Ryan Solomon

Damn / Dreams

2008-04-14T01:56:00.001-07:00

Jeff Tuyay just indirectly reminded me that I have a blog that I never update. I've been staying with my Mom where I don't have a computer, so I'm going to blame that.

Dreams are really cool, so I figured I'd blog about them. I was telling Jeff some of my interesting dreams lately.

because78910: my friend had a dream last nite where alien/zombies were raping and killing everyone
projectcpyright: oh man thats nuts
because78910: yeah
because78910: and dreams could really feel heavy
because78910: have you ever experienced sleep paralysis?
projectcpyright: im not sure
projectcpyright: i may have, but not defeintely
projectcpyright: i have dreams sometimes when i know im dreaming but cant wake up
projectcpyright: or the worst, is when you cant open your eyes in the dream you know?
because78910: yeah
because78910: similar i think
because78910: have you ever controlled your dreams before?
projectcpyright: not entirely
projectcpyright: every time i become aware that im dreaming, i can sitll dream, but not in TOTAL control
projectcpyright: i just act without concequence
because78910: ah
projectcpyright: like i always start screaming crazy shit
because78910: hahaha
because78910: whenver i control my dreams
because78910: my brain just goes bananas
projectcpyright: hah what you mean
because78910: another time i took people out of my dream and added others in
because78910: and changed the location
projectcpyright: people always evolve in my dreams
projectcpyright: and places
projectcpyright: like the dream will involve two other characters
projectcpyright: but who those characters are is always changing, sometimes from like girl to guy or vice versa
projectcpyright: i find that INSANE
because78910: dang
because78910: that is wild
because78910: so you see them physically change infront of you?
projectcpyright: no not physically change
projectcpyright: ill just be remembering the dream
projectcpyright: and ill be like, damn i was definitely with garrett and ej, then later in the dream i was across the park and definitely with kimmy and brian
because78910: ah yeah
because78910: dreams are fascinating
projectcpyright: i know man ive had the best conversations about htem haha
projectcpyright: last night i had this dream
projectcpyright: all my teeth were falling out
projectcpyright: then i woke up in the dream, knowing that my teeth were gonna fall out again
projectcpyright: and they did
because78910: yeeesh
projectcpyright: haha k gotta tell you about this terrifying dream i had about a week ago
projectcpyright: i dont remember anything before, but i was on the beach with all my good friends
projectcpyright: and the beach was getting nuked
projectcpyright: like continously, but in a video game kind of way
projectcpyright: the bombs were hitting kind of far away, but we could feel the ripple and shock and shit
projectcpyright: then one nuke hit really close to us in the water, to the point where we were all like HOLY SHIT WERE FUCKED THATS WAY TOO CLOSE
projectcpyright: WERE DEIFNITELY FUCKING DEAD FROM THIS NUKE
projectcpyright: and this intense heat feeling came over me, and it was so overbearing that i felt like i was spinning
projectcpyright: just huddled up hoping to survive but knowing theres no possible way
because78910: wow
projectcpyright: but obviously we survived
projectcpyright: so we look at each other and were like, dude we gotta run now (obviously haha)
projectcpyright: so we start running
projectcpyright: and suddenly i realize that we're running from a nazi SS officer, and we are a bunch of jews in a concentration camp
projectcpyright: and i know that becuase were running, were gonna get shot, but i know im gonna die anyways
projectcpyright: im just expecting to die at any second from a gunshot, but an SS officer catches up to us and is about to give us mercy
projectcpyright: but i know were still going to die
projectcpyright: so i sucker punch him or some shit
projectcpyright: and in the confusion ej grabs the gun from him and shoots the fuck out of him
because78910: wow
projectcpyright: and even though hes been shot like 10 times hes looming towards me like a zombie
projectcpyright: just bleeding and shit but chasing after me and not dieing
projectcpyright: so i have to like kick him down
projectcpyright: IT WAS CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
projectcpyright: then i woke up shortly after

Senate Remarks by Robert C. Byrd

2008-02-17T23:50:00.000-08:00

February 12, 2003

"We Stand Passively Mute"

To contemplate war is to think about the most horrible of human experiences. On this February day, as this nation stands at the brink of battle, every American on some level must be contemplating the horrors of war.

Yet, this Chamber is, for the most part, silent -- ominously, dreadfully silent. There is no debate, no discussion, no attempt to lay out for the nation the pros and cons of this particular war. There is nothing.

We stand passively mute in the United States Senate, paralyzed by our own uncertainty, seemingly stunned by the sheer turmoil of events. Only on the editorial pages of our newspapers is there much substantive discussion of the prudence or imprudence of engaging in this particular war.

And this is no small conflagration we contemplate. This is no simple attempt to defang a villain. No. This coming battle, if it materializes, represents a turning point in U.S. foreign policy and possibly a turning point in the recent history of the world.

This nation is about to embark upon the first test of a revolutionary doctrine applied in an extraordinary way at an unfortunate time. The doctrine of preemption -- the idea that the United States or any other nation can legitimately attack a nation that is not imminently threatening but may be threatening in the future -- is a radical new twist on the traditional idea of self defense. It appears to be in contravention of international law and the UN Charter. And it is being tested at a time of world-wide terrorism, making many countries around the globe wonder if they will soon be on our -- or some other nation's -- hit list. High level Administration figures recently refused to take nuclear weapons off of the table when discussing a possible attack against Iraq. What could be more destabilizing and unwise than this type of uncertainty, particularly in a world where globalism has tied the vital economic and security interests of many nations so closely together? There are huge cracks emerging in our time-honored alliances, and U.S. intentions are suddenly subject to damaging worldwide speculation. Anti-Americanism based on mistrust, misinformation, suspicion, and alarming rhetoric from U.S. leaders is fracturing the once solid alliance against global terrorism which existed after September 11.

Here at home, people are warned of imminent terrorist attacks with little guidance as to when or where such attacks might occur. Family members are being called to active military duty, with no idea of the duration of their stay or what horrors they may face. Communities are being left with less than adequate police and fire protection. Other essential services are also short-staffed. The mood of the nation is grim. The economy is stumbling. Fuel prices are rising and may soon spike higher.

This Administration, now in power for a little over two years, must be judged on its record. I believe that that record is dismal.

