Some album titles write their own reviews. Some musicians provide their own obituaries.

Peter Steele, bassist and vocalist for Type O Negative, died yesterday at 48 of reported heart failure.  This is the sort of news, I suppose, that you hear more and more as the years pass — as we age, so do our peers and inspirations — but I wonder if it’s the sort of news that you ever get used to?

Type O Negative were never one of the best bands around, but they’ve been consistently in my playlists since the early nineties.  Christian Woman came out at a time when my musical tastes were being refined and redefined. October Rust remains one of my favorite albums from start to finish.

The music is dark, haunted, wrapped in autumn-turning-winter.  The lyrics are doomed and pessimistic, soaked in nostalgia and stained memories. All of this from one of the most consistently self-deprecating and funny personalities in music:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPDD19l_xWE]

It’s always sad to hear of the passing of someone who’s life and work touched your own.  But better to remember the good and smile than dwell on the loss.  Here’s to you, Peter, and the music you left behind — thanks for that.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMHQQvBs6o4]

“I’m searching for something which can’t be found, but I’m hoping…
Everything dies”