VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 FREE March 15, 2003

MOST ROCK CONTENT IN THE TRIANGLE!!!

WHAT’S INSIDE: THE WHITE STRIPES Getting Big With Elephant

SOLEDAD BROTHERS: PREACHING THE BLUES AT EVERYBODY’S PICKING UP THE CRUTCH! GO! ROOM FOUR THE DATSUNS An Open Apology From Brian Howe in Regards to Zwan THE KILLS MR. AIRPLANE MAN THE OSCARS

CLASSIC REVIEW: AN ARBITRARY GANG OF FOUR - ENTERTAINMENT! PREVIEW

KASEY CHAMBERS LIVE IN CHICAGO 13 Conversations About One Thing FEAR AND LOATHING The best overlooked IN NEVERLAND “independent” film of 2002 a look at the media, our society, and Michael Jackson How to Watch a Movie Observe.

Think.

Speak.

THE CRUTCH Act.

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CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The White Stripes 2 Can you hear the clickety-clack of The Crutch swinging your way? It’s getting closer, but it’s louder because it’s bigger – it’s closer because it’s better. In just the third month, The Crutch The Datsuns 4 proudly boasts that it contains the most rock and roll content in the Triangle. The leading independ- The Kills 4 ent newspapers and magazines – weekly or bi-weekly – cannot compete with the rock coverage The Crutch is putting out. In April, we have plans to expand even further, to touch the eyes and ears and Gang of Four 5 souls of those who have yet to feel the truth. We are in the process of looking for advertising inter-

Mr. Airplane Man 5 est in hopes of reaching 5,000 issues on newsprint in April and hopefully even more readers than that – that is, if you kiddies can share a copy with each other. The Crutch is also looking to take Soledad Brothers 6 some of your bandwith, as it is now on the web at www.february4productions.com/crutch.html. The website will have all the reviews and writings featured in the printed issues, and will host many An Open Apology from 7 Brian Howe additional goodies, such as full transcriptions of interviews, pictures of live shows, links to related websites and other informative publications, and basically, more information on everything. Kasey Chambers 8 This month, I have the pleasure of introducing two more talented writers to the strength of The A Look Ahead in Music 8 Crutch. Brian Howe is a freelance writer out of Chapel Hill, who has written for the late, great Fear and Loathing in 9 Spectator, and continues to write for Sup Magazine. I very much appreciate his contributions and I Neverland hope you will do the same. Juan Marquez is a freelance writer, based out of Chicago, and is an expert on everything you haven’t heard about. Seriously though, Juan’s extensive knowledge in the 13 Conversations About 10 One Thing deepest and darkest areas of rock history is shocking and I look forward to future contributions in the field of retro reviews. Returning again this month is Let Them Eat Lead’s Max Fuller, who has Oscar Preview 11 been extremely supportive and helpful with many aspects of The Crutch. His publication should not be missed, so I must encourage you to email him, or me, or go to the website to find out how A Look Ahead in Film 11 you can obtain this fantastic collection of essays on music. Also returning is Dave Datillo - another

How to Watch a Movie 12 writer out of Chicago, who gives us a taste of Kasey Chambers this month and will continue to explore one of rock and roll’s primary roots for The Crutch in the months to come. Opine in the Open 13 Again, thank you to all the contributors and many thanks to the readers – keep reading, keep talking Back Page Potpourri 13 – keep the information swirling and the truth constant.

- Chad Cheatham Publisher/Editor/Writer Content Contributions:

Dave Datillo: [email protected]

Max Fuller: [email protected]

Brian Howe: [email protected] Get your own Crutch t-shirt - they’re all the rage and only cost $10 a piece! They’re Copyright by February Fruit of the Loom Best (50/50), so they don’t shrink. Sizes: S,L,XL. Send an email to 4 Productions. All rights Juan Marquez: [email protected] for payment instructions. reserved. Materials may [email protected] not be used or reproduced Chad Cheatham: without expressed written [email protected] consent. Everything contained on our pages Other Contributions: reflects our criteria regard- Production: ing pertinent information, George Kaplan but we do not claim Vicki Star responsibility for the Brooksy Rick opinions or facts published herein. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 2 INNOCENCE AND POWER - SNAP OR PRODUCE? The White Stripes - Elephant (V2) by: Chad Cheatham

