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Deerhoof • • As Tall As Lions • CLUTCH • David Choe • RjD2 • Buff Monster • Norma Jean • POT TM

MUSIC/ART/POLITICS/CULTURE #009 MUSIC/ART/POLITICS/CULTURE Rowdiness, Belligerence and Aggression Rolling with Pt.II “We’re going to get an injection of a whole new energy...” Kiva Investors seeking emotional returns look no further

We Are the Fury Sierra Swan CLEAR CHANNEL - American Sodomites?

USA $3.99 CANADA $4.99 ISSUE 9 WWW.KOTORIMAG.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LA COKA NOSTRA I’m not knocking anyone else’s shit but is in a flossy KIVA place and I don’t feel like it’s reflecting the world we’re Investors seeking emotional returns…look no further. 40 living in right now!” 33

CLUTCH BUFF MONSTER “One day in the middle of a show I turned around and looked “The mass appeal of urban inspired or urban related art is 23 behind me and there were two 30 foot penises behind us.” 27 growing every day.”

Power pellets: Kotori tells you wutz up! 04 DeERHOOF 14 Satomi educates America on why Asians are so salty WE ARE THE FURY: A head cold couldn’t trip up Rock-n-Roll 06 THE LOCUST ASPHALT JUNGLE: swallows up Bob Marley 10 20 swarmin’ with their one-liners!! FASHIONABLY SKATEBOARDING: sick ass decks! 16 SIERRA SWAN 50 super-sexy sultry ssssss! HOW TO MAKE YOUR 18

SANDBLOOM: one crazy white boy with a lot of soul 30 AS TALL AS LIONS 08 Singer Dan Nigro hiccups his way through animal cruelty & the METERMAIDS: Dog poo and demo rap collide! 54

FASHION ADVENTURES: Kotori conquers fashion!!! 55 RjD2 47 Ramble John Krohn carves an exciting ‘pop’ path down a road he’s always taken... THE LOST ANGELES TIMES: get a clue 58

CATTLE DECAPITATION: “Shooting ourselves in the head” 62 CSA 36 The South is gonna rise again! (At least in cinema) MARK MASKY: tells you wutz up! 66 52 American SODOMITES RADIO REBELLION: Norma Jean get angry…ER 68 A new era in American media?

T-ROCK: in his own words... 71 DAVID CHOE 60 the bad(dest) boy of graffiti 270°: record shopping made easy 73 Dr. LESTER GRINSPOON FUN TIME: When lazy marketing meets worthless lyrics 80 64 takes a stab at the Future of Marijuana CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR’S NOTE This issue is dedicated to CONTRIBUTORS the Lashbrook family. Our Steve Ghil, Marlin SCOTT SHAPIRO DOUBLE OH SEVEN IS WELL George, Christopher prayers, thoughts, and Born into the Flefano Diphtheria UPON US!!!! And let me tell Dabner, Amy Staats, crime syndicate on the east side you, it couldn’t have come service remain at your side. Mike The Poet, Aaron of Chicago, Mr. Shapiro escaped soon enough! Don’t know if you Levant and the Agenda the mob at a young age, venturing remember where we were at Editor-In-Chief team, Tom Pharo, into the nearby wilderness to be a year ago this time, with the Wasim Muklashy Joshua Moeller, raised by a migrating family of blessings of the Hopi Indian Violet Fewes, Emerick Tribal Council to use Kotori [email protected] Himalayan aardvarks. His legend Tackett, Matt Thomas, grew, returning to society in after the madness following Matt Reid Cohn (we 2000, having mastered the art of the gathering of the coyote Managing Editor hope you accept our automobile defecation (inside and vegan cult in the Santa Ynez Micah Lashbrook full apologies for our out), likely taught to him by that mountains, our formal partner- haze-induced slip- [email protected] pederass Hannerhan. (editor note: ship with GetUnderground. up on not including though one of our original writers, com, and the temporary loss you in last issue’s contributing to every issue since of our better half and Manag- Associate Editors contributor section... #1, he thinks we forgot to include ing Editor (our prayers and Bob Freville we were stupid... him as a contributor in the last thoughts will not leave your [email protected] very very stupid...), issue, but we did it on purpose to give us a good excuse to give him side Micah and the Lashbrook Shana Nys Dambrot, the largest part of this section...i mean...check out that picture! the clan) to recall a few classic Jake McGee jvkm, Dirty J, Carlos man’s a legend...just don’t ask any questions...we’re afraid to...) moments. But as tumultuous [email protected] Herrera, Fiona Ramsey as 006 turned out to be, its Miranda Burch and all at Kiva, Bill quite evident that we’ve come AMY STAATS [email protected] Brofee, Angus from a loooooooooong way in those Youngstown, Cheri Spawned from the frigid grounds of measly 365 days. We have Pohl, Andrea Raskind, Akron, Ohio, Amy Staats is an artistic no one to thank but YOU!!! Art Director & Rod Lockett, Angelo samurai: collected yet ferocious on Webmaster Peter & all at The Gig, any medium she attacks, be it And here we are not only well Shadi Muklashy Rex More, Morgan or colors. In due time, she’ll be into a new year, but a new era. illustrating for the likes of Marvel [email protected] Tharp, Jamie Enochs, One that we’ve been yearning Chessman Joe, Mike and Manga, and simultaneously and fighting and scratching for Austin and Xsite, touring around the world with her for well over a decade. For the The Marketing Division Stephen Lashbrook, band. Until then, she’s honing her first time in 12 years, the Dem- Eddie Donaldson Brandon Lomax skills at the Pittsburgh Art Institute, ocrats control both the House kicking ass proper in the Steel City. [email protected] and the Senate. People have fi- Evan Cerasoli nally woken up and given up on PLEASE SEND ALL MATT REID COHN the system that doesn’t work Carl Stoeber CORRESPONDENCE, first took it global as a member of for anyone outside of those www.themarketingdivison.net SUBMISSIONS, & the L.A. band ‘Berlin’ in the early involved in the arms and pe- QUERIES TO ‘80s. 2006 the completion of his troleum industries. Not to say Marketing/advertising KOTORI Magazine first feature-length film soundtrack that the Democratic party is 3253 S. Beverly Dr. (“Blood Deep”) and his first solo a cure-all, God knows they’re Justin Smith , CA 90034 photography exhibition as well. not, but hot hell, at least the [email protected] He relishes every opportunity to decrepid disastrous destruc- Annie Montone or email capture the essence of L.A. and surrounding areas in his work, and tive ways of the Bush junta [email protected] [email protected] can often be found DJ’ing at the Museum of Neon Art downtown. have been tossed out the door. Google him and punch up portableuniverse.tv for more. It’s kind of sickly satisfying Chavo Gonzalez for advertising now to watch him try to work [email protected] advertise@ with his hands tied. Anyhow, kotorimag.com SHANA NYS DAMBROT the point is, we’ve taken that is an art critic and author based in Los FASHION/Marketing first step to take our country Angeles. Her fine art & design reviews, Published by back and to re-instill the true Jeff Cheema features and interviews have appeared Kotori, LLC virtues of democracy and pa- [email protected] in more than twenty publications triotism that were so brutally including Modern Painters, Art The views and pulled from underneath us. Review, ARTnews, Artkrush.com, STAFF WRITERS opinions expressed tema celeste, Artweek, Angeleno, within these pages Our time has come people!!! Matt Vogt Art Asia Pacific, Intersection, do not necessarily Let’s seize the moment and Scott Shapiro TimeOut LA, Art Ltd. (formerly Lifescapes), Juxtapoz and Coagula Art reflect those of achieve all that we have Journal. She is currently the LA Managing Editor at Flavorpill.net. Tommy Digital KOTORI Magazine, worked for. Let’s bring some and vica versa. This color and excitement back RESIDENT POET is simply a forum for JVKM into the drab landscape My name is not important nor where Mike The Poet free expression. that ‘they’ have tried to I am from. I’m from New Jersey but paint before us. Let’s cloak All claims and live in Hollywood, . I live the future with our art, our FUN TIME GURUS statements made for art and science and entertaining music, and our culture. Violet Fewes herin are nothing the idea of time travel. Without Bob Freville but that...statements self-expression I would die... You can count on us to do herein. You can what we can to contribute! interpret them Events & as facts, you can TOM PHARO Double-Oh-Seven y’all!!!! Promotions Director interpret them I like my music like I like my women: Happy Spring! JT Taylor as faction, all we convulsive and spaced out. [email protected] ask is that you Peace, interpret them.

Resident Artist www.kotorimag.com Jason Mascow © 2006 Kotori, LLC Wasim Muklashy

P|O|W|E|R|P|E|L|L|E|T|S

with Booker T, Emmylou Harris, Gilberto Gil, Terry Ready to hear GW Bush McBride, David Bryne, Rickie Lee Jones, Joe Boyd; cloudy-side up singing “Imagine” and enough panels to make any striving musician’s head sunny side fuck! “Sunday Bloody explode. And that’s just the music side of things- the CBS plans to advertise Sunday?” What about film festival is filled with all sorts of insanity. www. their shows on eggs. Tony Blair rocking out sxsw.com eggs. goddamn eggs... “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” Spin The World has all your manipulated soundbites This year’s Winter tweaked into music waiting for you, and much more. Music Conference- www.spintheworld.com March 20-25 in Miami- This year marks Starz InBlack’s 10th anniversary and is going to be the best to celebrate Black History Month, will yet. Not just because air a different decade of films every week starting some of the best February 5. The ‘70s week includes films such as Say it loud! The musicians and The Landlord, A.K.A. Cassius Clay and Black Caesar, mighty James Brown, producers in the world are going to be there, not just the ‘80s week offers Hollywood Shuffle, Driving the ‘Godfather of because of the Ultra Music Festival (featuring The Miss Daisy and Tap, the ‘90s week will highlight Soul,’ had enough of Cure, Tiesto, Deep Dish, Junkie XL, Shiny Toy Guns, Beloved, Enemy of the State and The Crying Game, this Man’s World, and Kiss Kitten, Paul Aan Dyk, Carl Cox, Danny Tenaglia, and the week of movies from 2000 and beyond will passed away on Ferry Corstein and many more), and not just because air Hitch, Freedomland and Are We There Yet?. 12/25/06, leaving it will re-feature another round of the DMC DJ behind an influence that will assuredly impact music Spinoff, but mainly because KOTORI is a media for many generations to come. He didn’t know karate, partner with the Conference, which means that the but olde boy sure as hell knew KA-RAZY! Owl will be watching... www.wintermusicconference. com Uh oh. Pain, glorious pain. Coachella will transform from a 2 day festival to a 3 day Taking the fun out of drinking and driving, Toyota festival. The dates are April Motor Corp recently announced they’re developing a 27-29. Check www.Coachella. fail-safe system for cars that detects drunken drivers com for the lineup. Like we and automatically shuts the vehicle down if sensors say every year, we don’t give pick up signs of excessive alcohol consumption. a shit who’s going to be The system could also kick in if the sensors detect there…just so long as we are… abnormal steering, or if a special camera shows that the driver’s pupils are not in focus. KOTORI’s We Love Tree Huggin’ Hippies: Green Bloggers Jeff Tommy Digital drives a Chevy, so he’s not worried. McIntire-Strasburg, Shea Gunther, and David Anderson have united to form Green Options, focused on showing users (and getting users to show) the options they have for living a greener, more sustainable The annual Take Action life. They promise a full range of content, plus tools Tour kicks off on visitors can use for assessing their own situation, February 7. The tour- and making the best choices for lightening their founded by Hopeless / environmental footprint. www.greenoptions.com Sub City Records- aims to create a better world, one voice and one action at a time. By working with various non- Unlike music recorded on files, self generated music profit organizations, Take Action strives to educate changes every time, for it is performed in the exact people about the positive difference that can be moment you listen it. OM players are designed made by each of us in our community through to create smooth soundscapes activism and charitable work. Bands slated are The that change and evolve endlessly without the -based singer/ Tim Fite will Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, performing with Emery, need of interaction. http://nuke.gleetchplug. release his new Over The Counter Culture , A Static Lullaby, and Kaddisfly. com/Products/OM/tabid/64/Default.aspx for free through his website (www.timfite.com) www.takeactiontour.com on February 20th. Fite’s 15 track recording is a scathing examination of commercial culture and it’s adverse effects on life in general, and Ghostface Killah has on rap music specifically. Plus…just look at the teamed up with ReganBooks guy…you must wonder what he’s got to say! The legendary South to bring you his biography by Southwest and very own look into the conferences go down Wu-Tang and his life from March 9-18 in outside of the music Want to get a barcode tattoo just to be cool, tropical Austin, TX. A industry. The tentative title but then get rid of it when the other people you proper orgy of films, of the book is “Iron Man: want to impress don’t get it? Shop Scad’s Tattoo panels, and music True Reflections from the Pack offers scannable temporary tattoos, which galore, this year’s Soul of the Wu-Tang Clan” include codes that read SLAVE, FOR SALE, and event includes: Pete and ReganBooks have confirmed a release date of 27th SCAN ME. An easy way to let others know your Townshend as a keynote speaker; performances by February 2007. sexual proclivities as well. http://needled.com/ The Stooges, Interpol, Lily Allen, , Ozomatti, Devin the Dude, , Ghostland Observatory, Watson Twins, and others; interviews both pork up your pookie and put a damper on Monitor Network, will give away a free, limited- Michael Jackson has a new your love life (clogged arteries affect all the major edition 7” of “The Prayer,” with exclusive b-side record slated for late-2007, organs). To help you treat your sweet to healthy, “England,” available only with purchase of the album. but it doesn’t have a title animal-friendly fare instead, Fabio recommends www.monitorthis.com, www.cimsmusic.com, www. yet. We’re thinking he one of his secret love potions: Portobello Passion. thealliancerocks.com, www.blocparty.com should call it, My Life in Pajamas—It Don’t Matter If You’re Black or White…Just Massive Attack’s highly anticipated Weather So Long As Your Parents Underground will finally surface aboveground Our revered Managing Aren’t Litigious. this month [February]…or will it? Editor Micah Lashbrook will celebrate his 30th The Rockstar Taste of birthday on March 21, Chaos tour- kicking off with a marvelous bash on February 15 is including lesbian Michael Franti and scheduled to hit 41 midgets, sea lions, 17 Spearhead will launch a cities in the U.S. and gallons of Astroglide, 2 barrels of Epsom Salt, 9 feet five-week U.S. tour in Canada between mid- of speaker wire, a ball gag, ice cream cake, a pony, a support of its recent February and mid- six pack of Natural Ice, a large tire, and then some. Anti- album Yell Fire! April. The multi-artist on February 16th at The package in the U.S.A. and Canada will feature The Warfield Theatre in San Used, 30 Seconds to Mars, , , Francisco. Largely , Aiden, Evaline, and other special surprises to The Gonzo Way: A Celebration of Dr. Hunter S. recorded in Jamaica at be announced. Thompson by Anita Thompson is due out in March. the suggestion of Island Records’ founder Chris Madame Thompson explores the legacy of her Blackwell, the Kingston sessions featured the late husband as a writer and as a citizen, through godfathers of riddem, Sly and Robbie, on live drums her own words and through interviews with and bass, percussionist Sticky Thompson along with New year, new album, new tour. Bloc Party releases those who knew him best including Johnny Depp, Spearhead bassist Carl Young and guitarist Dave Shul. their sophomore record, “A Weekend In The CIty,” Ed Bradley, Doug Brinkley, Jack Nicholson, Bill on February 6, just one month before beginning Murray, Senator George McGovern and others. a full U.S. tour in support of the record. The tour will feature support by Albert Hammond Jr. of The You tired of that same ol’ slab of meat? PETA has Strokes, Final Fantasy, Sebastian Grangier, The Like the perfect way to cheat your husband’s taste buds and Smoosh on various dates. Select independent without risking your relationship. Mock meats and music retailers, including Newbury Comics and stores vegetarian foods are bursting with flavor and are in the Coalition of Independent Music Stores, The free of the saturated fat and cholesterol that can Alliance of Independent Media Stores and The Music WE ARE THE FURY Jeremy Lublin talks to bob freville Transmissions Received By BILL V. BROFEE

Bob is a super-obsessive # 1 fan of We though some of those bands are good, Are The Fury. They are his favorite the scene that you think you’re a part “It was a lot of fun. It was a good “We had a sense of humility in those band in the galaxy. He likes them so of is just put together by corporations. time. The bands were cool to hang photos. We’re a bit androgynous. Right much that when he found out that lead with. The kids seemed really excited now is a bit too macho…like singer Jeremy Lublin had a head cold, “There are bands that come out strictly about it. It was the first time we had Hinder and Nickelback. We’re not he promptly went out in sub-degree because of trends…as opposed to being ever done something like that.” macho dudes. We were never on the weather in a soaking wet leotard a legitimately good band.” football teams and stuff like that. It’s so he could relate appropriately. Being the obsessive Romantic that natural for us to go in that direction.” Bob was eager to know what he is, Bob was curious to analyze “How did you guys get into music makes We Are The Fury triumph the meaning behind the very “When did you guys start wearing together?” Bob asked Jeremy, in a pop-saturated market. strong WATF lyric, “Love never mankerchiefs?” Bob asked. sitting on the edge of his seat forgets how it is to be alone.” and shaking like a chihuahua. “We put a lot of emotion and energy “Oh, um…Probably in the into what we do,” Jeremy said. “We “That’s our break-up song,” Jeremy past year and a half.” “We’ve been playing together have fun, we try to write good songs. clarified. “It was directed at my since high school,” Jeremy We take in a lot of influences and try girlfriend at the time. She was afraid “Are they comfortable?” replied, “about eight years ago. not to limit ourselves to any one thing.” of me breaking up with her in the We wanted to start something new future. It was a line to say, ‘I hope “Uh...yeah, yeah. They’re not…I and take the sounds that we liked Bob was enthused to learn that Venus you know what you’re doing. Love don’t know…they’re fine.” and do something different. [the new LP] was recorded on a farm is a very special thing. Don’t break in Ann Arbor because he is a big fan into this heart just to throw it away.’ Bob was psyched. He wanted to “People end up doing what they of petting zoos and bestiality, not to We didn’t want to have too many pawn off his belongings and buy think they should be doing. But I’ve mention the glorious music of Nature. break-up songs because I think a himself a purple scarf and some noticed that a lot of bands have lot of bands are doing that with the leather pants. But he wanted become fans of ours because we’re “We naturally at home in this whole emo/ boom that’s been to be sure it was worth it. doing something they could be region,” Jeremy said. “There’s horses going on for the past few years. doing…Bands concentrate too much on and peacocks running around. It “What’s the best thing about the style and sacrifice songwriting.” seemed like out in L.A. there were so “I think we said it in a different being in an band?” many distractions. It wasn’t conducive way. Most of the songs are about Bob asked Jeremy about their to being creative. Being on a farm having fun, but I wanted an album “You get to experiment. You get single “Now You Know.” in Michigan, it’s really easy to put that encompassed everything. to have fun. And you get to do what we want down. We’re really People break up and people what you want to do without being “We wanted a song that spoke to happy with how it came out.” have relationship troubles.” influenced as much by corporations younger audiences,” Jeremy said. and other people telling you what “That song is about looking at the “What has is been like being part Bob was thrown by the androgyny they think you should be doing.” music trends right now and saying to of the ?” Bob asked in the CD’s inserts, wondering the kids, ‘This is just people trying with his ear pressed against the whether it was a statement about to sell you a bunch of bullshit.’ Even phone like Silly Putty on newsprint. the band or modern rock couture.

