It always says something when you begin to go out of your way to look for the most esoteric and off-kilter music you can find. For me, I don't know quite what it says, though for the past couple of days I have been insanely happy with the fact that I've been able to download several albums worth of Balinese Gamelan music- you know the kind, with the sound of a metal xylophone made from pieces of corrugated roofing, quality music if I do say so myself. Not to be outdone, I've just received an album of gong music of vietnam and laos. why? why do I do this? because it sure as hell beats the latest top 40 bubble gum pop single? because my rabid dislike of contemporary pop music has driven me to the khmer rouge extreme of seeking a complete reversal of industrial progress? because the latest acid-driven beats of aphex twin just aren't scratching that hard to reach itch in my ear? I don't honestly know. I do know that I've been grooving to gamelan while mowing the yard, and that it's mighty catchy music. Where this will all end up, it's in the hands of others now...