Cupid Knows Where To Stick Those Arrows (Feb. 2008)

Originally published for the Bismarck State College Mystician back in February, 2008.

A brand new year has dawned and February is already here. That means Valentine's Day is coming and we can already feel the "love." Something is in the air alright, but it's not love. That's just the naive children shilling out handfuls of cash on their new piece of eye candy.

Many can surely guess that "investing in love and relationships" is not on New Year's resolution list. Some readers might remember the column I wrote back in October on my relationship dilemma. Well, I'm here to report that not much has changed, except for my growing disdain towards the concept.

Keep in mind, though, I don't have a cold heart. If the right girl comes along, I'm not going to push her away. It's just that I have no interest in actively searching. What reason would I have? I have become alarmed in what I have seen in other relationships and feel that I do not need to be a part of that melodrama.

I like to observe to people. I know that sounds creepy, but people intrigue me. Whenever I'm out in the community I like to observe the various unique behaviors and interactions among the people around me. One of the funniest places to observe are bars. You can truly see how deep some men are when it comes to initializing a relationship. I don't even need to drink to be entertained; the sights before me are enough at times.

I find myself enthralled with the "alpha" male's struggling and epic journey while on the hunt. He cunningly prowls across the jungle they call a dance floor. He swiftly pounces upon an unexpecting prey in the far left corner of the floor – too concerned with shaking her "booty" to beat alongside her girlfriends. She continues to chat amongst her "pack" as he makes a motion to her. Disgusted, this "refined" lady turns away from the undeserving, lowly example of the male species – until her last two strawberry daiquiris start to kick in. After the two partake in the traditional tribal grind to Baby Bash's new single, the male is satisfied in her ability to "move her body like a cyclone." The two sit alone and the male begins swooning his female, which involves getting the female to ingest a few more shots of liquor. Thus the mating ritual is complete. We can all figure out what happens next.

Surely a bar is not the best example of deep relationships, but they make up a majority of the shallow ones. And despite this one example, there are quite a few more varied experiences and observations that have me disinterested. I see younger kids who jump the gun way too soon in relationships. Three of my close friends are already engaged. One just happens to be one of my best friends. And though I'm happy for him, I pray the two actually make it. I've seen in my extended family just how bad the "marrying the high school sweetheart" scenario can go.

One problem with younger relationships is that they may have experienced enough to know the troubles they will face in married life. Some marry simply out of passion and though it may sound cold and heartless, love is not enough to survive marriage. Marriage is about commitment, compatibility and the means to maintain a household. I hate to say it, but most young couples – despite being in love – are not compatible in the long run. Passionate love can be the worst. Marriage relies on rationality, something passionate people tend to lack. An even worse scenario is when someone passionate or emotional marries someone who is more stoic and logical. Sometimes they may balance each other, but this isn't always the cause. I've seen this example in one of the most influential relationships in my life and – believe me – when a fight comes, expect to see guns ablazing.

I suppose in the long run, this is all just trivial. Valentine's Day is such a ridiculous excuse to pursue or validate a relationship. And though it sucks to always be the third, fifth or whatever wheel among all my friends, I don't wish to rush myself into hunting down a relationship just for the trend. I want something more meaningful than that. Given my lack of charisma or classic good looks, just going for a quick hook-up is not something I'll probably succeed at anyway. Instead, I'll continue in investing time in myself and growing as a person. Then when the right one comes along, I can work on developing a deeper relationship.

Under The Radar: Sigur Rós (Feb. 2008)

Originally published for the Bismarck State College Mystician back in February, 2008.

 

Genre: Experimental/Ambient

Much of today's music tries to be fast, loud and belligerent. And at times, it grows tiring and begins to all sound the same. It's time like these that may drive listeners to find something new and innovative. In the loud and occasionally bothersome world of mainstream music, some may try to find innovation in a more somber and occasionally psychedelic music forum. This is how some have come to discover the hidden Icelandic gem Sigur Rós.

