An Open Letter to Jeff Tweedy

Dear Jeff Tweedy,

I write this to you for a number of reasons, the most important amongst them, to thank you for your existence. I'm forced to come to the conclusion that my current relationship would not have come about were it not for you and Wilco. Why am I writing this to you then and not your bandmates? Well, because you and John are it. And this is mainly to you, for as much as I hesitate to say this, are the one I fell in love with in the summer of 2002. I didn't think your mere presence on this planet would change the course of my love life, but it seems to have done just that. So for that, I must profusely thank you. Of course, there are other reasons to write you: a) to thank you for being as creative and open with your music, b) putting on a fantastic live show, and c) introducing me to other bands closely related to you.

I'm not going to say I was entirely comfortable with the change in lineup during the Ghost Is Born recording, but your live show last fall has proven otherwise and thus changed my mind. I must say, I enjoyed the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot lineup the most, due to the inclusion of Glenn Kotche; I hope he stays with you for many years to come. I really see that you can do no wrong in my eyes, except I really didn't understand Loose Fur, but I certainly can't blame you for trying! Everything you do, more or less, turns to gold. Just remember that you have a huge fan in Northern California, if nothing else.

I still enjoy your Uncle Tupelo records now as much as ever, and I also really like the two Golden Smog records you were a part of. As much as I am not a Jay Farrar person, recently I've grown to really like that guy. But what can I believe from a "biography" anyway? It's hard not to look at Trace as a solid, lovely record. In any event, I'm not going to be a typical fangirl and ask for an autographed picture or whatnot, but I look forward to someday at least being able to shake your hand. We have something in common that, while not pleasant, still connects us in some way, I believe.

So thank you for everything you've contributed to my life over the past three years; I can only imagine what you'll contribute in the future. I wish you the best in life and with the band. I will see you as forever talented and a valuable contributor to the music world.

Yours truly,

Miss A

How I Discovered Gram Parsons and other assorted babble

Every once in a while, bands I listened to in childhood pop up in my daily life without me even realizing it. The Byrds are one such band. Music was always prominent in my house, with everything from U2 to Joan Collins to The Eagles, and almost everything inbetween. I can see why I listen to albums such as Sweetheart Of The Rodeo, having grown up with John Prine, Johnny Cash, and all other kinds of country-influenced artists. (Though some would argue the former not fitting into such a genre.) Regardless of that, I discovered Gram Parsons before The Byrds, at least recently. I found a bunch of Byrds albums in my parents' collection recently, and was actually introduced to Gram Parsons via Whiskeytown's cover of "A Song For You". This might seem trivial, since Parsons was more of a side member than a major force, but I still find it interesting.

I'm still amazed at some of the things I find myself attracted to, with the previously mentioned Byrds and Gram Parsons included. I discovered Johnny Cash rather late in life, when I checked out his two cover albums at the library last year. At the same library, I bought a duet album John Prine did with a few female artists, as well as some early Loretta Lynn. I never thought I would be one to enjoy "country" (I use the term loosely) as much as I do. I'm sure my parents would be a little surprised to find that I now have Sweetheart Of The Rodeo in my collection, even if it was from someone else. I had more aligned myself with the alt-country bands like Uncle Tupelo, Whiskeytown, Old 97's, The Jayhawks, and others who very loosely fit into that genre. I find Gram Parsons' story to be a particularly interesting one, and it makes me want to go to Joshua Tree again more than ever. I can hear the influence of the bands I love now, especially in Jason Molina's bands Songs:Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. I find the whole idea of how people discover their now favorite bands fascinating.

Now Playing: The Byrds- You're Still On My Mind

Feeling old at 21...or thoughts on one Miss Tori Amos

I feel like it's just as important to bring up my past musical loves as it is to discuss my current ones. I'm not afraid to admit that at one time, not too long ago, I worshipped at the altar of Tori Amos. She was my life, my muse, and the subject of my first college essay in 2000. Looking back on it now, I realize that she is, more or less, the reason I continue to play the piano right now. There were three solid, intense years of worship I experienced in regards to Tori. At one time, I had collected around 12 or 13 of her cd's, mainly singles.

Then suddenly, around three years ago, I simply lost interest. I don't know the exact moment or even why, it just happened. And it made me kind of sad. I felt her music had helped me grow and mature emotionally so much, and she had inspired me so much, that it didn't make sense. But of course, I simply outgrew her. Scarlet's Walk was the last Tori Amos record I ever bought. I haven't bought the latest one and quite frankly, I don't plan to, though I probably would want to get a copy of it. I mainly go back to Under the Pink, Boys For Pele, and From The Choirgirl Hotel. I still find her as talented and fascinating, just from different set of ears. A lot has happened to me in the last three years, and I have a feeling that her presence in my life could make a comeback sooner or later. Hell, she's the inspiration of two of my online journals, including my current one redbaroness, and a former Diaryland journal liquidiamond. The former username comes from her song, "Not The Red Baron", and the latter comes from the song "Liquid Diamonds". I feel as if I owe her something for all she had given me.

Every once in a while, I can't help but play "Pretty Good Year", "Playboy Mommy", "Merman", or her covers of "A Case Of You" and "Famous Blue Raincoat" on the piano and sing them. Now I'm uploading the three previously mentioned records of hers onto my iTunes and it makes sense to me. I wouldn't be surprised if "Frog On My Toe" and "Northern Lad" still made me tear up. I still have a deep love in my heart for Tori somewhere, even if it's smaller than it used to be. Some of those former loves just never go away, no matter what kind of presence they have now. Tori Amos still has that effect on me, almost four years after her initial impact.

Now Playing: Tori Amos- Iieee

Introduction: music is my savior. no, really!

So, this is the introductory post of my brand new music blog, Sugary Sweet Machine. The title comes from the Neutral Milk Hotel song Oh Comely. I have to give credit where it's due: I was inspired by the fact that my boyfriend said if he ever had a band, he would call them the Sugary Sweet Machines. And I really can't argue with that! In any event...

There won't be any particular format I'll stick with for this blog, it's for the most part tidbits from the music world that I find interesting in some way. I'll include my own record reviews, open letters to various bands/musicians, and most likely I'll occasionally post mp3's that I find to be worth listening to. This is my first adventure into the world of Blogspot, so please, be gentle! I come from the world of Livejournal (http://www.livejournal.com/users/redbaroness) where it's all quite different. I hope whoever stumbles across this finds my writing enjoyable, or at the very least, mildly amusing. I could be trite and list my top five current favorite bands/records/etc., but again, I find that a bit trite so I shall digress. And I'm certain that my favorite bands/artists will become clear very early on. So enjoy, one and all!

Now Playing: Pavement- Cut Your Hair