Arright, lets keep this short and sweet.

I feel like shitting a little music out...maybe you can find something new.

The easiest way to dig this shit up is to YouTube it. Then if you like it, TORRENT it!.
Or i guess you could buy it...if thats yer bag.

So lets do some hip hop material...as its something I still find shockingly misunderstood and overlooked by a lot of people. And some of the wonderful variations on it.

Lets start with a few basics...the kind of things that are as essential within their cultural realm as Queen was to Rock and Roll.

A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders:
While "Quest" was infinitely essential to what was considered the first wave of "new school" hip hop, they were one of those goups that was vastly more influential to future generations of the genre in their B-sides. While a lot of cats like to volley Low End Theory as their pinnacle album, I found it to rank as an 8 to the perfect 10 that Midnight Marauders delivers. Its in the top ten list of essential albums. Plus anything they did early on was always worth a listen and Q-Tips solo career is nothing short of stellar as well.

Hieroglyphics - Third Eye Vision:
I am clearly not doing this thing based on a time line or on overall relevance...but Hiero is one of those groups that if you even so much as held a skateboard back in the late 90's. Theres a good chance their name comes off the tounge much in the same way yer dad talks about Led Zeppelin. Heiro is the sort of group I like to compare to the Wu-Tang Clan, simply on the basis that it was a powerhouse group of incredible talent, a lot of which maintained respect and talent as solo artists as they did in the group. Though I will admit my fanatisicm for their founding member Del tha Funkee Homosapien extended well beyond Heiro and its other members. Which will bring us to the next on our list.

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien - Deltron 3030:
This album is something to behold. Over the years there has been a few hip hoppers to attempt the progressive idea of theming an album with charachters and plot...most of them completely repugnant and unsuccsessful. Here is one of the few exceptions of the rule with a theme based in the future as the robot "Deltron Zero" fights against corporations in epic fashion. This album isnt all on him though, as the production by legendary Dan The Automator and scratches and scrapes done by DJ Kid Koala are as prominent as anything Del did.

Lets make jump back a little to introduce some of what would come to be called "Electro" or "Electro Funk".

Afrikaa Bambaataa - Planet Rock, The Album:
While everyone knows this albums title hit from somewhere or another. The shadow it cast overshadowed and entire record of pioneering sound that took the original ideas of the german group Kraftwerk and made it into something cultural and important in the development of american electronic music of all styles. The other interesting part about all of this is that Afrika had a pretty decent smattering of albums after this one...but being as they didnt produce hits such as Planet Rock...they are all overlooked and sometimes simply unknown by even moderate hip hop fans.

DJ Qbert - Wave Twisters:
Now here is an entire sub-genre of hip hop that has been vastly overlooked and doomed to the preconcieved stereotypes people have of DJ's and their craft. Turntable Jazz or "turntablism" has become something of a cult following not to see the mainstream in any means aside from MixMaster Mike joining the Beastie Boys (fast forward to 1:50) and enlightening them and their fanbase or the very brief popularization that the turntablist group The X-Ecutioners got with their album "Built From Scratch". This was another album to successfully envoke a concept throughout the album as the entire CD was not only the soundtrack, but the actual dialogue from an animated feature Qbert himself wrote and produced by the same name. I believe it also won an award or two at the SXSW film festival.

Funny sidenote about The Executioners, they had an amazing album prior to their successful one called "X-Pressions" that is a testament to the fact that this group at one point was a really great ensemble.

The World Famous Beat Junkies - Volume 2:
Here was a great album that was grossly overlooked by the multiple genres in which it really dominated. As an album produced by turntablists as part 2 of their 3 part set of mix cd's showcasing all the things truly advancing the art form at that time, this whole CD is in my opinion the best of the three...some of it tracks cut from other artists albums some of the junkies appeared on or some of the tracks cut fresh in the studio just for this project. Looking up the track list for this CD is almost as much fun as listening to it. I suggest ignoring the track lists and give it a once through and see how many big name guys you can recognise before you google quest to confirm it.

Arright, lets do something a little more modern and upbeat now.

