Outside of Norlinger's writings on Classical music, the National Review's cultural musings have always been boring and uninsightful. It's hard for me not to impugn their motives, and also call it apologetic or reactionary, but the hidden message behind NRO's collection cultural articles seems to be "Don't worry, keep doing what you are doing you aren't missing anything".
I've felt that way since the first cultural articles were posted, and feel compelled to write it now, because they insist on patting themselves on the back for not liking soccer. There is nothing more tedious then people explaining why they don't like soccer. IT IS A SPORT, you aren't obliged to like it. There is no justification necessary! I am reminded of the grade-school loudmouths who, not knowing what particular jet was flying overhead, would list loudly all the planes it wasn't, for that at least afforded them the chance to talk about things they knew. Such it is with people who feel compelled talk about World Cup in any way other than engaged.
I love you NRO, but SHUT THE FUCK UP. Really. SHUT UP. Finding some other commentator on the other edge of the internetverse who also doesn't like soccer isn't an excuse to regurgitate your own feelings on the matter. What purpose is served by posting polls showing that soccer still hasn't caught on?
Karen lent me her Allison Krause and Robert Plant collaboration. ("He was in some band called led zeppelin", she said. 'Yes', I replied, and then cautioned her against ever describing them aloud as "Some Band" while in the South, though it was college before I knew any of their songs myself). I haven't got a feel for the whole album yet, but the song "Killing the blues" is INCREDIBLE. There is also a moody cover of Townes's Nothin and another good song called "Read the Letter".
I don't normally give these "Designed to win an Grammy" records a chance, but I am glad I did in this case.
You know what other song is good. Lost Cause by beck. "killing the blues" reminds me of "lost cause" for some reason.
