Beware the Ides of March

The middle and end of March hit Morland like a Mack truck. I was in the longest-lasting and worst mood I can remember in years. I don't really have a convincing explanation for it, although I do have more than a handful of partially-convincing arguments for it. Perhaps it was all of that rolled together. In any case, I'm pulling out of it and getting back in gear (no little thanks goes to JM for entertaining me this past weekend in DC). And below is a brief recap of the past couple weeks:

I saw one of the worst shows I've ever seen a couple weeks ago. I'd mention the band but I don't think I could be constructive in my criticism. I was really looking forward to this show and, rather unfortunately for him, had convinced my friend JV to come along with me. It was a good thing for me that I did since he kept me sane, and tipsy, throughout. I also discovered, although I guess I've always known, that I'm a bit of an elitist. Go figure.

I saw a great great show too. I was lucky enough to catch Beth Orton at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on the 30th of March. She played an acoustic set of gems from her previous albums and generally charmed me from start to finish. And the MHW had arranged the space into a seated venue, which also added to the charm and intimacy of the experience. I've always loved her work, which is electronica-spiced folk, but hearing her play her songs unplugged really opened my eyes to the depth of her talent. And gave further credence to the (perhaps grand) claim that she is the "female Van Morrison." It was lovely, all round.

I have been enjoying the music that people have been dropping me (see the widget on the right sidebar). It really has served the purpose of introducing me to music that I have not heard yet. I do intend on somehow working those songs back into Morland in some way or another, but for now I just wanted to say thanks for the songs thus far.

I have also been enjoying my new obsession, the John Adams mini-series on HBO. It's brilliant.

Lastly, for my friends I haven't spoken to in a while: the Fabry screening is happening (finally) next Monday - Wednesday. I will keep you updated.

**The sweet picture of the Beth Orton show comes from the doubtful guest's flikr page. See more here.