Why The Music Industry Is Better Than Ever!

I often remember the days when I was in elementary school when I would run home from school, get my saltine crackers, my can of coca cola, and turn on my little Sony stereo, with incredibly tiny speakers. I would frantically go from station to station listening to everything I could. Classic rock, classical music, hip-hop, jazz, everything but that wretched country. I would find some of my mom’s tapes and stick a little bit of toilet paper underneath the film, and then…. VOLA! You had yourself a blank tape! You see, back then we didn’t have too much money for anything, and buying blank tapes was out of the question. I would have so much fun recording all the music I could. The only challenge was to know when it was going to go to commercial break, which was very OFTEN!

Needless to say the fun would only last a few weeks. Due, to the incredible predictability of ALL radio stations at that time. So, I did what anyone else would do when they find themselves attracted to music as much. Try and purchase some albums! Or try to get my mom, or uncle to buy me some! And I still remember my first two albums like it was yesterday! The very first album I ever bought was Nirvana’s “Nevermind.” And the second, as drastic as this may seem, was 2pac’s “Makaveli: 7 day theory.” That probably explains my drastic taste in music. I shift from one style to style, genres don’t matter, only quality is what is important! And I already know, quality is in the eye of the beholder. I have had my fare share of guilty pleasures and will continue to have them. I went through a crazy Metallica phase, went through a crazy Grunge phase, went through “The Beatles” craze, went though my jazz phase, techno phase, gangster rap phase, indie rock phase, emo-music phase, as a matter of fact, if there is a phase… I went through it.  Now, back in those days, if you had enough money, you could possibly buy every single act there is in whatever genre your interested in. If you didn’t have much money you were stuck with the radio, and the endless amounts of ads! It wasn’t till I reached high school when I stumbled on to, what I thought, was the most brilliant thing I had ever seen. Napster, seemed to give me ALL the music that I wanted! At anytime! OH MY GOD! THIS IS HEAVEN! Or so I thought.

What’s wrong with free music? Well, as it turns out, if you like music and wanna steal it. GO AHEAD! I’m sure you wont really care, and I’m sure you could save the money. But, for me it all changed as I got older. After my life wentthrough the worst life can bring someone, I became really attached to music. And I felt like I really was stealing. It was time for a change. As it happens, I later lost my computer and all my music along with it. But, REJOICE! I still had some good albums. And, now It was time to rebuild! My life was in complete shambles at the time, two funerals, a crazy drug addiction, on the run from the law, but if anything had to be rebuilt was my music! Progress, huh?

When I started this, I was extremely broke. And, buying music was just something that was really irresponsible at the time. But did I do it? ABSOLUTELY! Those vicious record companies would like you to just buy any CD you find attractive. They would like you take a change and buy the entire record and your stuck. Like it or not. I know what you are gonna say. “But, Chris they always did have ways for you to sample CD’s at the music stores back then.” And, in many ways you would be right. But, In many was, I would say this was never enough. Most of the time you were so pumped up by one song that you would buy the entire album just for that one song. Which, shortly there after, Napster happened. And, thats where you saw all the blood sucking lawyers, artists, record companies’ C.E.O.’s come out the wood works! And, in some ways rightfully so. But, it is in my opinion that they just went about it all wrong. Napster had all of a sudden brought all the music you could think of in minutes. And a sense of community that was quite amazing. Was it stealing? YUP. Was it wrong? You betcha! Now, when you have an amazing community right there and then one should find a way to capitalize on it. Did the record companies capitalize on it? NOPE. What did they do? Tried to sue everyone and their dog! And it was on! Metallica headed the fight, and others tried, but they would all fail. In my mind there was only one company would succeed. That company was Apple. They introduced iTunes and changed the music industry as we know it. Instead of making you buy an entire album or stealing music, now you had the choice of buying music at an extremely cheaper price. And, in many ways I would so much more music. Which, at the end of the day, thats all an artist wants. They just want to be heard! If they are heard, they will more than likely sell more concert tickets. Will, there ever be a day were you would buy a record or album, go home and just fall in love and stare at the album art like you used to? Probably not. I think, that day is long gone! It’s really sad, but at the same time more music is available a lot more affordable. It is also way easier to record and publish an album now. There used to be a day when, if you have had enough money, you could every album by every artist in whatever genre you were into. Now, that is physically impossible! There just isn’t a way. Indie music has blown up to the Nth degree! And in many ways I LOVE IT!

