Oh, Manchester, So Much To Answer For

Yes, yes, I'm still here. Busy with Christmas-y stuff, but still here, marvelling over the shock-and-awe mindfuckness of M.I.A.'s Piracy Funds Terrorism, Volume 1 mixtape, reading some pretty good books, such as Orland Outland's latest novel and John Leland's history of "hip," and truly loving some records which you probably think I shouldn't (Amy Grant is involved - more soon). Oh, and finalizing my Pazz & Jop ballot - the truest sign the holidays have arrived, don't you think? Hope you're in the midst of as superb a holiday season as I am.