The Merchants of Cool

You can view the other four parts of this series on YouTube.

I'd also like to give a plug to Naomi Klein's No Logo, which features a lot of the concepts seen in this documentary.

My Influences

Here's a wide, diverse, list of folks and organizations that have influenced me in one way or another over the years. Many of these individuals or institutions only foster certain ideas that have shaped my philosophy, and not everything they said or did I agree with, and in fact many instances I condemn some of their views and actions. Ok, here we go, in no particular order:

1) Family, Friends, Teachers, and others in my life
2) Bill Hicks
3) John Lennon
4) Noam Chomsky
5) Howard Zinn
6) Abbie Hoffman/ Yippies
7) David Dellinger
8) Jerry Rubin
9) Emma Goldman
10) Jello Biafra
11)Quentin Tarantino
12) John Waters
13) Andy Warhol
14) RATM
15) Tom Hayden
16) Ralph Nader
17) Ron Paul/ YAL
18) Alex Jones/Info War/ Prison Planet
19) Allen Ginsburg
20) J.D. Salinger
21) Hunter S. Thompson
22) Ayn Rand
23) Jack Kerouac
24) Kurt Cobain
25) Z Magazine
26) Democracy Now
27) Republic Magazine
28)Friedrich Nietzsche
29) Ralph Waldo Emerson
30) Mahatma Gandhi
31) Martin Luther King
32) Malcolm X
33) Woody Allen
34) Leonard Peltier
35) Mumia Abu Jammal
36) Bob Marley
37) Che Guevara
39) Adam Smith
40) Karl Marx
41) Cynthia McKinney
42) Mike Gravel
43) George Orwell
44) Anton Lavey/Satanic Mass
45) Shamanism
46) Budda
47) Axis of Justice
48) Michael Moore
49) Stephen King
50) Black Panthers
51) White Panthers
52) AK Press
53) Alexander Berkman
54) Judge James P. Gray
55) Gary Webb
56) Kevin Booth
57) Libertarian Alternative
58) Bitch
59) Stanley Kubrick
60) George Carlin
61) Johnny Cash
62) Gore Vidal
63) Gary Johnson
64) Naomi Klein
65) Napoleon Hill
66) Cameron Crowe
67) Jesse Ventura
68) PJ O'Rourke
69) Thomas Jefferson
70) All Enlightenment thinkers, especially Voltaire
71) Jesus/Bible
72) Steve Albini
73) Henry Rollins
74) Ian Mackaye
75) Calvin Johnson
76) Daniel Johnston
77) Daniel and Phillip Berrigan
78) Richard Wright
79) Anti-Flag
80) Against Me!
81) Patrick Henry
82) Daniel Shays
83) Eugene V. Debbs
84) Woody Guthrie
85) Bob Dylan
86) Phil Ochs
87) John Sinclair
88) NORML
89) Cindy Sheehan
90) Lou Reed
91) Iggy Pop
92) Ramones
93) ADL
94) Rachel Scott/ Rachel's Challenge
95) Frank Zappa
96) Maynard James Keenan/Tool
97) Sigmund Freud
98) Carl Jung
99) Lenny Bruce
100) Richard Pryor
..... and too many others to mention. Maybe I'll do a part 2 sometime.

Band Spotlight: The Airborne Toxic Event

History: TATE began as a project of Mikel Jolett in 2006. Jolett met drummer Daren Taylor in the summer of 2006 and quickly other positions in the band began filling up. The band played its first show in the fall of 2006. TATE's first EP Does This Mean You're Moving On? was released in 2007.

