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Dear The Jayhawks,

I've been listening to more diverse music lately. For a while I was firmly rooted in my indie rock habits, but recently I've been listening to more rap, hip-hop, jazz, and even country. Specifically, country artists besides Johnny Cash and Neko Case. (Don't worry, I'm not giving up either of them, you know that.)

There have been some pretty good discoveries! The Sadies are fantastic, and I will probably purchase some of their music in the future. I'm listening to Waylon Jennings right now, a live album to be specific, and it isn't bad. It maybe isn't as dark as Johnny Cash, but Waylon has a hell of a voice for country music. I really have to get some Willie Nelson too, and Jack White would probably smack me for not putting Loretta Lynn at the top of my list.

Anyhow, The Jayhawks, some people have described your stuff as 'alt-country'. Well, I guess 'alt-country' means 'new Eagles' or maybe 'slightly twangy soft rock'. Either way, I don't want anything to do with it. It doesn't have much atmosphere, it doesn't rock, it basically makes me want to punch Don Henley in the back of the head. I'll take your album back to the public library, deposit it gently in the return box, and be on my way. Best of luck with your music that is watered-down, safe, and boring even by Wilco standards. Good riddance!

In Other News:
I went to my first guitar class last night and it was okay! Not great, but not bad either. My fingers are a little sore today, but I'm going to give this six weeks and see how it goes. I can tell that playing guitar is not something I'll pick up overnight but I like playing things.