Some people begin blogging to write exclusively about a passion they have. Music is that kind of topic.

A blog like When You Motor Away is a great example of blogging about the thing you are gaga about—which in their case is music—specifically, the kind of off-the-radar indie pop and rock that I’ve been following for more than 30 years.

Since Mark died, this kind of music has been one of a very few sources of joy for me. When they say that music speaks universally across our differences, I’d concur.

Radio stations like WMBR have served as stand-ins for friendships I’m lacking. I’ve memorized the program schedules of numerous stations and particular DJs. Like I know that Friday morning at 8:00, Jon Bernhardt will be playing bands, like Monnone Alone (who get written-up nicely via WYMA). Bernhardt opened his show today with another Australian gem, Possible Humans, playing a 12-minute “screamer” from their latest record. Pitchfork likes them, so there you have it. For someone who cut his musical teeth reading rock criticism, writing like this review about Possible Humans’ prior record (see the first paragraph) carries forward the torch left by prior rock journalism luminaries like Lester Bangs, Griel Marcus and others who once wrote for Rolling Stone, Creem, and even, SPIN.

I’d guess that most of the people who I could list as acquaintances don’t know Pitchfork and their role as an arbiter of musical taste. Another reason why I need a new life and Rolodex.

My preference for my guitar over sitting in front of a screen and tapping out words and sentences continues. When I see my blog stats, I’m realizing writing and blogging less is a smart choice. Subsequently, the more time I devote to assembling chords and scales and make songs, the better my playing gets.

I’m pretty sure the name of the music blog I reference above comes from this Guided by Voices song, which happens to be another fave of mine.