All I want for Christmas...

This is an article that I wrote a few days ago. It's going to be in the Holiday issue of the KVRX Call Letter. I'm not sure where exactly they publish it, or if it is just an online call letter, but either way, if you want to check it out on their web site, it can probably be found at http://www.kvrx.org. But here's the article:

All I want for Christmas is a CD.

You remember those? Those shiny plastic encasings that held a compact disk and had sleeves containing the cover art, “thank you’s,” and album credits?

As a kid, I remember coming home with a brand new CD, going straight for my parents killer sound-system, adjusting the equalizer and then popping in that shiny disc that held anywhere from 10 to 15 tracks.

I would read the lyrics, sing along with the songs, hoping that the mastery of my own voice would become something to be desired among record executives and disc-jockeys.

The immense sound of rock and roll emanated through my house to the point where my dad would cringe at the sound of an electric guitar and booming drums. Thank you Nevermind.

The stockings have been hung. The tree has been decorated, and the family tradition of opening one present early in anticipation for Santa’s later offerings is about to commence.

I open my stocking, anticipating a shiny, glossy encasing which holds the all-black album cover of The Monk’s Black Monk Time. I reach into the stocking, only to find a gift card granting me 20 free songs on iTunes.

Three words enter my mind: What the hell! When did a card which gives you free music online pass for a musical offering? Santa has a major blow-torch of a thank-you letter coming his way. A cool, classic vinyl would have sufficed, even though I don’t even own a working record player.

I would curse the holidays, but now, I have to find a computer.

When Is When?

Well, I haven't written in some time; however, it is always time attributed to school, which is not necessarily time wasted. Either way, much musical things to jabber about.

But before that, I'd like to give a shout-out to my Dad, Manuel Lopez. Happy 51st Pa! Enjoy your new guitar! Maybe we can jam out together.

Okay, first, Regina Spektor. Okay, I have been a fan of Regina Spektor for a few years now, and have had opportunities to see her in concert, which were always botched by inconvenient situations of which I had no control. However, a wonderful friend gave me a Regina Spektor ticket for my birthday, and the show coincidentally fell on Nov. 11th, which was last night. Awesome, because I did not have class today. The show was at Stubb's, here in Austin, and what I've noticed that has become a common trend is that bands truly love performing in Austin because the crowd here gives excellent feedback and there is never EVER a dull moment.

Having said that, Regina Spektor put on a great show. She played a mixture of songs from Soviet Kitsch, Begin To Hope and her latest endeavor, Far. She played some of her best, and most popular, stuff. She played songs like "Samson," "Us," "Apres Moi," and "Poor Little Rich Boy." I was kind of saddened that she didn't play my favorite song, "Summer In The City." Either way, the show was excellent, her performance was beautiful and she has a smile that radiated amongst the crowd that all one could do was gush and beg for more. Thank you, Regina Spektor, thank you!

On a CD Purchase Note:

I've recently made three CD purchases, but I haven't gotten the chance to listen to them fully. Here are my verdicts so far.

Devendra Banhart - What Will We Be: This CD is great. Devendra Banhart is one of my all-time favorite musicians, and this album just proves that he's getting better and better. He's reaching toward different inspirations and finding himself making music that suits his constant changes in mood, but always staying truthful to what drives him musically. This is not his greatest album, but it is still a solid, excellent piece of work. So far, my favorites are "Can't Help But Smiling," "Angelicka," "Baby," "Chin Chin & Muck Muck," and "Brindo." Check it out, it will not disappoint.

The Stooges - Raw Power: I had already heard a few tracks from this album, which prompted me to buy it. I haven't listened to the whole thing all the way through, just spontaneous song-picks riding on the bus to and from school. However, everything I've heard so far is raw and powerful which, for rock n' roll, is never a bad thing.

New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies: My favorite New Order song is "Age of Consent," so I decided that my first New Order album would have to be the one that had this song on it. Which happened to be the same album that has "Blue Monday" on it, which is probably their most famous songs, at least on the mainstream scale. However, I think their earlier work is probably the greatest. This album is very spacial and experimental, but I like it nonetheless. It still has a few songs that haven't grown on me, so I wouldn't necessarily recomment it; however, I feel like I will love it once I listen to it more.

That's all I got for now. Time to read. Peace.

