Do you like Free Music?

Because if you do like free music, I have some free music to throw in your direction.  Acoustic pop band He is We is giving away a bunch of free songs – 12, in fact.  That’s an album’s worth of songs, and you can download them in mp3, or if you are picky, FLAC and other amazing file types.   He is We is amazing, and I support them, so you should listen to their music.  So…download this, because it’s free and legal.  =D

Go here:  http://heiswe.bandcamp.com/

The Highly Debatable Fashion Listings (Part the Second)

Fashion; noun; a distinctive or peculiar and often habitual manner or way.

Due to the great success of my last post regarding fashion, I have concluded to write another.  The last post currently has 25 comments, many expressing their agreement with my tastes, and others critiquing it, and those who disapproved completely didn’t post at all.  So now it is time for me to again pen a blog post regarding opinionated listings of clothing and how amazingly spiffy it is.  As I’ve stated in comments previously, this post regards “Coats and the Like.”

I would like to note that just because I like a certain style, dress, or article of clothing doesn’t mean that you should wear it.  Exercise your individuality and don’t follow me unless you really just like what I mentioned.  I’m just an opinionated individual with a penchant for grungy clothing and so forth.  So if you completely disagree with me, be that way, don’t change to impress me, because that wouldn’t impress me at all.

“Now, I warn you, my definition of modesty is subject to what affects me, and what causes my mind to do what it does.  Other men will lower themselves for some of these clothes, and others will lust simply because there’s a girl around.  It depends on the man.  So don’t think that you should go…wear any of this.  This is just what I think looks cool/classy/epic/amazing.” – Myself

Again, before I commence, the styles mentioned are intended to be portrayed by imaginary models of a fit, athletic, slender figure.  They probably like to eat eggs and salad, and love jogging.  They aren’t body builders or particularly sporty people, but they’re all about a healthy body image.  They think that you should eat well and exercise, and they think I should too, and I keep trying to listen, but it doesn’t happen often.  I am my own worst enemy.

THE LIST (Part the Second):

Hoodies (Men and Women):
These are very important.  Essential, even.  They are a basic part of any wardrobe.  However, you should note that the hoodies that don’t have zippers are super lame, so don’t bother with those.  They are unflattering and foolish looking.  However, zippered hoodies are epical.  So you should get one – because  everyone should have one.  Or two.

WHAT IAN WEARS: I wear a black Dare2Share hoodie, and it is very well worn.  One of these days, I’ll have to replace it.  *sniffle*

Suit Jacket (Men):
And perhaps more essential than the hoodie, the suit jacket has to make the list.  It signifies sophistication, or at least education.  Couple the suit jacket with jeans and a t-shirt, and you look edgy and avant gard.  I’ve considered getting a suit jacket and cutting the sleeves off.  I don’t know how that would look, but it *sounds* really punk.

WHAT IAN WEARS: Generally, when I’m wearing a suit jacket, it’s navy blue with gold buttons.

Leather Jacket (Men):
Please note, just because it’s leather doesn’t affiliate it directly to skuzzy, beatnik bikers.  I’m against bikers.  I’m against motorcycles – they defy every sense of safety that I possess.  But the snazzy, classic leather jacket is professional, and not worn by bikers, and is therefore acceptable

WHAT IAN WEARS: I don’t have one.  *sob*  The downside to leather jackets is that nice ones are really expensive.  <.<

Pea Coat (Men and Women):
This is sort of like the feminine combination of effects you would get if a leather jacket and a blazer had kids.  Now, I listed it as being for men and women, but being feminine.  If you consider yourself a manly man, don’t wear a pea coat.  It’s an elegant jacket, and I like it.  I need to get one, because I don’t have one.  I should have one.

http://www.splendicity.com/sheknowsbest/files/2007/11/kenneth-cole-reaction-pea-coat.jpg
http://imagecache.asos.com/inv/V/28/184/756218/Black/image1xl.jpg

Sweater (Men and Women):
Sweaters are either amazing, or instant fashion suicide.  This is proven by the existence of “Ugliest Sweater Contests.”  So it’s essential that you don’t wear an ugly sweater, so be very picky with sweaters.  Also in this arena are sweater vests.  We thought they died forever ago, but they are back.  I personally think this is amazing.  But again, because of their allegiance with the sweater clan, they have a connection with being disgusting.  So you have to be picky with them too.  The sweater vest will make you look like a nerd, so be prepared if you don’t want to look like a nerd.  You are warned.

http://www.refinery29.com/img/sweatervests_checklist08.jpg

WHAT IAN WEARS: I have a zippered black and grey argyle sweater with a semi-high collar.  And it is amazing.  I never saw myself wearing argyle, but I have come to do so, and it’s amazing.

