I haven’t done one of these in awhile, and i’m also currently studying for my LSAT (on saturday!) plus finals next weeks, so I’m gonna try to cram as much musical goodness into one post as humanly possible…
Here’s what you will find within:
1) Friendly Fires + the XX show review
2) Upcoming Gigs to check out in Vancouver
Enjoy!
On November 14th I went to the Atsui Gallery on East Hastings, Vancouver, to see the “Evolution of Inspiration” exhibit, featuring the works of seven local multidisciplinary artists. The exhibit, which opened on November 8th, was based on the theme of science and related fields of inquiry, and was geared to celebrate 150 years since the publication of Darwin’s Origin of Species. The small gallery accommodated 7 pieces, ranging in media from photography to sculpture to needlepoint, all posing unique answers to the following question of Richard Dawkins:
If history had worked out differently, and Michelangelo had been commissioned to paint a ceiling for a giant Museum of Science, mightn’t he have produced something at least as inspirational as the Sistine Chapel? (from The God Delusion)
The idea of finding inspiration in nature, and more specifically, in scientific documentation of natural processes and events, is one that fits into the 21st century paradigm of conventional science as translator/facilitator between man and nature, instead of assisting man to triumph over nature.
Plato claims no man exercises true justice in the harming of another sentient being, and I am prone to agree with him. The effects of corporal punishment on children have been documented for quite some time—low self-esteem, decreased empathy to others, violent behavior and even recently, scientific studies that show beating children actually lowers their IQ. Opponents of anti-spanking legislation argue that corporal punishment is simply an example of “loving” parenting, and beyond the jurisdiction of government legislation. Those raised in earlier generations, when corporal punishment was the rule and not the exception, may cite their own well-adjusted natures as proof of its innocuousness, if not efficacy. But the use of corporal punishment has much farther-reaching implications than just the multitude of adverse effects on individuals—the underlying question here is whether we want to live in a society of laws, or a society of virtue. If we choose to employ corporal punishment in the discipline of children, we are teaching them to become citizens of, and proponents for, a society of laws—which runs the risk of turning our world into one that forgets the value of justice, virtue and freedom.
A society of laws is one characteristically based on conformity, fear of failure, shortsightedness, and absolute control based on fear and retribution. Disobedience poses a serious threat to this system, and therefore is dealt with swiftly and forcefully, with no thought to the future consequences of that action. It operates under the gross misconception that punishment is an adequate deterrent to immoral behavior, but people motivated by avoidance of punishment will still act unjustly when there is no threat of being caught. Therefore the severity of control and punishment must continually increase under a system of laws in order to maintain its rule. This kind of system, where motivation to act justly is through fear of punishment, rather than upholding of virtue, can only lead to the eventual reduction of a democratic and free society into despotism and tyranny.
Furthermore, I posit that children raised in a conformist society of laws pose a greater risk to all than those raised in a culture of virtue. Forced obedience to laws will result in citizens unable, and perhaps even unwilling, to think for themselves. This lack of both an individual and cultural moral compass is what makes horrific tragedies like Nazi Germany and its practices of mass genocide possible.
Conversely, in a virtue-based society the focus is on the long-term higher outcomes for all; failure is viewed as a natural and necessary consequence of progress, and therefore, disobedience is not seen as a threat to the security of its rule. Freedom of choice is present for those living in a society of virtue, and the naturally discovered consequences of acting without virtue are an effective deterrent in themselves. The power in this system lies in the compelling force of virtue as it acts within each citizen individually, and is manifested in the fabric of society at large.
In light of this argument, I would ask you—do you want a society where children are raised to become citizens who mindlessly follow rules or who act according to higher forms of virtue? I think that the answer to this question lies in the acknowledgement of a collective desired outcome. If we wish to live in a truly free and just society, we must act in accordance with the principles of virtue, and this action must begin with the means by which we educate and discipline our children. Spanking is wrong, not only because it harms children, but because of its destructive implications for the future of democratic society.
While i perso
nally have a love/hate relationship with the online phenom known as YouTube, it undoubtedly has served to provide a launch pad for some amazing and very deserving independent artists. Recently I was tipped off by Wired.com’s article on Malaysia wunderkind Zee Avi, a self-proclaimed “minimal postmodern romantic storyteller,” who has been launched to world-wide acclaim after being discovered by manager Ian Montone (MIA, Vampire Weekend, White Stripes, Raconteurs). Her video of an original Christmas song went viral (it has received over 800,000 views to date!) and since being “discovered” has released her self-titled studio debut on Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records.
She effortlessly blends old school jazz vocal chops with a campy modern pop sensibility. Her sweet melodic style paired with slightly melancholic and clever lyrics create a juxtaposition of themes that in any other artist would sound contrived or pretentious- but not Zee. Her humble beginnings, paired with obvious years of practice have resulted in an album of finely crafted tunes that is both refined and yet pleasantly down-to-earth at the same time. Even the most elementary of listeners will be able to pick out the subtle (and not so subtle) nods to jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James.
