Tortoise | "Millions Now Living Will Never Die" (1996)

What a relief! Wikipedia says that Tortoise's music defies easy categorization. I agree with those "experts". I don't know exactly what it is. It is often soulful or sad, occasionally raucous and joyous, almost always instrumental. Listening to this album takes you through a variety of moods. It would be appropriate piped(!) through your headphones as you take an afternoon nap in your La-Z-Boy.

Thumbs up.

About the album cover image: "Millions Now Living Will Never Die - Tortoise" by Source. Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia.

On Ben Carson, Muslim ShariaLaw and Christian Biblical Law

“I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation.”
— Republican Presidential candidate Ben Carson (9/20/15)

I get it. He's worried that a Muslim would place their religious beliefs and loyalties above the US Constitution. That's the same reason I worry about having a Christian in charge of this nation. Later, when asked to clarify, Dr. Carson said that he guessed it would be okay as long as the Muslim candidate renounced Sharia law. I had thought Carson was stupid, but he's on to something. It would be okay as long as the Christian renounced Biblical law.

Please please please intelligent moderate and conservative Republicans: Start throwing your voices, support, and money behind your other candidates who are less about hate, ego, and pandering to extremists and more about rational political debate and philosophy. I may not agree with your politics, but if your more rational candidates don't get more support soon, they are not going to be able to continue their campaigns and you're going to have a Bozo (or Bozette) representing you in the next election. That's a danger we just can't risk.

Beatles | Revolver (1966)

The Beatles had started to stretch their musical muscle by this time. AND, like watching an athlete stretch, at times you are amazed at their physique and flexibility ("Tomorrow Never Knows") and at times it looks like it hurts ("Love You To"). Both songs heavily incorporate eastern sound and instruments, but one doesn't work. That one little nitpick aside, this is a great album.

Revolver on iTunes

Everyday I vow again

I vow again to feel better. To be in a better mood.
But my vow is hollow -- hollow just like I feel.
I tell myself that I will force myself to do things, to participate, to act. I'll act not how I feel, but act how I am supposed to feel. I'll be better off. At least those around me -- the people I care most about -- will feel better about me.
Instead I spread my misery like an infectious disease.
Would I, would those I love, be better off if I was simply alone?

The Who | Live at Leeds (1970)

I'm not usually a big fan of live albums but one can't just dismiss "The Who". I mistakenly tried listening multiple times to the Special 40th anniversary edition of this on Spotify which turned out to be a massive opus of multiple concerts. (I particularly have no interest in listening to the entire Tommy rock opera.) Anyway, paired down to something closer to the original ~ 14 song playlist the Live at Leeds album becomes much more approachable (and enjoyable). 

This live album captures the spontaneity on unique character of live performance.