 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com

EVEN ANIMALS STARTED SMALL: A Curious Conversation With As Tall As Lions’ Dan Nigro

Words By BOB FREVILLE

It is not easy to find unique and spirited write music that comes natural to us. eration. “I don’t know. I guess like I said be- So we used it as a bonus, in hopes that music on Long Island. For every incredible, It’s a product of…the environment that fore, it’s a product of our environment. Dur- people would take it as a bonus track—if genre-defying act like Dearly Departed we hang out in. It’s always been very ing the writing process, we were all going they didn’t like it, they could dismiss it or The Bogmen, there are twenty-eight easy for us to write the way we do.” through a lot of personal stuff…we were and if they liked it, it was an extra treat.” worthless Taking Back Sunday facsimiles happy making the album, but…it emanat- sprouting up every minute…or a Local I was curious as to Dan’s thoughts on the ed from us.” He reiterated. “We weren’t try- Dan seemed to have all the answers, Music Bin worth of elitist punkcore groups current musical climate on the Island. ing to write sad music, that just came out.” but I was curious if he thought much that won’t give it up, even after coughing “Do you see it as being more progres- about his band name. “Do you feel tall up a lung. This is frustrating for someone sive than it was ten years ago?” I didn’t want to get all morose so I in the presence of caged animals?” like me who thrives on images and sounds. quickly switched gears on my new “I think it’s been kind of constant,” he said. friend Dan. “What was it like work- “I feel very tall in the presence of But it is also this fact that makes it that “There’s always been a lot of good bands ing with a glockenspiel?” caged animals,” Dan chuckled. much more satisfying to find a band like and a lot of really bad bands. I don’t know As Tall As Lions, whose musical melancholy if it’s progressed that much. Obviously Dan laughed. “A glockenspiel is set “That’s fucked up,” I said. “I don’t know if reaches a somber and soul-revealing music evolves and what’s popular in the up just like a so it’s nothing you know too much about what’s going apex that Chris Martin only dreams about area changes…but I wouldn’t say it’s too difficult to play. It was more of a on in North America. They kind of saw off a while flogging his limey Longfellow. necessarily better or worse, at this point.” textural thing. It would really open good six inches of bone when the lions are up the space on some parts.” young so they’ll always fit in their cages.” Dan Nigro, the troubadour in the Dan and I lamented about what a bum- foreground of ATAL, sums up their mer it is living in a place that lacks I didn’t have the faintest idea what Dan “Really?” Dan seemed shaken. achievements in indie rock very simply. Class A musical venues. “But the big- was talking about, but that didn’t matter. “Writing good songs was the motive.” ger bands on Long Island,” Dan added All that mattered was the music. “The last “Yeah, it’s fucked up. Well, I mean, with a hiccup, “tend to stay away from track on your CD comes in at four minutes it’s the circus and they’re a bunch of “We had rushed through our first re- the Island and just play New [hiccup] and twenty seconds. Was that intentional?” crazy motherfuckers, you know?” cord [Blood and Aphorisms],” he said. York City. Which is kind of sad.” “We were very unhappy with the “No,” Dan said. “But when we saw that “Yeah,” Dan said. “I did not turn out. We felt…incomplete. I cut him off abruptly. “Have we did find it quite funny. I would know that, actually. Sorry.” you been drinking?” recommend rolling up a jay and “If you have a million dollar budget you smoking one for the song cuz it defi- Dan had suffered enough, so I de- can go in with half-written songs and finish “Have I been drinking?!” nitely enhances the experience.” cided to get in touch with his feelings. them in the studio. But when you have four “What’s bothering you right now?” weeks for the pre-production, recording “Yeah,” I said. “I heard you hiccup.” It was time to demystify the secret. and mixing of an entire record you have “Does your bonus track have a name?” “What’s bothering me right now? The to go in there and have it all together. We “Oh, no, no,” Dan intoned hastily. “I fact that I’m stuck in the rain in Oregon didn’t have the time. It was a big mess.” definitely haven’t been drinking. I had “It has two different names. The origi- and our rental van has now broken hiccups, I have a hiccup, uh, I dunno.” nal name was ‘Evening Virgin Cotton down and we’re in the middle of no- For their follow-up Dan and his Nigros Nymph.’ The actual name, which hon- where and we’ve missed five shows. were going to be prepared. Seven months I didn’t know if he was lying to me, but estly isn’t listed anywhere, is ‘A Soft That’s what’s bothering me right now.” in a practice space, fleshing out ideas something in his easy-going manner Hum.’ That’s what we call it now.” and demoing, and two months record- was obliterating my understanding of Thanks to Violet Fewes for edito- ing. Lo, the ATAL self-titled LP is born! the band. This guy sounded more like They decided to use the song as their rial wizardry and purple buns Matthew McConaughey than Morrisey. bonus track because, once again, they “Has it been easy making music on weren’t happy with the turn out. “We Long Island with its natural procliv- “Why do you make such had demoed the song,” Dan explained. ity to heavier sounds?” I asked. sad music?” I asked. “It had a certain vibe to it that we really liked. It was very open, very roomy. “Nothing has hindered our writing style,” “Do you think it’s sad?” Dan insisted. “There is such a large hard- “Our producers had a very different idea. core and quote/unquote emo scene…we “Oh, yeah,” I replied. “It’s beauti- They saw it as this straight up pop song. get pigeonholed as the wrong band ful but it’s kind of…forlorn.” It was one of the songs we had been the a lot of the time. That’s been hard to most excited about…to take it off the re- break out of, but in terms of music…we “Well,” Dan said, giving it fastidious consid- cord completely would have been a shame.

kotorimag.com kotori magazine  Bringin’ Bob from the Island to The ASPHALT JUNGLE Words By WASIM MUKLASHY

So the story goes a little somethin’ like and “Mr.Brown,” he felt compelled “How could you resist?” adds Ingram. CMJ and Billboard charts, they’ll be this: Two producers, to hand over the a cappella tracks kickin’ it in the Jungle Room with Brian Tarquin and Chris Ingram, meet of 13 additional Marley cuts that he “MTV was actually really big for us,” a phattie and a mixing board. while “making records for Instinct had access to. “When he sent us a CD Chris feels apt to admit. “Yah, ‘Road records back in the mid-90s...a lot of of everything with the tracks broken Rules’ had picked up a lot of our stuff “Which is the darker, richer, acid stuff,” Tarquin recalls. One down, we looked at each other and in the 90s and used it as the theme kick you in your chest kind?” day, they happened upon a copy of Bob said ‘this would be a great song and in the shows. We had both ‘That’s the Indica.’ Marley’s “Don’t Rock The Boat.” On this record,’” tells us Tarquin. “We came started out working on TV and film, “That’s what I would go for then!” particular copy, the channels were split with it and said this is such a nice which spurred the record career as so that the band was on one and the thing to keep the authenticity of well, we still write for a lot of shows Jah Rastafari! vocals on the other. As you can imagine, his vocal in the song and put it in a for VH1, ABC, MTV.” As a matter of that can be quite enticing for a couple modern day kind of a mix situation, fact, they’ve already racked up 2 of expert remixers. Following the giving it all sorts of treatment from Emmys for their work and a nomination success of that record, they were then drum and bass to breakbeat to dub.” for another as recently as 2004. “It > www.asphaltjungle.net given the a cappella for “Mr.Brown.” wasn’t something you can really They took the vocal track, reworked And that was the birth of Bob Marley plan out, it just happened to come it into an inebriating dnb state, and Remixed, the full length Asphalt Jungle our way,” humbles Tarquin. “When turned it into such a masterful work record on shelves in April. “I think you’re doing eclectic solo records, that Chris Blackwell, the man who Bob Marley is a good find no matter Emmy isn’t something that comes started Island Records and is often how you look at it...he’s pretty well to mind, you know,” adds Ingram. credited with discovering Bob, “thought known through every genre,” Tarquin it was the best remix he’d ever heard tells us. “The diehard Marley fans With a resume that includes everything of Bob Marley,” glows Tarquin. might be a bit offended, but even from “All My Children” to “Smallville” without the music, Bob is such a great to “The X-Files,” don’t be surprised Enter Brian Perera, the President of songwriter that it’s so tempting. I to see another one land in their hands Cleopatra Records. After he heard what think a lot of people will appreciate soon. In the meantime, when they’re was done with “Don’t Rock the Boat” the remix value,” explains Tarquin. not watching their tracks climb the

10 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com

A Hoot With the Hoof: KOTORI TAKES ON TEXTURES WITH SATOMI MATSUZAKI OF DEERHOOF Words By BOB FREVILLE

The green cosmos was whirling, the runners four in total. Ships were adrift with loose lips all flaming. And the band was wiling, crooning “Bibidi Babidi Boo!” It was the day when Deerhoof were to kick off their tour, in honor of their umpteenth album since 1996.

There were tires to kick and instruments to tune. And everyone in the band was no doubt busy doing lines or slinging rhymes or just doing something. But I had made a promise when I was asked if I liked the group, a promise that I was all over the project like white on rice.

I intended to fulfill that relatively simple covenant, as did Deerhoof mouthpiece Satomi Matsuzaki who fired back with her comments faster than a guy who has eaten too many monkey brains.

Time to get serious.

“What do you put in your hair?” I asked.

“I put shampoo and conditioner,” Satomi replied.

“What is your favorite thing to do on a lonely night of touring?”

“The show ends really late every night and we just crash when we get to our hotel. So I don’t really have time to do much. I like eating chocolate after the show sometimes.”

Satomi’s simplicity was formidable, given Deerhoof’s reputation for being groundbreaking and bizarre. And her mention of chocolate was eerily ironic after she responded to my next question.

“What do you smell like when you’re not on stage?”

“I am growing my hair now,” she said. “So I smell like conditioner. The fragrance stays for the whole day long. After the show maybe I smell sweaty and salty.” She adds, “I eat Asian foods a lot so my sweat might be saltier than kotorimag.com kotori magazine 13 Americans who commonly eat “As a group of musicians who were could expect from Deerhoof. sugar products. I don’t quite never classically trained what “And how does a snow get into the sugar habit…” did you do to prepare for your “Sound textures are very pea feel,” I asked. respective musical endeavors?” interesting on Friend Opporunity. My olfactory interest grew For example, it’s like metallic “I don’t know how they ever more intrigued as Satomi “Actually,” Satomi reminds us. + velvet + plastic + fake fur feel. I guess cold???” continued to respond, prompting “Greg is classically trained…I transparent dress. It’s poppy with me to ask her if she could describe have a tiny Doraemon (Japanese hip hop rhythms. The music turned Satomi is like the Scribe, always the odor on her tour bus. kitty robot) recorder to save my into one big ball and roll over asking questions, always on melodies…I try things out on the the wood sticks that leads us to a quest. But the quest of any “You like asking me about instruments to find out if it works the ocean and the mountain.” music group is not an easy one smell,” Satomi intones. “Do or not. I judge only by my ears. and constant companionship can you have an odor fetish?” “Where does music go to once sometimes grow aggravating. “John is also not trained, it’s been in people’s ears?” A good question from a person that is why his guitar playing “What do you and your bandmates expected to have the answers. sounds like speaking. He kind of “To your music bank,” Satomi do to keep up the camaraderie?” created a guitar language.” replied matter-of-factly. “If “…Eventually a car starts to it has a big impact, then it “We smile to each other and smell like salt because Greg I asked Satomi if there was a gets implanted to your music pet animals together and look likes to eat sunflower seeds. certain tool implemented on bank account, emotionally at the sky and say, ‘Thank He can’t resist. Then he eats a their new LP that would stand and heavily. Then it goes into you,’ to the little birds.” pint of ice cream…drips it on his out from that which they had your dreams and the music jacket…Brown stain looks like it used on previous recordings. becomes a nightmare. When has a bad smell, doesn’t it?” Her answer was every bit as you wake up the next morning, quirky and galvanizing as one it turns into good memory.” Beautiful/Decay apparel is proud to announce the second season of its clothing line featuring designs by past featured artists Friends With You, Kyle Thomas, Rob Thom, and Jonathan Nicol. Available at Beautifuldecay.com, American Rag CIE, Grey One, The Reed Space, The Closet, Metropark, Karmaloop.com, and other fine retailers worldwide. Please contact the Agenda Showroom at 323.653.0066 for wholesale inquiries. Agenda & Fuel TV Skate Deck Design Competition Agenda teamed up with Fuel TV for their first ever skate deck design competition, which brought together the imaginations of some of the urban fashion world’s most creative forces into the world of deck design. The winner received 50 decks featuring their vision, so make sure you hit them up for those suckas quickly! In case you didn’t get a chance to peep ‘em at Agenda’s imeem site (agenda.imeem.com) or the Agenda Fashion Trade Show, here’s a peek at our favorite finalists...

Bug a LOCUST! Words By TOM PHARO

It’s here! It’s here! My favorite season has arrived. No, I heard the new record yet? Nope. But, I don’t even What’s the release date? Is it a full length? not wedding season, you sand-baggin’ son-of-a-bitch. need to listen to it to know. I’m sure they’ve one- March 20, 2007. I guess you could call it a full length. Locust season! Hibernation is over, and your favorite upped themselves again. I’m just gunna throw it out bug-eyed, plant-devouring, spastic, spacepunk there and say it’s amazing. Don’t believe me? I used Does it have longer arrangements like foursome has finally left the hive and recorded a new my mind to speak with The Locust telepathically and “Safety Second, Body Last?” Cuz i like that. album. After what felt like an eternity, The Locust had a nice chat. We laughed. We cried. Ok, only I Somewhat. returns in 2007 with their forthcoming release, cried. They told me the new album IS amazing, and “New Erections.” And, it can’t arrive soon enough. even stopped swarming long enough to answer a few You’re touring with Cattle Decapitation On 2005’s 10-minute eargasm, “Safety Second, Body things *bad pun alert* that have been bugging me. if we understand correctly? Last,” The Locust not only gave us their most creative Our touring plans are still being worked out. work to date but more importantly, a glimpse into the future of the band, further reassuring that they’re no Your next album is called “New Still fighting the good fight one-trick achrididae while leaving our sense receptors Erections.” is there a (penis) theme? against clear channel? desperately starving for more(to say the least). Have No penis theme. It’s a musical about Easter Island. We still don’t play Clear Channel shows.

20 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com What inspires your lengthy song titles? What’s the deal with releasing Since the locust hatched more than Necessity stuff on those square mini discs? I a decade ago, besides exo-skeletons, can’t put them in my iMac. Jerks. what has changed the most? Is being funny just as important What? You don’t download your music illegally? There are less of us and more of them. as delivering the rock? A good sense of humor is more Where can i get a black locust suit? Is there anything that the locust valuable than rock (or religion). I’ll let you know when we make one. finds to be be just too strange? A Unicorn riding a Pegasus? Do more people love to hate If gluing carpet to your genitals you or hate to love you? does not make you a cantaloupe, I don’t really know what they think about us. what does it make you? A fool. > www.thelocust.com

CLUTCH This is Rock ‘n Roll, not a factory job Words By CHESSMAN JOE

Clutch. Fuck. If you’ve never heard them, put down this magazine right now and go buy yourself an album. Any of them. All of them. In a world where everyone tries hard to sound like everyone else, Clutch has found a path to the mythical land of Originality. Here’s their story, as told by singer Neil Fallon.

kotorimag.com kotori magazine 23 Beal Street

“The name of this record is ‘From Beal Street to Oblivion.’ And that’s a line out of one of the songs. It’s Origins not a record by any means, but there’s more of a blues influence “In a nutshell what happened was, on it than on any of our previous we started in 91. We put out a 7 records.” Good news for fans who inch that came out on New Years liked Robot Hive/Exodus, which Day of 92, and that got noticed Five in One started Clutch down the path of the when a fanzine did a review. Push Live is Life blue side. To listen to the new stuff came to shove and someone from “Musically, everything is a while hearing in your head the old Atco EastWest, which was a division cooperative thing that happens Seeing Clutch live is like getting stuff, you wonder how a band can of Atlantic, got a hold of it. And somewhere in between the five of pummeled by five guys at once. Your progress so far, change so much. “I at that period in time, it was like us. Lyrically, a lot of times it’s just whole body feels tired and bruised, would rather do something different six months after Nirvana became eavesdropping and taking something but your spirit is elated. “That’s and fail at it than do something enormous, so every major label on out of context and spinning a lie the way to us that is. successful twice,” is Fallon’s answer. the planet was snatching up any around it. There’s one track on and videos and cd’s and dvd’s, Even the way they approached band that was sounding remotely like this record where I didn’t know that’s all new. Even lp’s are new. the writing of the new album has Nirvana, which meant, ‘wasn’t a hair what the hell to write about, so I The live performance, that’s been evolved, taking what Clutch does best band.’ Of course those labels were ended up writing a song about a going on since the dawn of time.” (rocking balls off live) and applying expecting platinum records from book I had just finished reading, Having played over a couple thousand it to the writing process. “We did those bands, and us like hundreds of that I thought was good fodder for shows in their fifteen years of rock, most of the album in Jean-Paul’s others never delivered that. In the lyrics.” Fallon’s lyrics are famous Clutch has learned what works and basement. We wrote the entire process of being with these major for their meandering, stream-of- what doesn’t. “It was a disaster. We record front to back and then we labels over the years we eventually consciousness flow and infusion of wanted, just for the sake of doing went and toured on it for three weeks found ourselves in a position to be classical mythology. Among other something different, to include a and that kind of tweaked everything. self-sufficient and we released our crazy creatures, he has referenced lot of lights and a slide show, which I don’t know why we haven’t done own records.” Clutch has an amazing manticores and basilisks. “I think would’ve been cool. But the guy that that always. It’s the best way to deal with DLT Records, with whom it’s an easy way to strengthen lyrics, was doing it was into a lot of ecstasy do it and I think it makes all the they’ve released their last two because when you refer to something and a lot of rave drugs, and one day difference in the world.” I asked albums. “The thing with them is they like that it’s a loaded word with all in the middle of a show I turned Fallon when we could expect to hear don’t blow the smoke up your ass kinds of connotations and a back around and looked behind me and Beal Street, and he gave me good about how next year’s gonna be the story and when you refer to those there were two thirty-foot penises news: “I think we’re delivering the year of Clutch and you’re gonna be things you link it up to something behind us. I lost my shit and that album to the record company today.” rich and famous and get ready.” greater than just the song itself.” was the last day he worked for us.” WWW.KOTORIMAG.COM

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Graffiti to street art

Words By MORGAN THARP

Let’s face it: if street credit and making a name is all you’re after, then you might as well be angling for a job at Aeropostle or Nike. Graffiti art revolves around the passion and love of the art form itself, or there would be no artists going out everyday into streets all around the world spraying or painting their imaginations in abandoned lots and on the sides of railway trains and bridges. Graffiti is temporary and the artists get that. What makes graffiti great is its lack of conformity to the mainstream and its freedom of ideas and art. It can’t be bought or sold and therefore always remains in the realm of underground counter-culture. It is free to whoever chooses to look.