Years Active: 2006 to Present

Label: Majordomo

Line-Up:
Mikel Jollett - Vocals/Guitar
Steven Chen - Keyboards/Guitar
Noah Harmon - Bass
Anna Bulbrook - Viola
Daren Taylor - Drums

Genre: Alternative Rock

Musical Style: Pop music, but distinctively indie at the same time

• Crunchy
• Confident
• Thoughtful
• Visceral
• Sentimental
• Reflective
• Gutsy
• Earnest
• Rowdy
• Rousing
• Raucous
• Lively
• Fun
• Energetic
• Aggressive
• Gritty
  
• Crunchy
• Confident
• Thoughtful
• Visceral
• Sentimental
• Reflective
• Gutsy
• Earnest
• Rowdy
• Rousing
• Raucous
• Lively
• Fun
• Energetic
• Aggressive
• Gritty

Best Album: The Airborne Toxic Event (2008)

Top Songs:

1. Innocence
2. Sometime around midnight
3. Does this mean you're moving on?
4. Gasoline

Sounds Like: Wolf Parade, Big Japan, The Kickovers

Nader/Gonzalez 08'

Ralph Nader on the passage of the bailout.

The Legendary Performance

I love the covers. Good choices.

CD Review: OK Computer

Band: Radiohead Album: Ok Computer Release Year: 1997

Grade: 10 out of 10

Comment:
Doing this review a mere 11 years after the release of the album, I feel like what
I say won't do complete justice and that is fine. For starters, OK Computer is
synonymous with excellence. Staying true to the Britpop of the 1990s, but at the same time transcending the alternative rock genre, Thom Yorke and crew lyrically
and instrumentally ingeniously assures us they are one of the greatest bands of all time. Favorites from the album, at least among the casual listener, are "Karma Police", "Paranoid Android" and "No Suprises", but each and every song is an amazing listen. One of the best transitions from gloom to intensity occurs when "Exit Music..." ends and "Let Down" starts.
And how timely to do this review with "Electioneering" all around us? The band's
distrust of globalization and technology is exemplified in this song and more.
Overall, it's hard to argue that Ok Computer is anything less than legendary.

Zack Interviews Noam Part II

Zack interviews Noam Part I

It's funny how this completely contradicts the article on NAFTA we read about today in Business.

War Confessions

These activists are the most influential members of the anti-war movement. 

Songs of the Week

00s- The Walkmen- Louisiana (2006)

90s- Nas- N.Y. State of Mind (1994)

80s- Meat Puppets- Lost (1984)

70s- The Carpenters- (They Long to Be) Close to You (1970)

60s- Leonard Cohen- So Long, Marianne (1967)

50s- The Clovers- Love Potion No. 9 (1959)

Leonard Cohen - Passing Through

I thought The Walkmen cover of this song was out of this world...until I heard this, the original. Damn.

Join Spin!

Hey, every student at WHS can help make our school newspaper bigger and better than ever before. We need writers, editors, art designers, etc. You can write about anything: music, sports, current events, whatever. You can see Ms. Farrell for more details, she has taken over Spin from the wonderful Ms. Tinker. Every Wednesdays we will be having meetings Ms. Farrell's room. Please, spread the word!

Richard Wright Dies

Richard Wright, keyboardist and a founding member of Pink Floyd, died at his London home on Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 65.

Wright (pictured) met Floyd members Nick Mason and Roger Waters in college, and joined their band Sigma 6, who would eventually become Pink Floyd. While Wright was an early vocal contributor in Floyd, his role would later morph into keyboardist and experimental instrumentalist, as he learned the synthesizer and Farfisa organ, among other instruments. His writing role also expanded, with his most notable credits coming as co-writer of 'The Great Gig in the Sky' and 'Us and Them' from 1973's 'Dark Side of the Moon.'

Wright left the band following 'The Wall' album, but rejoined when guitarist David Gilmour took on the role of chief architect for 1987's 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason.' He continued to play with Gilmour on the guitarist's solo material, including his 2006 album, 'On an Island.'

Wright sang 'Comfortably Numb' with Gilmour at Sessions in 2006. Watch the performance below. - WWW.Spinner.com

We'll see you on the Dark Side of the Moon.....

No Women In Madden NFL 2009

This is completely random, but there are no women in Madden NFL 2009. Pause the game, press instant replay, and then scan the sidelines, the crowd, and beyond for women. Guess what? You won't find a damn one. No doubt at least 60% of NFL stadium-goers are male, but come on, EA could have designed at least one woman 3-D model.

