Anyway, after the musical divulgence that my sister started me on I raided my parents cd collection for all the classic oldies, Led Zep, Thin lizzy, Genesis, Pink Floyd, stuff like that, which I see as providing my musical foundation... and from there I met a bloke in secondary school, and both me and him happened to leave that school at the same time, so we stuck together through the miracles of instant messenging.

Now I know this probably isn't all that interesting to much of you, but fuck it if this isn't my blog, so if you don't like it you know where the address bar is. Anyway, this guy first sent me on the path of a band now known as Lamb of God, but then known as Burn the Priest... it's pretty hardcore metal, but it's of the variety that doesn't overdo the screaming but does overdo on the pure fucking awesome.

Fast forward a few years to when we're both in between school and University, and we happened to go on a trip to South Africa together where we helped look after Cheetahs near the Kruger National park... anyway, we were stuck quite often in our hut with nothing but his mp3 player and my overly loud headphones.... anyway, that was where I met a lesser known Indie rap band called Atmosphere, who actually talked about stuff that I was remotely interested in, so they get my vote mainly because of that, but also because they have some pretty heavy beats... which I always love.

The next few bands I'm just going to throw at you because they were found out within the space of a month or two, mostly through my mate who spent far too much time surfing music forums, but a few of my own choices... anyway, here is Xploding Plastix, a acid jazz band so underground it's not true.. Stars of the Lid, a 'drone' band that is probably THE best thing to utterly lose yourself in... I went to a gig of theirs in May and I swear it was like achieving Nirvana or something... Boards of Canda, an IDM band from Scotland which I think are quite possibly the best band to listen to at 4am in the morning, preferably by a lake... Neutral Milk Hotel, a folk band with a supposed love affair with Anne Frank, despite her being dead half a century... and finally, Bon Iver, some guy who locked himself in a shed for a few months and came back with pure beauty on a record.

So that's it, a cross section of my musical evolution... of course there's a whole plethora of bands that I've missed out, but I think that shows a good selection for you to be getting on with. I want reports people! Investigate and return!

P.S. This one isn't so unknown, but it's just as awesome. I give you Seasick Steve, you can thank me later.

Edit: So I've been asked to pimp my sister.... here she is: My Sister. Oh, and btw, if you're thinking something dirty right now, I'll murk you. For serious.

"Dig" by Incubus (lyrics)

We all have a weakness
But some of ours are easy to identify.
Look me in the eye
And ask for forgiveness;
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again
Yes you are my friend.
We all have something that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try.
We all have someone that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine.
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
Oh each other....
When everything
Else is gone.

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were…here

I lay my head unto the sand
The sky resembles a backlit canopy with holes punched in it
I’m counting UFO’s
I signal them with my lighter
And in this moment
I’m happy, happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here

The worlds a rollercoaster
And I’m not strapped in
Maybe I should hold with care, but
My hands are busy in the air
I’m saying

I wish you were here
I wish you were……
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here

This is the filter over the lens through which I see.  Here's a glimpse of what's spinning in no particular order.

1. John Mayer - In Your Atmosphere (Acoustic)
2. John Mayer - Free Fallin' (Acoustic)
3. John Mayer - The Heart Of Life
4. John Mayer - Gravity
5. John Mayer - I'm Gonna Find Another You (The whole Where the Light is DVD is memorable)
6. Usher - Something Special
7. Chris Tomlin - God Of This City
8. Chris Tomlin - Jesus Messiah
9. Switchfoot - The Shadow Proves The Sunshine
10. NEEDTOBREATHE - Washed By The Water
11. City and Colour - The Girl
12. Jason Mraz - Lucky (Feat. Colbie Caillat)
13. Jason Mraz - Life Is Wonderful
14. Kina Grannis' voice/guitar strums
15. Starfield - Remain
16. DC*B - ... Neverending ...
17. DC*B - Intro (I've Had Enough)
18. DC*B - Wholly Yours (B Variant)
19. Incubus - Dig
20. Incubus - Wish You Were Here
21. Yael Naim - Levater
22. Colbie Caillat - Oxygen
23. Robin Thicke - Magic

I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to this concert. It was just 5 days following the cowardly 9/11 attacks, and New York City was now a completely different place. Incubus even considered canceling this show, but they decided that life goes on and if anything, this city needs a show like this, right now.

There was so much love in this mosh pit. The crowd at times drowned out the band with "U...S...A" chants. There was such a powerful sense of unity in songs like "The Warmth" and "I Miss You." There were also nothing but good feelings when the band broke into a cover of the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back."

