I’m probably reading too many things right now. I have several books on the go, plus some other books that I haven’t officially given up on, but probably won’t be picking up any time soon. There are a few magazines and old newspapers kicking about, with articles destined to never be read. My Instapaper account is neglected. So are some of my favourite blogs. But I keep plugging away. Read the rest of this entry »
A new song from Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks. More of the same here, no great departure, but no bad thing for it. SM & the Jicks have now been around, in one form or another, for longer than Pavement and while there have been subtle diversions at times in their sound you generally know what to expect from a new record. There’s something like a warm hug to be had from this familiarity. And SM still has a way with a lyric and a left-turning melody, better than anyone I think. However, everyone is far too photogenic in this video.
The invention of the Walkman facilitated the end of the social society. Or I’ve read something along those lines, anyway. It is easy to blame some technology, rather than ourselves. Blaming someone else is easier than blaming ourselves. Blaming something inanimate is even easier. Anyway, I like wearing earphones while I’m out and about. It means I can give everyone around me a visual cue that I’m anti-social without all the effort of actually being anti-social. It is a passive form, rather than the aggression of the Loud Person On Phone. You know not to disturb someone with earphones or headphones, if there is someone else nearby to pester who isn’t plugged in. I like that barrier, that shelter.
Wait until next year 