sometimes we're alone

There are so many ways to "be" in this world. Of course, there are ways to be just like everyone else. For those who step outside of the norms in terms of tastes and talents, there are countless ways to be unique. One way this is accomplished within the circle of people I know is that they reside at the overlap and intersection of otherwise disconnected ways of being. One example is a multicultural scholar who plays competitive baseball on weekends. Another is a software designer and physicist who is also a concert cellist. Such individuals are also great story-tellers. Or maybe they just intrigue me because they have interesting experiences that I receive as good stories.

Here's a short biography that popped up when I was listening to last.fm this morning:

Jim White is a Southern Gothic alt-country singer-songwriter. He has released three albums as a solo artist.

It's no surprise that he's a solo artist: "Southern" and "Gothic"? It is remarkable that he has released three albums. Amazon.com demonstrates that these are commercial releases. And more gold -- check out these titles:

Drill A Hole In That Substrate and Tell Me What You See
Wrong Eyed Jesus
Transnormal Skiperoo

I don't know whether I like or don't like his voice or songs. But he has won my deep admiration for forming a new genre at the crossroads of an unimaginable confluence of styles. I hope his non-work life is more socially rich and that he takes some comfort in watching The Simpsons and eating at Pizza Hut. There has to be a way for him to find some balance.