kata rokkar...

 This weekend, Barack Obama won the South Carolina Democratic Primary. This a huge deal for not only the candidate, but for the country. It feels as if we're getting closer to choosing who will lead the democrats this presidential season. So do the wise thing and urge those around you to vote for the guy who will bring change and not another dynasty in the White House.

And now some unfortunate news, lead singer of the Alt-space rock band Strata, Eric Victorino, has left the band to move on to other projects. I wish him the best of luck and hopes he lets us in on his ever expanding ideas.

In honor of him and a better country, here's Strata's version of the National Anthem.

Download: Strata - The New National Anthem from the album, Strata Presents The End of the World.

On January 19th, 2008; I was punched. Not physically, but mentally. On that date I attended the Vocal ’08 spoken word show at Brandies University. At the time, the only person I was aware of was Saul Williams. Little did I know that slam poets like Carlos Andres Gomez, Mayda Del Valle, Buddy Wakefield, and Iyeoka would completely slay me with their spoken words. Even the Dresden Dolls’ Amanda Palmer dedicated to show up and read poetry. So I posted a few spoken word samples and a video of Carlos Andres Gomez performing What’s Genocide? (whose CD I bought that night). So anyone who knows me personally; watch out, I have found a new obsession, hehe.

Download: Buddy Wakefield – The Information Man from the album, LIVE

Download: Iyeoka – Pass It On from the album, Black & Blues

Last year was quite a year for new releases. I practically shat myself over the new M.I.A. and Jonah Matranga records, this year may cause equal or greater shating. Okay, enough of measuring poo. This year has promised new records from Portishead, dredg, The Mars Volta, and Nada Surf. But the one release that I am holding my excitement for is the new Glassjaw album. After seeing them perform their new tunes a year ago and hearing live recordings of recent shows (along with studio recording buzz), I am significantly hyped up for this record. Here are some live recordings of Glassjaw and dredg and a new track from Nada Surf.

(If anyone is pissed that I posted these tracks, don’t hesitate to politely ask me to remove them.)

Download: Glassjaw – Jesus Glue (Live)

Download: dredg – It’s Not Worth It (Live)

Download: Nada Surf – See These Bones from the upcoming album, Lucky

Onelinedrawing - Believer

So long, bye bye
Sad, but in a way it feels nice
I understand
I wouldn't have stayed either, believer
You're truly through with me
But it's all right now, you're finding out
It's like I'm drunk
Can't see straight, and this fever
I can't hold food
It's more than I deserve
Believe her, believer
You're truly through with me
But it's all right now, you're finding out
How all these little cruelties
Were just a weight around my neck
You left a wreck
All the ways you didn't know me (truly)
Could fill a hundred homes (truly)
It wasn't love you didn't show me (truly)
It's a perfect day to let you go
You're truly through with me
So long, bye bye...

Download: Onelinedrawing - Believer (Acoustic Demo) from the album, The Volunteers