Music

Before the big Layoff, I was back in my habit of walking to work.  I couldn't update my mp3 player with fancy new This American Life podcasts, so I was forced to listen to good old fashioned music.  I was so glad I did.  I've really been into the Alexi Murdoch lately.  And I have to tell you, getting up in the morning, strapping on the old 'player complete with earbuds (Ain't I hip?), and taking a half hour walk in the "fresh air" really invigorated my soul.  It's one thing to listen to music in the car or while you're mucking about the house.  It's quite another to have your ears full of it surrounded by God's creation (along with man's suburbia).  The 'player was playing the album out of order so that the first song that would come up is this brilliant masterpiece called 12.  It is almost entirely instrumental and dang if it don't absolutely reach the very depths of my soul.  It's mournful & melancholy & grand & gorgeous.  It really makes me realize that music can be very powerful if done properly.

A few months back I was into laying in bed and listening to my mp3 player while either doing crosswords or just laying with my eyes closed.  Back then it was The Frames.  It's something I don't do nearly enough.  Listening to music with your whole being is a very powerful thing.  I highly recommend it.

I also highly recommend getting Alexi Murdoch's Time Without Consequence.  If you're disappointed, you're just not friggin' human.  Seriously.