In a recent thread, a veteran Townsman warned a new Townsman to steel himself, as follows:
watch it: plurb’s got a man crush on you. i don’t envy you the day you post an opinion he disagrees with…it’ll be diva time.
This warning was in reference to the growing appreciation and interest Townsman Epluribusgergely has developed in response to the expressed tastes by a relatively new Townsman, who will remain nameless. The “man crush” referred to is a particular kind seen around these parts: the Rock Man Crush. Usually a budding Rock Man crush is a wonderful thing to see blossom in the Halls of Rock. Mix CDs are burned, joint campaigns are launched to promote an obscure album, sometimes even face-to-face meetings are scheduled. In the case of the Rock Man Crushes involving our friend Epluribus, who’s become known as the Warren Beatty of love-em-and-leave-em Rock Man Crushes, there is a sense of dread. Let me explain the warnings of our veteran Townsman.
You’ve probably been on both ends of the Rock Man Crush. You spot a cool record in a new acquaintances collection – or he (or she) spies a cool record in yours – and in short time you’re hungry for some rock nerd bonding.
“Oh, you know that album too? I love that album!”
“Sure. You know that album? None of my friends like this album.”
In due time, two rock nerds are sitting cross legged around a stack of records and love is in the air!
It’s not unusual that the new rock crush eventually runs out of gas and the two rock nerds move on, thankful for their time of bonding and additions to their respective music collections. There are some among us, however, who fall more deeply than others, and the first time an undesired album comes between the new friends, the most-smitten friend feels betrayed and lashes out at the other. This describes the cycle we’ve seen – and in many cases felt – at the hands of Epluribus. It can get ugly. One day you’re best buds, the next day your manhood is called into question in front of all the super-cool rock nerds who gather here.
Here’s what I have in mind as a way of healing past rifts and perhaps helping Gergs to tread more gently in his Rock Man Crushes, to find a way to allow them to end more gracefully: If you’ve been through the ups and downs of a Rock Man Crush with Epluribus, please share with us the highs and lows, the joyous beginning and painful ending of this crush. I ask you to do to help our friend recall what was really important in each of these crushes, to appreciate the good times.
If you have another Rock Man Crush to share, one not involving Epluribus but that you find might be helpful, please share your experiences. Thank you.
