Transitional
Nothing Real Nothing Absent
Conspiracy Records

People who are not mentally stable will like this album. But since that includes all of us, I would recommend that everyone listen to Nothing Real Nothing Absent. A collaboration between Kevin Laska and Dave Cochrane, Transitional’s debut album is a post rock apocalypse. Though there are some elements of traditional instruments, most of the music is electronic. Some of the songs sound like tanks rolling over cities, while others sound like robots colliding with the ocean. Perhaps it would be best not to talk about the instrumentation, because it sounds like it was mostly done on computer. Many of the sounds are not “Musique concrete”, that is, real world sounds. They are mostly the result of a strange and troubled person who decided to mess with a computer. My favorite song is “fractured” which begins with a slow, windy rumble, and crescendos into a terrible industrial feedback cacophony. For someone who has seen it, this track might bring flashbacks of Koyaanisqatsi: man destroying earth with machine, alienating all life, and extinguishing the world as we know it. Though there are very few words, the music expresses a profound message through its dissidence. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

Rights and Doing What’s Right: The Unpopular Side of Prop 8
by G. Kath Messner

It’s not okay to pick your nose in traffic, but it is okay to have a traditional opinion on the topic of homosexual marriage. There has been ample coverage in the media about the injustices of Proposition 8, so I want to consider the other side of the argument. The unpopular difference between “rights” and doing the right thing.

To explain, Proposition 8 is a measure to amend the California State constitution to clarify legal marriage as being between male and female partners only. A YES vote means that you support traditional marriage between husband and wife, and a NO vote means that you are in favor of homosexual marriage. This Proposition already passed back in the year 2000, but 4 State Supreme Court activist judges reversed the people’s decision and removed the ban on gay marriage without regard to the peoples vote. This type of non-democratic court control is exactly what our country’s founding fathers feared and tried to prevent when creating the Constitution.

You may be infuriated that the people in the state of California passed a proposition that you do not agree with. Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay…

And before you choose a certain religious denomination to blame, keep in mind the facts of this proposition and the 5.5 million voters who voted in favor of it despite the deceptive and extremist television ads created by the No On 8 campaign.

I witnessed a lot of enraged people waving banners that tout words like “hate” and “love.” The truth is that this issue has nothing to do with either. Incidentally, many of the gay protesters who are upset by the passing of Prop 8 have vowed to use violence to let people know how unfair they’re being treated. Does that sort of duplicity concern anyone besides me? Read this article for an idea of how much hatred is being bred within portions of the pro-homosexual-marriage population: http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/6081

Many people are comparing this battle with the racial-based civil rights movements of the mid-century, but there is one key difference: marriage is NOT an inalienable civil right (such as riding a public bus or drinking from a public fountain, which are natural and immutable rights.) Is barring a same-sex couple from being married discriminatory? If the actual definition of word marriage (the union of man and women) isn’t compelling enough, read on. Discrimination exists when rights and civil liberties are actually taken away from an individual or group. In the case of Proposition 8, no rights whatsoever have ever been removed from the homosexual community. The State of California provides Section 297-297.5 and 299 to ensure that homosexual couples receive all of the same “rights” as heterosexual couples. Unfortunately for confused voters, the language included on the ballot for Proposition 8 was somewhat misleading, as marriage is not a “right”, but is a concessional institution. It is a privilege that not all couples qualify for. Does that sound discriminatory or outrageous? Can something be unfair, but right? When it comes down to it, would you choose absolute equality and fairness or choose “the right thing?” Read the following article from an East Coast newspaper which explains why the battle over the definition of marriage is such a crucial topic. I agree with most of what it says:

The piece begins with the bold statement, “There never has been a “right” to marry. Marriage is a privilege, not a right.” [That’s why it requires approval and performance by a civic or ecclesiastical leader. The same way a Drivers License is not a “right”, it is a privilege. While “rights” are endowed to all people, certain criteria must be met to obtain benefits categorized as privileges.]

The article, written four years ago, continues with “The issue and the stakes are about the institution of marriage and not changing its definition just because it suits somebody’s needs at the moment. If we allow marriage to be defined by current social “sensitivities,” there will be no right to deny marriage to other non-traditional groups. Once we start down that road, there’s no telling what we as a society will be forced to recognize as “marriage.”

“There are prohibitions against marrying direct family members. Fathers cannot marry daughters, mothers their sons, brothers and sisters cannot wed, even first cousins are barred from marriage. If we change the definition of marriage to allow same sex couples to marry, would we have the right to deny familial weddings?

“All current laws governing statutory rape and pedophilia would eventually have to be thrown out. Why, you ask? Because sex with children would have to be legalized. Adults would be allowed to marry children no matter what their age. And everybody knows that sex before marriage is expected so any adult/child relationships would have to be condoned.

“NAMBLA, the North American Man Boy Love Association, has for years been advocating for the legalization of not only adult/child sex but man/boy sex, specifically. They are practicing pedophiles and are proud of it. Their Web site sings the praises of men “loving” boys. These “relationships” would eventually have to be condoned.

“Are you beginning to see the problem?