In that scant two years, this Administration has squandered a large projected surplus of some $5.6 trillion over the next decade and taken us to projected deficits as far as the eye can see. This Administration's domestic policy has put many of our states in dire financial condition, under funding scores of essential programs for our people. This Administration has fostered policies which have slowed economic growth. This Administration has ignored urgent matters such as the crisis in health care for our elderly. This Administration has been slow to provide adequate funding for homeland security. This Administration has been reluctant to better protect our long and porous borders.

In foreign policy, this Administration has failed to find Osama bin Laden. In fact, just yesterday we heard from him again marshaling his forces and urging them to kill. This Administration has split traditional alliances, possibly crippling, for all time, International order-keeping entities like the United Nations and NATO. This Administration has called into question the traditional worldwide perception of the United States as well-intentioned, peacekeeper. This Administration has turned the patient art of diplomacy into threats, labeling, and name calling of the sort that reflects quite poorly on the intelligence and sensitivity of our leaders, and which will have consequences for years to come.

Calling heads of state pygmies, labeling whole countries as evil, denigrating powerful European allies as irrelevant -- these types of crude insensitivities can do our great nation no good. We may have massive military might, but we cannot fight a global war on terrorism alone. We need the cooperation and friendship of our time-honored allies as well as the newer found friends whom we can attract with our wealth. Our awesome military machine will do us little good if we suffer another devastating attack on our homeland which severely damages our economy. Our military manpower is already stretched thin and we will need the augmenting support of those nations who can supply troop strength, not just sign letters cheering us on.

The war in Afghanistan has cost us $37 billion so far, yet there is evidence that terrorism may already be starting to regain its hold in that region. We have not found bin Laden, and unless we secure the peace in Afghanistan, the dark dens of terrorism may yet again flourish in that remote and devastated land.

Pakistan as well is at risk of destabilizing forces. This Administration has not finished the first war against terrorism and yet it is eager to embark on another conflict with perils much greater than those in Afghanistan. Is our attention span that short? Have we not learned that after winning the war one must always secure the peace?

And yet we hear little about the aftermath of war in Iraq. In the absence of plans, speculation abroad is rife. Will we seize Iraq's oil fields, becoming an occupying power which controls the price and supply of that nation's oil for the foreseeable future? To whom do we propose to hand the reins of power after Saddam Hussein?

Will our war inflame the Muslim world resulting in devastating attacks on Israel? Will Israel retaliate with its own nuclear arsenal? Will the Jordanian and Saudi Arabian governments be toppled by radicals, bolstered by Iran which has much closer ties to terrorism than Iraq?

Could a disruption of the world's oil supply lead to a world-wide recession? Has our senselessly bellicose language and our callous disregard of the interests and opinions of other nations increased the global race to join the nuclear club and made proliferation an even more lucrative practice for nations which need the income?

In only the space of two short years this reckless and arrogant Administration has initiated policies which may reap disastrous consequences for years.

One can understand the anger and shock of any President after the savage attacks of September 11. One can appreciate the frustration of having only a shadow to chase and an amorphous, fleeting enemy on which it is nearly impossible to exact retribution.

But to turn one's frustration and anger into the kind of extremely destabilizing and dangerous foreign policy debacle that the world is currently witnessing is inexcusable from any Administration charged with the awesome power and responsibility of guiding the destiny of the greatest superpower on the planet. Frankly many of the pronouncements made by this Administration are outrageous. There is no other word.

Yet this chamber is hauntingly silent. On what is possibly the eve of horrific infliction of death and destruction on the population of the nation of Iraq -- a population, I might add, of which over 50% is under age 15 -- this chamber is silent. On what is possibly only days before we send thousands of our own citizens to face unimagined horrors of chemical and biological warfare -- this chamber is silent. On the eve of what could possibly be a vicious terrorist attack in retaliation for our attack on Iraq, it is business as usual in the United States Senate.

We are truly "sleepwalking through history." In my heart of hearts I pray that this great nation and its good and trusting citizens are not in for a rudest of awakenings.

To engage in war is always to pick a wild card. And war must always be a last resort, not a first choice. I truly must question the judgment of any President who can say that a massive unprovoked military attack on a nation which is over 50% children is "in the highest moral traditions of our country". This war is not necessary at this time. Pressure appears to be having a good result in Iraq. Our mistake was to put ourselves in a corner so quickly. Our challenge is to now find a graceful way out of a box of our own making. Perhaps there is still a way if we allow more time.

Nature's Kid - SLEEPWALKING

2008-01-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

If you didn't know already, sometimes I record music and release it myself under the name, Nature's Kid. The sound isn't exactly consistent, but its mostly instrumental, ambient, spacey, experimental type stuff thats a 180 from Da Bears. I've released a few albums in the past, and just finished a new EP, entitled SLEEPWALKING.

Some of the songs were started before I left for Philly, but the majority was done while I was out there and when I got back. Check it out if you'd like.

EP in a .zip file:
http://www.dabearsrock.com/abcdefg/natureskid-sleepwalking.zip

Nature's Kid myspace

SDSU's Glass Ceiling

2008-01-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

There is a 2 year glass ceiling at San Diego State.

Those who enter as Freshman
Too stupid for UCSD
Too rich for Community College
Looking to party
Drop out within 2 years to start a family
or pick up more hours at Dad's auto shop

Then enter the transfer students
Done with Community College
Too poor for UCSD
Coming after 2 years
to grudgingly finish their degree

Natural segregation at it's finest.

2007

2008-01-02T21:54:00.000-08:00

I got high the other night and felt the urge to start writing about this past year. I sat down at the keyboard, and about an hour and a half later I found myself with this beast. I haven't read it since then, but it's basically a summary of myself in the last year. Be prepared for a long and probably tiresome read.

--

2007 is probably the first year of my life that felt in itself like a full year. Most years or time periods in my life start at different points in the year, such as the beginning of school, or the start of a summer. 2007 began with a huge change in my life, moving away from home (to the other side of the country [where the winters are cold]). Because this insane change happened at the very beginning of the year, I feel like I have a better idea of where this complete year started, and obviously where it ended.

