Interstellar REVIEW

I knew it. I knew from that first moment we saw their spaceship and we heard the dead-silence of space. I knew that this film would be inevitably compared to Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. And those comparisons aren't wrong. There are so many details from 2001 that Interstellar borrows and pays homage to. From the shape of the robot assistants, CASE and TARS, to the sheer depiction of space and the structure of the ships. Even the score by Hans Zimmer seems to relish back to the grandiose sounds of the 1968 film. None of this is bad. In fact it makes the film feel like something it is, an enhancement and furthering of those beautiful effects from 2001.

But Interstellar is something of its own. It is a film in many other respects that is so different from 2001. It focuses on the emotional struggles of a father launching into space and leaving his children and family behind. It focuses on the idea that love is something that cannot be measured, yet is the most quantifiable and beautiful things in the universe. It focuses on the idea of losing the ones you love because of the inescapable and terrifying effects of time. It brings a resiliency and strength back to the notion of believing in humanity and looking up to the stars in wonder.

In the realm of cinematography, the film is unmatched. The striking shots of entering a wormhole to the sheer awe that is inspired by the sight of a black hole, create an image of space that has never been seen before. The most fantastic part of this all is: it's all true. Due to help of physicist, Kyp Thorne, Nolan is able to conjure up images of scientifically correct phenomena and still make it look as beautiful as it should in a film. My eyes were transfixed in wonder as I gazed upon a wormhole (that wasn't a circle, but a sphere, as noted in the film), that looked so real I could touch it.

The narrative and script can get boggled down at times, but the overall story is another beautiful idea. An idea that humankind is not destined to stay on earth, but is destined to be pioneers and visionaries up in the stars. This film may very well have inspired a potential generation of physicists and astronauts into thinking about the world in a new perspective.

Matthew McConaughey and the rest of the cast do an exceptional job. Especially the young Mackenzie Foy, who plays the young Murph, daughter of Cooper (McCounaughey's character). It's truly a fantastically acted film.

This film is pure bliss. It's mentally challenging, but the reward you get at the end is worth every struggle. 

Born out of an appreciation and understanding of films such as 2001, Interstellar manages to make a new footprint on not only the genre of science fiction, but films in general by taking complexity to an uncharted beauty not seen before. Interstellar, even with its far-reaching concepts, still is able to convey the simplest, yet the most powerful of human ideas, love.

Rating: 5/5 

Ghost Stories by Coldplay REVIEW

The boy's are back. After a slightly disappointing album (not in my opinion, but the public's) in 2011's Mylo Xyloto, the Londoners make their return with the "stripped-down" Ghost Stories. Dealing with the pressures of a disintegrating relationship, Chris Martin sings of nothing but  love on this 9 song, 40 minute album. Filled with the ambient production of Paul Epsworth and others (even including Timbaland and Avicii), the album has a very laid-back and casual feel to it. Most of these tracks aren't really stand-outs on their own, but as a whole they combine to create a lightweight and fresh feel.

Opening with "Always in My Head", the light and delicate work of Jonny Buckland's guitar and the simple yet soothing sounds of Will Champion on the drum machine, the song has a airy and dreamy quality to it, which is maintained by the rest of the album.

Two of my favorite tracks on the album, "Magic" and "Ink" both use thumping beats to create an upbeat and cheery feel. Lyrically neither of these songs, or the rest of the album for that matter, are anything really special. But with Coldplay, its the sum of the parts that counts, and the sum in this case is truly magnificent.

"True Love" is an OK track that to me feels like "Ink" but with slightly less effort put into it, and a hell of a lot more annoying background sounds.

Arguably the centerpiece of the album, "Midnight" is one of two songs that don't seem to fit into this album whatsoever, with "A Sky Full of Stars" being the other. "Midnight" is reminscent of Kid A by Radiohead mashed with Bon Iver's vocoder vocals. 

The weakest part of the album consists of the two songs "Another's Arms" and "Oceans". While "Oceans" does sound the closest to old Coldplay we get on this album, the incessant sound of a sonar like beep in the background ruins any and all atmosphere that is trying to be achieved. "Another's Arms" lyrically and musically is nothing special, here let Chris Martin's lyrics tell you:

"Late night watching TV,
used to be you here beside me"

The best song on the album in my humble opinion is the simple yet striking piano ballad, "O". Sounding like a mashup of "Atlas" and "Clocks" it has neither the high production of those two songs, but retains all the emotion and sensitivity that those two have. It simply is the best piece of work that Coldplay have done in the last few years.