But counter-culture, if you haven’t noticed (from all the iPod television ads and Gap store fashion spreads) has become the new fad for large corporations to push their marketing campaigns on today’s youth, forcing styles and trends that were once “cool” to die out. Things become so over-marketed that they lose the individuality and eventually become old news, proof that a counter- culture only lasts as long as the people involved keep primarily underground.

Graffiti artists embody the disposable form of our counter-culture, spread throughout our cities’ landscapes. They are authors and expressionists. Their work is political, artistic, stylistic and for the most part misunderstood, dismissed by the mainstream as vagrancy. Many in our culture see graffiti as a form of societal decay and the embodiment of street violence or signs of gang territory.

At the forefront though, artists like Buff Monster have proved that graffiti is much more than a sign of urban decay, but of an ever expanding sub-genre of the underground art movement.

Thankfully, people have started appreciating graffiti as a tangible form of art, which has opened the door for street art, thus making graffiti artists a viable commodity. “They really are two totally different things,” explains Buff Monster. “Graffiti is a totally egotistical endeavor, based around creating stylized letters in spray paint. Street art, on the other hand, is less about the ego, can take any form of media, and really is about creating a connection with the viewer. Needless to say I find the latter more interesting.

“I did graffiti for five years, and gave it up six years ago. Street art is a much more fulfilling and a better investment of my time and money.” kotorimag.com kotori magazine 27 Buff Monster came from Hawaii to L.A. in ‘95 and since then he has been brightening up the streets, giving them a bold and colorful look. From his poster art and murals to the flattened metal spray cans which can be seen tattooed on telephone poles all around the city, one can only conjure up thoughts of a much dirtier version of Candyland.

Buff Monster lives within landscapes of pink, orgasmic mounds, oozing sex and candy like a liquid metallic tribute to a triple X movie. With art inspired by porn, ice cream and the thrashing beats of , who needs anything else?

So where is graffiti heading, and do we believe in the idea of “selling out?” Nowadays, I can’t recall how many times I’ve heard the phrase, “Well, ______sold out.” Often times this comes from the type of college kids who obsess over the commercial success and “authenticity” of their favorite bands. The Fugazi fanatics who debate with religious fervor on whether Repeater or Steady Diet of Nothing was undecidedly their quintessential album.

I find myself now questioning the avenues which some graffiti artists/ex-graffitists are taking. Are we moving away from the anti-establishment, political, artistic and cultural views of graffiti to the corporate world of signature toys and tee’s? I can only picture Da Vinci on eBay selling custom made and limited edition silk screen Mona Lisa t-shirts and collections of all twelve “Last Supper” apostles figurines complete with movable arms and legs (supper not included).

“Graffiti isn’t moving anywhere,” Buff answers, “except to nicer colors and better quality paint. But I do think that the mass appeal of urban- inspired or urban-related art is growing every day.”

“Graffiti was a lot of fun,” he tells. “I liked it because before then, creating art was safe and easy. With graffiti, art was an adventure and dangerous and illegal.”

“It used to be my passion in life,” he continues, “but I’ve since moved on.” With street art his chosen medium, he says, “I like the immediacy. I can’t imagine the process I’d have to go through to get permission for everything I do.”

You don’t need to look very far to find the Buff Monster within the sprawling, urban streets of Los Angeles, and his sexy, pink virus is spreading.

“I’m working on a million things right now. In the near horizon are the first series of signature Buff Monster vinyl toys, the winter season of Buff Monster clothing hits stores real soon, solo show at Gallery 1988 in February.” To top it off, he recently art-directed a 12-page spread in Hustler, a wild trip with vixens in platinum wigs, enjoying each other’s company to the greatest extents, culminating to milk spraying all over their luscious bodies, from the tips of Buff Monster sculptures.

“That was awesome,” Buff prides. “Expect to see more of that.”

Thank God. Find out more about Buff Monster at his website:

www.buffmonster.com

28 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com

SANDBLOOM: One Crazy White Boy with a lot of Soul Words By MIKE THE POET

There are very few voices that can Among the many talented musicians door was like ‘I have never seen this haven’t gone to yet...our manager is stand alone with an acoustic guitar & Sandbloom grew up were Luke place go that crazy over an artist.’ also trying to get us over to Europe.” truly rock a crowd. Kevin Sandbloom Cage, Damon Aaron, Raashan Ahmad That was awesome. And the first time is this rare dude. His voice is timeless of Crown City Rockers & Mr Grizzly. I was in Philly this guy at a gas station They also have a back-burner project like the great ones. When asked was looking at my car and said ‘you’re which is “more jazz-ballad chordally about his inspiration he says, “Marvin Usually accompanied by Melany Bell’s a long way from home son’ and he intricate stuff.” They enjoy getting in Gaye was a big influence vocally....as angelic voice, their harmonies and asked me to play him something so I front of different audiences, so this well as Sly Stone.” Other influences music culminate into one powerful did....so there I was playing a little recording will be geared towards a include Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, aural energy field. Notable local personal show at the gas station..... traditional jazz/soul/blues crowd. Steely Dan, De La Soul, Outkast, and journalist Charles Watson writes, he was like ‘That’s real nice.’” Sade (his Sade cover never fails to “Sandbloom understands the recipe After playing with at least three give an entire room the chills). for making good music - not a note, The momentum over the last few years different bands, years of hitting the measure, nor lyric is wasted.” makes 2007 look extremely bright. open mics around Southern California Kevin Sandbloom has two decades of The new CD is being completed as we & several cross-county tours, musical experience. Growing up in Sandbloom’s last release “From A Bird,” speak. He says, “We already have a Sandbloom now stands like an acoustic the foothills above LA in the chaparral has picked up fever with a slow, but few ‘hits’ we’ve been playing on the Too Short: a musician that created of Altadena, a ripe location with a steadily growing burn. “I have to say road and heads are really anxious to his own street buzz by playing live & long history of great musicians & it’s been the overall acceptance and hear these on CD....working title of selling CD’s out the trunk. Lacking a artists, he says, “I used to write songs support of folks almost everywhere the record is “madloveactivate” ...we big budget or any promotion, the buzz in my head at an early age...took that has taken me by surprise...two are committed to getting it out a.s.a.p. has grown by word of mouth. Keep drum lessons as well as sang choir. I things that jump out are the night we Once the new record is done we are your ears open this Spring for this picked up guitar in high school and played Nuyorican Cafe...the place just going to embark on a 6-month to a year savory flavor of acoustic soul. was in my first band soon after that.” went nuts and the crusty guy at the tour....there are so many place we

KIVA: Investors Seeking Emotional Returns Words By STEVE GHIL, Photos Courtesy KIVA.ORG

Have you ever considered how much a loan helps you out in your life? Maybe it is the down payment you are making on a home or a new car, or maybe it is simply that you are using your credit card to finance a start-up business or to fund all of your holiday shopping frenzy. Unless you are very wealthy, for most of us we get through it by borrowing money and paying it back. In fact, there is perhaps hardly any difference for us to get by in the developed West as it is for those in the developing world except for how far they can stretch a dollar.

In Xirdalan, Azerbaijan a woman named Pakiza Azizova has been breeding cattle since 1993 as a means to improve her family’s living conditions. She and her four children are Internally Displaced Persons from the war-torn region of Azerbaijan Kalbacar. The average monthly income for IDPs in Azerbaijan is around $18. Obviously, her income is very limited, but she needs $1,000 to buy more cattle so that she can sell more milk. Selling more milk will mean sustenance for her family and schooling for her children. For someone like Pakiza, opportunities to borrow money are limited or non-existent as banking institutions never lend to such high-risk borrowers and if they do, the interest rates are far too heavy for the poverty stricken to pay back.

For the last twenty or so years, microfinance institutions have been assisting individuals like Pakiza in impoverished nations who wish to start a business. Such institutions have been founded and based on making financial services available to those excluded from more traditional systems merely because they are poor. However, the internet is helping to bridge this gap by allowing peer to peer direct micro-lending.

For the last three years Domitila Ardon of Comayaguela, Honduras has been running a small business making and selling tortillas. She was let go of her house cleaning job due to her illness and has been supporting herself and her family selling tortillas. She has asked for $300 to purchase more corn, lime and firewood to expand her business. Domitila and akizaP are only two of several entrepreneurs that are in my investment portfolio at revolutionary new micro-lending website Kiva.org. There I had read their stories, saw their pictures and gave a loan to them via PayPal.

Kiva is partnered with microfinance institutions in impoverished nations like Africa, Central America, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. You, the lender, can look through profiles of individuals who are requesting a loan amount to put toward their business which range from a beauty supply store in Moldova, a used clothing shop in Togo or a grocery store in Ecuador. With only a minimum amount of $25 required to loan you can ‘invest’ in the same business with other lenders or give the whole sum with just your credit card or PayPal (PayPal does not charge any transaction fees). 100% of the money is given to the entrepreneur via the microfinance institution of that country. The loan is paid back to the lender in about 6-18 months. The entrepreneur is Angella Akello is a wife and mother of 4 children. charged interest from the microfinance institution and Kiva to cover operation She has an additional 6 people living in her home in expenses, however, the Kiva lender does not receive interest payments. Uganda and cares for them all. A $500 loan invested in her produce business has allowed her to buy a pig Why would anyone do this? and a bicycle and take her children to school.

kotorimag.com kotori magazine 33 Sun Sok is married and father of two children in Cambodia. A $500 loan will allow him to buy a motorbike and boost his egg- delivery business for buying and selling in the local market.

“People want to help, they want to proudly announced $1,000,000 in loans have since found new server hosts and we just signed with a partner contribute and I truly believe that one to assist entrepreneurs in impoverished that are very well capable of handling in Bangladesh... but there’s a lot of of the reasons why Kiva is so successful regions of the world. At the time of any surges in traffic such as the one interest in loaning to India.” Lenders now is because people have wanted my interview in December 2006, the they have recently experienced. write in and express their interest to to do this for so long, but they didn’t figure had increased by $250,000. the region they would most like to know how...” answers Fiona Ramsey, They owe their recent growth spurt at This recent success, including their help out in, and Kiva in turn tries to Community and Operations Manager at least in part to a segment on the long invitation to the Clinton Global increase and expand their partnerships Kiva.org. “You can make a donation to running documentary series Frontline Initiative last September, has allowed around the world. However, they an organization that does microfinance which aired at the end of October. Kiva to extend partnerships with even do run into complications when that will use those funds to lend but more microfinance institutions and specific laws of the country can you don’t know who the person is, you The staff had gathered in their cozy subsequently more entrepreneurs in prohibit Kiva and the corresponding don’t get to see a picture of them, you San Francisco headquarters to see more countries. From 15 microfinance partnership from operating ‘legally.’ don’t get to hear a story about them... themselves on Public Television, but institution partnerships pre-Frontline, and I think one of the things that we’re more importantly to see visitors to Kiva is now up to 26 and is expected For example, in Moldova there was a trying to do is give every average their site multiply. Instead, their to be at 30 when this article goes restriction in returning the money lent American person the opportunity to servers instantaneously froze upon the to print. Among them is Grameen to the entrepreneurs, although there be a mini-Bill Gates philanthropist.” east coast broadcast of Frontline. They Foundation - winner of the Nobel Peace was no problem in receiving it. Loans to could not handle the incredible volume Prize in 2006. Kiva users can now loan Moldova are operating normally thanks To describe Kiva as ‘successful’ is of traffic that had been directed to money to countries like Afghanistan, to the help of lawyers volunteering a gross understatement. At just their website. It took three days to Bulgaria, and even Gaza in Palestine. their time. Currently, lawyers in D.C. over a year old, Kiva.org has been get the servers back in working order and India are examining the laws in exponentially growing. Only a few only for them to crash again. While “The region that we really don’t have India for the movement of foreign months ago Kiva had already loaned allowing only 1% of those access to many partners in is Asia...” Ramsey capital. Unfortunately, it is more over $400,000 from 5,000 users and the site, Kiva was still getting a lot offers. “We have a partner in Cambodia about the laws of that country, the just a few weeks ago the website had of loan money from new users. They economic ideology that is practiced, Gregory Eliau is married and has five children in Uganda. These 5 orphan children were left by his brother who died of HIV/Aids. A $500 loan invested in livestock allows him to provide and care for these children.

more than it is about providing help “...[but] I think it’s pretty safe to As Kiva.org continues to grow, it is to lift themselves out of poverty. to those who need it most. I don’t say that if somebody does default... attracting users who are not only expect North Korea to be setting up that would affect them from applying unfamiliar with microfinance, but “Kiva” is a Swahili word any partnerships anytime soon. for a second loan...but of course even computer illiterate people who meaning “agreement.” it depends on the situation.” For have never even bought anything So far loan repayment by entrepreneurs example, representatives from Kiva’s online before. Scores of volunteers microfinance partner The Shurush are flooding the website looking For more information please is around an impressive 95% and visit www.kiva.org 85% of that money is put into other Initiative in Gaza has had difficulty to help where they can with such businesses by the lenders; constantly in reaching a certain entrepreneur duties as website developing, being recycled. “I think that really there because they simply cannot translating, accounting, and public speaks to the experience that the go into the dangerous neighborhood relations. Kiva communities are user is having,” says Ramsey, “... that he lives in. The Shurush Initiative springing up online where users they’re obviously enjoying that have already sent notices to lenders such as teachers can exchange ideas experience so much because they’re to this individual’s business that loan and resources to spread the word not getting a financial return on their repayments would be delayed. Lenders and also educate through Kiva. investment... I think that’s proof have replied offering their concern, that the emotional return is so high saying their thoughts are with him Kiva.org was founded by Matt and that they want to reinvest to get that and for him not to worry about the Jessica Flannery as a non-profit emotional return a second time.” loans, but to worry about his family organization in 2004. Matt was a instead. “Obviously in that situation computer programmer at TiVo Inc and it’s out of the entrepreneur’s hands... But what about loan defaulters? Jessica was a Stanford business major. I don’t think that would at all affect Their travels in Africa inspired the them from applying for another idea that the internet can facilitate “We don’t tell our partners how to run loan...but it definitely is up to our direct loans and repayments for their operations,” continues Fiona, partners though,” says Ramsey. individuals in impoverished regions I smell Nigras!

Words By JAKE MCGEE For all the gibberish spit about the Sundance slavery a continuing staple of American society. Film Festival (often by folks whose work There are even commercials placed throughout didn’t get accepted), to deny its impact is the film, advertising such useful products as jive. The Festival consistently churns out The Shackle® (which tracks your slaves when excellent, groundbreaking movies, despite all they run off) and Niggerhair cigarettes. When the glitz that comes along with the event. the film gets to modern times, there’s talk of the Slave Shopping Network, where from One of the many examples is CSA: Confederate the comfort of your own home, you can buy a States of America, a mock-documentary strong buck named Jupiter, alone or with his (directed by Kevin Wilmott and produced wife and their litter of pickaninnies. “Aren’t by Rick Cowan) that tells the history of this they just about the cutest things you ever saw?” country as if the South had won the Civil says the host, who then points out how the War. This turn of events has Lincoln on the children would be helpful around the garden. lam, running (painted in black face) with Harriet Tubman through the Underground In a very sarcastic way, this film is just as funny Railroad. There’s a clip from D.W. Griffith’s as it is poignant. This is because, despite the silent film classic, The Hunt for Dishonest Abe obvious fact that the movie is a piece of fiction, (1915), which shows how he was captured: it parallels real life, showing that in many ways the USA isn’t too much different from the CSA. Col. ‘Bloodhound’ Mayfield guides his Aryan brothers in pursuit of ‘The Great .’ “When this nation began,” says Cowan, “it was actually based more on the ideals of the “I smell Nigras!” Mayfield exclaims, and boom! CSA than the USA. We have bounced back and They catch the rotten bastard who almost forth between which nation we want to be. cost the South their precious chattel. The CSA is about fear, limitations and control. The USA embraces hope, inclusion and personal Granted, this “classic” only exists in the world freedom. We appear to be confederates of CSA, which is why this movie is such a fresh again…told to worry about everything, endeavor. It is a gripping ride from the past denying gays and detainees their rights and through the present, with the institution of acting like we’d rather be an empire.”

kotorimag.com kotori magazine 37 Another peculiar aspect to CSA is that the ruling (and thus pro-Slavery) party in American government is the Democrats, though they behave much like the hard- nose, “we gotta stop pussy-footing around and kick some ass!” Republicans of today. “Abraham Lincoln was a Republican,” Cowan explains, “and, thus, we just let the party remain true to its original ideals. Besides, let’s face it: thinking of the Republican Party actually caring about people is funny!”

Looking to the recent mid-term elections, the Democrats have toppled the control the Republicans had on the US government, and all sorts of pundits are praising themselves, saying that we’re taking back the country. “The pendulum swings,” Cowan says. “I fear there are no longer any statesmen out there…only politicians. If that’s the case, it is very difficult to see much change, whatever party is in charge. Being a statesman means being bold and doing what needs to be done, despite what the interest groups (translation: your bread and butter) want.

“The system itself will limit what Congress can do with Bush in the Oval Office. However, it’s sure as hell better than another poke in the eye, isn’t it?”

CSA: Confederate State of America is now available on dvd wherever you would go for your home video needs.