The average person couldn’t possibly relate to coming out at the end of this month (moved up a exactly what they’ve been accomplishing all an artist making a P.T. Barnum, attention- week due to internet leaks), Elephant will end along. grabbing explosion onto a mainstream platform. up being their shield – not only from the spot- Hell, most musicians couldn’t connect with the lights of stardom, but from critics. With this “Black Math” runs through a memorable, rolling feelings, pressures, and utter bullshit that comes album, The White Stripes will be able to stand rock lick, intersected with a punkish delivery, with being in a mainstream media hump fest, up with tomato on their faces, split down the middle by where camera bulbs are the sun, and the claws wiping off the previous shit Ron Asheton (Stooges) and teeth of hyenas surround, waiting for you to slinging with one shy smile guitars. Maybe I’ll put my drop. Some have to take a Route 66 journey, and one fuck you stare, calling love on ice, a reoccurring some are caught as they leave their driveways, out anyone who dares to say line in “Black Math,” is the and some never make it at all. For those who that with Elephant, they beginning of the main do, life changes – money takes over, gloss haven’t progressed, refined, theme of the album. While shows in the mirrors, relationships die, and a experimented, or succeeded. Elephant briefly addresses constant octopus struggle between integrity, the gossip circus, the major pride, finance, and anything else you can possi- Elephant starts with their first theme is the circular jour- bly imagine, drives you to either snap or single, “Seven Nation Army,” ney of love – in this case, produce. which introduces everyone to neglected, ignored, lost, and a bassline out of a mid-80’s forgotten love – even mov- The White Stripes have been on a fairly short rap song, thanks to what they ing on to find solace and journey in the past six years. They’ve gone call an octave guitar (a regular comfort in the sexual from an idea, to hometown darlings, to MTV, guitar laced with a bass string). You can’t help excitement a new partner brings along. The and now they battle with the entire lot. Their but to expect something different with this thud- theme is an extension of the type of feelings last album, the 2001 critical gem White Blood ding bass as Meg’s drums slam through the displayed in White Blood Cells songs such as, Cells, waltzed the Stripes into the mainstream barricade, walking briskly, tall, and determined “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” and “I’m and after three records under their red and white to make you move. I’m going to fight them off/a Finding it Harder to be a Gentleman,” and in belts, many critics were wondering how much Seven Nation Army couldn’t hold me fact, there are obvious sequels to these two additional material could a two-piece band put back/they’re going to rip it off/taking their time songs, containing undeniable similarities in out without having a bassist. Just after the right behind my back...and the mission coming chord progression and lyric. White Blood Cells release in July of 2001, The from my eyes says leave it alone. The media Stripes went over to the UK and played an infa- dug up everything there is to excavate on this Where “Dead Leaves” left off, “There’s No mous Peel Session that not only caused London peppermint twist and in late 20th Century fash- Home For You Here” takes over, continuing the to perk its ears at full attention and eventual ion, reported it all – revealing the ambiguous story. Most of the song is delivered in the style frenzy, but John Peel, the man himself, went on personal lives of The Stripes – brother, sister, of Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth” with simple record to say Jack and Meg White were the most husband, wife, aliens, robots, whathaveyou. “Dead Leaves” chords and keyboard to back and exciting thing he’s seen since Jimi Hendrix. Jack White, the apparent spokesperson of the fill in the gaps, but it’s all interrupted by one of This was a bold statement, and possibly unde- two, brushed off as much as he could when the most intriguing musical rock moments I’ve served and premature, but it shows what kind of questioned, leaving their music to be judged heard in a while, foreshadowed by an opening impact this group had in its arsenal. instead of the personal lives of the band. choir of Jack Whites. Following the second verse, in which Jack White sings, I’m only wait- In their first three efforts, The White Stripes Outside the actual musical aspect, rock and roll ing for the proper time to tell you that it’s im- covered some vast ground, playing around with is myth and show business – bottle and shake it possible to get along with you...fortunately I raw Robert Johnson and Son up, and you have a sell- have come across an answer which is go away House Delta blues, Gories ing point – you have and do not leave a trace, the Jack choir enters and Oblivians crossed with “one extended note screaming in the attention. Like one of with “AHHHH!” – like tortured angels under a Sabbath and Zeppelin rock, background - hanging beautifully like his heroes, Orson pile of brown leaves, discharged by White’s and 20’s era simplistic Welles, White avoids the guitar – one extended note screaming in the melodies that hold hands tree branches iced over, sparkling in repetitive negative background – hanging beautifully like tree with McCartney pop. clouds and thrives on the branches iced over, sparkling in the sun. After Apparently, this wasn’t the sun.” positive rays – don’t the layered chorus, there’s no home for you here enough for many critics, want to hear about girl go away/there’s no home for you here, the whose two red flags were that The Stripes’ it/every single one’s got a story to tell/everyone guitar snaps off the tree and shatters all over the breakthrough Blood Cells was missing that bass knows about it/from the Queen of England to the ground with a brief crying solo. By the end, and a theme to staple it together. Like inspired Hounds of Hell/and if I catch you comin’ back he’s left alone, surrounded only by another choir Enlightenment artists, The White Stripes my way, I’m going to sell it to you. The message of his own voice. answered the call, slammed down the receiver, is clear - put out the music and let it all fall – and sauntered into the studio (in London), into place, into pieces – it doesn’t matter be- The one cover on the album was actually reportedly spending a mere $10,000 to create cause if it’s something to be heard, to be remem- recorded in 2001 at a Lamacq Session in their fourth release, Elephant, for their new bered, someone will put it on a wall for every- London, but it’s not just tossed in to fill a void label, V2. This album has been finished for a one to see anyway. Just focus on the mission on the album - it’s there to expand and coincide good number of months and there has been and leave the rest alone – that’s what the Stripes with the theme. “I Just Don’t Know What to do plenty of buzz going on since then, but finally claim they’ll do in their war cry starter and it’s With Myself” – Burt Bacharach’s song VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 3 about loneliness and the pain of not being with Third Man girl/but it’s a fact that I’m your sev- departing for her solo line, I love Jack White like something familiar fits round block with round enth son. Third Man is a reference to the 1949 a little brother. It goes back and forth, kidding, hole in White’s tormented sorrow, and is won- Carol Reed classic film, starring Joseph Cotton teasing, and even Golightly asking Meg for love derfully contradicted by the other side’s story in and, of course, Orson Welles. White once advice concerning Jack. I don’t think it’ll be a “Cold, Cold Night,” where Meg White takes the owned an upholstery shop called Third Man single, but it’s catchy and is a decent little mic in a drumless hollow and chillingly simplis- Upholstery, his studio bears the same referred country porch song, comparable to “Hotel tic song of hubris, backfilled by Wimple name, Third Man Studios, and other musicians Yorba.” Winch’s climbing ladder guitar from “Save My have referred to him in their liner notes as the Soul.” Meg’s vocals aren’t going to be touted Third Man. Many would think “seventh son” When asked about the title of the album, Jack by everyone as astounding, but they’re certainly refers to the Willie Dixon song, but it actually White explained that an elephant contains two not bad and add a great dynamic to the Stripes’ relates to Jack White’s place among his 10 sib- traits The White Stripes personify: innocence sound, just as it has in their live versions of lings. Either way, the content of the following and power. The album is about lost innocence Loretta Lynn’s “Rated X,” in which Jack would verses tell of a man wanting to take part in a and is not only powerful, but the most potent step aside and allow Meg the attention of the pleasurable romp – like Miss Molly, looking to beast I’ve laid my ears upon since their young boys howling adoration from the crowd. ball. White had once claimed he didn’t have the attempted cure for rock, White Blood Cells. It also may not be as immediately appealing as confidence to sing such lyrics, referring to a few They have received an abundance of attention in the change-up of “There is an End” by The lines in their cover of a McTell medley called, the last year and a half, but Elephant is sure to Greenhornes, who have Holly Golightly singing “Lord, Send Me an Angel,” but maybe fame has bring it to another level. The Stripes bring back lead (who shows up later on Elephant), but given this Detroit boy enough nerve to take from the bare-boned Delta blues, their own brand of “Cold, Cold Night” gives the refreshing female his onstage persona and the ability to pull it off punk pop, the flushed starkness of country and perspective, which is rarely heard from in the without causing anyone to blink an eye. It’s not folk, and their Excalibur rock, consisting of dirty middle of a rock and roll, boy-loses-love album. quite as exciting as the live version, but it does cumulus guitars and simple, but undeniably fine as a studio track, just as Hendrix’s “Voodoo effective drumming. Yes, they maintain their The second sequel – the second coming of “I’m Child” did. The guitar is cleaner on record, but recognizable Stripes sound, but they move on, Finding it Harder to be a Gentlemen” plays it still bends and abuses strings to the breaking experimenting with the elements of female through a Faces influenced, “I Want to be the point during death-chugging solos – the type vocals, octave bass, and more despairingly Boy” – torn by a thorn bush of similar keyboard- that got White booted from playing lead guitar heavy lyrics. Most of all, the mission they had ing and a light slide guitar. Inside, White tells in his short stint with Detroit’s The Go. their eyes focused on is completed. Their shield us that the plan of love had failed – what he may be dented by the end of this year, but The wanted didn’t work out. This is explained The other highlight of the second half is “Little White Stripes will be untouched – now able to further in the bass-driven thumping romp of Acorns,” which begins with a little motivational deal with the ever-changing surroundings and “The Hardest Button to Button” and is also story by a news correspondent, Mort Crim, who ever-hungry media. They didn’t snap under the echoed in the most intimate song on the album, does the evening news for NBC in Detroit. The pressure, but they did produce what looks to be “You’ve Got Her in Your Pocket.” “Pocket” is story is about a woman named Janet who got the best album of 2003 thus far, and possibly the a pure acoustic mirror-talking, self-advising tune divorced, lost her father, and her job – all in a best of the year overall. *** that swallows you whole, and from within you very short period, one after another. Janet was can hear the intentions of a naïve boy/man who able to remedy her problems by taking them on Rating: 9.5 thought he knew how to handle a woman – by one at a time – something she learned from Track Picks: Seven Nation Army, You’ve Got using the ruse of fun to cover the problems, as watching a squirrel gather acorns for the winter. Her in Your Pocket, Ball and Biscuit, Little well as pretending to play the dominant figure in “Little Acorns” builds on this story as White Acorns the relationship, but in reality it’s like White sings, be like the squirrel, girl. On The White says, in your mind you know you’re lucky just to Stripes’ second album, De Stijl, there’s a song, know her. After pushing too hard for too long, “Apple Blossom,” in which White tells his girl WANTED: she’s going to finally leave – now it’s despera- he’ll rescue her from her problems – put your WRITERS/JOURNALISTS tion – keep her in a safe and lock it – but, it’s troubles in a little pile and I will sort them out too late. for you. “Acorns” is the exact opposite, telling The Crutch is still searching for more writers - the girl to battle those problems herself – it writers with unique voices and the desire to It’s over – it’s buried under the dirty ground – shows more maturity – more cynicism – more cause a ripple in the blandness of mainstream time to move on to another hen. realism towards relationships and women. media. Musically, it slides down a harsh railing of In the second half of the album, we see a depar- guitar, screaming as its punched by Meg’s You do not have to be an expert, nor do you ture – an acceptance of and the freedom that stomping – it casts a gloomy shadow over the have to have extensive experience. Students, comes with a break up, as well as the rebirth happiness of everything that has come before it amateurs, musicians, whomever - pick up a pen after death. The resurrection begins with “Ball – all prominently paraded in White’s haunting, and write something - let your voice be heard and Biscuit” – a dauntless blues tale with a riff Buddy Holly-style chirping “ohs.” and inform somebody of what’s going on in that that clicks and struts like a prize rooster. The head of yours. Tell everyone about something White Stripes have known aspirations to reach Arriving at the final track, we find more female they should know about. Don’t be shy. what they call their “Candy Cane Children,” but influence – a triangle monkey-bars tune, “It’s there’s nothing childish about “Ball and Biscuit” True That We Love One Another,” featuring We do not pay for submissions, but that may and parental guidance is suggested for explana- Holly Golightly dueling it out with Jack White, change very soon, so get to us while you can. tion. The lyrics are partially lewd and carry with Meg in the middle – similar to The Jesus more blues browbeat than anything they’ve and Mary Chain’s “Sometimes, Always,” featur- You can send your IDEAS for submissions to covered before on their LPs, closing in on the ing Hope Sandoval. This Stripes song deals this email: confident wailings of one of their blues influ- with gossip again, creating a nice bookend to the [email protected] ences, Blind Willie McTell. He starts with a entire album. It starts with all three singing, it’s play on words, it’s quite possible that I’m your true that we love one another, with Golightly We look forward to hearing from you. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 4 THE DATSUNS - THE DATSUNS (V2) by: Brian Howe

Once upon a time in a faraway land (Waikato, New Zealand to be exact), four young lads dreamed of marry- ing punk fury to supersized arena rock spectacle, two great tastes that reek of the 1970s. But would they taste great together? In their quest to find out, the lads would all change their last name to "Datsun," just like their heroes, The Ramones. They would grow out their hair like Dazed and Confused extras. They would wear nothing but the tightest of clothing, and when playing live, they would stretch out their songs past the point of all reason, with plenty of breaks where the singer could chat with the audience before a dramatic re-entry that would culminate in an orgiastic crescendo of guitar solos and flashing lights. And lo, all this came to pass.

The Datsuns' self-titled debut renders track-by-track analysis pointless, as each is basically a solution of punk and 70s cock rock with a slightly different mixture ratio. The first track "Sittin' Pretty," is straight up cock rock, while the second (my favorite) "MF From Hell" is more punk inflected. There's little variation over the rest of the ten tracks, though in this style of music, variation is less the point than locking on to a nasty groove and riding it into infinity. "In Love" and "You Build Me Up (To Bring Me Down)," with their swaggering riffs and oversexed vocals, nod to one of The Datsuns' most obvious influences, AC/DC. The music is competently played throughout; the guitars are clean but cutting and the rhythm section is solid. One point of interest regarding the vocals is that the singer sounds remarkably like the one from criminally underplayed Welsh band McLusky, especially when he gets all yelpy and shrill.

