I haven't bought an album in a long time. I just did about 30 minutess ago. And it feels. so. good. I used to be really "in" to music, yknow? I used to be one of those people who wouldn't shut up about my favorite bands and I would always have music playing and I would download as many live shows of the Grateful Dead that I possibly could. (I told you I was one of those people).

And then there was a fundamental shift. I moved to Boston. And the people that I hung out with weren't connected to me through music (unlike my L&C friends) (also, that's not entirely true, but I don't really want to get into my relationship with that person). I was connected to those Boston people on an entirely different level. And in most ways, it was good, better even than my music-related friends. We connected through activities and academic interests. We didn't spend hours trying to prove who was more of a fan.

On top of that, I lived in BOSTON. I no longer listened to my ipod when I walked because I wanted to be able to hear what was around me. I wanted to be apart of my surroundings, not removed from them. And it that's not because I'm some safety conscience  prude (though arguments can be made, I guess), it's because I honestly believe that it's more interesting to hear what the crazy guys on the bus have to say, what the ditzy girls walking through campus have to moan about (like, seriously?). I saw more when I wasn't listening to music. I looked around and noticed the architecture, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, flowers.

Pretty soon I only listened to music when I worked out. That mentality stayed with me through my move to Utah. Sure, I listen to Pandora when I'm writing (Mozart, mostly soooooo). And yes the ipod does get frequent use at parties and on road trips, but mostly not. I listen to NPR when running errands, or nothing if there is someone in the car with me. So now I'm that person. Ugh. Not much better huh?

Which brings me back to today. My favorite band ever (besides the Dead...), Yonder Mountain String Band is coming to Utah in a few weeks, so to prepare for their show I decided to look up their latest tunes. What a fan I am, they put out a new album almost three years ago THAT I'VE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF. So I bought it, and I put it on. And it's so good. I've been sitting with my back to the door, my chin resting on my Nalgene, my eyes closed, and my fingers tapping. I haven't gotten any work done. Ooops. So worth it.

I'm sorry that I haven't been around much, music world, but I promise I'll frequent you more often. I forgot how much fun I have.

My favorite track, so far