Shorties: Riding My Bike

Lisa Germano: Riding My Bike

[purchase]

Lisa Germano is known for her dreamy and dark music, most of which I've always found deeply affecting.

On her first album, 1991's On The Way Down From The Moon Palace, you'll find "Riding My Bike," a song which barely makes it under the two minute prerequisite for this week's theme.

Initially, the song seems sweet enough; acoustic plucking and Germano's unmistakable soft voice, as she sings in first-person. Then a deep stomping and suddenly, her voice deepens.

And thus, you'll discover Germano's amazing ability to conjure up something as innocent as a childhood past-time and turn it into something haunting, but heartbreakingly realistic. All under the time it takes to brush your teeth.

- - - - - -

I was riding my bike across the street
Just riding my bike

I was riding my bike across the street
Just riding my bike

Then this man came up to me
Was driving his car

Riding my bike across the street
Just riding my bike

Something was wrong
Just didn't feel right
My heart beat fast

He said "Which way is Adams Street?"
My heart beat fast

"Hey little girl, you sure look cute riding your bike."
"Hey pretty girl, you want a little of this? You sure look cute."

He followed me home
He knows where I live
He knows my name

He followed me home
He knows my name

Leftovers (Clothes): You Make Me Wanna Wear Dresses

Lisa Germano: You Make Me Wanna Wear Dresses

[purchase]

When Boyhowdy asked me to write a guest post a few months ago, I was beyond flattered – after the New York Minute between his invitation and my submission (in case he changed his mind!), I spent quite a few hours perusing the archives to get a feel for the taste, tone and talent of the regular contributors (impressive being a major understatement)…

I couldn’t help but experience more than a twinge of wistfulness as I read previous themes and pondered the woulda/coulda/shoulda had I been around then – now that I’m “on staff” (pinch me!), many thanks to BH for allowing this time machine opportunity to revisit Clothes Week…

Not sure exactly how the music of Lisa Germano first drifted into my ears – all I know is that when I heard You Make Me Wanna Wear Dresses, it took me back to a time of innocence, shyness and vulnerability. I immediately thought of past crushes and blushes (pre-husband, -children, -mortgage) – it’s lovely to have a suburban roof over my head (and all it represents)… but sometimes one can’t help but long for a castle in all its swoon-worthy metaphor…

P.S. I found out later that Lisa Germano played violin on tour with John Mellencamp for years – for BH: she does a h*lla cover of These Boots Are Made for Walkin’…