This was a show that needed to happen. The city needed it and we needed it. No Incubus show I have seen since has come close in comparison.

*The video above was taken about a month before, 8/12/01, in Melbourne, Australia. All other videos on this countdown are from the actual show discussed unless otherwise noted.

As twilight begins to caress the sky with it’s dark veil of ebony lace, the fear once again begins to creep into her consciousness. Contemplating sleeping on the couch or in the spare room, she succumbs to the knowledge that he will find her anywhere she rests her head. Stealthily and cautiously, she retreats to her bedroom wondering if he will come again tonight.

Slipping on her nightgown, she glances nervously around the room, anticipating his nightly attacks. Wearily, she turns out the lights and prays once again for the assaults to cease. All alone in her home, she waits, knowing that the predator is awaiting the perfect moment to strike. He always comes just as she enters the first stages of sleep. Out of shear exhaustion, she reluctantly closes her eyes, knowing full well what awaits her.

An hour later, she is awakened by a familiar sensation. The comforter is slowly being pulled to the bottom of the bed. Her nightgown is slowly and methodically being lifted up by unseen hands. Gently and slowly at first, teasingly. Clutching her hands together over her chest, she begins to whimper, recognizing the strategic pattern of attack. Once her gown is high enough, the invisible enforcer starts his brutal sexual attack. Crushing weight and forceful violation, the incubus defiles her and restrains her, forcing her hands above her head. The bruises from the previous attack hadn’t even healed yet.

During the assault, the entity transforms himself from an invisible perpetrator to one of horror and abomination. He manifests himself into the ultimate evil phenomenon.

Enduring the pain, she cries and lies still, praying it will end soon…until tomorrow night.

An incubus, the male version, or succubus, the female, has been a mysterious paranormal phenomenon for thousands of years. Described as grotesque, but humanoid, in appearance they prey on the lone human while they slumber. The attacks can happen only once or go on for many months, sometimes years. Many an individual have been a victim of this horrific and terrifying experience.

The incubus is basically a poltergeist with an alternate desired energy source than the average annoying home wrecking poltergeist. Normally, a poltergeist is an entity that invites itself into a home and creates enough stress and havoc to feed it’s negative energy appetite. Manipulating and taunting, the poltergeist behaves irrationally and occasionally violently with the bewildered owners. Throwing objects, scratching or strategically exploiting the living, they strive to control the environment in which they decide. These paranormal vermin are not easily disposed of, but they have a tendency to simply leave out of the blue, when they feel the fun is over at that home.

An incubus or succubus is a poltergeist with a different energy consumption than the household variety. While the average poltergeist craves energy from fear, negativity and anger, the incubus also desires sexual energy. The prey of choice for these violent paranormal rapists is the single and sexually repressed individuals, as well as those who may have experienced sexual molestation in the past. Sexual energy is raw and powerful energy that allows the perverted entity to be extremely strong and very physical. While most poltergeists remain completely invisible and cause physical upset within the home in short bursts, the incubus can sustain physical and visual manifestation for several minutes due to the extreme power of the sexual energy he is absorbing.

Ridding yourself of this type of entity can be extraordinarily difficult as the attacks can cause great mental and emotional strife. Support from loved ones and spiritual advisors is highly recommended as well as clarifying the home of negative energy. Positive energy introduced into the home will hopefully help clear out the unseen predator faster. Attacks are less likely if another individual is in the home or bedroom. Having a friend or family member stay often would be a great source of positive energy as well as helpful for the victim.

Calling upon your spirit guides and angels is a must when attempting to flood your home and soul with positive, healthy energy.

 Copyright Danielle Lee All Rights Reserved 2008

.

We all have a weakness
but some of ours are easy to identify.
Look me in the eye
and ask for forgiveness;
we'll make a pact to never speak that word again.
Yes, you are my friend.
We all have something that digs at us,
at least we dig each other.
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday.

If I turn into another
dig me up from under what is covering
the better part of me.
Sing this song
remind me that we'll always have each other
when everything else is gone.

We all have a sickness
that cleverly attaches and multiplies
no matter how we try.
We all have someone that digs at us,
at least we dig each other.
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine.

If I turn into another
dig me up from under what is covering
the better part of me.
Sing this song
remind me that we'll always have each other
when everything else is gone.
Oh, each other...
when everything else is gone.

If I turn into another
dig me up from under what is covering
the better part of me.
Sing this song
remind me that we'll always have each other
when everything else is gone.
Oh, each other...
when everything else is gone.

Ohhh, each ohter...
when everything else is gone.

Tonight as I was processing the photos below I was wishing that I was back at the canal...sitting in the sun...enjoying the breeze off the water...watching people go by in their canoes.