Also included is a three-song live DVD, featuring "MF From Hell", "Freeze Sucker" and "Fink for the Man", filmed at the Astoria in London last year. If there was any doubt before, the DVD is confirmation: The Datsuns are deadly serious about this arena rock shtick. Manic guitar solos burst and blossom, three-minute songs are extended to ten, the singer repeatedly breaks the momentum to exhort the audience to clap their hands above their heads. Thrilled but slightly self-conscious young Brits crowd surf and charge the stage, where they are buffeted back by beefy security goons. It's so '77, which leads into what I see as the problem with this sort of revivalism in our fad-mongering musical climate.

This is nothing against the Datsuns, who play exactly the sort of music they love (and play it well), but what I'd worry about with this record is longev- ity. If you're a legitimate rock dude then you'll probably be all right, but this is to all you indie kids who scorned this kind of music but suddenly love it because it's hot. I like a good stiff over-hyped "rock revival" as much as the next guy. But why is it suddenly cool to listen to bands that sound like Bad Company? Why is it that something we reviled the first time around (and indeed, it's weird that indie music is beginning to ape exactly the sort of inaccessible arena rock it was created to countermand) is now the living end because young dudes are ironically playing and listening to it? What's next? Will it soon be cool to rip off Kansas and Gordon Lightfoot? Look, let's not shit ourselves. I listen to Pavement, all right? I like French Kiss Records style art-punk. It's not like I'm busting out my Bad Company LPs between listening to Watery, Domestic and The Cat and the Cobra. While this is fun for now, I can't imagine I'll be listening to it next year. Why would you listen to a band that sounds exactly like Thin Lizzy when you'd never be caught dead listening to Thin Lizzy themselves? It doesn't make any sense. Please, I can't bear go to one more Swedish garage rock show and see some cat who I know likes fucking Rainer Maria bobbing his head with that ironic "Ooh, I'm slumming in the proletariat rock ghetto and loving it!" smile plastered across his mug. I wasn't weaned on this music and I'm not going to pretend I was, but if I go see it live I'm going to rock out hard. Either like the music earnestly or stay home. *** Rating: N/R

Brian Howe is a freelance writer based in Chapel Hill.

Watch for the live review and interview with The Datsuns in the April issue.

sary. Most prominent is the record-skipping ately refreshing as it swirls with the guitar and THE KILLS repetition of the guitar licks – couple-chord vocals, all of which fling The Kills into the simple Keep On Your Mean Side (Rough Trade) simple, making a jump here and there, but blues-based chord progression of a Chuck Berry, by: Chad Cheatham bouncing right back into the groove of the tossed around a tumbling dryer with a bit of damp scratch. This is represented on almost three pop. With the excitement quarters of the album and does wear on you after created by The Kills’ a while if you’re really listening to it and not As much as they sound like incarnates of the Black Rooster EP, I had just cleaning the house while it’s playing. Velvet Underground on this album, and though some expectations for the album focuses solely on sex and drugs in its their full-length release, The album contains a few of the Black Rooster lyrics, The Kills manage to clear a place for them- Keep on Your Mean tracks, including “Cat Claw,” “Black Rooster,” selves to eat up some attention. They’re touring Side. The duo, Alison and “Wait” – the latter two being the yellow with the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s this spring and should Mosshart, known as standouts and the starting point for the strong be coming to a small venue near you. In the VV, and her male backstretch and final leg of Keep on Your Mean meantime, this isn’t a bad pick up. *** musical companion, Jamie Hince, who goes by Side. Though the reoccurring guitar strums are Hotel, formed a couple years ago and do their present towards the end, The Kills do manage to Rating: 8 take on a modernized Velvet Underground with jumble the tempo, timbre, and instrumentation – their debut feature. VV doesn’t copy Nico, but electric to acoustic and back again - to help PLEASE visit The Crutch does have a Patti Smith delivery that tickles bring some diversity to the album. your ear with sexual texture and paints the website for more reviews, picture of a confident, chin-up woman who Their first single, “Fuck the People” is anthe- interviews, pictures, and refuses not to be heard. Behind, in front, and matic and has a bass-less “Beautiful People” links to additional beside her is Hotel’s water-eroded-smooth Lou (Manson) running drumbeat pushing it forward. information: Reed vocals, accenting and silent when neces- It also brings in a harmonica, which is immedi- www.february4productions.com/crutch.html VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 5

fusion to even greater and more abrasive RETRO REVIEW extremes. The unique sound of Go4 -- jagged Mr. Airplane Man rhythms, angular guitar, and off-kilter song structures, all of it comes together brilliantly on Moanin’ (Sympathy For the Record Industry) GANG OF FOUR Entertainment!. by: Chad Cheatham

The secret was that Gang Of Four was essen- ENTERTAINMENT! Named after a tially a funk band. One could easily grind away by: Juan Marquez Howlin’ Wolf song, on the dance floor to Go4's brand you can guess where of "Zombie Disco," oblivious to Critics, and music fans in general, Mr. Airplane Man’s the radical statements or the noise often throw around words like influences began. bombs going off around you. "seminal" and "important" to Listening to their Noticeable from the beginning on describe bands championed by latest effort, Moanin’, "Damaged Goods", Allen's bass few and heard by even less. recorded by the is practically the lead instrument. Quick! How many obscure infamous Jim Loose, melodic and absolutely records can you name and attrib- Diamond, with an dub-tastic, the bass is contrasted ute as an influence to everything arrangement of swanky blues and humming rock with Gill's harsh, spastic guitar after them? Kilimanjaro by The coughing up stick-to-your-ears tunes, you blasting out guitar squall like a Teardrop Explodes? U2 made a wouldn’t immediately guess that they’re a duo. downed power line. Burnham career out of ripping them off. Interpol sound Yes, another duo – shut up and love it. This two- supplies an irresistible backbeat and King dryly like Joy Division you say? Well, obviously you piece is different than most, in that they’ve been delivers his lines with a mixture of disgust and never heard of The Sound. Surely, The Rain- around longer than most and it’s made up of two contempt: Your kiss so sweet/Your sweat so coats are responsible for Kylie Minogue, right? dynamic women, telling you to take your bass sour. It has become a cliché. and preconceptions and stick’em. The heavy-

soled, buzzing guitar of Margaret Garrett The anchor Dave Allen and Hugo Burnham But what about those albums that truly are… scornfully shadows any doubts that women can provided, via their more accessible rhythms, was seminal? In our attempt to outdo one another play that Delta rock and Tara McManus taps the perfect counter-balance to the pointed and with the size of record collections, and thus with cool precision in the background, bringing dissonant noise created by Andy Gill. John King prove we are hipsters, something gets lost. The robust rhythm to her co-pilot’s genre-bending possessed a nervous and agitated sense of deliv- Raincoats did in fact create a good deal of blues guitar. ery that was perfectly suited to convey lines with wonderful music, but tracing Kylie back to them equal parts urgency and detachment. can be a bit of a stretch. In the compulsion to The title of their second release for Sympathy label every Rough Trade 7" as the bedrock of For the Record Industry is taken from Howlin’ The Gang Of Four were more cynical and modern music, we cheapen those few artists Wolf’s “Moanin’ For My Baby,” which they unflinching in their political observations than whose impact was seismic. We take away the manage to cover with a slightly lighter accent, their peers. In "5:45" (the time of the evening credibility of bands like Gang of Four. while oddly able to maintain that sandbag-dense news), King flatly states, How can I sit and eat style. In between covers (four others show up on my tea/With all the blood on the television, and Comprised of guitarist Andy Gill, bassist Dave the album), Mr. Airplane Man rubs asses with later, Watch new blood on the 18 inch screen/ Allen, drummer Hugo Burnham, and John King The Velvet Underground with “Somebody’s The corpse is the new personality. Slowly and on vocals, The Gang Of Four was formed in Baby” chugging nonchalantly through the riffs of effortlessly, the cool and solid beat becomes Leeds, England. Part of the much vaunted and “Run, Run, Run.” They also take the time to toy more insistent, demanding your attention, build- short-lived (circa 1977-1980) British Post-punk with some contemporary similarities to the likes ing in intensity to the final chorus, Guerilla war scene, which included such artist as Joy Divi- of Yeah Yeah Yeah’s “Rich” and The Kills struggle is the new entertainment!/Guerilla war sion, The Fall, Wire, The Slits, and Mekons. “Black Rooster,” not to mention flirting with struggle is the new entertainment!/Guerilla war Each owed something to the UK Punk revolu- their musical Boston pals, The Lyres. struggle is the new entertainment! The manic tion brought about by the Sex Pistols, but what sonic explosion that follows is thrilling. Gill distinguished these bands was that as soon as They end with “W*nderin’,” a Mazzy Star-ish never sounded so raw or impassioned and every they were inspired by the Pistols, they began to melancholic dreamscape of simplicity, with note is razor sharp. Everything is taken to it break away from the "punk sound," reaching Margaret singing in that longing petal-soft voice. most abrasive and chaotic extreme. Rather than into genres such as Dub, Glam-rock, R&B, It wraps up a decent spin – full of fresh ground a rallying cry, the final line, in contrast with the Krautrock (Joy Division borrowed from Neu! guitar as top soil, raking through some Delta frantic assault moments before, is steeped in and The Fall owe just as much to Can) and rock, along with vintage backbeats - done with a irony. An exhausted King regains composure oddly enough, Disco and dance music. canvass-tight delivery, pulled and painted over long enough to deliver the final proclamation: you like a groggy morning with the sun peaking Declare blood war on the bourgeois state. After an initial EP entitled Damaged Goods, through the shades. released in 78', Gang Of Four's debut LP, It was often said of Gang of Four's contemporar- Entertainment! was released the following year. Two women, two men, no bass, bass, black, ies, Wire, that within their music they had Covering everything from politics ("Not Great white – don’t think too much – just listen and suggested more, hinting at the possibilities Men"), sexual frustration ("Contract"), sheer enjoy. *** beyond punk. With all due respect to the admit- boredom ("Glass") and cheap consumerism tedly great Wire, the same can be said in equal ("Natural's Not In It"), Entertainment! would Rating: 8 measure of Gang Of Four. become a touchstone for many artists. Andy