Trench Coat (Men and Women):
Yes.  There is nothing quite as epic as a trench coat.  They make one look important, if not vaguely strange.  But with a trench coat, one has memories of detectives like Dick Tracy.  Trench coats, I feel, are essential, as they just look epic, feel epic, and are manufactured of epic.

WHAT IAN WEARS: I have a grey trench coat, courtesy of my very good friend Caleb.  He is an amazing person.  Thanks.  ^.^

Corset (Women):
This is a bit more of a controversial piece of attire, but it’s personally one of my favourites.  The idea with corsets is to make them a fashion accessory and not a slimming product (not that I have a problem with that, it’s just not as fashionable).  Spiffy corsets are difficult to come across unless you condescend to go to Hot Topic.  Indeed, they have a lot of them, and it’s amazing.  I was actually doing some research regarding corsets, and I found that men used to wear them too, but I wouldn’t advise that now.  That’s just strange, sir.

http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Apparel/Tops/Corsets/Tripp-Black-And-Red-Lace-Cap-Sleeve-Corset-234080.jsp

Frock Coat (Men):
Cross a trench coat with a suit jacket, and you would have something like a frock coat.  This is the amazing coat that gentleman would wear back in the day.  Mr. Darcy would be all about frock coats, and I have to respect him, because he had mad tastes.

WHAT IAN WEARS: *SOBSOBSOB*

The Amazing Army-Esque Sort of Jacket (Men and Women):
I can’t even find a decent sort of name for this jacket, but it’s epically amazing.  Srsly.  It is.  It looks reminiscent of army jackets, but isn’t quite.  It can show up in many different cuts and styles, but usually maintains its heightened level of awesome.  But words are so useless when describing it, as it doesn’t even have a set name, it seems.  So pictures, courtesy of Hot Topic.  =D

http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Apparel/Jackets/Social-Collision-Grey-ZigZag-Stitch-Jacket-With-Hood-817258.jsp
http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Apparel/Jackets/Slow-Military-Crop-Jacket-249108.jsp

WHAT IAN WEARS: I wear…this

In other amazing jackets, we have the guy of Christian Punk band Children 18:3 (on the right).

So that’s it for this post.  I’ll write up another post of accessories, I believe.  That or something else that’s important.  Something along those lines – let’s not limit myself.  I hope you enjoyed this.  This wasn’t as debatable as the last post, I don’t think.  If I forgot anything in this category, by all means tell me – I would love to know.  What do you think should be essential in the way of jackets and the like?

Thanks for reading,
- Ian

Relient K – Forget and Not Slow Down (Review)

I’ve grown up with Relient K. Their second release The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek could have been called the anthem of my junior high and high school years. Because of their long-time stay in my musical library, I have a high expectation of a band that has never ceased to impress me. And when I heard about their new record, I was eager to listen to it. However, when I found it streaming on Absolute Punk, I have to say that I was a bit disappointed. At the time, I wasn’t impressed by the Forget and Not Slow Down, and debated not getting it. Sure there were a couple good tracks, but it wasn’t instantly impressive in my mind. In all, I thought that this might be the RK album that I wouldn’t bother to get.

Then I got it. And upon listening to it again, I liked it. Two more times, and it had ranked among my favourites.

Relient K’s sixth full-length album, Forget and Not Slow Down begins with the title track, which is the energetic anthem of the entire album. Being relatively single themed, the album depicts the aftermath of vocalist Matt Theissen’s recent break-up. “Yeah, it’s definitely a break-up record.” Matt says, “That was just kind of what was happening in my life at the time of writing it…it was pretty hard, the break up thing.”

However, despite being an album about a break-up, Forget and Not Slow Down isn’t scathing or angry, and not necessarily self-pitying. Tragic, perhaps, but the songs still echo maturity and growth. The poppy, bouncing third track “Candlelight” accolades the beauty of a girl, stating simply “She outshines anyone whoever might dare to bask in the same candlelight…”

“Part of It” and “Therapy” spin and spiral in their pop rock catchiness, carried by Matt’s light, emotive voice. But Relient K retains the punk heritage from Five Score and Seven Years Ago with the powerfully edgy and rocking “Sahara” and the brutally emotional “If You Believe Me.” But the soft, sentimental, piano driven ballad “Over It” is a real treasure on the album. The album ends with the touching, two-part “This is the End (If You Want It.”

