Saturday, April 18, 2009
Oh-
Shit. It's been a while, hasn't it? Lots of new disc coming out. Reviews of the latest NoFX, Rancid, Anti-Flag and, yes, even the new Green Day (I'm trying not to have a biased opinion, but so far from what I heard it sucks) will be coming soon.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Appeal to Reason reveiw
Rise Against - Appeal to Reason.
Rise Against is a band that never ceases to impress me. There 2004 major label debut, Siren Songs for the Counter Culture, was, for a lot of people, the album that caught my attention of the band. The album, despite being on a major label, held a lot of the bands original appeal while refreshing it for no holds barred album. Their follow-up, The Sufferer and The Witness, did the same, but increasing the melodic appeal and bringing out more intricate guitar work. Their 2008 release, Appeal to Reason, is the follow-up to The Sufferer and The Witness and again shows the band is not far from slowing down. Beautiful from start to finish, the album is undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year.
Collapse (Post Amerika) - The album's opening track, it is a strong summary of what to expect for the rest of the album. It maintains that original Rise Against sound while keeping itself fresh and pumping up the listener for what to come.
Long Forgotten Sons - The song slows the album down a bit, but maintains it's appeal. A perfect sing along at concerts, Mcllrath shows off his impressive lyrical boundaries which he continues to do so the rest of the album.
Re-Education (Through Labor) - The harbinger of the album, this song is nothing short of awesome. With a great message and awesome instrumental to follow, this song is a perfect summary of what this album's all about.
The Dirt Whispered - The most pop-punk sounding song on the entire album, this song's bright appeal keeps the listener interested and chorus is catchy and fun to sing along to.
Kotov Syndrome - Returning to the heavier sound, this song has a great sing along chant line for audience shout while rocking out. The solo also has an interesting turn that makes this song stronger and more of an individual track.
From Head Unworthy - Another chanter, this song shows a slow guitar pattern that makes it more interesting and offers those more used to the original sound of Rise Against more variety. Another good track.
The Strength To Go On - The band shows a talent for changing tempos dramatically throughout an individual song. The song starts out slow and loud, then picks on the pace, slows down, then picks up again while maintaining a catchy appeal.
Audience Of One - Another lighter song, the slow intro makes the track stand out already. The more personal lyrical content is a good change of pace from all the politically driven tracks that it followed and will come after.
Entertainment - A more socially driven track, the band speaks out against the entertainment industry. Instantly a stand out track, the guitar work and circus-like breakdown make this one of the most interesting tracks on the album.
Hero Of War - An slow acoustic track, the lyrical content is about a young man joining the military, his experiences in Iraq and coming home a "hero of war". A beautiful track and another stand out. One of the best tracks on the album.
Savior - A slow starting track with and an extremely catchy chorus, Tim Mcllrath show his impressive lyrical ability on this track and is easily one of his best pieces of lyrics he has ever written.
Hairline Fracture - An interesting change of pace, this track is the most generic of the album. The chorus, however, shows off the backup singers (Zach Blair, Brandon Barnes, Joe Principes) a little more and makes this track stand out a little more.
Whereabouts Unknown - Easily the hardest track on the album. This track is an excellent closer and makes up for the previous album's closer, which I didn't quite like. The line "it's alright" makes the track more interesting and personal.
This album is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time and one of my personal favorites. I highly recommend this album to anyone. It's hard presence and melodic appeal mix well along with Tim Mcllrath lyrical talent and make Rise Against one the best punk bands of today.
Recommended Tracks: Collapse (Post Amerika), Re-Education (Through Labor), Audience Of One, Hero Of War, Whereabouts Unknown.
