I am a music snob. I realize this and I try to keep the snide mental remarks to a minimum. But sometimes I can't help it. I mentioned last time that I started working for ReadyMade as an intern in the music section. Ironically, I have yet to meet the actual music reviewer. Instead, we communicate through post-its on cds and I work directly under Julia (I'm not sure of her title). Anyway, so I started working there about a month ago, and it's really fun to listen to all these cds that the public hasn't heard yet. However, I have noticed a general trend that is pissing me off.

When you see bands that have their lead (female) singer dressed up like a prostitute while the guys are in jeans and t-shirts, you know that they were thinking about what sells, not about the music. And then there are the people that can't sing worth *%^#, I mean, can't even FAKE it, that get pushed by labels just because they look pretty on the sleeve.

Don't get me wrong, I've always known this was happening. I've been hearing my parents complain about the degeneration of the music business since I was in saddle shoes (yes, unfortunately I did have an affinity for these as a small child). And it wouldn't have bothered me so much this week if it hadn't been for the fact that I just saw two awesome bands in concert mere days ago. After watching a show like that, with bands who got where they are through talent, it's bound to rankle that so many amazing musicians are out there being passed over by labels because they don't have a gimick.

I hate gimicks.

So, from now on I'm going to use this space to introduce my limited readership to good (and horrid) bands that I run across that you might not have heard of.

LOGH "A Sunset Panorama"-Released earlier this year, Logh's album quietly fell into obscurity. (It's not even available on iTunes with their other album.) However, amid the sometimes inane lyrics ("I fell into the well/I fell into hell" or the profoundly eloquent "My Teacher's Bed") are a few absolutely awesome tracks. The album kicks off with the instrumental "String Theory," showcasing a peaceful classical influence, and it ends with "An Alliance of Worlds" which tends towards Alt/Rock. If you like the Shins or Interpol, you should check out Logh.

BURNSIDE PROJECT "The Finest Example Is You"-Kind of an older Death Cab for Cutie. Burnside Project mixes old-school-techno-dance-beat influence with beautiful vocals that would sound just as seamless if placed over an acoustic band.

Insomnia is not your friend. Sure, you start out thinking, "Okay, so, I've got insomnia. That's another eight hours I can add to my day. Now I can try all those things I've always wanted to try but never had time for. Like…midnight gardening. My productivity will shoot through the roof!"

Well, productivity aside, it sucks. You lay around for hours trying to sleep, unable to do anything else because there's the slight chance that the one moment you COULD have fallen asleep passed by as soon as you sat up to do something. So, you spend the whole night oscillating between constant tossing/turning and lying completely still as if you're trying to sneak up on sleep or something.

I'm a veteran. I've had it off and on for years. Nasty stuff, insomnia. Once you have it, it triggers a viscous cycle. Well, I'm sure you've experienced it at some point. All that tension that not being able to sleep creates. But the worst part comes when you try to talk to the doctor about it. First they look surprised, as if they weren't aware that people could have trouble sleeping (I guess residency hardens you against this problem). Then, they get down to business:

Doctor: What do you do when you can't sleep?

You: Uh, I just lay there. You know, trying.

Doctor: Do you start to worry about how tired you'll be the next day? Start questioning why you can't sleep?

You (leaning forward): Yeah!

Doctor: Well, there's your problem right there.

You: You know what's wrong with me?

Doctor: You're too tense to sleep.

As you squint at them, trying to decide whether or not they're joking, they tell you to try and relax and then walk off, leaving you squinting into thin air. Extremely helpful. Meanwhile, they're out like a light as soon as their heads hit the pillow and you're stuck watching late night infomercials cuz you've seen all the movies you own seven times. (I'm just guessing here.)

In Other News:
-The school year began with me taking six classes for 24 units. Since then, I located my sanity in my desk drawer (the "junk" drawer) and have dropped two of those.
-I've started an internship at ReadyMade Magazine (thanks Mark!) as intern to the Music Reviewer so I get to listen to all the new music before it's released. AWESOME.
-I've begun applying for grad school and wondering why the hell I'm putting myself through the pain and suffering.
-Babysitting for Mitch has become a highlight of my week because he's just about the cutest baby ever (tied with The Baby, Mira, and Ari).

~The Ass