Ugly Duckling - Fresh Mode:
Here is one that some people are gonna sight as a "gimmie". To most American hip hop fans, this trip of pasty white dudes from south Cali are anything but big...while to the rest of this planet, these guys are nothing short of legendary in all things hip hop.
Shit, they are only one of two hip hop groups ever INVITED to play Japan...the other one being Snoop Dogg, and the arena UD played in was almost twice as big and still sold out. So there is a little perspective for you. But anyone "in the know" can tell you these guys can hold their own up against almost any other underground act you can throw at them. Their originality in beats, lyrics, and overall song writing is hard to find an equal to without going beyond their generation and dragging in some of the legendaries. I chose their first album, but every thing they have put out is just as good if not better...this one just holds that nostalgia with me. Their new album "Audacity" just came out...and it is good.

I want to make a quick word on this one,

Dr. Octagon - Dr. Octagonecologyst:
This is legendary rapper Kool Keith teaming up with Dan The Automator and DJ Qbert for what some of us would consider a "supergroup". This album was very downbeaten and minor keyed for a hip hop album, a conept that worked ok....the tracks on this album are much more stunning than the lyrical work...but that doesnt mean the lyrics were bad...but its worth checking out just for the sake of the originality and the fact that it is afterall, Kool Keith. But I will say I used to own this album all instrumental on vinyl, and it really almost was better that way. So the link up top is to an instrumental verson and this link to Blue Flowers was the "hit" of that album.

Now lets branch out into something a little more electronic-based.

DJ Spooky, That Subliminal Kid - Riddim Warfare:
DJ Spooky is an interesting character that has lived under the radars of a lot of hip hop fans for a long time. While anyone in college for electronic music would attest to him being a sort of messiah for their genre and a good number of its sub-genres. He has been floating around since the mid 90's and has had a career that has morphed from DJ'ing, to turntablism, to composer/film scorer, electronic , inventor of illbient music, writer, music theologist, music professor and all around philosopher of all the ins and outs in the realm of "fragmented music taken from the world around us". I have read a good portion of the first book he wrote...and while a great deal of it is either pretentious shit or is just completely over my head, he is definitely someone who may have the chance to become an important figurehead for all musicians progressing towards whatever the next age of music may be. But this album itself is something to behold in his ease of transferring from one genre to the other and the decent list of musicians and rappers to appear on this album. DJ Spooky is also in the running with DJ Logic as the first to come up with the idea of incorporating the Turntable into a traditional jazz-fusion setting. He actually made some of the firsts recordings in this style with Medeski, Martin & Wood.

Well....this is a good list for now. I was going to add one more about DJ Logic's album "The Anomally" but finding any links for it was a pain in the ass. But look it up if you are interested in Jazz-Turntable music...its definitely one of the best out there.

Perhaps if im feeling frisky or if anyone reads and ejoys this I will do it again.

Good listening, asshole.
FG

Well folks its that Christmas time again. Im not one for keeping track of the months on this endless trek towards Diabetes and Heart Failure. But I do always know when Christmas is coming to town. Whether its the sound of tv christmas specials sizzling out of the motel tv while I proceed to beat a hooker unconcious with a bible to get my hard-earned money back. Or going downtown to pick up a homeless person only to find one pre-frozen in an alleyway ready to be taken home preserved for the coming months. Which reminds me, everyone is invited to my place this monday for some Hobo-dick casserole. Its an old Italian dish, or mexican, its hard to tell being as hes both dirty and frozen.

Its a good time of year for giving though, especially with our economy in the shitter. I like to donate old clothes that dont fit anymore, but not before I use each peice thoroughly as my ceremonial masturbatory cleaning cloth. Being as I dont claim my donations on my taxes I figure I should at least get something back. And theres nothing more satisfying than donating a giant garbage bag of stiff, crunchy sweatshirts and socks...its like starch only salty.

For our Jewish friends this time of year is known as Hanukkah. Its celebrated by getting shitty gifts for eight nights and watching Christmas specials all over TV. Then they apparently light these candles to celebrate some oil or something. I dunno what all that is about. I had a jewish friend in middle school and (thanks to him) up untill last year I thought Hannukah was celebrated by smoking ditch weed parents' shed and then listening to Green Day's "dookie" in a little hat that shaped like Bologna when you fry it in a pan.

