MP3: Haleiwa - Vibraandaman
Though I am inherently drawn to the dark, dingy and the dystopian, that's not my whole musical diet. Such monochromatic listening habits wouldn't just drive me crazy, they'd probably also turn my wife murderous way before I'd reach the point of no return. Which is why the dichotomy of having someone like Haleiwa (nee Mikko Singh) in my library is crucial -- his overwhelmingly posi vibes are a refreshing break from my usual rotation of ugly Norwegian punk/metal and Swedish death metal reissues. I know it might seem a stretch to imagine someone being so blissfully happy as to name an album "Pure vida dude" and mean it 100% sans irony (not to mention, songs such as "Two dolphins came by to say 'hello!'"), but having met Mikko in person, I can assure you: it is true. He is exactly the person his music would lead you to believe and I love him for it. Yes, it does veer dangerously close to dippy hippie territory, but there's nothing lame about loving the world/loving life. Especially when there are many days I can't. Yes, I do enjoy the exploration of its darker recesses, but I also need to come up for air sometimes and tracks like "Vibraandaman" help me get there. Simple and beautiful, like many of the little things in life, and meant to be cherished.
Haleiwa - Vibraandaman