Rock n' Roll

Strange coincidence that the genre that has fueled a fire within so many hearts is the genre that I hope to fuel with my writing when the time comes for me to venture to a different city in the hopes of becoming a music writer. I have been delving into my Creem anthology of articles and interviews, only to become further engrossed in the literature that has been spurned from the making of great music since the dawn of time.

Having said this, I find that Austin is a city largely populated with musicians and music writers, and to fit the mold, you have to question where your integrity lies and which direction you wish to pursue. The Journalism department at UT has a certain clique feel to it where it can often be discouraging if you are not a part of it. Maybe this means that my work would be best as a freelance writer, I'm not sure. Either way, it does have an affect on a person's perception of talent and how that talent can be used, molded and shaped to befit a magazine that has seen many writers come and go (Rolling Stone).

I look at the writings of Austin Scaggs, Lester Bangs and Hunter S. Thompson, in the hopes that a journalistic pull will take over and place me in a stigma where I can feel that messages of great writers pulsating through my fingertips, in order to make me write a masterpiece...

I thought I had written a masterpiece. I did a profile on a drug-dealer, and I thought it was one of the best stories I had ever written. I was extremely proud of the responses I got from my most critical of friends; however, my journalism professor tore it to pieces, giving me a C on it. En serio? C? His comments were more along the lines of "you use superfluous language to sound smart when you should let the story write itself." "You're telling rather than showing." Now, I understand that he has been writing for a number of years, but writing is a practice that most people take their own pleasure from. Some people may like a piece, some may hate it. But that's writing...

I'm not sure of the significance of this post, just ramblin' thoughts, but either way, just a bit of sharing. Adios!

Hittin' The Road

After such a stressful week, I am ecstatic to be making my way to Corpus Christi to spend time with family and friends and get back in touch with my roots. Maybe I'll go to Molina, where I grew up, and check out the Selena memorabilia. The movie, Selena, made me miss that small neighborhood so much that I think I want to grow old and die there. Sounds weird, I know...

Musicwise: Things have been on a temporary hiatus after being bombarded with so much music on my birthday. One of my roommates bought me MC5's Kick Out The James, Beck's Sea Change and Neil Young's Harvest, and shortly after, I bought Robert Johnson's Complete Recordings, so let's just say my mind has been kept busy to the point where I have no room for newer music, besides Brand New's Daisy, which after hearing The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, there was no way I could pass up their new album. The new album is pretty much like Devil and God, but it doesn't hit quite as hard as the other one did, but it's still a great album.

MC5 is one of my favorites right now. Kick Out The Jams is an album I listen to almost every morning as a ceremonial wake-up. I think everyone should check out this "obscure" band that rocked the Detroit pre-punk scene way back when.

Neil Young - what to say...well, I have never been a big Neil Young fan, but after MOJO described this as being one of the best albums ever recorded, I had to check it out. It's a great piece of work. The first track automatically puts you in a place where hypnotizing country music sets inside your bones and puts you in a pastoral movement that is hard to shake. I love it. The album has many influences, many directions, but the cohesiveness lingers throughout. Check this one out.

Beck - Well, I have always loved Beck. He is one of my top-five favorite musicians/bands/etc. I love that his style is ever-changing, and while we may not always agree with his changes, we respect him as an artist enough to know that there is always some good to it. Sea Change has always been described as his "break-up" album. After listening to it a few times, I can understand why that critique has been tossed around so much. It is sweet, melancholy, and redeeming of the human spirit. I've never seen Beck like this before, but it is amazing how he captures the intensity of heartbreak but still has an undertone of hope despite it all. Definitely an album that everyone should look into if you haven't already.

Well, that's all I got for now. Until Oct. 27th, cause that's when Devendra Banhart's new album comes out! He's another top-five, so I won't even get started. Peace, Love and happy trails!

Birth...Birth...Birth

The side of life that makes it worth while is the side to it all that leads you to believe something bigger exists. It's never coincidental, moreso, it's destined to be. I am now 22 years old, yet, I don't feel a day over 12. I have always had a youthful heart in this growing body. So, now that I am 22, I feel the need, more than ever, to get my shit together and make something of myself no matter what it takes. It's a step worth taking and a step everyone before me has taken. So, why am I scared? I don't know, and I probably never will. I just gotta get over it.

