Thanks for the shout out pal. I'm honored and am so happy to know that something I turned you onto has given you so much joy over the years. Coming home last night in a drunken stupor, I listened to that album again. One thing I realized, which I hadn't really considered before, is the absolute genius placement of Kamera. To open the album like they do, in a 7 minute shadowy mess, and then, 2 songs later bring you back into the deep with a 5 minute brooding piece can ONLY be pulled off with the little pop gem sewing them together. What incredible thought and consideration to the construction of the whole. A true concept album.

I have fond memories of not the first time I heard that album, but the first time I realized it was really good but still didn't know all of it yet. I was in my brothers apartment in Ypsi and it was winter. We were having Christmas dinner. His apartment was weird because although the thermostat was in a different unit of the house it controlled the entire thing. His neighbor left for the holiday and turned the heat low so we had to use the stove and a fan to circulate some much needed warm air. Huddled in the kitchen, around an open oven door with no food in it, glowing electric coil, the xylophone kicks on in the background - Oh distance has a way...., my ears prick and lighting strikes. So exciting then to anticipate and invest in the intricacies of the sound. Got to thank O'Rourke for that one no doubt.

I don't have a favorite song of theirs but one I always loved is their live version of Via Chicago. For one, the opening lyric "I dreamed about killing you again last night and it felt all right to me. Dying on the banks of Embarcadero skies I sat and watched you bleed" is great. But there's the moment, @ 2:06, when the skies open up and a tornado goes through the song. All with Tweedy standing in the quiet center as if nothing is different. I saw them do that move live, not knowing it was coming. I wish I could have that surprise back again. That there is a band with incredible control in proper form. Music rules.