> www.csathemovie.com

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Giving Hip Hop a Bump

Words By EMERICK TACKETT

What started as a way to showcase bringing that heavy metal rock kind of new artists began to evolve slowly response. That’s the same thread that into a collective that features the long ran through every thing anticipated reunion of L.A’s House did. As of right now, that’s missing from of Pain. Assembled and run by Danny the game. I been doing solo shit but Boy, and consisting of Rappers Big I can’t do it all on my own. Lefty, , Everlast, and , been itching to get back on the mic with production by DJ Lethal along and spit. This is it. This is our outlet.” with other friends and family, La Coka Nostra is coming out throwing bolos. thinks back to the genesis of With their first album- A Brand You Can La Coka Nostra, the early sessions before Trust- tentatively scheduled to drop it became the official Underground in the first half of ‘007, these vets super group. “Originally the deal was, are consolidating power to bring back DJ Lethal was doing beats and I was kind hardcore rap that celebrates rowdiness, of acting as an A&R for his thing. I had belligerence, and aggression. Make some met this kid in named Slaine who goddamn room. Ill Bill is ready to get was spitting fire and I was like, ‘Oh shit motherfuckers back in the mosh pit. I’m a bring him to Lethal.’ And then the same week I met another kid named Big “The reason didn’t get Left from the Bronx and this kid was fire back together and do a reunion is that too. They both happened to be in L.A. would just be some rehashed shit,” Bill at the time. So instead of producing two tells us. “This is like a resurrection of separate records why don’t we put ‘em House of Pain, but it’s with a twist of together and see how they click? They Non Phixion in there as well. A little did a few tracks and they were Fire. We bit of east-coast-west-coast-bang-‘em- were like, ‘oh shit this could work.’” in-the-head type music. Back in 92, when House of Pain would do ‘Jump “It wasn’t something that came together Around,’ there would be a mosh pit. quickly,” says Slaine. “It was real That was the era when first came relationships over ten years. Over a few out. Cypress, Wu Tang. People were years time we been doing this thing but kotorimag.com kotori magazine 41 it’s really hard to pinpoint exactly.” a strictly hardcore direction, the to do this thing,” adds Slaine. After want to push this forward as a group project stalled for about a year. Lethal came back in they began to rather than a one off is the fact that Danny remembers the moment when record for real in his Los Angeles we were having a really great time in it officially became La Coka Nostra. “Everybody was doing their solo studio. “Me and Bill try to fly out the studio together. We just felt like “Unfortunately at the time there was shit or what not and I was like, there (from New York) once every that would dilute it. It would have been a lot of people going heavy with the ‘fuck this shit there’s a lot of good 6 weeks and just get in the lab.” way easier to do it over the Internet, drugs and the drinking. My man said material these cats did we should but we still got like 30 songs in less this whole thing feels good. Like one try to revisit that.’ I called Ill Bill.” With half the group being L.A. based than a year. I thought it was going big family. La Cosa Nostra! I said, ‘man and the other half in New York getting to be me spitting like three or four you putting that shit in your nose you “In the last year me and Everlast have everyone together was difficult, but verses on a La Coka Nostra mix tape gonna be la Coka nostra.’ We were come into it,” says Bill. “Once the five the Nostra wanted to keep it tight but it’s turned into something else.” on the floor. And it kind of stuck.” or six of us got in the room it just went and in an atypical fashion recorded more or less from being a mix tape kind together in the same room rather than Once Slaine, Lefty, Bill and Everlast got Things took a detour along the way. of situation to being a real group.” emailing the tracks back and forth. things moving to Lethal’s beats, other With Lethal wanting to make a more “That was one thing that from the producers and MCs were eager to throw “pop” oriented album and Danny, “We were all cool and had group beginning we said we weren’t going to down for the family. “B Real came Slaine and Left wanting to go in connections and just came together do,” says Bill. “The thing that made us in dropped a joint,” Bill continues. “Sick Jack from came think it’s great to be in an environment Danny prides as he lists the products develop their own style and identity through with beats, Q Unique came with people who you really respect. that are coming soon from La Coka free of a major’s influence. through. Saab’s gonna spit on some Everybody raises their game up Nostra, which include everything from shit. Muggs is doing some tracks. He and you can hear it in the music. clothing to toys. This is a natural fit “The shit we’re putting out I don’t did one with Mobb Deep on the hook. There’s a lot of laughs, there’s a lot considering Danny’s work in the design know if many majors could fuck with. of fun, there’s a lot of creativity. world for companies like Nike. House of Pain experience, it was all “The way B Real and Jack got on ‘Fuck a commercial type shit. Tony Montana’ [La Coka’s current single “We all have different creative “I hope this is the beginning of a nice I want the type of record where if in which Ill Bill criticizes Scarface for processes. I know Bill does a lot of little empire. Like a family - a conduit a kid takes it home the parents are being too soft for the game] was that writing on his own. I write to the beat to putting out other people’s records. going to get upset. That’s the beauty they simply stopped by the studio. in the studio. Everlast writes everything It’s a tall order but it takes a lot of of not having to go through a major Ounce of weed and a couple bottles in his head; he doesn’t use pens. He work. I don’t want people to get the label. We put out what we want to put of Jack later the song was done.” makes it up when he hears the beat.” impression that it’s a lot of old cats out. Whatever the general consensus with some rhyme game that just get in of the group is. Whereas dealing They don’t want to call it a competition “I heard Jay Z talking about that the studio and just spit some whatever with the A&R and the marketing but in the lab everyone brings their A kind of shit,” says Danny. “I was shit. There’s a daily grind that includes guy from a label it’s, ‘we can’t get game. “I ain’t even spit on it,” says like yeah whatever, but cats interviews, making sure the shirts look in this magazine, we don’t feel you Danny. “Just because, these cats are who been rhyming long enough, right, they get delivered, that there’s should put the guns on the logo, we animals and I’m so busy doing the that’s how they get it in now.” an online presence, blogs are updated. shouldn’t put that t shirt out.’ Fuck coordination. But when it comes to the The thing about the Internet is that all that shit B. We go straight to the rest it’s no joke. It’s like blood sport.” It ain’t all about lyrics though. Danny it moves so fast that if you aren’t people and so we been killing it.” wants people to know that they updating your shit people move on.” “Some of the newer cats gotta fight most defiantly are on the grind as La Coka Nostra has been hitting the for every inch of ground but it’s all far as the album is concerned and Although nothing’s set in stone yet Internet hard, getting the word out love,” Slaine agrees. “When somebody all the good times got to take a back as far as plans for releasing and through sites like Imeem and the spits something ill, you want to come seat to getting the quality right. distributing the album go, Danny’s ubiquitous MySpace. Although they ill you own way. More than anything I “It’s more of a brand than a group,” glad they got the freedom to have been successfully recruiting a diehard network of disciples (some “So far it’s the only outlet we’ve drops it’s going to be a change from We’re trying to put that feeling, that already sporting La Coka Nostra tats) been using to get the word out,” the pop rap that’s become the norm. , that animosity into the music.” through the Internet, there are mixed says Everlast. “The computer feelings about the networking sites’ changed the whole game. Now a “It’s the hard-core hip hop shit that’s Danny Boy sums it up: “The energy of a place in an industry that changes daily. kid can record his album, sell it on missing from the game right now. Public Enemy, of NWA, is missing from MySpace, make a video and put it on The same kind of shit that you heard hip hop. These records ain’t dangerous “The lines between TV the Radio and YouTube all with a fucking laptop.” Cypress and House of Pain, Nas, Wu no more. They’re mad watered down what the internet has become are more Tang, and Non Phixion doing, all of and commercialized and that’s great. fuzzy everyday,” muses Everlast. “The As founder of Uncle Howie Records, that mid-nineties shit but with a 2010 Get your money…but for me, I got emergence of MySpace and YouTube Ill Bill is quite familiar with the twist. It’s not on some throw back a legacy to keep intact and I’m not are more significant than we are independent game, so when he speaks, shit.” You can hear the enthusiasm trying to make a bullshit record for capable of knowing yet…the internet it’s best to listen. “MySpace is a in Ill Bill’s voice as he lays it out for some light money. I’d rather make truly gives power to the people.” major label. It’s all the same thing. those that don’t know. Everyone a record that we love, whether it To break through in a major way you else is right there with him. sells or not. I want it to sell but what “It’s helped blow our shit up and have got to be plugged into major I really want is to leave something bring the awareness back where outlets. MySpace works on two levels, “When people hear the shit that for these cats coming up behind us. conventionally you need a label to do on a small level and a major level. we’re making, their minds are gonna Solidify some real hip hop shit.” that shit,” says Danny. “The upside is If you’re gonna use it to sell a lot of be blown. I mean it blows me away that everybody and their momma can units you gotta use it the way a major to listen to some of the music,” put a record out, but the downside label would use it. If you can do that adds Slaine. “We’re representing a is that everybody and their momma without a label then god bless. That’s lifestyle and we’re doing it over grimy www.myspace.com/lacokanostramusic can put a record out. So you gotta what it’s about. Being able to do that. production and boom bap shit. I’m not lacokanostra.imeem.com sort through a lot of trash. Other knocking anyone else’s shit but hip hop than that it’s been instrumental “At the end of the day, the La Coka is in a flossy place and I don’t feel like in what we’ve been doing.” Nostra family is out there letting it’s reflecting the world we’re living in people know that when the album right now. I think all of us feel that way.

RJD2 Feelin’ the Dark Side? Words By BILL BROFEE

Ramble John Krohn, the artist known “Fear of a Black Planet,” at a time like Chris Martin on the Internet. I mean when I use the word ‘pop.’” to the world as RJD2, started his when everything seemed to be heading auspicious career in modern hip hop in the Whoomp-There-It-Is-Will-Smith- Naturally my first question concerned I was aghast! How can he be in the early-90’s after scoring a pair Galaxy-Defender-Ice-Ice-Bullshit his route to pop. “I’ve always taken heading in a more “pop route” if of turntables off a friend. Fans came direction, RJ and similar artists were the approach of trying to give my this has been something he has to love his fresh razor wire techniques there to consistently produce amazing songs a popular leaning,” he said. “To done throughout his entire career? I and worshipped at the altar of his records rich with solid compositions me it means making music with the decided to humor him by asking how spacey cityscape beats. There was and crazy rhyme schemes. intent of it being pleasurable, not the path has been treating him. a moonless yet lustrous beauty to intentionally jarring or unpleasant. them, as if the listener could plunge For this reason it no doubt came as “The path has gotten me to where comfortably into a not-so-warm womb a surprise to his loyal acolytes when “Whether it’s an instrumental, one I am now,” he said. “So I can’t that resided within the thump of each RJ dropped from Definitive Jux and with a vocal sample or one with live complain. Life is good. I can’t speak Metropolitan number. It was a wall announced that he was heading for vocals, I’ve always tried to have for tomorrow, unfortunately.” of sound that contributed something “a more pop route.” I hooked up things like verses, choruses, chord signature to an ever-languishing genre. with RJ to set the record straight and changes, bridges—the things that keep Again, it wasn’t adding up. How could In the years after “The Chronic” and find out exactly why he’s crowing a song interesting to me. That’s what a brand new path be responsible

47 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com for getting him to that brand new shit…You see where this is going.” that’s heard it. He said he loves it.” path? His 2003 EP was RJD2 was right so I tried to wrap blasting on a boombox behind me, Indeed, I did…RJD2 is a carpenter. “On your My Space you list things up. “What kind of deal have adding more confusion to the mix. Like Jesus! But if he’s not into sports Midway, Nintendo and Capcom you signed with XL Records?” Perhaps a lyrical allusion to his new why did he loan his song “Schoolyard as your influences. Do you think album will help things along. Scrimmage” to the NBA 2K6? Why?! gamers want to hear songs like “I have this very special, very new ‘You Never Had It So Good?’” kind of record deal where they agree “Why did you buy two pairs of “I’m a sucker for video games,” he to release my music in exchange for shoes for one weekend?” reasoned. “I played the 2K3 a lot.” “No idea,” RJ replied. “I don’t make America Online Trial CDs. So far it music with a particular person in has proven to be very lucrative.” “She did,” he said. “Not me. I think you And finally…the burning question… mind. I do what sounds best to my know why women buy shoes, right?” “What was wrong with Def Jux?” ears and, hopefully, some people It was clear that my favorite I wished we had more time because appreciate it. I’m just tryin’ to do me, maestro of magnificent city obviously Ramble J. knew something “Nothing,” he said. “I felt a need to player. I have no intention of chasing instrumentals was having a go with about women’s sole intent that I put myself in a position to succeed another acts’ carrots, just mine.” me so I responded accordingly. was oblivious to. What an enigma! doing the kind of music I’m passionate about. XL [Records, his new label] “You grew up in Columbus. Does “Where do you want it? In your “Do you play a lot of baseball seemed like a place I could do that anybody like you in Ohio?” face or in your kneecaps?” or football?” I asked. better. It had nothing to do with Jux.” “I think a few folks are aware of “You can tell it to both.” “No. I don’t do anything related to I was curious what his rapper friends what I do there…Does anybody like exercise, other than cut wood, build thought of The Third Hand [his new me in Ohio? This is turning out to be shit, nail shit, staple shit, varnish LP]. “Blueprint is the only rapper a slightly bizarre interview, eh?”

Sierra’s Swan Songs Words and Photos By MIRANDA BURCH

After an unfortunate incident with a her back when…’ Her recent album, Not only does this single explode not. So is a popsicle, but whatever. (small penis?) bouncer who NOT ONLY Ladyland (Interscope/Custard) was on the album, the video solidifies I’m just better at sucking on those.” had the wherewithal to direct me to the brainchild of former 4 Non-Blonds her stake as a sex symbol. After dispose of my tripod but ALSO rudely front woman Linda Perry. While all, “I was naked,” she gushes. Ok, it’s obviously easy to become ignored an innocent question from collaboration lends to the record’s entranced by her lackadaisical sweet lil’ ol’ me (‘Have you seen Sierra high potency, nothing beats Swan’s The boys are liking this…tell us more. laugh and food-related innuendos Swan this evening?’), I finally finagled ruthlessly honest live set and talent but the real treat is the show. my way into the infamous Viper Room. for crippling frankness. “I don’t know “I was naked and I was very hot.” Now go, grasshoppa, go. After all, I was scheduled to meet with how to do anything else so I have her and the effortlessly friendly label to do this.” Otherwise? “[I’d be] a Awesome…err...and? rep Mark Gracious, and God forbid I’d professional bitch.” Through landing miss her because of this dingleberry. 3 record deals by 28, “I’ve pretty “Porn was being filmed in the next much earned every little line under room so it was very appropriate.” But after all was said and done and my eyes,” she muses. “Every one.” with drink (finally) in hand, it didn’t At this point in the interview, take long for me to spot her. Let’s And earning her stripes has come the substance of our discussion be honest, she’s tough to miss. Her with its perks. Her hit video, “Copper inexplicably dwindled significantly hair alone challenges any known Red,” a stark rendition of an art school to elementary inquiries…I don’t even definition of “red.” She also speaks classroom in which Sierra stands remember the questions…but her with contagious energy, translating as the subject of contemplation, answers certainly were notable: easily to ferocious confidence while was directed by Frank Borin of on stage. Backed by a talented full Xzibit and fame. “Popsicles. Because ice cream cones band, Sierra dominates the room, drip all over my hands and I’m filling it with charged bellicose vocal “Tangled insecurity where very messy and I tend to get very gyration and unbridled emotion. I like to dwell/ dirty with an ice cream cone.” Ignoring my impurities with one more Sierra Swan is an act to catch before glass of wine/ Sifting through this Sierra (gasp!)…the children… the secret’s out and you find yourself melody deep within my mind.” cursing ‘damn, I should have seen “That sounds really sexual, but it’s

50 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com kotorimag.com kotori magazine 51

kotori mag.com AMERICAN SODOMITES Words By JAKE MCGEE, Art By Amy Staats

On November 16, 2006, Clear Channel market research firm (AC Nielsen), and the U.S. Justice Department for antitrust dibs on radio time, promotion, concert many advertisers, local and national, Communications announced their sale to 140 periodicals, includingBillboard behavior. “They’ve also come under slates, etc. Plus, with Clear Channel who have been at conflict with the the investment partnership of Boston- and The Hollywood Reporter. This fire in Europe and the U.S. for burying running that part of the game, they will programming or stay away from based Bain Capital Partners, LLC and is just a taste of their booty. the companies they buy in debt while continue to “encourage” record labels to controversial programming,” he said. Thomas H. Lee Partners, LP. The deal recouping their costs with dividends.” produce the most shallow, radio-friendly bought Clear Channel and all its assets As for Bain Capital Partners, well…they music in order to reap the largest gains. As Clear Channel moves into the next for $26.7 billion, which included hoisting were formed by a nice Mormon lad named With any luck, this will means stage of their domination, they are the media glutton from their $8 billion Mitt Romney in 1984. Romney, who by that the Mays’ will take it in the As the great philosopher Shlomo Sher now just a part of a larger imperial of net debt. This transaction upped the all accounts has a lovely singing voice, ass hard, with no Vaseline. said in an interview with3am Magazine fleet. They have already made a stakes of corporate-sponsored media is now the governor of Massachusetts, in 2003, this industry creates “products business of watering down all the forms consolidation in the , and strongly considering a run for Until then, the web gets stickier. Bain & that have mass-appeal in the sense of of expression they are responsible for and brought us closer than ever to the presidency in 2008. He is a staunchly Thomas are both bidding for purchase of saying so little that there’s not much to working with, to not only provide pretty nightmare of state-controlled media. conservative Republican, who advocates Tribune Co., the nation’s #3 newspaper be able to say against them. You know, packaging that’s hard to contest, but building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico publisher in circulation (and #2 in it’s pretty packaging, but without a lot of also to support those politicians they As for Clear Channel’s Mays family, border to keep those filthy foreigners revenue). Tribune Co. includesChicago content and a lot of character, it’s hard towork hand-in-hand with, who in turn they’re sitting pretty and shall remain out. Unfortunately for ole’ Romney, the Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, find reasons to reject them. Therefore, allow Clear Channel to dominate more in place at the helm of their companies. Boston Globerecently pointed out that eight other dailies, 25 television stations, it’s easy to promote them. And what of the landscape. Not only do they now Going from a publicly traded stock to he employs illegal aliens to tend the a radio station, some internet operations, you get out of it is a packaged society, have more money and politicians on a privately owned conglomerate, they grounds at his 2.5 acre spread in Belmont.and the Chicago Clubs baseball team. with not much inside, because it’s the their side, but they are in fact owned have less people to answer to, while they package being sold, not the content.” by as much. The likes of Mitt Romney tighten up their lucrative function as an To be fair, Romney left Bain in 1999, but So, if all goes according to plan, one won’t find it hard to figure out how to advertising medium at the cost of artistic as the company’s founder he still has relatively small group of crooked people, It is dangerously blind to assume exploit that, and this is what has opened expression. They’re shaving off excess a strong influence. The Bain crew has some of which are politicians (at least that Clear Channel won’t continue to the door to state-controlled media. weight in the next few months, looking to done well for themselves through the one of whom is working to be President), sanitize the media landscape for their drop the lowest-earning 448 of their 1,150years, for in addition to Warner Music, will control the majority of the radio own gains, and now that they’re part radio stations, as well as the company’s they’ve bought AMC Entertainment stations, live entertainment venues and of a more powerful group, they will 42-station television group. It’s business (the #2 movie theater chain in the billboards in the U.S.,Chicago Tribune, find more dominant ways to suck up as usual for the monsters of media…but U.S.), Texas Instruments, and Domino’s Los Angeles Times, Newsday, Billboard, to the Powers That Be, so in turn they this recent transaction lumps them in a Pizza. Again, these are just a few The Hollywood Reporter, AC Nielsen, can make more and more money. crowd bigger and more dangerous than companies purchased by Bain Partners. Univision, and even Domino’s Pizza Clear Channel could ever dream of being among a vast lot of other prominent On December 13, 2006, the Associated alone. Napoleon would be proud. Both companies have working forms of media. It’s not too much Press wrote about Clear Channel shutting relationships with the Carlyle Group, who of a stretch to see how this is a bad down a progressive talk radio station in Thomas H. Lee Partners is a major has had many politicians on their payroll, thing. Sure, there are laws in effect Madison, Wisconsin, with plans to replace political contributor, donating millions including the Bush family, and it’s not to prevent this kind of thing, but the it with Fox Sports Radio. The station- of dollars mainly to the Democratic too hard to imagine them enjoying the reality is that while we have built-in 92.1 FM, WXXM (aka The Mic)- mixed Party. Dogmatic liberals might see spoils that Clear Channel has to offer. checks to government control in this nationally known talkers (such as some this is a good thing, but it all goes country, there is very little restriction from Air America) with local hosts. The back to the rich paying their way All three companies have been accused to corporate control. Furthermore, the station earned the second highest ratings up into control of this country. of illegally conspiring to hold down the boundaries that are in place are easily in Madison for news talk according to prices they pay when taking companies bypassed or manipulated, with the right Arbitron, and was one of Air America’s So, while they’re sucking it up with private. On November 15, 2006, twisting of legal structure, and more highest-rated affiliates in the country, the Democrats, they also own stakes Bloombergreported of a lawsuit filed importantly the right amount of money. said Terry Kelly, a Madison businessman in: Warner Music Company (along with against the companies in a Manhattan and investor in Air America Radio. Bain), the world’s fourth largest music federal court, which alleges “the firms What this is leading to is a vicious

kotori magazine company; Univision Communications, broke antitrust laws by forming ‘clubs’ homogenization of media, specifically Nevertheless, Clear Channel switched the leading Spanish-language media to make offers, sharing information and music but undoubtedly all forms of art the format, primarily because of the company in the U.S., with television, agreeing not to outbid eachother.” that hope to reach out to the masses. CONTENT. Jeff Tyler, Clear Channel’s radio, internet and music divisions; and In order to make the most of their market manager in Madison, bluntly VNU, a global information and media The same article added that all three investments, it would make fiscal sense toadmitted that the station made company, which includes the leading companies are also under investigation by help out Warner Music by giving them firstsome advertisers uneasy. “There are

