I think Burning Wood may have run its course. Too many regulars have disappeared. The Saturday Instagram Photo Dump was fun until it wasn't. The Burning Wood 150 gets fewer and fewer reactions. This is no tragedy, relatively speaking, but it is too eerily similar to the last days of NYCD. Once we announced our closing, everyone started showing up after not buying a CD for months. No one's buying records. Fewer people are interacting on the blog. I'm not having fun. I'd rather quit while I'm ahead. It might be all on me, not any of you. Just like we give up on our favorite artists, even while they continue to release solid work, maybe I've lost the audience. Who knows? Maybe writing about 84 year old rockers and being anti-Lizzo just ain't fittin'." I'll figure it out. Until I do, I think I'm going to put more energy into finishing the larger project. It feels better.
Thanks and sorry.
See you soon.
50 comments:
Priority #1 - ya gotta be happy, and do what it is that makes that possible. You will be missed, and we hope you won't make it permanent, but you are greatly appreciated for opening up some old ears to avenues of sound that got skipped by my own ears in the last six decades.
Go have some fun, smile until you're giddy and then smile some more.
Ouch. But… gotta trust your judgement.
Hate not getting the rest of the countdown though. Loved the validation of knowing of your love for songs that are also important to me. Biggest surprise on the list so far was Worst That Could Happen. Wow.
For a long time I’ve been a grateful and regular reader but also an extremely infrequent poster. Didn’t always feel like I could swim with the big boys in terms of comments. (I’m thin skinned and I overthink shit.) But my musical horizons are so much wider and in some areas so much deeper, because of Burning Wood. So sincerely, thank you.
If there’s more BW to come personally I’d welcome it. If not I’ll definitely miss it but I really appreciate what you’ve already shared.
You’re probably not posting more comments other than the one I’m seeing now, which is pretty great. Just wanted to say thanks.
Sorry that you have not gotten the appreciation you deserve. I enjoy your site and even though not all the artists fit my tastes, there is always something of interest.
Agree with efredd. But having discovered BW v e r y late in the day I would be sad not to find out what the top 50 are. Reading, listening and making up my mind takes more time than immediate feedback. That said, an unfinished list is sometimes all the more engaging - what would be on it? Like many good restaurants, clubs, bands - well most everything - sometimes they come to an end before you are ready.
I have enjoyed coming to this waterhole on a weekly basis.
Will miss this place, but completely understand the frustration. Good luck with the book.
I read this every day and usually learn something interesting - I just don't usually have something interesting in response. As efredd said - this should be fun. Go with what feels good. Cheers.
Thanks for everything - Burning Wood has been an extremely vital part of my musical world and I'll miss it greatly.
Randy
P.S. Good luck on the larger project - looking forward to that.
Sal - Hopefully this is more "see you later" than "good bye". Take a well deserved break from BW.
I rarely comment, but I DO enjoy your blog. You'll certainly hear no complaint from me if you decide you're done...just a heartfelt "THANKS!"
Of course -- take a break if you need one. It's not a requirement that you post every day if it's not fun for you.
Gotta do what you gotta do. I've still been checking in every day, but admit I've been more passive than participative recently. I still enjoy this place and hope it's not the end. I saw the Saturday IG post and thought it was fun, but now I see it's been removed. Hope someone didn't come along and f*ck it up for everyone.
Have a good week ahead, Sal. Hope to see you back here at BW soon.
Thanks everyone.
Yesterday was a pretty terrible day all around. It happens. I might have overreacted.
I woke up this morning all ready to write up the Songs Of The Week and when I realized what I had done 12 hours earlier, I felt like a schmuck.
That said, my feelings are out there, but I don't think I can completely abandon this place. The good certainly outweighs the bad. And I want to finish the list of 150, at the very least.
Apologies for the overreaction. I just need a few days.
Thanks as always for the encouragment and support.
Google hasn't done us bloggers any favors, and some find it no longer worth the effort to create content when there are fewer and fewer readers. I'm sure you don't do it for the clicks -- but if you're no longer enjoying it, that's another matter.
I couldn't have said it better than efredd. Do what moves you, and know that many of us are grateful for you opening ears to new (and older) sounds, and stimulating thoughts about music.
I hope you will share news of your larger project.
Sal:
Thanks for all you've done here at the blog. Hope some time away feels right and rewarding. Whether or not you return to Burning Wood, you've done something good here, and if this is the end, I sure hope you can take some satisfaction in that.
I'd been wanting to write to you about a band I think you'd like from my hometown of Portland, OR: Eyelids. Dunno if you've heard of them, they've been working with Peter Buck and their new album is a shimmering power/jangle-pop treat. Here's a link to their Bandcamp page: https://musicofeyelids.bandcamp.com/album/a-colossal-waste-of-light
Best wishes and much appreciation!
