Making a Decision When the Sun Ain't Shining

Is Different, Lord, From When It Is

I’m sorry I haven’t been on here much. I’ve been involved in a renovation of my workspace at home—I’m hesitant to call it a studio, even though that’s kind of what it is—that has had all of my gear, except the absolute essentials, packed in boxes. But, somehow, I’m just about on the other side of it, and it’s been a real joy and relief to begin to reacquaint myself with instruments and books and, most importantly, song ideas, that I haven’t seen in a while. For years, I’ve been telling my friends, “All I want is a room that feels beautiful to walk into, a place that feels inspiring and inviting,” and that’s what got built. Hallelujah and hot dog.

For well over a decade, I made art, mostly songs, in just a small, walled-off portion of this space. While I was so thankful to have a dedicated place to work, it was really small, and I outgrew it quickly. I started dreaming of a space filled with light. Maybe it’s The Sanctuary, I’m not sure yet. That, or Dad’s Bar & Grill 2.

In the midst of this I wanted to come say hey, make a pledge to be more regular here now that this massive project is winding down, and drop a rip (rip being what a record person might call a digital recording of a song from the actual vinyl record) of this crucial tune that came to mind apropos of nothing (or maybe the weather) this morning while I was driving. This is a song called “Making a Decision” that was recorded by an artist named Mississippi Charles Bevel and released on the A&M record label in 1973. It’s a brilliant piece of music (those goddamn Phil Upchurch guitars, let’s go) , with a brilliant lyric. I know almost nothing about him, but this song really covers a lot of ground for me. But please, take a listen and tell me what you think.

Making a decision when the water’s warm is different, Lord, from when it’s cold

Lord, bring summertime again

I’m going home if I can.

See ya round,

Michael Crow Taylor

11 February 2025

This is May. They renovated this space almost single-handedly. A bad, bad motherfucker. I’m thankful to them.