The Algorithm

While i do have some inherent curiosity on how the youtube algorithm works and what it decides to serve me to watch.. in other ways I, a) know I won’t be able to comprehend it, and then b) i’ll probably horribly rabbit hole if i do learn so perhaps it’s better just not to know. And to that end actually while i’m on the subject, the algorithm i mean, it’s gotten worse, hasn’t it? Like, i’ve already watched that soccer game highlight reel. Why do you think you should serve it to me again? Who watches game highlights more than once? I could understand a music video i’ve watched a few times and it can probably guess i’d watch it again, but shouldn’t it be smarter? And man, i’d love learn what metadata tags it is identifying ME as.. what neat box do i fit into? And then, well, can you connect me with similar minded locals in my area? Cause, uh, i need more friends here…

SEE, what’s already happening? Okay, I digress cause anyway, i was awfully happy to randomly get served a cover that Anastasia wrote which prompted me to discover her EP, ‘Girl with the Hourglass Eyes’ which is just frankly awesome. Great singer/songwriter, folky music, more in the easy-listening vibe, but there is definite complexity behind the tracks and it’s hard not to say it’s just… good. Really good. Check her out!

AH HA, and here’s the OG cover. Doesn’t hurt that the OG song is a masterpiece either, but still.

And so.. a pledge that i’ve been making for a few years now is that I’ll actually physically (or digitally) buy 1 album a month, and try to buy it from as close to the source as possible (no itunes, amazon, etc..) typically from an indie artist who’ll actually likely see/benefit from that purchase, and yes, while I know I’m an insignificant nobody, just makes me a little better about giving in a place that could actually make an impact somewhere. And hey, if i’m supporting an artist doing something I wish i could do myself.. that even makes me happier. So, yea, I bought Anastasia’s album, and a few days a later… her CD arrives WITH A NOTE FROM HER HERSELF THANKING ME FOR SUPPORTING HER. I’m pretty sure it made my week. Keep making music Anastasia! Happy to buy anything you put out there. You should do the same.