Sal:
I read this site everyday. You've introduced me to so much good music, by artists I know and by those I didn't. It's a great source for me, but I'm just not a commenter. I know it's not much, but I toss a little cash each year to the blog because it's worth a subscription to me. I would miss this site if it disappeared. But life is short, you gotta do what you gotta do.
-- TJS
It's my fault.
I will look forward to the time when you have something to say or share. Until then take care. See you later, not goodbye.
You have been extraordinarily generous to all of us out here. I check in almost every day and it certainly will be a loss, that is selfish of me. Thank you for all you have done (and continue to do) for all of us.
I don't comment often, but I read regularly.
I wish you the best no matter what you choose.
Sal, for mainly selfish reasons I hope you continue, even if it's at a more leisurely pace. What you do here is a pleasure to read and listen to--we're the lucky ones. Though I hope your other writing project gets sufficient attention! Because that will be great.
George
Have a break, but don't disappear! I check in pretty much everyday but don't really comment or pass on enough thanks - apologies for that. This is a great site (although I wish that you cared for Teenage Fanclub just a little bit more!) and I've discovered so much good stuff here despite 30+ years working in record stores.
Take care.
This is still the most entertaining site that I visit. Not always mirroring what I am thinking but more so than less. This is how I start my day. This is the site that got me back into vinyl. All good...
You’ve been here before. Give yourself some time and see how you feel.
Zillagord - thanks for the Eyelids tip. Will check them out.
If you stop, I'll miss your insight and humor, as well as the others that comment, but I know it is a labor of love to do this every day. I have found plenty of new-to-me music here which is the main reason that I visit. If you cut down to a few days a week, that will be fine, too. Have a good break. And I second the recommendation of Eyelids; they are a lot of fun. The new one is excellent as is their earlier album "Or".
- Paul in DK
Sal, I come by all the time. Stuff like Mike Viola's "Love Letters From A Childhood Sweetheart" hurts in all the right ways. I share some of your Instagram memes for big laughs. Even the reggae tunes reward listening. I also echo the other completists: but, but, but the countdown isn't finished!
Take care. Hope to see more fresh BW and read more of your thoughts, but not if all the flavor's gone out of this stick of gum.
Sal — believe me, I know the feeling. But how ever you play it out, remember, you’ve enriched a lot of peoples lives. That’s something worth being proud of.
How are we gonna get our fix of The John Sally Ride then?
It took me a minute to remember the name of the song (it's an age thang) but with a slight alteration
Burning Wood Don't Go
This is a right-away letter, I've got to mail it today
Straight to my main inspirer, says urgent from the USA
Its got this heart inside it, the postage is my soul
Contains a message from millions, says Burning Wood don't go
I said Burning Wood don't go
Don't take my fun
Burning Wood don't go
Burning Wood don't go
A thousand guitars wailin', but it ain't quite the same
You've got a knack for sailin',
and it's stamped with your own brand name
We's all sailors, as captain you must know
You bring a message to millions, says Burning Wood don't go
I said Burning Wood don't go
Don't take my fun
Burning Wood don't go
Burning Wood don't go
We miss our father Jimi, it's hard to breathe with that loss
But I still got you brother, don't nail yourself to a cross
I watch you lead the pack, you put the drive into my soul
You bring a message to millions, says Burning Wood don't go
Burning Wood don't go, Burning Wood don't go
Burning Wood don't go, Burning Wood don't go
Burning Wood don't go, Burning Wood don't go
Bass solo (well guitar solo)
Burning Wood don't go, Burning Wood don't go
Burning Wood don't go, Burning Wood don't go
BURNING WOOD don't go,
Sal. I’m a first time responder and a pretty recent follow. Your blog is a highlight of each and every day and gives me inspiration to keep on listening and more importantly discovering new music. I know at times I wonder why this passion is still so important to me but then I talk to so many friends that gave up a long time ago and just want to live with their glory years music. They don’t understand how I can keep plowing forward but it’s because of people like you and your followers that have become my new circle of music lovers and help make my world feel complete. I hope you will recharge and keep up the “good work !!”
SF
I'm not a frequent commenter but a frequent reader and someone who has benefitted from your knowledge on music I already love and opening the door to music I have come to love. Hope you keep going in some form or other, but if not, I've gotten a ton out of reading you.
I'll try to weigh in more often.
