Running On Empty

That's about how I've been feeling the last couple of weeks. The family has shared colds back and forth and I haven't quite been up to par. Not sleeping well. Realizing how difficult ot-nine will be financially and my selfishness about not being able to buy as much music or catch as many live shows. Still wanting to catch the Boss though I'm now pretty scared after reading Joel Selvin's review of the new record in today's SFChron. He destroyed it, though, I believe his description, for better or worse, may simply come to label the new album: unnecessary. Hope not.

It's been raining quite a bit in Brentwood. I've enjoyed the intermittent sunny sky in between billowing clouds and hours of rain. With that, out has come some wonderful rain-only music. Not that I only listen to this stuff when it rains but that when it rains, only certain albums can be played. Van Morrison - Moondance, St. Dominic's Preview, Street Choir, Veeden Fleece. Carol King - Tapestry. Lots of Jackson Browne. Great music from a great era. Have been finding lots of these artists' material on youtube, which is just a blessing from Heaven.

Obama's first week has been a calm in the midst of a storm. The economy's collapsing, the nation's status is a shambles and many of the nation's principles need to be re-established. I truly feel that in just four short days, our new president has set us on a course to improving all of these. I just feel hopeful. Maybe it's because Obama is the first president I've wanted to be in office in my adult life and I simply feel now what it's like to win. Maybe because he truly is the right person for this time. Maybe because we've fallen so low. Maybe it's because what Obama's doing is what should be done. Let's see about the rest of the month.
I can't leave without saying that Wes Anderson's Darjeeling Limited is one of the most poignant films I've seen in a long time. And for someone who's now watching three or so a week, I was really struck by this film. The relationship of three brothers with very different lives experiencing a spiritual journey not of their planning is truly real and well performed. Great soundtrack as well.

Here's to more rain tomorrow.