Either way, I took a road trip to Corpus Christi, and on the way, I got in touch with some music that I had completely forgotten about and music that meant a great deal to me on every level of humanity. First CD: Buddy Holly and the Crickets. If my historian memory serves me correctly, this was Buddy Holly's first album with the band The Crickets before he came out with a solo album before his untimely death. God rest his soul. His brand of rock n' roll is a brand that can never be tarnished, nor a brand that can be replicated. The harmonies on this album are also amazing and they just don't make music like this anymore. I think everyone and their mother should own this album. It's a timeless piece of magic that hardly goes recognized anymore. Songs to check out: Not Fade Away, You've Got Love, It's Too Late, and Rock Me My Baby.

Another album that resurfaced on my radar was Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Now, this album could be heard echoing through the hallways of various elementary schools I had the pleasure of going to. It's also a quintessential album in the hip-hop and r & b circuits. I'm sure everyone rocked out to Doo Wop (That Thing) while driving down the streets and having a smoke, or while chillin' at the local hang-out and reminiscing about the good old days. If you haven't heard of this album, where were you born? Honestly...

Well, that's all I have for now. Peace, Prosperity and many many good wishes.

New Beginnings, Old Reforms

Well, the semester has started off with a bang. I had to drop one class because I didn't take the prerequisite and there was no way I was going to learn an entire class in a short amount of time in order to understand what the current class was teaching. Sorry Primates, maybe I'll learn about you in another semester, just not this one.

Musically, I have been somewhat lazy, but my musical tastes have been revived with the MOJO CD Compilation: The Ultimate Guide to Music. It's basically an encyclopedia of albums that MOJO Magazine found groundbreaking in their time. The book goes in chronological order from the late 1940's where Frank Sinatra started the whole LP thing, to the late 1990's. It's a pretty good compilation. I already have a brand new list of CD's that I need to buy. Damn, I'm gonna go so broke.

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Beck, Devendra Banhart and MC5. I have to get their MC5's Kick Out The Jams. It's so good! The rawness of their live performance just strikes a nerve so bad that you either want to start a revolution or dance your ass off, whichever suits you better. Since I have been smoking a lot of pot lately, it helps that I have some good tunes to get me through the days. I recently ordered Patti Smith's "Horses" and The Sex Pistols' "Nevermind The Bollocks: Here's The Sex Pistols" from Amazon. They should be getting here in a few days. Not to mention the extensive list of CD's that I put on my refrigerator, in the hopes that my roommates will flood me with albums for my birthday, which is only three days away.

But on a good note, I feel like a good change is coming. Not sure what, or when. But it's coming. Indefinitely. But that's all I got for now. Will be back with more musical updates and whatnots.

-Mark

Cool Video

So, I was a big fan of Shakira when I was a young lad. I loved the album Donde Estan Los Ladrones? It was such a good CD. I'm not so much a big fan of the Americanized Shakira, but that goes with the territory of changing countries and signing with a bigger label. But oh well. We all have to make our own choices. But this is a video of her doing MTV Unplugged. This is my favorite Shakira song and I think this is the best version of it out there. It's so good.

Anticipation is Key...

So, not much has been happening.

I am still in summer school, and it's getting to the point where if I faint, it would be long overdue. Not only does the stigma of school stick so fast to my skin where I feel like I am nothing more than a student, but I feel like I'm never going to get a break. August 14th, CAN YA GET HERE A LITTLE FASTER???

On a more peppy note, there are a few songs that I cannot get out of my head, much less, stop listening to. Yvonne Fair's "Say Yeah Yeah" is a bold 60s anthem of getting hurt and not wanting to cry about it. Love her voice and love the way she belts out "yeah yeah yeah!" So good. Another song that has been one of my top YouTube instant replays is "Satellite Skin" by Modest Mouse. I think it is a single that came out on May 26th. Kind of late, but either way, you should check it out. It's typical Modest Mouse, not ranging much further from the work they've done in the past, but that's no reason to pass it up.

RECENT CD PURCHASES! Since I wrote last, I've purchased three new CD's. The first I would like to discuss is The Sounds newest release Crossing The Rubicon. Okay, it's got some good cuts, but it is filled with songs that did not need to be there. My goodness, they hyped it up so much when I saw them at La Zona Rosa months ago. Maja (the singer) said, "It's gonna fuckin' rock. I'm telling you." Ugh, where's the rockin'? I don't think they will ever surpass Living In America. Even Dying To Say This To You had some filler material, but it was still a solid album. Not saying it's totally unlistenable. Check out "No One Sleeps When I'm Awake," "Dorchester Hotel," and "Beatbox." Those ones really stood out for me.

