It’s August. In a few days, I’ll pick up my inevitably erroneous schedule. A week after that, I’ll walk into the fiery pits of hell; this will quickly lead to a long state of depression. No more sleep. No more time for art. No more life.
But sulking isn’t getting me anywhere. I might as well celebrate with (Shirrelle C. Limes’) “A Toast the Month of July,” my only month of complete freedom. This July, I spent most of my time working for a local film festival. I also reconnected with a few of my old friends, saw a couple movies and…SHIT!
Looking back on it, July was a complete and utter failure of a month, filled with fluffy ideas and terrible boredom. I dreamt big for 31 days. I wanted to make a huge film. I wanted to get into Sundance. I wanted to record an album. I wanted fame or something… recognition of any kind. Hell, I wanted to volunteer and make a difference. But what did I do? Nothing. I played on the internet. I jacked off for 31 days and got nowhere, absolutely nowhere. I’m not happy about July. Why the hell should I toast to it?
As Shirrelle C. Limes (aka Shannon Diaz, a spunky video store clerk from my hometown of Columbia, MO) puts it, July was just another month filled with “all the noise you made in your head and regret.” But as Diaz also points out, I can overcome it. I can toast to my failures, learn, and move on.
I’m going to try her advice, but as everyone knows, it’s a lot easier to say something than it is to do it. And boy, does Diaz say it sweetly. Sure, she’ll call you a motherfucker, but she’ll say it in the sweetest of keys. Even better, she’ll throw in some gorgeous harmonies and memorable hooks, offer it for free online and only ask for donations. Nice message, nice tune. Look for the forthcoming album in the fall.
So, to recap: I’m “Movin’ On.” Hey! That’s Elliott Yamin, one of July’s few bright spots. Lots of people remember Yamin from Idol, where he placed third. I’ve been a huge fan since he reached the Top 24; for me, he was always like the little engine that could. I mean, yeah, it was quite obvious that he had the best voice, but he didn’t seem to be receiving a huge amount of fan support, especially compared to frontrunner Daughtry and future winner Taylor Hicks.
After the show ended, I didn’t expect him to have much of a solo career, but this past month, he proved me wrong, just like on the show. Slowly but surely, his generic R&B single “Wait for You” climbed the charts, eventually reaching a surprising number 19. I’m ecstatic every time it comes on the radio, which is quite often. Congrats Elliott!
But FYI: “Movin’ On” is better. If you’re smart, you’ll make it the next single. With its smooth chorus and fantastic, rapid-fire verses, it’s bound to impress even more radio listeners. And even better, it’s really ironic to follow-up a song called “Wait for You” with one called “Movin’ On.” That brings me to another point: these lyrics.
When I listen to them, they start to make me sad. “You better not move too slow, ‘cause I’m movin’ on.” It sounds like a response from July. “Hey Chris, you screwed me over. Why did you waste my time? I had so much to give. Goodbye! And enjoy August, you stupid asshole!”