Then there is Kwanzaa. Which is a celibrated by putting spinning rims on your H3 and dumping Cristal on a hot tub full of bitches with fat asses. I think theres also a part where you cut an album with Timbaland. Hes like the Santa Clause of black people. (or so im told).

But however you celebrate the Holidays, its important to remember just one thing.
...You never go ass to mouth. Unless you clean it in the shower...then you go directly from the shower to the bed...then you gotta rim that shit.

I think Jesus said that...or was it Martha Stewart. She loves to get her salad tossed.


Fats~

Howdie assholes...its once again time for all ten of you to read my mental poopies.
...fuck it, thats what I call em.
Aaaaaaaaanyway, this blog is for the real hardcore game-nerds only...You know who you are...im talking RPG-fan gamers, im talking "I was addicted to The Sims"-type gamers. Im talking about someone who has at some point called in sick to work or school (or both) just to play video games at home alone undisturbed. Ye are my kindred spirit... If you are not in this category go read something sport or car related...fucking douche-bag...the rest of you scroll on







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Okay, we have filtered out the "non-people" now lets talk turkey. (mmmm...turkey)
So assuming you are an RPG fan of some sort you probably have at least taken a look at a lot of the more "influential" RPG titles over your life of plugging media into consoles and playing them...stuff like: Legend of Zelda, Star Tropics, Dragon Warrior, Illusion of Gaia, Chrono Cross (or Trigger), Populous, Act Raiser, Wild Arms, or the over-rated Final Fantasy franchise.They all (and the tons left unnamed) Had qualities and innovations in them in some form or another that put them on alot of our "must-play" lists. And while we all carry memories from one or another as part of our gaming history, we all have that one or two special games that we never got enough of...For me that title was a small game from Japan that was released on the SNES stateside in 1995.
...Earthbound! For those of you that never played it, you may remember it being the only game that came in a HUMONGOUS box. But alas it was a rare game then due to the cost of it, and the fact that it was a series completely unknown to the American market at that time. (it was technically a sequel to a game never released in the states.)
So anyway, the game is out, people love it...and in 1996 there comes an announcement of a sequel (or the third installment in japan). To be released on the N64...But then nothing. no word, no release no nothing...and in 2000 its announced that its not coming out at all...fucker was scrapped.
I mean to gamers that always sucks...but over the years as RPG's as we know it were brought into 3D, ruined, and then the whole market nearly dies off with nothing but the over-the-top sci-fi imports bringing nothing to the table, the lack of such a game becomes a little more sore.
Fast forward to 2006. A game called Mother 3 is released in Japan on the Game Boy Advance, as it sells feverishly there legions of us underground fans chomp at the bit to get a peice of this game! We assumed and waited for our american translation, only to find 6 months later, it aint fucking happening.
But heres where the story gets kick-ass.
A gentleman named Tomato, who is webmaster for the main Earthbound fan site decides to get three other skilled men together and the set out to not only hack into the game, but change the coding AND translate all the dialog into an English version of the game...No small feat considering these games take entire teams years to create...So TWO years pass, these guys working on this in their free time (not getting paid for the labor time OR for the final product). Taking every little letter and word and turning it from Japanese to English...THEN having to build all this information into patch code that can be laid over the original game ROM (which is a virtual version of the original cartridge...sort of like copying a CD onto your computer) and make a fully playable ENGLISH version of the game. Big stuff my friend, especially since it made its debut Friday and became one of the most downloaded files on the internet for this weekend.
No small feat I mind you...
But the product is totally high quality (as in you can't tell its patched) and absolutely free.
There is not a lot of that sort of mentality alive anymore...if you cant make money on it, there is a pretty good chance it won't exist. And for something like this to a hardcore gamer...it really does mean something. I mean in truth a good game is just a good game...but the actions of other people can make it more than that...I dunno, I tend to feel the same way about my music. Its free, if you want it you can have it. We don't ask for money...we dont expect anything out of this other than some drink tickets now and again and four spots on the guest list. We only hope somebody loves it. And that's what is important. I mean people either forget, dont realise or dont care about the work put in to something like a band...Its hard to keep friends, hard to find jobs that will work with that schedule (and pay enough to make a living). Its hard to make time at least twice a week to go play music...especially when you work a 40-hour week.
But we do it because we need to want to do it. Getting on a stage for 30-45 minutes to entertain you, or someone, anyone or even sometimes noone means more to us than getting a relaxing night at home.
But its rare in anything now. It is all for sale and none of it is free. We have come to believe its the only way. The only reason to work hard...
So whenever you see it being passed out as opposed to being sold...Remember this shit. It means something to somebody.