Broken Bells: My Little Review!

When it comes to “music listening habits,” it’s no doubt that we live in the playlist era. Thanks to things like iPod’s, and mp3’s it has become naturally easier and easier to listen to a barrage of artists, all at the same time. This makes it really hard for the artist to make an album worth the while. Don’t get me wrong, I still make it an extra effort to give an album a good listen, although most of the time it really turned out to be a very disappointing experience. So I would just revert to the good ol’ classics. Needless to say, once in a while we get those completely amazing albums. Those albums that you listen to, from the first track to the very last one. Albums like “In Rainbows” by Radiohead or “White Blood Cells” by The White Stripes or “Wincing The Night Away” by The Shins and so many others. The album I am referring to is the self-titled album called “Broken Bells.” It is the collaboration of Danger Mouse and James Mercer of The Shins.

I still don’t see how Danger Mouse has the time to do anything between all the different projects. From half of Gnarles Barkley to producing albums for Beck, Gorlliaz, The Black Keys, The Good, The Bad, & The Queen, the late Sparklehorse (RIP). And from full fledge albums like Danger Mouse & Jemini, Danger Doom, and also most interestingly the latest collab with Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse) and David Lynch called Dark Night Of The Soul. And now this Broken Bells is a collaboration album between him and James Mercer of The Shins. The Shins are a band that originated in Portland, Oregon around 2002. With influences like The Smiths, The Cure, and Modest Mouse, its no wonder why I love The Shins so much. In any case, the first time I heard rumors that Shins front man was going to collaborate with Danger Mouse, I really didn’t know what to think. I just kept thinking Gnarles Barkley mixed with “Wincing the Night Away.” At first I thought it would be atrocious. But then, I heard it!

The first track had me sold. “The High Road” (click link to listen) a track that deals with starting a new life and all that entails leaving behind an old life. This struck really close to home. I played it three times. (Back to back to back)

Little did I know that the next few tracks would be equally appealing. With “Vaporize” (click link to listen) a classical guitar riffs away while heavy organs pound away any sign of peace. Completely beautiful composition, the whole way through. Then it seems to end on an amazing trumpet silhouette backed up by a beautiful choir.

The entire album never lets down. This is without a doubt, a MUST BUY. If you are one of those people, who go against the grain, the ones who love indie and underground music. This album is definitely for you. If you enjoy Modest Mouse, Shins, Gnarles Barkley or Gorillaz, I would say, take the time and check this out.

Interview:

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I Love,

I love hearing my boss bitch at me. It reminds me that I have a job.

I love having to wake up at 4 a.m. It reminds me that I have a since of purpose.

I love getting bills in the mail. It reminds me that I have responsibilities.

I love hearing my parents argue with me. It reminds me that I am loved unconditionally.

I love hearing people bitch about the government. It reminds me that we have freedom of speech.

I love hearing the anchorman reporting bad news. It reminds that hope is still abundant, no need to report on it!

I love when the weather is at its worst. It reminds me that the next day will only be brighter.

I love hearing couples argue with each other, It reminds me that there is still love in the air

MOST IMPORTANTLY I love the trials and tribulation of life, IT REMINDS ME THAT I AM ALIVE!!!!

This is why Indie F’n Rocks!!!!!!

Now, more than ever, more and more films go under the radar. I would imagine, it has to do with how easy it has gotten to create a film. And, sometimes in the mist of all the marketing from the big boys, we forget to check out the small independent films. Most of the time you see an original idea at the movies, which seldom happens. Chances are, that very film was an indie at a film festival that got green lit for distribution. But, my point is that, most indie films have the heart, depth, and influence as the big budget films you see in theaters. Why wait for movie studios? Check out these films as often as you can! A lot of the times you will probably have to go out of your way, and find a theater that might be a little further than you would like. But, its worth the shot! Now, that being said, there is a film I have to talk about. A film, that hit really close to home. There might be a little bias, due to the fact that I am both an x-convict, and recovering drug addict. The film I am talking is a film called “What Doesn’t Kill You.” Loosely based on the life story of two friends. That being of debut director “Brian Goodman,” who has been an actor, mostly starring in tv. Written by “Brian Goodman, Paul T. Murray, and Donnie Wahlberg.” Features Mark Ruffalo. Ethan Hawke, and Amanda Peet.

