A Sickening Act of Inhumanity.

A tragic event took place in Aurora, Colorado last night during a midnight screening of the latest Batman flick. A lone gunman entered a packed theatre, and fired indiscriminately into the crowd, killing twelve and injuring fifty (including a three-month-old baby). In less than a week, three mass shootings have taken place. One was at a house party in Toronto, where gun-related violence is typically rare, and another in an Alabama bar.

Now, I may be wrong (and correct me if this is the case), but I feel as if our society has grown more violent over the last decade. While the US Census department shows a downward trend in violent crime, I don't feel these statistics accurately portray the reality of our situation. Violent crime in the US may be declining in numbers, but in brutality, absurdity, and sheer brazenness of the perpatrators, these abominable acts seem to progressively worsen.

We live in a state of perpetual paranoia. The media highlights these atrocities. From terrorism to rape, we are barraged by a steady stream of news stories detailing our own inhumanity. Amidst the terrors of wrought by the darker side our species, we desperately search for places to lay the blame. Are video games that allow us to act out violent fantasies to blame? Or is Hollywood at fault for glorifying violence? As a society, have we been desensitized to the point where a larger segment of our populace views murder as a lesser crime? It would be easier if these questions were at all answerable, but they aren't. There is no clear source of blame. There is no real reason.

The failing economy has created diseased culture of undirected anger, which has festered and bred a cesspool of ignorance, hatred, and violence. While most Americans struggle to make ends meet, there are those of us who have been pushed to mental limits far beyond those typically visited. Lack of financial stability has poisoned the well of our collective hearts. Desperation is apparent everywhere, and desperate acts are inherently violent (perhaps not always physically, but most definitely always emotionally). Although, this does not justify, rationalize, or excuse these heinous crimes.

I am sure over the next few days this tragedy will be politicized. Heated debates will breakout over gun-control laws. The right will go on the offensive, as will the left. We're in the middle of an election year, and, unfortunately, I've come to expect nothing less. It's disheartening to know that the deaths of the victims will be used as campaign fodder.

Today will be rather morose as I follow the story in hopes of understanding why someone would do something as awful as this. My thoughts go out to the victims. May they find solace in their faith, family, and friends.

Update #003

So, I have about an hour to kill before work. The last seven days, I've been having massive difficulties with all things sleep related. Falling asleep has been nearly impossible. Staying asleep has been entirely impossible. Luckily, I view it as more time to write, read, and finish Battlestar Galactica (which has become my favorite sci-fi ever).

The novel is coming along nicely. It's more work than I ever imagined it would be. Interestingly enough, I've actually enjoyed ever second of it. Even the late nights spent scrutinizing every word have found a special place in my heart. This book is my baby. Raising it is my priority. I cannot wait to see it in print (it will happen, failure is not an option). However, staying on task is difficult. I have quite a few ideas on deck.

One of the ideas will come to fruition soon, and on this very blog, no less. Needing a break from the dark (read: depressing) tone and themes of my novel, I have decided to embark on something a bit more out there. The literary world is sorely lacking original superheroes. It's something I have been thinking about doing for quite sometime. Next Friday will be the début of an episodic piece following the trials and tribulations of a college student who through a series of bizarre events develops superpowers. Hopefully, it will be enjoyable for everyone involved (that means you, non-existent reader).

In other news, after a vicious internal debate, I have decided to nix the Song of the Day portion of the blog. Instead, every Wednesday, I will be showcasing an Album of the Week. Every week, I will select an album (both new and old), and write a brief song-by-song review. My aim is to move away from the meandering of my earlier posts to something resembling a scenic route to the gas station to buy a pack of smokes.

Which leaves Mondays...

Mondays I will do my very best to summarize the prior week's important news story. Keep in mind, this will not be unbiased in anyway. I have every intention of editorializing, if only to stir up controversy.

This schedule will keep me writing constantly, which is fine by me, and I'm sure that throughout the week I will post rants, film reviews, and other random shit.

To those out there who actually check this shit from time to time, thank you. If you see something you like, share it. If you hate it, disagree, or find it offensive, take it to the comments section; I will be happy to tell you how you're wrong.

Well, I need to hop in the shower, so that I may engage in wage slavery. Have a good day.

Update #002

I've been slacking. While I could produce a list of excuses, I won't. Be looking for an overhaul in the next few days. I am going to spend more time focusing on new music, book and film reviews, and a little bit of news. I should have some sort of schedule hammered out in the next few days.

Hang tight until then.

Shook Twins Saturday

To all my folk loving friends, if you haven't checked out the Shook Twins, I recommend that you do and quickly. With instrumentation ranging from moody to psychadelic to fun-loving three chord pop-folk and vocals showing the same range, they're definitely worth the listen.

This won't happen often, but I've decided to post two videos to show their incredible range.




Enjoy the rare Double Song of the Day!

Modern Man by Gatsbys American Dream (From Upcoming Album)

Following a band for almost a decade tends to warp your perception of them. Fortunately, Gatsbys seems to get better with age. With every album, the band shows growth while staying true to their aesthetic. After a nearly five year hiatus they're back and putting the finishing touches on a highly anticipated album.

Enjoy!

March Into The Sea by Modest Mouse

Something about the way Mr. Brock belts this out gives me chills. Part of it is most assuredly the subject matter. Lines like "Give me forced health until I wish death on myself" and "Treat me like disease, like the rats and the fleas" evoke such a powerful sense of bitter nostalgia (like most songs composed by Modest Mouse). The switch between screaming and whispering vocals create a stunning juxtaposition. First there's anger, frustration, and desperation. Then, without warning, exhausted acceptance sets in. Rinse, wash, repeat.

Honestly, the way the song is put together reminds me of every fight I've had with a significant other. To describe such a passionate (not all passion is good) scene musically is difficult, to say the least. However, Modest Mouse pulls it off while making it seem easy.

Now you can debate the "true" meaning of the song, but unless you are Isaac Brock or have a psychic link with him, it's really open to interpretation.  As is all music, literature, art, film, and whatnot. Though I wouldn't mind hearing what the song means to you.

Enjoy!

Update #001

Good morning my fine feathered friends. After days of pondering, considering, and thinking, I reached a conclusion concerning this blog. Everyday, a Song of the Day will be posted. Instead of random thoughts associated with it, I will be discussing thematic elements of lyrics and overall composition. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I will post essays on a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, politics, art, literature, local (Austin) events, and things that piss me off.

Hopefully, as the days turn into weeks, and the weeks into months, things here will become more cohesive. If you have any ideas, feel free to email me at mijlocke@gmail.com.