To fully get the effect and glory of Forget and Not Slow Down, you have to listen to it as a whole album, in order. There are so many intros and outros throughout the album, which is evidenced by the track listing, where digits are left out. Also worthy of note, is the presence of an incredible amount of guest vocalists, featuring Tim Skipper (Of House of Heroes), Matt MacDonald (of The Classic Crime), and Aaron Gillespie (of The Almost/UnderOath). In fact, all three of these vocalists contribute on the ninth track, “Saraha.” Also, Adam Young of Owl City helped write the happy pop B-side “Terminals”, available on Amazon.com.

Although I had originally conceived Forget and Not Slow Down to be the least of Relient K’s album, I have found that it actually measures among their greatest. It is the logical evolution of Five Score and Seven Years Ago, and shows remarkable promise for the prolific group. The only legitimate downside to the album is that it simply isn’t instantly attracting, and may take a couple listens before being loved. Personally, I think I like it the most out of all their previous albums. Musically, lyrically, and artistically I am impressed (though the photo of John Warne looking sexy in the jacket lining made me laugh heartily).

In conclusion, don’t write off Forget and Not Slow Down as a poor album if you were disenchanted at first listen, because it, like the previous albums, has the uncanny knack of becoming a favourite.

The Essentials:
Music: 8/10
Lyrics: 9/10
Album Art/Design: 9/10
Photoshoot: 7/10
Message: Positive
Worth It: Very Yes
Overall*: Amazing

Sources:
Kelly Kettering. HM Magazine Issue #140. November/December 2009. Page 43.

*Overall Ratings are as follows
- Classic
- Amazing
- Solid
- Suspect
- Lacking

Various Lyrics

Recently, I have been told that I should post recent lyrics and so forth.  However, the verb “Tell” seems a bit weak in regards to the manner in which I was informed.  ”Pestered Unceasingly” might work a bit better.  But it was hardly pestersome, as I look at it, but some might have thought it so.  In any case, I had to smile everything it was brought to my attention.  I enjoyed the reminder, and as such, I have concluded to act upon it.  If I had been annoyed,  I wouldn’t be posting this.   So…don’t feel inclined towards cold chills along your spine this time around.
*smiles*

But I digress.  The following are, as can be assumed, a collection of recent lyrics that I have penned within the past few months.  So enjoy them and comment, if you will.  Also note, that all the following lyrics are copyrighted by Ian Williams (2009/2010), and I own all the rights to them.  Thanks a bunch.
Box of Chocolates:

If my life were a box of chocolates,

I’d give it to you.  I’d give it to you.

But would you just give it back?

Tell me, would you?  Tell me, would you?

No.  No, I don’t want your sympathy.

You just go, put on your coat, and leave.

You’re breaking my heart.

From the start,

Did we come this far,

To just fall apart.

Your eyes are focused somewhere else.

I can’t tell the truth when I stare at you,

Your hesitance shows the chasm between,

What things were and how they seemed.

This is not the end of love,

But it’s the end of us.

If life is a box of chocolates,

Can I have the ones with raspberry cream?

Don’t look at me with that blank expression,

‘Cause I’m reminded of you and me.

Blueprints and Blank Maps:

I see the way
You run away from,
Mirrors and searchlights,
And critical eyes.
You are nothing
Short of amazing.
(But) you can’t see that,
And run inside.

Sweet seduction into shadow
You don’t know what you are into.

This is a sanctuary,
For the weak and weary.
Reach out and grasp this ending.
The anthem of your relief is me

The concept of broken
Hearts surround you.
Blueprints and blank maps
Are all that you knew.
Your eyes are staring
Into your memories
You have the beauty,
But not the truth.

Broken pieces fall from your eyes,
Fill the creases with your disguise.

Open your eyes,
And open the door
I can’t stand to see you,
Like this anymore.
Let go your sorrows,
Live for tomorrow,
Escape from the see through.
New wings will lift you up

Thorns In My Side:

These filthy hands have nothing left,

And I am all alone.

The beating heart inside my chest,

Has nowhere else to go.

Nowhere else, I know.

If you see my,

Face through the trees,

I won’t believe, I won’t believe.

That you love me.

These branches stand against me,

And thorns pull me along.

I planted this forest and I bleed;

Trapped by what I’ve done.

I can’t escape alone.

…That you love me,

And will never leave.

Your Name will be,

So lovely.

Jesus.

When I ran away I was so far gone.

What did you really say when I lay in your arms?

It wasn’t what I meant to do when I ran so far.

Can you take me back again?  I’ll make a new start.

I never wanted to break your heart.

I didn’t really mean to make it so hard.

Is this the end?  No, don’t be alarmed.

I’m coming back home to live in your arms.

(I will never be afraid,

Of losing pieces of my shame.

I never wanted to be this way,

I only want to feel your embrace.)

© 2010  Ian Williams