53 What the fuck is headphone rap? Words By MATT THOMAS, Photos By CHRISTOPHER DABNER

Sean Patrick McGaughan has worked as a dog walker and street fundraiser (yes, that’s an actual job) to support a fledgling music career. With mild breakthroughs at a few revered venues— like “Sin-e,” “CBGBs,” and the mu- sic festival “North by Northeast”— this young rapper/singer/ kind-of-Indie- rock-guy is hoping to finally get signed to a label.

Why should you care? Well, it sounds as though his group, dubbed Me- termaids, may be on the fringe of an entirely new movement; a genre Mr. McGaughan has labeled as “Headphone rap.” Is it any good? McGaughan thinks so, but don’t be surprised if he has to play kennels for the next couple of years.

Do you believe that your version of hip-hop will ever be taken seriously by other professional rappers, or is it something that should be classified as its own genre?

Me and [my manager] kind of coined the phrase “head-phone rap.” It’s hip-hop because I’m not singing, but hopefully it’s intricate enough where you want to listen to it with headphones on, to catch all those little details. But [we’re] still [producing] beats, we just pay a lot more attention to [them]. So it’s a layered thing that becomes more interest- ing each time you listen to it. It’s a pop song structure with live sounds and trying to arrange rap songs with what you would hear in an Indie rock song. It’s not completely brand new, but there aren’t a lot of people doing it.

Why would anyone want to listen to it?

I was nervous playing for straight hip-hop crowds because I was afraid they would look at it as “emo rap” or “nerd rap.” But we threw it down at hip-hop shows and it seems marketable.

What jobs have you had to take to make ends meet?

I did street fundraising for a bit- anytime you go on Craig’s List you’ll see the ads for them, you’re supposed to make $500-1000 a day. They throw you out onto the street and you have to stop a random person who’s walking past and, in three minutes, get their credit card number. It’s ridiculous. No one’s gonna give that to you! The company gives you a quota to meet, and if you have a couple of bad days you get canned… I had a couple of bad days.

I’ve been dog walking for a year since that job. It’s so absolutely tiring. I’m just absolutely wrecked by the time I get home. It’s hard to get the motivation to do anything. I can’t put much time in my music, but it’s helped my writing because I have all day long to write as I’m moving through Greenwich Village.

What can an upper middle-class white guy possibly contrib- ute to a genre that was once said to be the “CNN for the inner- city?” Why would a mainstream rap label sign you?

Well, first off, I have to knit pick: I’m not upper- middle class! We lived pretty poor. We struggled. That’s just a knee jerk suburban reaction.

I’ll never refer to myself as a rapper in my songs. The goal is to write catchy songs not just to attract people who are into underground rap but to make my music as accessible as possible.

Obviously what we’re doing is not the CNN of the ghetto. I have a great appreciation for hip-hop and those who adhere to that statement, which is what Chuck D meant when he said that. Anybody who’s mak- ing good art is just the CNN of where they came from. That’s all you can aspire to do, is to be true to your experiences. That’s the truth to any good piece of art.

I just want a label to recognize that we’re honest with our art, and that’s what we have to offer. That’s the deciding factor. If a label is down with that, great, if not we’ll look someplace else.

> www.metermaidnyc.com

54 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com WEEKEND AT STEEZO’S Styled by: Andrea Raskind Photography by: WAM Unsung hero: Rod Lockett

Models: Amanda Holzen Sarah Levy Jake Kingsbury Tanya Condon > robnsteel.com

> livity.org

> temple-effectives.com

> dcmacollective.com

> beautifuldecay.com

> fourthworldclothing.com

> bluleaf.com

> citizensofhumanity.com

The Los t^ Angeles Times VOL 1, ISSUE 9 Lost Angeles, Sunday, February 4, 2007 BY SCOTT SHAPIRO

as of today, that myth is done,” actor Michael Richards emphati- cally stated today in his opening remarks, kicking off the Interna- tional Slavery Conference, held in the lobby of the Red Roof Inn, just outside of Birmingham, Alabama.

An international delegation of South African writers, Klu Klux Klan members and predominantly southern, unemployed, gas station attendants cheered Richards as he explained that this conference wasn’t about racism, but more a sense of history, adding, “What better time to ask this question than now, at the beginning of Black History month? We just want to ask the right questions in the spirit of that history, to set the record straight once and for all in this country.”

As Richards left the stage to a primetime block,” CW President the CW offices that the elements thunderous round of applause, Dawn Ostroff boasted at the morn- of the game being bandied about co-host Sen. Strom Thurmond The CW ing presser as a seemingly dazed in development include a handful stepped up to the podium, explain- and natty-haired Serious wobbled of cash, one die (due to budget- ing that he organized the confer- next to her. ary constraints), a chance to win a ence to shed light on the reasons Gets million dollars and a crack addict behind the formation of affirma- Ostroff explained that contestants with a dulled rusty shiv standing tive action as reparation for “al- will be shown pictures of various behind the contestant. leged” damage done to the Black Serious superstars from eras present and community after the suffering past such as Joe E. Tata (Nat from unbearable indignities during our Beverly Hills 90210), Sammy nation’s past. Davis Junior and Chevy Chase, Fledgling television Amid concerns that this confer- network taps former 80’s and will be asked to decide if they are in fact, dead or not dead. Upon Slavery ence would boost racism along icon to host new gamer giving their final answer, they will side last year’s Iranian conference “Dead or Not Dead” get one more chance to think until questioning the validity of the Yahoo finally asks the final ques- Conference Holocaust, Richards interjected, by Fondue Bonzai tion: Are you Serious? scoffing at the notion. “Come on. I’m Jewish and I’m here. Those Just when you thought it was safe “We at the CW now feel like one No Joke guys on the other side of the world to throw away your Young Ein- of the real networks with this are nuts, but we’re asking serious stein laser disc, the CW network foray into the game-show arena. questions. I mean, the Blacks can has jumped into the industry wide And we’re not done rolling the Keynote Speaker Michael seemingly take over all of Satur- craze of “everything old is new dice in this, our era of gaining Richards insists the day afternoon television, spread- ing their word, but if we just want again” making a splash yesterday, credibility,” Ostroff continued, conference isn’t racist announcing that former actor Ya- presumably referring to another to have a fact-finding conference hoo Serious will be hosting their gamer in development to be hosted about a very important historical by McBean Parkway new game show “Dead or Not by none other than1980’s comic issue, we’re racists? Hello, pot this Dead” as one of their mid-sea- legend Andrew Clay. is kettle. You’re black,” Richards said, shaking his head. son replacements in their winter “You may not be able to stick a lineup. As of press time, details were fork in a black man’s ass anymore, When reached for comment, the sketchy on the exact nature of but today this conference will NAACP responded… “Scoot over Howie Mandel and Clay’s show with only the title stick a fork in the mythical notion (continued on page 131) Penn Gillette. It’s time to make Roll The Dice having been agreed of American slavery because room for the new kid on the upon. But word has leaked from M O C . G A M I R O T O K . W W W

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90034ca ngeles,a osl David Choe’s Scion Roadtrip American Head Trip

Words By SHANA NYS DAMBROT, Photos By CRAIG WETHERBY & TODD NISBET

In Spring of 2006, an ad hoc crew of graffiti artists Santa Claus driver with this big beard. It worked SND: Sounds like an adventure. that included David Choe, Kenton Parker, Saber and though. It was like the walls were our stage and our dvs one boarded one tour bus and the band act was this big improv jam. The personalities on DC: When we got to Austin – now that was an Rhythm Root All-Stars along with Stone’s Throw’s the bus, that was interesting. You have us in there adventure. There was this old funeral parlor that dance hall-inspired soul emcee Aloe Blacc boarded with dvs one, who’s this huge legend from the day had turned into a privately owned graffiti pit. The another. Accompanied by writers, photographers only now he does children’s books. He’s trying to locals all came and painted with us. The kids went and tour managers, the unlikely caravan set out live a better life, you know, stay on the PG path. crazy for Saber, and there was this one kid that was for New Orleans. The occasion was the first Scion like, my biggest fan. Hundreds of kids came out at Roadtrip, and the idea was for the crew to make SND: How did the art part work out for everyone? night to watch, it was pandemonium. One of Saber’s their way to the Big Easy in time to hook up with fans beat up one of my fans – but there was this one Femi Kuti for a show down there, stopping along DC: El Paso was the first gig wall, and no one wanted guy who used to be a clown, I’m not kidding, and he desolate highways and at old billboards to paint to go first. The tour manager had set up all these taught us how to ride that unicycle from El Paso! before the musicians’ nightly gigs. The entire journey billboards for us to work on but in El Paso when we was filmed and will be turned into a documentary, got there the owner said no! We were all wondering SND: After Austin where did you go? but Kotori Magazine’s Shana Nys Dambrot caught up what to do, and the meat market guy across the with Choe to get the early scoop fresh off the road. street says, Sure! Go ahead! So we made him a DC: The third stop was Avinger, Texas, population 400. mural. It’s amazing what four guys stepping out of We had rented billboards by the train tracks. We all SND: So David, you are known as an adventurer, a bus in a border town can do in a community. In got sunburned and we got attacked by every kind of traveling to remote and dangerous places around another city, everyone in town drove out to see what insect including fire ants. We did this homage to Big the world to make art and document what you’ve we were doing and check out the action at this bike John, this huge colorful character just in the middle seen. By your own account, growing up in LA was no shop. The owner was so happy he gave us all bikes of nowhere. It was like the Old West, with everyone picnic either. What can you tell me about how this and a unicycle! The Mexican lady next door had this in town out there eyeing us, this clash of classic rock experience compared to your previous enterprises? bra and panty shop and she wanted a mural too… at and country. We made up a name for our fake rock sunset all the street kids came out and there was band, the Warm Holes. And of course we had dvs one DC: It was strange, the idea of visual artists on even this one single mom who wanted advice for riding a unicycle in a silver helmet… Traveling is like tour like rock stars. The bus was awesome! We her kids on being artists and staying out of trouble. a drug, every day you wake up in some crazy new were all like kids, playing PlayStation in the back I swear, we could have painted the entire town! place you’ve been transported to in your sleep. of the bus, and we had this like Stanley Kubrick

60 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com SND: Speaking of which, what was it like getting to New Orleans?

DC: Actually it wasn’t great. It was a little depressing, even demoralizing. I mean, we saw all the things, boats on top of houses, locals lamenting, the situation more and more fucked up, the Lower Ninth smelling like dead people, cars in trees. It was like the end of a war, the end of the world, a zombie movie. I’ve been to Africa, to the Congo and some war-torn areas. New Orleans looks like that, worse actually. It was always sort of dark, but now it’s unbearable. After that no one wanted to paint, so we just went to strip clubs. The Femi Kuti show was insane though, the dancing, the drums, people going crazy. All in all it was an amazing trip, getting our art out there, seeing the power of the internet to draw crowds. All the money went to charity by the way (Tipitina’s Foundation, dedicated to reinvigorating the New Orleans music community). I’d definitely do another trip like that, but from now on I’d like to tie into children’s hospitals and that kind of thing. Let kids participate and leave their mark.

SND: How was working with the Scion folks?

DC: Scion, I swear, they’re like the new NEA. I can’t get grant money but they fund and support my projects. They give money, they take no creative control. It’s symbiosis with a great company. They have given, not just me but a lot of graffiti artists who’ve never been able to make money a chance. They have a lot of integrity; it’s the best situation working with them. The trip was a blast, a real treat. I would’ve done it for free.

David Choe is a Los Angeles-based artist who has won numerous awards and been published in Giant Robot, Vice and a host of other international alt-culture favorites. In 1999 he put out his self-published award winning comic/ novella/zine Slow Jams and in 2002 his art/photo/travel journal book Bruised Fruit. His murals can be found on walls from Los Angeles to the Bay Area, the Middle East to Asia and inside museums, galleries and private homes.

> For more information on the Scion art projects featuring these and other artists visit www.scion.com.

> For more information on the man himself, www.davidchoe.com. Cattle Decapitation “Payback is a Bitch and We Call Her ‘Mother Earth.’” Words By TOMMY DIGITAL

Are you ready for the end of album; like their sharp riffs humans get away alive is lame interview, “a lot of the lyrics Decapitation show…as they the world as you know it? It’s and bipolar intensity, the talk. Indeed, the notion of are really kind of suicidal. will be touring with The Locust coming, you know it in your wrath that awaits mankind “acupunctured face with the We include ourselves…they’re in the next few months. greedy bones. Humans are will hold nothing back. blades of a rake,” as Ryan pretty much us shooting on their way out, and the describes in “Total Gore,” ourselves in the head.” New World Order is being put As frontman Travis Ryan growls sounds like a fine idea. into motion. We are already in “Success Is…(Hanging by “All hail extinction! All > www.cattledecapitation.com setting up more tangible ways the Neck)” on their newest Or, maybe we’re just hail revenge! All hail of life, so when you are all record, Karma.Bloody.Karma, waiting for you to destroy destruction! All hail death!” wiped out, we will take back “Man has succeeded in mass yourselves. Hey, life’s not (from “The New Dawn”) Earth and restore its glory. destruction/Man has exceeded always nice, hippy flowers its capacity here on earth.” and sunshine smiles. On second thought, maybe Mankind has raped this we’ll let Ryan and Co. planet for far too long, and I won’t divulge all the details Sure, we love the likes of live as our jesters. it’s time for vengeance. of the end, but know that it Cattle Decapitation, but It won’t be nice or civil. is coming. Maybe it will be nevertheless we can’t While you’re waiting for It will certainly play out like in Animal Farm, but 100 spare the bastards. As annihilation, keep your like a Cattle Decapitation times more gruesome. Letting Ryan conceded in a recent eyes peeled for the Cattle

62 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com

ROLLING WITH LESTER GRINSPOON PART II

I’m sitting under an umbrella in a dark Rome during the month of September. “By 1985 it was clear to those in “In 1992,” Lester tells me, “Since green iron deckchair, taking pulls off a By October we will had him back. authority that cannabis has some it wasn’t selling good they moved it skunky spliff that will not stay lit. The very remarkable medicinal qualities. from Schedule II to Schedule III.” contents of the joint are seedy and Grinspoon continues to write They were beginning to experience somewhat brown and each hit tears for the occasional newspaper or some enormous pressure to make it There’s not much one can say up the back of my throat with its dank magazine, but the thing he is doing accessible to people with a variety about this kind of gross, deliberate harshness. But I’m okay with it because most for marijuana now focuses of symptoms and syndromes. malfeasance. But Lester’s got plenty. I know that weed is weed and smoke on his concerns for its future. “There’s a lot of promotion for it smells like freedom…as long as the “A small company called UniMed and it’s nowhere near as useful as wrong person ain’t around to smell it. “What worries me about the future supported this. The government whole-smoked marijuana. They sold of the…Prohibition is that it’s going supported this. It was put in an it to the home office in Britain by In my opposite hand I am holding a to get a big shot in the arm by the oil base, in a capsule, so that saying, ‘We have a way of making phone and as I take another weak hit, pharmaceutical industry. If it weren’t it couldn’t be smoked, and cannabinoids available to patients the raspy but reassuring voice of the prohibited I don’t think they would they sold it as Dronabinol. The without exposing them to the two person on the other end of the line be as interested in it because people proprietary name was Marinol. great risks—the pulmonary damage hits an Operatic high as my Doctor would be able to grow it in their from smoking and the getting high.’ recalls something that he hasn’t really gardens or buy it on the streets. You’d “The hypocrisy? Marijuana is in Both of those risks are absolutely forgotten since 1971. “I predicted that be able to buy it quite inexpensively. Schedule I, along with Heroin and LSD silly, they’re so off the mark.” the Prohibition would be gone in ten and so forth. One of the criteria of years,” he says. “It seemed to be that, “They don’t want this. They will Schedule I is that it has no medical “The most harmful thing about having achieved this understanding only be successful commercially as utility whatsoever. Of course, with marijuana was not any inherent of this drug, the Prohibition would long as the Prohibition is in force.” marijuana the most active cannabinoid psychopharmacological property of be gone. Of course, here we are.” is THC. This pure THC that they the drug, rather the way we as a Lester understands the importance of were now going to peddle was put society dealt with it—criminalizing, Lester is enjoying Emeritus status having legal alternatives available, in Schedule II. It’s the same stuff!” arresting about three-hundred thousand as a Harvard Professor and, as a but his bottom line is cut and dry people at that time, most of them result, he spends more time with his and tokeable: “The gold standard The double standards piss Lester off young, almost all for possession. grandchildren than he does with the is whole-smoked marijuana. and they piss me off as I take another scenesters of the global marijuana That’s the real medicine.” long drag off my dirt weed and tuck it “You know what that figure is today? circuit. “Flying used to be reasonably away in my wallet, right behind the PBA Seven hundred seventy thousand, that’s comfortable, but as I’ve gotten older He expounds on the origins of the badge I scored from a connected friend how much progress I’ve made on this.” I try to travel less.” But he is quick to alternatives with a baleful sense of (Oh, yes! They won’t take me alive). add that he was doing something in the overall absurdity of the events. He laughs again, but clearly it is to

