KGOD Tibetan Songbook
Some music is meant to entertain you.
Some music is meant to accompany you.
And some music seems to be asking you to go somewhere.
The KGOD Tibetan Songbook belongs to that third category.
Here the human voice meets drone, chant, bell, drum, horn and silence. Melodies emerge, circle for a while, disappear into the landscape, and sometimes return sounding strangely familiar.
Don’t worry about understanding the words.
Don’t worry about whether the music is authentically this or traditionally that. This is KGOD, not a monastery field recording. It is a musical journey inspired by the sounds, spaces and contemplative atmosphere associated with Tibet and the Himalayas, filtered through the peculiar broadcasting equipment of the station that makes it.
The interesting question is not:
What does this music mean?
The interesting question is:
What does it do?
Listen normally the first time.
Another time, turn off the lights and lie down.
Another time, sit quietly and give the music your complete attention.
And another time, use the SuperBeacon while listening.
You may discover that different pieces seem to open different doors.
A memory without a story.
A place you’ve never seen that nevertheless seems familiar.
A sudden stillness.
An unexpected emotion.
A moment in which the ordinary stream of thought simply stops.
Or perhaps nothing dramatic happens at all.
That’s fine.
The important thing is not to manufacture an experience.
Just listen.
The music will take care of its end of the bargain.
Whether you’ve been to Tibet or not is beside the point.
Perhaps the more interesting question is whether some part of you recognizes the road.
KGOD — The Station That Makes It.
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GOVERNMENT BY MOB RULE
Since the government is now run according to mob rule, here’s the official chain of command. Where do YOU fit in?
1. FUHGETTABOUTIT! — THE DON
The power above the organizational chart. You never hear his name, never see his face. You don’t ask questions. You don’t wanna know. Who is behind the mask? Fuhgettaboutit.
2. BOSS OF BOSSES — THE PRESIDENT
The name at the top of the letterhead. The ruling puppet. His face and name are everywhere in plain sight.
3. THE BOSS — CABINET & INNER CIRCLE
The people who explain what the Boss actually meant and who take the blame when things go wrong.
4. THE UNDERBOSS — PARTY LEADERSHIP
Keeps everybody in line and counts the votes before anybody votes.
5. THE CAPO — SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVES
Each has a crew, a territory and several important people who need favors.
6. THE ENFORCER — FEDERAL AGENCIES
You have received a letter. They would like to speak with you.
7. THE SOLDIER — BUREAUCRACY
Does the actual work. Hasn’t seen the Boss in twenty-three years.
8. THE ASSOCIATE — LOBBYISTS & CONTRACTORS
Not technically part of the Family. Somehow always at dinner.
9. THE GOON — POLITICAL OPERATIVES
Does whatever needs doing and absolutely does not recall that meeting.
10. THE KID — THE TAXPAYER
Bottom of the ladder. Carries things. Pays for things. Knows nothing.
Welcome to participatory government.
Your participation is grudgingly appreciated.
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Here’s the Bardo bus!
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