Gill's semi-melodic, noise-scrape guitar would Watch out next month for a live review and be picked up by everyone from U2's The Edge Waves of feedback rise up in the opening moments of "Anthrax," the closing track of interview from the Mr. Airplane Man show to Fugazi. Legendary Art-terrorist, The Pop at King’s on March 11 Group, would take Gang Of Four's funk/punk Entertainment!. Burnham and Allen pound out a (Continued on pg. 8) VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 6

Brothers on occasion include Ko from Detroit’s The 27th was no different. SOLEDAD BROTHERS Ko and the Knockouts, Patrick Pantano from PREACHING THE BLUES The Dirtbombs, and Kevin Peyok from Wax- The Black Keys opened – another Ohio-based wings. You can even hear how a jam session band – a slide-guitar, slumming drum duo who AT GO! ROOM FOUR may sound while the tape is arbitrarily rolling by sound like a mix of blues session Hendrix and by: Chad Cheatham listening to the ends of “Michigan Line,” “.32 straight talkin’ Howlin’ Wolf – at least, on record Blues,” “Break’em On Down,” or the entire they do. Many in attendance came and were there What can you get for $7 these days? Four final track off of Steal Your Soul, “Good Fri- to see these two jam, but I couldn’t help but be gallons of gas, a pack of cigarettes in New York day.” Drums, flutes, whistling – just jamming less than impressed with their live set. Their first (if you’re lucky), or a movie rental with a bag of and having a good ol’ time. They plan to album, The Big Come Up, was a critic’s favorite Twizzlers? If you were at Go! Room Four in expand this further on their next release, bring- (including myself) – and their follow-up, Thick Carrboro, NC on February 27, seven bucks ing in a female touch in the form of a gospel Freakness on Fat Possum, is due out this month. would have gotten you a ticket (hand-stamp) to a singer out of Cincinnati. Hearing a few new songs live, I could tell that life-altering experience – an ass-shaking, foot- Patrick Carney’s drumming would be much more bruising rock and roll show that knocks the wind Following this blues root has had some adverse prominent on their upcoming release, but outside out of you and has the tenacity to get in your effects on the Brothers. Although on the fertile of Carney’s quality drumming, their overall face to ask if you want another gut shot. In the indie label, Estrus (run by former Mono Men’s, sound was quite flat. The guitar was CD thin and painfully pleasurable moment, you can’t help Dave Strider), the band has had a challenging the vocals seemed forced, lacking the Howlin’ but nod your head to the blues-rooted beat that is time getting their names and music out to the Wolf edge it had on the album. Lead singer, Dan known to weaken knees and revive the dead. public through the media. Upon returning to the Auerbach looked like he just stepped out of the Ladies and gents, I’m speaking of Johnny “The States from a trip to Europe, finally getting back local Pi Kappa house and the lack of enthusiasm Good Doctor” Walker (lead singer/guitarist), home to Toledo, they found that the newspapers took the stomp out of my anticipated feet, pulling Ben “The Sultan of Swat” Swank (percussion), wouldn’t bother to cover them even though they out a stool for me to sit down on. I was surprised and Oliver “Jack of All Trades, Master of None” were packing both a venue and an in-store, so many were enjoying themselves, and I tried Henry (sax, keyboards, guitar). I’m drinking a couple beers to go along talking about the Soledad Brothers. with their moods, but the Akron boys just didn’t do anything for me. When they first started out, the Soledad Brothers were comprised of After the Black Keys were finished two – Johnny Walker and Ben Swank. with their disappointing set, they Coming out of Toledo, they shot- dismantled and allowed the Soledad gunned themselves onto the Detroit Brothers to erect their magic show – scene in 1998 and shot first, asked all done in about five minutes flat, questions later with their first album, leaving enough time to go grab their self-titled, released on Estrus in 2000. final pre-stage drinks. Two years later, the duo went to trio with the addition of Oliver Henry – This gave me little time to reflect on who came over from Ohio comrades, the talk I had with them before the The Greenhornes. The change was night began, and I couldn’t help but effortless and the transition was think about the topic of the blues and Curtis Mayfield smooth – the boys our conversation about the people with say it was simply “natural.” Oliver quick tongues and closed minds who had been playing with the Soledad have given the history of young white Brothers for some time, lending a hand on their record store show in their old stomping grounds. guys covering the blues enough ambiguity to give first album and making a noticeable impact on They attribute the lack of attention everywhere reservations to anyone wanting to listen. “You their sophomore 2002 release, Steal Your Soul else to the fact that people aren’t aware of can tell people we’re a blues band, but it conjures and Dare Your Spirit to Move. The album what’s going on unless the big dog media outlets up so many negative images,” Oliver Henry said. shows the maturation in sound for the Brothers, shove it down the people’s collective throats. The negative images, to me, are people like going from a simpler drum and guitar setup to a But, like Buddhist monks, they hold no grudge Johnny Lang and I asked the Brothers if they felt full on, three-piece roar – adding keyboards and or contempt in their hearts for those who won’t they were giving more justice to the blues than horns, among other instruments and artists, to an pay or give attention. Publicistless, the band such fakes. They all had something to say on the already potent sound. says they rely on word-of-mouth publicity, play- subject and it was the most serious reaction I got ing over 150 shows in 2002 and maintaining a out of the interview – Walker went first, “I think Getting contributions from and playing with small base of loyal fans – and that’s how they so – I can hear the difference.” Henry came in, “I other musicians is a common occurrence. like it. Johnny explains, “I’d rather have some- think people make the mistake between color and Swank says they don’t want to limit themselves body appreciate us because they’re genuinely culture – there wouldn’t have been blues music if and that they enjoy continuing the improvisa- interested in our music anyway, not because Africans hadn’t come to America and played how tional, communal blues tradition of having other MTV told them to buy a record or Spin Maga- they played it with other influences tied in.” musicians sit in to play along in studio, at zine listed us as one of the bands to watch - I’d Walker re-enters, “No one ever told black folks shows, or just hanging out. Walker compares it much rather have someone buy our records when they were starting to play blues that they to a conversation – “I mean, would you want to because they know we cover Skip James, ya were playing white folks instruments.” And have the same conversation with the two people know?! As long as someone appreciates it.” finally, Mr. Swank, “That’s a pretty stupid worn all the time or would you want to have conversa- out fucking idea, too. I mean, how far has our tion with a whole bunch of different people?” There hasn’t been one person I’ve spoken to or society progressed when you say only black overheard or read who hasn’t appreciated the people can only play that kind of music? It’s like Some different people who have joined the Brothers after hearing them – especially live. saying that only women can cook and only men VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 7 can work jobs as far as I’m concerned – it’s a really stupid, fucking ignorant thing to say.” I An Open Apology to Anyone to couldn’t agree more and it’s the same annoyance in Swank’s voice that I feel when I read critics say these types of things – about white and black Whom I Recommended Zwan or the blues being “black” music. It’s in the soul by: Brian Howe and it derives from an upbringing, exposure, environment, and experience – it’s music that is Imagine, if you will, the nineties: a distant era not unlike our own, but with sillier hats. A time a...gut shot. Black or white, you can’t fake the when Billy Corgan was breaking teenaged hearts with his elfin sneer and his perfect blend of indie blues and there have been plenty of folks, white and arena rock, and Dave Pajo bid goodbye to the ground with the oft-imitated (but never dupli- and black who have tried to falsely manufacture cated) post-rock pioneers Slint. Now fast-forward a decade. Billy has gone through an awkward, it and have failed. cross-dressing electogoth phase (looking more and more like a Kewpie doll) and Pajo has burned his Indie Cred Membership Card (emblazoned with the insignias of Slint, Tortoise, Papa M, et al.) Watching these three cats walk up to the stage to join Zwan and play rehashed Pumpkins licks that Billy will probably just record over anyway. like the cool wind of John Lee Hooker’s voice, I One thing is clear: something has gone horribly awry. knew that they live the blues – they are rock and roll to the core. There’s no schtick when Walker It started with that damn video, "Honestly". "Oh God," I thought, "you must be joking. What the does a Chuck Berry crouch – he’s channeling fuck is that guitar effect, it sounds like my cheap-ass Zoom pedal run through one of those pocket him. There’s nothing fake about the blood on amps the Hare Krishna use . . . of course, it's good to see Jimmy Chamberlain back behind the kit . Ben Swank’s hands or the searing eyes that hide . . but Jesus, those generic 'modern rock' harmonies, right off the rack . . . but that line about behind his sweat-soaked bangs. Henry isn’t 'weathered storms' or whatever is kind of tingly . . . but this flying through space shit is absurd . . . kidding when he says his lips are tired from oh hell, I'm buying it." playing his axe, immediately coming back with “fuck it,” playing three more songs on the tenor And buy it I did. Not on purpose. I was at the mall for some Chik-Fil-A and existential dread, sax. The soul of blues lives in them – they just nothing untoward, and there it was, towering above me in the corporate record store display like happen to have white skin. the Sword of Damocles. I blacked out, and didn't even realize I'd bought it until I was back in the car, tearing the cellophane off with my teeth. They took no time tuning or bullshitting around – they got up there and played. They were When I first listened to Mary Star of the Sea, I was pleasantly surprised. I don't know, maybe it loose, but compact – churning out a few new was the particular slant of the sunlight that day, maybe it was nostalgia for decent radio rock, tunes like “Cage That Tiger,” exploding on their maybe I was stoned out of my gourd on household cleaning products. Any number of environ- known material, such as “Break’em On Down” mental factors could have contributed, but the point is that it sounded pretty good to me, despite and “Teenage Heartattack,” and nailing stunning (and maybe even because of) all the negative press I had read. But I liked it, and didn't hesitate to covers of “Preaching the Blues” (aka, “Up go out into the community and tell people so. People I respected, who perhaps once respected me, Jumped the Devil”) and “Goin’ Back to Mem- who perhaps will do so nevermore. For after repeated listening, Zwan's debut revealed itself for phis.” It was Henry who paraphrased a friend what it was: a substandard collection of maudlin lyrics, bland riffs and Big Billy Ego Trippin'. I when he told me that there are two shows going regret this lapse in judgment, and feel the need to redress this injustice I committed upon the mu- on every night – “the show onstage with the sic-listening community. band and the show in the crowd – and it’s not truly a magical experience until both of those This, then, is my formal apology to anyone to whom I recommended Zwan, along with an offer happen at the same time.” Their energy comes that I hope will put things right. Anyone to whom I recommended Zwan (and to show the depth of from the audience – they steal the souls from my remorse, I'll extend the offer to anyone at all who bought the record) can send me your copy of anyone who’ll listen and play with an energy Zwan (via The Crutch), which I will replace with a burned copy of The Frogs' shock-folk master- that tops any one of their peers, including The piece My Daughter the Whore. You see, The Frogs are supposedly Billy's favorite band. These White Stripes. But as Henry added, “you (the mad geniuses from the fringe got their own section on the Pumpkins' Vieuphoria DVD, and one of audience) are only going to get out of it what them played keyboards on Pumpkins tours after their keyboard player overdosed. But if you choose you put into it – same is said for the musicians.” to take advantage of this offer, be warned: the Frogs, while brilliant if you recognize the tongue-in- cheek nature of their songs, are not for the faint of heart, the PC of sensibility, or for any creature When it was all done, the crowd at Go! was with basic human decency. soulless – in awe and coming down with Soledad fever – blood running hot, steaming If you receive your copy of My Daughter the Whore and find it offensive, The Crutch cannot be into the cool streets of Carrboro as they trudged held responsible for hurt feelings or offended morals. You've been duly warned. But if you get it, out the doors, not sure where to go or what to do you'll see exactly why Zwan is such a travesty: if Billy really is into this stuff, he has layers of with the lasting memory of that $7 show. creativity and a head for the seamy underbelly of the human condition that is going to waste while They’ll have the ink on their hands to remind he pumps out bland radio rock. If you take advantage of this offer, include your return address and them and I bet if you see someone who was in a note that explains your feelings on Zwan and we'll send them back to the record label (Reprise) to attendance, you’ll notice that they haven’t let them know how we feel (although we won't tell them about the burned Frogs CD giveaway, lest washed it away – it’s still there and they will they try to drag us into their arena, the seedy world of Copyright Infringement). We'll document surely talk at passionate length of their experi- the results of the process, and the satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) of all the parties involved, hope- ence if asked. No need to ask me though – I fully in the next issue of The Crutch. I pray that this will bring closure to an unpleasant affair, and can’t contain it. Word-of-mouth – from me to that we can put this shameful chapter of history behind us. *** you. *** *Note: The Crutch takes no responsibility for this offer - please contact Brian Howe with all questions and Read the full transcribed interview and see pictures from this queries. show on The Crutch’s website: www.february4productions.com/crutch.html