“I can almost hear the outraged cries as you read this that “this would never happen!” Really? One of the arguments for recognizing same sex marriage is that “other countries are enlightened enough to recognize/allow it.” Well, guess what? Every situation that I have described is practiced in at least one other country on this planet.

“I believe that any attempt to change the Constitution should never be taken lightly. But if there was ever a reason to do so, this is it. The sanctity of the institution of marriage must be protected.” (Anthony McKee, The East Carolinian, February 2004)

Back in 1978, theological authority Neal A Maxwell declared “We will see [an] effort made to establish ‘irreligion’ as the state religion. It is actually a new form of paganism which uses the carefully preserved and cultivated freedoms of western civilization to shrink freedom…This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions… Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened.” So in a feeble attempt to separate church and state, our society will establish anti-religion (which is truly a religion in itself) as the moral compass that will actually lead in a direction of fewer freedoms. Backwards, isn’t it?

In this opinion, marriage ought to remain defined as the union of ONE man and ONE woman. Anything else is hedonistic and temporary. I support the notions included in Proposition 8 because it helps restore the people’s voice that marriage must be defined by law before it follows the same slippery slope mentioned above. Occasionally, what is right is unfair. It is okay if things are unfair, isn’t it?

Again, remember those deep breaths. Gay people can still be gay and straight people can still be straight. There is no wisdom in resorting to brutality to resolve an issue that requires a renewed understanding of the sanctity of the marriage privilege. - G. Kath Messner

Rahim
Laughter
Pretty Activity Records

Rahim are four friends from Long Island, New York. They sound like a garage rock band that plays clubs in a hipster bar or club somewhere downtown. Laughter begins with some mature instrumentals, which are slightly apocalyptic. Instrumentation includes drums, guitar, horns, and keyboard, creating a subtle platform for awkward singing, giving the album angst filled twinges. Vocals by Chris Bordeaux and Christian Little sound like apprehensive, depressed confessions. Their voices are neither soothing, remarkably brash, nor innovative. My favorite track is “Dark Harbor” with its ominous keyboards, sad vocals, and brooding trumpet solo. Indie Rock fans may give this album much more credit than it deserves since it holds everything an Indie Rock fan needs – four white musicians playing weird-sounding mellow rock. But like a piece of plain bread without the crust, this album has too much of the same consistency throughout for the album to be interesting or even tasteful. About three tracks out of the eleven are interesting, but the rest are extremely boring filler. However, the band seems to have some potential, and the three or four experimental songs here will help Rahim approach a better album next time around. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

The Mighty Underdogs
Droppin’ Science Fiction
Definitive Jux

This album begins with an annoying woman reading, “This is the Mighty Underdogs’ Droppin’ Science Fiction. October 14th on Def. Jux”. Because this message repeats every thirty seconds, I got annoyed after a few tracks and gave up. Luckily I found myself copy because the album (the store version uninterrupted by some Definitive Jux Nazi) is wonderful. For those who don’t know, The Mighty Underdogs are a Northern California hip hop “superband” which includes MCs Gift of Gab from Blackalicous, Lateef the Truth Speaker of Latryx and producer Headnodic from Crown City Rockers. From track one, the album flows at a breakneck pace, with both MCs rhyming tag team style. Then in the middle section, there are guests on number of songs, some of which are my favorite on the whole album. These include appearances by MF DooM, Julian and Damian Marley, and Lyrics Born (another NorCal hip hop group), among others. One of the most impressive qualities of the album is its production. Each beat is incredibly simple and melodic, with either a jazzy acoustic guitar or piano as the only compliment to the standard rhythm section of bass and drums. Sprinkled throughout are tasteful break-beats especially on “Aye”. –Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth
Not Noiice
Chalk Circle

When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth have an awesome name. But their singing is less than awesome. A seven-piece band becomes a disorganized chaotic wall of noise throughout most of their debut album. Let me clarify. All the musicians are great, but the two singers are hacks. Perhaps it’s the sound of dinosaurs they both channel when they “sing” over music. But to me it sounds like whatever they have to say is not important enough to enunciate, because not a single word of the band’s lyrics is intelligible. A few tracks like “Hairvest” and “It’s Casual” have syncopated bass slaps which combine with a danceable backbeat and droning guitars which groove well together. On most other songs, however, droning guitars and screaming dominates. One exception is the instrumental “Big Fuck Party” which sounds like a parody of a porn soundtrack. Nevertheless, all you fans of Noise and Drone rejoice! This album has lots of droning, and noise – just like every other noise and drone album. Who knows? I may end up liking it. Maybe I’m old fashioned, and this stuff is the new Punk – difficult tolerate to for the uninitiated, but sublime to the seasoned listener. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

