I came back from my trip with CDs from a cool band called Morcheeba.  Their sound was initially described to me as “trip hop,” and I figured, no problem, I know all about trip hop; that’s what I did that time I went to a square dance.

It turns out that the band’s sound is more like electronica flavored with a little funk, a little R&B, and overlayed with beautiful, wraith-like female vocals.  Their CDs go platinum all over Europe, although they’re relatively difficult to get in the States, and I asked my German friend and my French friend if this band was considered “cool” by European types.  I was assured: “Very.  If you’re in the know, you listen to Morcheeba.” And when’s the last time Germany and France agreed on anything?  I mean, except for that business in Iraq.

I returned home happy and tired and with Morcheeba songs playing in my head, which explains why, aside from jet lag, post-vacation depression hit me the strongest when I turned on American radio and was faced with the complete opposite of good music: the Counting Crows doing yet another ghastly cover.  For God’s sake, don’t they read this web site?  I was very clear the last time about this matter.  And why “Friend of the Devil”?  Why subject that gorgeous, bluesy song to such a slowed down, bleached out, moronic interpretation?  I already know that the Counting Crows are friends of the Devil.  How else did they get a recording contract in the first place?*

*And none of this vitriol directed at the band has anything to do with the fact that an ex of mine dated one of the members, although I’d point out just as a matter of general knowledge and insight, it’s difficult win points in such a situation by declaring “You know, my air guitar shows more musical technique than anything played by those talentless hacks.”