64 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com THE PHARMACEUTICAL RAPE OF A SMOKEABLE PANACEA… …THE PROHIBITION TARIFF AND THE SCHEDULE III DOUBLE STANDARD Words By BOB FREVILLE,

circumvent the pain or, in the very entire opinion of something to be pragmatic, that it couldn’t possibly smoked marijuana, but of course, least, aggravation that comes with based not on personal experience ever work given the angles, agendas that’s not the way it’s going to be.” knowing that something just ain’t right. but on what they have been told. and posturing of the American governmental system. The great gaggle For now the Pharmaceutical complex “If you look at the scene around the Fortunately for potheads and their of concerned minds, from places like continues to push to keep the substance world now, lots of people are getting progressive, aware counterparts, Lester the Food & Drug Administration and illegal and to keep the public’s eyes into this act. The big pharmaceutical is one of those cats who—even in his The Secret Right Wing Board for the ensconced by a veil of lies and hogwash companies know there’s a vein of gold Golden Years—is still sticking around Advancement of Unlawful Adjudication propaganda. “The pressure is on.” to tap. They are working on various to carry the flame, to speak the Truth and every cabinet that decides your analogues, various modifications and to deliver a heartfelt opinion, taxes would be all over this and it Despite his observations to the of the marijuana molecule.” even when nobody wants to hear it. would never be treated fairly. They contrary, Lester still holds out a would have to inflate the tariff in modicum of Hope for the future He adds, “We’re going to get “I think it should be legalized and it order to balance the loss they would of marijuana because he knows its an injection of a whole new should be taxed,” he says. “It seemed feel on their herbal alternatives. strengths and he knows them well. energy…and lots of money from to me in a really rational society “Marijuana is versatile,” he says. the pharmaceutical industry.” where one had treatment available Maybe this will work in that perfect “Everything from Premenstrual to everybody—we’re talking about world Lester has mentioned, the one Syndrome to relief of nausea and It doesn’t help that the country something pretty far out there, we haven’t quite arrived at just yet. vomiting…One of these days it continues, as Grinspoon puts health available to everybody—all And maybe he’ll be responsible for will be recognized as a wonder it, to “move Rightward.” drugs would be taxed in proportion helping us to get there, if not with drug, but I would be the last to the cost for the health system to his actions then with his words. person to tell you when…” “Hopefully there will be changes after treat the casualties of these drugs. the elections, but otherwise…we’re “It’s a wonder drug,” Grinspoon moving toward a real Authoritarian “The tax on alcohol would go up argues. “In the way Penicillin is a Follow Bob Freville’s Journey Through country and that’s bad…The facts that quite a bit, as a consequence of wonder drug. Marijuana wouldn’t Fire & Vapors Under The Tutelage of the government and The Partnership this. This kind of tax should be be three hundred dollars an ounce Dr. Grinspoon in Kotori’s Next Issue for a Drug Free America have adjusted as one gets more data on if it was still on an economic scale. promoted for so long are fiction.” what it is costing. In that kind of That’s a prohibition tariff. situation the marijuana tax would In a world where Truth is in short be very little compared to alcohol, “Any product that comes out like supply and news is fed to us by heroin, cocaine or what have you.” Sativex,” Grinspoon says, “should publications with a political-economical have to compete, on the market and agenda, it is the norm for a person’s Lester’s proposition is so plausible, so in the clinical laboratory, with whole-

Art By BRANDON LOMAX M a r k M a s k y ’ s G R E A T E S T H I T S > markmasky.imeem.com

GALPIN AUTO SPORTS RESERVE

“If you can dream it, we can build it.” These are the words of G.A.S. Vice President, Beau Boeckmann, Chief Designer and recipient of Petersen Automotive Museum’s first ever “visionary” award. For an all-inclusive design and customizing facility that is both innovative and imaginative, you need to get with Boeckmann and his dream team cause that’s what’s up. , and I almost forgot that they are the new home of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” hosted by Xzibit. Maybe they could pimp MUD’s 97’ Nissan Sentra.

Galpin Auto Sports, located at 15600 Roscoe Blvd. in Van Nuys, California > www.galpinautosports.com

K-SWISS TEAMS UP WITH LOGAN HICKS AND SIXTEN Reserve is a hot little Los Angeles boutique owned jointly by a hot little Naama Givoni and Freshjive/Gonz founder Rick Klotz. It features contemporary publications as well as an elaborate collection of vintage and new graphic design art books. Reserve also features selections from the Gonz and Freshjive clothing lines: hoodies, tshirts, jeans, lids, accessories and more. They also host a myriad of interesting events. Don’t sleep on the filmmaker spotlight. Reserve is located on the trendy Fairfax Blvd at believe it or not 420 N. Fairfax Ave. For more info go to: http://www.reservela.net K-Swiss has made a step in a different direction. The Logan hicks Evil Monito and the Sixten shoe collaboration definitely shows that Kswiss is looking to attract a new customer. Will K-Swiss be cool again? Lets hope so. I’ve been stopped numerous times in public with “I like your shoes. Who makes them? Where can I get those?” Well here it is. They are available at At Mos in New York and Sportie LA in REBIRTH OF GUERILLAONE.COM Los Angeles. For more information go to http://www.k-spray.com

GETUNDERGROUND.COM

For those of you who are into art. Whether creating it or looking at it. The Rebirth of GuerillaOne.com is upon us. GuerillaOne has partnered up with Revver.com to change its format to an online video network. That’s right were set trippin on Youtube. The idea is to create a network where artists can upload videos in the GuerillaOne.com environment and create sharing tools to make the videos viral. It’s a work in progress but for now if you have video clips send them to [email protected]. For those just trying to watch go to GuerillaOne.com and click away. Some artists you’ll find on G1 are The Seventh Letter. Shepard Like it isn’t enough to say that GetUnderground.com is Kotori’s Fairey, Doze Green, Baba, Cartoon, Robbie Conal, Hit n Run, The online print sister? Seriously though, Creative Resistance Police, Emek, Logan Hicks, Sixten, Estevan Oriol and Designed for the Emancipation of the Human Spirit... you might even catch a drunk blonde with fake nitties doing a Dig Deeper...Get Wit’ It...www.GetUnderground.com back flip pool side at The Mondrian. www.GuerillaOne.com VICE MAGAZINE’S GUIDE TO TRAVEL REBEL 8

This is a man’s brand. Loaded with straps, switch blades and bitches. If you like tattoo’s but your scared. Go to Urban Outfitters and cop a Rebel 8 shirt or some socks. Mike Giant does it again. Props for creating not just another graffiti art tshirt company. Rumor has it that Mikes coming out of retirement to Tattoo live at Agenda Tradeshow to help launch the brand. Hope I can get blessed. For more information on Rebel8 go to http://www.Rebel8.com

SNAPZ PRO

This DVD is going to change the way you look at traveling forever. It’s not only entertaining but very informative. Its scary to know that if your in Darra Adamkhel, (that’s Pakistan for all you unseasoned travelers); And say you want to buy a gun in the world’s largest illegal gun market in the world. Shouldn’t be to hard if your down with Suroosh. Watching my man shoot a gun he can’t pronounce is comedy. And David “Slow Jam” Choe tripping with Pygmies in search of a Dinosaur is way too much. Lastly Shane Smith getting radiation on his shoes is really nuts. Spike Jones is a genius. I would watch this over 60 Minutes all day. These cats will be rich very soon I’m sure. To purchase this $20.00 DVD go to http://viceland.stores.yahoo.net/vigutotr.html

NASCAR TAKES THE ‘HOOD

Why? Cuz you know they’re gonna eventually take that ‘Angelina Jolie masturbates’ video down from YouTube. No problemo!! Snatch Snapz Pro and capture video and audio directly from your browser. Save it, savor it, remix it, Final Cut yourself into it, even encode it for your iPod. Then cower as everyone calls you a sick bastard...before they beg for a copy. www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/snapzprox

CARTOON TOY Super Rad Toys “Mister Cartoon Presents: The Lost Angel”. This is the first of four colorways of The Lost Angel character. The collectible has many notable features, including recreations of Mister Cartoon’s tattoo art. Lost Angel is also sporting Dickie like pants, Estevan Oriol “LA Hands” t-shirt, boxers, socks removable NIKE Cortez and A1’s (Cartoon’s versions) Miniature Sever from The Seventh Letter designed a Scion TC model car for T-Mobile SideKick. Flocked the Scion Installation 2 tour. He says “it’s a tribute to Nascar if it angel wings that are removable, was in the hood”. Some how he came up with what he calls “ghetto Cartoon’s signature Joker Face a sponsors”. The main sponsor is King Cobra also on the squad is Pyrex, Boombox with the “FONY” logo Trojan, Now n Laters, Swisher, Churches Chicken, Glawk, Jenny and Cartoon’s tags and a SA chain and pendant. The cost a whopping Craig, Kool and Krylon. Is this the future of Nascar? If it is I’m all in. $130.00 USD and will be sold at Kid Robot, Munky King, Meltdown You can see more on this car and an interview with Sever at http:// Comics, Newbury Comics, Tates Comics, 3D Retro, Strangekiss scioninstallaition.imeem.com or http://thelossprevention.com Toys, Forbidden Planet UK, Red Magic HK, Tradition and more...

REBELS WITH A CLUE! Words By TOM PHARO

Two words: Radio fuckin’ Rebellion! In release Mirrors. Buzz surrounding live and they finally play everyone’s that sound very different but share the event that you have been living their energetic live performances favorite song: “Selkies: the Endless common ground: they have all received in a cave, or you are just musically has made them one to watch for. Obsession.” A song so amazing, that critical acclaim, sold tons of records retarded, I will fill you in on what halfway through, the pit stops moving and amassed huge, rabid fanbases you’ve been depriving yourself of: real the March of Flames to join the other fixed eyes and ears, without any regular commercial airplay music by actual talented musicians. artistically pissed into the wind as the whole crowd begins to roar on MTV or the radio. Not an easy feat Probably the single greatest lineup of (but were shielded safely by their ever louder until finally erupting by any means in the unforgiving music any metal tour to date, Radio Rebellion non-stick creative ability) with their alongside the power-metal riffage and biz, which proves how much talent and brings grind, artcore, post hardcore and near-drastic change of sound on this lightning fast guitar solo of the song’s dedication these guys really have. straight to your face, rocks year’s The Always Open Mouth. The outro. Don’t be in the bathroom. your fuckin’ socks so hard they fly off (I spastic thrash of 2004’s Art Damage Mean ? Check. Insane drums? “We’re not rebelling against radio went prepared, I didn’t wear any), then was exchanged this time around for Check. Rugged vocals? Check. Balls exactly, we’re just pointing out that stomps out your flaming skull with a slow-driving emotive tracks evoking to the wall live show that rocks the we accomplished everything without pair of dirty Chucks. And you couldn’t much more imagery than ever before, shit out of you?!? BIG FUCKIN’ CHECK! their help, and also the fact that we have wished for anything better. making you forget all about their aren’t a cookie-cutter microwave band, prior yet amazing efforts…almost. When I heard Norma Jean’s first album, like what’s typically found there,” Originally set to headline was the Bless the Martyr, Kiss the Child, I Cory Brandan (singer) from NJ said. laughable screamo outfit Silverstein, With the experimental beats and nearly soiled myself from the sheer “They (the opening acts) are all doing but after they couldn’t do it, Norma effects taking a stranglehold, FBtMoF heaviness. One frontman replacement something different and we like that.” Jean were asked. They agreed, but successfully navigate the troubled and 2 critically acclaimed albums Maybe, just maybe, with Norma Jean not without a stipulation: The Jean waters of creative expression, without later, Norma Jean has matured into a and Co. paving the way, one day the gets to choose the opening acts. leaving their fans behind. If they major force-to-be-reckoned-with in the masses will finally open up and accept Radio Rebellion’s inaugural lineup can bridge the tiny gap between the music world. Already well-respected this type of art into the mainstream, just got a whole lot heavier. With the old and new, and continue to deliver in the metal community, Norma Jean changing the face of commercial music unstoppable juggernaut of southern dangerously hyperactive sets (singer has toured all over the planet and and altering popular consciousness, that is Norma Jean now Flava’ Dave was impaled in the face their fan base continues to grow. You catapulting us further into this headlining, and support from Between by a guitar in ), they are don’t need commercials or a slot relatively unknown music renaissance the Buried and Me, art-metal dynamos sure to get a lot more attention. in the radio rotation, when people that is currently blossoming. Fear Before the March of Flames, and can’t stop talking to each other about ’s latest firestarters Misery On 2006’s The Anatomy of..., Between how fucking badass your band is. Regardless of my wishful thinking, Signals, this diverse tour has it all. the Buried and Me shows off their all that raw ability- combined with seemingly bottomless well of talent by This year’s Redeemer is another their relentlessly aggressive live “We wanted to pick bands that flawlessly covering some of the hardest blistering onslaught of twisting riffs, performances and rigorous touring we liked but also that we thought songs from the hugest bands, including thundering drums, and powerful ethic- will eventually propel them all deserved the attention,” Dan Davison Queen, Pantera, and Pink Floyd. But, vocals that spark curiosity (“Joy and to the level of respect and recognition (drummer) from NJ told me. “This Between the Buried and Me is a metal beauty rejected so many times/A that they more than deserve. This tour is unique for us because it’s our band. Death, grind, prog and thrash, world of hurt, a heart of false tour wrapped December 2nd, but these first headlining tour in over 2 years with a touch of ambient hope.” - from the track “Songs bands won’t stop touring anytime soon. and our first of this caliber, and we thrown in. 2004 saw the arrival of Sound Much Sadder”). With a live Better go see them now, Grasshopper, wanted to share it with them.” And BtBaM’s 2nd major label release Alaska, production containing eerie videos, for it will not be much longer until you who could blame them? When it a dark journey through the mind of 2 giant walls of lights and speakers need binoculars to get a peek. As for comes to metal bands that are doin’ it, vocalist/keyboardist Tommy Rogers, stacked erratically, and the addition Radio Rebellion, let’s just hope the doin’ it, and doin’ it well right now, it encompassed by the most intricate of a percussionist to the band, the lineup is as ferocious in ‘07. Maybe doesn’t get better than NJ’s openers. guitar phrasing and time signature brutality of NJ is now cranked to 11. Cattle Decapitation could headline? changes I have ever heard, and rounded Misery Signals blindsided metal in 2004 out by impossibly detailed drums that But this tour isn’t just about kickin’ ass with their strong debut, Of Malice and will wear out your rewind button. and taking names (written in blood). the Magnum Heart. They triumphantly Mere words cannot do them justice. It’s a statement, a proclamation, a return this year with more of their testament, if you will, to creativity and signature melodic metal on their latest It all becomes clear when you see them artistic integrity. This tour has 4 bands

DJ T-ROCK Tellin’ It Like He Sees It... Edited By BOB FREVILLE

“Microsoft, YOU SUCK!!” for being there in the first coming to Scribble Jam and - place. Boy, were we fooled! taking advantage of people I traveled to Ohio this past who are struggling to make a summer to participate in one Yes, we signed a release form name for themselves. Thanks of the largest hip hop festivals because we were told that for the exposure, but I would in the country, Scribble Jam. our images were going to be rather have a paycheck and a I went to have a good time, showcased in this “hip hop doc”, note saying “Hey, thanks for be with old friends, sell but a few months later we found letting us use your likeness, some merch and continue to out there was NO documentary. we know you’ve worked hustle my ass like I have for hard all these years to gain the past fifteen years. I did There were a few NATIONAL recognition so we hope this will NOT go to Scribble Jam to commercials and our faces guarantee a better future.” get rammed in the pooper by splattered across displays in the corporate elves who work Walmart, Target, Radio Shack, I’m sure that even those for the evil machine known and wherever else this new IPOD dancing silhouettes in as Microsoft. However… wanna-be called ZUNE was sold. those IPOD commercials got paid!! I did receive a call Scribble Jam was taken All I could think about when from someone associated with advantage of this year by Satan’s helper’s were filming us ZUNE, promising two free a camera crew who may was how they gradually eased copies. That was over three have been Satan’s offspring. this new ZUNE contraption into months ago and I’ve yet to find Wherever you looked there the filming and down-played them in my mailbox! Thanks they were, filming everything its existence in the shots. I especially to the camera crew they could. Nothing was remember asking “What is /ad agency that Microsoft off limits to them. this thing?” They played it off chose to do their dirty work. like, “Aw, It’s just this new Me, Mr. Dibbs, Killa Jewel, They approached Mr. Dibbs, IPOD thing that’s coming out, Rob Viktum, Scribble Jam, Killa Jewel, Rob Viktum, and no big deal.” It was a huge and all who managed to be myself to ask if they could deal and they KNEW IT! They on one of their commercials film us for a documentary just didn’t want to pay us!! would like to say a big FUCK they were working on. YOU! If you need me I’ll Thanks a lot Microsoft. Thank be over here, listening “Sure” we said, thinking you for inserting your greedy to my Apple IPOD! that this was their purpose hand up our asses. Thanks for colophon_kotori 8/01/07 15:13 Page 1