Moving to Philly was a feat so enormous for me, that it hasn't even been fully enough time for me to see it in perspective. The absolute biggest change was being financially independent. The way the value of a dollar changes you effects your entire outlook on everything. I wasn't even close to being properly prepared, and the constant worrying about money had an impact on every thought and emotion. Not that it was entirely bad, often the new value that my money had was a positive feeling.

Philly also threw me into an entirely new and exciting social atmosphere. Previously I had realized that my I reached my peek social personality in 11th grade of high school, and had been in a state of introversion ever since. It became hard for me to meet people, and sometimes even interact with the people I already knew. It's easy to blame yourself for changes like this, but I'm sure its part of my environment. Not going to a four year college really stunted the growth of my personality, and the social climates I was experiencing were dull, irrelevant, and slightly intimidating to me. I finally got the change I wanted by moving to Philly. I was suddenly in an environment of lots of new people who knew nothing about me, but were inclined to seek my friendship. I'll never forget the overwhelming feeling of new friendship, and craving these new social interactions. It was intoxicating, but didn't last for very long. I got a taste of what I was missing and took the new experiences with the old ideologies. The feeling of control over what I want and being happy with it.

But that sounds like less of a generalization than it should. The main way of dividing the time periods I spent in Philly are by crushes. So begins the first part of my stay, from early January, to about mid March, in which I had a crush on every girl. Literally, every girl I came in contact with, I wanted everything with. Such a broad scope is clearly a terrible idea, but to me the thrill was worth not narrowing my options. Not much was achieved, because of my adherence to the goal, but it was still an interesting time. I learned a lot about my self and how I would handle such new situations.

Just about the time that I started to get over the girls I already knew, I met the perfect girl to replace them. In early March I started working a second job at a local cafe. On Mondays and Fridays I worked with a girl who I fell for almost immediately. She was three years older than me, but only showed it in her subtle aura of maturity. She looked and acted young, and got me in all the places that other girls had failed. Most importantly, I met her independently, so any development of our relationship would be extremely personal, and not through the mutualness of a friend. She was cute and short, towards the upper-part of my attractiveness threshold, and a totally sweetheart. There was good and steady progress through most of the month, we started to hang and I met some of her friends. Things first started to go downhill when I felt for San Diego for a week in early April. As soon as I got back she went on a vacation, and it was a good two weeks of not being able to hang. After that, it was only another week before we both got laid off, and pretty much never saw each other.

At this point I rediscovered about myself how quickly I become attached to people. I can honestly say I felt more about this girl than I had about any other in a good two years or so. The newness and independence of the situation made it good, tasting new elements of life. I got the feeling that future relationships might not always blossom from mutual friendships, an new and exciting idea to me. I was also glad that I was finally not compromising, and staying true to my desire for someone with a compatible personality, and not just settling for attractiveness.

I went into that situation with a real carpe diem attitude. I realized that this girl was probably out of my league, but win or lose, no regrets. I stuck to that a while after we stopped talking, but heartache eventually sank in. The worst part was thinking of the good moments, and wondering how things went wrong. As if they could have gone right.

The third phase was around late April, towards the end of my stay. After my unsuccessful aggressions, I figured it was best to stay in a more passive mood. The last one in a way brought herself to me. I met the last girl I was interested in at a party, and it was exciting to see the familiar signs of mutual wanting, rather than having to guess at the obvious. I was interested in this girl previously, but as always you no longer want what you can have. We had a somewhat awkward push-and-pull relationship until I left, partially because of ourselves, and partially because of external forces. Its interesting to think about how things could have turned out if I'd stayed, I generally have a tendency to inversely self-bias.

A huge positive in the move to Philly was the way it shook up my life. I learned that change is good for me, and unfortunately I didn't come across much once I settled in. Six months later and I finally realize I never took the time to decorate my walls with the posters and flag I brought. My weeks became more and more routine, more rinse and repeat, the longer I stayed. The early days I would spend hanging out until weird hours, doing anything to get out of the house. Slowly I started to become routinized, repeating the same days over and over: work, sleep, practice, computer.

My favorite days were the most sporadic. I would approach each dreadful week towards the end with the same lofty goal: do something out of the ordinary. I never did. Each day off would be spent sleeping in, and writing off the day as being too late to accomplish anything. Towards the end Kelly began to drag me out of the house for bi-weekly hangouts in Rittenhouse. After one of these hang outs, I figured I could go home and play Warcraft for three hours until it was time to eat again, or I could do something sporadic. I then decided it would be a good idea to just ride, until I didn't feel like riding anymore. I took Walnut street to the 30th street bridge, and rode north along the Schuylkill river up until Manayunk. It was extremely impulsive but also extremely enjoyable. I listened to Midnite Vultures and thought about a lot of shit. And most importantly got to see a side of the area I never would have seen otherwise. To me it represents the control over the time I had there, and how I could have explored more if I had wanted to. It also reminds me that I wish I explored more in general, there was something that felt good about going somewhere besides where I spend 95% of my time.

By the end of my stay in Philly (early June), I was dieing to go home. I definitely was homesick. Homesick for family, homesick for weather, homesick for friends, homesick for lifestyle. I also had a toothache that made my last few weeks in Philly a nightmare. I stopped sleeping any earlier than six A.M., because of the pain, and my addiction to music and the web. Besides that, I had the anxiety of problems that would arise during my two week stay at home before we left for tour. I didn't feel prepared at all, musically, economically, or mentally, but was ready to jump in anyway.

During my time in Philly I made a lot of friends, lost a lot of friends, and made a lot of friends and then quickly or slowly lost them. I value every friend I made out there, and regret the ones I lost. Although some friends I made are clearly closer than others, I still value each one for its contribution to my experience. In a way each holds a small but immeasurably important part of my memories.

The two weeks I had at home before tour were uncompromisingly insane. Before we left to play our first show, I felt some kind of tension with every member in the band (with the exception of Curly of course, the angel! [not to say he didn't have beef with me, haha]). I didn't feel confident in our music, and was having doubts about how the whole thing would pan out. Its a crazy thing to see what you've been dreaming for for years come true, in a modest but unmistakably real form. Thank goodness for our Che show. Our leaving home show was better than I could have ever imagined, and gave us hope that the tour would at least be pretty damn rocking.

