Yes Virginia, I do pay for good music

As proof that I don’t pirate [most some of] my songs, I opened up the wallet today and bought Antje Duvekot’s first two albums.

Little Peppermints is her debut, which I can only describe as hauntingly beautiful. Some parts may not be as professional, but that only adds to the sense of listening to a musician in a heartland bar strumming on her guitar with the audience clapping and singing along (or sitting wordlessly captivated). Highlights: Streets of Soho, Merry Go Round, Long Way

Boys, Flowers, Miles is probably her best yet. It’s not as tainted by studio production as her latest one (Big Dream Boulevard) but has some of her best songs. Again, Antje mixes good amounts of social commentary with nostalgia for a bygone age. This album cements her reputation as America’s premiere folk singer, one who can best tell the country’s story from the viewpoint of the little people. Highlights: Dublin Boys, Judas, Dandelion

Ah, there’s nothing like supporting a quality indie artist.

In other news, the Bush tax rebates are starting to arrive in the pockets of the people. My opinion? Political bullshit. If people have any brains, they’ll use it to pay down their untenable debt that’s grown as obese as they have. If they’ve got any left over, they’d better spend it on bills or food. What most people probably don’t realize is that they’re not any richer even though they’re paying less in taxes since Bush took office. Inflationary pressures have made cost of living more expensive and that’s wiped out household income gains caused by the tax cuts. The reason? The massive federal deficits coupled with an expensive war in Iraq that’s not being paid by the tax cuts. The stupid Fed’s with the moronic Bernanke are trying to inflate away savings, prolong the consumer spending bubble (fueled by easy credit and easier money), and stave off a depression until he retires. All this won’t affect me; I plan on moving to Singapore once I graduate.