The film tells the tale of two childhood friends. Brian, played by Mark Ruffalo and Paulie, played by Ethan Hawke, who grow up in a tough South Boston Irish-Catholic neighborhood. The two lifelong friends are seemingly trapped in a vicious cycle of crime, drugs and violence. To make matters worse they are under the suspicious eye of a police detective, played by Donnie Wahlberg. Brian’s life reaches a crossroads when Brian’s wife, played by Amanda Peet, tries to convince Brian to move away from his criminal lifestyle. Brian is eventually forced to choose between his family and his best friend Paulie.

Never in the history of my movie watching days, have I ever seen gangster films in Boston. Ever since Scorsese and Clint Eastwood came to town, Southie has changed forever. In this film, South Boston looks as gritty as you would expect it to be. The first 25 minutes of it seem like the typical crime film. I was turned off in the beginning and wanted to change it. And, boy was I wrong! This film isn’t really a crime thriller at all. It is a cautionary tale, about family, drug addiction, and about trying to do the right thing despite the fact, that everything you know is so illicit and dirty. This film hits me really hard, mostly because I have felt the pain first hand. It gives you a real feel of what its like to go rock bottom. A lot of people never get to experience this, and fourtantly so. It hit the drug addiction topic, right on the money. It is so hard to quit. And most of the time it does take prison. Needless to say, this film has a few things that don’t work too good. Amanda Peet’s accent and sometimes over the top acting threw me out of the mix. Also, outside of the main characters, the acting can sometimes fall short.

A Christmas Rejoice!!!!

Well, its that beautiful time of the year. Not to long ago I could really care less about Christmas. For so long my only concern was the next time I was going to get high. As a matter of fact, the last time this holiday came around, I was locked up behind bars with a a lot of grown ass men. And when that time came around, we would all wish for on minute that we could be free, so we could celebrate Christmas with our loved ones. Of course, before we all got locked up we would spend Christmas trying to get fucked up or fucked, at the expense of our loved ones. Well, fuck that shit. I’m back, and I am done with that shit!! Its good living from now on. As Frank Sinatra would say, ITS THE GOOD LIFE! It’s crazy how little I have, but how happy I am in contrast. So I say, merry Christmas to all, and to all a happy new year! Please don’t take it for granted. It’s not a god thing! It’s a family thing!

I probably wont be posting any reviews untill the beging of the new year! So be patient. And thank you for coming through!

The Hurt Locker

It’s not to often we get to see a good movie, based in the Iraq war, and an indie film at that. The film I am speaking of, is “The Hurt Locker.” Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, and starring Jeremy Renner (in his first lead), Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty. This film tells the story of three elite soldiers who have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world: EOD Bomb Squad. James (Jeremy Renner), takes over a highly trained bomb disposal team amidst violent conflicts, and completely breaks all the rules and goes a la’ mode.

“The Hurt Locker” is based on the real life accounts of Mark Boal (a journalist who was embedded with an American bomb squad in the war. Some of the sequences fell almost as if it was meant to look and feel like a documentary. It was one of the most intense sniper sequences I have ever seen. It defiantly delivers in the suspense and action departments.

The few problems I had with this film, was the end. While, I do understand the point Kathryn was trying to convey, I left the movie with not only a slight annoyance, but at the end of the day, I left with out really caring about the character as much as I should of. I would have preferred if it went into depth about what happens the main character. All in all I found this film not only to be fun, but also very insightful. It will defiantly leave you in awe of what our troops our doing out there. You should defiantly check out this film. I would say RENT and not buy, but still a definant watch!

Avatar: The Game Changer

What can I possibly say about “Avatar” that hasn’t been already said? Directed by James Cameron. Starring, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and the return of sci-fi veteran, Sigourney Weaver. The one thing that can, and has been, said about this film is the fact that this is a “game changer.” Like everything else he does. Cameron throws himself at the forefront of film technology. He spent almost a decade developing a revolutionary way to shoot 3D. Spending almost a half of a billion dollars to create this masterpiece. The film is estimated to have cost over $300 million to produce, and another estimated $200 million for distribution and other costs. Therfore being dubbed “The most expensive film ever!” Followed by “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s end” at $300 million.