The first 24 hours on the road were probably the most exciting and fun and funny and absurd and reassuring hours I've had all year. Everything went amazingly. The uncertainties of the road were in our favor, and I definitely felt the bonding of the rest of the band. These feelings faded in various degrees as time went on, but on most accounts, the tour was certainly a success. I was thrilled to be able to hang with Garrett after several months of low chillage, and especially thrilled at how friendships between everyone grew as time went on.

Theres not a lot to say about tour. It was the longest two months of my life, in the best way possible. Time doesn't fly when you're having fun. When every moment of the day is filled with friends and music, every moment is treasured, none slip away. I met so many good people, people that I can't wait to see again. I got to see so many different counties and cultures, theres simultaneously so much and so little going on in this country right now. We didn't meet a single two people alike, yet at the end of the day people are all the same. Stupid things you think about.

Coming home from tour brought the same anxieties as before. Not feeling comfortable in any living situation, trying to prepare for a lifestyle I hadn't experienced in over a year (school). The friends eventually left, and I buckled down into serious slow mode. The first months of Fall were a very welcomed change of pace. After two months of drinking or smoking everyday, I started doing nothing entirely. It felt good for a few reasons. One, I proved the control I have over myself, to use different things as I see fit, without becoming dependent. It was also nice to gain a cohesive consciousness, and be able to think about things from the same perspective every night. And of course, when you don't do something for a while, it makes it all the more better when you do it again.

September I spent adapting to the school lifestyle, figuring how to get here and there by public transportation, and finding my niche at State. I really don't like the atmosphere there, but at least now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and am willing to hold my nose and finish my degree. Around October I started working nights for American Apparel. This was an interesting way to end my year of new social interactions. For the first time, I had a job where I actually wanted to hang out with the people I work with. Everyone was really cool and interesting, and I was exposed to the welcomed possibility of new friendships. At first my experience was similar to Philly, and I was overwhelmed with working with mostly-somewhat attractive employees, but of course that feeling fades.

This fall was the first time that all my close friends are truly all gone away for school. I felt that I handled it well by reaching out to somewhat old friendships, and starting new ones. I'm slowly becoming re-immersed back in the San Diego music scene, and have my eyes set on the future. I value my close friends so much that its almost a burden when they return from school, wanting so badly to return things to the way they were. Clearly things change but I feel optimistic about how our friendships will blossom in the years to come. EJ will soon be back in San Diego for good, and he's bringing with him several (I hope) of my favorite Philadelphians.

Top 10 Albums of 2007

2007-12-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

10. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

2007 began with an onslaught of highly anticipated "follow-up" albums. Arcade Fire, The Shins, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah saw great commercial success from their youthful and energetic fan bases, but were slammed by critics for not following through on their supposed potential. The way I feel about Neon Bible now is the same as I felt about it when I first heard it: Funeral is an album for indie rock fans, Neon Bible is an album for Arcade Fire fans. No band can please all of the people all the time, but Arcade Fire can sure please those who still consider themselves fans after the wave of popularity.

Neon Bible is an album more reserved and mature. The manic street preacher has turned into a wise hermit, and those who seek him out will reap the benefits.

09. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Some Loud Thunder

Success can be defined as being prepared when opportunity arrives. CYHSY certainly were prepared to handle the surrealness of 2005's indie-boom, which propelled them into indie-stardom, without anyone ever realizing exactly how or why. CYHSY are not a fluke though. Equipped with a flavored songwriter with an extremely unique voice, and a band full of self-conscious utility players, CYHSY are prepared to make awesome abstract pop music, regardless if the masses or critics like it or not.

Some Loud Thunder starts off with it's title track, one of the best, most complete pop songs in years. The track's production, created by Flaming Lips producer Dave Fridmann, crackles and pops with an off-kilter distortion, brilliant both sonically and conceptually. The track servers as a filter, separating those who are aware of CYHSY's brilliant vision from those confused fools riding the band's flash of popularity. Some will say this track is worth skipping. Ignore these people, for they have a skewed perception of what this album should be, (not to mention how absurd it is to have any type of perception of what any art should be). The album has an extremely strong beginning and end, not to mention the VU-influenced dance gem in the middle, Satan Said Dance. Seriously, can you imagine how many indie kids threw a dance party this year, just so they could play that song?

08. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

This is actually the first spoon album I've ever heard, and I'm a bit scared to work my way backwards. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is one of those classic breakthrough albums. Diehard fans won't admit its their best, favoring nostalgia and familiarity, but they realize it deep in their subconscious. The song craft is as strong as ever, and the production is clear and beautiful without over doing it. Theres a touch of reservation and abundance often at the same time. I believe it will be a while before I feel the need to venture backwards.

07. Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity

I've read it plenty of times, and every time I listen to Friend Opportunity it becomes clearer and clearer: Deerhoof really are the best band on the planet. Another band that I've shown up to the show a bit late on, I'm coming to realize, its much better late than never. Deerhoof have existed for quite awhile, slowly proving their technicality while honing their song crafting abilities. You can't help but listen to this album and dream that you were there to bear witness to it's inspired creation. Equally amazing is the thought that this album was created by only three people. Banging drums and roaring guitars are present throughout, but the range of extra sounds and synths and horns is truly incredible. Something about this album is magic. Or better yet, everything about this album is magic.

06. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver

Sound of Silver is a bit like chasing the dragon, I'll never be able to recreate how I felt the first time I heard it. Nothing sparked my interest more than curiosity, and my expectations were relatively low. Get Innocuous, the opening track, is 7 minutes of everything that you think this album should be. Flashing lights, tripping on E, getting loose to some white boy techno-funk, 7 minutes of what LCD Soundsystem should sound like, is now out of your system. What follows is 8 near perfect pieces of art, each complete in their own, but with a sum so much greater than their parts. The transition between tracks 4 and 5 is nothing short of genius. The former builds on a beat of what sounds like alarm clocks, resonating blips and beeps that are great for intense headphone listening or intense system-bumping-ass-shaking. The latter is more organic in every sense of the word, choppy piano hits complimented with rising bass and guitar. The song eventually turns into a 7 and a half minute freak out, reminding us that you can still sound like a rock band, but unfold like a disco tune.

05. Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam

Ever get that feeling that someone close to you is doing sketchy things behind your back? Not answering your phone calls, not returning your emails. Acting like their hiding something from you, and coming home late from work. Then, when you're about to assume the worst, you realize they've really just been organizing you a surprise birthday party. Thats kinda what this album is like.

