Liner Notes

Soundscape #101: “First, You Have To Learn How To Stand”

There’s a big gap between theory and experience. For example, reading recipes (or watching cooking shows) doesn’t mean you will be able to cook. Understanding the physics of swimming would probably not prepare you for the aches in your legs after the 20th lap (or for me, just 5).

Toni V. don’t move, 2007.

So I tried rollerblading the other day and it was a disaster. The day started out fine enough but when the equipment you rent stinks so bad you want to hurl, you know that things aren’t going to be that fine after all. In fact, that was just the good part. After struggling with the equipment for 20 minutes, I realised to my horror, that I was staring down at my feet and willing them to take on my weight. In other words, I couldn’t. fucking. stand up! It’s a weird feeling and not a good one either since my friends have all bladed along. After falling over about 5 times in as many seconds, the rental people ran over all concerned and tried to give me a crash course in blading. Oh, you have to keep your knees together and keep your elbows close etc etc.

I finally got on the track but was going towards the ditch already and I don’t know how to steer, or stop, for that matter. I was just being pushed and dragged along by my friends. It wasn’t pretty. After falling on my ass for the 27th time, a lady came up to me and said solemnly, “First, you have to learn how to stand.” I thanked her profusely and just about made it to the bar and ordered a beer before I collapse and die.

Playlist:
1. (0:00) The Go! Team - Doing It Right (Proof Of Youth)
2. (3:22) The Broken West - So It Goes (I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On)
3. (6:35) The Libertines - Can’t Stand Me Now (S/T)
4. (9:59) The Weakerthans - Anchorless (Fallow)
5. (13:49) Okkervil River - It Ends With A Fall (Down The River Of Golden Dreams)
6. (17:46) M. Ward - Rollercoaster (Post-War)
7. (20:33) Wilco - Nothingsgonnastandinmyway (Summer Teeth)
8. (23:57) Yo La Tengo - Our Way To Fall (And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out)
9. (28:11) Belle & Sebastian - Rollercoaster Ride (The Boy With The Arab Strap)
10. (34:52) Tom Petty - Freefalllin’ (Full Moon Fever)
11. (39:05) The Go! Team - Get It Right (Thunder, Lightning, Strike)