Thanks to Dave Strider and Estrus Records and, of course Johnny, Ben, and Oliver for making this interview possible. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 8

Entertainment! (Continued from pg. 5) A LOOK AHEAD IN MUSIC seductive and propulsive rhythm, unfazed as feedback flows in and out of the mix. King Releases: begins to compare falling in love with disease: Love will get you like a case of Anthrax/And March 18: thats something I don't want to catch. Barely The Black Lips - The Black Lips controlled, like salt in a wound, Gill lays down The Libertines - Up the Bracket [US] sheets of pure noise. In tandem a monotone Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Pig Lib voice over explains how Gang of Four feels The Pretty Things - SF Sorrow [reissue] about love songs: Love crops up quite a lot as Raveonettes - Whip On It something to sing about. Most groups make Sorry About Dresden - Let it Rest most of their songs about falling in love. Occa- The New York Dolls - Best of NY Dolls sionally you wonder why these groups do sing THE LIVE DEAL ON about it all the time... The beat is relentless, March 25: hammering every word with greater force. Be- KASEY CHAMBERS ...Trail of Dead - Secret of Elena’s Tomb fore the chorus kicks in - Gill's guitar drops out, by: Dave Datillo The D4 - 6Twenty King's voice fades, and the groove is gone. George Thorogood - Ride Till I Die Only the drums are left, beating away, unsym- Not since the Carter family wooed country fans The Who - Who’s Next [reissue w/bonus tracks] pathetic and indifferent. The song rattles to its way back when with their harmonious melodies Ryan Adams - Love is Hell bitter conclusion. Entertainment! has ended. has there been a family affair worth breaking You're left blind-sided. out the ten-gallon hat and chaps for. Alright, April 1: maybe not the chaps, but fans of the ever-fading The White Stripes - Elephant Gang Of Four's follow ups, Solid Gold and lines between country and pop can rest assured The Kills - Keep on Your Mean Side Songs Of the Free, released in 1980 & 1981 that the Chambers clan is an act worth seeing. The Jayhawks - Rainy Day Music (respectively), never matched the impact of On February 18, Kasey Chambers arrived at the I Am Trying to Break Your Heart DVD [Wilco doc] their debut. Cleaner and more controlled, Solid Park West in Chicago, beast-taming voice in Gold (recently reissued along with the 1983 LP, tow. Lullabies and melodies yearning for home April 8: Hard) would bring the R&B and Funk that was dominated the set. Chambers, a native Austra- The Black Keys - Thick Freakness the bed Entertainment! rode on to forefront. lian, brought along her guitar-playing father, Yo La Tengo - Summer Sun Andy Gill's frantic guitar was blunted slightly Bill, her brother Nash who produced Kasey's but the stinging wit of Gang Of Four remained. two LP's (The Captain; Barricades and Brick- April 15: Sometime between Solid Gold and Songs Of walls), and of course her mother, bass-playing Yeah Yeah Yeah’s - Fever to Tell Free, bassist Dave Allen quit the band and was extraordinaire and merchandiser (she worked replaced by Sara Lee for Songs Of the Free. the CD and shirt stand up front). LIVE: While not a far stretch from Solid Gold, and in its own right an excellent funk/disco/new-wave The somber mood generated by the two opening Go! Room Four: album, Songs Of the Free was light-years from acts was quickly heightened once Kasey took the debut and minus Allen, the dynamics of the 3/22 - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists the stage with her bandmates. People who had 3/25 - Fin Fang Foom original lineup were lost. mysteriously camped out on the floor in front of 4/3 - Little Axe [members of June 44 and Sweep the Leg the stage at the Park West for the opening acts Johnny] Entertainment! remains one of the best and were jolted to their feet suddenly as Kasey 4/4 - Trailer Bride most far-reaching records of its time. Whether it humbly greeted the crowd in a high-pitched be the spiked funk of Brooklyn's Liars who took Southern drawl, strange coming from an Aus- King’s: its rhythms and lit a gasoline fire beneath them, tralian, but dismissed when the songs began. A 3/20 - Bob Log III; Drunk Horse; Bebe Serge or the deafening noise guitar assault of Mission number of tracks off the first two albums pep- 3/29 - Immortal Lee County Killers II Of Burma, Entertainment! is, by far, the most pered the set list with a live audio experience potent music Gang Of Four ever recorded and superior to the recorded versions. Kasey herself Cat’s Cradle: continues to be subversive, engaging your brain personifies that rare artist who sounds better 3/19 - The Datsuns; The Sights and forcing you to shake your ass with every live than mixed and overdubbed on a recorded 3/21 - Cat Power listen. *** production. Through "Barricades and Brick- 4/2 - KRS One walls", the self-deprecating "Pretty Enough", 4/5 - Hi Mom! Film Festival Rating: Classic the defiant "We're All Gonna Die Someday", 4/7 - Yeah Yeah Yeah’s; The Kills; Ex-Models and the soft tear-jerking "Nullarbor Song", 4/10 - The D4; Electric Six Juan Marquez is a freelance writer based in Chicago. Chambers amazed audience members; like the 4/12 - Spoon

sirens in O Brother Where Art Thou? and that 4/15 - Ben Kweller; Kings of Leon T-bone who tempts Spike in the Tom and Jerry cartoons, her voice became seduction itself as it resonated through the halls and damn near *All release and event dates are subject to change with- hypnotized the lot. Aside from the flowering out my knowledge and control. Please contact record "thank you"s, Kasey imposed on the audience labels, distribution companies, and venues for up-to-date after every song, which, I must admit, was the information. only downfall of the show, the concert brought a much-needed taste of Kasey Chambers to the Midwest. ***