Animal Collective scared me for a bit with Feels. Not that Feels was bad (it was quite good), it was just... I felt like they were up to something. Its easy to get angry with your favorite bands becoming popular, especially because people start to like them for the wrong reasons. Thats what Feels was kind of like.

Then, Strawberry Jam comes along, and all worries are vanquished. Strawberry Jam is something entirely novel, yet contains everything that made Animal Collective great in the first place. The two standout features on this album are the abstract collection of noises blanketing each song, and Avey Tare's voice. Avey is possible the most interesting voice in music these days, strong and piercing like a laser beam, controllable high to low, whisper to scream. The album flows brilliantly too, each song improved by the flow of its predecessor.

04. Bullion - Pet Sounds In The Key of Dee

Its enough to say that Bullion chose one of the best pop albums of all time for his source material. Of course people are going to recognize Brian Wilson's distinguishable "ooos" and "aaahhs" and enjoy it on an easy level. But Bullion is trying to get you to think and listen harder. He teases you, cutting in tiny snippets of pleasure that you have to wait 4 more bars to hear again. The craft is certainly intentional and makes this album so much more than "just another mash up".

Whats truly amazing is the way Bullion fucks with the emotion of the song. Using only samples from "Wouldn't It Be Nice", a cheery pop song of innocence and longing, Bullion creates a bonified ass shaking anthem. "I'm Waiting For the Day" is another example. The original sobg is a an upbeat, optimistic track, sung by a tongue in cheek smirking Wilson. Bullion's version feels different though. Bullion works primarily off of one line: "I gave you love". When its played over the melancholy, eerie background that Bullion creates from the original tracks, the line's meanings and conveyed emotions are absolutely different. Instead of smiling and looking to the future, you feel heartache and longing. Such a change in mood and dynamic is nothing short of genius.

03. The Field - From Here We Go Sublime

From Here We Go Sublime is an album that wraps you its entirety, hypnotizing your mind and soul in its simultaneously chilling and warm atmosphere. This album has been such a part of me this year, from falling asleep in a manic depressive state in Philadelphia, to looking outside the van window to fields of early morning fog somewhere in Iowa, to waiting underground for my trolley on campus. Each texture and sampled voice holds unnumbered feelings from the times I've obsessed over this album, and for that I'm eternally grateful.

02. Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna Are You The Destroyer?

Who could have ever imagined that this album would have been this good? The first time I listened to it I was disappointed. The second time I listened to it I was confused. The third time I listened to it I was in love. Theres too much good stuff in this album to even begin talking about, but the overall themes are whats really impressive. The transition from first half of the album to second half is smooth and clear. The album pinpoints certain emotions (heartbreak, depression, lust, jealousy, denial) with unbelievable precision, to the point that I feel myself relating to a character in Sweden who's taken to Black Metal to ease his sadness. The sorrowful glee of A Sentence Of Sorts In Kongsvinger is what gets me. We've heard it before from Bradley: "saying I'm happy when I'm not". This song is the sonic representation of smiling, when deep down you feel like jumping off of a bridge.

1. Panda Bear - Person Pitch

Sometimes you'll be riding your bike, and as you pass a playground the sun just begins to creep out from behind the clouds. It's warmth erases the chill of the wind, and you see children playing on the swings, and maybe for just a moment, you feel a touch of bliss, and feel the age of your soul. Person Pitch is like that glimpse of sun, awakening real unabashed happiness from the pits of your day to day week to week paycheck to paycheck heart.

Its easy to become so personally attached to this record, primarily because of the way it was constructed. Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) chose to use snippets of his favorite songs as the building blocks for the album, giving it an extremely personal touch. This album can be considered a sonic representation of Noah Lennox at this point in his life, sharing a part of himself with the world.

The best minute and a half of music to come out this year comes three quarters of the way through the epic Good Girls/Carrots. The craziness stops for a brief moment and all thats left is a simple 1-2 beat drenched in reverb. A music box begins to play, and numerious memories are awaken. I think of standing in my second story room, sweating from the Philadelphia summer humidity, and hearing the icecream truck drive by. I think about being 8 and waiting everyday afterschool for the icecream truck. I think about being 4, and walking with my parents in the park. Suddenly Lennox's doubled voice comes in, unintelligible but unmistakably beautiful. I then relate to Lennox in the last song when he sings, "When my soul starts growing, I hope that it never stops".

Brilliant!

2007-12-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

I just had a great idea for some sort of paper. It would be comparing Myspace and Facebook to the religious revolutions of the 16th century. Myspace would be the Catholic Church. At their peak, they both had a complete monopoly on their subjects, each indulging in abuses for capital gain. Myspace, content with its #1 status, saw no need to innovate features, and instead subjected its users to an onslaught of ugly advertisements. Then came another choice. Facebook / protestantism. Once word began to spread about an alternative, the people jumped ship. Facebook was social networking without the bullshit. Relatively no adds, lots of features, and a return to what social networking "should" be like. Same with the protestant revolution. Luther wanted a return to how religion "should" be, getting rid of the bullshit and focusing on the immaterial aspects.

Realizing their mistake, both original institutions attempted to save face, hence the counter reformation. The Catholic Church and Myspace would both steal aspects of the revolutions, holding onto their loyal while trying to win back the patrons they lost. Neither would be wiped out of existence, but they will never be able to regain their monopolized status of the past.

Brilliant?

Playlist - #01

2007-12-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

As another year comes to an end, we all gear ourselves up to prepare TONS AND TONS OF LISTS. Be it Christmas, or best / worst of's, everyone loves assigning quantitative values to art!

I just made my top 10 albums of the year list. Luckily before Pitchfork did so no one can cry about it being biased :P

Heres a few selections from my favorite stuff this year, some appearing on my list, some not. Check it out, and if you dig, its not too late to add it to your list(s).

Of Montreal - Grolandic Edit

Some of Kevin's best lyrics to date, over a slinky bass line, embellished with gorgeous multi-layered harmonies.

LCD Soundsystem - North American Scum (on Letterman)

Great late night TV performance. Makes good use of the house band!