My Rating: 10/10
Rise Against is a band that never ceases to impress me. There 2004 major label debut, Siren Songs for the Counter Culture, was, for a lot of people, the album that caught my attention of the band. The album, despite being on a major label, held a lot of the bands original appeal while refreshing it for no holds barred album. Their follow-up, The Sufferer and The Witness, did the same, but increasing the melodic appeal and bringing out more intricate guitar work. Their 2008 release, Appeal to Reason, is the follow-up to The Sufferer and The Witness and again shows the band is not far from slowing down. Beautiful from start to finish, the album is undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year.
Collapse (Post Amerika) - The album's opening track, it is a strong summary of what to expect for the rest of the album. It maintains that original Rise Against sound while keeping itself fresh and pumping up the listener for what to come.
Long Forgotten Sons - The song slows the album down a bit, but maintains it's appeal. A perfect sing along at concerts, Mcllrath shows off his impressive lyrical boundaries which he continues to do so the rest of the album.
Re-Education (Through Labor) - The harbinger of the album, this song is nothing short of awesome. With a great message and awesome instrumental to follow, this song is a perfect summary of what this album's all about.
The Dirt Whispered - The most pop-punk sounding song on the entire album, this song's bright appeal keeps the listener interested and chorus is catchy and fun to sing along to.
Kotov Syndrome - Returning to the heavier sound, this song has a great sing along chant line for audience shout while rocking out. The solo also has an interesting turn that makes this song stronger and more of an individual track.
From Head Unworthy - Another chanter, this song shows a slow guitar pattern that makes it more interesting and offers those more used to the original sound of Rise Against more variety. Another good track.
The Strength To Go On - The band shows a talent for changing tempos dramatically throughout an individual song. The song starts out slow and loud, then picks on the pace, slows down, then picks up again while maintaining a catchy appeal.
Audience Of One - Another lighter song, the slow intro makes the track stand out already. The more personal lyrical content is a good change of pace from all the politically driven tracks that it followed and will come after.
Entertainment - A more socially driven track, the band speaks out against the entertainment industry. Instantly a stand out track, the guitar work and circus-like breakdown make this one of the most interesting tracks on the album.
Hero Of War - An slow acoustic track, the lyrical content is about a young man joining the military, his experiences in Iraq and coming home a "hero of war". A beautiful track and another stand out. One of the best tracks on the album.
Savior - A slow starting track with and an extremely catchy chorus, Tim Mcllrath show his impressive lyrical ability on this track and is easily one of his best pieces of lyrics he has ever written.
Hairline Fracture - An interesting change of pace, this track is the most generic of the album. The chorus, however, shows off the backup singers (Zach Blair, Brandon Barnes, Joe Principes) a little more and makes this track stand out a little more.
Whereabouts Unknown - Easily the hardest track on the album. This track is an excellent closer and makes up for the previous album's closer, which I didn't quite like. The line "it's alright" makes the track more interesting and personal.
This album is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time and one of my personal favorites. I highly recommend this album to anyone. It's hard presence and melodic appeal mix well along with Tim Mcllrath lyrical talent and make Rise Against one the best punk bands of today.
Recommended Tracks: Collapse (Post Amerika), Re-Education (Through Labor), Audience Of One, Hero Of War, Whereabouts Unknown.
My Rating: 10/10
Saturday, December 27, 2008
So, I got really cool stuff for Christmas. I was really excited to see what I got and I was not disappointed. Here's the list:
- An Abbott and Costello "Who On First?" Pocket Watch, with a booklet with the entire skit.
- Three Guitar Stands
- A Guitar Tuner
- Headphones
- A Pair of Shoes
- Rise Against - "Appeal To Reason"
- The Dark Knight DVD
- Tropic Thunder DVD
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army DVD
- Up In Smoke/Still Smoking DVD combo
- Burnout Paradise for Xbox 360
- Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia for Nintendo DS
I love everything. The games are extremely fun, the movies are awesome, the new Rise Against is pretty awesome (will post a reveiw in my blog soon) and the guitar stands are handy. I really needed the tuner badly.
I was more excited about what I got my mom. I got her a pair of earings and she loved them. I was excited to see her reaction.