The next CD I puchased was The Kills first full-length album, Keep On Your Mean Side. Now, I downloaded this album way back in 2004, a year after it came out. Now, if I haven't said it before, I'll say it now. The Kills are my favorite band. I've followed their career over the years, and they never get old and they never stray from the formula that made them a dynamic duo from the beginning. Having said that, this album is their best in my opinion. I also bought the re-issue, so it has five bonus tracks. SWEET! The raw, blues aesthetic sticks boldly throughout the whole album, and this was a time when their drum machine beats sounded simple and real. Check out "Pull a U," "Fried My Little Brains," "Wait," "Monkey 23," "Jewel Thief," and their cover of "Sugar Baby" (originally by Dock Boggs). Awesome album!

The latest CD that has hit my shelf is the long-awaited work by The Dead Weather, entitled Horehound. Now, since I read in Rollingstone a few moons ago that Allison Mosshart (of The Kills) was collaborating with one of my favorite musicians, Jack White, I was ecstatic. Now, the album that they've delivered is dark, menacing and insanely addictive. I was kind of skeptical with their first single, "Hang You Up From The Heavens," however, they have proved to be quite a force. Allison's vocals are being used in verious ways now, from creepiesh low octaves, to rockin' high notes. Love it. Jack White is also not a bad drummer, and Dean Fertita's guitar playing is something to be desired. It's a solid first album from a band that I hope does more work in the future. However, I wouldn't mind seeing a release from The White Stripes soon (hint hint). Songs to check out: "60 Feet Tall," "So Far From Your Weapon," "Treat Me Like Your Mother," "New Pony" (originally by Bob Dylan), and "Bone House."

Well, that's all I got for now. That was a pretty long one. Peace, music lovers!

EXCELLENT REVIVAL

It's funny when things become so obsolete and desolate in the course of the day to day, you forget what keeps you connected, unless you've reflected on certain elements that bring out the best in you. Tonight was a revival of my spirit in the sense that music is truly where my heart belongs because I want to be there to witness it, document it and dwell in it.

The show that brought upon this feeling? Jenny Lewis with The Heartless Bastards. WOW! First, The Heartless Bastards rocked the stage. Erika Wennerstrom's voice resonates from a place deep within all of our brooding spirits that we cannot help but feel connected and at peace when she sings. Her natural charisma and slick guitar playing make her music all the more enjoyable and what I love about her lyrics are that they are real, simple and poignant all at the same time. I am most certain that now I am going to purchase their album The Mountain, even though I listen to it on Grooveshark all the time.

Then came the wonderful, magnificent and majestic workings of Jenny Lewis. Her band was simply ON IT tonight. There were no flaws, no pauses, no times when there was a nagging in my mind that wondered when the show would be over. It was in general one of the best shows I have been to in my entire life. It was epic, bold, powerful and beautiful. Hearing her play Trying My Best To Love You live and with guitar instead of piano was an excellent transition for the song to be taken to the stage. Loved it. Her rendition of Handle With Care, originally by The Traveling Wilburys was amazing as well. I loved that she closed the show with Born Secular, giving Barbara, the drummer, a chance to shine with her amazing drum solo that closed the show for the night. The lights, the smoke, the low-down gritty blues twang that emanated from the guitars was enough to make the house hop, drop, sweat and bleed for more as Lewis took her final bow. I even stayed behind in hopes of getting an interview with her for The Daily Texan, but after such an amazing show, she was pooped. But next time!

Man, I am exhausted after such an amazing show that I think it is about time to turn in, seeing as how I have class tomorrow. By the way, I have to review a CD for this band called John Paul Keith and the One Four Fives. Don't waste your time with it. The elements of a good album are there, but the execution is what brings the entire thing down. I think there are only three songs that are listenable at best. Maybe it's the singer's voice, either way, it's not that great. I wouldn't recommend it.

Peace! Love! Good things for everyone!

So Much, So Much

Well, let's just start this one off with a bang!

I recently got hired at The Daily Texan, which is the University of Texas official student newspaper. It's one of the top college newspapers in the country, so the fact that I got hired makes me want to install rockets in my shoes and take off right through my ceiling. I got hired for the Life & Arts section, in which I will be writing CD reviews, concert previews and feature pieces depending on if they like my ideas.