Spoon - The Underdog

Spoon songs are like a game of Jenga. They start out full and layered, and they gradually remove as many pieces as possible while still keeping the structure intact. This video recreates what may be the innovative studio techniques behind Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Either way its fun to watch.

The Field - Over The Ice

Abstract video over the lead off track from The Field's From Here We Go Sublime. Chilling and beautiful, just like the song.

Animal Collective - Peacebone

Fucked up pop. Amazing song, rad video.

More in the days to follow. Enjoy!

Ben Stein is a douchebag

2007-12-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

Here is the trailer for Ben Stein's upcoming film titled, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.

Have you ever witnessed something or someone so stupid, that your emotions surpass anger, and you instead feel pity? Thats how I feel about this bullshit. Honestly, theres just something about Ben Stein posing as some sort of gladiator, with the bad to the bone music... I just feel bad. Seriously.

The idea that Ben Stein thinks he is fighting some kind of oppressive status quo makes me sick. 98% of the world's population shares the belief that some sort of super natural being exists. You are not in the minority here Ben Stein. Lets stop trying to alter the scientific method, and instead maybe focus on spreading the word about the world being round.

People need to get over this whole creationism thing. Its not that religion doesn't belong in schools. Its that religion doesn't belong in science. Why do people continue to assume that religion and science are mutually exclusive?

The denial of evolution in this day and age is logistic suicide. The missing link argument is dead. In response, people have adopted the whole cry for "since we can't be sure 100% either way, we should teach both sides". They may be right about knowing FOR SURE (can you know anything 100% in the first place?), but its the logic behind that school of thought that is flawed.

For instance, I've been working on this theory here on campus. Its called the Theory of Ryanlution. Basically my hypothesis is that I am god, and all of existence is merely a projection of the musings of my omnipotent brain. I haven't proved it 100% yet, but to be fair we should teach it along the other theories so that students can make up their own minds, right?

Give me a break.

p.s. Ben Stein has recently tried to push the idea that we should start taxing the rich more so that the U.S. government can have more money for the military. Off topic I know, just wanted to remind you how big of a douche bag Ben Stein is.

Relgion, and bullshit as a political issue

2007-12-06T01:47:00.000-08:00

Half of my google headlines the past three days have been dominated by the same story. Mitt Romney is going to talk about his Mormonism. My question is: who gives a shit? Or maybe a better question is: why would they give a shit?

Mike Huckabee is a Protestant because he was born in the South. Mitt Romney is a Mormon because he was born in Utah. Both probably believe that a God exists, and both probably think Jesus was a pretty good guy. End of story. No further explanation needed.

Now lets talk about something else, like maybe health care. Or I don't know, that war I think we're still in?

p.s. The Onion is so funny!!

Sleep and Snoop

2007-11-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

Woke up. Got out of bed. Dragged a comb across my head. Put some clothes on. Put my contacts in. Realized I didn't quite feel like going to school and climbed back into bed.

Now I leave you with Snoop's latest video for your viewing pleasure.

Snoop Dogg - Sensual Seduction [EXCLU]
Uploaded by PeteRock

Dion McGregor: Famous Sleep-Talker

2007-11-28T01:16:00.002-08:00

Today I happened to stumbled upon a little treasure of hilarity that truly makes life worth living.

I was on Wikipedia at campus, trying to kill time before my next class. I stumbled upon a page about sleep-walking, and continued to browse related links until I ended up on sleep-talking. At the end of the article, I found what I thought was a hilarious little blurb.

"One famous sleep talker is Dion McGregor, a man who became something of an underground celebrity when his roommate Michael Barr recorded his nightly soliloquies (which were often hilariously detailed), which were then released as a series of albums in the 60's."

"McGregor talked in his sleep. Not in quiet, barely-comprehensible mumbles: while he slept, McGregor would essentially narrate his dreams at conversational volume. As a narrator of his (often terrifying) dreams, Dion adopted various personas but frequently established a fey, argumentative, insolent approach to the subject at hand – be it a hot air balloon trip to the moon with a group of multi-ethnic children, a frantic journey around New York, or a tattooing job on a woman's tongue."

Wow. I honestly could not wait to get home so I could download this. As soon as I got home I did, and on first listen was blown away at how absurdly hilarious this guy was. I listened to the first track and realized I should wait to listen to the rest until I was in some good, full company (laughing is so much better with others). I dabbled in a bit more a while later, and it only made me much more certain how hilarious this guy really was. I'm currently saving the rest of the album until I'm nice and stoned, in the company of some good friends, but I highly encourage you to download and listen for yourself. Prepare for some seriously funny shit.

Of Montreal, Reactionism, and Status Quo

2007-11-22T02:31:00.000-08:00

To the delight of some, and disgust of others, Of Montreal have appeared in yet another TV spot, this time physically appearing to play themselves. Its similar to the way I feel about most commercials (doesn't create interest in the product), but it's still cute and admirable that they're able to poke fun at themselves.

In response to the inevitable claims that he's "selling out", Kevin Barnes wrote a quick little entry on his feelings on the subject. Its great because instead of staying on the defense, he instead attacks the impossible standards of those who love to toss around the "s" word.

I've been discovering lately a new group of shitty people. They exist in all shapes and forms and hold all kinds of different ideals, but they all have one trait in common. They romanticize and dream for an unlikely idea to come to become reality, but as soon as it does come to fruitation, they abandon it adopt a new idea that is 180 DEGREES FROM THEIR ORIGINAL DREAM. These are the people who don't want the world to be perfect because then there will be nothing to revolt against. These are the people who despise "lesser of two evils" politics, but as soon as they discover a grassroots type candidate, such as Ron Paul, they attack him because he could "never win". In this case, its these type of people who are quick to call someone a sell out, yet complain about modern popular music being bullshit. Which one do you want? Good music to stay an underground phenomenon, or for the masses to respect and listen to good music? Popular music isn't going to become good, good music needs to become popular. This is why its not bad for artists to sell themselves to the man (while of course holding a shred of dignity, mind you). Shit, no one accused the Beatles of selling out right? Status quo FTL.

http://www.stereogum.com/archives/commercial-appeal/of-montreal-art-brut-do-tmobile.html

Good Taste, History, and Space Ghost

2007-11-11T13:29:00.000-08:00

Despite being an extremely abstract concept, I think there are some objective qualities to "good taste". One of them, is time. If The Used and Thrice are still your favorite bands to the day, may God help you, but I honestly would respect your taste more than I would have if you told me that five years ago. Why? Because clearly there is some quality about these bands that you like that have stood the test of time. Whatever it may be, it hasn't faded away like the band's popularity, creativity, and careers have. Its a history lesson and the lesson is trying to say something about taste!!!

