So I haven't mogged in quite awhile, and thought I'd get back on the wagon. It's been a busy semester, and I hope to keep up with this stuff better next year.The most important musical discovery I've made in the past few months was, without a doubt, Elliott Smith. I'm fully aware that he's old news, and of course I'd heard of him. I had a few songs of his, I'd nod and sure "Sure, he's good" if anyone brought him up, but basically I had lukewarm feelings about his stuff.And then, one day in October, I started listening to the songs of his I had. For no reason, really. I wanted something quiet and sad and thought he might fit the bill. And even though I'd heard "Needle In The Hay" before, it was quite different this time. I started listening and downloading and ended up buying Either/Or from iTunes. I played it over and over again. Couldn't hear it enough. And then I thought "Didn't he die? Killed himself, right?" and proceeded to Wikipedia him to find out the gory details.He had killed himself. Exactly three years ago to the day in question. And the album I was listening to was named for Kirkegaard's book, which I'd picked up at a used bookstore without knowing why. It was sitting on the shelf next to me, one of the few books I'd elected to take along to school.Okay, so it's probably all coincidence. But I prefer to think that for some reason, I was supposed to listen to Elliott Smith. And I've greatly enjoyed the ride. I've since picked up four more of his albums, each of which have their own character. They're all beautiful. And as I delved into his stuff, I discovered Heatmiser, and consequently Quasi (Both great bands, by the way).I'm probably the last one to get on the Elliott train, but I just had to put the good word out there.Merry Christmas, everyone!