And while we’re on the subject of pretentious clouds over the music scene….

If you, like me, have been feeling a little too sickened/jaded/abused to pursue new music with the same passion as you used to, I highly recommend checking out Catbirdseat, the mp3 blog of Ryan Catbird. As head of indie label Catbird Records, Ryan certainly knows his stuff about today’s industry, but more importantly, his pure and transparent love for music is helping me to remember why I used to spend so many hours searching for it in the first place. Catbird’s voice and attitude (which is easily discernible in both the blog and via the unique way his label functions) is perfect for those of us who have started to give up on music because of what other people have made of it, and the mp3’s that litter most of his entries powerfully authenticate his words. If you still need convincing, download one of the mix/podcasts that he posts on a monthly bases, or listen to a sampling of the bands that are signed to Catbird. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling a little bit…saved… because, in case you need reminding, that’s what music is here for.