beauty in a wicked world.

This story is just ridiculous, and pretty humorous actually. I can't believe I only recently found it. I've love the Boondocks and have seen that episode before. Little did I know...

Sometimes you have to laugh about situations like this. It takes a lot to piss me off. If I got truly upset about a situation like this every time it arose, I would have high blood pressure and need anger management by now. The Boondocks are even poking fun of it. As most of you know, I rarely ever use this word. I don't think anyone should use it in any context. It is all over music and the media, but that will never be controlled. Hell, it is used in a lot of the music I enjoy listening to. I'm not going to deny it.

Last night, I had a "discussion" about race relations in the south. It was interesting to say the least.

I feel like this concert has been three years in the making. After missing out on one of John Legend's first tours, I vowed that I would see him in concert one day. Last night, I finally got my chance (thanks to my lovely wife). I love his three albums, but seeing him live was just purely amazing. Excuse my French, but he can fucking sing. When someone can sound like that in concert, his talent is unquestionable. These are the musicians that deserve the respect they get. They aren't celebrities first and then artists. He performed every song I wanted to hear. Hell, I enjoyed every single song he performed. His music is like pure sex. All-in-all, it was just a very special concert. I can't even put it into words. Also, the man barely took a break. It was just song after song after song.

Estelle was a great opener as well. It was definitely a pleasant surprise. I could not believe she did a cover of "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face", but it was sort of an R&B/funk version. It was awesome. She even threw in a little Robin S, "Show Me Love", into the mix. Her backup singers/dancers were just as entertaining as her singing. They were going crazy on stage!

The audience was really into it, and everyone was dressed to impress. It was a very fun and enjoyable atmosphere and a great overall vibe. Let's just say, I left the Verizon Wireless Theater an extremely happy fan. I was in such a great mood after the show that nothing could have upset me. This was one of the best concerts I've been to in quite a long time.

There was no better way to top off the night than with Chances, Notsuoh, and cheesy jalapeno biscuits.

"Bon Iver" is French for good winter. No wonder his album covers are photos involving snow. Bon Iver's album, For Emma, Forever Ago, is one of my top albums for 2008. If you STILL haven't listened to it, you need to get on that immediately. It is quite excellent. This week, his new EP, Blood Bank, was released. Although it is only four tracks long, I think it is a glimpse of what is to come, and I can't wait to see where he takes us. This album is very different from For Emma, Forever ago, but not in a bad way. He definitely focused on minimalism in his first album, but I'm glad his EP isn't just a continuation of that. Still, his music can almost put you in a trance. It is so calming and relaxing. This is the kind of music you listen to when you are sitting on your back porch, watching the sunset and waiting for the stars to appear.

The most intriguing song is Woods. Here are the lyrics:

I'm up in the woods
I'm down on my mind
I'm building a still
to slow down the time.

Yup, that's it. Put those lines on repeat, and you got it. Justin Vernon made use of the auto-tuner, but it isn't used to the point of annoyance. It is just beautiful and almost haunting. This song has sort of an Hide and Seek/Imogen Heap sound to it, except its a man singing. Kanye West would be proud. As far as the lyrics go, I think it is purely saying to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. We all get caught up in things, and life becomes just a blur. Take your time occasionally and just admire what is around you. Take the time to understand what is happening. Sometimes you have to wonder, what am I missing out on? The answers to that question are endless.

My country, 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee i sing...

No matter what your views on politics are, today has been a day that will be remembered for years and years to come. It is amazing to say I actually saw something that most thought would never happen. This is something my grandparents probably NEVER believed would actually happen. I could not be more proud right now.

It is obvious that our country is in a state of distress, panic, and chaos. As a soon-to-be graduate, I would be lying to say that I'm not nervous at all. If our nation is really going to change things, the divide needs to end. Barack Obama is our president no matter what. It doesn't matter if you are conservative, moderate, or liberal. The election is over, and we are still all Americans. This segregation needs to end. Obama has really instilled a sense of hope and future progress. It's not going to be an easy fix, but it is going to take a true shift in morale for things to get better. People need to start believing that our country will get past these difficult times.

I've supported Obama since I saw him speak over two years ago in Austin, and today just made it all seem that much more real.

P.S. - will you people stop with your gah damn facebook statuses about socialism and how awesome Bush is? Get over it/yourself.

Ah yes, South By Southwest. I have spent the past two springs breaks in Austin for it, and I have had an amazing adventure each time. So many memories, so many stories, so much music, so many open bars. This year will be no different. Yes, Austin, you will be graced my presence once again. The first round of SXSW bands have been posted. Check them out here: http://sxsw.com/music/shows/bands. I'm excited. Quincy Jones is the keynote speaker this year. That will be pretty badass. I will post the SXSW Party list as soon as it is posted. It's my last spring break. ever. Gotta make this shit count!

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Even though I bought it two months ago, I'm finally deep into my next book, Learning to Die. It's the story of Wilco and how the band began, years and years ago. It is always interesting to read up on the intimate background of bands that have blown up. So far, I'm really enjoying it. I'll let you know when I'm finished.

A couple nights ago, I found myself drinking Lonestar and listening to music with friends until about 4 a.m. I feel like I haven't done that in ages. As simple as it was, it was quite refreshing. Just listening to good, quality music. Radiohead. Bjork. LCD Soundsystem. Beck. Hell, and having 6000 albums to choose from wasn't so bad. Also, it was sort of a reminder of what I need to focus on this semester: finding a career in music. I know I've said it many times before, but it all seems so much more real and relevant now.

I'm about to begin my last semester in college. It has finally hit me like a train. This is it; the end of an era. In five months, everything in my life will completely change. No more studying, no more carefree attitude, and no more college drink specials. I will definitely miss the latter.

This holiday break has been given me a great chance to think about things before I hit the ground running. Goals, family, friends, my life, the future...

P.S. - I can't believe I rode around for about 30 minutes to find a CiCi's pizza in West Houston. And what does the manager have the nerve to say to me? "Are you familiar with how everything works here at CiCi's?" Yes, sir. I'm a fucking pizza buffet professional.

P.S.S - Demitri Martin STILL isn't funny.

Oh, hey 2009. You got here faster than I thought you would. 2008 was definitely a year to remember.

Happy New Year everyone!