The song I Wish You Were Here by Incubus popped into my head.

Have a listen HERE...if you're interested.

I dig my toes into the sand
The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds
Strewn across a blue blanket
I lean against the wind
Pretend that I am weightless
And in this moment I am happy...happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here

(click to view larger)

I lay my head onto the sand
The sky resembles a backlit canopy
With holes punched in it
I'm counting UFOs
I signal them with my lighter
And in this moment I am happy...happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
Wish you were here

The world's a roller coaster
And I am not strapped in
Maybe I should hold with care
But my hands are busy in the air saying:

I wish you were here
I wish you were

(click to view larger)

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
Wish you were here

If you're into straight-up right check out tracks 2 (Kiss to Send Us Off) and 4 (Anna-Molly). Most other tracks are a little down tempo with the exception of a few funky tracks and a pseudo-punk track.

I can tell they worked hard on this album and, Incubus, if you're reading, job well done!

Tainted Love - The Cure

Love me Two Times – The Doors

Evolution – Korn

White Wedding – Billy Idol

Spanish Castle Magic – Jimi Hendrix

Learn To Fly – Foo Fighters

Note to Self – From First to Last

Welcome to The Jungle – Guns N Roses

The Reason – Hoobastank

1969 – Iggy Pop and the Stooges

I Wish You Were Here – Incubus

Shine – Collective Soul

I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor – Arctic Monkeys

News of the day:

Freeman has broken arm, but in good spirits
'Grand Theft Auto' murder halts game sales
Half of primates on extinction path
Mars soil may not be good for life

4 good stories. Give them all a read!

Meebo Update: It appears I cant get offline messages, so you're going to have to message me when it shows that I am online, I will sign in from time to time, so chat with me when I'm online! You can also help me in deciding what to post if you're chatting with me.

Also, I want this blog to gain more popularity! tell everyone you know about this awesome blog, 300 hits and counting! you guys are awesome.

Quote of the day:

In real life, unlike in Shakespeare, the sweetness of the rose depends upon the name it bears. Things are not only what they are. They are, in very important respects, what they seem to be.
- Hubert H. Humphrey

Source: WIKIPEDIA.ORG

"Break and future

In June 2008, frontman Brandon Boyd told Billboard.com that Incubus will take a break from touring and recording while its members concentrate on school, family and other activities. Boyd plans to enroll in a university art program, while guitarist Mike Einziger will go to music school next year to study composition. Einziger is also getting ready to showcase an orchestral piece in concert at UCLA's Royce Hall on August 23, 2008. Drummer José Pasillas is also "having a baby, so there's a lot of normal life stuff going on right now -- school, babies, mortgages," Boyd said. "I'm of the mind to say it wouldn't be a bad thing to disappear for a year or two years," he said. "A lot of people would say culture moves too fast and you need to remind people, but I would argue there's not any rush."

They will be coming back soon, I should not be worried and yeah stop calling Brandon Boyd a "faglord". *sobs*

I can't help but notice lately that certain words get "bleeped out" that aren't anywhere near being a curse word. I made this observation while watching MTV in desperation at 3am when nothing else of substance was on. While censorship on MTV is nothing new, the song that caught my attention that morning was "Teenagers" by My Chemical Romance. While there are a variety of words in this song that get bleeped out (probably rightly so), I couldn't help that notice the verse "Because they sleep with a ----/And keep an eye on you son" was missing a word, as was the verse "They're gonna rip up your heads/Your aspirations to shreds/Another cog in the ----machine."

That's right. They bleeped out "gun" and "murder." Which is nothing compared to the fact that they later go on to bleep out the word "shirt" from the verse "But if you're troubled and hurt/What you got under your ----/Will make them pay for the things that they did." This is also done in Rihanna's song "Unfaithful." The radio version is often missing the words "murderer" and "gun."

I understand that this nation has become paralyzed by the over-hyped vision of violence in schools, but I felt that this censorship issue has become a bit extreme. While I've never been a fan of the FCC (probably because I'm a young journalism student), I figured they might have some better reasons for this. So I set out, to find out.

What I found really shocked me. This isn't in fact an FCC issue...it's an MTV issue. The FCC strictly bans and/or regulates any material deemed to be "obscene." They use a carefully constructed list to determine if material is obscene. Even then, it's broadcast time may only be regulated. (Example: Moving South Park episodes to late-night). The FCC is not behind most censorship (beyond what is practical) at MTV.

