Beltmann

Critical theory was my specialty in college, so I definitely agree with you, and would add that I totally believe in the function--and yes, even the artistry--of thoughtful, knowledgeable criticism. For me, though, there's really only one real reason to read criticism, and that's to discover rich observations about a work that I might have overlooked. As Pauline Kael said, "We read critics for the perceptions, for what they tell us that we didn't fully grasp when we saw the work. The judgments we can usually make for ourselves."

I know what you mean--it may not be fair, but having the actual artifact somehow carries some kind of extra weight in my psyche. I am a fan of eMusic, though, and often purchase those booster packs. And hey, my downloads just reset today!

Not for those of us who still like having that plastic artifact with cover art, etc. At least, they aren't obsolete quite yet. Having said that, I do download a lot of music via eMusic, and occasionally iTunes. But for the albums that mean the most to me, I still prefer to have the actual CD in my collection.

It's sad how so many people assume the reason others are unimpressed is because they "can't enjoy a good straight-forward rock song," especially since it's such a superficial presumption. I, for one, love a good rock song, and usually love when Wilco rocks out, but still feel that most of the new songs in their current incarnations are not particularly strong examples of good rock songs. It's not the genre that's in question, you see, it's the level of achievement within the genre. To paraphrase caliber, it's sad how so many people just can't let other people dislike what they dislike thes

That's the RTT.

That's my problem, too. I get a lot of rolled eyes at our local record shop when I ask about stuff (apparently My Morning Jacket is too obscure for a record store owner to even know about), and the nearest Best Buy is 25 minutes away. As a result, the vast majority of my CDs are purchased online, usually from Amazon or Amazon Marketplace.

That was an unexpected choice, but one that showed just how much energy and fun go into their live show. My wife was very happy to hear it (although she had hoped for "Jack Killed Mom"). Fritz, the album is really very good... in my view, the songwriting doesn't reach Neko heights, but it's still pretty strong stuff. It's probably among my favorites of the year.

Coolage.

If the criticism reads good, read it, and if you don't like it, don't read it. It's all just a matter of opinion.

Yikes. Glad to hear you, and everyone else, escaped unscathed. My wife has been involved in three car accidents in the last four years--none of them remotely her fault--and it's always an eye-opener: We are at the mercy of happenstance.

I think I might love you.

Most of the repeat vote-getters are all on my short list, too: Jesus, etc., Poor Places, Via Chicago, Misunderstood, Gun, ITTBYH. But right now, at this moment, I'm going with "Sunken Treasure."

I'm not big on offering recommendations--I know what I like, and why, but that doesn't mean anyone else will have the same response--but I thought you would dig that one. 'Course, I also thought you would like Carnival of Souls.

"Sparrow" is my wife's favorite track from the new album, so when I told her this ACL DVD was coming up, her first question was, "Is 'Maybe Sparrow' on it?" Since it was an older recording, I assumed no, but was pleased when it was listed!

The Departed felt a little bit like a Scorsese Greatest Hits collection, but it was still a terrific entertainment.

I don't know if this has been posted yet, but the Autumn Defense is scheduled to open for Jeff in Milwaukee.

So it's still totally worth it, then?

I was just about to PM you to ask if you made the cut. Bummer. I'm hoping to see it tomorrow, if time permits.

I still don't see where there's any bad news to this.

The listed 49 definitely contain a few titles that are much better known than Loose Fur, so you might be safe.

I'm on the main floor, but way back in row R.

I didn't like Mothman much, either, largely for the same reasons you mentioned.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!