Sweet jiggling jesus someone turn off the fucking conventions...

Am I the only one completely uninspired by BOTH sides of the presidential race.

Lets not get confused, Fattius doesnt do political. It truly is the one thing everyone has a fucking opinion on that absolutely no one you know is properly educated in. Everyone is just running around believeing whatever some celebrity head on your idiot box was squaking about on the one episode of "The Daily Show" you accidentally caught last week waiting for South Park to come on. (or for some soft-core porn to start on Cinemax.)
Its fucking ridiculous, there isnt a single candidate in this whole debockle that inspires any real sort of leadership for this country. And as citizens of this empire we just sort of "accept" this sort of behavior from our "public" figures because its the norm. Which is a sort of mocked up display of ways to generate serious moneys via usage of public appearance and meaningless lawyer talk.
And what pop culture it always becomes...the same genre we reference to furby's, the rubix cube and Brittney Spears' insane, seethig twat. its all on MTV for assholes to generate their little opinions on. But lets look at the real beef of it all...they both dig up dirt on each other beacaue they both have a shit-load of dirt to dig up...and to be honest, im at the point that with all the issues effecting the Imperial America these days...whichever way our "leader" is supposed to stand on it...I just wish they'd fucking STAND on it. Lead me, show me a path and commit to it whole heartedly for the sake of your belief...not what voters want, not what the pop census dictate..just what you believe. Id rather attend a worship with someone who fucking believes than some church a guy goes to for the free crackers and wine. whether its my belief or not. This shit with one candidates race over anothers military service? The breeding practices of a VP's family...I say we do like one Mr. Larry Flynt tried to do a few years back...we put a team of Private Investigators on every candidate for the presidency. when one team finds a person that doesnt have a wheelbarrow of shit and debts in their closet...their is our man...give him a red tie and a BJ in the Oval Office, he/she is the next american idol.

Oh yeah, I got to hear an early copy of Only Thunder's new album...What a sound...its Small Brown Bike meets the mile high city...anything Michigan can do we can do better, we can do anything better than you...including own a football team and keep our inner-city ghettos in check.
But yeah its good, real good.I cant say off hand who they have set up for their CD release show, but I sort of put the hurt-locker on Casey to weasel us on it...no guarentees but I have doctored some pictures of Casey and Betty White from The Golden Girls, just in case it needs to come to blackmail...and I always hope it does. More on this story as it develops.

But ok, enough rambling....time for me to get back to one of my real passions...uugh hold on im getting a phone call...
Heheh, speak of the Devil. I just got a phone call from Casey (from only thunder, keep up dick.)I repaired his Amp for him after an unfortunate whiskey accident. Im doing that shit freelance now so if yer stuff is broke CALL ME. I work for beer and pornography...and sausage McMuffins. He will be attending this evenings show...which I should talk a little about.
So tonight and tomorrow night...The Archive and The Gromet. For those of you who are physically retarded, The Gromet is my darling little brothers band...good stuff, some come see it...tonight we're at the High Dive with We Are! We Are! who if you havent seen YOU MUST SEE. Oh yeah, and then we play.
On SATURDAY night were all mobbing up to Ft. Collins for what can only be considered a massive party the likes you havent seen since the last time you got drunk with us in Ft Collins. Its us, The Gromet, SHITWOLF (oh yeah!) and Only Thunder's Drummer Andy Thomas opening it all with an acoustic set...the beer is cheap, Jager is too...so come get loaded with the animals. Its at Road 34...just shoot me a phone call or email for more info (the_fatguy@yahoo.com)

Ok NOW back to my real passion...making and then properly ID'ing and cataloging Human Shit.

Your mothers pussy is dry, tell her to do something about it or im doubling my fee.
Fattius J Guy, Esquire;

Jesus its been awhile. Possibly because we have all become too busy for such trite things as myspace and/or blogs. I dont really read any. Unless one of the few local bands I like posts something interesting...otherwise I just check messages like its any other email. But fuck it.

