it's no alan smithee, but...

I've found a new pseudonym - Emily Leatherman.

songwriters

Anyone still out there??

Good.

I was listening to NPR's All Songs Considered, and I was intrigued by their coverage of Paste Magazine's 100 Greatest Living Songwriters. (keyword = Living)

It's an interesting show, and the list is ripe for debate.

Personally, I'm happy to see Elvis Costello listed at number 8, and I'd have to say that on this particular date he'd be my favorite songwriter of all. (Yes, even more than Bob Dylan, or Neil Young. Easily.)

My favorites (in no particular order) in this list are Sufjan Stevens, Beck, Lyle Lovett, Aimee Mann, Al Green, U2, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Van Morrison, Patty Griffin, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, and - oh, okay - I'll stop there.

In other news, I'm getting ready to take a quick trip (Friday) to Austin to drop off Sam. Two of my best friends are going with me, and we'll be staying on South Congress. We've got Antone's on our short list of places to visit. Any other suggestions of places we must see? (Sidenote: We want good food/drink, live music, and shopping. Nothing uppity.)

p.s. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.