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This project is labelled «Luxembourg and Greater Region, European Capital of Culture 2007», placed under the High Patronage of their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. 270° SOUNDS structure into icy forgotten Russian terrain with headspace, into something much more...well... a creepy name to boot, and you’ve got yourself soothing. Mars Volta bassist Juan Alderete de la Thisish Vol.1 some of the most exciting sounds to come from Pena and Air/M83’s Lisa Papineau have been setting Hosted by Large Professor either side of the equator in quite some time! aside ‘chill time’ between bands tours and records (Thisish Records) Yay AeroCCCP, after just two full-length releases, through the past several years, and this is the result. you’re quickly becoming an all-time favorite! The organic grooves are quite comfortably spaced This CD could not have come [WAM] and the vocal duties complementary spacey. When at a better time. Just as I’m both artists are done rockin’ the crowds and flingin’ realigning myself with my love the hair and wipin’ the sweat, this is the record for instrumentals..everything from jazz to classical they disappear prematurely from the afterparty to house to breaks to hip hop...in comes Thisish Vol.1 Cosmo Baker & DJ Ayres to, light up a spliff, drop the needle on, and just droppin’ smack on my desk with a cool t-shirt to boot. Award Tour : Scion CD V15 listen...bodies in bliss..thoughts in clouds. This being their first release, so far the new label [WAM] has yet to stray from its stated mission of ‘making A silky smooth half-breed of the producer the priority.’ HAHA!! nah, seriously techno fused with a touch of tho, hosted by Large Professor, these are some tight east and west coast hip-hop hip hop instrumentals built on straight intelligence freestlying. Big bad bass with Paul & Prince and some goddamn evident truths. Everything from lyrics sharp as a double-edged blade. One of those Sounds Like Sex 2 funk grooves (2mg Strut) to booty bouncers (Large rare mix albums you can play all the way through. (RedCola Records) Professor Got Heat) and all in between that embody With a gifted roster of talent to choose from, Cosmo hip-hop culture’s soundtrack. Production by Marshall Baker and DJ Ayres have now problem blending these Barry White never made Law, Johnny 5, Cresh Frazy, & Large Professor himself tracks together for a final product that deserves to anything as sophisticated as tactfully graces Vol.1. At time of print, this one be played at high volume with the bass banging. this. No, this may not be the hadn’t even been released yet, but we’re already The mix from Radioclits’ “Mature macho Machine” sexiest album put together- it’s gonna be hard to top waitin’ on Vol.2. ‘sup Thisish...wutz takin’ so long??? into Phase Rocks’ “Freestyle” is just insane. Not to Lovage’s Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By- [WAM] mention Radioclits are straight outa Paris France?!?!? but there’s no sense in going right to the top every That’s what I thought.. But don’t get it twisted.. time. “I Adore You” sets the mood right, parlaying The frenchies can bring it !! “Angels”, which was into “Little White Roses” like a slip of a bra strap. performed by none other than Ghostface &MF “Slight of Hand” feels like proper foreplay, and by Jud Nester Doom, brings back that old skool WU-Tang love….. the time “Cigars and Guitars” hits the speakers, it’s Abstract Workshop Brought to you by Scion…. Who woulda thunk it ?!?! sexy time. Sure, it occasionally sounds like Bjork, but Collective presents... [Dirty J] in a good way. Chilled and maxed out, this record is (Abstract Workshop Music) certainly better than some silly jive from before I was born. Even if there’s no way I’d last for the duration While Josh One’s signature of Sounds Like Sex 2, it’s one hell of a record. dreamy atmospheric signature The Soul Of John Black [Tommy Digital] is quite prevalent, Jud Nester adds his own flavor The Good Girl Blues with his laid-back ‘i know you feel me cuz i am you (Cadabra Records) and i know you know i’m tellin it like it is cuz it is you’ vibe. Meanwhile DJ Cocoes tasteful sample Ok, this cat went directly from Clan Destined scratches lie comfortably and snugly between the parking cars in a condominium Abbracadamn!!! lines of a crisp and clear frequency that seems complex to being asked to (Domination Redords/ it was made specifically for Cocoe’s phonograph write songs for . Miles immediately made VJC Recordings) wizardry. These are straight ‘island beach breaks’ John “JB” Bigham his protege - touring and playing with that grounded comfortable warmth behind together - knowing that if he passed on this obviously New duo on the block, and each bassline with finger snaps and a lazy marching untapped talent, someone else would snatch him there’s no denying a strong pace that just begs you to groove, but don’t be as soon as they heard a pair of notes...and he was Outkast influence. This, their debut album, often misled by its simplicity, for this is certainly not a right. It wasn’t long before he was asked to join resembles the likes of Stankonia, but certainly with record that could have been made even 5 years to rock stages the world over. “The Good their own flair and soul. The pair shares duties not ago, best demonstrated by the production team’s Girl Blues” is his debut solo effort, and people, make just in rhyming, but in production as well, and it effortless accentuation of the technological prowess sure you pick up everything this guy gets his hands flows together with a seamlessness becoming of necessary in creating such a clean timeless sound. into, for this expertly and perfectly crafted blues true, professional artists, who know what they In any case, it’s hard to imagine this cat stressed rock record is one of the best listens of the year. want to do, and how to do it. Clan Destined rises out and in today’s world...fuckin’ a bring it! The pains and pressures and heartbreaks and losses above the mundane and recycled litter, and offer [WAM] and tragedies changes and stresses and all (y)our eclectic, badass beats, with something genuine everyday-life turds are transformed into something, and meaningful to say, which is refreshing when well...quite beautiful. We all feel the same things... comparing them to Nickleback, because they sound JB just happens to embody our troubled spirits in nothing like Nickelback. Thank God for that. Punk TV a fashion that makes you want to cry smiling. [Tommy Digital] Punk TV [WAM] (AeroCCCP Recordings)

The twisted genius minds ISIS behind AeroCCCP Recordings Big Sir In the absence of truth have brought us another Und Scheisse Andert Immer keeper. After being fully and disturbingly intrigued (GSL records) and seduced by their 2006 release from Russia’s Ahh...First let me just say that Messer Fur Frau Meuller, they’ve gone even deeper From the opening riff, I ISIS is one of those bands doing into the netherregions with their latest project... immediately and unconsciously what they do to perfection. Siberia’s own Punk TV! This is heavy garage electronic fall out of my ‘just-got- “The Abscence of Truth,” their fourth full length music accented by grungy (yes, grunge...we all know out-of-lost-angeles-traffic-why-the-fuck-can’t- album, is packed with nothing less then what we it was only a matter of time) riffs and rhythms. these-dumbshits-drive-get-the-fuck-out-of-my- have come to expect from this melodic metal five Here’s an idea: put in a way-goddamnit-i-hope-your-tire-f’n-pops-you- piece...start off slow and then strategically build room with Mother Love Bone, the Prodigy, Sonic punk-what-they-don’t-put-blinkers-in-toyotas-who- the vicious fury that creates their signature sound. A Youth, and . Now air-drop that sonic the-shit-gave-you-a-license-HOOOONNNKKKKK!’ sound that is only aided by the fact that most songs clock in at over seven minutes long. A true ISIS fan at the same time they have an honest sense of would not be without “ The Abscence Of Truth” humor that is easy to spot in their music. The lyrics are a mixture of English and French, [jkvm] an impressive feat that produces beautiful The Hereafter is another fine example of this, compositions. Even if you can’t understand what with talk of Grandpa being “sick in the head,” and Vaughn’s saying half the time, you can feel it’s reflections of falling in love in junior high sung to something provocative. Even if she’s talking Converge the tune of tender melodies that suck you in from about androids with ray guns, it feels erotic. No Heroes the start, and never let go. It may not be as poetic [Tommy Digital] Epitaph as Dylan or RZA, but there is something very real here, not taking itself too seriously which in turn Converge,Converge,Con allows The Hereafter to play some damn good songs, verge. Run to the store plain and simple…with an intricate dash of genius. OM : Chilled - don’t walk - and get this [Tommy Digital] Relax, Recline, Unwind record if you haven’t already. “No Heroes,” their OM Records fourth full length, opens with a vengeance that never lets up. Most tracks blend into one another “Perfect for yoga...” says the with the violent fury these boys from Boston are SJ Esau accompanying press release. so eager to bring. This album thrashes so hard Wrong Faced Cat It’s a goddamn good thing I you’ll want to break something...no, scratch Feed Collapse had fresh batteries in my defibrillator, cuz you know that...you’ll want to destroy it. Converge is at (Anticon Records) you’re getting old when a record that says ‘perfect its best and “No Heroes” does not disappoint. for yoga’ is coming from the same label who’s artists [jkvm] Some warped, depraved folks I used to pop 6 pills to and prance around to from make music these days, and sundown to sunup days in a row without so much as SJ Esau is one of them. What kind of sick bastard batting an eyelid! But you know what, after popping would write a ballad- schizophrenic as the music this thing in, it’s not a matter of getting older, it’s Explosions In The Sky may be- about a cat without testicles? It’s right really a matter of getting smarter, for no matter how All of a Sudden I here, a jam called “Cat Track (he has no balls).” long you can force yourself to stay awake for the Miss Everyone Just because the music is a cool mixture of Ween sake of proving your party prowess, everyone needs (Temporary Residence Ltd.) and Sonic Youth is no excuse for such perversion. a break sometimes, and its not surprising that OM, of all people, recognizes that. These cats have been Like an odd mixture of Yes, this album has bizarre sounds tweaked into churning out bangin’ artists, cds, and parties for over satanstompingcaterpillars, The very cool music, and yes, the subdued tone a decade, and no one can blame them for trading in Who and Sigur Ros, this album plays out like a rock fools you into thinking that it’s a mellow ride, their vodka/red bulls for a mojito or two. If you’re opera, but with no lyrics. It’s an ambient symphony, only to shock the hell out of you with something looking for quality beats to drop after a filled with enough peaks and valleys to justify not explosive. Nevertheless, it’s not a funny thing that long hard days wor...errr...partying...look no further. including any actual words. Not really the kind of cats lose their nuts every day. Indeed, I will hunt [WAM] thing you’d want to play to get pumped up for a this punk down and cut his balls off…after seeing hockey game, but it would be cool to have this playing him perform this album live, of course. Call it a as you’re in the basement painting at the behest of “guilty pleasure,” perhaps. I’ll never admit it. the mushroom fever running through your veins. [Tommy Digital] The Mooney Suzuki [Tommy Digital] Have Mercy (V2 Records)

Night Kills the Day Fuck what the tasteless Kaddisfly The Study of Man shitheaded dilettantes at Set Sail The Prarie (Score Records) The New York Times have (Subcity / Hopeless) been saying about the Suzuki and their supposedly If “charmless” brand of garage rock. Have Mercy This one’s almost too easy. Put were arrogant enough to succeeds in every way, even in those moments aside any deep overthought make a cover album of songs of lyrical simplicity bordering on regurgitation or misconceptions and extract by The Cure, it would sound like this record: a retardation. Nursery rhymes never sounded this just the elements that make everyone in the room, mediocre effort at rehashing something very cool. groovalicious. The Mooney Suzuki triumph and impress regardless of sex or creed, either nod their heads, Unfortunately, Night Kills the Day aren’t recycling by virtue of their interminable energy, their genuine run around in circles slamming into complete any kind of substance here, they’re just trying to affinity for music and their overall intensity: A brand strangers, or light the invisible wicks in the air sound like this wretched marriage. It’s not even of swaggering renaissance rock that resurrects power above them for absolutely no reason other than catchy enough to be excused as pretty packaging. solos, catchy—not annoying—choral inculcation, and substanceless joy, and you got yourself Kaddisfly. never shies away from obsolete or “totally un-rock n’ Don’t misinterpret this for a bad thing, for its truly Whatever kind of “man” this project is studying roll” instrumentation. Is that a yazz flute on “Adam not. This band might be one of the true ‘pop’ answers is a Gatorade-brain jive turkey, and if he’s & Eve”? Garage rock, if they insist on calling it that, to punk and hardcore, relatively tamely seducing responsible for inspiring this mundane, empty, hasn’t reached an apex like this since the mid-to- non-believers into the deep dark murky world of terribly wretched album, he should be castrated. late 90’s. Let them sweat on you. Receive the rock hardcore. While the licks thrash, the airy vocals [Tommy Digital] star nectar and be cleansed, brothers and sisters. and melodic choruses easily makes them one of the [Bob Freville] more radio-friendly ‘underground’ acts of our day. These guys will stick around for a while. “Everything mainstream begins in the fringes” -Greg Palast Zera Vaughan [Carlos Herrera] Back to Something Wrong “World music” is such a filthy (From Nowhere Records) title, because it usually just The Hereafter refers to music not from There are so many cliché The Hereafter the US. But Back to the things I want to say right Roots may be one of the first true “world music” now that I fear I won’t find Good music doesn’t take creations, as it seamlessly blends styles from all space for all of them. “Is it your time or is it mine?” itself too seriously, and over the world. Jazz, rock, Oriental, North African sings Esther Talia Casey on track one of Bang Gang’s in that release, true Ethnic, Middle Eastern pop, and occasional hints sparkling debut LP. All she needs to do is listen to genius is borne. The great at the likes of Massive Attack are just a few of the “Something Wrong” to know that it is, most certainly, like Bob Dylan, Bradley Nowell and styles that show up, spinning around Vaughan’s her time…or vocal mainstay Bardi Johannson and the almighty RZA touch on serious topics, but exotic voice like the breeze through my mane. Co.’s time, collectively. Most folks would say success is in Bang Gang’s future, but if we measure success Choosin’ My Interviews motherfucker who likes to the proceedings with a touching tale that makes in terms of achievement and not solely in terms of dress up like his favorite movie stars to shield his you feel like you’re on an Irish countryside. recognition, then the Gang have already succeeded true identity—a hapless, awkward mook with lots on every artistic level. “Something Wrong” is proof of production talent but very little personality. So For all those detractors who didn’t think that Iceland’s well didn’t run dry once Bjork came I wasn’t too happy when my mailbox was jammed we needed a third installment remember up; Bang Gang should be the pride of their country. up with modern rap offerings. But Omni brought me Meat’s words, “If it ain’t broke break it.” With haunting, evocative tongues of somber, soulful back to that place Nas, OutKast and a certain fallen [Cheri Pohl] sound and deep Greek Chorus admonishments, this thug once took me. This is music for the People album journeys to and -rich realms seldom and one that doesn’t pander to any one group. The found in modern artistic expression. The production messages, both literal and figurative, on Batterie are values are top shelf and, more importantly, so is expertly conceived and full of a multi-dimensional Fabriclive 31 the music. Abba would take a cue from the fallen life that most hip hop is completely devoid of. Omni The Glimmers Bee-Gee if they were to hear this beautiful, bleak is a smart and observant motherfucker and this disc (Fabric) recipe of mixed moods. I pity the cat who thinks illustrates that in many ways. The radio-friendly he can find me a sonic paragon of crescendos and joints like “Bang The Drum” prove uplifting rather Gent, Belgium. Not only does it emotions as well-orchestrated as this disc. than empty and drone-like head-bob-inducing. A play host to the international [Bob Freville] solid find for anyone who remembers when rap didn’t music festival I LOVE TECHNO, have to be all about guns and bling-bedecked rims. it also is home to the innovators of Belgian New Beat, [Bob Freville] The Glimmers. It’s awe inspiring listening to these guys cut it up. They mix everything !! “Dance Me In” Harlem Shakes is preceded by a deep techno beat, which all of a Burning Birthdays sudden drops in to guitar rock. From an abandoned Moneybrother warehouse to front row at a rock concert, without any “They’ve done studies, you They’re Building warning and without skipping a beat. Mo and Benoelie know. 60% of the time, it works Walls Around Us are incredible talents, keeping the perpetual beats every time.”—Brian Fantana (Sabot) propelling through our heads. From reggae drums It’s hard to say anything bad to rock n roll to techno beats to freestyle hip hop... about a band that doesn’t manage to make you Swelling, orgiastic, fluid and the album will be sure to keep your body movin’. hate them. Tolerable would be mean and far too on par, with full-on Well worth the investment if you aks the Dirty J !! generous because Harlem Shakes’ debut EP is far from orchestration, swing swagger and jazzy blues heart, [Dirty J] repugnant or even generically redundant…except in Moneybrother’s latest erupts from track uno, the some of the many wavering nooks of their otherwise… titular joint, with a London Christmas tint that ehhh…okay album. It’s swell. It’s got a groove to it. bangs the drum for the blindfolded lonely bloke who Not bad. Mediocrity is harsh and rockin’ is lame, so I don’t know what to say; “Hey!...You’re gone again.” Fabric 31 guess you could say Harlem Shakes’ sound on this disc Everything on this album is top-notch. It reminds Marco Carola is something close to pretty cool, man. Spacey vibes me of the stuff my cousin Jake would play on his AM (Fabric) and piano tinkering for a late and lazy hour when your radio when we’d trip out on mushrooms and go door- eyes are burning from doing too much gaming and the to-door selling rock n’ roll memorabilia in order to From a local Naples DJ to a last slice of pizza is sitting in your gut, making you buy scalped tickets to Rush concerts. Back in the day world-renowned techno legend, both uncomfortable and a tad wired. That’s funny. when the bone lead the way and no bitchhounds got Marco Carola has continued [Brofee] in the way. But still we felt the blues in our souls and to make a name for himself by repeatedly putting this is where it’s at. Moneybrother’s in the know on out new and innovative albums that seem to set the that shit, fo sho. This is music to build dramas around, stage for the next big move in . Marco whether you’re down or just a pussy hound. You’d made sure to take an extra bit of time and effort to Black Happy Day do well to give your lobes a dose of the sarcastically make this a little different, a little unique. The end In The Garden of Ghostflowers desperate “Reconsider Me” and the Zeppelin-esque result is an elegant blend of captivating bass-driven (Silber Records) gospel of the subsequent song. Strange is the night, beats with the inventive distinction only Marco can especially when you’re bumfucked, in the dark. bring. “Cretine” is smooth as silk. Blending in and out Black Happy Day are one of [Angus from Youngstown, Ya Dig? Sho Nuff 2007, Baby!] of a wide range of sounds all in harmony with a slick those rare acts you only catch bass-line. “Plunder” serves as the grande finale... once a decade, a genre-defying deep grooving bass lays the groundwork for the outfit whose roots could be tied to Satan worship unique concoction of dance musical bliss that soon as easily as the more obvious Christians grassroots Meat Loaf follows. Another Marco Carola creation for the ages! Gospel realm. Either way their way of marrying “Bat Out of Hell III: The [Dirty J] chant to dirge and chamber music to ambient Monster Is Loose” music—or any music, for that matter—is well-done (Virgin Records) and well-deserving of praise. Songs like “Whore,” “Wolf & Hare,” and the titular track showcase Tara The album opens. The strings Busdriver Vanflower’s morbid but ethereal vocals while “How rise. The drums explode and Roadkill Overcoat They Weep & Moan” reinstates the jazzy perdition we’re off. Time to roar. The Loaf quickly proves he () that made artists like Reverend Horton Heat and is as great as he ever was; It’s like time has never Squirrel Nut Zippers so splendid in their day. passed, with the possible exception of certain mod about Oxycontins, Understatement is key with this subtle jab in the musical styles working themselves into the mix. veggie dogs and stinky guts; Their austere press release alone preps them for motherfuckers, Busdriver sets their place as an obscure but venerable two-piece. Meat’s duet with Patti Russo on “What About Love” new standards in hip hop hybrid, blending his unique is an instant sing-along, clearly aligning itself with rhyme skills seamlessly with multiple layers of diverse the greats of Mr. Aday’s catalog, most obviously genres. This dude gives Busta a run with his hell-for- the classic “Love By The Dashboard Lights.” He leather delivery of devil-may-care slings that lash out Omni has a way of not merely singing but dropping you at society’s cultural retardation in ways unseen in rap Batterie directly into a moving story as it unravels. or spoken word. With all-encompassing reflections and (NatAural High LLC) compartmentalized magic in every joint, “Roadkill Still overripe with loads of feeling in every Overcoat” pleases every possible musical bone in I have been turned off of song, each of them distinct from each other the body. His playful defiance (“I ain’t appeasin’ hip hop for a long time, and all of them expertly orchestrated by Jim shit!”) is married consummately to a serious sense presumably because of the Steinman, Desmond Child and all involved. of humor about the whole fame monstrosity (“Like shit I’m usually exposed to but, more likely, because a bed and breakfast,” he sings of celebrity rehab of a sub-conscious grudge I’ve been harboring The final track, “Cry to Heaven,” more than stints. “I’m sendin’ a text message on my keypad.” against a certain I Made A Breakout # 1 Collaborative makes up for the overly drawn out “Seize the And, of course, “You did it, you got it, you wowed the Album with an R & B Legend And Now I’m Pickin’ n’ Night” and the Jennifer Hudson co-lab, concluding world/Of casting agents and cowgirls/You’re dressed up to kill yourself/Well, I’m still on the shelf.”). His echoes in the back while a guitar tenderly conveys however, stay away from the dusty and dirty and lamentations, from being indie and impoverished (“I a message of sadness and hope. While “Black Dove” keeps it safely within bounds of a refocused and could sell anything to a hip-hopper like it’s a cathartic tells the more dramatic story, it stills holds onto the refined production quality the veteran has navigated something, but it don’t make enough to go apartment simplistic beauty that gives Cougar their edge. his mature tastes towards. To sum it all up, Disc 1 hunting.”) to the ersatz nature of entertainment and [Dirty J] is for the psyche, disc 2 is for the body. Rock it. its relegation of has-been stars(“With an airbrush so [WAM] much we look like claymations do. I’m a voice-over on your Playstation 2.”), Busdriver is buggin in the best possible way. Although scathing, he finds rooms for Bracken faith and hope in his brilliantly sardonic dissertations, We Know About The Need VIP never more earthly and Marley-esque than in “Secret (Anticon) Christian Alvarez & DJ Dealer Skin” which proffers that there is always that Swank Recordings changed being under the surface.” [Bob Freville] An enigmatic journey into the depths of sound While disc one, mixed by and emotion. A hypnotic Christian Alvarez showcases procession into reverb. The various sounds more of the vocal feel good Cut City engage each other, morphing into an even more almost-disco house tracks, disc two, mixed by DJ Exit Decades elegant resonance. No doubt Chris Adams has Dealer seems to focus more on the bouncy big room (GSL) a musical capacity of immeasurable scope... jazzy house feel. Alvarez gives needle-time to artists from evil and sinister to profound and inspiring... like Brothers of Soul, Raul Moros, and a couple of his The rebirth of 80’s rock sounds complimenting each other as they gently own productions featuring Heather, Dre, and more. straight outa Sweden. It could flow, softly mesmerizing the senses. “Evil Teeth” Meanwhile, Dealer seamlessly blends bouncy beats be said CUT CITY is a modern embraces chaotic, malevolent madness. Loud and courtesy players like Juke Joint, Rue 5, Audiowhores, 1980’s hybrid. Postpunk at it’s best. Not everyone encompassing it captures the listener, teetering and B Funk. It’s easy to see why the two are packaged can sound like these guys, and that’s a good thing. on almost overpowering the listener. In contrast, together, for each complements the other’s feel Lead Singer Max Hanssons’ versatile vocals allow “Fight or Flight” which is a soothing collection good sound in this solid 2 disc house pack. It’s the the band to take from the old and the new and in of sounds that can’t always be explained. The first installment of Swank’s new VIP series, and safe the process come up with a melodic cross breed of strings of sound kept this Dirty J listening. to say, they’re off to a solid start. Happy Spring... emotions. I don’t want to be miss understood; while [Dirty J] [Carlos Herrera] they do have a “dancey” feel, it’s not the cornball shit you hear on the radio, but Cut City rather leaves you rngulfed by the music, letting your body follow the sounds. Sweat dripping down your face, hair Chimp Beams Anne Montone’s an utter mess, whiskey after- taste on your breath, Menina Elephonic rockin out like it supposed to be done. Exit Decades (Concent) captures that nostalgic feel of the 80s we all know and love and leaves the funny looking pants and The L-Train has left the station If I was just through cruisin polyester jackets safely hanging in our closets! and the dude with the open and bruisin’ through the [Dirty J] case is singing an honest sloppy shoddy substanceless song about the people leaving on it, caressing his ego fed and talentless bred cobweb of LA looking instruments and smiling (or crying) somewhere in for some sort of redeeming sense of artistry over the tunnel. This is Brooklyn DUB, born of the crickets image while cursing how deep the depths of the Trans Am and the stale warmth and the sadness. Chimp Beams soulless turd this city churns out and is more than Sex Change may be new, but they have a polished sound that happy to entertain have actually been rooted, i (Thrill Jockey) must derive from the City life if not from a long- would need something, anything, to give me a standing background in music. I’m on the Mystery reason not to slit my wrists to escape the should- Sex Change is definitely a Train and the accordion off-sets the buzz. Menina be-abandoned church of barrcode worship (someone departure from the style off must be a special soul because her heart throbs give me a medal for world’s longest sentence...). past creations by these D.C. in constellations on the eponymous composition. It is at that exact point of limitless loss of hope natives. When a band with a loyal following changes Whether delicate, dimensional or despondent Chimp that Anne Montone’s sultry voice oozes the earthy the direction of their sound it often reinforces Beams’ signature brand of ambient instrumentals pleasures and genuinely necessary contemplation the notions of why we love music...the creativity makes for merry mind expansion and the illumination associated with heartfelt soul seduction and it allows. The enlightened state of ambiguity. of the ignorant spirit stuck in down moods. romance, pain and pleasure, happiness, hatred, “North East Rising Sun” resurrects the old-school [Bob Freville] love, and guilt, all within a few simple sexy breaths. Pink Floyd acid-days-of-way-back-when and throws And best of all, it all plays into the perfection the twist into the mix. Though tracks of the relaxed downtempo Portisheady beats like “Climbing up the Mountain” have more of a dropped by Eddie Barajas, Joe Funkl, funky rock feel to them, still the beats include a Nick Warren and Jennifer Cook. Hot shit. powerful, techno driven bass line. The combination GU030 Paris [WAM] is a smooth, melodic groove sure to make ya move. Global Underground [Dirty J] He’s always been known for his relentlessly tireless work MudLuscious ethic, the sort that leads Songs From The Candylandfill Cougar you down so many different paths, most people (Mutenus Records) Law would assume themselves tri-polar. Not Nick Warren. (Layered Music) Apparently he prefers to see it as multi-dimensionally Flossin’ the Cali lifestyle healthy. When Global Underground gave him the isn’t just a front for these Defined as “Emergency Rock” opportunity to choose where he wanted to record funk-ska-hip-hoppin-punks. by it members, the style of the label’s landmark 30th mix CD release (not to Livin’ and breathin’ this shit is what they do and the music that these musical mention his own personal 7th for the series), he chose laid-back vibes that color Candylandfill is what gives crusaders pride themselves on is a sound of beauty Paris, a melting pot of international taste and style. MudLuscious their unmistakable charm. Well, that and simplicity. A product of the cold Wisconsin The perfect atmosphere for the eclectic evening and the music itself of course. Tackling everything winters, Cougar has emerged with an instrumental Warren puts forth. While disc 1 is certainly a step from Cali herb to LA sweatshops to ‘coleslaw, masterpiece that is ardent in it’s sound. Melodic in away from bangin’ bass heavy hittin’ tracks of days menopause, & an alcoholic deathwish’, this crew tone and exotic in nature, an album that any half past, filled with some of the slickest downtempo emanates a realistic yet mellow intensity. It’s what hearted stoner should add to the collection for those and slow breaks either side of the Atlantic, disc 2 them Californians know best. Chillaxin, actin’ all mind altering chill out couch sessions. “Interracial takes us slightly back to the customary 4 on the cool, shootin’ some b-ball outside of the school... Dating” is a soothing jam - the sound of water floor house beat we’ve grown to love. He does, [WAM]