Choice Picks: "Always In My Head", "Magic", "Ink", "Midnight", "O"

Rating: 7.5/10

Turn Blue by The Black Keys REVIEW

The hard rockers from Akron, Ohio are finally back with their newest album since 2011's El Camino. This new album, Turn Blue, marks a shift from the hard rocking bluesy sounds of their previous albums and veers into a more psychedelic-pop sound which retains only hints of its blues heritage.

I have to admit, when I first heard "Fever", I felt like this album was going to be a dissapointment, even though "Fever" grew on me. However, the album is so varied in sound yet connected in themes that it has something for everyone.

The album begins with the ramblings sounds of a lone acoustic guitar in "Weight of Love" then transitioning into looping and snaking guitar solos from the genius of Dan Auerbach. Had Creedence Clearwater Revival begun their playing days in this modern age, this is the equivalent of that. Conjuring up images of a travel down a desert highway at sunset, the song sets the mood for the rest of the album. "In Time" begins with a Broken Bell-esque sound most likely contributed by producer Danger Mouse, which then transitions back into familiar Black Keys territory, with small looping guitar riffs and hard rocking drum beats. Others include the Bo Diddley inspired "It's Up to You Now" and the sexy sound of the 9th track, "10 Lovers".

The rest of the album continues upon that psychedelic sound and even as it seems to deccelerate down into bluesy slow jams, it quickly picks back up to the familiar fast paced sounds of the Keys.

With the production of Danger Mouse, the guitar and bass of Dan Auerbach, and the drums of Patrick Carney, the Black Keys have created an album that holds up to its own when compared to Brothers and El Camino. In fact the three albums may even be considered a trilogy, like Bowie's Berlin albums and Dylan's 1960s classics.

Album Highlights: "Weight of Love", "In Time", "Fever", "Year in Review"

Rating: 8.5/10

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division REVIEW

The 1979 début album from the post-punk band: Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures, is widely regarded to be one of the greatest albums of all time.

Taking their name from the infamous "comfort women", Jewish women who were forced to work as sex slaves by Nazis during World War II, Joy Division courted controversy since their inception. Joy Division were only able to make two albums before Ian Curtis committed suicide on the eve of their American tour in 1980. The rest of the band, continued on under the "New Order" name and became very successful through their dance synthesizer rock, which was a sharp contrast to the depressing music of Joy Division (listen to the song "Age of Consent").

The album begins with the dance drum-beats of "Disorder", seguing into a simple yet captivating bass line on the right and a distorted guitar on the left. However, the moment that hits you the deepest is when the crooning baritone vocals of Ian Curtis finally come in, "I've been waiting for a guide to come and take me by the hand/Could these sensations finally make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?" From that moment on, the album never loses its hold on the listener.

The simple black and white artwork represents the album with the fullest extent. Every song feels as though there is no color left in the world, as if there is only a dreary grayscale. The album uses only basic instrumentation to achieve this depressing effect, and does so with vigor.

Ian Curtis, though not the most technically gifted vocalist ever, inflects upon every word with the emotion of a man dealing with depression, giving each song a dreary and depressing mood. He is able to represent anger, the sadness, and the depression of the times of a world that has gone through a punk revolution and is only four years separated from the end of the Vietnam War. This is not an uplifting album, this is not a mindless punk album; it is an album distilling the pure angst and depression that the youth of Ian's time felt. You can simply lose yourself within any song on this album. Whether its "She's Lost Control" or "Day of the Lords".

Choice Picks: "Disorder", "Day of the Lords", "Shadowplay", "She's Lost Control"

Rating: 9.5/10

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire REVIEW

Arcade Fire's shock Grammy win left them jumping for joy.

So as you may know by now, this is more of a retrospective review. The Suburbs, came out back in 2011 and led to Arcade Fire's national prominence after a shock Album of the Year win at the 2011 Grammys, leaving most teenage kids in confusion as they could not comprehend the sheer indie-ness they were listening to. Frontman Win (fittingly named) Butler, coolly responded to the mass hysteria experienced by tone-deaf teenagers by simply saying, "We're called Arcade Fire — check it out on Google."