As of late Fatguy suffers from a loss of loved one. But I wont delve into that. I will however talk about the habits it can leave behind. I find it odd to get used to not calling someone at the end of day-to-day to discuss things. Or have anyone I can call aside from bandmates and my younger siblings (hello assholes, daddy loves you),

Also as of recent (and quite related to the latter) I have lost my car via reposession. And with it too carries these profound ghosts of habit that we as people get all too used to. I think the worst part of it all between the two is realizing all the people I really miss and could use the company of are all now too far away for me to even attempt to re-connect with.

Its great how easy it is to take things for granted yet how hard it is to live without them. BUt maybe more optimism is in order.

The band is good, I really enjoy the new material an am growin g less and less fond of our previous recording and the angle we took upon it. HOpefully soon we will devise a way of recording that we may attempt to engineer the sonofabitch ourselves. I am now a working as a full-time certified musical electronics repair tech as well. so if you got some faulty gear drop me an email. I can probably get you a killer deal on repair. Im even knowwn for throwing some pro-bono work around in exchange for favors. (not those kinds of favors, prevert).

Also my brother Shea has been hard at work with his friends Nick and John getting their new material laid down and in preparation for the show they will be playing with us on the 23rd of March. Myabe I can talk him and the guys from The Archive (consume) into knocking out Crosstown Traffic. The one Jimi cover that doesnt include a ridiculous guitar lead for which to hack.

But I suppose I will leave it at that. GO do something more constructive with your day.

Also maybe one of you bastars will take pity on me and come pick me up for a beer. Jesus I almost forget what it tastes like.

Fattius Out~

Official Bulletin...

Fatguy needs a new place to live...as of December 31st I am officially living in my car. If you know of anyone looking fer a roomate of my proportions...or perhaps YOU have a spare room/couch/floor up for grabs...please let me know. I am in deparate need of shelter.
303 917 2014

Fatguy,

Sweet jesus I havent blogged in fucking eons...

SO much shit new and different. Some good, but most bad...

John Polzin....Rest in Peace
He was a good friend, one I didnt have the benefit of spending as much time as I'd wanted. He, Josiah, and I used to have a pretty good relationship as friends. Something I alsways regarded as alot more precious than alot of things in life.
How he recently passed and left us doesnt need elaborating. All that must be said is that it was unexpected and he definately didnt deserve it.

Anyone who really knows me can tell you I dont live a life of materials. Everything I own can fit in one milk-crate and a trunk. (minus my bass gear). And anyone who has witnessed my family life (or lack there of). Knows that I am a guy who values the people around him. Alot of the time it somes down to being all I got and who I really am. The people around me used to be the entire point of what I did.
Unfortunately I lost that a long time ago.
Im sure like alot of you I have gotten to a point of such rigorous business I barely have time to remember that I have friends.
And with the loss of such a wonderful person whom I had lost nearly all contact with due to the perils of life, it starts to remind you of what it is you are missing in life and just how heavy of a loss that is.
I knew John arright. Not nearly as well as most people that knew him, but enough to have some sort of a bond between He, Josiah and I...Mikey too.
It things like this that forve you to reflect on all the relationships in your life. Both current and those passed. There is also a short list of people I have had conflicts with eons ago that I still wish I could call and talk to almost every day.
Im sure we all have this sort of elaborate system of people that influnce our lives. Along with all those lost and missed are those that are still there and missed.
I feel like I have gone so far from being a happy interesting fun person that I have become the sort of reflection I used to hate.
But its funny how time and circumstance can do that to you.
And its strange how even in the face of what has just happened to John Polzin. I am finding myself being forced to still do nothing about it.
Its this sick feeling in your stomach that you know if he was to show up at my door tonight and ask me to go have a beer, theres still a pretty good chance Id have to refuse in the face of my work day tomorrow and the sleep I really need.

Perhaps its the epitomy of growing up. Losing the value of a good friend and the good times in tow. I see it in alot of the people around me.
Some friends too busy to call you, some friends too busy to take your call, some friends just a little too far away, some friends too exciting for you, some friends too boring, some friends too busy getting married, some friends too busy trying not to be single. I mean hell, Im too busy alot of the time for my girlfriend. (sorry baby).