I've already had two articles published. One article was a review on an art exhibit and the other article was a preview about Santigold, who played here in Austin on Monday.

Recent CD Purchases: The Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D. I reviewed this CD for the Daily Texan, but the story didn't get put in the paper, due to spacing issues. Also, the CD itself is a futuristic club dance pop crazy psychosis of synths, beats and smooth raps. While this may sound like a good enough compliment, let me halt you right there. The album is decent in the fact that they portrayed whatever it is they were trying to portray; however, the album itself became kind of monotonous and seemed to go only in one direction and never veered from that. I think what made The Black Eyed Peas a house-hold name is the fact that they are very diverse and touch upon many genres; however, with this album they stuck to one genre, and while it was good, it wasn't legendary, which is what they promised.

On another note, I am going to see Jenny Lewis w/ The Heartless Bastards Monday night at Stubb's. I'm muy excited. I love The Heartless Bastards and I love Jenny Lewis, so the fact that they're playing a show together means that I'll probably die of a heart attack or take like 4 rolls of pictures that won't come out good anyway because venues suck if you don't have good flash, which I don't. Either way, I'm very excited. That's all I got for now. Peace and love!

-Mark

It's Time...

Well, I have over-stayed my welcome in Corpus. I planned to stay for 5 days, and I have been here for 9 days. I am leaving to Austin today at 4 and I am so happy to go back to my apartment.

On a side note, lately I have been listening to this album called War Child presents "Heroes," which is an album of covers by many popular artists. Beck covers Bob Dylan, Lily Allen covers The Clash, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs cover The Ramones, Hot Chip covers Joy Division, etc. It's pretty good. Also, the proceeds go to help children of war. Everyone should check it out. What's good about this one, I heard, is that the original artists got to choose who they wanted to cover it. That's awesome that they got to have a say who got to cover their masterpieces.

Besides that, I recently joined a web-side called WEBook, which is basically a writing community. I have started my own project, so if anyone is interested in reading any of my writing, here's the link: http://www.webook.com/project/Here-is-Here

Have an excellent day, Peace!

New Areas, New Horizons

Well, tomorrow I shall leave Austin and head to Corpus Christi. I am so excited to get out of the city and hang out with my family. Maybe I will paint some pictures with my nephew. Little homeboy is getting good. Sometimes, he mails me some pictures that he's drawn. He shows promise, could be a great artist one day. Sky's the limit.

Musically inclined, I am sad to leave Austin, for I know there will probably be some good shows during the course of my absence, but oh well. Gotta do what ya gotta do. On a rushing note, I need to buy my ticket for Peaches, who is playing at Emo's on June 11th. I hope they don't sell out before I run into some cash. That show would be the bomb-diggity. On a good note, I have heard her new single, "Talk To Me," and I love it. Typical Peaches, dirty, sexy, and on the verge of getting wasted, banging your head and having the blood tell you the whole story as you look in the mirror the next day to reminisce on the good times.

Also, even though it's no longer new, I have been listening to Erykah Badu's "New Amerykah: 4th World War" and damn, is this album the SHIT! Tracks like The Healer, Honey, Twinkle and That Hump let the listener know that Erykah Badu is not finished and she never will be. The slick beats, good production and sonic overtones create a listening experience from outer space that will knock you on your ass and make you wonder how you ended up on Neptune. Don't take my word for it, listen for yourself. You definitely will not regret delving into the hip-hop dreams of a soul queen.

On that note, I take my leave, bidding the question: When we leave, are we really gone? Hmm, think that one over. Peace!

Money and Memories

The hesitation that desecrates the spontaneous streak weaving its way in and out has become intolerable. When did satisfaction become a mere strike against anything conventional? When did decency and toleration become catalysts for the bored and weak-minded?

Blah, mere thoughts that reconcile themselves at the base of my mind, or "the bottom of my mind" as my friend Sarah would say. Life takes its turns, revs its engine and fuels the fire we carry within us, but it is with this significant passage that we learn who we truly are. So many things have been thrown at me these past months where I feel it is one big test, and the question is whether or not I will succumb or I will overcome.

