I’ve been getting back into Elliott Smith more than I ever was before. I fell asleep to Either/Or on vinyl two days ago, and I’ve been spinning From a Basement… with more regularity lately than ever. Maybe this is why I’ve taken a special shine to Ryan Lindsey. I’d have no problem offering Elliott Smith as a great reference point for his new album, White Paper Beds.

MP3: Ryan Lindsey – My Place In The Hills
MP3: Ryan Lindsey – Future Unemployment
I feel so bad for thinking the thoughts I do about albums by supporting members of a group. Final Fantasy is not “that guy who did the strings for Arcade Fire”‘s project–it’s Owen Pallett’s music. Similarly, you shouldn’t step into Ryan Lindsey’s world with the thought that he’s the guy who plays with the Starlight Mints. No, a better launching pad of comparison for Ryan’s music would be an unlikely duo: Elliott Smith and Steve Burns. It’s acoustic guitar, excellent lyrics and even a good bit of extra production.

Ryan Lindsey on Myspace

On a vaguely related note, apparently there is a new show called “The Hills.” My female friends are addicted to it. I had a conversation today about how I would be the worst reality tv show member ever. I’m very non-confrontational and–dare I say it–”nice.” Maybe it’s good that I didn’t apply for the Rolling Stone/MTV reality TV show.