Many have tried to classify Sigur Rós, sometimes inventing genre names. Dream Pop, Post-Rock and Experimental-Ambient are some of the words that have been used to describe them. The band came out out a late 80s, early 90s musical scene known around the UK as "shoe-gazer," a term to describe certain alternative and experiential groups who would stand perfectly still as they played their instruments while keeping their head to the floor as if they were gazing at their shoes.

Despite their various classifications, the group's music is a mellow mix of psychedelic noise and ethereal, ambient sound manipulation. This combination mixed with lead singer Jónsi Birgisson's falsetto voice creates a soothing and trippy musical experience. One innovative technique in sound manipulation that the band has become known for is Birgisson playing electric guitar with a cello bow followed with a unique mix of reverberation, creating a fluidic sound.

The group formed in 1994, starting with members Jónsi Birgisson (vocals, guitar), Georg Hólm (bass), and Ágúst Ævar Gunnarsson (drums). The group named themselves after Birgisson's little sister, Sigurrós, meaning "victory rose."

They released their first album Von in 1997. Keyboardist Kjartan Sveinsson joined up a year later, soon releasing a remixed version of the album titled Von brigði. Sveinsson would come to contribute much in terms of orchestral and string arrangement in their work.

Their second album Ágætis byrjun won them critical acclaim internationally. They soon developed a cult following and were getting much support from the music community, including UK favorites Radiohead and other bands such as Metallica. Many of their songs have been seen in movies such as Vanilla Sky and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

Many of their albums since have grown more experimental, like their 2005 release Takk, adding more rock into their formula. The band continues to experiment and find new innovations as they recently announced a new album planned for release sometime in late 2008.

Notable Albums:
Von (1997)
Ágætis byrjun (1999)
Takk (2005)


Notable Tracks:
"Sæglópur"
"Glósóli"
"Starálfur"
"Njósnavélin"

Drop the Burger and the Beer, and Step Away From the Table! (Nov. 2007)

Originally published for the Bismarck State College Mystician back in November, 2007.

I'm outing myself, throwing myself at the mercy of the general populous, ready to take the heat for this declaration: I feel sorry for the tobacco industry – and the alcohol industry – and even the fast food industry. How awful it must be to be part of a corporate McDonald's or Jack Daniels. Or worse yet, Philip Morris Incorporated. How would it feel to make money off a product that kills millions. Well, when a company is worth billions, it probably wouldn't care. I actually admire these companies. They're the ultimate con artists. They make money off products that the general public knows is unhealthy. These people are geniuses.

My concern is the growing lack of common sense. Of course if you drink, eat or smoke too much, you're going to die early. That's one of those moments where you have to do, "D'oh!"

Whatever happened to moderation? America is suffering an epidemic of overindulgence that's reached whole new levels. We have become an "all or nothing" nation. We're either addicted or completely abstinent. There's no middle ground anymore. Just look at eating disorder. Currently, the center for Disease Control reports that 32.2 percent of Americans suffer from obesity while, according to the National Eating Disorders Association 11 million Americans suffer from either anorexia or bulimia. America concurrently has high rates for obesity as well as eating disorders. Can you say irony?

Alcohol is probably one of our biggest issues. We all know about alcoholism in this country and the endless fight that Alcoholics Anonymous endures to rid of alcohol dependence. But what about alcohol abuse. Yes, there is a difference. Alcohol dependency is a much deeper psychological condition. My issues is with people who abuse alcohol. Anyone who regularly attends a bar knows whom I'm talking about: the people who don't know when enough i enough. They start out having a single drink with their buddies and end up drunk as a skunk by the end of the night arguing with the bartender, "Come on barkeep, one more for the road?"

I feel like many people don't know personal responsibility anymore. People day in and day out take vows of abstinence. I hear it all the time. Someone consumes too much of something, so they automatically vow to never touch it again.

"I vow to never eat fast food again."

"I vow to never drink alcohol again."

"I vow to never eat sweets again."

"I vow to never play video games or watch TV again."

