If It's Gonna Rain, Let It Rain

Elizabeth's Statement:
"My heart ... my mind ... are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can't imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together. I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can't believe it. I don't want to believe it. It can't be so. He will live in my heart forever but it's not enough. My life feels so empty. I don't think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest most giving love I've ever known. Oh God! I'm going to miss him. I can't yet imagine life without him. But I guess with God's help ... I'll learn. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, 'To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.' And, I will love HIM forever."
so that, and...

All right, we should be just about cried out now. For the record, the above played at the bar I work at around 6 and everybody just froze. Servers, bartenders, customers. We just kinda froze and listened. It was a weird kind of sobering.

Aural Triptych for Thursday

An Aural Triptych For You

I have to preface this with an apology: I know I've been yanking words and sentiments from others in an intense way for the past few weeks, but I find that my own words aren't adequate. And if the feelings I need to express coincide with some jams that I think we all could afford to listen to, then why not?

I'm OK. You're OK.

There was this really bizarre time in Alpha's life (we call it junior high school), when he and his mother sat down together, quite purposefully, to watch the world premiere of this video. It was funny for a number of reasons, but most of all, because it aired (MTV was quite adamant about the event in its advertising) after the latest season finale of Daria. I know all of this because two VHS recordings of that entire day on MTV still rest safely on a shelf right next to me.

In any event, Madonna did one of her last 'greatest things,' and Mama Alpha looked at lil' cherubic Alpha and said, "Oh, that's clever, because the song kinda fits Daria."

She paused and then said quite loudly (though still under her breath), "Goodness, you're both so much alike...".

A millions years later, Pillow and Alpha dragged Able back to Memphis during an especially long December; we entered her family estate, and she played this song right quick. I said "good call," and had a moment. We all did.

You have to wonder...

A Song For You

We've been going through a lot of shit lately here in the A&P offices. All "High and Low," as we do. It's been the longest week in Alpha's life for a few reasons as far as he can tell (how they decide to finally come out of the woodwork when you're most vulnerable), but things are looking up for the most part. Able brought up the Divine Miss Fiona Apple a few days ago, and, lost in a daze, I stumbled upon this amazing performance I missed during that time I didn't have cable. Fiona manages to get the most appropriate cover songs, more so than any other artists I heart. Kills me softly with every one of them. This, I do reckon, is her finest. You can just tell how much it pains her. Thankfully, anyone wise to her ways understands how much she loves it. Attagirl....

Folk Art for Thursday

I cannot distill a single image from this gallery. You must view them ALL. And please, anyone more versed in Freudian thought than myself (that's you, PMC) let me know what you think. I'm strapped and baffled.

Ho-mez Did It Again

Srsly, this Richard Lawson character over at the Gawker is our very own T.V.-addled, aughtsy Wodehouse. This is the second time I've posted a link to his weekly Gossip Girl recap, a series of essays so fine that they hardly require a fondness for the show itself. Enjoi.

Able, get with. They still make music videos...

...and sometimes they remind you of the good ol' days when "music video" actually meant something. Gloria Steinem, eat your fucking heart out....

Facing History and Ourselves: Adina Howard.

She says it better than I ever could. Figured A&P could use some:

You're Fired

Dear Holly,

There was a time there for a while where we were very close. You lolled around the Playboy mansion in your great socks, stoned and drunk on diet coke and vodka, and I was right there with you. I knew, maybe even before you did, that the time would come when you would realize that grandpa was never going to marry you or knock you up and you would move on to bigger and better things. Well, that time has come and you have disappointed me greatly. I understand that Criss Angel MIND FREAK! is probably bangin' you something proper and you need that, you really do, but you could do so much better. I'll be waiting for you on the other side of this rebound brain fart, just please silence the deafening tick of your biological clock and don't have any of his freakishly-coiffed babies. 

Your Friend,

Pillow