are pushed above and beyond. Your an insiration for the ages Andrew-never doubt that. :)

love your blogs

first off, i just came from your show at the shoreline amphitheatre in "norcal" as you liked to call us, lol and it was awesome! you guys are an incredibly talented band, and seeing you play live was just the icing on the cake. i love the fact that you got the crowd hyped up, and you got on top of the piano and owned it. the area in which i was sitting unfortunately didn't have many enthusiastic fans by you, but i was holdin it down for you guys! haha. when you played swim, i stood up with my "swim for you life" shirt and went nuts! my favorite song on the album, most def. so inspirational, just a beautiful piece.

on another note, i'd like to say you are a great writer. your blogs are great. even though you're probably like, okay they're just blogs, but still they are great. you have such a way with words, and i admire that. you're words are inspiring and so meaningful, it is a pleasure reading your blogs, and especially listening to your music. thank you for sharing. i hope to see you guys again in the near future, take care and be well.

[i swim for brighter days despite the absence of sun]

xo
taryn

Amazing

Andy-
Do you really read these blogs? I'll be honest---I never heard you sing or perform before the Fray concert in Camden/Philly. I couldn't believe how great your music and performance was (to be honest, I thought Jack's Mannequin was better than the Fray). The music was amazing and it sucked me right in. I fell in love in Camden! Keep making music---it is a special gift that inspires so many. You guys are freakin' amazing!!!!! I just can't get enough of Jack's Mannequin.

summerfest concert

im seeing you today at summerfest in milwaukee which just so happens to be my 17th birthday. keep doing what you're doing because you're music is an inspiration to everyone out there! is there any point at which I can get a picture with you? in my mind thats the best birthday gift :)

I just wanted to say great

I just wanted to say great concert at Jones Beach. Thank you so much for taking a picture with me, I know you were pressed for time Nonetheless, I appreciate it immensely! It really made my night.

Life is but a stage...

"You also know how good it feels when a taxiing plane transforms into a metal-winged miracle as you, eyes closed, sit, scoring the soundtrack of your great escape. It's these moments that inspired everyday people to create moving pictures and sprawling canvases and symphonies."

very well said. with the right songs playing in such a setting, your mind can truly wander...in a good way. In those few hours, the thoughts in your mind that can be so difficult to verbalize are laid bare by the right song or playlist...truly a magical feeling.

Part of the reason that I enjoy your music so much is because your lyrics resonate so powerfully in reference to my own life. The songs allow me to deconstruct my thoughts in a way that even deep thinking and concentration cannot. And I've found that I get my very best thinking done in just the way you describe...eyes closed, sitting in a car or plane, allowing the right song to score the "movie" that is my life. Life is but a stage...

keep writing and making music, you are truly an inspiration to me.

Another incredible blog

Andrew, I hope you never ever retire from music OR writing blogs. I wish I could find the right words to express my thoughts the way you expertly describe yours.

You'll probably never remember me, but it was an absolutely pleasure meeting you, or at least getting a picture with you. I know we weren't SUPPOSED to meet with you because it was "rude" during The Fray concert, but that small group of Jack's Mannequin fans and myself couldn't leave. The reason we came to that Fray concert was to see you open for them.

Thank you!

Andrew - can fans meet you at/during/after your concerts???

I have been a fan of yours for a very long time, since when you were back with Something Corporate. What drew me to your music was the piano. I have played since I was 7 years old, and I have (tried to!) learn all of your songs either by ear or searching online. I was so happy when the Everything in Transit piano book became available online as well as the Konstantine sheet music! I learned all the songs instantly.

Another reason I am such a big fan is because of your story. I admire you for everything you went through battling illness. My brother lost his battle to cancer about a year and a half ago. Actually, when your second Jack's Mannequin album was released at the end of September last year, it was right around the 1-year anniversary of his death. I read an interview with you online about the Glass Passenger, and that it was about you overcoming that obstacle and moving on with your life. The Glass Passenger really helped me get through that time, which was without a doubt the most difficult part of my life so far.

So, the reason I am writing is because I would really love to meet you, shake your hand, and maybe get a picture. I have attended several of your concerts in the past, both Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin. I will be at the concert next Tuesday, June 23rd to watch you opening for the Fray. I am one of the fans who bought tickets for the Farther from Earth tour before the opportunity with the Fray came up, so my tickets are floor seats right up close :) Anyway, I don't know if you'll be sticking around to watch the rest of the concert after you play, and if so where you would be, but I just wanted to share with you why I am such a fan and hope that I can someday meet you to tell you more in person.

Thank you for your music.
-A

Just so happens that I was

Just so happens that I was listening to Pink Floyd in a similar situation yesterday.

o.0

brilliant

always inspiring

i'll see you guys in a week and a half.
have fun tonight

beautiful as always. dark

beautiful as always. dark side of the moon is a wonderful album and "us and them" is a great song. i love reading what you write andrew