But im not the only one, you all get there at some point too, now or later. And then they all become items on your "To Do"list.
Funny how that list never gets done though.
Maybe losses like this shouldremind us all to make a few calls on that list. And if we geta few calls from some other lists out there, throw the time lost and distance gained out the window, go have a hug and a beer. Rememer that tomorrow they or you could be up and gone.

My heart and wishes go out to all the poeple in Johns life who are doing that now. It is the sort of mortal exchange nobody deserves. Reflections for loved ones...John is being missed dearly, and so are all of you that I used to know. If you got the time,call me up and say hi. Im trying to do the same with you.

FG~

There is a storm a-brewin'. Maybe multiple ones.

So its been a little bit since the last blog.
Ill spare you details of my personal life. But lets get to whats new and find ways for me belittle it.

To top this blog off...theres a new album out that everyone should swing by the bands website and listen to the WHOLE ALBUM FOR FREE.

www.travismorrison.com

Its very good. Listen to something new, even if you love or hate my band.
If you ever read my blogs I am sure at some point you have witnessed the many praises I give to The Dismemberment Plan and its former singer Travis Morrison.

The new living sitch is good, I just need a mattress and a better job. Anyone hiring?  Fatguy = Good Worker.

The band is arright. Things have been hectic for everyone, and we are trying to get back on track. I am currantly trying to learn some material with another guy for an acoustic cover project. I will be singing, hopefully. Singing is one of those things I really want to do more of as a musician, and unfortunately The Archive doesnt really allow the space to let me do that. So hopefully at some point I'll be booking some shows for this fellow and I...he is not on myspace, so dont even look. (not that you would).

One of Andy Keys' keyboards died on him. (the little red one that made *boop boop* noises). RIP keyboard, you played many a good gig.
He is looking into mobilizing our keytar...if it happens, things will be all good. Yeah.

I have currently re-addicted myself to a band called  "3" .
They have a brand new album I havent heard, but the last one "Wake Pig" is extremely good. Its like Pink Floyd meets Iron Maiden and Prince. DIg it.

The new "Chromeo" is very good, so is the old one. Jesus fucking Christ go listen to one of em already.

You ever get that feeling in the back of your neck that something amazing is about to happen. I been getting that alot lately...but perhaps its the weather.
Though I still claim the Force is strong within me.

Maybe later Ill add a funnier blog. Its late...time for bed.
I also need more new questions for Dr. Fatguy. His lawsuit cleared so he got his licence back. So send some, jerks.

Hot Shower,
Fats~

Hi folks, its your friendly neighborhood Fatguy here with another rambling of shit the likes you have not witnessed since the last time you opted for chili-cheesefries instead of a salad. Whoop-de-doo-doo.

So I am without home now, as of wednesday I was forced to remove all my belongings by Saturday and be out. Thankfully due to my low living standard and a simple need of only music, video games and sci-fi regalia, I managed to fit everything I own (minus my music gear, safely at a practice space under gotham city) into my sleek and sporty, 92 Mercury Topaz.

...finding somewhere to live sucks.
Its like you dont belong anywhere, and everywhere you go people say:
"*long exasperated sigh of obligation* I guess you could sleep in my basement/den."
Which I hate to high heavens because Id rather just get "man, I wish I could help but, I dont want you living with me". Cause in all honesty I have spent far too long living in a place I wasnt wanted to go off and do that again. So why dont we get together sunday and Ill help you roll that false invitation up small enough so we can get it up your ass. Love you guys...

Anyways, last night "the band' (www.myspace.com/thearchivemusic, consume)
played at a hidden  little bar called The Meadowlark up next to the Larimer Lounge. We had a decent time playing our loud, weird music for the room full of people there for an art showing. Our friend and skilled musician Nick from Peña was doing sound along with what appeared to be a bang-up job Bar-backing. Then David from Peña proceded to come in and make the night alot of fun. I had never got a chance to talk to the guy all that much the last time we all played together. Its rare and nice to meet talented musicians in this town that are also a real good time. The majority of bands we run into are far to into the "whack and cliche'" scene thats real big right now. So if yer in one of those bands and you are reading this? Please fuck right the hell off.
But we also got to see and old friend who recorded the old band have at the stage in what I could only describe as quality honky-tonk with a flair for all things artistic.
Good stuff, its nice when a show happens all positive.
Now I am trying to figure out a way to get all the people that read this blog thing all the time, to come to a damn show. It seems like every time I write on this sucker theres more and more people actually beliving this poo. And kudos to you!
Come out to a show, let me buy you a drink, maybe show off my penis. You know, classy shit.

