Forgive me, Bilal, for I have bootlegged...

boot·leg (noun):
1. the part of a boot that covers the leg.
2. something, as a recording, made, reproduced, or sold illegally or without authorization
Etymology: in allusion to concealing objects in the leg of a high boot

A while back I accepted something that grates on my principles. Many of my close friends know that I have strong feelings against copping bootleg anything, especially music. I believe that if you like what an artist is doing, then show your love by making a legitimate purchase. No one wants to toil without compensation, right? And artists gotta eat, too. Well, this guy I was dating gave me a copy of Bilal's unreleased album, Love For Sale. And when I say that it's the hottest ish I've heard in longer than a minute, you best believe it. Bilal's vocals are kaleidoscopic and the production is simple and Zen in all the best ways. I know these pesky leaks can do an artist harm, and rest assured I haven't shared the album with anyone. I believe that the project should have been released despite the leakage, with a few unexposed songs added. Were it to ever launch, I would gladly PURCHASE two copies, one for me and one for my principles. Or maybe three copies, so I could tithe one to a good friend. I'm sure that would alleviate any negative bootleg karma, right?

Best regards,
Ella de la Luna
CEO of Mischief

This autumn, I've been promoted to CEO of Mischief...ha ha haaaaaa!

It's been waaay too long since my last post. In short, life has been beautiful--not always pretty, but certainly always bee-yoo-tee-full. Major developments: 1. back to singledom since 10/2008 2. relocating to NYC in the spring 2010 3. growing hair and shrinking body.

As I write, these songs are playing:

Bada Bing........Dangerdoom

All That You Give........The Cinematic Orchestra feat. Fontella Bass

I've Seen Rivers........Nicolay & Kay

David.......Gusgus

Recently, I took on the role of secret admirer. It's awesome, especially for a romantic like me. While I don't expect the object of my crush to respond--or give a damn, for that matter--it's nice making someone feel special from afar. Anonymity can make a person very ballsy, huh? Anyway, there's a fine line to be walked when being an anonymous admirer. You don't want to creep out the recipient, so take a good deal of care crafting your messages. Don't be overtly sexy or mushy, but DO share what you feel makes him/her special. Keep the messages concise (brevity IS the soul of wit). Share your taste in tunes. Most earthlings love music. And the songs you share don't have to deliberately illustrate the story of your feelings about him/her (need I say cheesy?). They can simply give the object of your attention some insight into what you like in your headphones. And that can be subtly revealing. At some point, consider doing a reveal. It can be done at once, or in steps. You may decide to skip a reveal altogether. Lastly, if you do go ahead and expose yourself, make certain to completely rid yourself of any expectations that your crush will reciprocate interest. Rejection's a bitch on wheels. Instead, delight in having (hopefully) made someone feel amazing.

Signing off,

EdlL