A friend of mine recently posted an interesting query to his blog. "Do you remember that album that seemed to change your trajectory, define a season, or bring perfect meaning to a place?" Being a music nut (read: loser), I didn't find it very difficult to answer the question. I have playlists on my iPod with dates, so finding out what I listened to was easy enough. But I didn't want to "cheat."
My answer to his question, though, feels a little like cheating. First of all, what I picked -- the Cherry Tree EP by The National -- isn't really an album at all. And in any case, I didn't choose the EP because it connects to a feeling of home. If anything, it reminds me, in vivid detail, of what it was like being away. Here's what I wrote on Kyle's blog, and for added effect, I've posted the song lyrics and a live video for "About Today" below.
...I was in DC in the fall of 2006, far from home, missing my family, and worried about the health of my grandmothers, both of whom had been diagnosed with cancer the week before I left. I had really started enjoying The National's Alligator album the year before, and I was excited (understatement) to hear them at the Black Cat in DC. I bought the Cherry Tree EP at the beginning of the semester, and I probably listened to it a billion times over the course of those four months. It's a wonder the CD still plays.
That was a tough semester for a lot of reasons, but one of the most difficult parts was being away from my girlfriend (and now fiance), Jennifer. Few things can challenge a relationship as much as distance. Even now, I still can't hear the incredible "About Today" without thinking of walking to my house at one in the morning, protected in my overcoat from the cold air of fall, thinking heavily about all the aspects of my future.
Great songs bring you back, but you're reminded how they also pushed you forward.
"About Today"
Today you were far away
And I didn't ask you why
What could I say
I was far away
You just walked away
And I just watched you
What could I say
How close am I to losing you
Tonight you just close your eyes
And I just watch you
Slip away
How close am I to losing you
Hey, are you awake
Yeah I'm right here
Well can I ask you
About today
How close am I to losing you
How close am I to losing
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