FILMS as Jay, a mysterious shopkeeper at an antiquarian Year of Desolation bookstore where, for whatever reason, he likes to take “special guests” to a special section Year of Desolation The Sounds of Rio: Brasileirinho of rare books that he allows them to read. (Prosthetic Records 2007) Milan Entertainment When a young couple decide to check out Jay’s Jan.23 This is what I listen to now obscure collection they discover Twilight Zone- esque stories that raise the hair, boggle the when I have 18 minutes to One of the most fantastic mind, warm the cockles or all of the above. go 28 miles and I know its’ musical documentary films going to be hellatious when I get there…and I left my i’ve seen in ages. So honest, Although some of the stories—each one shot by one Dying Fetus CD at home. These guys play with the so real, so poignant. This of the four filmmakers—may fall flat of accomplishing swagger of men with something to prove, like - “yeah is the story of traditional its intended Hitchcockian ideal, each and every one we’re from a state better known for the Indy 500, Brazilian choro sound told illustrates the artistic intent and determination of Larry Bird, and The Jackson 5, but we’re still metal by its legends and its followers, all of whom lend its young crew. “Nex’s Diner” is one tasty segment as fuck!!” This Thrash/Death Metal 5-piece sticks to to the history of the ever-evolving culture. yes, its worth watching more than once. Rod Serling fans traditional brutality without re-treading the 80’s/90’s not just a music, its a culture, deeply rooted in the will recognize this territory and, with any luck, death metal shtick. Year of Desolation shreds spirit and vested in the elusive purity of emotion. revel in the directors’ tribute to the episodic form. – it’s technically savvy, modern, and melodically The freeform highly improvisational expression [Bob Freville] powerful. ”Real Metal Is Not Dead,” it lurks in the that is choro is often considered the Brazilian desolate cornfields of HoosierLand! Shuck it!! ‘jazz,’ and its evolution rests in the necessary and [M.gEEzy] inseperable aspect of melting together everything BOOKS that has lended to the history of the land itself.... European influence, Afro-rhythmic percussion, Burning New York and the communal culture that has gripped the James T. & Karla L. Murray hearts and souls of the South American haven. Holy Molar Gingko Press Cavity Search - 7” EP/ CDEP eventually leading into the Samba and teh Bossa ( Records) Remember “Broken Windows?” Nova, choro is the greatest aural ancestor of 2002’s classic definitive the contemporary Brazilian spirit...life!] It’s been a while since I could visual guide to the graffiti capital of the world’s [[email protected]] say I’ve listened to some colorful history of urban art? Couldn’t get enough? “Experimental, Noisecore/ Good, cuz James & Karla Murray are at it again. HarrrrdCore” music, but this CD made my top 5 Hollywood...take notes, cuz this is one sequel that to review this issue, and its only a taste of what’s not only matches the creative and educational to come! Holy Molar is a dental quintet comprised Katt Williams essence of the original, but perfectly compliments of: Mark McMolar (The Oath, Virgin Mega “The Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1” and enhances it. The wiiiiiiiidescreen format Hore, ex Charles Bronson), Ron Avila (Get (ClydeTV/Salient Media) on most of the photos refreshingly allows every Hustle, ex Antioch Arrow, Final Conflict,) Bobby detail, every border, every corner of some of the Bray (The Locust), Everyone’s favorite flashy City’s most vibrant pieces to shine bright while the (The Locust, The Crimson Curse), Gabe street cat takes the stage at narratives that accompany them are not just simply Serbian (The Locust, Cattle Decapitation). The Civic Center in his observationals, but informationals. Some of the If you’re a fan of these bands you will definitely slick green threads, waxing most touching imagery and story revolve around the feel devoured by the madness of the legendary intellectual and comical images that transferred from artist mind to chosen Three One G Records. This influential super-group’s brilliance about everything canvas during the days and months surrounding experimental style might be an acquired taste for from interracial friendships (a particularly riotous and 9/11. Follow history in pictures as the photography some traditional metallists,’ but when you’re ready to oh-so-true segment) to the ever-expansive potency of duo break down today’s most promising stars and free yourself of the radio-friendly verse/chorus/verse hydroponic marijuana. Unlike many of today’s hottest yesterday’s legends. Interviews and portraits and mentality, let Holy Molar give you a Cavity Search. comedians, Katt fills the nooks of every punchline pictures and sketches and pictures and more pictures. [Drumacide] with heart and refined wit that makes even the Not to mention a cover hard enough to ‘get over.’ foulest bit seem genuinely sweet. His reflections on [WAM] cleaning the house stoned, avoiding goon-ish friends when they’re high and the slang names for brands Ozomatli of smoke are so tuned in to the way things are that Don’t Mess With The Dragon George Carlin might well pay attention to the new Concord Records master of modern comedy. This dude’s brain is at work and running faster than a crack head with a stolen O-Z-O-M-A-T-L-I. There’s no dick. Throughout his entire performance he stresses better, or more proper, way the importance of appreciating and embracing life in of describing this band than his own charming and irreverent fashion. Katt is on pure happy fun. Everyone from Cut Chemist to Chali fire which would explain why he’s sweatin’ so much. 2na have passed through this party outfit and there’s [Bob Freville] not a living soul that can say a single bad thing about these guys. Saxophones, turntables, trumpets, drums, bongos, MCs, vocalists, DJs, dancers, hip hoppers, party rockers, these cats are absolutely “Tales From Beyond” everywhere, and their latest offering rarely strays Starring Adam West + Nate from the ‘feel good’ attitude these Los Angelenos wish Barlow + Eric Manning to impress upon the masses. From the hip-wigglin’ A Film By Josh Austin, latin tinged opener “Can’t Stop” to the swingin’ Nate Barlow, Eric Manning percussive spanglish rocker “When I Close My Eyes,” & Russell Scott there’s no denying the value of these pure artists’ (Anthem Pictures) staying power...after all, who doesn’t like to smile. [WAM] Shot on $200,000 on a Panasonic DVX-100 in the year 2003, Tales from Beyond marks the first DVD anthology by four up-and-coming California filmmakers, at least one of whom—Nate Barlow—cut his teeth starring in L.A. Twister and the Skittles “Sour Man” commercial.

‘Beyond’ stars Adam West (Batman, Family Guy)

2007 is still FRESH, even two months DEEP, and despite the triflin’ bastards that continue to disrupt our peace, freedom and equilibrium, we continue to maintain our fortune, our wealth, our braintrust, our senses. An untapped spring of beauty is in our future. They tried to trip us up in ’06, but we brushed that dirt off our shoulders and emerged with news and entertainment deserving of us all. We did our thing and we didn’t bust. Only good things lie ahead and it has been proven: YOU have the strength, WE have that special recipe, and Fun Time together we can move forward. Let’s keep forging ahead. HAPPY FUN TIME!!!

Tagline Quiz 1 “Nothing is what it seems.” Kotori Magazine prides itself on originality and that determination is in the face of the obvious 2 “Scream your last breath.” reality: Everything’s been done before, all the great stories have already been told. Still, as 3 “This Halloween he’s pulling out all the stops.” artists, we do our best and, in turn, expect the rest of the world’s craftsmen to do the same. 4 “By far the most terrifying film you will ever see.” Hint: It’s not a horror movie, but it’s What follows is a fun list of cheesy taglines from using a horror movie tagline. Very misleading for a macabre-loving moron like me! some of the best or worst films of 2006. It is your happy lil task to guess which movies they’re 5 “Welcome to Hell” Hint: Again, not a horror movie, so what’s with the catchphrase? from. 6 “When every college turned them down…they made one up.” Some of these taglines are bad because they cheapen the film’s artistic achievements, others 7 “No rules.” Hint: It was supposed to be packed with action but, in fact, was packed with because they only act as a one-liner description cologne commercial stylistic bullshit, enormous plot holes and someThe of theWicker worst Man. acting since of the movie rather than as the crowd-drawing Nicolas Cage’s atrocious turn as Maylus in the American remake of statement of pizzazz they are supposed to be. We trust you’ll know which ones are which. In 8 “Close your eyes. Open your heart.” order to keep it time-relevant we had to cutfrom the incredibly obvious “It will haunt you” ( 9 A friendship that became a rivalry, a rivalry that became a battle.” 1999’s The Haunting) and the arbitrarily dramatic “His genius UNDENIABLE, his evil UNSPEAKABLE, “Time is running out for a happy ending.” Hint: It’s not a movie about handjobs (2001’s Hannibal). 10 his name…UNFORGETTABLE or erotic massage, but it does have a nymph as a central character. But please enjoy what remains of our toils because…In a world where dreams are shattered 11 “It will cost you everything.” Hint: And here I thought it might just take a and hearts are broken, one brave magazine pint or two, followed by a glass of orange juice and a Band-Aid. dared to be different… rong number.” Hint: Wrong title for an otherwise cheese-free movie. 12 “Wrong time. Wrong place. W

1 “I said I’d never leave/You’ll never change/I’m not satisfied with where I’m at in life/ Emo Quiz (But) Am I supposed to be happy with all I ever wanted/It comes with a price.” Kotori Magazine supports a rich multitude of “Daggers speak louder than words.” disparate sounds, styles and vibes from all over 2 the world. We are not partial, as a whole, to “And I swear if I could take your pain/And frame it and hang it on any one genre or trend. If it’s good music, it’s 3 ait for the good music. This is the case with Emo music just my wall/Maybe you would never have to hurt at all.” as much as it is with any other label you could come up with. If the talent is there, then so are 4 “I wait for a lonely breath/I wait to surface from this death/W we. light to come/And take away these images I get/In my head.”

Alas, modern Emo seems to lend itself to failure 5 “You’re everything to me no more as I wake from this perfect dream/I’ll escape from all too often. 2006 was especially flagrant Eden’s walls/I can not stay and live this lie/For I must think only of myself.” and as 2007 drags its gnarled feet forward we have a feeling it, too, will feature some really 6 “Find the Agrus Apocraphex” Hint: Pretentious hidden message pitiful entries into this style. Fearing that our written backwards along bottom of liner notes readership might not recognize the warning ell, it’ll be a miracle.” signs by the lyrics on said albums, we figured 7 “Jesus Christ, that’s a pretty face/The kind you’d find on someone I we’d give you a refresher course in the worst, could save/If they don’t put me away/W o be my bait.” lamest and/or most complacent Emo lyrics to pop up in the past Year. Try not to weep at the 8 “Let’s pretend that you love me/And be my bait/T sheer heart-wrenching misery of these lonely and pathetic sonnets of sappiness: 9 “Drink goodbye toashed all, allup theupon pain the and rocks/ fears/LooseI won’t be lips saved/ haveI won’tsunk this be saved.”ship, to a shallow grave/W e all just fade/It’s not

10 “You give it all/And sometimes fade away/You give it all/W

love/We’re not love/But I’m not perishing/Cause vengeance holds my hand.”

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