- An Abbott and Costello "Who On First?" Pocket Watch, with a booklet with the entire skit.
- Three Guitar Stands
- A Guitar Tuner
- Headphones
- A Pair of Shoes
- Rise Against - "Appeal To Reason"
- The Dark Knight DVD
- Tropic Thunder DVD
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army DVD
- Up In Smoke/Still Smoking DVD combo
- Burnout Paradise for Xbox 360
- Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia for Nintendo DS
I love everything. The games are extremely fun, the movies are awesome, the new Rise Against is pretty awesome (will post a reveiw in my blog soon) and the guitar stands are handy. I really needed the tuner badly.
I was more excited about what I got my mom. I got her a pair of earings and she loved them. I was excited to see her reaction.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Well, as a lot of you know, my only escape from this mundane world is to create one of my own. I mean, of course, is my writing. I haven't talked about very much in detail and would like to shed some light into my dark imagination. My primary writing project is my comic book stories.
My main one is a comic called Winter. It details the life of a teen with the ability to coat solid object with a think layer of ice and the ability to create ice-based weather with his emotion. He slowly turns from an average youth to a vengeful hero seeking something. He is not sure if it is justice... or revenge. His story line goes as follows.
Winter - The first part of the series which details Markus White/Winter gaining his abilities, losing his mother, and the sudden realization that his father and mother’s murder was actually foul play at the hands of his father’s former colleague turned insane psychopath in a robotic suit who goes by the name Skull.
Winter: Romance and Tragedy (tentative title) - Markus White deals with relationship troubles as he feels threatened by a hotshot Broadway rising star. The rising star soon reaches tragedy when a pyrotechnic misfires and horribly scars him for life, causing him to lose his job and his sanity. Also, a mysterious female causes more trouble by flirting with Markus and fighting with Winter with her heat-based powers.
Winter - World Without Rules - The island of Manhattan is taken over by an mysterious masked female hacker preaching anarchy over the whole United States. The whole city is evacuated and left empty with the exception of the military, Winter and the masked hacker, leaving the city to be their playground as they fight a game without any rules.
Another series I am working on is the one I wrote the most on. Here it’s synopsis.
The Big Ten - five young teenagers with incredible powers run from a evil corporation known as the Masters Corporation with the aid of a old, discredited scientist who was apart of their creation and their five counter parts.
The Big Ten: Three Years Later - The five young adults reunite, learn more about their past and decide to bring down the Masters Corp once and for all, and this time they will have a little help from a rival corporation.
Allister’s Guardians - The former member of the Big Ten project deal with their new life, which includes a secret organization known as the Agency who purpose is to ensure the safety of the nation, personal relationships among it’s member and escape of Jonathan Masters, the former CEO and founder of the now defunct Masters Corp.
Allister’s Guardians: No World for Tomorrow - In the wake of Allister’s murder, the group overcomes tragedy, lost love, and the presence of new enemies and old enemies alike as Jonathan Masters surfaces with a new project.
Allister’s Guardians: The Underground Race - In order to catch a villainous extortionist, several members of the team enter a underground race for a cash prize and a surprise trophy that makes this race all the more deadlier.
Allister’s Guardians: The Birth of Antichrist/Messiah (tentative title) - A women pregnant with a child that holds a powerful gift becomes the target of both the good and the evil as the members of the Guardians must protect her from all evils in the world.
So that’s a fraction of what I am working on. I’d show you some of my work, but A) They are either not written yet or still in editing and B) all my files are on the hardrive of a broken computer. I’m still trying to get it fixed.
My main one is a comic called Winter. It details the life of a teen with the ability to coat solid object with a think layer of ice and the ability to create ice-based weather with his emotion. He slowly turns from an average youth to a vengeful hero seeking something. He is not sure if it is justice... or revenge. His story line goes as follows.