Many devote to complete abstinence long before it's necessary and wind up experiencing relapse. This is because when people completely abstain from something, they are still allowing it to control them. Quitting something is a lot easier than learning moderation, because moderation requires discipline. And there lies the core of this problem: many people don't know discipline.

Of course it's easy to point fingers at others without ever taking any self-criticism. And I'll admit, I myself am probably considered obese and probably can be deemed a hypocrite. I do have my own addictions and bad habits that need some work. But I am trying to better myself. And as a person who is considered a moderate drinker and a "social" smoker, it's a lot easier to point fingers at others. However, as someone who knows how to moderately drink, I can say that I find myself embarrassed to see so many people at bars that can't hold their liquor, especially the younger people who have just started their crusades as partying 21-year-olds. And, of course, being someone who is able to go months without smoking a single cigarette and still be considered a smoker is a paradox to most.

I'm not going to pretend to know what goes through other people's minds. But I still feel I need to address the lack of moderation I see in others. Many classify themselves as addicts as a course of blame and sympathy. In many cases, it's not addiction; it's a lack of self-control. Too many are looking for scapegoats such as addictions or the companies. I am constantly filled with annoyance as I read another story of someone suing a company for their health problems. We all know the risks and we all know when we consume too much. It's time to start taking responsibility.

Under The Radar: A Tribe Called Quest (Nov. 2007)

Originally published for the Bismarck State College Mystician back in November, 2007.

Genre: Indie Rap/Hip-Hop

These days, rap bridges into mainstream music through a repertoire of collective gimmicks. Rappers rely on bells and whistles such as spouting off catch phrases, repeating unoriginal choruses, "borrowing" lyrics and samples from previous songs. Go back 10 years or so, one would that the rap and hip-hop scene was very different. Alongside mainstream rappers like 2pac, Biggie and Ice Cube – who all showed impressive skills – there was a growing underground scene focused on more positive lyrical themes. One such group was A Tribe Called Quest.

Back in the 90s, A Tribe Called Quest emerged out of a growing underground scene. Tribe had originated from a collective group of rappers known as the Native Tongues Posse. These were artists focused around positive themes and more earthly beats and melodies. Among them were veterans such as De Le Soul and Jungle Brothers. They revolutionized the idea of sampling jazz and funk into their music. Their open forum of musical experimentation paved the way for the Instrumental Rap genre and its pioneers such as Mos Def.

A Tribe Called Quest sampled anything and everything and were known for obscure, yet oddly developed musical structure. Their lyrical style originally evolved from old school free-styling, incorporating many topical themes and upbeat positive imagery. While it evolved from traditional hip-hop of the 80s, the sound was considered unique at the time. Rap had recently taken a harder turn, with new acts such as Ice Cube focusing on misogyny, drugs and gang violence. Tribe's take on the hip-hop scene is said to have influenced many acts such as modern indie-rappers Little Brother and Slum Village, as well as more secular acts like Black Eyed Peas and Kanye West.

It was in 1990 that Tribe released their first full-length album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. The record got a great response from critics; however, it went unnoticed by most mainstream listeners at the time. Their single off the record "Can I Kick It" would finally get the group a little bit of well deserved attention.

After the group put out their next album, The Low End Theory, they became known for focusing on social themes such as racism. gang violence and date rape. Over the years, the group was enthralled with afrocentric issues and the controversies stemming out of secular rap. They grew especially concerned over the rivalry of east-coast and west-coast rappers.

Tribe called it quits in 1998 after releasing their fifth album, The Love Movement. The break-up was partly attributed to group member Phife Dawg's growing reluctance for the music. In an interview for the website Listd (www.listd.net) Phife said, "I started feelin' like I didn't fit in anymore . . . music felt like a job."

The group reunited in 2006 and held several sold out concerts. The group has yet to announce any possible upcoming reunions.

Latest Album:
The Love Movement

Notable Tracks:
"Can I Kick It?"
"Scenario"
"Buggin' Out"
"Jazz(We've Got)"

Can Nice Guys Win At Anything? (Oct. 2007)

 (Originally published for the Bismarck State College Mystician back in October, 2007.

