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.