Friday, November 28, 2008

Jenna Mammina



Ms Saoirse Daily2 sends not only handmade earrings I'm now calling my "Lobe Jewels" just precisely because it does sound a tiny bit nasty, and I'm that kind of woman, but she sent me a CD. Now, I have to confess something and I know it makes me sound like an asshole to admit this, but I have a hard time visiting sites where there is music playing the moment the site pops up. Often my speakers are turned up too loud because I might have been listening to my favorite Diana Krall last night and now, I'm just not expecting music I didn't chose, to come blaring at me from anyone's peaceful space but mine (which might not be exactly peaceful, but has my own soundtrack playing, if anythings playing at all). This might mean I'm a snob, or closed to the tastes of others, and that could be true. I wouldn't argue with you if you said that about me. But it's more that I feel oddly assaulted by waves of sound not of my choosing. Again, those words--"of my choosing." There are many of you who have turned me on to music I didn't know existed, and now that I do, I spend at least 99cents a week buying music you led me to. So it isn't just that I hate new stuff, but I do hate most of what you guys have playing on your sites like it was goddamned elevator music. Sorry, I had to say it. But what you like and wish to listen to is very personal. If I post a music clip and you cruise right past it without a pretense of a listen, I completely understand. I do the same thing. I may say something like, "Lovely music. So what did you think about the stampede at WallMart at FIVE FUCKIN' AM this morning?"

Ms Saoirse is the loveliest of women. She is talented and generous too. Why after giving me gifts must she listen for a moment to what I have to say about the music playing at her place? Because it explains the time it took me to open the CD cover and slip that baby into the slot and crank up the volume. And what I heard brought tears to my eyes from almost the opening notes, but all through the whole CD did I weep. Because Ms Saoirse has been paying close attention to my taste, and she has the magic of the true gift giver--she gives, not from her own desire, but for mine, or yours, or to whomever she gives. So, I can't tell you how much I love this gift of terrific new jazz, now I will be pulling up the YouTube clips almost everyday to not only listen to, but to watch as well. If you don't like it, put your fingers in your ears and go lalalalallala as loud as you can, but I'll be here either dancing or singing along, or crying, because it's just all so damn poignant and touching, and it swings.

9 comments:

BBC said...

Yeah, I hate to go to a blog and be blasted by their music.

D.K. Raed said...

I'm so glad you said this, UT. Usually a blog's constant music not what I was in the mood for. If the mood's not right, I can't listen no matter how beautiful it is. So I end up quickly hunting for the "stop" or "mute" button on the blogsite. If I can't find it fast enough, I leave. But then I've got sensitive ears, can't even open a beer pop top without covering them. Now that said, I will have to listen to the ones you've chosen today!

"Lobe Jewels" ... hmmmm ... well earlobes do have an erotic quality. Great name for a band, by the way, a duo of lovely heartbreakers.

SaoirseDaily2 said...

I was hoping you would love her music. Her music heals me in a way sometimes. The detective song is my favorite. The clip was just so excellent!! I will send you the other 2 that she has recorded but I think this one is her best. I am happy I picked something you liked.

Peace

Crazy Ass Beastard said...

I have definitely seen a few bloggers go ape shit whenever music was playing like that judging from their comments. It don't bother me too much but I would prefer to press play if I wanted to hear the tunes. I suppose some would call it "internet etiquette".

big Jenn said...

Came over from liquids blog. Love the clip. Liked what I read. jeNN

Distributorcap said...

more proof i know nothing about current music

Randal Graves said...

dcap, you'll love the Jonas Brothers, they're the rockingest!

susan said...

It can be disturbing to visit a blog expecting to read something and finding yourself in the midst of an aural explosion. I spend much time in an ambient sound environment - what passes for silence in the modern world - and I also prefer having the choice of breaking that.

Radar1961 said...

I've enjoyed the music you've posted. You have wonderful taste! =)

Music (of all kinds) is a universal language.....like love...and math. ;-)