Dave Datillo is a freelance writer based in Chicago. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 9

individual, yet in the case of Mr. Jackson, it seems a very relevant point, and it shouldn't be. FEAR AND LOATHING in Neverland by: Max Fuller The reports honing in on Jackson's personal appearance are detrimental to society's progress Michael Jackson is either the most optimistic going to raise children that turn out to shoot up a as a whole, and condones discrimination against human being on the planet, or he truly appreci- highschool. I levy a finger at every parent who physical appearance. I'm not advocating censor- ates and feels that he benefits from the windfall had a child enrolled in Columbine. The children ship, but certainly a higher moral standard of publicity he is responsible for bringing upon who lifted those gun muzzles were the product should be employed amongst most journalists. himself. of an emotionally hazardous environment... an Unfortunately, the intellectual fiber of the men environment that was most likely populated by in the newsroom is caked with blackened decay, Over the last few weeks, various television net- cruel and irresponsible children who ultimately and they've disregarded their social responsibili- works have hosted a feud, pitting the media reaped the benefits of their behavior. ties in favor of ratings boosts. They are singling against the popstar - a back and forth battle that him out for ratings purposes. Besides, why is has carried all the dignity of a highscool note- Indeed, Jackson is probably Michael Jackson's face relevant passing session. Even Oprah Winfrey has more responsible a parent than “We've had it to the nation? We're closer to thrown her gloves into the ring with some most Americans. nuclear war than we have been remarkably anti-Michael rhetoric. Fox, most drummed into our in decades, and we're honestly recently has entered the fray, lending its classy Granted, Jackson isn't the head from an early debating Michael Jackson's production values to Jackson's rebuttal. Because picture of normalcy, but I plastic surgery? when we think "credibility" no other network honestly don't think that if I age that skin color screams it like Fox. had even HALF the money isn't supposed to Value of the topic aside, if I he's seen that I would be had Jackon's money, I can't However, the Fox special provided some inter- normal either. Most likely, I'd affect our opinion of begin to imagine where I'd start esting insights into the Bashir report that set the be strolling down the sidewalk the value of an with my body. Most of Amer- whole war off, which ultimately presented Jack- in superfly fur coats and ica has body issues, and if they son in a positive light. Jackon, however, needs Sammy Davis, Jr's glass eye individual, yet in the had the means, we'd most likely to realize, that no matter what he does, he will on my pinky ring, accompa- case of Mr. Jackson, it be living amongst a nation of always be scrutinized, no matter how positive nied by John Waters and Blixa Bettie Pages and Pamela the deed. The naivety of the public will defeat Bargeld and an entourage of seems a very relevant Andersons. Again, plastic whatever the man does, as they seem unable to pink monkey bird suits. If I point, and it surgery is a lucrative practice, grasp exactly what might motivate the hideous had Jackson's money, I can which a lot of Americans allegations, which have dogged the pop star for honestly say that I would shouldn't be.” patronize. The public's fascina- the last decade. make Michael look like Ward tion with Michael Jackson is, at Cleaver. The truth is, most the core, the culmination of Is Jackson a child molester? I tend to think not. people are normal because they can't afford to society's class-based prejudice. Everybody It's easy to condemn the guy, but from a skep- be anything else, and they hate people like Jack- wants to be Michael Jackson. Everybody wants tic's point of view, manufacturing a story like son, because he reminds them of their own mild to sing and dance for a living. Everybody wants this might cost millions, it's already generated lives. to be rich. Everybody wants to have the adora- billions in revenue, and all at the expense of a tion of millions. Everybody wants to be happy man, who, essentially, is easy to dislike due to The beautiful thing about cash is that it provides with their own body. Everybody wants to be his arrogant posture, and several hyperbolic you the opportunity to buy into your eccentrici- able to live by their own rules and standards. media stunts. ties. The attack on Jackson's life choices is un- Everybody wishes they didn't have to face the American, and an affront to a constitution which responsibilities of adulthood. The bitter truth, I am struck by the man's sincerity when describ- permits an individual to live their life as they see however, is that the majority of people in this ing his innocence, and most of his defenses are fit without the interference or judgment of country can't, and the heart of their jealousy eats very logical. Most people's opinions on the case others. them alive from the inside out, and so they lash are weaned off choppy media presentations, out in pain. which are either heavily edited to suit their rat- For however insane people think Jackson is, ings agenda, or are flat out dishonest. most middle-Americans are easily ten times Speaking of national grief, Jackson needs to get more unbalanced, and lead private lives that are over this whole "lost childhood" nonsense. It's a I'd believe in God before I'd believe in televi- far less despicable than Jackson. At least a good modern fact that a healthy childhood is nearly a sion, personally. There's more to substantiate his deal of his existence is devoted to charity. He crypto zoological myth. I personally know very existence than there is to suggest that the media does more good for humanitarian causes than few people who had pleasant childhoods. Most has our best interests at heart. five hundred average Americans will do, accu- of the people I know suffered deranged abuse at mulatively, in their lifetimes. the hands of their parents - all of whom, ironi- As for the baby incident, big fucking deal. What cally enough, were the products of a so-called parent HASN'T endangered their child's lives or Regarding Michael's aesthetics, it's terrifying to sexually liberated and chemically liberal culture. health at some point during their infancy? Most see such emphasis placed on his appearance The same people who lash out at the Jacksons of people will sit on their hands and shake their from a society that only claims to denounce any the world out of frustration for their own medio- heads, but that's bullshit. Pediatrics wouldn't be sort of prejudice - this same society lines its cre results tend to take it out on their families such a bustling profession if parents were totally grocery check out stands with a common sensa- and their children, while dulling their pain in responsible. My own mother once left me on the tionalism concentrating on Michael's face, and laymen devices like alcohol, sex, and drugs. top of her car and drove off, forgetting where I the color of his skin. We've had it drummed into was. It wasn't a wanton effort to kill me. Be- our head from an early age that skin color isn't sides, I highly doubt that Michael, as a parent, is supposed to affect our opinion of the value of an (Continued on pg. 10) VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 10

who shuns happiness and can’t remember where Fear and Loathing (Continued from pg. 9) he put it over the years while filing all the insur- ance claims it took to get him where he finally is No one's childhood is bereft of trauma, and truth – divorced, cynical, and on the fence at work. be told, any child that's sheltered from grief As Troy tries to explain to Gene that his happi- tends to evolve into an abusive monster. Emo- ness is different than most – that he deserves his tional and physical pain should be a national happiness, Gene spills the most telling line of treasure. Keen insight into suffering tends to the film, “Fortune smiles at some and laughs at make a body more responsible and sensitive others.” Troy vows not to let Gene’s negativity when interacting with other sentient creatures. play damp underwear on his night, but Troy soon finds out exactly what the insurance man is If you had a horrible childhood, then accept it. talking about when, on the way home, he hits You had a childhood. It just wasn't everything 13 Conversations - someone with his BMW. In the midst of shock, you'd hoped it would be. In one of the queerest What’s the one thing?! dripping like the blood from the wound on his analogies I've ever made, there is a truth: child- forehead, Troy hops in his car and takes off – a hood is much like virginity. Sex ruins both, but by: Chad Cheatham hit and run. What follows is Troy’s utter once it's been done, both are gone, and you can't turmoil and despondency, dealing with the guilt really go back and reclaim either of them. What is the singular subject everybody is of his actions, but he chooses not to forget, conversing about in 13 Conversations About keeping true to his justice-seeking profession – There are a myriad of reasons to discuss Jack- One Thing? It could easily be explained as even going as far as to slice open his healing son, but I don't even think that he is a relevant happiness or the lack of happiness, but it’s not forehead in order to remind him of his own artist at this point, and certainly the reasons for as simple as that, even though the film is beauti- shameful action. which he is attacked are absolutely moronic. fied by its simplicity. It’s about cause and effect Jackson, the artist, has taken back seat to Jack- – the straightforward duality of life – as The film walks at a leisurely pace through the son the celebrity, and if we were all really pay- Newton’s Third Law states, “For every action, story, but it’s a pleasant stroll through psychol- ing attention, we'd realize that Jackson the artist there is an equal and opposite reaction.” ogy and the duality of nature. McConaughey’s doesn't even exist anymore.

