Return of the Repressed

Current Music: David Sylvian: Gone To Earth Today is the second day of intersession, and I'm teaching two courses, one from 9 to noon, and a second from 1 to 4. I did this last year as well, and my body forgot what it was like. Now body and mind are reunited in physical and mental exhaustion. Why the heck did I sign up to do this again? Then the credit card bills come and I remember.

Fortunately, it's not so bad, as both classes are full of good, friendly students. The one's that seemed "offended" by my PG-13 style, thankfully, dropped. The afternoon group is chattier, but both seem affable and willing to work. That helps more than I can say; it's really easier to put in your "all" when they seem like they're really willing to get something out of it. College is transformative at times. I don't know why I feel this way, but I actually think you connect more and change folks more during the summer sessions than the actual semester. One day I'll try to figure that out.

So, anyhoo, I'm writing this and running on fumes. There is a party one door down in an hour, my neighbors Linda and Goga. I want to go and say hello, but I fear in a half an hour I will be noshin' on a pillow. I'm simply beat.

Not much linkage to add to bloggage. But for music: lately I've been very hot on the new Iron & Wine album. It's very, very sweet (hushed lyrics and soft, acoustic guitar) in the Nick Drake sort of way, but also much more self-conscious than Drake. I love it, but I do hope the third album moves in a different direction. Otherwise, they will become a parody of themselves and end up on SNL and as an $8.99 end-cap at Target. (Did I mention I was horrified to find Snow Plow on sale at TARGET! Geez!)

I'm also groovin' on old David Sylvian albums. It's 80's sounding, but then, that's my idiom so anyone who doesn't like my 80's vibe can each canned cheese (that is, current, corporate packaging). I have a soft spot for the bass-heavy, crooning, minor chord thing. This is why Talk Talk's last two albums are, well, perfection. I love the minimalist grooves of Japan/Sylvian . . . hard to explain. Perhaps one day I'll figure it all out and let you know (nods to Camper Van).

Well, I'm very associative which means the sandman calls. Goodnight.