Lo there...

I, like many of you, are often asked about what your listening to lately. I, perhaps unlike you, always falter with my answer. I'm beseiged... And usually I just say Afrofunk, Hip Hop, Jazz, and maybe one or two current releases. This is usually the truth and, then, I can find out what THAT person's been listening to and compare notes... Which is ultimately more fun.

Well, upon recent reflection, I'm now coming to realize that 2009 has it's share of great records -- especially lately. If you haven't gotten around to the new Flaming Lips (best since Soft Bulletin), Built To Spill (best since Keep It Like A Secret), Russian Circles, The Raveonettes, or (hell) a lot of the stuff on our chart, then I suggest you get a cram session in. It'll be List Making Season before we know it.

But can I tell you what's really blowing my mind? R.E.M.'s Live At The Olympia. My GAWD it's amazing. If you've forgotten how important this band is then I can recommend no greater refresher course than this two disc set. And, if Accelerate didn't give you any indication, they sound vital.

For me, as it was for so many others, R.E.M. was (musically speaking) a gateway drug. They were a band in it for the music and in it to turn people on to music. Good habits, both... Which leads me to a sad send-off...

As you know, we recently lost Rhino Records. Rhino, sort of like Ryko, was one of those labels who -- by the virute of them existing -- turned me on to so much. I learned a lot from those boxsets and re-issues and am sad getting such an education is becoming increasingly less visceral. CIMS thoughts go out to those guys. Thanks for so much.

Onward,

--jim.

The CIMS 200:

VINYL!!!!!!!!