Heartbeat

The average human heart beats about 70 times per minute while at rest.  This miraculous muscle, over the course of an 80 year lifespan, puts out about 2.5 gigajoules, making it an easy forerunner for the muscle that performs the most physical work in the whole of the human body - thus, potentially one of our most valuable assets.

However, to put things in perspective, a barrel of oil holds six gigajoules of potential energy (once combusted).  One could certainly make an observation or two here about the worth of a human body versus the worth of a barrel of oil, at least in terms of energy.  Similarly, one may pause to consider whom else might have pondered that same comparison while making governing decisions that would effect the lives of many such low output human hearts.  However, that goes rather off on a different tangent.  The focus here, remains the heart.

To get down to the heart of it, if you'll excuse my overly blatant pun, we're all run by these little beating batteries; steady clocks, thudding away in our chests, keeping time with our lives.  What's curious though, is not the form or function of the heart, but the story its been woven into.  So inseparable is the heart now from the concept of love that its difficult to trace back to a time when the two were not joined - even ancient Greeks and Egyptians believed that the heart controlled our thoughts and feelings, not the mind.    Ironically enough, when it comes to the physical manifestation of the feeling of love, it is in fact the brain that plays a greater role.  The production of estrogen, testosterone, dopamine, and serotonin lead from infatuation to comfort, then in time, the brain ups its protein levels and begins to bridge between certain neurons, leaving the memory of what we call love in our very grey matter.

Yet, all science aside, it is the heart that aches when another heart is near. It is the chest that feels empty, when a heart pulls away.  And, it is the heart that fills with joy at the smile and touch of someone held dear.

Right now, my heart, is quite full. 

This has been a bit of a ramble, with little point, and even less of a conclusion.  My personal serotonin levels are pretty high currently, so I'm going to have to leave things in this half thought out state and sign off for sleep.  Enjoy this while I enjoy that.

Skinny Love

So, let it be said first and foremost that I'm fully aware that I'm rather late to come around to Bon Iver. For years now I've heard fine reviews of Justin Vernon's musical stylings, especially in respect to his lyrics, but have only ever given him a passing glance. Perhaps due to a few bad song referrals - it seems I had only caught the handful of of YouTube music videos by the group that leaned a bit to close to angsty production value than true, heartfelt songwriting. This past summer even, my mother expressed great interest in the band, driven by their close ties to Wisconsin and an inspiring article written about them in a local newspaper. Still, I resisted, and Bon Iver remained a group I regarded as simply another indie up-and-comer with whom I'd never connect.

Well, my occasional musical snobbery has bit me in the ass once or twice before, and will probably do so again, but I am happy to say that for whatever reason, I gave Bon Iver a go this evening, and have been pleasantly surprised.

Lyrically, yes, Vernon shines. His narrative, yet metaphorical style provokes vague imagery, imbuing sensation and emotion far more than any firm sense of place, which is fitting, considering his hauntingly strong vocal range. In fact, although that range was one of the things that initially turned me off of the band, upon further listening, I'm really quite impressed by it. And certainly, no one can argue his vocal talent.

Further than that though, the band as a whole, and Vernon himself, have a strong sense of musical honesty. Perhaps not in every song (unfortunately), but in handful of very solid gems, its clear that strong technical skill enhances their ability to play with their music in a very innocent, inspired way. From arrangements featuring lurid but intricate acoustic guitar work to unison clapping and stomping, Bon Iver makes full use of their tool set to bring listeners an enjoyable - although not always entirely original - sound scape.

To share a taste - my favorite thus far - I present Skinny Love by Bon Iver.

Despite a raw beginning, Vernon's passion in this version of the song is exemplary; it reminds me of someone I used to know.