Recently I decided that Broken Social Scene wasn't my favorite band anymore. Although they have the potential to be the best band in the world, they aren't able / don't know how to harness it. Their latest offer was unfortunately a let down, and their self titled album always had my focus shifted elsewhere; to the bootlegs of the past, and the recordings of the future. But You Forgot It In People is still perfect right? Thats when I'm beginning to doubt myself.

So where do I go from here? The clear heir to the throne is Pavement, but I don't listen to them nearly as much as I do the runner-up, Of Montreal. I decided however that Of Montreal (or BSS for that matter) will not stand the test of time nearly as well as Pavement. And heres why. The best bands exist outside of their albums. Pavement left us with five full lengths to judge them by. But more importantly, they had a personality that will live on forever. Why is it so hard to pick the best Beatles album? Because their albums don't mean shit, its the sum of their legacy and personality that lives on forever.

While its hard for people born in the 80s to get a feel for Pavement's (a band that existed solely in the 90s, the majority of the time under the radar) personality, the avid fan finds little clues everywhere. For example, take a look at exhibit A. These minute and a half videos encapsulate everything Pavement.

The Big Wait

2007-10-29T02:22:00.001-07:00

Going to sleep and waking up are the hardest things in my life right now. I can't turn my brain off at night, and rolling out of bed after ten hours of sleep feels like waking up from three months of hibernation. I'm kind of in "the big wait" phase. I feel useless and powerless and everythinggoodless right now. To say I have no friends here is way fucked up to the few killer ones I do have, but I feel like I've burned too many bridges with the other ones. I'd say I can't wait for my friends to come back, but the truth is, they're not really coming back. I'll see most for Thanksgiving, but it'll be only for a few days. You can't live in anticipation for a few days. I can't wait to go back to Philly, but again, you can't live in anticipation for a few weeks. I can't wait to leave town again this summer, but again, you can't live in anticipation for a few months.

This week has been hell. I thought the time off would be good to catch up on school work, but of course I didn't. I play video games all day because its the only thing that makes me feel not miserable. But I'm not miserable. I'm just waiting I guess. Waiting to record that keyboard part. Waiting to stencil that shirt. Waiting to write those lyrics. Waiting for a girlfriend to fall from the sky.

I need routine in my life. I can't wait to start school again tomorrow so I can look at babes and eat Panda Express. I can't wait for work tomorrow so I can look at babes and eat Domino's pizza. Then once I turn in all my midterms Tuesday I can finally get around to things I've been meaning to do. Or stay up all night watching political videos on youtube. Probably that.

Mommy, what is a push poll?

2007-10-27T00:42:00.000-07:00

" It is a way of slandering a political opponent in the guise of a poll. The so-called pollster calls thousands of people (instead of the normal 600-1000) and asks questions including things like "Did you know that Sen. John McCain has a black child? (used by the Bush campaign in South Carolina in the 2000 primaries). The implication was that McCain had an affair with a black woman. In reality, he and Mrs. McCain adopted a handicapped child from Mother Theresa's orphanage in Bangladesh. So this act of kindness was spun as a way of insinuating that he cheated on his wife, but in such a way that the Bush campaign didn't formally lie and if caught could say, "Oh, we were just curious about racial attitudes." "

Pete and Pete, Pet Sounds, and the golden age of Google

2007-10-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

You remember that Pete and Pete episode right? A Hard Days Pete? In case you don't have the privilege of being a Pete and Pete fan, I'll summarize it for you quickly. Pete hears what he believes is destined to be his favorite song, but he doesn't know who preforms it. Pete spends the episode trying to track down this mysterious song, his foe being the leaky bucket that is human memory.

I've been in this situation in the past. Sometime around 8th grade I heard a song on 91x that blew my mind. I heard the song, had no idea who it was, but made it my mission from that point on to camp out 91x until I heard it again. About a month went by, and eventually I heard it. Luckily the DJ announced who the band was, but unfortunately I wasn't around a pen and a paper, and had to rely on my short term memory to remember the band name. Well, as I'm sure you can guess, the band name was forgotten, and I never heard the song again.

A sad story thats frustrating for a number of reasons. First and least important, I was disappointed in myself for forgetting. More frustrating however, is the idea that there exists a gold pot of good music out there, most of which I will never even have the CHANCE to hear. In a nihilistic kind of way, you will never hear your true, favorite song. And on top of that, if by star crossed luck you do, theres a solid chance you'll never be able to find it again in the infinitely saturated world of music today.

So. I'm at work the other day, listening to the fantastic satellite radio station we perpetually have on. I'm used to being surprised and impressed by the obscure music they play, but then I heard something that really knocked me off my feet. What started as what I thought was a more standard lo-fi sample based hip hop track, I immediately realized was something so much more. The bulk of this track was made up of samples from The Beach Boy's "Wouldn't It Be Nice", beautifully capturing snippets of vocal harmonies and ethereal guitars, creating something wholly unique and extremely enjoyable. I reveled in the pure bliss of this track for its two minutes, and immediately felt the doom of the thought that I might not ever hear it again.

But then I realized what had changed since the last "one that got away": the emergence of information culture. I set aside a good hour and made it my mission to find this song. Knowing nothing about it other than the fact that it sampled Wouldn't It Be Nice, I knew it wouldn't be an easy task. I searched page upon page of failed search queries, including "Wouldn't it be nice sample", "Beach Boys mash up", and "Wouldn't it be nice sample Beach Boys mash up". I learned that you can sample Beach Boys tracks on Amazon, and that there exists a mash up of Kanye West and Pet Sounds, but still hadn't found what I was looking for. Finally after searching for "hip hop Beach Boys", on the third page I struck oil. I found Bullion's album available for free download, "Pet Sounds: In The Key of Dee".