The combination of jazz vocals with folk/pop compositions and insightful writing results in an album that will have you spellbound and charmed at first listen, and as you listen to the compelling voice of this talented young singer you will hear the years of hard work that must have gone into honing this sound. It is organic sounding and natural, which I really enjoy. The instrumental backing is minimal and highly complimentary, mostly relying on Zee’s competent guitar skills and acoustic instruments.
“Bitter Heart”
My choice cuts off the album are: Tracks 3 – Honey Bee and Track 10 – Darlin’ It Ain’t Easy.
Head over to iTunes and buy this amazingly talented musician’s album!
For the summer I have been working at the Pacific Rim Visitor Center up in Ucluelet, BC- a well-deserved break from the hectic pace of Florence and city-living!
I will be updating the PRVC blog a lot more regularly so check it out!
cheers!
credit: Nigel Brooks Peer
When the Olympic Games come to town, often the sounds of patriotic anthems, fanfare and athletic competition are overshadowed by the louder calls for peace, equality and social justice. History has shown that where the International Olympic Committee treads, exploitation, repression and controversy are not far behind. While mainstream media outlets in each host city might not have the freedom to cover these issues, an emerging independent media force consisting of citizen journalists utilizing new media technology is laying the groundwork for an alternative source of Olympic coverage featuring alternative narratives, greater transparency and a more inclusive ethos of community participation in the Games.
Each new era brings fresh offerings to the creative marketplace in the form of cultural goods, be it through the medium of music, film, art, the written word or cross-disciplinary genres. Likewise, technology is constantly evolving, not only changing the way we create art, but also the means by which cultural goods are promoted and disseminated. Two interesting phenomena that bisect in this arena are the emergence of the “mash-up,” and its fundamental ties to the Internet and file-sharing technologies. This has resulted in a truly global cultural movement marked by creative significance, legal controversy and innovation in the means by which music makes business.
credit: paperTorch
So back in the 60’s my mom and various other flower-children/acid-freaks/deadheads came up with a
fashion aesthetic that is now considered pretty damn cool. Tie Dye and acid dying is back in a
big way, and not only the DIY’ers and American Apparel hipsters are jumping on board – you can
see examples of tie dye’s rebirth on the runway as well – designers such as Emma Cook, Jesse Hill and Karen Walker
have utilized this technique to jazz up everything from sundresses to jeans to vests.
This funky and easy dye style can bring your everyday apparel from boring to BOILING and revive
those yawn-worthy pieces of your wardrobe you might have forgotten.
Here’s how you do it!
Arrah and the Ferns – Evan is a Vegan (Standard Recording Company, 2007)
“Emo Philips“
It was to my dismay that upon recently discovering this quartet from Muncie, Indiana, I learned that they infact had already broken up!
Alas, the sweet sweet sounds of Arrah and the Ferns are no more, but rather than dwell on the negative, I prefer to look at the glass as half-full.
They released a gem of an album, which it is my pleasure to now share with you.
AATF span the pop spectrum from the Beatles to Burt Bacharach to the B-52’s with their campy combination of cheerfully up-beat keyboards, crisp electric guitars and 50’s style swing rhythms.
The perfect blend of ear-pleasing pop hooks and kitschy lounge lizard throwbacks are offset by grunge-tastic guitar solos and a distinct sound that ranges from organic folk to post-studio pop.
Evan is a Vegan mixes immaculate pop compositions with skillful low-fi production values to affect an authentic indie garage sound. Arrah’s pitch perfect vocal takes keep it from sounding amateurish or low quality and the discriminating instrument selection avoids a sound that is overdone or contrived.
Their catchy sing-along chorus hooks are paired with unpretentiously ironic and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, resulting in a guilt-free pop listening experience equally suited to chilling out solo or cutting a rug with some chums.
The lyrics of Arrah are a pleasant mix of bittersweet girlish confessions paired with mature insights into love, work, death and the nature of human relationships.
A commentary on the trials of everyday life, the album brings to mind moments spent wandering down sunlight-dappled paths through birch woods, complete with birds singing and cute furry animals.
Far from being saccharine sweet or annoyingly optimistic, Arrah drops the odd strangely macabre line of poetry that leaves the suggestion of a slight edge and self-awareness missing from most lyrical pop compositions.
“Bernadette“
“If I’m alive this time tomorrow, then I’ll have more time to kill. maybe we could rearrange the furniture?”
A stand-out track for me from the album is “Bernadette,” featuring a distinctly bluegrass good-time feel (care of Arrah’s “banjolin,” a hybrid combination of banjo & mandolin!) reminiscent of sunday front-porch jams, home-brewed moonshine and charmingly rural square dances.
Also of note is their (now-defunct) website, prominently featuring unicorns and rainbows… two supremely cool aesthetic motifs.
Unfortunate as their dis-banding is, I feel their defunct status strangely adds to their indie credibility, placing this group well within the undefinable and highly elusive “cache of exclusiveness.”
You can visit their myspace or head over to Standard Recording to purchase “Evan is a Vegan”
happy listening! ;D
bex0rz tw33tz
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