Where have I been? Well, just as I was getting myself back together from the China trip, my computer decided it would only boot up in Safe Mode. Not good. It took some time to get all my files to a safe location and then begin the long process of formatting the hard drive and reinstalling all the programs and stuff. I won’t bore you with the geeky details. It’s like someone telling you about their surgery–all you really want to know is that it all came out OK.

And it did come out OK–finally. In my experience formatting and reinstalling is something that never goes smoothly, and this time was especially tough. But I persevered, and now I have only a few tweaks left to do. I did not lose any data at all because since my last computer scare a few months ago, I back up obessively. I know making backups comes under the category of things you know you should do but don’t–like daily flossing or annual rectal exams–but really, if you aren’t backing up your data, do it now.

I still have more China photos to share, so I hope you look forward to those. Meanwhile, I have missed reading my friends’ blogs and now will try to catch up with a few extra links today.

Marcy at Lost In Your Inbox has a thoughtful piece today about dreams and three dreamy songs.

Check over at Mars Needs Guitars for Part II of songs with weird or funny titles. There’s a gold mine in that subject.

Agnes of It All Started With Carbon Monoxide is back from her trip to the U.K. and has posted a bunch of swell videos and also a small tribute to the late, great Michael Jackson. While Jacko’s music has never been quite my style, it’s sad to know he’s gone so soon. It’s just wrong.

The 405 got a brand new look while I was offline. Very nice design, very different, and easy to find the bits that seem most interesting to you. One of today’s features is a film roundup of upcoming releasesthat includes Michael Moore’s latest (I happen to like him, but with a grain of salt) and Robert Downey Jr as Sherlock Holmes (OKaaaaaay, I’m game for that.)

We All Want Someone To Shout For also has a short tribute to Michael Jackson, and below that new treats from the Beastie Boys and Flaming Lips, including a trippy image that may be the Lips’ new album cover.

Must hear: the delightful “Oh Daniel” by Tafra at MP3 Hugger.

Charles at Heartache With Hard Work has a wonderfully detailed review of an older album, Paul Simon’s Graceland.

Find new Bjork video at Katarokkar, and below that, check out Alan Wilkis, who has a new album called Pink and Purple.

From my own inbox:

I am not usually a fan of instrumentals, but this one is really exciting. The guitars are wonderful.
the Precious Fathers: 100% Pure Rock Fibres from Alluvial Fan, released June 23
MySpace | White Whale Records

My recent computer experience would have me rename this song: “The Safety of a Backup.”
Trainwreck Riders: Safety of a Back from The Perch released May 12th
MySpace | Alive Records

Acoustic Seattlite Kym Campbell is currently on tour in Australia. She’ll release a full-length album early next year.
Kym Campbell: Rolls That Way from So Alive (2008)
MySpace | Buy (also on iTunes)

I am sure this song is everywhere, but I really like this strong comeback to Young Galaxy’s 2007 debut. Wish I knew where to buy it.
Young Galaxy: Long Live the Fallen World from Invisible Republic (2009)
MySpace | Website

Eight minutes of shimmery bliss! A new album comes out on August 25.
Sally Shapiro: Miracle (Bogdan Irkuk remix)
MySpace | Website

L.A.’s Michael Orendy, AKA Frankel, has just released his second album.
Frankel: Faux Science from Anonymity is the New Fame (2009)
MySpace | Buy at Autumn Tone Records

Photo by alt-gramma: Datura blossom, from the plant also known as jimsonweed and famously poisonous. Mr. Folkie thinks they look funereal.

Filed under: blogs, finally friday, Frankel, Kym Campbell, Precious Fathers, Sally Shapiro, Trainwreck Riders, Young Galaxy

• alt-gramma (371)
• indie.mom (395)
• Uncle T (7)