Besides being extremely proud of myself, I was eternally happy for finding this hidden treasure. I relived the magic of Wouldn't It Be Nice, and enjoyed 12 other fantastic tracks on this collection. It also relieved me that it IS possible to navigate the seemingly endless plethora of music, and truly find your favorite song if you so desire.

And if you're curious, visit and download 8-)
http://www.myspace.com/bullionness

The Darjeeling Limited

2007-10-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous movie, lived up to my high expectations and more. Comments for those who have and have not seen it.

Have nots
Don't expect any radical gear shifts in Wes's delivery. His knack for style and visuals are there in full force. Where it differs from his other films is in theme. Bottle Rocket focuses on dreams, Life Aquatic focuses on eternal youth, Darjeeling has its own unique set of themes. The worst thing you can do going into this movie is expect how the plot will play out. I value movies that have a sense of "realness", a low "that would never happen in real life" quality. Good movies should feel like the crew is just documenting whats going on, not that the cast are puppets of the writer's demands. Darjeeling nails that.

Haves (SPOILERS!)
Here are some of my favorite lines and themes:

Hilariousness:
Peter laughs at Jack's short story
Jack: Oh what part are you on?
Peter: Oh nothing it just reminded me of something totally unrelated

Jack: I think those kids are laughing at us
Francis: I really love this country, the people are all so beautiful!

Jack: Wouldn't it be great to hear a train rolling by in the distance right now?
Pete: Not really
Francis: Yea that would probably just be annoying...

Francis: Look at these assholes

It was also great each time Francis came up with a new role, so well acted.

Touchingness:
When Peter is reading Jack's story and starts to tear up, speaks volumes about Jack's writing (non-fictional characters) and Peter's attachment to their dad.

The entire flashback sequence as perfect, probably my favorite part of the film. Obviously cool to see Jack without the mustache, and Francis without headgear. Lots of good subtleties, he never read Jack's book, Francis's frustration about their mom, and Peter's irrational insistence on getting the car. Peter really starts to stand out as the most interesting character, obviously with the most baggage over his father. The shot back to the Indian funeral with them in the same positions was brilliant, gear shift for the rest of the movie.

The "I drove my motorcycle off a ditch on purpose" line sums up everything I love about Wes Anderson. The line in itself carries more character development than most movies have in an entire hour and a half. Along with the "I think he might be my friend" line, you learn that Francis is a lonely, miserable soul. You also learn by induction that at the start of the film he felt uncomfortable and untrustworthy around the brothers, and now he feels at ease. Makes you want to laugh and cry at the same time.

The train montage seemed odd at first, and I'm still a bit confused by it. I'm guessing that each brother was sending their thoughts and troubles to their mom, Jack with Natalie Portman, Peter with his wife, Francis with Brenden, and lastly the mom with the man-eating tiger. That wouldn't account for Bill Murray and the snake dude though. I'll have to see it again.

The whole symbolic baggage thing was also great. It took me a while after the movie to figure that out (durrr), but I'll have to watch it again to see if its too "smacking you over the head".

Infatuation, determinism, existentialism, and the Fiery Furnaces

2007-10-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Let me start this blog entry with a statement. Matthew Friedberger's solo work, Winter Woman in particular, is nothing short of genius. Rewind three days ago. I'm in the middle of an extended surfing period (also known as, my life), when I come across an exciting fact. "Tomorrow the new Fiery Furnaces album Widow City is coming out" is the thought that followed the reading of this fact. In whatever desire I have to understand my favorite band's progression in some sort of chronological order, I figured before I give Widow City it's first listen, I should dig up those Friedberger solo albums and give them a second shot. You know, those albums that have a "1" play count. Or I mean, the first 6 songs have a "1" play count, at which point during the middle of the 7th song on 3/2/2007 (last played) I decided that it was too awful to continue, and switched back over to Blueberry Boat. THOSE albums!

Anyway, before diving in, I of course pull up the Pitchfork review, because I'm a tasteless zombie who can't think for myself. Quick scan, I see a blurb along the lines of "Winter Woman is the popppp album". I see some other shit about blah blah, Blueberry Boat is better, and at this point am ready to agree. I throw on Winter Woman and start up Warcraft 3, my favorite game to play while grudgingly listening to music.

A flutter of discombobulated drums kicks in, the sound of someone balancing a basket full of drum machines on his head, and slipping on a banana peel. The harmonic minor scale kicks in and I realize I'm in for a rough ride. Then, around the third song something happens. Friedberger hooks me right through the cheek with a gorgeous harmonica line: I'm infatuated. My mindset is now completely different. There is something I enjoy between this unnecessary garbage.

Now comes the interesting part. How do I justify this to myself? When chatting about this album am I supposed to say, "Yea, its pretty terrible, besides that harmonica line on Up The River"? Am I the kind of person who latches to music based on aesthetic pleasure, giving no merit to complete or conceptual vision? No way. I do something just as illogical: I force myself to like the rest.

Question time. How much control do we have over ourselves as humans? Who is more true to themselves? The ear candy simpleton who bases their taste around pleasurable aesthetics (I just like what I like man!)? Or the calculated chameleon who adheres strongly to certain "values" in music? I can't answer these questions. But what I can tell you about myself is that bit by bit, for the past three days, Winter Woman has consumed my life.

In this mindset, the seemingly tasteless gear-shifts now reek of artistic genius. I find myself tapping to these beats when thinking about them, in rhythms I don't understand or imagine even existed. Suddenly I'm a fan of something I thought I hated, prog-rock (or this album even for christ's sake!?)!!! Was this my stubborn doing or the inevitable fate of my tastes and values? A little from A and B I believe. Power to the self-determinists!

Tour Wrap-up

2007-10-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

Last night I finally got around to finishing my tour log, whipping out the previously unfinished last two weeks. You can check out the log by clicking the link below. I basically documented what we did EVERY DAY while on the road. Theres some thoughts on each show, and an entire entry devoted to ranking the shows. Check it!

http://powmia-neverforget.blogspot.com/

New T-Shirt Design

2007-10-04T18:43:00.003-07:00

I crack myself up sometimes. Except to see this in stores soon.

Click to see fullsize.

Introduction

2007-10-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

Yay! The blog is real! I'm going to publish varies things here, including but not limited to writings, rants, lists, pictures, songs, etc. Come back, and shit.
-Ryan