On a musical note, I have lately been listening to The Stooges first album, The Stooges. It's excellent. Everytime I hear I Wanna Be Your Dog, it takes me to a place where rock n' roll is dirty, greasy, grimy and everything that I love about it. Iggy Pop may not have the most excellent of voices, but what he does is pure magic. Definitely a good buy for anybody who is into good rock n' roll, especially rock n' roll that breeded the future of punk rock. I think it was a combination of The Stooges and Patti Smith that led the revolution of rock n' roll toward a direction where people were misguided, but that was okay.

I shall take my leave, seeing as how my ride is about to leave me. Peace people. Don't give up. Never know fear!

Silence and Separation

Well...we...w...It seems a day of indulgence makes for a night of remorse. I am tired to the point where I might fall asleep as I tyyyppppeeeeettttthhhiiiiiisssss.

Either way...music on the mind. The Kills, one of my all-time favorite bands, was amazing Friday night. They had the energy, the spunk, and the charisma that attracted me to their music about 6 years ago. They are just one of the bands I have followed throughout their career, and it was awesome to finally see them onstage at a venue, rather than at a festival where all they do is complain about the heat. This time, the complaining was kept to a minimum. If you haven't listened to The Kills, their first album, Keep On Your Mean Side, is an excellent start. It is their greatest album.

On that note, I take my leave. However, I wrote a poem earlier today and thought I would share it. So, here goes...Peace!

It’s always within a moment.
You smile like it’s ‘72,
Branded pink and moldy, with
Consonants for hues.
The raspy remnants of a voice
Laid deep in the snow summons
The rapture toward the bow.

Collision to collision,
We speak the same fiery language,
Delegated from the toneless anthem
That caught sight of the gulf winds.
My mama sat on the rafters,
While the sailors moved in.
Harmony took a sidestep as we
Traveled toward the brain.

Rich, rich boy from the statues of
The skyscraping crimes that never
Begged to differ.
The road came cracking from under,
Like a snake unseen and caught.
We find it underneath the rocks,
Massive rocks, massive rocks.
You catch my sight, from under my eye,
From below my stare, from around my gaze,
And I knew you.
I knew who you were.
I knew where it went
When you blew away the scents
Of miracles and mischief
That constructed mannerisms
In the wake of their demise.

It made it sweet,
Those airy breaths,
Those synthetic symptoms,
Invented at the base of this building.
The building we found,
Making strange sounds,
Until the first tree grew from the ground.
No one else around.
Just the silence and the separation.

Time, Time

Wow, everyday seems to be moving at a pace that is too quick to be understandable. The days drift by without a moment's hesitation, and all I can do is look back and wonder where it's all going. I have to pop another CD in my stereo and hope that the rhythms and beats take me away to a place where time stands still and I have the room to breathe and examine where everything is heading and re-assess where I want everything to go.

Lately, I have been listening to Cat Power's The Greatest. It's such an excellent CD. Her voice and the simple soulful blues mix in a combination that makes you wonder how something so good was ever recorded. Just listen to Lived In Bars, and you will understand. However, don't be discouraged by the music video. It's not the most excellent of videos some may argue, me being one of them.

I was informed earlier today that my uncle, who has been fighting the good fight for as long as I can remember, has to have his leg amputated because his knee replacement failed. I was extremely sad, but when I called him to tell him he was in my prayers and that I hoped everything was well, he said, "I knew I was taking a gamble from the start. The knee didn't take. What can you do?" That's all he had to say for me to understand that some people are dealt horrible cards, but it matters what you do with those cards that depicts what kind of person you are and how you make your mark in the world. He has certainly made his mark, and he, in some ways, is my hero.

When times get hard, look to loved ones and God to help you make it through. Listen to some good jams, and let it get you on through to the next day. And if something is too hard to deal with, smoke a joint. It works for me. Peace, love, and everything in between.

Here We Go...

Well, this is hot off the press! I just got home from seeing The Brian Jonestown Massacre at Emo's tonight. Damn, it was a great show! They played for two hours straight. For once, I was not jipped with a 45 minute set, which happens too often to be real. But, it was great. They played my favorite song, BSA. Everyone should check this band out. The album you should start with, should you choose to give them a listen (which you should!) is Take It From The Man!

