I'm posting this, when I should be doing something productive...

I found a new band that I like.

Given, this new band [Jack's Mannequin] features the lead singer (Andrew McMahon) of another band I enjoy [Something Corporate] - but I am excited to find more music to look for. There may be more common members between the bands, but I am not really the type to know all names and personal histories- I just learn about what intrigues me. McMahon is one individual who has developed quite the story since I saw "SoCo" in concert during college. From wandering around myspace, I found out on the JM page that he is now a survivor of leukemia.

It is always compelling to hear news of personal tragedy. For some people, it is almost like a drug for empathy. Feeling others' pain is sometimes easier than conquering one's own issues. Reading this particular person's press release and his various blog postings really opened my eyes of how much can happen in one year and how small events truly do change the world on an exponential level. I love the connectivity of it all. One reason I have loved his music is because I feel his lyrics, there is a poetry to his words. I do not know how his cancer has changed or affected him (I don't know him and I am not a stalker) - but I do see the ripples of it. I hear it.

I love the power of the song lyric, especially when it doesn't give away all the secrets of a song immediately. I want a song to pull me in. I want to be confused. I want to discover the story the reveals itself with every listen. I want to feel, think, see, hear something new and different each time I listen. This might make me sound emo. Let me add this: I don't like the super-whiney lead boy. (Basically, I gag on groups like Dashboard Confessional unless I am in the ultimate sappy mood- which isn't too often.) To be simple, I must also like the tune of the song. (Which is another reason I like McMahon- he plays piano and uses it well.)


Too bad I am only limited to the music posted on myspace, for I am in debt at the moment and will be poor this coming year. (And I have not joined this century in the age of the iPod.) But when I get back and have a little more moola... I'm gonna have a CD buying party. (And yes, I like supporting good artists and actually purchasing CDs... though I will never turn away a burned CD from a friend.)

Oh consumerism, I am a victim of thee.

Sadly, I must depart to the depths of my room now and begin packing. I distract myself so easily, it is hard to get anything done. Ever. I loved this little tangent on music, but I seriously don't think my opinion is that valid- I can only say what I like (and I am heavily influenced by my music biases against crap... and pop.)