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In memory of U. Utah Phillips (labor activist, singer songwriter 1935–2008)

Driving back from Uinta Canyon I turned the car onto highway 121 outside of Whiterocks, Utah. There in the headlights of our (My father and I) car were 3 or 4 of the most mischievous looking dogs. They looked guilty. But behind the guilt was happiness. This was what dogs were meant to do. Their coats were dusty and matted (at least it appeared this way in the light of my high beams). Their eyes reflected back orange, green and blue. I am certain they were looking for rabbits...

5 Experiences Listening

A day after posting my top ten list from 2007 I received Mary Me, the debut album of St. Vincent, from a friend with a note simply saying “you missed one.” I had.

In May my research took me to the deserts of southern Utah, where I opted for extra water instead of batteries for my mp3 player. Here I spent the next three months missing concerts, CD release parties, record shop openings. Instead I spent the evenings listening to the evening serenade of mormon crickets and spade foot toads.

Eventually I had to return, and when I did one album helped me with the journey. It was, newly released on Vinyl with a handy digital download, an old favorite from Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields The Charm of the Highway Strip. No road trip album should be with out at least one of these tracks preferably “Fear of Trains.”

Listening brings spiritual enlightenment, also there is something called karaoke. I had just finished watching Touch the Sound a documentary film by Thomas Riedelsheimer about Evelyn Glennie. In the Film Fred Frith and Evelyn discuss the philosophical enjoyment they received from listening and creating music. Moments later I found myself at the Baja Bean, a local unassuming cantina, listening to inebriated individuals squeal into a mic. Here I realized two things: first, that I am not very much fun, and second that I like music, because of the simple fact that I am not performing. I enjoy listening.

2008 has been a year of reflection and introspection and one album, Fate by Dr. Dog, continues to add fuel to the fire pushing my explorations deeper and deeper into the old days bringing me happiness. The happiness mischievous dogs must experience while prowling through the night.

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