Winter - The first part of the series which details Markus White/Winter gaining his abilities, losing his mother, and the sudden realization that his father and mother’s murder was actually foul play at the hands of his father’s former colleague turned insane psychopath in a robotic suit who goes by the name Skull.
Winter: Romance and Tragedy (tentative title) - Markus White deals with relationship troubles as he feels threatened by a hotshot Broadway rising star. The rising star soon reaches tragedy when a pyrotechnic misfires and horribly scars him for life, causing him to lose his job and his sanity. Also, a mysterious female causes more trouble by flirting with Markus and fighting with Winter with her heat-based powers.
Winter - World Without Rules - The island of Manhattan is taken over by an mysterious masked female hacker preaching anarchy over the whole United States. The whole city is evacuated and left empty with the exception of the military, Winter and the masked hacker, leaving the city to be their playground as they fight a game without any rules.
Another series I am working on is the one I wrote the most on. Here it’s synopsis.
The Big Ten - five young teenagers with incredible powers run from a evil corporation known as the Masters Corporation with the aid of a old, discredited scientist who was apart of their creation and their five counter parts.
The Big Ten: Three Years Later - The five young adults reunite, learn more about their past and decide to bring down the Masters Corp once and for all, and this time they will have a little help from a rival corporation.
Allister’s Guardians - The former member of the Big Ten project deal with their new life, which includes a secret organization known as the Agency who purpose is to ensure the safety of the nation, personal relationships among it’s member and escape of Jonathan Masters, the former CEO and founder of the now defunct Masters Corp.
Allister’s Guardians: No World for Tomorrow - In the wake of Allister’s murder, the group overcomes tragedy, lost love, and the presence of new enemies and old enemies alike as Jonathan Masters surfaces with a new project.
Allister’s Guardians: The Underground Race - In order to catch a villainous extortionist, several members of the team enter a underground race for a cash prize and a surprise trophy that makes this race all the more deadlier.
Allister’s Guardians: The Birth of Antichrist/Messiah (tentative title) - A women pregnant with a child that holds a powerful gift becomes the target of both the good and the evil as the members of the Guardians must protect her from all evils in the world.
So that’s a fraction of what I am working on. I’d show you some of my work, but A) They are either not written yet or still in editing and B) all my files are on the hardrive of a broken computer. I’m still trying to get it fixed.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Love Life
I feel like I've lost all interest in seeking a love life. I don't know why, but it seems to be that way.
I don't that interest in connecting with someone. At least not like I used to. I feel so uninterested in the opposite sex, but this doesn't mean I'm interested in the same sex. I have no feeling towards any form of sex. It's almost like I don't care about love or lust.
I guess saying I don't care about love is too extreme, but thats the way I feel. Lust is definitely in that category, though. I'm still a virgin and I don't seem as adament about losing as I did when I was in high school. Like I said earlier, I just don't care.
I guess leaving high school behind might have been the catalyst. High school is nothing but a melting pot of pressure. People are always judging you, making fun of you and whatever they want because the corld is at their finder tips. They are invincible.
Then we graduate and our morality shows. The world that was at our finger tips is now in front of us and moving off into the distance and it's up to us to play catch up. Maybe I just don't care about playing catch up.
The pressure to show I have some worth in this world is gone and I don't have any motivation to spark a love life with no meaning. I want a meaning for love. I haven't found it yet and it is starting to get monotonus.
I'm not sick of it at all, though. I just don't care.
I just want someone to need me. To expect me to put a band-aid on their wound everytime the world is unfair. I want to be needed and I don't feel it. Not now, not never.
And I just don't care anymore.
I don't that interest in connecting with someone. At least not like I used to. I feel so uninterested in the opposite sex, but this doesn't mean I'm interested in the same sex. I have no feeling towards any form of sex. It's almost like I don't care about love or lust.
I guess saying I don't care about love is too extreme, but thats the way I feel. Lust is definitely in that category, though. I'm still a virgin and I don't seem as adament about losing as I did when I was in high school. Like I said earlier, I just don't care.