Most people are aware that MTV has come under attack by conservative groups for promoting sex, racism, and violence. But in reality, MTV is coming under even more fire for attempting to become too politically correct. Critics argue that by censoring videos for things such as political messages and words like "gun" in even anti-violence songs, MTV is hampering the war effort, the war on violence, tolerance, etc. Their censorship has graduated from their music to their television shows; eventually squashing the hit series Jackass and destroying many original episodes of Beavis and Butt-Head.

MTV has taken a stand against satanism and any music that may be construed as anti-religious, resulting in the banning of songs such as "Megalomaniac" by Incubus. (YouTube the video if you want to know the extent of how ridiculous this is.) MTV has also claimed that they will edit music containing references to drugs, sex, violence, weapons, racism, homophobia, etc. etc.

My question is: how is this possible? Are they for real? If they edit out every reference to all these things, the only song they'll have left to play on air is Colbie Caillat's "Realize." My other question is, why are you not allowed to say "gun" on TV when everyone over 18 is allowed to own one, yet it's okay for people like Akon to dance around with strippers singing "Smack That?" Why do they edit out words like "shirt" and "murder" but it's okay for rappers to call for their "bitches 'n' hoes?" And why in the world is it okay for Lil' Wayne to sing about a lollipop that is so obviously not one, but Rhianna can't get through a song about feeling guilty for hurting her boyfriend's feelings?

I sincerely hope that MTV continues to find conflict over their censorship methods, because when critics go silent we've truly started to lose footing on our First Amendment rights. Maybe they should stop focusing so much on individual words and starting focusing a bit on imagery and the big picture. Because I don't know about you, but when MTV starts becoming more intolerant than the FCC, it scares the bleep out of me.

Every year VH1 honors the artists that helped shape rock and roll and had a major influence on the music of this generation. This year VH1 Rock Honors was dedicated solely to The Who - one band completely deserving of a great night of tributes.

This year's show had its ups and downs. Some of the artists featured completely missed the mark, while others succeeded in putting on noteworthy performances. One of the night's main highlights came in the non-performance material, which included classic video footage, interviews with the band past and present and insight from artists who were influenced by The Who. The show also eloquently paid tribute to the two fallen members of the band, original drummer Keith Moon and bass player John Entwistle.

Disappointingly, the Foo Fighters fell completely flat. The band was disjointed and Dave Groel tried to scream his way through the classics, completely ruining them in the process.

The next band to hit the stage was Incubus, who dazzled with their no nonsense, hard rocking covers of "I Can See For Miles" and "I Can't Explain", not deviating too much from the source material but utilizing singer Brandon Boyd's dynamic voice.

I refused to watch The Flaming Lips, a band who I absolutely cannot stomach. That's a whole other discussion entirely.

One strange, and in my opinion, pointless performance came when Tenacious D played the song "Squeezebox". I'm not saying the band was bad or anything, but for a duo known for their comedy, the performance was average and they didn't really play up the song's original humor.

The final tribute act was Pearl Jam, who as usual, put on a phenomenal show. Their gut-wrenching cover of "Love, Reign O'er Me", a tune they recently covered beautifully for the film of the same name, came alive with a full orchestra and Eddie Vedder's signature growl. This was followed by my other favorite from Quadrophenia, "The Real Me". It was worth it just to see the band in their element, paying tribute to one of their main influences.

The shining moment of the night was when the living members of The Who, singer Roger Daltry and guitar god Pete Townshend, took the stage and blew all these young chumps away.

The band still completely rocks even though their sound is starting to show a bit of age. The new lineup busted through a short set of some of their most beloved songs and a new track from their recent album Endless Wire. The set featured Baba O' Riley", "Who Are You", "Behind Blue Eyes", "My Generation" and "Tea & Theatre".

Though Daltry's trademark howl is a little deeper these days and Townshend's hair has all but disappeared, they still know how to rock. And this night proved that The Who still deserve to be honored as architects and living deities of rock and roll.

In case you missed it, you can watch video of the full show by clicking here.

[audio http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=a6efc4d5e07478aa19747bd91027d4dd16fb1fbb29653c25]

I Miss You

by IncubusTo see you when I wake up
Is a gift I didn't think could be real.
To know that you feel the same as I do
Is a three-fold, Utopian dream.

You do something to me that I can't explain.
So would I be out of line if I said "I miss you"?

I see your picture.
I smell your skin on
The empty pillow next to mine.
You have only been gone ten days,
But already I'm wasting away.
I know I'll see you again
Whether far or soon.
But I need you to know that I care,
And I miss you.

