Some might join a caravan, but others might settle for the festivities of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Nothing gets me more rosy-eyed than breezy summer days, filled without a care or a worry. And for those adventurous days and starry nights, I always return to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. “Do you have a story?” Alex Ebert asked the Bonnaroo 2013 crowd. If he were to ask me, I’d say, “I sure do.” My sixteenth summer was one of excursions. From long bike rides on the black, hot asphalt, to lengthy train rides, accompanied by summer sunsets breaking on trees and fallen cities, I lingered on the journey, and the soundtrack was their first album, Up From Below. The album reminded me that regardless of what might be happening, there were still many stories to tell. Who can forget the many, many commercials that played “Home?” Despite its catchy nature, it reminds of a lesson: that no matter how far we wander, the true home will always be the people we love. (And it’s still my go-to karaoke song. There’s nothing more freeing that that duet).
Every generation has a whistling song, and I think we’re stuck with that one. There’s still so much gold on their albums outside of that, like “Man On Fire,” “40 Day Dream,” and “Janglin’”. The energy from their live sets is infectious, and will make you start to dream of the following: escapes, running through fields, making flower crowns, and baking while the sunlight streams through the window (it’ll motivate you, I’m telling you). It does what every good album should: narrate, and eventually color, a portion of your life. I always realize this on long bus rides, where I automatically yearn for the carefree nature of summer. I returned to that wanderlust these past few weeks, as I traveled again on airplanes and buses, to unknown places and the people I adore.
As long as there are unknown places to see, I’ll always have Edward Sharpe to travel with me. Side note: Why did Jade have to leave? Although, if they’re looking for a strong female vocalist, I’m free on Thursday. And with a constantly revolving 12-member set, maybe I still have a chance. I’ll come dance with you.
