Blue Mood. Elliott Smith

I've been in quite a blue mood lately. I'm stuck here waiting for my health insurance to kick in so I can get hernia repair surgery. I can't say it's a great excuse for not posting but I haven't been in a cheerful mood.

Listening to Elliott Smith in quiet times has become a favored hobby of mine these days. Elliott Smith, Either/Or, Roman Candle, XO, Figure 8 and the Thumbsucker soundtrack are keeping me company as I sulk. My Yahoo Music Unlimited player is stuck on Elliott for now.

I don't just enjoy Elliott's music when I'm bummed. I'll listen anytime but something about a grey day just cries for Elliott. Since the sky's turned cloudy I've been remembering my year in Portland and the rain. It's not sad, it's sharp and clean. I can smell Mt. Tabor Park and remember rushing out of the rain into the lobby of McMenanamins for a slice of pizza and a dollar movie. At night the reflections of traffic lights smeared down the rain soaked streets seemed achingly distant. Even during the day just driving around aimlessly down a wet black highway surrounded by the green trees and bracken on either side can take on a new meaning with Elliott playing in the background. Contemplative and sweet and maybe a little lonely.

Mystery and beauty are Elliott's legacy.
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