To simply state, The Suburbs is a fantastic album that manages to distil the anguish and isolation felt by countless numbers of people who decide to shift lifestyles and settle down in a simple neighbourhood far away from the insanity of a cityscape. 

The album begins with two fantastic tracks, "The Suburbs" and "Ready to Start". A torn lover is faced with the harsh cruel realities of life that he/she faces. These two tracks sum up some of the main messages conveyed throughout the album. In some ways this album could be considered a concept album in that it ties together a central theme of alienation and loneliness felt by humans. Other tracks of note include the frenetically paced "Month of May", the loss in "Suburban War", the cruel harshness of time in "We Used to Wait", the closeted optimism and rejection of the suburbs of "Sprawl II: Mountains beyond Mountains", and the isolation of "Modern Man".

From a musical standpoint, this album continues the trends seen in Arcade Fire's previous effort, Neon Bible. A variety of different types of instruments are used as well as numerous vocalists, whether lead or backing. Small flourishes of electric guitar or synthesizers, add to the albums grandiose feeling.

Simply put, this is one of the best albums of the decade, and in my personal opinion is the best album that Arcade Fire have ever put out on shelves. Such a shame however, that mindless pop is what gets the most recognition in the minds of the average person, as we have such beautiful music that for the most part goes unrecognised, but thankfully, not in this case.

Rating: 9.5/10

Reflektor by Arcade Fire REVIEW

Arguably one of the most hyped up albums of all time, Reflektor by Arcade Fire has been the spawn of many debates on the album's more controversial and electronic sound. The album itself was produced by LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy and was recorded in places such as an old Haitian castle. Frontman Win Butler, has not been shy in talking about the album's influences, stating that most of it is based on the Carnival in Haiti, where the band are frequent visitors.

The album starts off with their lead single "Reflektor" and lets listeners know that this album is nothing Arcade Fire have ever done before. With backing vocals from David Bowie, the song itself is one of the high points on the album. Other great songs of notice include: "Afterlife" with its rousing synthesizers and Win Butler's questioning lyrics, "Here Comes the Night Time" withe its rapid start-stop tempos and Carnival sound, and "We Exist" comprising of such fantastic guitar interplay. Other songs of note on the album include the slower electronic song "Porno" and the soul-staring "Flashbulb Eyes". "Joan of Arc", "You Already Know" and "Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice)" are the closest to the old Arcade Fire we will receive on this double album. 

Thematically the album speaks of a general distrust in Christianity with many not very subtle references to Hell and Heaven. The lyrics aren't the greatest, but the general meaning of each song is inherent and easy to understand.

Overall, this was a risk that Arcade Fire had to take in order to not be complacent. The album itself, in my humble opinion is reminiscent of such career-changing albums such as Kid A by Radiohead, and Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan. The albums are not similar in sound or even context, but in the way that they completely changed the futures for the artist, and Arcade Fire truly reinvents itself on this album and their future is bright for this in lack of a better word, beautiful band. 

Rating:9/10

AM by Arctic Monkeys REVIEW

It's been one hell of a ride with the Arctic Monkeys. They gave us their fantastic punk-influenced debut back in 2006, and it has never been the same since. After alienating fans with their (in my opinion great and mature) 2009 album, Humbug, they took a turn back to the more pop-like anthems in 2011's, Suck It and See. AM is the culminating effort, their center-piece album. It seems as if all the work they have done in the last 8 years comes to this. Combining the mature sounds and lyrics of Humbug with the pop like choruses of Suck It and See, Favourite Worse Nightmare, and Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, AM comes out to be arguably their best album yet.


The album starts off with the lead single "Do I Wanna Know?" and never looks back. "R U Mine" is the closest we get to the hard-rocking days of oh so long ago and "One For The Road" is a hidden gem. "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High"'s hip-hop influenced beats help outline the repetitive yet golden lyrics. With grooves inspired by Queens of the Stone Age and fantastic production by James Ford, this is the furthest the Monkeys have journeyed from conventional rock and that risk pays off. The album thematically speaks of the many problems faced by a paranoid party-goer trapped in a fierce attraction with a unknown lover (rumored to be Alexa Chung).