CD Review: Writer's Block

1. Writers Block (Introduction)

2. Objects Of My Affection
Rhythm: *****
Instruments: *****
Vocals: ****
Awesomeness: *****
Overall: 19 out of 20 - 95

3. Young Folks
Rhythm: *****
Instruments: *****
Vocals: *****
Awesomeness: *****
Overall: 19 out of 20 - 95

4. Amsterdam
Rhythm: *****
Instruments: *****
Vocals: *****
Awesomeness: *****
Overall: 20 out of 20 - 100

5. Start To Melt
Rhythm: *****
Instruments: *****
Vocals: *****
Awesomeness: *****
Overall: 20 out of 20 - 100

6. Up Against The Wall
Rhythm: ****
Instruments: ****
Vocals: *****
Awesomeness: ****
Overall: 17 out of 20 - 85

7. Paris 2004
Rhythm: *****
Instruments: ****
Vocals: *****
Awesomeness: *****
Overall: 19 out of 20 - 95

8. Let's Call It Off
Rhythm: *****
Instruments: *****
Vocals: ****
Awesomeness: *****
Overall: 19 out of 20 - 95

9. The Chills
Rhythm: *****
Instruments: *****
Vocals: *****
Awesomeness: *****
Overall: 20 out of 20 - 100

10. Roll The Credits
Rhythm: *****
Instruments: ****
Vocals: ****
Awesomeness: ****
Overall: 17 out of 20 - 85

11. Poor Cow
Rhythm: *****
Instruments: ****
Vocals: ****
Awesomeness: ****
Overall: 17 out of 20 - 85

Total Grade: 93.5 - It's going to be incredibly difficult for Writer's Block to be topped, but I know that PB&J, more so than other band, can do it with Seaside Rock, their latest album set to be released next Tuesday, September 23.

Concert Review: Paul Weller (Berklee)

Opening Act: The Rifles - Certainly one of the finest opening acts I've seen in my brief concert-attending journey. Reminiscent of The Libertines, The Cinematics, and The Jam, these guys truly rocked. Songs such as "Repeated Offender" and "Peace and Quiet" handled the group's brief act. Combining pop elements and punk riffs, these songs (and more) came out as polished as you can expect for a band that is just starting to acquire fame. The crowd seemed especially impressed by "She's Got Standards" -- a revival of post-punk that sounds more 80s than 00s. Chris dug them, too, saying, "The Rifles were fantastic. They reminded me of the Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines ( not just cause they're all British)."

Paul Weller:

Glen - They call him the Modfather (or at the least the guy behind does...after every song) and Weller couldn't be more deserving of such a title. Weller's strain of rock, dub, and soul is as alive now as it was thirty years ago. Offering tracks dating back to Weller's old Jam days, old proved to be just as good as new. "Wild Wood" and "You Do Something To Me" were awesome, but it would be a shame to forget the sheer greatness of newbies like "Sea Spray" and "From The Floorboards Up." Too, it would be a travesty to not give credit to Weller's bandmates, who along with Weller put on a hell of a show. One of the highlights was a harmonic acoustic belting of "All On A Misty Morning."

