Summer Reading and Play Lists
There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!
Emily Dickinson
A few from last summer that I should have finished:
New reads:
If music be the food of love, play on,
Give me excess of it; that surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die.
Duke Orsino of Illyria in William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (Act I, scene 1, 1-3)
And for your summer playlist:


Thanks for sending the suggestions — I’m on it. Enjoy.
Peace,
3 comments
I’m just getting up to speed on the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, out of Chicago. Great group – they make a tuba sound like a bass guitar.
I obviously don’t know what your tastes are, per se, in music. I can ramble off a few albums I’ve been really digging recently and hopefully you’ll like at least one.
“Forget and Not Slow Down” – Relient K
Christian rock band, settling into a much more adult sound with their latest album. Fantastic lyrics. Great for a mental pick-me-up in a lot of cases.
“Other Experiments” – Jonathan Coulton
You can’t really go wrong with JC. He’s hilarious and he’s got a really mellow, refreshingly non-mainstream way of going about things. This record is pretty chock full o’ demos.
I’d recommend all of his music really.
“Tribute to Famous People” – Pomplamoose
Really great takes on a variety of popular music. You can look these guys up on Youtube too, which I would recommend.
“Threshold of Night” – Tarik O’Regan
Really phenomenal, contemporary “classical” composer. BU Symphonic Chorus performed one of his pieces in concert last semester.
“Glee: The Music”
Glee is an awesome show. ‘nough said.
And perhaps just some artists as well:
Jason Mraz. Started listening to him because of “I’m Yours” and found that I actually enjoyed a whole lot of his music.
Coheed and Cambria. If even the slightest fiber of you is a progressive metal fan, give these guys a chance. Just fantastic musicianship. Newest album “Year of the Black Rainbow”.
John Mayer
Richard Cheese. Does lounge versions of every kind of pop/rock imaginable. Hilarious.
They Might Be Giants
Anyway, Hope you enjoy. I’m off to study now. Have a great summer.
I’d add Tracy Kidder’s “Mountains Beyond Mountains” to that reading list, and Jamie Lidell’s “Jim” for listening.