I guess leaving high school behind might have been the catalyst. High school is nothing but a melting pot of pressure. People are always judging you, making fun of you and whatever they want because the corld is at their finder tips. They are invincible.
Then we graduate and our morality shows. The world that was at our finger tips is now in front of us and moving off into the distance and it's up to us to play catch up. Maybe I just don't care about playing catch up.
The pressure to show I have some worth in this world is gone and I don't have any motivation to spark a love life with no meaning. I want a meaning for love. I haven't found it yet and it is starting to get monotonus.
I'm not sick of it at all, though. I just don't care.
I just want someone to need me. To expect me to put a band-aid on their wound everytime the world is unfair. I want to be needed and I don't feel it. Not now, not never.
And I just don't care anymore.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace review
I've always wanted to do this, but never found the time. So here it goes.
This is a review for the Offspring's latest studio effort, Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace. First off, I'm looking at this not only from a fan's point of veiw, but also from a musician's point of veiw. This album makes up for the length of the last album, offering 12 fresh tracks. While the sound of the last album, for me, made up for the lack of songs, this album meets a middle ground. At first, this album seems disappointing for it has a drastic change in sound. It features two ballads and a fresh alternative rock approach, but maintains the familar Offspring sound. It's amazing how fast the songs can grow on you, but it's does have it's disappointments.
Half-Truism: An awesome opening track, giving off an epic feel while not drifting too far from the Offspring's brand of punk rock. The political message encoded in the well though out lyrics make this track my personal favorite.
Trust In You: A good mixture of old and new Offspring, giving off a sound reminiscent to the Ignition days, but also blending it with their refined pop-punk sound. It can be noted that the verse riff sounds similar to their song "Smash", but who cares!? It's catchy.
You're Gonna Go Far, Kid: This is what fans have been waiting for. Another song to sing along to and shout "DANCE, FUCKER, DANCE" as loud as they can. The instrumental is catchy and the lyrics give off an anthem for those who feel they are not to be screwed with.
Hammerhead: The badass lead single with a hypnotic riff that makes you wanna get up and hit somebody dead in the face. A perfect mosh song. This song also shows off more social commentary, talking about school shootings. A touchy subject, but The Offspring pull it off with a punk rock attitude.
A Lot Like Me: This steers away from the fast punk rock and enters piano driven rock with a personal message. A risky move, but they pull it off well.
Takes Me Nowhere: A typical pop-punk song, almost like they are following a pattern. It's fun to listen to and gives fans a good a message, but I wanted something more.
Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?: The boys show off their sympathetic side in this acoustic ballad. With molestation as the song topic, Dexter Holland shows off a knack for taking touchy subject and turning them into great songs.
Nothingtown: Another great pop-punk song about getting out of you boring home town. The 1950's guitar-like solo makes the song very unique and fun to listen to.
Stuff is Messed Up: More social commentary to give, they show they still have some snot-nosed punk feel left in them. Fun to listen to and sing along to, this is an instant fan favorite.
Fix You: An ordinary, piano driven ballad about one's significant others faults and how they wish they could correct them. Get's kinda heavy towards the end, but is very disappointing.
Let's Hear It for Rock Bottem: The ska song of the album, this song makes up for "Worst Hangover Ever" on their last studio album, Splinter. It a great song overall. Far from a throwaway track, the message coincides with the album's title. Sometimes we hit rock bottem, but it's not so bad.
Rise and Fall: A pop-punk closer about our nation government, it's structure reminds people of Green Day's "American Idiot" and that song sucks. This is not a bad song, but it's a disappointing closer. I wanted somthing more.
Overall, a great CD. It's got it's moment and it's disappointments, but let's hope that album number 9 will show improvements over them.
Recommended Tracks: Half-Truism, You're Gonna Go Far, Kid, Hammerhead, Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?, Stuff is Messed Up.
