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!