For a lack of a better word, this album is pure sex.

This is one fantastic album by the Arctic Monkeys, but it will be tough to match up to in the future.

Rating:9/10

NEXT UP: Reflektor by Arcade Fire

Apocalypse Now REVIEW

"The horror... the horror". These are the last lines uttered in the 1979 classic epic Apocalypse Now by The Godfather director, Francis Ford Coppola. Set in Vietnam, the film takes us through the psychological and physical battles that our main character, Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) endures throughout the course of his top-secret mission to kill the gone rogue, Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando). Set in Vietnam during the height of the war, the film is not necessarily a Vietnam film, but a film set in Vietnam, as the war itself is not the main focus besides showing the horrors of war.

Starting off with a now classic intro of Willard lying in his bedroom while the song, "The End" by the Doors plays interlaced with scenes of destruction in the jungle, the film sets the tone  as we see Willard is a damaged good, who claims that his new mission was going to be his last.

The cinematography in this film was truly breathtaking, with beautiful shots of jungles and rivers. And then there's the fantastic scene in which helicopters attack a beach with Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" playing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKaYOW9zMoY

The acting in this film was brilliant, from Martin Sheen's psychological portrayal of Willard, to Marlon Brando's incredible performance as Kurtz, to Robert Duvall's performance of the wisecracking Kilgore. There were superb performances from all around, including a young 14 year old (at the time of the beginning of filming; he was 17 when it finished filming), Laurence Fishburne, now known for his roles in the TV series Hannibal, and the film, The Matrix.

Overall, this was a film that justified its troubled and problematic production, with fantastic cinematography, acting performances, and just a fantastic script and plot [based on Heart of Darkness (1902) by Joseph Conrad], the film was everything that it was made out to be, and even better than that. Apocalypse Now is definitely one movie that you must see before you die.

Rating:5/5

The Last Airbender REVIEW

I'm not going to lie to you guys, I hated this film. The Last Airbender by M. Night. Shyamalan is absolutely an atrocious movie with horrible acting, jumbled up dialogue, terrible plot choice. Now for those of you who didn't know, the film is based on the universally acclaimed cartoon, Avatar: The Last Airbender. The cartoon itself was one of the best cartoons in history. The movie however, ruined many elements that made the cartoon so appealing, and for fans seemed like a slap in the face.

First off, lets talk about casting for the characters. Aang (or Uhng in the film) is supposed to be a joyful, playful kid who also has a serious and wise side to him. In the film, the actor Noah Ringer portrays Aang as a serious, depressing person who I'm pretty sure didn't even smile once in the film. Here's some pictures to explain:

It gets even worse from here, Sokka (or Soak-uh in the film) is a sarcastic and humorous warrior in the cartoon. He was "portrayed" in the film by Jackson Rathbone who does the absolute worst acting job I have ever seen. Sokka is the most depressing monotone person in the Four Nations.

Third, I get that Shyamalan is Indian and all, but seriously? Pretty much the entire Fire Nation is Indian, and characters like Ozai and Zhao who are supposed to invoke fear really just seem miscasted. I get trying to make the film racially diverse and all, but you cast the best fit for the character, not try to force in a terrible choice just because you want to.

Next, I'll talk to you about the terrible delivery of dialogue, and just the absurdity of the dialogue itself. Many of the actors in the film seem to be off in their timing and delivery is just terrible as no one shows emotion besides Dev Patel (who just yells pretty much the entire movie).

Finally, lets look into the plot of the movie. The film is based on the first season of the cartoon which is bascially 20 episodes. The film left out many key plot points and overemphasized others, such as the exclusion of the Kyoshi Warriors and King Bumi who are integral parts of the cartoon. Even just doing a montage of the travels of Team Avatar would have done the left out characters more justice than having a quarter of the film about the Blue Spirit and the Avatar in prison.

 

Overall, this is a horrible film that I would definitely not recommend you see if you are a fan of the cartoon or if you aren't. I recommend watching the cartoon instead as that is a very good TV show. 

Watch this instead!