My rating: 8/10
This is a review for the Offspring's latest studio effort, Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace. First off, I'm looking at this not only from a fan's point of veiw, but also from a musician's point of veiw. This album makes up for the length of the last album, offering 12 fresh tracks. While the sound of the last album, for me, made up for the lack of songs, this album meets a middle ground. At first, this album seems disappointing for it has a drastic change in sound. It features two ballads and a fresh alternative rock approach, but maintains the familar Offspring sound. It's amazing how fast the songs can grow on you, but it's does have it's disappointments.
Half-Truism: An awesome opening track, giving off an epic feel while not drifting too far from the Offspring's brand of punk rock. The political message encoded in the well though out lyrics make this track my personal favorite.
Trust In You: A good mixture of old and new Offspring, giving off a sound reminiscent to the Ignition days, but also blending it with their refined pop-punk sound. It can be noted that the verse riff sounds similar to their song "Smash", but who cares!? It's catchy.
You're Gonna Go Far, Kid: This is what fans have been waiting for. Another song to sing along to and shout "DANCE, FUCKER, DANCE" as loud as they can. The instrumental is catchy and the lyrics give off an anthem for those who feel they are not to be screwed with.
Hammerhead: The badass lead single with a hypnotic riff that makes you wanna get up and hit somebody dead in the face. A perfect mosh song. This song also shows off more social commentary, talking about school shootings. A touchy subject, but The Offspring pull it off with a punk rock attitude.
A Lot Like Me: This steers away from the fast punk rock and enters piano driven rock with a personal message. A risky move, but they pull it off well.
Takes Me Nowhere: A typical pop-punk song, almost like they are following a pattern. It's fun to listen to and gives fans a good a message, but I wanted something more.
Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?: The boys show off their sympathetic side in this acoustic ballad. With molestation as the song topic, Dexter Holland shows off a knack for taking touchy subject and turning them into great songs.
Nothingtown: Another great pop-punk song about getting out of you boring home town. The 1950's guitar-like solo makes the song very unique and fun to listen to.
Stuff is Messed Up: More social commentary to give, they show they still have some snot-nosed punk feel left in them. Fun to listen to and sing along to, this is an instant fan favorite.
Fix You: An ordinary, piano driven ballad about one's significant others faults and how they wish they could correct them. Get's kinda heavy towards the end, but is very disappointing.
Let's Hear It for Rock Bottem: The ska song of the album, this song makes up for "Worst Hangover Ever" on their last studio album, Splinter. It a great song overall. Far from a throwaway track, the message coincides with the album's title. Sometimes we hit rock bottem, but it's not so bad.
Rise and Fall: A pop-punk closer about our nation government, it's structure reminds people of Green Day's "American Idiot" and that song sucks. This is not a bad song, but it's a disappointing closer. I wanted somthing more.
Overall, a great CD. It's got it's moment and it's disappointments, but let's hope that album number 9 will show improvements over them.
Recommended Tracks: Half-Truism, You're Gonna Go Far, Kid, Hammerhead, Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?, Stuff is Messed Up.
My rating: 8/10
Friday, November 28, 2008
Christmas Shopping
I'm already done with my sister and my dad. I got my sister the movie "WALL-E" and my dad a brand new wallet. I got the wallet at mervyns, and they're not taking returns. I really liked that store, too. Too bad it's going out of business. Oh well, we must move on.
Still debating on what to get my mom. I don't want it to be cheap, but I don't have alot of money to spend. I really want it to have meaning, not just be some ring or bottle of perfume. This is a puzzle. Well, I have until Christmas to figure it out, but I don't want to wait til the last minute. Any ideas?
I will leave you with this. This crack me up...
Still debating on what to get my mom. I don't want it to be cheap, but I don't have alot of money to spend. I really want it to have meaning, not just be some ring or bottle of perfume. This is a puzzle. Well, I have until Christmas to figure it out, but I don't want to wait til the last minute. Any ideas?
I will leave you with this. This crack me up...
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