Sugar Rios?

When people dogmatically rant and rave about whatever field they consider themselves to be an expert I am immediately put off. Sometimes they are some theological nugget (many of the pacifists I've had conversations with can be classified as "quite militant" which I find "quite ironic") while other times these people are music critics. The latter are the subject of this piece.
I hear/read nonsense like this all the time: "This is the most brilliant album in centuries" or "I will think less of you as a human if you don't believe this music is better than salvation" and "Nothing is good unless I like it and you are ignorant to think otherwise." Who are these people? I bet they get their jollies from reading and drinking tea in their overly clean apartment. Oh crap...
For example, lets look at the band Sigur Rós. I remember how indignant the followers of this cult were when Takk... was released. I felt dehumanized by the people insisting to me that they were the musical embodiment of Einstein and how the universe is physically shifting because of their songwriting. If a band is good then I'll look into their music, but you shoving that nonsense down my throat will get you nowhere.
Anywho, several months ago I decided to look into this Sigur Rós phenomenon. I purchased one of their first albums, Ágætis byrjun, and gave it a listen. For the record, this is the most brilliant album in centuries. Not really, but it's quickly climbing my list. After a couple weeks of steadily listening to it I decided to purchase another album of theirs, (). Again, more incredible music. Now I'm a believer.
Sigur Rós' music is not very "pop" (though if you want their version of a 3 minute song you should check out their latest, "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust" - yeah, they're from Iceland) so if you're interested in checking them out you're probably just going to have to dive in and purchase an album. It is very experiential so turn down the lights, make a pot of tea and have at it. You won't regret it if you do.
In closing, I don't care what you say, Anathallo is complete crap.

Rubik's Cube

A week or so ago I memorized the algorithms that solve the Rubik's cube. It's cool (I can solve one in under 2 minutes!), but it taught me a good lesson. Sometimes you have to mess up something that looks right in order to get more pieces in their rightful place.
I'm speaking on Joseph & Potiphar's wife (whom I now affectionately refer to as "Jasmine Raspberry") this week and have spent some time re-reading a story I've read a hundred times before. As soon as it seems like Joseph's life is falling into place everything hits the fan, only for the next step to result in something much better socially, economically and spiritually. A lot like a Rubik's Cube...except not with colored blocks...