Saving Musicians For Dessert

I’m a live-in-the-moment kind of eater. When a waitress comes by after a big meal and asks, “Have you saved room for dessert?” I have to laugh- I never think that far ahead. Until I’m exploding, I’m focused on the hamburger, not the apple pie. One thing at a time. Being myopic with meals works fine for me.

It’s not the same for music. I’m a big time forager when it comes to music.

I try to take in as much music as I possibly can- I check the blogs, Metacritic and Allmusic constantly and download whatever’s well-rated at the moment. I inhale new albums on a daily or weekly basis. I hit the library and bring stacks of CDs up to the frustrated librarian. All that a poor guy can do to sate his addiction.

But I always set musicians aside for later- especially prolific musicians who I think I might get really into. I want to have a Plan B in case the music world has a dry spell (which happens all too often). I want to know that there are a few bands already in existence that might inspire a Phase- there’s nothing better than going through a Phase with any musician. That’s when the real buzz hits and the universe makes sense.

Just last week I was at the library and came across a copy of Belle & Sebastian’s “If You’re Feeling Sinister…” I’d heard enough B&S throughout college to know that I’d really, really like them. I decided, it’s time- and sure enough, I’m diving headlong into their entire opus, happy as a pig in shit who’s listening to Nick Drake-esque ballads from a bunch of Scottish hipsters.

It’ll be awhile before I pull out another foraged musician- I need to pace myself to ensure I never run out. There are some big ones still to go. The Rolling Stones, Fela Kuti, Caetano Veloso, The Smiths… more recently The Black Keys and L’il Wayne.

Who do you have saved up for later?