Thursday, September 22, 2005 :::

Just finished the graphic novel - it was freakin' great. I'm still not 100% on the record, cuz it seems that the lyrics are more of a supplement than a mirror - which is cool, cuz it begs for further listening (reading)...but it's difficult to know which character is speaking when, since every character speaks through Claudio Sanchez's voice - unless it's always either Claudio (The Character) or The Writer speaking. I dunno. More to come after further evaluation.

This is the first time I've explored the lyrics of a record more than the music. That's saying a lot, I think, for Coheed and Cambria. There are no errors to distract from the experience: the recording quality is great; the band is flawless; it's all a very smooth, enjoyable musical ride. In this way, the music serves as a true vehicle, an effective medium, for the lyrics. The music has become the soundtrack for Claudio's lyrical story. Bravo, Co&Ca. Bravo.

They really have something to be extremely proud of here. Even if you look at this as objectively as possible, the band is putting together a cohesive story that spans the length of four entire albums - and they've planned it so that the first chapter of the tale will be the last record released. AND, without sacrificing any genuineness whatsoever, they've become commerically successful. All of this is quite the fucking accomplishment.

What else, you ask? I'm retarded. I can't believe I didn't pick up the first Coheed comic at Warped Tour '03. No real way to get it now; it's going for 60 bux and higher on e-bay. Frank, I think you should hand your copy down to me. Seriously, if anyone amazingly comes across the first - not the second, but the FIRST - issue ("NO. 1") of "Second Stage Turbine Blade," buy that beast and call me. It should be less than $10 if you find it in a store - I'll pay you back, and then some. Or I'll pull an Ace Ventura.

I wonder if anyone got that.

Favorite tracks on IV: "Welcome Home," "Ten Speed (of God's Blood and Burial)," "Crossing the Frame," and "Apollo I - The Writing Writer." Actually, the only song on the whole record that I'm iffy about is "The Willing Well: II - From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness." Kinda ironic - the name is part of the album's title. Probably significant, then, eh?. Maybe I should spend more time with that track.

And what's the deal with the sound of a splash and a dog barking at the end of the last track?

Everyone should buy this record. I need help figuring this shit out.

...I wasn't kidding. Go buy this record. $9.99 at Best Buy. You'll thank me - and, hopefully, I'll end up thanking you.

Hope everyone is just super... - I'll be in town next weekend for Halloween Horror Nights. We should really try to make this thing huge...all the important people - and you know who I'm talking about (including yourself) - need to be there. Friday night, Sept. 30th. Opening night. Heh, didn't fully realize the implications of going on opening night until just now; we'll probably only make it into like, 2 houses, but it'll be fun, nonetheless. Only $25 bux with the Pepsi discount. And Frank, I know you'll probably have some completely reasonable excuse to miss it, or maybe it'll be a bullshit one - doesn't matter. You owe us, buddy. We all need some quality Frank time. And you need to explain your reason for missing the graduation party that you swore you'd come to. You have one week to craft your alibi. I love you.

I'm out like Corey Feldman.

::: posted by AJBrotz at 7:37 PM

(1) comments

Tuesday, September 20, 2005 :::

Picked up Coheed and Cambria's new album, along with the graphic novel that supposedly fleshes out the story. I really hope it does, cuz I've never been more confused in all my life. If anyone has any idea what's goin' on in this whacked-out tale of space and demons, help me out.

The record is pretty great - "Welcome Home" is such a kick ass song, and the rest of the tunes don't disappoint. The recording quality is finally where it should be, thanks to Columbia's monetary contributions, no doubt. This will be a record to listen to over and over and over again as I try to understand this crazy, crazy story. I dunno what Claudio's been smoking, but he should let us know so we can start to unravel this mystery.

ProTeach is keeping me more than busy. In fact, I should be working on shit right now...

...but I choose to procrastinate. What's life, if not a huge act of procrastination?

Halloween Horror Nights, people. I can make pretty much any Friday or Saturday night work. Or so I think. Let me know when's good, and I'll recheck my schedule.

K...gotta be up by 7:45, so I'm out like Bonkers candy. Dammit those were good.

::: posted by AJBrotz at 8:17 PM

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Monday, September 12, 2005 :::

okay. this is nothing short of amazing.

earlier tonight, i was checking a site that i frequent, looking for an album that, up until now, i've been unable to find. this album is "Epica," by Kamelot, and although i've been able to find it in stores, i'm not a fan of paying 20 dollars for a single cd. anyway, i was thrilled to find it. it's still downloading as i type, and i know it's gonna kick my ass all over the place when it's done. so that was a cool start to my night.

