I guess I've really made the big time! This is my first solo cameo on Mark Saleski's legendary Friday Morning Listen column. It's an honor and a thrill.
It's also funny how life works because I actually spent my Friday morning listening to an album Mr. Saleski turned me on to about six months ago. Synergy, baby. Love it! Not only is it synergy, it's also medicinal. This particular album has enough heat to thaw the cruel, unforgiving artifacts of a powerful storm. There is enough warmth emanating from the music to melt the heart, set the soul ablaze, and engulf the loins in the kind of flames that don't require penicillin.
Back in June, Mark and I were flinging e-mails back and forth, talking about R.E.M., Peter Buck, The Byrds, and used CD stores. Mark mentioned cleaning out his truck – apparently this isn't a common occurrence – and coming across a CD he hadn't listened to in quite awhile that he picked up at a used CD store and was once again stunned by how spectacular I Am Shelby Lynne is. Mark has tried foisting a lot of shit off on me in the past; I've dug some of it and passed on others. He sent me two MP3s to sample: "Why Can't You Be?" and "Lookin' Up." I was already curious about it, so I quickly listened to them.
As jaded and cynical as I am, I love that I still get this excited about music. The heartbreak and longing of "Lookin' Up" was intoxicating. The world-weary sultriness of "Why Can't You Be?" was overpowering. I didn't want to own this record, I needed to own it. I don't crave anything the way I crave music. The need for this album was as strong as any need I've ever felt. I was motivated, determined, obsessed. I had to have this record!
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