Let's Get Busy

Oh. Hey. Wut up. Haven't seen you for a while. I've wanted to get the blog going again, but, like I said a few times before, the world of music has become such a desolate wasteland that I can;t bring myself to write anything.

To bring you up to speed, I just graduated college, and nothing is more life-affirming than returning home after more-or-less four years of independence. I'm not blaming anybody — I pretty much counted on the fact that I would be making less than $10K my first year out of college regardless of Baracky Obs's economic management or mismanagement (whichever you prefer ... this isn't a political blog).

So in between crying over my journalism degree and smelling my finger, as you can see to your left, I've been bartending and following up on any leads for a real job. Musically, I've been catching up on the classics. Take a look at http://www.acclaimedmusic.net to see what I mean.

So, with little options elsewhere, I hope to find some fulfillment in writing by returning here.

Looking back, I thought about how I could make things easier and more enjoyable than just doing the standard album-rating format that you can get anywhere else. Surprisingly, an improvement has shown itself through a new limitation to how I hear new music. Now, I don't pretend to be a saint by using iTunes or supporting my local record store exclusively. In my point of view, if an artist has earned my respect, I will buy a new album unconditionally. But until that time, I'm going to find a way to hear material without incurring too much of a cost, which leads me to my dilemma.

I recently received an e-mail from the Comcast Corp. saying my family's account was being monitored for illegal downloading. I don't know if this is B.S. or what have you, but I must be careful as long as I'm at home. This may mean a slower writing turnaround as I need to find a way to listen to music somewhere online or to get some money to purchase a new album.

But here's the good news! There will be a much simpler ratings system. Money's tight everywhere, regardless of where, when or how you work. This means there's less money for frivolous and extravagant things like an iTunes shopping spree. Reviewers make their living by giving out gold stars (Rolling Stone) or belaboring over an elaborate ratings system (Pitchfork). But what does that all mean to you, the consumer? Hopefully I have an answer. Pay attention to the new ratings and compare to my old criteria:

Buy It - This album is great, and the artist has earned your $. This probably fits within the 5 to high-4 rating.

Noteworthy - This album is OK, but it's not spectacular or memorable. You probably want to check it out by getting a listen before you give over any hard-earned cash. Low 4 to 3 rating.

Cuts Only - Most of this album is pretty bad, but it may have a good single or two. 2 area.

Trash It - Need I say more? 1 to 0 rating.

In terms of writing style, I want reading this to be fun. In the past, I was trying to be overly clever. That kind of writing makes it more about how I can legitimize myself as a writer. In the end, it makes it less enjoyable for the reader. You probably skip over such garbage in the magazine or newspaper anyway. I now promise to give you the facts in a matter-of-fact way. For example, if a lyric needs to be mentioned, I'll mention it, but I'm not going to be Freud and dissect every little word. I want this to be legible and entertaining, not a thesis paper.

I hope to update this blog frequently and regularly in the future. Continue to follow me if you're interested.

For Next Time: Watch the Throne - Jay Z and Kanye West