Amy Regan: And There Is Also This

I met a Union Square self proclamed “motivational artist” today who was giving away tiny love letters written on thin tissue paper, carefully rolled and tied with red string. Mine says:

“If you keep on doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep on getting what you’ve been getting! May it be something positive and worthwhile.”

He has a graduate degree, but sticks to substitute teaching so he has time to devote to his art.

a) doesn’t take itself too seriously

b) doesn’t have to think too hard

c) comes up with something more interesting than anyone involved in a or b could.

Listening now: Beck, Guero 2005 http://www.rhapsody.com/beck/guero

Because we all need a little pick me up sometimes. (or a kick in the ass.)

1. Under Pressure- David Bowie and Queen

2. The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song- The Flaming Lips

(“With all your power/ what would you do?”)

3. If You Want to Sing Out- Cat Stevens

4. You Can’t Hurry Love- Phil Collins

5. Chicago- Sufjan Stevens

6. Keep on Pushing- The Impressions

7. Keep the Car Running- Arcade Fire

8. Like Humans Do- David Byrne

9. Hand in My Pocket- Alanis Morissette

10. Greenback Dollar- The Kingston Trio

(“And I don’t give a damn about a greenback dollar/ spend it fast as I can/ for a

wailing song and a good guitar’s the only thing that I understand.”)

11. Time to Pretend- MGMT

12. Bright Side of the Road- Van Morrison

13. Baby Boomer- Monsters of Folk

14. Nothin’ on Me- Shawn Colvin

15. No Such Thing- John Mayer

16. The Underdog- Spoon

17. Once in a Lifetime- Talking Heads

18. Good Time- Brazilian Girls

19. The Captain- Guster

(“It’s simple, so says the captain: Face forward, move slow, forge ahead.”)

I love New York # 14: Storefront (of a gallery?) on Spring and Lafayette

(besides all the obvious)

1. Eavesdropping on the subway.

2. Starbucks just about every 4 blocks, where you can always use the bathroom.

3. Bodegas that are almost as frequent, where you can always buy a cheap umbrella if it starts raining.

4. It seems like all of your old friends are planning on moving here. And if they’re not, they wish they were.

5. When it’s cold, there is heat pouring out from storefronts. When it’s hot, there is air conditioning pouring out from storefronts.

6. Those neighborhoods you always go where you will almost always see someone you know.

7. Those neighborhoods you never go where you will almost never see someone you know.

8. Cab rides down an avenue, with the window open, looking up

9. The empire state building observation deck is open til 2 am on weekends!

My new singles, “Gonna Get Better” and “Keep You Warm” are now up on www.myspace.com/amyregan and www.amyregan.com. Listen and enjoy!  And if you’d like to buy your very own copy, both songs will be up on iTunes in early 2010.

Also, the singles release show at Rockwood Music Hall was reviewed by Riveting Riffs magazine, who said: “One undeniable aspect of Regan’s performance is her glowing stage presence, as her bright smile illuminates the stage.” Check out the whole review here: http://www.rivetingriffs.com/amy_regan.htm

My next full band NYC show will be at The Living Room (154 Ludlow), Wednesday, January 13th, 9 pm. Mark your calendars now! Also, I’ll be playing at the Tin Angel, Philadelphia’s premier singer/songwriter venue, on Friday, January 8th, 10 pm.  And I’m performing January 6th at Acoustic Long Island, a live performance in St. James, NY, which airs on the # 1 Acoustic Podcast on iTunes.

MOST EXCITED-LY, I will be going into the studio in February to record my debut album(!!!). I am so psyched to finally put all of my work over the past few years into one whole piece of art. I’ll keep you all posted every step of the way!

Have a wonderful holiday season.

Christmastime is here.

…in spite of being jaded. Conversation between two new yorkers in the world trade center path station:

Construction worker: Are you done with that paper?

Business man: No, actually I didn’t read it yet. (He starts to enter the turnstile, then turns around.) Y’know what, you can have this. They always have this paper at my other job.

Construction worker: You sure? ……thanks!

(the business man enters the turnstile, but just before he gets out of sight…)

Construction worker: (pointing his finger) I’ll remember you!

Business man: (with a warm smile) At least someone will!

Just in time for the holidays.

Little things I am thankful for:

1. Long, hot showers, completely unlimited by time.

2. Q-tips, once out of the shower.

3. Putting on clothes still warm from the drier.

4. Those moments I allow myself to stop monitoring the time. Usually this ends up in a relatively sleepless night, but it’s peaceful, nonetheless.

5. Avocado, so delicious and healthy. Avocado on a salad. Avocado in a wrap. Avocado in sushi. (I am very thankful for sushi too.) Avocado once it has become guacamole. Can you think of any other food that is so harmless yet so satisfying?

Is this why I can eat so much without gaining weight?