Efrén is a wonderful contributor to this list and his English is phenomenal.  His ability to write so much in English is almost as admirable as all the well-informed, well-written reviews he feels compelled to share with the list—who else listens to almost every new Tzadik release!? I think it is very telling if there is an album that he does not care for, since there is so much he does like.  Any way, particularly on the Freak In count, he qualifies his opinions well; only after he has made his specific comments can he rest upon blanket statements. 

Glass houses…Americans, especially those who use the internet (maybe not Bill, but definitely myself, included), are in no position to criticize any person’s use of English.  I’ve found that serious European English-speakers to be among best practitioners of our language.  Germans, French, and the Spanish continually amaze me with mastery of this horribly convoluted language.  I say that with not a bit of jealousy because not only is my first language at times lacking, but my Spanish is laughable in comparison to Efrén’s English.  It seems that many Americans are, for some reason, threatened by a European who can speak English well, such that they seek, at times ridiculous, reason to criticize them—even if it is just making fun of their accent. 

Thank you, Efrén, for being such a worthwhile member of this list.  I’m sure your many posts are not the easiest for you to write, but I want you to know that they are always read and appreciated.

Zach