End Transmission~

P.S.- I think my "aunt flo" is visiting, cause for the last 4 or 5 days Ive wanted to hump every girl within arms reach. That and Im getting all bloated and moody, I think it might be time for a little couch action with some yoplait and sex and the city...or maybe some good porn. You know the kind, theres a reason its illegal.
 

    Arright, so I'm blogging much more than usual as of late. Maybe I just have more to say right now than usual, or perhaps I am pleasantly surprised to see that people actually read this text-based raping adventure of the English language that I call "digital diarrhea".
    Either way I have read something that, to me, sort of ironically made its way down the line. I am not the kind of guy to carry around mentors. I grew up in a home with parents you more look down on than up to so I never really found myself having anyone to look up to. But there are a few out there, listing them all is both  unnecessary and a little too personal of a thing to spill out for all the public to see. But one guy in this town has always garnered a lot of respect from me. He is a local musician who has made large leaps to keep as a positive influence on this towns music scene. But anyways, he re-posted something via an inspiration of his with a small heading of kind words for the guy. I read it, and felt it bared repeating. So here it is, via my mentor's mentor. A gentleman by the name of Seamus McNerney.

Music education is in the toilet. Funding has been drastically cut and, more disturbingly, interest among students and teachers (as well as administrators) alike is at an all-time low. I??m not speaking about any level of private or public education, but rather in education as a whole.  

I??m biased.  I happen to believe that quality communication, quality conversation is only possible when mediated by some amount of music education.  When listening to music, one is trained to truly listen, not just hear something.  

True listening is trained by serious engagement with a piece of music. Listen.  I??ve rambled on about patience and courage, both of which are required tools when approaching a musical piece (particularly a classical piece).  


But what about the anemic back-and-forth that regularly occurs between yourself and a significant other?  It is nothing but hearing a voice, indifferent to the idle chatter of someone close to you.  Blather, the pollution of the telemarketer and the septic poison of bureaucratic speech.  Right?  Wrong.  It is about listening. And the conversation depends upon it.

I??m frightened by the number of people incapable of a real conversation.  Or, they may crave a conversation (after all, conversation provides the relief needed from a day of tedious alienation).  I am not so frightened by the number of people incapable of listening to a piece of music;  they are both symptoms of a much deeper problem.  We have ears for a reason, but not the reason usually supplied by proponents of communication theory.  

Training in music  results in quality conversation and better civic comportment.  Personally, I hate it when someone talks over me ?? that is, speaks while I??m speaking.  All nuance is obliterated, all subtle reference is murdered.  

In the Jewish tradition, finishing someone??s sentences is akin to venial sin.  I like that. Imagine trying to finish a
string quartet or piano sonata before you have actually heard it. A sustained interest in what flows into our ears is as important, if not more so,  as the food we put in our guts and the breath we put in our lungs.  And I will grant the fact of boring music, as well as uninteresting and unimaginative conversation.  Tedium is tedium.  

It is said the occasionally interesting composer Sergei Rachmaninoff would go days without speaking.  No
conversation there.  On the other hand, the annoyingly verbose composer Antonio Vivaldi is reported to have never allowed his interlocutors a full sentence.  How Italian... two ends of the listening spectrum.  

My only point is this: In a world dominated by idle chatter, chat rooms, chat crap and high-speed emotional pick ups, it is nice to think of a real person speaking in a real way ?? music and  conversation.  Can you imagine what this would do to the political process?  

Here is a recipe for radical political change: music education.  A resurrection of listening, and with it a rebirth of nuance and subtlety, and all of the despair and joy that accompanies it.
Seamus McNerney is a lecturer in the humanities with an emphasis on music history at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.