Okay, before you jump to conclusions, let me state that there are still great musicians and great songs in the world. I find it pretty depressing that the "hits" of today are songs that have a cheesy beat and stupid

dance. Its a matter of getting 15 minutes of youtube fame and a 30 second spot on mtv. With songs like "Crank Dat Soulja Boy" and "Get Silly" i truely wonder where music is headed.

As far as hip hop is concerned, those who do deserve credit definitely dont get it. Comparing what hip hop used to be to what it is now, its pretty sad. Everyone wants to have the biggest house, biggest wheels on their pimped out cars, most girls chasing after them. What happened to the love of the music? Don't get me wrong, artists like Kanye West, Common, Lupe Fiasco etc., there is still some hope. My boyfriend's best friend is an insane lyricist and i totally appreciate all that he does. If he does get somewhere in famousland with it, i pray he doesn't get sucked into the realm of...stupidity.

Now moving on to rock. No, i DO NOT mean that stupid song "party like a rockstar." That song makes my blood boil. I enjoy a great rock song. I love it when a band is creative and aren't following the current "scene/hardcore" trend. Now, there are some great hardcore bands like Norma Jean and Every Time I Die but now it seems that bands are looking for myspace fame rather than doing what they love. I completelyadore Incubus for taking a different route of musical greatness. Many people don't love or

understand theirmusic and it's a shame. There are great pioneers of the rock genre such as Metallica and The Beatles but it makes me sad when bands like Panic [minus the exclamation point] At The Disco and Avenged Sevenfold try to copy their success. Why be a second rate version of someone great when you can be a first rate version of yourself?

I wouldn't know where my life would be if i didn't have music. You'll always find me listening to my ipod or singing a song. But at the rate the music world is going, it's going to be a hunt to find good stuff to jam to. I'm up for it.

ZOMG! janelle said it.

Technically, we're in the middle of winter, but it feels like spring. The temperature is low, but there is this beautiful warm spring breeze flowing through the city. It feels like October or November.

Spring time in Brisbane is gorgeous. Clear blue skies, lovely breezes and low humidity. When you actually catch yourself in it, walking down the street, it brings you an amazing feeling - the glimpse-of-happiness moments you know you've had but usually don't remember.

It's the ultimate time of the year, right before the summer heat strikes. It's the perfect climate for music festivals, which is why I will never understand why the Big Days Out are held in the oppressive heat of late January / early February.

The only thing better than Brisbane spring time is Brisbane spring time the morning after it has rained. That fresh, crisp smell you get, coupled with the aforementioned Oct/Nov qualities just makes your day, especially if you've got to be out in it. I know people who actually get peeved if they miss out on it because of air conditioned work.

Incubus provide the perfect sound for said weather. Which is why A Crow Left Of The Murder and Light Grenades are all I've heard today.

So while I enjoy my tuna sub, I raise my glass to Brisbane, Incubus and tonight's freak spring weather!

I remember one morning getting up at dawn, there was such a sense of possibility. You know, that feeling? And I remember thinking to myself: So, this is the beginning of happiness. This is where it starts. And of course there will always be more. It never occurred to me it wasn't the beginning. It was happiness. It was the moment. Right then.

- Clarissa Vaughn played by Meryl Streep in The Hours. Michael Cunningham (novel). David Hare (screenplay).

Michael: Because it's like... do you ever have those moments in life... where everything is OK? Do you know what I mean? Just for, like, one moment, everything is great.

Lelaina: Not since I graduated, no. But yeah... yeah. When you, like, catch yourself in a moment... and you're saying, wait, I'm happy here in the moment. Right. And then it just goes away really quickly. Gone.

Michael: It just... It's... I know I've had a couple of those, you know. I always forget them, but I know I've had them.

- Michael & Lelaina played by Ben Stiller & Winona Ryder. Reality Bites. Written by Helen Childress

Korn les dió el empujón al incluirlos en su gira del año 1997 y que finalmente les ha dado el reconocimiento que actualmente se les profesa. Agracecidos debemos de estar por ello al grupo californiano.

The name's Gutierrez. Brantley Gutierrez. He's 26 and lives in New York. He takes awesome pictures and has a character in every thing he took. In his hands, grains become an amazing thing, which completes the beauty of his works. Most of his pictures are in B/W and he took pictures in concerts and music festivals. Dare to take a look? Take a deep breath.

and more after the jump!

Log on to his portfolio, www.rootedphoto.com. Anyways, in case you are wondering: Yes, he uses analog/film cameras and prints all of his works.

I miss you....

It's raining here today... I love the rain, the sound, the smell, the feel..... but, it sometimes makes me feel sad... today is one of those times.

What I’m reading this week: For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Stay tuned

sP