As a third year student in college, I've come to acquire some new wisdom. The college experience is known for expanding the mind to broad new subjects. However, there is a subject that – to this day – my mind is incapable of wrapping around: relationships. Despite years of observing people, I'm nowhere closer to understanding the opposite sex. This isn't your typical joke of men never understanding the "mystery" that is women. I just thought by now I would have a little more insight on what exactly relationships are. The reason for these issues arise from the fact that I have so little experience in this area.

My life could be written into a self-help book on how not to approach women and develop relationships. For years, I've experienced every form of rejection: a simple no, harsh laughter and resentful avoidance. I've even received rejection in the form of pepper-spray once.

The question I have: "is it worth even being involved with women?" Outside of propagation and the sociological and economical ideals of marriage, what does anyone get out of being involved with the opposite sex? We seem to live in a society where people are afraid to be alone.

I wish there was something more to it. Everyone talks about looking for that "connection." But what is that connection? Is there some tangible emotion when you're around that person who "completes you?" For years I've been trying to connect with others, not necessarily to find "the one," but to find someone who can at least tolerate me.

I guess my own jaded perspective originates from my own fallacies in the relationship department. I've never been in a "true" relationship. And for the longest time, I've always blamed myself. My conflict is that I've never been able to approach women very well. Example: I see an attractive girl in one of my classes. After a few eye glances and brief moments of speech, I ponder approaching her and starting a conversation.

"How's it going?" I say.

"Pretty good," she'll say in an innocent but unenthusiastic tone.

Then it happens: the awkward silence. I sit there for a moment trying to think of something to say and then the creepiness factor sinks in and she says,

"Talk to you later."

She walks away.

That one moment marked the important "first impression" and I blew it.

She will now sit on the opposite side of the room, never give me a single glance and avoid crossing my path once more.

I am not good at thinking of things to say on the fly and I'm not able to plan what to say ahead of time and not sound scripted.

I've always wondered whether or not I give off some creepy guy vibe. I've had to spend some time analyzing myself personally and can admit that I'm shy. I'm considered a hopeless romantic. And despite all the romantic comedies that show the nice guy winning in the end, that's rarely the case. I've always heard how college is the time where people finally realize that the one with the nice personality is a better investment in the long run than that lovely, hunk of a jerk.

I've been told for years that the right person will come along eventually. I have to give it time and I'll supposedly meet that right person. I'm only 21. I've got many years to continue searching for "the one." My only concern is that my lack of experience may hold back my quest. Sp, I'm forced to observe other relationships for reference. And I've got to tell you, what I've seen for from others, things don't look so good.

What's Next, Beaming Music Directly Into The Brain? (Sept. 2007)

Originally published for the Bismarck State College Mystician back in September, 2007.

I have fought a fierce battle my whole life and that battle has been the "technologically resistant." Whether it's been arguments over the rise of computers with older generations or the frustrations with those in my Intro to Computers class, who find the simplest functions too complex to learn. However, I recently found myself joining the renegades against the advancement of technology. Back in the day, children of the '60s and '70s resisted trading their old vinyl records for shiny new CDs. Now I've come to face a similar crisis: the death of the compact disc.

Simply put, iTunes is my sworn enemy. As I've embraced the digital music age, I've always resisted converting to Apple's super-convenient media player. Up until now iTunes came out, I denied how digital music was slowly killing off the album. For as long as I can remember, I defended downloading music from programs such as Napster, Morpheus, Kazaa and Limewire because I assumed everyone downloaded like I did.

Over the years, I embraced many different genres – both mainstream an obscure – and have come to learn of many new artists. Upon learning about these artists, I would quickly switch on Limewire and type in their name. As I saw the numerous file names accumulate onto my screen, my heart would race as I imagined the experience of hearing this brand new artist. I would rummage through the list and find a few decent sounding songs. Soon, my media player would begin a search to carry over these new files to my database.

