In so many ways, I am a Luddite, except for the violent aspect, though certainly the meaning has changed a bit from its original usage. I refuse to combine my electronics into the one convergence unit; I am PC, not Mac; I still like to shop in stores rather than online. There is something really wonderful about the atmosphere of a well done retail environment. I am particularly sad about the closing of 200 Borders Stores nationally. I have spent countless hours perusing the racks for music, magazines and books. There was a closing sale in my local store this weekend, and I loaded up on as many books as I could stack up and carry, to stand on line for the registers with the other old school readers. What it says about publishing scares me. I look at the printing press as the beginning of mass communication, and we are seeing all that devolve. Yes, the internet is an incredible forum, but I, for one, still think books are important to have and to hold. Having worked in a digital environment, I know that data can be wiped out in a moment. I think it is important to have a backup. And I do not like the idea that one can’t impact the population the way one used to be able to do, be it via newspapers, magazines, television, radio, CDs and yes, books. But we at Music Fog believe in the internet, and we thank you for finding us here, and for telling your friends about us. This period of development is pretty exciting, as the paths have not matured yet; there is no status quo. In so many ways, it is still becoming. We ride the wave, and it is infinitely interesting seeing where it takes us and what is possible. At the end of the month, we will celebrate our 3,000,000th view on the Music Fog YouTube channel. We are forging on, pioneering in our own way.

It is so wonderful to be able to follow careers that have been iconic and innovative on these pages. Take Exene Cervenka, for instance. She has a new album, The Excitement of Maybe, coming out in a few weeks, and it continues paving the path that this Renaissance woman walks. Exene, of course, is best known for her work as the singer for the legendary punk band X, as well as The Knitters and The Original Sinners. She has lived an exotic life, has explored creation in many modes. The Excitement of Maybe is her next solo project. She graced us with a song from it when she stopped by our Sweet Suite at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown, back in September during the Americana Music Festival & Conference. Here is “Alone In Arizona,” with Cindy Wasserman from Dead Rock West, and Cheryl Lyndsey from The Breeders.

- Jessie Scott