Stephen Mejias

Here, in the "Elements" blog, I like to try to point out some of the fun, interesting, entertaining stuff that can be found in other parts of the truly vast and wonderful webworld that is stereophile.com. That's, basically, what yesterday's post was all about—that and my own emotional and psychological issues, which I like to throw in there to keep things exciting for you readers.

Forum member and all-around cool guy, Selfdivider, suggested that I start a "Line of the Week" post. Incidentally, I have been considering similar weekly topics. I like routines, I like traditions. They keep me grounded and comfortable. They help make a home. Wouldn't you say? The only problem with starting something new—like putting a border around your magazine covers—is the possibility of getting stuck, carrying a tradition for tradition's sake, falling into a lifeless waltz like two loveless lovers who don't do nothing no more, get up, get down, go out to the store, doomed to drive forever, doomed to forever drive. With that in mind, I'll tell you right now: When things don't work, we'll change them.

I remember John Atkinson saying: "I do what I do because it feels right."

Forum member, Welsh hifi, is just beginning an exploration of classical music. He had asked for some album suggestions, pieces of music that would help get him on his way. Other forum members chimed in with fun pieces such as Holst's Planets or Listz's Mephisto Waltz. These suggestions made good sense to me. I mean, I am no classical music buff, but anything that might remind you of Darth Vader landing on the Death Star would probably be a good bet for any classical music beginner. Right? Instead, however, Welsh decided to look into Mahler's Eighth, which (I've heard) can be pretty dense.

And so, Welsh's reaction, our very first "Line of the Week":

It's sort of like Sound of Music meets Black Sabbath!!!

I am not much familiar with Mahler, but that sounds pretty radical to me.