As I listened, I would make a quick judgment of their sound. After learning more about the artist I would make another decision, "Are they good enough for a purchase?"

I use today's digital technology as an infinite sample catalog. I download a couple songs, decide whether I like it and go out and buy their CD. I condoned illegal downloading because I thought everyone was using it the same way. Imagine my disappointment when I learned otherwise. Then legal downloading came in the form of digital stores and I think my heart died a little that day.

As much as I love my digital catalog, to me there's nothing better than buying an album. Once every two weeks, after payday arrives, I check the local music stores stores. It's a thrill to hand over my hard earned cash and hold a branch spanking new CD. As I hold the newly purchased CD, my hands slowly tremble at the need to open the casing right there and pop it into a CD player.

But sadly, this is not the norm anymore. More and more music stores, like my old friend Sam Goody (I'll miss you, buddy) are dying out and I blame Apple.

Anyone who knows me, knows my vindictive hatred of Apple and everything they stand for. When Apple issued the iPod, everybody danced with joy as music became even more compact. Since then, the iPod has grown smaller in size and bigger in popularity. It's shocking to see so many carrying these little devices around. What so many people don't realize is how this new online trend is affecting record stores. As more digital stores continue to pop up, record stores slowly go out of business. Could these little devices really replace the album completely?

I may be a traditionalist, but there's something about an album that files stores on a hard drive cannot replace. I shudder to think that eventually all music will be sold digitally and even stores such as Sam Goody and F.Y.E. will be all digital. Instead of purchasing a CD, I see myself eventually going up to a counter and having the clerks install music directly into some kind of portable storage device.

But I'll continue to fight, even if it means years from now being the loan individual buying CDs out of old antique stores. Yes, even as I type this, I already lose faith in my cause as I find myself listening to my freshly purchased iPod shuffle.

Under The Radar: Dredg (Sept. 2007)

Originally published for the Bismarck State College Mystician back in September, 2007.

 

Genre: Progressive/Alternative/Ambient

Dredg is a progressive alternative band from California with a strong cult following but is virtually unknown in mainstream media. Many have tried to classify them, some comparing their sound to Tool or Deftones but fail as their unique sound defies any comparison.
The band's early work was influenced by early nu metal, but since their record debut with Leitmotif back in 1999, they've developed a sound all their own.

Since then, Dredg has been steadily changing, remaining ever evolving. The band's focus has been on experimentation and eclectic, ambient melodies and is known for many innovations – implementing "noise-making" techniques to create a variety of atmospheric effects.

One of the most well known examples is lead singer Gavin Hayes' use of a slide guitar – particularly in the song "The Canyon Behind Her." In this piece, Hayes slides a screwdriver across his guitar strings, harmonizing with the song's melody to create an atmospheric soundscape that almost sounds computer-driven.

With each album, their sound has expanded and changed, all the while keeping an underlying theme to their music. Their albums are conceptual and explore complex, abstract and philosophical themes. The band appears to be influenced by surrealism and has often created surrealist-inspired artwork (usually done by either Hayes or bassist Drew Roulette) alongside their music and is usually implemented into their album's cover art and linear notes.

Their album El Cielo was influenced by surrealist painter Salvador Dali and his painting Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bumblebee Around a Pomegranate One Second Before Awakening. The album was focused around sleep paralysis, a disorder Dali's wife suffered from. Band members had also interpreted the aforementioned painting to be a literal representation of the disorder. The band received letters from people who have suffered from sleep paralysis and had them describe the bizarre dreams and hallucinations that accompanied their condition. These dreams were used for the basis of many of their songs.

In their newest album, Catch Without Arms, Dredg's music has become less complex and focuses more on melody than the experimentation seen in El Cielo. Their themes, however, remain as abstract as ever. The album as explores aesthetic realism, focusing on duality and presents the contrasts seen in an array of arguments.

Notable Albums:
Leitmotif
El Cielo
Catch Without Arms

Notable Tracks:
"The Canyon Behind Her"
"Whoa Is Me"
"Ode To The Sun"
"Planting Seeds"