Link for Show (Netflix Instant Stream): 

Watch Avatar: The Last Airbender Online | Netflix

Rating: 0.5/5

The Dark Knight Rises REVIEW

Over the years, Christopher Nolan has given us films over the years that changed our lives and bent our minds. But he has outdone himself with the immense spectacle that is The Dark Knight Rises. The caped crusader truly rises in this film to immortal glory not seen before in The Dark Knight and Batman Begins.  From Michael Caine's heart wrenching performance as the trusty butler, Alfred to the sheer awesome power Tom Hardy invests in his character Bane, the film truly is breathtaking. Not to be forgotten is the amazing score from Hans Zimmer who recycles themes from the previous films and adds new ones, including my personal favorite track, "Gotham's Reckoning", with bone chilling chants of, "Deshi Deshi Basara Basara". This film goes down in my books as not only one of the greatest comic book and superhero films of all time, but arguably one of the greatest films of all time. The Dark Knight Rises truly rises above the competition and gives you a film that you wish would never end.

Rating: 5/5

channel ORANGE by Frank Ocean REVIEW

Finally, after a botched album release with Def Jam Records, Frank Ocean releases his "début" album, or in my opinion his sophomore, after the release of nostalgia, ULTRA. Channel Orange is a masterpiece in every way. From the track, "Lost" to the ballad "Forrest Gump". From the bored attitudes of Frank and Earl in, "Super Rich Kids", to the perfect collaboration on "Pink Matter". Having had a chance to hear the album before its release was a good opportunity to reflect on how far Frank has come in his four years since leaving New Orleans to pursue a career in the industry he is currently revolutionizing.

On this album, I would have to say my favourite song was "Lost". It starts off with a catchy tune that transcends into the song itself. The song is brilliantly balanced between the instrumental and Frank's vocals while telling the story of a girl who is lost with her life.

I only went in depth on one song, but the whole album is something that is worth listening to and taking a good hard thought about it. Frank and the rest of his crew have really made a piece of art that transcends all tastes in music. There is something for you on this album no matter who you are.

Rating: 8.5/10

Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay REVIEW

Coldplay and their newest album, Mylo Xyloto may seem like a drastic change from their previous material, but I personally thought that it was a change for the better.

The album starts off with a warm instrumental, in the title track, "Mylo Xyloto". The song immediately transitions into the upbeat but depressing song, "Hurts Like Heaven". However, my favourites on this album were "Paradise", "Major Minus", and "Charlie Brown".

"Major Minus" tells the tale of a couple escaping the grasps of an Orwellian like society reminiscent of the novel, 1984. It starts off with a guitar riff and ends with Chris Martin exclaiming, "Got one eye on the road and one on you!".

"Charlie Brown" is the only song off the album that I took the time to learn how to play on the guitar, and that made me appreciate it even more. This song is fantastic, and has all the elements to make it a hit.

"Paradise" is quite possibly the most famous song off the album, and the one that Coldplay has received the most recognition for. The song tells the story of a young girl who followed her dreams, but lost them in the process. The opening of the song is my favourite part and the song doesn't let down till the end.

The album is a step away from Coldplay's previous work, and this was a big risk to take. However, in the end, I feel that the risk paid off and produced a well put together album in Mylo Xyloto.



Rating: 8/10

My Clothing Brand

Hey guys,

Yes I know this isn't a post about music or anything like that.

I just wanted you guys to know that I have started a clothing company and will be selling t shirts. Right now I only have 2, but I hope to increase that as time goes on. If you like what you see go ahead and order a shirt! I will be getting them printed and will ship at the end of each month, so order early!

Link to website: lYon clothing — Home

Facebook page: Lyon

Goblin by Tyler the Creator REVIEW

3 words, Tyler the Creator... The frontman of OFWGKTA is back at it with his sophomore album... yes I know i'm a couple months late, but better late then never right? Well, anyways, Tyler gets right to it in this album with tracks like the internationally known song, "Yonkers" and songs like "Analog". Tyler seems to go for the shock value rather than typical rapping. Many of his songs include dark lyrical content and this album is not recommended for children. Well anyways, lets get to the review!

I'm only going to highlight a few songs, and one includes "Nightmare". This is a track that talks about Tyler's life. He really goes for a deep truth in this song, but also includes that shock value we all know Tyler for. The song starts with a sick beat that i'm guessing Left Brain made. This is a typical song that is featured on this album for it's dark content.

