By: C. Beaz
I love soul music. It ages very well. I do mean soul music, not R&B. They use to be the same thing, now they’re not. Let me use a modern example: Usher is R&B. Alicia Keys is Soul. If you still don’t get it then you’ve never listened to their records. I’m not talking about modern soul music anyway (Though there are some shining stars, most of it’s WAY over-produced for my taste). I’m referring to classic soul. Give me anything from the mid-sixties to the late 80’s. It smoothes my edges. All is well when I got Stevie!
This is precisely why I’ve been unable to stop listening to Rapheal Saadiq’s latest record. It’s not just a throw-back to 60’s-70’s soul records…it IS a 60’s-70’s soul record! Anyone who enjoys the Temptations, the Miracles, etc., MUST buy this record! It’s like a ride in a time machine. Everything about this record is reminiscent of the days of Motown, even the sound quality.
Rapheal Saadiq set out to make a straight forward tribute record to an era of music he loved. He did it, and only “slipped” once. That’s when he decided to include Jay-Z on the “bonus track”. Why is it always Jay-Z? Not all guest spots were quite so shameless…Joss Stone appears on “Just One Kiss”, sounding very much like a ninety pound white chick who wishes she was Gladys Knight. Also, on “Never Give You Up”, Stevie Wonder appears to play the same harmonica solo we’ve all heard a thousand times. Hey, I didn’t say they were GOOD guest spots, I said they weren’t shameless.
All around….this record is 95% fantastic!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
“When the Fire’s Dead and Gone”
By: C. Beaz
It happens to a lot of bands, especially the successful ones. They reach the apex of their creativity (or commercial success) and spend the rest of their career trying to stay there. This rarely works out. There are few who manage to reclaim a spot on top, but it’s tough. The mountain of success, whether commercial or creative, has a very gradual climb and a dangerously steep drop. My point is that it’s not uncommon for the next big thing to suddenly become the previous best thing. These bands just have to realize it and come to terms with it!
There is a certain group I have in mind as I write this. It’s been twenty years since they released what I consider to be their best record. Two years later, they released their most successful (and most criticized) record. So here’s a band that has spent the better part of eighteen years trying to stay fresh. Needless to say, they’ve failed. And in case you haven’t guessed, I’m talking about Metallica. Their career since then has been a comedy of errors. Metallica rolled out record after record of useless crap.
Examples:
“Load” – all I really remember is that they cut their hair.
“Reload” – “…give me fuel, give me fire, give me that which I desire”?!?!?
“Garage, Inc.” – the Queen cover was cool…I guess.
“S&M” – the dweeb in me kinda liked it actually!
“St. Anger” – worst thing I ever paid for.
That brings me to the present: “Death Magnetic”
Apart from the silly name, which is nothing new really (see: “Ride the Lightning”), this isn’t the worst record they could have made. They are capable of FAR worse! Apparently when making this record producer Rick Rubin told them to make the second half of “Master of Puppets”. That’s obviously what they tried to do. There are two problems with that though. The first one being that “Master of Puppets” didn’t need a second half! The second one is that these guys are forty-something, Armani leather jacket wearing millionaires. Not twenty year old, zit-faced, pissed-off metalheads.
Metallica doesn’t have it anymore. Fade away Metallica….please! And for the love of God, give Rob Trujillio back to Suicidal Tendencies where he can do some good!
It happens to a lot of bands, especially the successful ones. They reach the apex of their creativity (or commercial success) and spend the rest of their career trying to stay there. This rarely works out. There are few who manage to reclaim a spot on top, but it’s tough. The mountain of success, whether commercial or creative, has a very gradual climb and a dangerously steep drop. My point is that it’s not uncommon for the next big thing to suddenly become the previous best thing. These bands just have to realize it and come to terms with it!
There is a certain group I have in mind as I write this. It’s been twenty years since they released what I consider to be their best record. Two years later, they released their most successful (and most criticized) record. So here’s a band that has spent the better part of eighteen years trying to stay fresh. Needless to say, they’ve failed. And in case you haven’t guessed, I’m talking about Metallica. Their career since then has been a comedy of errors. Metallica rolled out record after record of useless crap.
Examples:
“Load” – all I really remember is that they cut their hair.
“Reload” – “…give me fuel, give me fire, give me that which I desire”?!?!?
“Garage, Inc.” – the Queen cover was cool…I guess.
“S&M” – the dweeb in me kinda liked it actually!
“St. Anger” – worst thing I ever paid for.
That brings me to the present: “Death Magnetic”
Apart from the silly name, which is nothing new really (see: “Ride the Lightning”), this isn’t the worst record they could have made. They are capable of FAR worse! Apparently when making this record producer Rick Rubin told them to make the second half of “Master of Puppets”. That’s obviously what they tried to do. There are two problems with that though. The first one being that “Master of Puppets” didn’t need a second half! The second one is that these guys are forty-something, Armani leather jacket wearing millionaires. Not twenty year old, zit-faced, pissed-off metalheads.
