I have a question that’s been bugging me. A guy can really like the Pet Shop Boys version of “Go West” and it not mean anything … right?

I have found myself to be in “ultra gay” mode this week. I guess that listening to too much Pet Shop Boys can do that to a fella.

Now BJ … just because someone covers a tune by The Smiths doesn’t mean that I am automatically going to hate it. The t.A.T.u cover of “How Soon Is Now” is actually quite good. Not anywhere near as bland as the Hootie and the Blowfish version of “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want.” Ewwww is all I can say about that one.

My roomie has gotten his record player back from the shop. Growing up in the 80’s, cassette tapes were the new craze and lp’s were on the decline. My record collection is a few albums (Duran Duran mostly) and a ton of 45 singles. Needless to say, I was overjoyed when my roomie romped in with a crate full of lp’s and proclaimed he has 4 more full of them in storage at his mother’s house. Granted they are mostly from the mid to late 70’s, but who cares when you can listen to Jethro Tull’s “Thick As A Brick” on vinyl.

Back in 1979, My parents took me to the local record store to buy me my first album. I wanted anything by KISS so bad that I could taste it. Being Southern Baptists, my parents felt that something a little less threatening was in order. The clerk suggested what would become the first album I ever owned. Last Saturday night, I pulled out Boston’s self-titled debut and kicked back on the couch for a major nostalgia trip.

So, as a Valentine’s treat to you loyal readers I offer an mp3 from my new favorite album. I will probably kill the link on Sunday. Hope you enjoy.
Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man: Romance (7MB)

The more that I listen to the Beth Gibbons and Rustin Man album “Out of Season” the more I think it’s one of the best albums from last year.

Not got much to say today. Not that I ever do anyway. It’s pretty sad when the highlight of the week will be dinner at Taco Bell tonight.

In other news …
Keith’s post from yesterday scares me. Bland teen pop trying to look punk. Yes. It should scare you too. Nothing is sacred anymore.

Well, there has been something good happen today. Thanks to the joy of free mp3’s on the net, I have fully discovered the joy of Saint Etienne. Groove-o-licious!

How can I forget your tender smile. Moments that I have shared with you. Our hearts may break but they’re on their way. And there’s nothing I can do. So do what you gotta do. And don’t misunderstand me. You know you don’t ever have to worry ’bout me. I’d do it again. I can understand that it can’t be. Guess it’s hard as you were meant for me. But I can’t hide my own dispair. I guess I never will. So do what you gotta do. And don’t misunderstand me. You know you don’t ever have to worry ’bout me. I’d do it again. So tired of life. No fairytale. So hold your fire. ‘Cause I need you. So do what you gotta do. And don’t misunderstand me. You know you don’t ever have to worry ’bout me. I’d do it again. Do what you gotta do. And don’t misunderstand me. You keep going over every word that we’ve said. But you don’t have to worry about me.
— Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man

After finally hearing the Beth Gibbons and Rustin Man album “Out of Season” there is only one thing to say: Wow.

BJ is the greatest person on the planet! Thanks to him, I now have the best Blondie song and some Heaven 17. Big geek that I am, I have already listened to “Atomic” like 20 times. Whoah, baby!!! I owe some feet kissin’ next time I am in NYC.

I’m sorry, folks. There is just something fundamentally wrong with Johnny Cash doing a cover of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails. Really, really wrong.