Another song that I liked on this album was, "Analog". This song features fellow Odd Future member, Hodgy Beats. The song however, is a sharp contrast from the rest of his songs on this album. This is one of those songs that remind you of summer. 

One other song that I liked, was "She". The song describes a psycho stalker going after a girl that he seems to love. With some smooth vocals from Frank Ocean, Tyler really delivers on this track.

And, finally the last track that is to be looked at, is "Yonkers". "Yonkers" like the song "Nightmare" starts off with a beat that in both songs are similar. Tyler goes into his very, very dark lyrics immediately and never lets up.

If you like OFWGKTA or just rap in general, this is a good album to go for. There is funny stuff and then there is extremely serious stuff. I liked this album from Tyler, and can't wait for Wolf which should be released this summer. However, Tyler has said that he will go away from rapping on some of the songs, so expect a major difference between this album and his next.

Overall, this was a good album that I enjoyed listening to. It's dark content gives a good contrast to the music of today.

Rating: 8.5/10

This Is How I Live by Devin Miles REVIEW

Devin Miles, with his follow-up EP to the original EP, Finding My Own. A solid sophomore effort, but not as good as the debut. However, its not to say that the whole thing was a flop. There were a few tracks on this EP, that I actually liked. Mr. Miles must continue to find his unique sound and when he does, he will rise to the top.


One of the tracks that I liked on this EP, was "The Lesson" which starts off with some female vocals. The song progresses into one of my favorite beats on the whole EP. Devin then begins to rap about finding success. The song is well-balanced between the beats and the vocals. Devin does not overpower the beats and the beats don't overpower him either.

Another track that I liked on this EP was. "Iceman". This song makes me think of ridin through my city watching what people do in life. I'm guessing that was the point of the song. The beat in this song is pretty good and the verses are well-structured. However, what I'm guessing is the chorus of this song kinda doesn't match the song well.

Anyways, this was a good effort from Devin, but cannot match the wow factor of the original. Try again Devin, you have got a bright future, but you have to try harder. This seemed a bit rushed to me, but if he takes the time and experiment with different types of songs, then he can really blast out onto the hip hop scene. Overall, this was not Devin's best work and I want to see better in the future!!!


Rating: 7/10


Download link: Devin Miles - This Is How I Live Hosted by The R.L.E.S. Society // Free Mixtape @ DatPiff.com

The OF Tape, Vol. 2 by Odd Future REVIEW

Odd Future, the hip-hop collective from Los Angeles, was formed in 2007. The 2 most famous members of the collective are most likely, Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator. The OF Tape Vol. 2 is a sequel to the mix tape released in 2008, called "The Odd Future Tape". I have to say, these guys have creative titles (sarcasm). Well anyways, lets get into the music.

The album begins with a track called, "Hi", one of the members just goes along playfully dissing every member of the group. Once that's over, the track immediately fades into the next one. Well, I'm guessing that kids read this so how bout I make the titles safe. The next track is "B@#$*&!" and its not really anything special. The tracks that really stick out on this album, are "Rella", "Analog 2" and "Oldie". Rella is just a good Hodgy song, with some good rapping by Domo. However, Analog 2 is different as it showcases Frank Ocean's smooth vocals. Oldie, is a pure distillation of what Odd Future is about, as I'm pretty sure every member of the group gets in on the rapping.

Besides those three songs, there really wasn't anything too special about this album. Most of it is just youthful boasting.

Rating: 7/10

Blue Slide Park by Mac Miller REVIEW

Damn, I didn't even know who Mac Miller was before this album. But, he comes out with a bang! 

The album begins with a slow, short, and soft track in "English Lane". The album immediately switches into, a typical Mac song, in "Blue Slide Park" Mac strings words together with such grace that it seems like the lyrics are just rolling off his tongue. His lyrics are meaningful and deal with problems that rappers run into. Songs like "Under The Weather", show off Mac's fun side, with lyrics like "I'm cool with it, chillin' with some buddah smoke, I always do it big like Jewish nose" Another song that shows off that playful side is "Party on 5th Ave." Mac says whatever he wants to, and that's what makes him real. Main-stream these days are all about typical plastic, and songs without feeling. Mac makes you feel like he is in the game to play, not to make money. 