I know not the inner workings of the World Wide Webbie thing but is there a way for one (you:)) to see how many people come to your site? It is a daily thing for me.
all my surfing is about music most downloading but good % reading about. the only 2 that don't post stuff to download that I go to daily are yours & Simels. I would hope that only a single digit % of visitors would post. now if you Sal, can see how many visits & it's me & 4 other losers than this maybe more work than it's worth:)
Most of your stuff is in praise of stuff so just giving shout outs to good shit is virtuous thing.
What would Phil say?
Down from the glen came the burning wood men
With their vinyl and their cd's
To listen and dance they believed to be right
Overthrow the music snobs
To the towns where theres a record store
They brought cash, credit and swaps
When they left, the store was empty
And children would never play 10cc again
From their graves I heard the fallen
Above the B & O hi Fi
By that speaker near the border
There were many more to die
Then onward over the mountain
And outward towards the sea
They had come to claim the burning wood collection
Without it, they could not leave
Life’s to short, do what’s makes you happy. If you go you will be missed but your health is more important. I still search and want to have that feeling I got when I heard Bowie, Gallagher, Lizzy, the eagles etc. at 15 and now crank it up and coming to your site gives me other talents I may have missed to listen to on my musical journey.
I will try and comment more, I'm just lazy really so I apologise.
Ps I do like 10cc.
Truly sorry to see you go , your blog was a daily read, found some great music through your lists and recommendations and always enjoyed your opinions and comments . hopefully you'll be back , you have definitely expanded my musical tastes and horizons and for that I thank you very , very much
I read the blog every day. Don't comment that much. Don't go
I don't know if I'm an OG on this site, but close to it - nearly daily visits since August 30, 2010 (iTunes makes such date-verification easy) with a Sal comp called "Summer Mix." Also a frequent commenter and a fan of the musical erudition and community here.
My guess is you may just need a break - it takes a lot to run a blog! Like others here, I hope that's all it is and your mojo for burning wood is back on fire when you're ready.
I always read your posts, I don't respond very much, but I always read them, even if I don't care for the music, which doesn't happen very often. I suspect if there were a "Like" button on every post, you'd get a great response.
Sounds like you need a break- enjoy it, don't feel obligated to post constantly.
I learn a lot here and have been exposed to music I never would have found on my own. From time to time I forget to check in, but when I do I'm always glad I did.
I don't always post, but I always read. You do you.
As a (very) early adopter of BW, you can imagine desire to see it continue. It's been part of my morning routine for a long time. (Though I admit to commenting less lately. Simply a combination of being busy and/or having nothing noteworthy to add.)
Sal, I hope your "overreaction" post from yesterday morning proves to be the one that sticks.
And remember, this needn't be an all-or-nothing decision. Why not commit—to yourself—to a bi-weekly or weekly column. Less is more (or can be) and all that. And leave time for the book/memoir project.
If you leave, I'll be sorry to see you go. I have discovered so many great songs from your Songs of the Week. I always look forward to its posting.
And you are a great writer. I always get a kick out of your humorous asides.
It has to be a lot of work, keeping up the blog, but know it has been much appreciated by myself and many others over the past years.
Many thanks!
Wow is right! After reading all the comments, all i can say is: That is a “Whole Lotta Love”….and well deserved at that!
Peace, brother!
P.S. Take all the time you need but don't leave us hanging on The Top 150 :-)
I am indeed a silent fan, frequent follower, of BWood. Hate to see you hit pause on something you obviously love but perfectly understandable. I was tending to agree with you losing your way with your initial review of Ian Hunter's new gem. I actually think he hit new level of greatness starting with Rant and his association with Andy York. Thought your usual accurate thinking was discombobulated, especially thinking that was the beginning of his decline. He says best song he ever wrote is on Rant and I agree. So glad to see the reconsideration on Defiance anyway. It does happen quite often of subsequent listens. Take your time and get back to it. You are needed!!
I just read and watched and listened. I'm one of those silent fans who sits and just lets you go and I follow. Thanks and stay grumpy. I'll be on the lookout for more because you can't help yourself.
Take the time you need. I am an infreqent poster but frequent reader and always appreciate what you are doing.
Cheers
Sorry to see this. I'm an occasional poster, but I do read pretty much every day. Hopefully you'll feel refreshed after a break and get back at it! Cheers.
the comment that mentions a like button is actually a good idea (not the like or not like part) but a way in which a lot of people who don't necessarily want to take the time to write something (which for better or worse is a reality) can express themselves and you may get a better sense of who's actually out there. So if you're not gone for good it may be worth looking into. I mean not everyone is as talented or witty or even verbose as me at writing the wordy thing (although my spelling and punctuation often sucks).
@Zillagord,
Just listened to the Eyelids. Terrific stuff! Thanks for the link.
Sal:
So happy you dug 'em! One of the better records of the year so far IMO, but I have a hometown bias.
Post a Comment