Then we’ll be waving hands singing freely 

Singing standing tall it’s now coming easy 

Oh no more looking down honey 

Can’t you see? Oh Lord, I’m getting ready to believe 

- “I’m Getting Ready” by Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Kiwanuka’s Home Again is the perfect soundtrack for your at-home date night.  The debut album from this British soul-man stretches traverses numerous genres, blending modern instrumentality with classic (often Motown-inspired) vocals and lyrics.  “I’m Getting Ready,” a track about taking on a challenge, boasts elegantly simple, yet powerful, lyrics.

The sound on the entire album is as smooth and cool as the backside of a pillow, but not so soft that you’ll be asleep within the first few tracks. One might describe  Kiwanuka’s sound as a combination of Al Green and James Taylor—inspired lyricism, sensual undertones, with unique-sounding vocals  (Be sure to share the song “Bones” with any significant other).

If you can spare it, go for the deluxe edition of the album as it includes five additional songs.  I promise, it will be worth every penny. Boasting rich and full sounds, this album guarantees satisfaction, and you will keep you comin’ back for more.

Other notable songs include “I’ll Get Along” and the title track,“Home Again.”

For those who do not spend a lot of time in New York City, you learn pretty quickly that you might need to solicit investors to afford going on a date (power-point presentations and all). Luckily, PB has got your back — here are some great, affordable date ideas. 

The High Line

The High Line is a walking-park on the west side that was built on the remnants of the old West Side Line of the New York Central Railroad. The park itself is a long, thin, raised platform that rises up at 34^th street and continues down past 14^th street.  The views unbelievable, and stands are set up all along the walk by artists and artisans selling all kinds of great items (and yes, food too).  While day-dates may have a bad reputation, the high-line is unique and cool enough to be the ideal neutral environment in which start something new.

LOCATION: 10^th avenue between 34^th street and Gansevoort

PRICE: Free to the public

Baracde

If you’re venturing out to Brooklyn, check out Barcade.  You and your date are sure to have some success on the old school arcade games.  Then split a pitcher of beer and let her talk about what video games her brothers made her play when she was growing up. 

LOCATION: 388 Union Avenue in Brooklyn

PRICE: $.25 per game

Roosevelt Island Aerial Tram

If you are like most of us here at Poor Bachelors, your apartment most likely lacks a picturesque view of the  Manhattan skyline. So if she won’t feel like she is walking on clouds at your place — take her to the Air Tram. Open from 6 am to 3 am on weekends, the Air Tram provides some incredible views of the city (especially at night) and, if you’re lucky, will provide a private place for both you and your date to “get to know each other better”. 

LOCATION: 60^th street and 2^nd avenue

PRICE: $5 per person

Tango With Jon

As long as you are confident in your dancing abilities, look into Tango with Jon.  With tango lessons every Tuesday night, you can show your date how fun you are and how well you move with your fantastic footwork.  The lesson comes with free wine, so even if you or your date are a bit timid at first, you should be feeling the rhythm by the end of the lesson. 

LOCATION: 353 West 48^th street

PRICE: $25 per couple

Upright Citizens Brigade

The Upright Citizens Brigade has launched the careers of some great comedians, including tons of SNL cast members.  Going to a comedy show proves to a girl that you have a great sense of humor, which I’m sure if you polled a random sample of women, you would find is a very attractive personality trait.  Grab a few drinks at the Trailer Park Lounge (don’t let the name fool you) beforehand to loosen the mood and make the show that much more enjoyable. 

LOCATION: 8^th avenue and 26^th street

PRICE: $5 per ticket

Drop Everything & Read (shout-out to my third grade teacher) will be a bi-weekly post on the latest must read books:

Want to make a good impression on the boss, but you’re a few dollars shy of buying him that bottle of Johnny Walker Blue for his birthday and you couldn’t tell a 9-iron from a big bertha? These books give you the tools to stand out to the head honcho, and should find their way on to your bookshelf (real or digital) ASAP.

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