Can't catch a break. Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, one of the best bands of the '90s, breaks up after releasing three increasingly bland pseudo-folk albums. Then Mr. Childs risks it all and goes solo, whereupon he releases a half-finished album called Chops that no one buys. Then he follows up his failure with two album releases in one year: the Welsh-language Bore Da, one of 2007's best releases; and The Miracle Inn, an album that could've used another year of work.

I want everyone to know that Gruff Rhys (pronounced GRIFF REESE) ended his American tour the other day. That isn't interesting, but he never came close to Austin. No Texas dates--no Southern dates. Nothing. He almost came to Mexico City, but apparently Mexico didn't care too much either.

It's a shame, really. Superlative upon superlative is heaped on his band, Super Furry Animals, who've continued to operate right on the fringe of mainstream success. So when I realize Gruff Rhys matters so little to Americans and probably everyone else in the world, it makes me sad--really, really sad.