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Catchin' up



All you beautiful, musical people,

     I apologize for being so inaccessible all day long.  My inbox, as 
Liesel surmised, was indeed full.  I deleted a TON of messages last night, 
but was flooded with listee, junk, and powderworks (midnight oil) mail 
today.  I think MSN hates me, 'cause they used to clean out my inbox for me, 
but are now pulling the plug.
     Anyway, I've yet to be chased away, though there are times when I think 
I should leave the list.  I have no computer access at work, and only have 
time to read about a third of the messages I get.  Just now, while manually 
cleaning out my inbox, I discovered messages from Ysoie (re: "Fredless) and 
Alyssa (re: Taft) that I never knew I'd received.  (Thanks, btw.)
     But, being on a list like this is probably a desperate attempt to curb 
the biting loneliness that I spend most of my time convincing myself I don't 
really suffer from.  If I left now, I'd have to face up to it, wouldn't I?
      Anyway, I want to respond to the things said on the list Friday, which 
I just read at the archives:
     Dan T:  "close-minded and open eyed"  just means that I'm willing to 
discuss with others any issues regarding Christianity, but I cannot condone 
an open and public effort to attack or subvert it, be it under the guise of 
art or scholarly research or whatever.
    I'll admit, it does appear Ed K. is working through a bad experience he 
had with Christianity.  However, just because he has issues with the faith 
doesn't mean the whole church/religion is a lie.  To react as such is at the 
least narcissistic and just plain wrong.  Doug Pinnick has had definite 
problems with Christianity, for instance, and I've yet to hear him discount 
the whole religion, though he has said he doesn't necessarily believe in it. 
  That, I can deal with.  (Though it makes me sad.)
     Perhaps I am limiting myself, but we are all limited by numerous 
things: the law, societal rules, the mortal coil, inhibitions etc.  Belief 
in absolute truth involves placing limitations on behaviors that violate 
that truth, else life would be a free-for-all.  I know, we are just talking 
about music here, for which the act of listening does not encompass sin, 
but, with the number of other restrictions imposed on me every moment of 
every day, music is among  the least of my concerns.  I've managed to amass 
a rather large CD collection without buying anything by the Beatles, and am 
perfectly happy.
     But I'd be happier than any Beatles CD could ever hope to make me if I 
could just work up the nerve to take up nude hang-gliding- see what I mean?  
(You will ignore the pun.)
     Fred:  See above.  Also, the music I listen to isn't about me, nor does 
it completely reflect and affirm my worldview 100% of the time.  Please, 
let's discuss the fine line distinction between "propaganda" and "art".  If 
I form a "skin-head" band, and sing about white supremacy, is it art because 
I've worded my racism poetically and set it to music?  Can't art and 
propaganda intersect?
    Liesel:  I was touched by your rather emotional explanation of what Live 
means to you on a personal level.  I hope you continue to find solace in the 
music.
    Rhys:  Bless you, you are a sweet and special person.  Even if God 
didn't love you, I sure would.  BTW, what are the chances of you ever 
teaching "listee computer camp" 'cause, yu know, I'm like totally willing to 
relocate...someday.(?)
    Everyone:  The intersection of the spiritual and the sexual is real, but 
exclusive of raw lust for lust's own sake.  Some of the language on Live's 
records is a bit too lascivious for my tastes, yes, but your points were 
well taken.  Please, explain that "Likeni's (sp?) Juice" video to me.  It 
just looked like a soft-porn video to my conservative eyes.  Really, I'm 
interested in knowing what it represented both to you all and in relation to 
the lyrics, 'cause I AM open minded after all.
    Oh, and I love you all!
    Ysobelle:  Again, I inadvertently offend. Point taken, but my 
admonishment wasn't necessarily directed to you.
    Also, you win!  I've decided to read "the Hobbit".  Thanks.
    Kelvin and Jessyka:  I really apologize to you guys for wasting your 
time typing me messages I'll never see.  I should be flogged.  Please 
resend, and feel free to use soberman01 at webtv_net or soberman71 at yahoo_com as 
backups in the future.  I apologize profusely.
    I wish I could have taken those dumb "thank yous" with me and left them 
stranded in the MSN negaverse.  Would that I could...
    I think that about covers it.  Except that I don't want to talk about 
Live anymore. (Except for the video, and I promise to just listen, not 
criticize.)  I really, honestly have no desire to further scrutinize a band 
that some of my fellow listees hold dear, and I've said all there is to say.
    Pardon any stream of consciousness rambling above, as the hour is late.

Still here,

Matt





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