Beth/Rest

Friends, I'm sure you have all realized this by now, but seriously Spotify has got to be one of the most amazing musical concepts ever. I LOVE it.

It has, for example, allowed me to listen to tons of amazing and great albums that I'd love to buy, but I can't now because I don't have any more fun money. And it has taught me that there are some albums that I thought I would want to buy, but really probably shouldn't. All with severely limited commercial interruption.

Based solely on a Spotify commercial, I was informed that the artists still get profits from this site. I'm not sure if that's true or not, but if it is, I feel much less guilty using it.

Spotify has let me realize that I love Bon Iver. I mean, I always new that I sort of like him, and that I should probably get his latest album (Bon Iver) at some point, but now that I can listen to the whole thing, I'm in love with him.

Thank you Spotify.

attaboy

Ok, I know, I know...it's been too long. I'm working on it. Promise.

BIG NEWS: I'm learning the mandolin! I know you're jealous, right? So far it's going pretty well and I'm taking lessons with a local musician. I didn't know until I started this little adventure that the mandolin is strung the same as a violin and since I play the viola it's not too much of a stretch. I can pick up melodies fast...but the whole strumming thing is much harder than I anticipated. But I'm excited to see where this will take me!

Speaking of mandolins and such, here is a great new album for you: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-goat-rodeo-sessions/id462842867 It's from Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile. Incredible. I don't think you have to be into bluegrass or folk music to like it either. It's a great blend-y sort of mash-up of these types of music with a little Celtic and classical for some spice. Go listen. Now.