Also, I finally returned the KVRX cd's I was supposed to review, and I think I'm going to take a break from reviewing for now, seeing as how I can barely keep a handle on school, let alone review cd's that sometimes I have no time to listen to. It also did not help that both of the cd's kind of sucked. One was of this band called Anavan, the album called Cover Story, and the other was a band called D. Rider, the album being Mother of Curses. Keep away from both cd's. It's not worth it, trust me. Some might like Anavan for their electro-pulse vibrations; however, D. Rider is fo sho not worth it. It's too spacial and abstract to even be relatable. Just throw it away!

Everything has been somewhat okay. I am kind of broke; however, with a little prayer, I know things will turn around. It just takes some faith and promise to keep things on the up and up.

Well, that's all I got for now. It's 3:00 AM, and I need to get me some sleep if I'm going to do well on my test tomorrow. Good night and good wishes! Peace!

Dizamn!

Okay, I understand that some professors have the ability to make you think, make you question, make you want to investigate. However, then you get those certain professors that just make you wonder what is wrong with people.

My journalism professor sent me to a junkie-filled haven full of prostitutes, homeless people, and drug addicts. I get it. I get that places like that exist. I don't mind having to go to places like that for a good story. However, when he told my partner-in-crime that the reason he sent us there was because he thought I would "fit in," that pissed me the hell off.

I'm sorry, but when did being Mexican and having tattoos automatically place you in a less-than-desirable group. It's bullshit. It's stereotypical, egomeniacal crap. I'm sorry I don't have light skin, and no tattoos, but that's just how I was born. That's what makes me who I am.

Upon confronting him about it, he declared, "you're too sensitive. Stop looking so much into it." Thanks, Prof. Bob Mann. That made me feel a lot better, and now I understand how the world works. Another lesson in the life of a journalism student at the University of Texas.

Spring Has Come...

Man, the city of Austin, TX has been beautiful lately. Not too hot. Not too cold. The perfect in-between. The sunny weather. The windy increments. Love it.

I feel like the Spring is bringing about a surge of creativity both locally and nationally. Music artists are coming out with new albums left and right, and they couldn't have picked a better time. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs new album, It's Blitz! is brilliant. It's definitely not up to par with Show Your Bones or Fever to Tell, but it's still a great album. I love "Zero," "Skeletons," "Hysteric," and "Little Shadow." It's definitely a good buy.

Also the Strange Boys released their new album in March, titled And Girls Club. Very bluesy, gritty, straight-up rock n' roll at its finest. The funny thing is I saw this band a few years ago at Sonny's Vintage on Guadalupe St. during SXSW. They had it then, and they have it now. Great CD!

Although, it's not coming out til June, Jack White (one of my all-time favorite musicians) has a new album coming out. With the Raconteurs? No. With The White Stripes? No. With The Dead Weather? YES! White is now on drums, the vocals are being handled by the beautiful and dangerous Allison Mosshart of The Kills (one of my all-time favorite bands). Damn, that collaboration is gonna be the bomb-ass-diggity. I've only heard the two songs they've put out, "Hang You From The Heavens" and "Are 'Friends' Electric?" Good tunes, good direction, can't wait to listen to the entire album, which has already been completed. Someone leak it now!

I have also been getting into The Knack again. "My Sharona" just makes you want to dance, especially when you were in a bad mood five minutes prior. I love their energy.

I am also excited because The Brian Jonestown Massacre is only 12 days away, and The Kills is 22 days away! I can't wait! I'm about to crap my pants (not literally). Man, everyday I wake up, the sun is beaming on me, not a cloud in sight, and everyone just seems more cheerful. The past week has been excellent to the point where I wake up everyday and thank God that He gave me another day. That's all you can do when you're exposed to such excellence.

Well, that's all I got for now. Peace!

Spring is on the Horizon!

I am so excited that Spring Break is finally here. My badass professors declared that school does not need to be attended tomorrow; however, my bullshit math professor is having class on Friday, and since I skipped today, I have to go on Friday. Wah Wah Wah.

Anyways, I am mucho excited that South by Southwest is going to be here next week. Free booze, free shows, and free fun. However, I always reach a dilemma when it comes to the free booze aspect of it because most places that provide free booze only provide beer. Sorry, but not everyone likes beer. I think it tastes like piss and shit with a hint of sunshine to add something special. It's okay, I'll buy a bottle of some obscure liquor that I'll end up sharing with everyone, and end up going broke once again.

