Nadja

Yesterday, I was meandering through YouTube, listening and watching some music videos. I don't know how I got to where I was, but I stumbled upon some really disconcerting, aurally rich, somewhat disturbing music-- Nadja. I like some forms of black metal, and the video image on YouTube looked like it would be black metal, a grey and grainy image of trees heavily laden with snow, so I decided to give it a whirl. What I found was an unusual array of soundscapes, some would characterize this as noise. One must have an open mind, first of all, to click on this, let alone listen for the entire 19 minutes that some of the tracks ask of you. This, I warn you, is not for the faint of heart. I can envision some people turning the music off in fear listening to it in a dark room by themselves. Others, I can envision meditating to this. One has to have an appreciation for something incredibly atmospheric, and much different than anything one has heard before. Personally, I plan on taking a walk through the park with this in my iPod nearing dusk on a dreary autumn day, like today. 

According to the iTunes bio, and yes I am actually on the verge of purchasing, Nadja is a duo of Aidan Baker and Leah Buckareff characterized as ambient doom/metal/electronic music, and their first official release was Truth Becomes Death in 2005. They have done other musical works prior. If you click on the link to the Wiki on Aidan Baker, you will see there is quite an extensive music history of experimental music alchemy. Often the music starts softly, like a whisper and it grows as the music progresses. If you close your eyes, block out everything else around you, and listen deeply and carefully, you will begin to pick up on the subtle layers of sounds that build gradually to a climax. If you have synesthesia or are just have a very active mind's eye, this is meditative ear candy for you. This is great for the imagination, and brings forth many new and exciting emotions from music. When is the last time you have listened to something that might be disturbing at times? Meditative at others? The music is atmospheric, and sets a tone as you move through your environment.

I haven't followed up regarding my progress in Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, and this is because the progress is painfully slow. This book is not a speed-read, and I am trying to truly absorb the character development. So far, it seems there is a struggle between those whose reason is to succeed in wealth and those whose reason is for the greater good to succeed. I dislike most of the men in the book so far, although I am only in about 180 pages. Francisco D'Anconia is a dirt bag, and Rearden is just icky. It seems that Dagny loves success, and takes massive risks, but has a horrible taste in men. Or maybe Ayn Rand has horrible taste in men, or she just likes to be the s in BDsM. As I said, I haven't got too far yet, I have yet to get to the part where people say "this book will change the way you see the world."  I still keep in mind the icky feeling I got from Anthem, we'll see.

As far as hair goes, nothing much has changed. I am thinking because it is such a crappy day out, and I am a bit under the weather this morning, maybe I will deep condition today. I have to rest up since we are going into Holiday setup at my store and I need my health now more than ever. Way to spend the day off, I know, but my body thanks me. Until next time!