I'm not very good at keeping New Year's resolutions. One year I resolved to "get into yoga." I even wrote that down on a note card and kept it on the refrigerator. Two months later, after doing nothing, I crossed it out and wrote, "be AWARE of yoga."
This year I didn't bother making a list about health and fitness resolutions. But I do have a mental list of some personal improvements I'd like to make when it comes to music.
First, I resolve to go to more live shows. I mean, I probably saw 100 shows last year and to most people that probably sounds like a lot. But for some perspective, Bob Boilen saw 462 shows in 2012. Surely I can do better.
I also resolve to pay more attention to lyrics. This is an ongoing topic of discussion on our show. Bob comes to lyrics first when hearing a new song, while I pay attention to the music and don't come to the lyrics until much later, if at all. It's actually hard for me to tune in to lyrics, but I admit they're important and can completely change the way a song sounds.
Thirdly, I resolve to spend more time with each album, song or artist I hear. We get a lot of music in and I have to blow through it pretty quickly. I'm sure I'm missing a lot of growers. This year I'll try to leave room in my life for music that doesn't blow me away right out of the gate.
Lastly, I resolve to try to try not to immediately dismiss anything Bob likes as a total waste of time.
Tell us your own resolutions — or resolutions you'd like me or Bob to make — in the comments section.
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