Jason Molina died Saturday

[abby]

Jason Molina died on Saturday. He was, more or less (more, really), Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. The Secretly Canadian website (http://www.secretlycanadian.com/) lists the cause of death as natural causes, but you could also call it alcoholism; he was 39.

Recently a friend from the Leonard Cohen community remarked to me that he likes it when we use Leonard's work to talk about our own experience. At the risk of total self-centeredness, I try to do this here; I could probably win an award for most uses of 'I' despite a moderate number of posts. In the spirit of using stuff as a springboard for encounter, let me say- I got a message on my phone with this news just as I was walking out of a 12 step meeting this afternoon. It was, forgive me for saying this, sobering. Also heartbreaking.

Here's the link that was included in the message my friend sent me today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsqfYjsccJ8.

[Matthias1234]

Very sad news, and more shocking when I'm looking at his dozen great albums - he was only 39. The good die young? Oh no. If you're not familiar with him, maybe start with "The Lioness" by Songs: Ohia, it's a wonderful record.

[Bartleby]

My nephew just made me aware of this beautiful song, "Just be Simple":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6SGydtVA4k

It's on the album "Magnolia Electric Company" by Songs: Ohia