In 1994, James wrote a 114 page script. After realizing the fact that technology wasn’t proficient enough to support his vision, he waited. Having seen “The Lord Of The Rings,” changed his mind entirely. He, then took it out and dusted it off and gave it a go. He proceeded to team up with “Digital Domain.” The script circulated on the internet for years, until the announcement was official. Subsequently take down noticed were issued to various sites thereafter.

Cameron, later hired Dr. Paul Frommer, linguist and director of the “Center For Management Communication” at USC. He then created an entire language and culture of the “Na’vi” (the indigenous race on Pandora). The language has a vocabulary of about 1,000 words with some 30 having been invented by Cameron himself.

In June 2006, Cameron said that if “Avatar” was successful he hoped to make two sequel films. The following August, the visual effects studio “Wetta Digital” signed on to help Cameron produce “Avatar” (dropping Digital Domain). Some of the accolades for Wetta Digital are, “The Lord Of The Rings (all films),” “iRobot,” “District 9.” In September 2006, he announced that he would be using his own camera system to create “Avatar.” A system, which would use two high-definition cameras in a single camera body to create depth of perception. Cameron’s new virtual camera would allow him to observe on a monitor, how the actors’ virtual counterpart would interact with the movies digital world in real time and adjust the direct scene just as if he were shooting in live action. “Almost like a video game engine.” He had planned to continue developing the special effects untill the film was released in 2009. He also gave fellow directors “Steven Spielberg,” and “Peter Jackson” a chance to test the new technology. “George Lucas,” was also able to visit the set to watch Cameron direct with the equipment. Along with other technological revolutionary inventions, he proceded to creat something known as “The Volume,” which is six times larger than previously used. It is an improved method of capturing facial expressions. The tool is a small skull cap with a tiny camera attached to it, located in front of the actor’s face. It collects information about their facial expressions and eyes. All the data then is transmitted to a computer.

This film, was not a film at all. To me this film was an experience. The sadness of it was when the credits rolled. I felt as if I got on a ship, and I was the one inhabiting Pandora. This film in my opinion, is our generations “A New Hope.” There are very few films like this. Films like “Wizzard Of Oz,” “Citizen Kane,” “Star Wars,” changed the perception of what can be achieved in film making. Every man, woman, and child should rush out and watch this masterpiece. For I am proud to say that “Avatar” is the best film I have ever seen, IN MY LIFE!

The Lo-Fi

So I would like to talk about an awesome band I discovered yesterday. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts ever “indiefeed!” If you are not suscribe to indiefeed on itunes, WTF are you waiting for? But anyway, “The Thermals” are from Portland, Oregon. Hutch Harris, and Kathy Foster originally formed the band in 2002. The genres they consider them self’s are quite funny. From “Indie Rock, Pop Punk, Post Pop Punk, Lo-Fi, Mid-Fi, Punk Post Pop(Jokingly). Unfortunately, I should have probably checked out all their albums, but I just couldn’t wait. I checked out the album “Now We Can See” And I fell in love with it. I would say “It’s like death cab but with some gut wrenching kick!” The albums are as follows: “More Parts per Million (2003),” “Fuckin A (2004),” “The Body, the Blood, The Machine (2006),” and the most recent “Now We Can See (2009).” On the album “Now We Can See” the songs just come bursting out, with joy. The most anthemic track on the album is a track called “I Let It Go.” A track that will make you roll your windows down and bang your head, while you enjoy the sunset. Then It’s followed another onslaught of rhythmic sensations with the track “Now We Can See.” The entire album is warm hearted, and will put you in a good mood. Now, that being said, if you are one of those people who enjoy the hardcore music scene, emo music, or just flat out depressing music, this isn’t for you! Notable mentions:

“Hutch And Kathy”

“Titus Andronicus”

“The Hold Steady”

and as if you didn’t already know “Built To Spill”

Alright, sorry for the short post. Like I said, I should have probably check out ALL their albums, but fuck it! This Album Rocks! Please check it out!