I truly think that Mac is a breath of fresh air to the strained rap industry, where rapping only has to do with drugs, alcohol, etc... Blue Slide Park is a collection of the many different talents of Mac Miller and I think that it is one of the good rap albums that was released in a while. 

Rating: 9/10

Torches by Foster The People REVIEW

Ah, Foster The People's debut album. The 10 tracks on this album make up a fantastic debut for this relatively new band. Foster The People, if you didn't know, was founded by Marc Foster, the lead vocalist in Los Angeles, CA in 2009. Tracks such as "Pumped Up Kicks" and "Call It What You Want" put the band out on the indie rock scene.

The first track on this album, "Helena Beat" starts off with a great beat, then develops into insanely high vocals from Marc Foster. Other tracks such as "Pumped Up Kicks" with its graphical lyrics catch a listeners attention. However, my personal favorite track on this album, has to be "Call It What You Want". This track was actually featured on FIFA 12, and that's where I heard it first. The song has good piano riffs, and lyrics that make you think about modern day society. Another song that I like was, "I Would Do Anything For You", the song's emotional singing and lyrics really struck a chord with me. 

Overall, this was a good debut for a band that I am expecting many more hits from. Foster The People has a bright future, and I am looking forward to listening to new songs that they will come up with. If you don't know who they are, well you must be living under a rock. Just kidding, about that last part, anyways Foster The People produced a great album with Billboard hits.

Rating: 8/10

Persuasive Essay: Public Smoking Ban

When will the government realize that public smoking is toxic to public health? Exposure to fumes can be just as unhealthy for a non-smoker as it is for the smoker. Smoking should be banned in public because people are exposed to hazardous smoke in many places, a ban can lead to prevention and quitting of smoking and second hand smoke can cause many illnesses and diseases.

People are exposed to second hand smoke in many places and it is very dangerous. Homes, cars, and work are some places where exposure occurs (Secondhand Smoke). By allowing smokers to smoke in those places, we are putting others at risk of smoking-related problems. Furthermore, the most dangerous gases feature in the highest levels within side stream smoke (Few Facts). Due to this, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke (Secondhand Smoke). People are at great chance of disease and illness by just walking past a smoker.

Smoke free environments can lead to more smokers quitting and less non-smokers starting to smoke. In a survey, it was reported that about 7 out of 10 smokers want to quit, and they believe that a smoke-free environment will help them (A few facts). When a smoker tries to quit, they may see others smoking in public and this can cause an urge to smoke. Each day more than 3800 people under 18 try their first cigarette (Fast Facts). Of those 3800, 1000 begin smoking cigarettes on a daily basis (Fast Facts). When kids see people smoking, they may think that it’s “cool” and they will try smoking for the same reason.

Although, smoking is not healthy, the government gets much needed money from cigarettes and banning public smoking would decrease the income. In 2011, state governments received $25.3 billion from tobacco taxes and legal settlements (Fast Facts). However, is it really worth it getting money from something that causes cancer and other illnesses? People die from second hand smoke and now the government is getting money from the source. Even with the income the government receives, the price of smoking outweighs that profit by about nine to one.

Second hand smoke can cause many serious illnesses and diseases. For example, the chance of lung cancer is increased by 16-19% when in contact with second hand smoke (Few Facts). Second hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease by 25-35% (Few Facts).People are exposed to smoke in many places so the risks of diseases related to smoking are increasing even in non-smokers. In addition, children exposed to second hand smoke have an increased risk of colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma (Secondhand Smoke). This can lead to many lost days of school, hospitalizations, and in some cases, even death in children.

In conclusion, public smoking is a danger to smokers, as well as non-smokers and should be banned entirely. Starting a petition, contacting a senator or representative, just trying to raise awareness about this issue will help to get it resolved. Second hand smoke is a risk to everyone and public smoking allows it to reach all types of people. Knowing about the dangers of public smoking can result in healthier people and a brighter future for everyone.

Sources Cited

"A few facts about Smoking." Wigan Council. Wigan Council, 2012. Web. 28 Jan 2012. <http://www.wigan.gov.uk/Services/BusinessRegeneration/HealthAndSafetyAtWork/FactsAboutSmoking.htm>.