Metallica doesn’t have it anymore. Fade away Metallica….please! And for the love of God, give Rob Trujillio back to Suicidal Tendencies where he can do some good!
Political Policies? Welcome to #4.
Think Forward was never intended to be a tool for pushing and promoting the political views of its creators and contributors. I would like to think that Republicans, Democrats, and any and all Independents would be welcome to take part in what we have set out to do…promote creativity.
Therefore, I will refrain from telling you exactly why I am suddenly so petrified for my country. Let’s just say the mania is at a fever pitch and they’re selling products inspired by her EVERYWHERE! Wigs, glasses, t-shirts, buttons, guns….you know where I’m going with this. Canada’s sounding pretty nice aboot now huh?
Anyway, the point is, we here at Think Forward will not make a play at telling you how to vote…or feel. You have enough people telling you that. What we WILL do is encourage you to do some research on these people. Not on CNN or FOX News, not on Saturday Night Live (Hi-larious!), not on Dr. Phil…do it yourself. Make an educated decision! This is no time for being apathetic, too much is at stake. And as long as you know in your heart you’ve done what YOU think is right, then you’ve done enough.
Think forward.
~ Us here at TF
Therefore, I will refrain from telling you exactly why I am suddenly so petrified for my country. Let’s just say the mania is at a fever pitch and they’re selling products inspired by her EVERYWHERE! Wigs, glasses, t-shirts, buttons, guns….you know where I’m going with this. Canada’s sounding pretty nice aboot now huh?
Anyway, the point is, we here at Think Forward will not make a play at telling you how to vote…or feel. You have enough people telling you that. What we WILL do is encourage you to do some research on these people. Not on CNN or FOX News, not on Saturday Night Live (Hi-larious!), not on Dr. Phil…do it yourself. Make an educated decision! This is no time for being apathetic, too much is at stake. And as long as you know in your heart you’ve done what YOU think is right, then you’ve done enough.
Think forward.
~ Us here at TF
In It To Win It
In It To Win It
By: Chris Acyd
Sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll seem to always go together. Straight-laced views about morality and purity were largely discarded in the 70s as hippies took acid and climbed the ‘stairway to heaven’, while UK teens got high on cheap speed and embraced an “anything goes” punk lifestyle. It wasn’t until the beginnings of the hardcore movement in the early 80s that bands like Minor Threat began to push a straight edge agenda, refraining from drinking, drugs, and casual sex, and bringing us the X’s that are still used to mark underage fans at shows.
Two decades later, Sussex County’s In It To Win It maintains the connection between hardcore and straight edge, playing All Ages shows at churches and youth cafes, spawning moshpits in the tamest of crowds with a set that is pure ferocity. Far beyond the simplicity of early hardcore, the band’s metal influences come through with blistering speed and energy, delivered with both righteous anger and a positive attitude that draws fans.
Acyd: How did the band start? How did the band make the decision to be straight edge? Has it been worth it?
Dustin (drums): I started this band in August of 2007 with our guitarist Spencer. We originally planned on writing a totally different style of music but soon realized it wasn't working out the way we planned. A couple weeks later we asked our good friend Woody to join and then realized "Well, we're all straight edge...so why don't we start a hardcore band based upon the lifestyle?" After jamming around a few weekends we got this kid that Woody had been in a previous band with on drums and I did vocals. Played two or three shows I think and realized we had to make a line-up change. We ended up kicking our drummer out and I moved over to drums. Immediately after making the decision I called up my friend Rich, who had been in previous bands with me before. Started practicing, got together a full set of songs and played shows in December. Ever since then we've gotten a great response and our fan base is growing. So it's definitely been worth it!
Acyd: Early hardcore bands denied drugs, alcohol, and, in some cases, sex. In embracing the straight edge lifestyle, how far do you take it?
Dustin: Everyone in the band adopts the basics. "No drugs, no alcohol and no promiscuous sex." I'm the only vegetarian in the band but I don't really relate that to the straight edge lifestyle, it's more of my personal view on animal rights.
Acyd: Like many bands in your particular scene, you play shows at church-based cafes and the like. Does In It To Win It have a religious message, or are you just taking advantage of all available venues?
Dustin: The band does not have a religious message, we are just trying to reach people of all kinds and possibly start a spark in the minds of our generation and so on.
Acyd: There are some who will come up to someone at a show and slap a beer out of their hand. Do you take this militant approach, or choose to lead by example?
Dustin: Haha, no we're not going to slap a beer out of your hand. We have no room in telling you how to live your life. We just want to let people know there is a subculture that embraces these beliefs
Acyd: What are some of your influences, musically?
Dustin: Everyone in the band has different influences. Everything from death metal to pop punk! It's pretty righteous because it's starting to show in the way we write our music.
Acyd: You're just begun an East Coast tour. What are your expectations for the tour, and what are your plans for when it's finished?
Dustin: We've all been so stoked on this tour because we're hitting up some new places and playing some awesome venues.