expressions tell his story better than any Newton’s law may not fit perfectly – there may dialogue could have revealed. Arkin’s trade- Jackson has refused to evolve any further, per- not be equal reactions in this film, but there are mark mild aggravation and seriousness is haps out of fear. As a result, his music is stag- definite opposite effects to the characters’ appealing as always. Turturro and DuVall put in nant and dated. Yet strangely, he has continued actions. There are four main stories occurring great performances as well, and a complimen- to pull in critical acclaim for the same record and intertwining in 13 Conversations and how tary cast full of lesser-known actors supports all he's been writing over and over again since fitting that it begins on a college physics profes- of them. The writing of Karen and Jill Sprecher 1988. sor named Walker, played by John Turturro. sits firm in the wind of standards and formulaic Walker comes home, giving a silly, extended storytelling, the music is simple and touches Aside from his inability to substantiate his fame, excuse for his tardiness to his wife, Patricia your ears like feathers, and Stephen Mirrione’s or ego, or the fact that he is blatantly crushing (Amy Irving), who is standing by the window, editing is exceptionally creative, giving a strong his own laurels under his ass, Jackson is also, looking out as if lost. Windows and glass are a narrative without the use of voice over. undoubtedly a plagiarist. We're talking about the reoccurring motif in the film, dividing the char- color of a man's skin, when really, we should be acters from a world they don’t connect with or Lastly, the direction of Jill Sprecher makes me focusing on the several theft of mental property can’t relate to. Walker and Patricia sit down for feel like I’m watching a series of Edward suits he faced years ago. Every case was crushed dinner – same time every night – as Walker Hopper paintings come to life, arresting the under the weight of the public's romance with talks, with an obvious black eye, about a mug- disillusions and everyday sorrow of the every- his celebrity, unfortunately. However, if the ging he was a victim of and how he is going to day people in the story – people anyone could evidence was weighed out more attentively, the take the positive out of this negative incident. run into or know intimately without even realiz- public might have a legitimate reason to hate the He believes that this is a defining moment that ing it. This makes you think how your actions man. can begin to unravel his tightly wound life of affect other people’s lives – friends, lovers, routine and predictability. As he begins to spin strangers - and if you’ve lived any kind of life While I do not claim to know Jackson, as most out of this life, he causes a world of problems yourself, you know that with happiness comes journalists and celebrities do, I will say this: with his wife and also a student of his, and by sadness and all that’s in between. No matter the there is nothing more despicable than someone the end, he’s not sure whether he’s satisfied or action, there is a reaction, and so with a blink of who steals the art of another for their own bene- still searching. the eye, your bliss may become misery as fit. ***

“fortune smiles at some and laughs at others” – Searching for meaning is an avenue everyone whether you’re up or down, it’s the simplicity of Max Fuller is the publisher of Let Them Eat Lead, goes down in 13 Conversations – no more trav- life that holds us to this observation. *** from which this piece was excerpted. eled than by a young cleaning woman, Beatrice (Clea DuVall), who starts off as a sunray of Rating: 8.5 optimism, but takes a journey into a dark cavern of conflict after a violent accident. This is mirrored by Troy, an energetic prosecutor for the D.A.’s office, exceptionally portrayed by 13 Conversations About One Thing is out on Matthew McConaughey. Troy is first shown in video and DVD. Support your local businesses a bar, celebrating his latest courtroom victory - by visiting North American Video, Visart on top of the world before he runs into Alan Video, or other independent movie rental stores Arkin’s character, Gene, jockeying a barstool for this title. and staring at his shot and chaser of beer in silence. Gene is an insurance claims manager VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 11

Best Picture: Best Director: Rob Marshall (Chicago); Martin Chicago; Gangs of New York; The Hours; Lord Scorsese (Gangs of NY); Pedro Almodovar (Talk OSCARS of the Rings: The Two Towers; The Pianist to Her); Stephen Daldry (The Hours); Roman Left Out: Adaptation - not nominated, but Polanski (The Pianist) An Arbitrary Preview deserved Lord of the Rings’ spot. Winner: Roman Polanski: Though Scorsese Winner: The Pianist: The best movie of the probably deserves one by now, I don’t buy into by: Chad Cheatham year – it’s a fantastic piece of work by Polanski the I-Owe-You shit the Academy likes to do. – possibly the best Holocaust film ever, making Polanski created a piece on another level – barely Shindler’s List oddly look like a Hollywood, outdoing Daldry, but beats him having to deal 2002 was a fantastic year for Hollywood films – flick. It also contains one of the most striking with sensitive material – not to mention, or maybe it was just the lack of quality releases and beautiful moments I’ve ever witnessed on personally sensitive material. *** in the past few years that made this one stick screen – a tattered, worn, practically dead out. Or, it could have possibly been the fact that Adrien Brody playing the piano with perfect Academy Awards: March 23 at 8:30 ET on ABC there were a few remarkably made films last form with a blue backlight to frame. year that those few have made it seem like a prolific year. Eh – whatever the case was, we Best Actor: Jack Nicholson (About Schmidt); are a couple weeks from the Academy Awards. A LOOK AHEAD IN FILM Nicolas Cage (Adaptation); Daniel Day-Lewis Now, don’t get too excited because this award (Gangs of New York); Adrien Brody (The ceremony is horrific and has an unbelievably Pianist); Michael Caine (The Quiet American) IN THEATERS: tainted past, so it really doesn’t matter who wins 3/14 - Spun Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis: The best perform- – it’s all bullshit anyway. ance by any actor in almost 25 years. Day- 4/4 - Ripley’s Game

Lewis was Bill the Butcher and did what is 4/4 - The Good Thief Citizen Kane, which is widely considered one of rarely accomplished on the screen – he made the 4/4 - Levity America’s best and most influential films, was character literary. He gave him depth and 4/11 - Anger Management shunned, along with The Maltese Falcon, in dynamics that aren’t seen very often in film. He 4/11 - Stevie 1942 – not to mention, at the same time, Orson made the character breathe and leap from every Welles somehow being beat out by Sergeant scene. The walk, the talk, the eyes – his best AT MADSTONE: York himself, Gary Cooper. Let’s not forget work to date – surpassing his work in My Left 3/14 - Cidade de Deus (City of God) Stanley Kubrick, who the Academy passed up a Foot and Mohicans. 3/14 - Bowling For Columbine number of times – never winning for best direc- 3/14 - Rosemary’s Baby * tor or best picture – hell, 2001: A Space Odyssey 3/16 - An Affair to Remember * Best Actress: Renee Zellweger (Chicago); wasn’t even nominated! Of course, related to Julianne Moore (Far From Heaven); Salma 3/21 - Welcome to the Dollhouse * this year, we have Martin Scorsese – one of the Hayek (Frida); Nicole Kidman (The Hours); 3/21 - Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars* most talented directors, if not the most talented Diane Lane (Unfaithful) 3/28 - Buffalo 66 * of that 70’s bunch, has never won a best director 3/30 - Casablanca * Winner: Renee Zellweger: Unlike Diane Lane, Oscar and was victim to one of the most despi- who was nominated merely because she got into cable moments of Academy history when, not shape, Zellweger held her own singing, showed *All are special screenings - check Madstone only did he fail to be nominated for a director up Zeta-Jones dancing, and added timely humor listings for more details. spot for Taxi Driver in 1977, but the movie lost that hit the mark every time. This is a runaway the best picture nod to Rocky. In a related note, decision for me, even though Julianne Moore VIDEO/DVD: the screenplay for Taxi Driver, penned by Paul did a good job – Zellweger nailed the perform- 3/18 - 8 Mile Schrader failed to get a nomination even though ance and stood out in a movie full of talent. 3/18 - Welcome to Collinwood it is considered one of the most stunning pieces 3/25 - Straw Dogs of writing in the field of screen that has ever 4/1 - Far From Heaven Best Supporting Actor - Male: Chris Cooper been written. (Adaptation); Christopher Walken (Catch Me If 4/1 - The Truth About Charlie

You Can); John C. Reilly (Chicago); Ed Harris 4/1 - Secretary Which brings us to 2003’s Oscars. There were a (The Hours); Paul Newman (Road to Perdition) 4/1 - I Am Trying to Break Your Heart [Wilco doc.] couple films that didn’t deserve nominations, a 4/1 - West Side Story [Special Ed.] Winner: Chris Cooper: Tough one, but Cooper few actors who could have been replaced with was a scene-stealer – hard to do when you’re 4/8 - Things Behind the Sun others, but overall, it’s not a terrible collection stealing scenes from Meryl Streep, who puts in 4/8 - Four Days in September of nominees. Let’s just hope the people who her own Oscar-worthy performance. He plays a 4/15 - Spirited Away have earned the right are indeed granted some good hick, but this one had dimensions and he sort of recognition, though, the nomination *All release and event dates are subject to change with- perfected each one on the spectrum. should be merit enough for anybody. I give my out my knowledge and control. Please contact theaters choices for the 2003 Academy Awards knowing and distribution companies for up-to-date information. Best Supporting Actor – Female: Kathy Bates full well they will not coincide with what the (About Schmidt); Meryl Streep (Adaptation); outcome is – check the latest odds for a more Queen Latifah (Chicago); Catherine Zeta-Jones accurate reading of that. However, these are (Chicago); Julianne Moore (The Hours): who I think should win in the major categories Winner: Meryl Streep: Nobody was even and some notes as to why: close. Doing drugs, wielding guns – it’s not the

typical Streep character, but she handles her own

among a great cast and delivers the extraordi- nary writing of Kaufman impeccably. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 12