Chris - "I often hear that Weller's shows were quiet and chill, but this show displayed the contrary, well at least for most songs. He had a whole band backing him and they bashed out numerous rockers. To be honest, I don't know much about his solo career; I'm a major Jam fan though. Of course, I was ecstatic when he and his band played two Jam tunes: "Butterfly Collector" and "Town Called Malice" (the encore). All the forty somethings in the audience were dancing their arses off to that number! It was hilarious, with the exception of a few other young lads [including Adam Amoroso of Lynnfield's Mystery Tramps], Glen and I were standing amongst middle class, middle aged, Mod fanatics. I was disappointed that he didn't play "That's Entertainment," but what are you going to do, right? My favorite song from the evening was the classic "Wild Wood." You could hear the entire audience singing along; it was really serene and special. Weller displayed his talent as a singer, guitarist (damn, he and his band love their guitars; they went through at least five during the show, no lie) and pianist. It was quite humorous when he smoked cigarettes whilst performing. You couldn't even tell any difference in his vocals, his voice still sounded magnificent. I was disappointed about the admission: $39, a bit much! But, oh well. I don't regret it, it was a great show. Dozens of fans (including yours truly) tried to meet up with Weller and talk to him, sign shit, etc. But, unfortunately security claimed "the band have gone." Lol, I for one, do not believe they had two buses, one for the band and one for the crew. Bullshit, what's next? Daniel Johnston has a private jet and Wesley Willis is singing songs from the grave? Well, this is the modern world I've learned about. It's too bad cause there was a thousand things I wanted to say to him. But, I guess that's entertainment!"

Band Spotlight: The Jam

History: In 1972, Paul Weller formed The Jam with some friends from Sheerwater Secondary School in Surrey, England.  Over the next five years the band garnered some attention, quickly becoming one of the highlights of the then thriving British Punk scene. But two things set these hip Mod Revivalists from the rest of their rebellious contemporaries: 1) Their dress/look: clean tailored suits and ties ( a far cry from tattered jeans, chains, and safety pins) and 2) their musicianship (most punkers couldn't play!). In 1977, they released the classic In the City, with great success in the UK. They then gave us five more solid years of passionate rockers, slow, sensitive ballads, and influential hooks, before they called it quits in 1982. 


Years Active: 1972- 1982

Line-Up:
Paul Weller- Vocals, guitar
Bruce Foxton- Bass
Rick Buckler- Drums

Genre: Punk Rock, Mod Revival, Power Pop, New Wave, Rock and Roll, Pop Punk

Top Album: In the City (1977) 

Top Songs: 
"In the City"
"Slow Down"
" Batman Theme"
"The Modern World"
"All Mod Cons"
"Down in the Tube Station at Midnight"
"Start!"
"That's Entertainment"
"Butterfly Collector"
"Beat Surrender"
"Precious"
"Just Who Is the 5 O'Clock Hero?"
"Town Called Malice"
"All Around the World"
"Going Underground"
"The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had to Swallow)"

Label: Polydor


Influences: The Beatles, The Kinks, The Who, R & B, Beat Music, Motown, Soul, The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas,  Michael Jackson, Joy Division, Wire, and others.

Influenced: Oasis, The Clash, Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, The Police,  Arctic Monkeys, and The Libertines (the last two I suspect were influenced!).

Grade: A-

Songs of the Week

00s- Animal Collective- Fickle Cycle (2005)

90s- Paul Weller- Wild Wood  (1993)


80s- The Replacements- Go  (1982)

70s- The Jam- Down in the Tube Station at Midnight  (1978)


60s- The Who- Happy Jack (1966)

50s- Bobby Freeman- Do You Wanna Dance? (1958)

Musical Taste "Defines Personality"

The study concluded that jazz and classical music fans are creative with good self-esteem, although the former are much more outgoing whereas the latter are shy.

Country and western fans were found to be hardworking and shy; rap fans are outgoing and indie lovers lack self-esteem and are not very gentle.

Those who like soul music can take heart as the research concluded they are creative, outgoing, gentle, at ease with themselves and have a high self-esteem.

And if you've ever wondered why people driving expensive sports cars often have music blaring from their vehicle, North could have an explanation.

Those who choose to listen to exciting, punchy music are more likely to be in a higher earning bracket, he says, while those who go for relaxing sounds tend to be lower down the pay scale. - Reuters

These are pretty accurate.

Songs of the Week

00s- No Age- Everybody's Down (2007)

90s- Primus- Here Come the Bastards (1991) 

80s- Husker Du- Books About UFOs (1985)

70s- The Jam- In the City (1977)

60s- Jimi Hendrix- Hey Joe (1967)

50s- Buddy Holly- Peggy Sue (1957)