CDC, . "Smoking and Tobacco Use Fast Facts." Centers for disease control and prevention. National Center for Disease Prevention and Health, 2011. Web. 28 Jan 2012. <http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/>.

"General Smoking Facts." American lung association. American Lung Association,  2011. Web. 28 Jan 2012. http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/about-      smoking/facts-figures/general-smoking-facts.html

Molyneaux, George. "International debate education association." Smoking ban in public places. IDEA Inc., 2010. Web. 29 Feb 2012. <http://www.idebate.org/debatabase/topic_details.php?topicID=526>.

National Cancer Institute, . "Secondhand Smoke and Cancer." National cancer institute fact sheet. National Cancer Institute, 2011. Web. 28 Jan 2012. <http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/ETS>.

There is no right or wrong side on an issue, only a view. This may or may not be my personal view, and you may have another view on this topic. Leave a comment! Thanks!

2012 United States Presidential Race

This is more than your average election. This forthcoming election for the President of the United States of America, may just decide how America will fare for the next 10, 20, years. Our country is in a turmoil, loads of debt, budget deficits, you name it, we got it. Barack Obama, as much as I like him, needs to step up his game or get benched. If he wins the next election, we better start seeing some change for the good. Anyways,  here is a brief overview of the race:

The Candidates:


Democrats:


President Barack Obama (D-Illinois) - President Obama has been running for reelection and running the country at the same time for the last couple of months. Obama is currently projected as the Democratic Party's Nomination for the upcoming election. All of the previous Democratic primaries have gone to Obama. If he is to win, he better make some changes right now or be given a bitter defeat. Obama is a supporter of rights for same-gender marriages.

Republicans:


Mitt Romney (R-Massachusetts) - Ah, Mr. Romney, the wealthiest of all the candidates running. With an estimated $200 million worth in assets, Romney is one of the richest candidates to run for the White House this election cycle. Considered by most Republicans as the most "liberal" of the candidates, he was the former governor of Massachusetts from 2003-2007. Romney has his best shot at winning if he can prove that he has the values of Republicans and if he can really rally the conservative voting base. Romney is against same-gender marriage and civil unions.

Newt Gingrich (R-Georgia) - When I think of Newt, I think of a moon base, but hey, that's just me. Gingrich is a former Speaker of The House. He served during Clinton's administration. Gingrich also served as a Congressman from Georgia in the 6th District. Newt is a big thinker and a grassroots organizer. Gingrich is against same-gender marriage, although his sister Candance is a advocate.

Ron Paul (R-Texas) - Ron Paul is considered the "radical" candidate in this election. Paul is a Representative from Texas in it's 14th District. Before serving as a Congressman, Paul was a doctor in Texas from the 60's to the 80's. Ron is one of the candidates that most voters shrug off, but he has some good ideas. Paul has a committed group of supporters and can raise money well. Paul is against same-gender marriage, but for stem-cell research.

Rick Santorum (R-Pennsylvania) - Santorum was a former Senator from the state of Pennsylvania. Of the 4 current candidates he has done well in the most recent primaries winning 2 of the 3, Colorado and Minnesota. Santorum is against same-gender marriage and birth control. He is socially conservative and voted for tax cuts.

The Problems:


Budget Deficit: the Government is spends more money than they earn in revenue.


Debt: The United States is $15 trillion dollars in debt, and it is increasing by the second. (U.S. National Debt Clock : Real Time)


Scenarios :


Santorum vs. Obama: Obama wins this matchup easily. Santorum's views on social issues and other things lead to the general American public not agreeing with them. Obama is a safer choice for president than Santorum.

Romney vs. Obama: This is a tough one, and it could go either way. Romney has been considered the most liberal of the Republican candidates. If they ran this scenario 10 times, Obama would win 5 times and Romney 5 times. Romney getting the nomination is the greatest chance for the Republicans to win the Presidency.

Gingrich and Paul are essientially out of the race.
The Outcome:


You think that I know what's gonna happen? It all depends on what you chose to do. If you vote, it can make a difference, albeit a small one. If you really support a candidate, then go out and do whatever you can to make sure that they get elected. If you really do not care, well sit back and enjoy the show! :)

(All from the head of a 14 year old and Google)