Brothers and Sisters
Fortunately
The Calla Lily Company

Brothers and Sisters are led by rocking siblings Lily and Will Courtney. One lyric from their album’s title track sums up their philosophy: “Surround myself with friends…because misery loves company”. You may have heard them jam at SXSW, or on the road with friends like Spoon and Jeff Tweedy. Their latest record Fortunately expresses a distinctive country rock sound that is far from bland or hokey. In fact it’s as experimental as Wilco’s earlier stuff, while still being deeply rooted in country and pop. Ray Jackson’s pedal steel guitar weeps along with Will Courney’s Neil Young-ish, clean-cut folk voice. Lily Courtney adds another dimension to the vocals, sometimes taking lead, sometimes adding tasteful harmony. They evoke California sunshine on some songs while reminding us of the Austin Indie scene at others. During the song “ainrofilac” (California backward) a backwards steel guitar track adds a haunting riff. Ending the record is a sweeping wind of sound that causes a cathartic reaction, sending you into another world entirely. They’ve got a distinctly modern American sound, and I would expect them to have a bright future in music, if this album is anything to judge them by. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

Jacksonknife
You Don’t Know What You’re Talking About EP

Jacksonknife is a quintet from New York City. Their independently released EP is perhaps the catchiest pop record ever. Its shimmering perfect production value speaks to the common person’s soul, but its unique innovation will also satisfy the creative uber-indie critic. It has all the old elements of the definitive American pop record (when vinyl was the popular media): it is twenty minutes total; all the songs are around or less than 4 minutes; each song has a chord progression including verses, choruses, and bridges; there are elements of both country and rock; there is at least one love song; also, each song would be a suitable single for modern radio. But of course, jacksonknife doesn’t have a record label, and they aren’t even popular on the radio – yet. Consisting of a bass player, drummer, guitarist/keyboard extraordinaire, the band’s sound is highlighted most by the subtle violin and the singer. Band founder Jeremy Kirkland’s vocals and lyrics are carefully bluesy and folky at the same time, cutting into your desperate soul. I would recommend having a listen or two of this album. Caution: jacksonknife is highly addicting. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

Shaya
Fallen Awake
Interdependent Media

Interdependent Media teems with hip-hop talent including acts as diverse as K’naan, J*Davey and Tanya Morgan; now, Shaya (pronounced like actor Shia LeBeouf). Shaya’s debut Fallen Awake shares the rebellious struggle of bebop, rock and punk. He, his mother and sisters were physically abused. Shaya also dealt with foster homes, addiction, and family turmoil. This album is a serious reflection on his difficult life. On my favorite track, “proud”, Shaya raps to his family “Father on my own/each one, I teach some/failed marriage twice/two daughers, one son… I dedicate this song to my family/gonna make you proud somehow.” Not only does it pay homage to the extended family that raised him, but the song also addresses his children. Named after a line in Blackalicious’ song “Beyonder”, Shaya means “worthy/deserving” in Arabic. Still there are a few incongruities in the album. Though most of it is “thinking man’s music”, one pseudo-Snoop Dogg song called “Take A Ride” almost contradicts what he says in the album’s intro, a promise he “stopped smoking and drinking”, and that you need to “use your brain”. About an all-night binge of doin’ drugs and screwin’ bitches, it could either be satire or memoir – hopefully parody. –Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

The Drift
Memory Drawings
Temporary Residence

The Drift’s Memory Drawings recall the spirit of 1969. Part Miles Davis’ fusion Jazz recording Bitches Brew, part Led Zeppelin II, Memory Drawings combines funky jazz with album-oriented rock. The San Francisco four-piece consisting of Rich Douthit, Danny Grody, Jeff Jacobs and Safa Shokrai possesses a maturity beyond their three years playing together. This is a result of each band member’s numerous side projects, the one which you are most likely to know being Grody’s other band Tarentel. My favorite song on the album is the ballad “Lands End”, with a flange-y guitar and sad trumpet playing. Eventually the music stops, leading to a breakdown of water falling and a dog barking. When the guitar comes back in, it does not overpower its solo, but instead shares the duty of main soloist with the trumpet. It is this balance of trumpet and guitar that gives the band its unique sound of rock-influenced jazz, or perhaps jazz-influenced rock. The echoing, reverb, and other studio mixing techniques add an even more complex element to the music, making it sound professional and analog like late sixties recordings. Overall, this is a great album for relaxation on a rainy day. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

J’Davey
The Beauty In Distortion/Land of the Lost EP
Interdependent Media

You may have heard of J*Davey from their collaboration with The Roots on the album Game Theory. Subsequent production by Amir ?uestlove Thompson, The Roots’ drummer, has propelled the band to new heights. One part female vocalist Jack Davey, and one part male musician extraordinaire Brook D’Leau, J*Davey is a confusing androgynous amalgam of audio. Add the fact that Jack Davey has a Mohawk and you already know that the band is bold. But you merely need to dive in and listen to learn that. The Beauty In Distortion/Land of the Lost EP is a double disc where J*Davey explores a large sonic landscape. Covering grounds everywhere between Electronica and Soul, the band is also not unlikely to be categorized as hip-hop or rock. More importantly J*Davey explores new ground on their Beauty demo, while rekindling memories of older styles in their EP. “No More”, a track off the Beauty record is a sexy love song where Jack offers her complete submission. Over the funky beat she claims “I don’t even care no more/ you can have whatever you want/ You can take me/ and you can do whatever you want.” This double disc is a taste of something wonderful. –Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine