Why Paul's been so prolific

[yeah]

My guess: Now that he's a Dad he needs to support his family. Raising kids today isn't cheap, etc. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this is the only reason he's been so prolific of late. And pehaps it would be more accurate to not say "prolific" (he strikes me as one of those people who are probably always creating), but rather "outgoing", a.k.a. releasing all this stuff and touring, greeting people, etc. Yes, there are other things like being on a new/independent label and the freedom that comes with that, but I have a feeling he wants to be a good provider and since writing/performing is pretty much what he's cut out to do, well...
I also think since his son was born he doesn't have time to be so insular and indulge in the kind of painful, reclusive soul searching he obviously was doing for those years following his decision to not tour. Kids tend to bring out the best (and often ego-less) parts of people. And I'm sure Paul is no exception. It definitely makes me like and respect the guy even more (if I'm right about this little theory). I think he's just trying to be a good Dad the only way he knows how - and that's pretty darn great.

[yeah]

Hey Jen,
No, I don't have kids, but I have a sister who has two amazing little girls and I know just from being an uncle that I would do *anything* for my nieces. I can only imagine the feeling would be even more intense if one is the parent.
I should probably say that my 'theory' also stems from a conversation I had w/Slim Dunlap a few years ago (while Laurie was still pregnant) during which he said that Paul had gotten a financial advisor. He was mildly amused by this, but it made me think, "Well, yeah, he's gonna be a Dad, he better get that together". Slim also said that "having a kid will probably be the best thing for that guy, might make him leave his damn house", or something along those lines. He was very forthcoming and nice in a no-bullshit kinda way. Even gave me a ride home after I hung out too long talking (it was raining).
"Cursed with insight" - couldn't agree with you more. But at some point, usually as you get older, you start seeing it as a blessing hopefully, and perhaps realize that it was just how you used to handle it that made it seem like such a curse.
Anyway, I just think that now with the little kid running around (and before when he was an infant) it just couldn't help but cut down on those moments when songs like "Sunrise Always Listens" were 'born'. It just changes your perspective. I know how happy I get hanging around my nieces - any type of morose, the-world-certainly-does-suck-rotten-eggs thoughts tend to slip away. So I bet having little Johnny around has brightened Paul's outlook in a very natural kinda way. I'm sure he still has his moments of feeling crummy (like all of us), but I think it probably doesn't last as long as it used to. He also might be thinking, "Life's too short for this crap", ya know? Plus you get older and you get bored with it (that kind of darkness of the spirit) - it can only teach you so much before you start looking to the light for some more insight, perhaps an even deeper insight. But the trick, really, is in balancing the two, making the two seemingly opposing forces reconcile. That, I believe, is where the true art is. And I think that's why Paul's so great. He does that, always has and probably always will, which is why I can still listen to his music and not ever get sick of it.
Damn, this got serious. Better go listen to "Hootenanny". Right away.
See ya.