Lately I have been listening to Devendra Banhart's Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon. My goodness, it is such a good CD. Don't you love it when a singer/songwriter that you have an intellectual crush on keeps getting better and better as they progress with age? Well Mr. Banhart is doing it and doing it well. My favorites are Seahorse, Bad Girl, Saved, Lover, Carmensita, and the sad, but soulful, I Remember. This is a good CD to listen to when you are home alone and need something calming and jamming at the same time to get you through the lonely hours. LOVE IT!

Well, peeps, I am on a high that cannot be brought about with narcotics. I suggest everyone feel the same. Peace and love!

Good News

Wow, it's so strange when you can feel the changes in the air.  Things are moving along so fast, that i don't even have time to stop and see where it's all going.  My friend Sarah just broke the news to me yesterday that she's moving to California to be with her man and start her life.  I'm happy for her, but damn, I'm gonna miss that girl.  

My family is doing excellent and even got my brother to go on a religious retreat with them, which only proves the power of God overrules everything.  

One of my best friends is moving to Egypt in a few months to study abroad. 

I am more than ever determined to go to NYU once I finish school here in Austin.  

ALSO, on an excellent note.  I actually got to do a phone interview with Vanessa Grigoriadis, my favorite writer from Rolling Stone, for a story for my journalism class.  WTF!!!!  She was THE SHIT!  If you don't read Rolling Stone, you should read it just for her features because every story she does, you cannot help but be intrigued.  In the past issue, she did a feature on Taylor Swift.  Personally, I don't like Taylor Swift, but the story was still amazing.  She can do no wrong.  Check her out...NOW.

Lately, I've been listening to The Heartless Bastards cd, Stairs and Elevators.  It's excellent, cool, straight-up rock n' roll.  Love it.  

That's all I got.  Peace.

Same Same - We Know Your Name

Well, school is moving along just fine. At least I think it is. My classes seem to be going better. I'm turning in all my homework on time. I even finished reading an entire book in two days just so I could keep up with my English teacher's lectures about the book. I've been procrastinating more than I should, but I'm still getting everything done. And I've managed to add helping my friends write their papers to my workload.

On an EXCITING note, I E-mailed my favorite writer from Rolling Stone, Vanessa Grigoriadis, and to my surprise, she E-mailed me back! I was so excited. I thought that it would probably take months, if not weeks, for her to get back to me, and she got back to me in 2 and a half hours. That type of shit doesn't happen everyday. So, that will definitely be an email that I will print and save.

Also, I've been listening to the Robert Plant & Alison Krauss CD, Raising Sand, and I think it is advisable that everyone listen to this CD. It's brilliant, authentic, and knows no lies. Buy it, download it (legally or illegally), and feast on brilliance.

Also, I quit my job at the UT Call Center because I got tired of calling mean, rich people and asking them for money. Plus, my boss hated me because I'd call in on an average of once a week, but I couldn't help it if I had other pressing engagements. Besides, it was the biggest joke of a job ever. I think everyone that worked there when I worked there will be gone in about two months anyways. I'm sorry Corporate America, but companies cannot survive unless you're good to your employees. Please, take that into consideration. We are people, not labrats.

Also, another band to check out is The Vox Jaguars. I have to review their cd for KVRX and it's a pretty good EP. I'm curious to see how their first LP is going to pan out. Very exciting...

Well, that's all I got for now. Peace and prosperity!

School's In Forever!

It is Sunday, the day of rest. I have woken up pretty late today seeing as how I was up til 4:30 watching Independence Day. The first day of school has erupted from the once dormant vacation that my mind decided to take. Now, it is back to a life of schedules, books, and sucking up to professors so I can get an A.

I am extremely angry at the fact that I still do not own a car. There are several cd's that I have been trying to go to the store and buy, and seeing as how I don't have a car, it sucks that I have no way of getting where I need to be going. I know...I know...why don't I take the bus? Because I don't know the bus routes, much less want to sit behind my computer trying to learn the entire map of Austin, TX trying to figure out how to get somewhere, then figure out how to get back.

On the upside, my journalism class is going to be a pretty intensive writing class, which is pretty much what I need to knock me back into my senses. Our first assignment was to start our "autobiography." I think that is a little weird, seeing as how I'm only 21. If I have lived anything worth writing about, I would have already written it, published it, and be living in paradise or traveling all over because that is a void in my life that has still not been filled.

Either way. Cheers to the return of UT! It's going to be hell!

Peace!