Everyone in this band loves to tour and personally nothing makes me more happy than being on the road playing music every night with my best friends for the right reasons.
As for when this tour is over, we will be playing shows on the weekends and possibly booking mini-tours here and there.
Other than that our focus is to write new material, work as much as possible and promote the EP we are about to release through 1981 Records!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
While the straight edge lifestyle might be sneered at by some, it's accepted if not always embraced by the uniquely tolerant Eastern Shore scene. Lead guitarist Ben Everett of Queen Anne's 'The Abolitionists' wears the label himself, saying "I wanna try to make a difference and promote change for the good of the common people. I don't think I can do that while I'm getting fucked up. It might work for other people, but it isn't for me. But I also don't care if other people do drugs or drink or whatever, I think it's a personal choice." Easton mover-and-shaker Cody, of Press Black and The International Jet Set, notes that while he's not straight edge, "I think it's great that there are young people who are trying to act responsibly and I think it's great that there are young people getting wasted and having the time of their lives. It boils down to personal liberty...because that's what it's all about right?"
By: Chris Acyd
Sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll seem to always go together. Straight-laced views about morality and purity were largely discarded in the 70s as hippies took acid and climbed the ‘stairway to heaven’, while UK teens got high on cheap speed and embraced an “anything goes” punk lifestyle. It wasn’t until the beginnings of the hardcore movement in the early 80s that bands like Minor Threat began to push a straight edge agenda, refraining from drinking, drugs, and casual sex, and bringing us the X’s that are still used to mark underage fans at shows.
Two decades later, Sussex County’s In It To Win It maintains the connection between hardcore and straight edge, playing All Ages shows at churches and youth cafes, spawning moshpits in the tamest of crowds with a set that is pure ferocity. Far beyond the simplicity of early hardcore, the band’s metal influences come through with blistering speed and energy, delivered with both righteous anger and a positive attitude that draws fans.
Acyd: How did the band start? How did the band make the decision to be straight edge? Has it been worth it?
Dustin (drums): I started this band in August of 2007 with our guitarist Spencer. We originally planned on writing a totally different style of music but soon realized it wasn't working out the way we planned. A couple weeks later we asked our good friend Woody to join and then realized "Well, we're all straight edge...so why don't we start a hardcore band based upon the lifestyle?" After jamming around a few weekends we got this kid that Woody had been in a previous band with on drums and I did vocals. Played two or three shows I think and realized we had to make a line-up change. We ended up kicking our drummer out and I moved over to drums. Immediately after making the decision I called up my friend Rich, who had been in previous bands with me before. Started practicing, got together a full set of songs and played shows in December. Ever since then we've gotten a great response and our fan base is growing. So it's definitely been worth it!
Acyd: Early hardcore bands denied drugs, alcohol, and, in some cases, sex. In embracing the straight edge lifestyle, how far do you take it?
Dustin: Everyone in the band adopts the basics. "No drugs, no alcohol and no promiscuous sex." I'm the only vegetarian in the band but I don't really relate that to the straight edge lifestyle, it's more of my personal view on animal rights.
Acyd: Like many bands in your particular scene, you play shows at church-based cafes and the like. Does In It To Win It have a religious message, or are you just taking advantage of all available venues?
Dustin: The band does not have a religious message, we are just trying to reach people of all kinds and possibly start a spark in the minds of our generation and so on.
Acyd: There are some who will come up to someone at a show and slap a beer out of their hand. Do you take this militant approach, or choose to lead by example?
Dustin: Haha, no we're not going to slap a beer out of your hand. We have no room in telling you how to live your life. We just want to let people know there is a subculture that embraces these beliefs
Acyd: What are some of your influences, musically?
Dustin: Everyone in the band has different influences. Everything from death metal to pop punk! It's pretty righteous because it's starting to show in the way we write our music.
Acyd: You're just begun an East Coast tour. What are your expectations for the tour, and what are your plans for when it's finished?
Dustin: We've all been so stoked on this tour because we're hitting up some new places and playing some awesome venues.
Everyone in this band loves to tour and personally nothing makes me more happy than being on the road playing music every night with my best friends for the right reasons.
As for when this tour is over, we will be playing shows on the weekends and possibly booking mini-tours here and there.
Other than that our focus is to write new material, work as much as possible and promote the EP we are about to release through 1981 Records!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
While the straight edge lifestyle might be sneered at by some, it's accepted if not always embraced by the uniquely tolerant Eastern Shore scene. Lead guitarist Ben Everett of Queen Anne's 'The Abolitionists' wears the label himself, saying "I wanna try to make a difference and promote change for the good of the common people. I don't think I can do that while I'm getting fucked up. It might work for other people, but it isn't for me. But I also don't care if other people do drugs or drink or whatever, I think it's a personal choice." Easton mover-and-shaker Cody, of Press Black and The International Jet Set, notes that while he's not straight edge, "I think it's great that there are young people who are trying to act responsibly and I think it's great that there are young people getting wasted and having the time of their lives. It boils down to personal liberty...because that's what it's all about right?"
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