Them Crooked Vultures (Review)

Okay, so maybe I am late to the game. But, fuck it! I will still give my opinion about “Them Crooked Vultures.” Alright, for those of you like me who love music and don’t get a chance to keep your ear to the ground. “TCV” is a supergroup formed in L.A. earlier this year . The band is composed of Dave Grohl from “Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Probot, Queens of the Stone Age, Desert Sessions,” Josh Homme from “Queens of The Stone Age, Kyuss, Eagles Of Death Metal, Desert Sessions, and the legend John Paul Jones from “Led Zeppelin.” Their first album “Them Crooked Vultures” dropped November 17.

Okay then, now to the music. This band would sound exactly how you think. Queens of the Stone Age, mixed with awesome blues sound with a funky drum. The album starts with the track “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I.” At first I thought I was listening to QOTSA, up until mid song, whenever the bass and drums kicked my ass! The entire album is painted with the styling of Josh Hommes, but would you want it any different? And later on Dave Grohl really gets to put his drumming down on the track “New Fang.” It brought me back to those days where I would listen “My Hero” incessantly for days on end. Dave can play anything he wants, but if you ask me, he belongs on the drum set! Needless to say, when you have such an awesome drummer, you need an equally insane bassist. And who better than the guy who use to play bass for one of the greatest bands ever. I can only imagine this guy keeping up with John Bonham. Take the track “Elephants,” it feels as if it started with a good ol’ jam session. You can feel hints of that old Zeppelin sound infused with some awesome desert rock. It feels like they had a blast recording this album. One of my favorite things about this album, is the fact it feels classic and new at the same time. It carries awesome classic blues riffs, with new effects and pounding drums. If only other supergroups could get the hint. We don’t need a 2 disc set of a band trying to be the most awesome band in the world, playing music that is complex and dry. Keep it simple and have a good time.

Now. Is this album perfect? No. One of my small complains is that it goes up to 100 MPH and doesn’t slow down or show you a different side. Which is not a big deal, but it would have been awesome to see the other side of these giants of music. Perhaps something like “Make It Witchu” on the latest “Queens of the Stone Age album, something that would show more of a profound style of lyrics. We already can se a profound style of music. All in all if you’re a fan of “Queens of The Stone Age, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, The Dessert Session,” this is obviously a must!

Why will I always be a crook?

Okay, this following post has nothing to do with music or films. (Its been a slow month). This is about something that has been eating away at me. I know this is a country of laws. But, I still find it inherently wrong when the system is so unforgiving. They will label you furthermore until your dead. I understand how a current and consistent offender can be a detrimental danger to society. But, what about the people who were young and did something stupid? They often don’t have a choice but to suffer. They will probably work twice as hard to get to where they want to be, and very seldom get to reach that point in their lives. I wish there was a way to get a movement going to be a little less harsh on first time offenders. I know statures of limitations are in place, but it takes many years to take place. And, in my case it would take 5 years. But, my fear is that even after all that time, a thorough criminal background check will still be tainted with my felonious past. I am genuinely a good person, a good person who did something stupid as a kid. Are we not allowed to do stupid things as kids anymore? Why should we loose our chance for a good future? I am in no way defending people who time after time sell drugs or rape women or murders. I am defending those people who can’t do what they really want to do with their lives. Because, they have been labeled a felon FOR LIFE.

According to The U.S. Department of Justice(Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics/ Criminal Offender Statistics) the lifetime chances of a person going to prison are:

Men (11.3 %)

Women (1.8 %)

Black males (18.6%)

Hispanics (10%)

Whites (3.4%)

Based on current rates of first incarceration, 32% of African-American will enter State or Federal Prison. 17% for Hispanics and 5.9% for Whites. There is an alarming annotation to it all. The rate of recidivism is quite disturbing, 67.5% in 1994 caught another case after their release. That only means that number might be higher now considering the criminal rates per state. But that still leaves 32.5 % that never caught another case. I belive it in my heart that something has to be done to untarnish our names. I want to be a computer programmer, journalist, lawyer, doctor, teacher, there should be nothing in our way. A mistake should be punishable, that is undinable. But after we pay our debt to society we should no longer be the red headed step child of society. I AM FOR ONE TIRED OF ALL THE SHIT THE LEGAL SYSTEM DOES!!!! ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE! I for one am going to write my congressmen. I know its not much but we have to start somewhere.