A week ago, I got my latest issue of Entertainment Weekly in the mail. As usual, I immediately flipped to the music section to (a) read the reviews and (b) see which albums were about to be released.
I was greeted with the sight of Thom Yorke’s mug. Now, his visage isn’t for everyone, but to me it elicits elation, because I’m a fan of his. Then I saw Death Cab for Cutie, and then the words “various artists” and “soundtrack.” But then I saw a title that made my blood run cold—”New Moon.”
Y’see, I’m not a fan of the Twilight saga. Truth be told, I’m not a fan of any saga. I’m really not that fond of Star Wars. And frankly, I don’t like to read. Basically, Twilight, like organized religion, just isn’t for me.
But like organized religion, those people who swear by Twilight keep trying to cram it down my throat. Marketers, purveyors of pop culture and even coworkers seem intent to propagating some story about a love triangle between a vampire, a werewolf and some chick who really isn’t all that cute.
It’s created a sort of rebellion within me to the point where I avoid the subject of vampires at all cost. Whenever they come up—more specifically, whenever Twilight comes up—I tune out and formulate an escape strategy to extricate myself from the present company.
However, I’ve got to admit, the soundtrack to New Moon is very tempting. I’m always up for a little Death Cab and apparently their contribution is lead single for the flick. And then there’s Thom Yorke—sure, I enjoy his Radiohead material more than his solo stuff, but his solo stuff is still pretty good. And even Bon Iver makes an appearance, albeit on a duet. But still…
And that’s my dilemma—do I continue my one-man boycott of all things Twilight at the expense of my fan cred? Or do I pick up the soundtrack and get to hear new material from artists I enjoy and respect, but at the cost of my integrity?
I honestly can’t recall the last time I faced such a tough decision, and I really don’t know how this is going to turn out.