I am an optimistic, progressive sort, but it's often a freaking chore to do the parsing, the wading, the trying to make sense of things. Sometimes, for sanity's sake, I need to just tune to it all out. I turn to art, music, literature, and often, I find myself meditating in a determined and concentrated silence.
It's a bit of a turning away. A defensive move. A strategy for survival, better living, keeping my head on straight. I find myself tying to find a healthy neutrality, a distance, a space in my head to process and deal with the deal.
I am reading Jeff Tweedy's book "World Within a Song." Yep. It's great. Funny. Insightful. Jeff talks about how music changed his life at an early age. And I find myself exclaiming: "Yes, me too!'
This morning I am listening to three "miracle" albums. Music made by wild-ass creatives, folks doing their thing with wild abandon. Totally unique, & inspiring works. Uncommon. Extraordinary. I am talking about Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" (1998), the Pogues "Rum, Sodomy & Lash" (1985), Jeff Tweedy & Wilco's "Summerteeth." (1999). Everything is to be found in the grooves. There is joy, light and enlighenment in these albums and songs. Gives me hope in the midst of the mud and shite.