THEN, about 20 minutes ago, I opened up my blog in a usual act of procrastination but, for some unknown reason, I decided to click on the link to Kamelot's homepage. Now, realize that this is something I NEVER do, reason being that I've already explored that site and I understand that this band will probably never come to the US. For those of you who don't know, Kamelot plays a type of music called "power metal," which is nowhere near the mainstream of music in the States but is considerably popular overseas, so pretty much every tour that power metal bands embark on takes place in some other continent. Anyway, with no real reason for doing so, I was browsing the news headlines on the site and came across an intriguing title - "Exclusive US South East Concert!" I was shocked to even see "US" on the page, nevermind the fact that this concert was to be held in the south east! The bulletin was condensed to read "We are pleased to announce an exclusive South East US concert on Veteran's Day November 11th, 2005." While I didn't yet know where or which day the show would be, I knew that I wouldn't have school, so that was excellent. And then, I just about fell over. I clicked to read the full story:

Kamelot and Anvil Productions are pleased to announce an exclusive South East US concert on Veteran's Day November 11th, 2005. The place will be Boomerz's Boiler Room in Seminole, Florida (Tampa, St. Pete's area). This will be Kamelot's only appearance this year in the South East. Tickets will go on sale Friday September 9th as well as the announcement of other acts. Tickets prices will be $15 in advance and will go fast. For more info contact Boomerz.

wha-

um...

HOLYSHITHOLYSHITHOLYSHIT!!! KAMELOT'S ONLY SOUTHEAST US CONCERT IS GOING TO BE IN FLORIDA!!! ONLY HOURS AWAY! MOM, THE MEATLOAF! FUCK!!!

Okay, so that's un-freakin-believable. Kamelot will be playing 3 - count 'em - 3 dates in the US this year, and one of them is going to be in Florida! Incredible! And to reinforce the fact that this is accident, the show is taking place on November 11th. 11/11. %$&*$^%&^! That number has been my number since...I dunno, middle school or something. Case in point: this is meant to be. I still can't believe it.

I already bought tickets for Laura and myself. They WILL sell out soon, so if you know what's good for you (and trust me, Kamelot is good for you), you will jump on this right now. Please, if there's any way in the world that you can make this show, do it. We'll carpool - whatever. The doors open at 8:00 Friday night, November 11th - that's Veteran's Day - and tickets are a measly $15.00! If you've never heard Kamelot, you owe it to yourself to check out their latest release, "The Black Halo." It is, quite simply, a perfect record. No screaming, so don't worry about that - Power Metal is all about strong, pure vocals and mastery of instruments (these guys outperform Dream Theater in nearly every area, and they're much more accessible). A truly impressive band, these guys will amaze you with extremely technical, always singable songs and outstanding musicianship. Check out their site - the link is their logo on the left side margin of my page - for videos and song samples. If you want and can't find a full song to listen to, just ask and I'll get one to you. I recommend starting with "When the Lights are Down" and "The Haunting (Somewhere in Time)."

This is going to be a night to remember - and if you're interested, maybe we can make it into a weekend or something. Let me know. In fact, here's a link to ticketmaster to get you started. Don't miss out, "cuz when the lights are down, there's no more to say." Wow...I've got goosebumps all over.

And yes, I shat myself.

BE THERE!

::: posted by AJBrotz at 7:50 PM

(2) comments

Tuesday, September 06, 2005 :::

Brock and his band Hand to Hand have finally posted their first music video on their site. Watch for it on MTV, Fuse, and Uranium!

You can view it HERE.

On a completely different note, Kanye West is a fucking idiot (can't use firefox for the link). Fuck him. ...there's really not much else to say about that but, as usual, I'll drag it out and vent a bit. He made a complete ass of himself, had nothing intelligent to say - was a fucking idiot. Wow. Must've been pretty damn awkward for Mike. This fucking guy. No respect; no brains; a lot of foolish nerve. I mean, seriously, it's fucking anarchy over there, with people killing relatives for bags of ice, even. And this idiot takes advantage of a well-intentioned live television broadcast to say that Dubya doesn't care about black people. I'm not saying that he does or doesn't, but given the circumstances, what would any president do? Fuckin' helicopters that were bringing aid to New Orleans were being shot at. Black, white, whatever - if you're acting like senseless fucking animals and shooting at people that are trying to help you, well, I'm sorry, but you deserve to die. They've every right to authorize lethal force against you. It's amazing how mindless and primitive people become...and, yes, it seems that many, if not most, of the people performing these horrendous acts are black. Do they represent the entire "black" population? No! So, when we think this through, Kanye saying that Bush doesn't like black people is completely counterproductive and racist on his part - he is, in effect, stating that the violent, animalistic black people in New Orleans represent all black people. If he were correct, and he's NOT, then I would agree with his characterization of black people and state that I don't like them, either. No one should sympathize with the murderous thieves and rapists making waves (no pun intended) in New Orleans, regardless of their race, or of the circumstances. There is no acceptable excuse for such evil behavior.

If anyone actually thought that Kanye's childish, assanine comments were justified in any way, then fuck them, too. If you buy his music, please be aware that you're supporting a waste of space - a negative influence, and a disgrace to the race. He should take his own jet, or buy one, fly over there, and see if he can provide assistance without getting shot at. Dumb dumb dumb.

In closing, I love you, Michael Myers. Party on.

And Will, I know you'll never look at this, but I hope you had a kickass birthday, buddy.

::: posted by AJBrotz at 12:43 AM

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Saturday, September 03, 2005 :::

THIS is pretty sweet (don't you think, Frank?)

::: posted by AJBrotz at 12:36 AM

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