Rhapsody Part II

I know I've written about Rhapsody before, but I really don't think people understand its beauty.

I have and have always had a FULL-ON music problem. Some people battle various addictions, and music has always been mine (falling maybe second to books).

I used to live two blocks away from a used-and-new CD's-and-Records shop that, unfortunately, a friend of mine worked at. I spent lots of my time walking the little path to and from his job and my apartment, reasoning with myself that I really needed another Funkadelic LP. It was timely that I discovered funk and the answers it held to the mysteries of the universe while living so close by. I think I bought at least three albums per week, which is a rhythm I could not possibly keep up in France because:

a) records are way more expensive here (I got some serious steals while in California)
b) I make less money now
c) the cost of living is far more elevated here
d) I have so much other shit to buy like new glasses and trips to Peru

So anyway, Rhapsody is the ultimate answer. I don't know why everybody I know doesn't talk about it constantly. As a matter of fact, I keep introducing people to its glory. Maybe I just need new friends. Hipper ones. The kind that wouldn't correct me for using the word hipper.

So in the last months, I have resolved to buy five CDs when the time is good and ripe. Meanwhile, I am happy to listen to them on my computer (which is hooked up to my stereo, so that's convenient). Please, $75 per year pales in comparison to the $25 per week I used to spend on music.

In the last 24 hours, I have spanned from listening to Ray Charles ("Ray" - the film - no doubt had an effect), to James Brown, to Jack Johnson, to Bonga, to Omara Portuondo, to Black-Eyed Peas, to Tori Amos, to Angie Stone, to Spearhead, to Youssou N'dour. ALL are albums I would potentially buy.

It's like having an enormous jukebox at my disposal. Do you people know what HEAVEN feels like? Because I'm pretty sure it involves a jukebox (and maybe a margharita, barefeet, and puppies that don't bite so much).

My theory is that Rhapsody appeals to two types of people:

1. Those who aren't that interested in music and just want to have access to a commercial-free radio-like system to have music on in the background and

2. Those who are COMPLETELY obsessed and need to get it under control.

Obviously, you know which category I'm in. I need to thank my sister profusely the next time I see her for introducing me to it.