noticeable, but it’s shown as he tries to lie down and sleep after hearing he must report. The two officers throw him in the shower to sober him up and Willard, under jolting-cold water, commences his journey with a battle cry. How to Watch a Movie by: Chad Cheatham As the hero begins the journey, it is customary that they meet with a mentor character. In Homer’s Odyssey, Telemachus (Odysseus’ son) encounters this person, who is Athena, disguised as a man named Mentor, which is Some may think it’s pretentious to tell people “how to watch a movie,” where the word originates. Most of the time, the mentor is represented by but I’m not telling anyone that they should or shouldn’t use this informa- an older person, who is wise and who has been down life’s path - who is tion. I’m just expounding it and if it catches your attention, it will allow qualified to give advice. In Amelie, it’s the Glass Man (Serge Merlin) – in you to watch movies on a different level than most and understand what Pi, it’s Sol (Mark Margolis) – in I Am Sam, it’s Annie (Dianne Wiest). The the artist is actually doing, or trying to do. I feel it’s beneficial to know advice alone serves as a tool for their journey, but sometimes a tangible gift something about storytelling to appreciate a film because that is what the is presented in addition to the words – a compass, a glass slipper, or a light medium is for – to tell a story. Without a story, a film doesn’t work – it saber – to help somewhere along the way. doesn’t succeed – it doesn’t speak to anybody or anything. It doesn’t matter what kind of movie you’re watching – from your cookie-cutter No matter how much the hero resists the call, they eventually move blockbusters to your independent favorites – there is a structure or for- forward, coming closer to the point of no return – a threshold that has an mula of sorts that is inseparable from the story. entrance door, which disappears once entered through. Beyond this thresh- old, the hero enters the second act of the story. The only option the hero There have been writers in the past that have broken down this mythic has is to traverse into this new world, find their way through, and pass their structure, that of which envelops the majority of stories told throughout tests, while scraping against death’s shoulder and searching for their history – religions, Greek myths, Shakespeare, Joyce, Fitzgerald, Kerouac treasure. In order to be more prepared for the enemy they will confront on – there’s no escaping it. Carl Jung wrote about the collective uncon- their journey, they meet and obtain allies to assist them. Luke meets Chew- scious, consisting of basic elements that transcend culture and race, and bacca and Han Solo at this point in his journey in Star Wars, who he that is shared by all humans. Even our dreams are thought to have this intends to have serve as taxi. Henry Fonda gains the vote of the old man structure – made up of mythic symbols and characters, which Jung called and the attention of Jack Klugman in 12 Angry Men, thus keeping the jury archetypes. Joseph Campbell studied the writings of Jung, Schopenhauer, deliberation alive. In Almost Famous, William meets Penny Lane and the Joyce, and just about anyone else who wrote anything concerning myths Bandaids, and is suddenly thrust into the world of rock and roll. Their trials and its structure. Campbell’s book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces, lie ahead and nothing is the same again - everything becoming more outlines mythic structure, breaking it down into sections – giving us a unusual with each passing minute. timeline of events that a protagonist hops along on his or her journey in any given story. Most recently, Christopher Vogler has taken Campbell’s The further the hero submerges into the second act, the deeper they descend work and modified it for the realm of film in his book, A Writer’s Jour- in the “belly of the whale” – Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) in the woods, Joe ney. Vogler has read thousands of scripts for a few different production Buck (Midnight Cowboy) in New York City – they get closer and closer to companies, including 20th Century Fox, applying this structure in order to their enemy who is lurking just out of reach, but who is causing the hero to highlight where the faults of a script are located and how they might be feel a dark, constant presence. This is the rubber band stretching in Travis remedied. Although this will introduce you to the structure, nothing can Bickle (Robert DeNiro as an anti-hero) in Taxi Driver – the more he thinks replace the writings of Joseph Campbell and Vogler on the matter, so I about the world around him and the more he feels the humiliation and help- encourage you to read the materials this piece is based on. lessness of his failed situation with Betsy (Cybil Shepherd), he finds himself inching to the brink of snapping. Just before he breaks, he hits the Practically every story begins with the hero (“hero” in this case will repre- rock bottom pit of the belly. Vogler calls this the “inmost cave.” sent both male and female) in their natural element – at home, where their lives are in normal, everyday routine. In Citizen Kane, this is when little Upon entering this cave, most infamously represented by Hades in the Charles is a child, fighting an invisible Confederate army with snowballs, Greek myths, the hero comes face to face with their enemy. This encounter unaware of the business of his mother, who is dealing away Charles’ inno- may not only damage the hero, but it may practically kill them. However, cence to a banker just inside the Kane shack. In the Name of the Father the hero manages to stay alive to take on another test in the climax of the begins with Daniel Day-Lewis (as Gerry Conlon) as a petty thief, running movie. You can see this typically in James Bond movies – where Bond from and fighting the English army with guerilla tactics in his ruins-of-a- escapes death in the enemy’s lair, regroups in a safe house, and makes his home, Belfast. This is his world and the one he is most comfortable in. final run to topple the represented evil. More specifically, take note of Jack These are physical examples, but remember that a hero’s journey can take Nicholson as McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. His enemy place within their own self. Either way, it is meant to establish a setting is not only Nurse Ratched, but the confines of the mental hospital itself. that can be displayed as a dark contrast in comparison to that of the for- The walls, the bars on the windows, the staff, and the bricks built up on the eign world the hero must travel through during their journey. What comes insides of the other patients – they all creep up around him – his enemies next is probably the most noticeable element of the structure – the Call to are those restrictions. After an outburst from another patient about Adventure, as Campbell referred to it, that rips the hero from that snug cigarettes (Cheswick), McMurphy reaches a boiling point and punches home and impels them into their adventure, whether they like it or not. through a nurse’s station window to get Cheswick a pack. As Cheswick is being dragged away, McMurphy stands up for him, causing a fight with one Campbell’s many words on the topic of the hero stress the importance of of the orderlies, in which McMurphy’s ally, Chief, lends a hand. After this call. The significance of the call is conceptional, in that, this is when some shock treatment, it appears to the rest of the patients (who all look up and how heroes are born – if they are up to the challenge. The hero will to this hero figure at this point in the film) as if McMurphy has been loboto- typically deny the call, but finally decide to accept the provocation and mized, but he is merely acting and is actually in good physical health. He take the full, shit-in-the-pants leap. This summons is the phone call tell- survives this ordeal, but it nudges him enough to give him the nerve to ing of a death in the family, the draft board pulling the hero’s number, or stage the climatic event of the film. the two officers knocking on the door of a drunken, bloody-handed Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) in Apocalypse Now!, giving him the Surviving the central ordeal is focused around a death and resurrection mission he had been waiting for in Saigon. His refusal is brief and barely theme, which many people probably recognize primarily from personal VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 THE CRUTCH PAGE 13 faith. After surviving, it is time to retract – to recoup and prepare for the pinnacle moment of the journey – OPINE in the OPEN the big war, the prom, the wedding day – the test they by: Chad Cheatham are ready to pass. Rocky, after losing a bout to Clubber Lang in Rocky III, goes back to his roots, training with While driving to Washington D.C. last weekend, I made the comment to my girlfriend, who Apollo Creed at his old stomping grounds. They go was worried about being caught for speeding, that the guy going the same speed (80mph in back to basics and focus on the heart and strength, a 60mph zone) behind us would get pulled over before we would – the reason? Because my rather than the glam Rocky had been resting his heavy- girlfriend is a white female and the guy behind us was a black male – racial profiling. No weight title on for the past couple years. After the more than five minutes later, we sped past a hidden state trooper without having a chance to preparation is finished, he has his rematch with Lang, hit the brakes at all. The trooper gave chase and sure enough, pulled over the black male in winning back his title, his focus, and what made the the minivan. Maybe it was just the “suspicious” sunglasses he was wearing that made him a Italian Stallion so powerful in the first place. target – or maybe I was right – it was a case of racial profiling. It was a bittersweet feeling – not getting a ticket, but knowing that the person who did get the ticket was doing nothing These types of victories represent the reward the hero is we weren’t and their only violation was the color of their skin in the eyes, behind the in search of the entire story. It may not be the grail mirrored glasses, of a Virginia State Trooper. When will this kind of shit stop? they set out to obtain, but it is what has been driving them all along, even if it is subconscious and not real- Commercials. Why is there this obscene trend in commercials where (mainly male) friends ized until the moment of achievement. Cuckoo’s Nest dick over friends? They eat their food, drink their beer, take their women/men, lie to their is a perfect example of the ulterior force coming out in girlfriends/boyfriends – everything. Hey, use our product because it’s cool to be an asshole the end. McMurphy’s apparent function as a hero or it’s trendy to be dishonest because of our fearful, insecure society. Not only are people figure is to get out of the mental hospital and he asks afraid to be honest with themselves, but they have an absolutely difficult time putting trust Chief to come with him. Despite Chief’s obvious and faith in others – putting an unnecessary importance on image. physical power, he says he’s not strong enough to leave the comfort of the hospital. McMurphy nearly accom- Like those weekend suburban Harley rats, who take the leather out of the closet and ride plishes his supposed goal, to go AWOL, with the their new Harley Davidson motorcycles around for a couple days on the weekend, trying to diversion of a ward-wide party, but in the end, he fails be someone they’re not – or maybe they are that person, but they throw on the mask of busi- and pays a heavy price - he receives a frontal lobotomy ness casual khaki for the week at the office. Either way, it’s the fear of social norms and and is left a vegetable. Chief realizes what has public image that dictates their entire lives. So, it has come to such an absurd point that happened and finishes the job the hospital had started, people can casually laugh at others doing it on TV because it does personify and reflect their by suffocating McMurphy to death with a pillow. However, with McMurphy’s death, Chief now has the own lives. Great advertising. *** strength to leave and he does, running off into the distance, finally free. McMurphy plays the martyr and sacrifices himself to give his will – his strength – to BACK PAGE POTPOURRI unchain Chief. Okay, so this isn’t really a potpourri - it’s more of an end- In the end, there is always something learned or note. If you’ve been lucky enough to have read this, and the obtained – the medicine to cure the village, the realiza- last two issues, you would be able to notice a big difference tion that it really is a wonderful life, or simply, true between all three - in style, in content, and in quality. It love. If not the hero, then it is whoever is left after the is The Crutch’s aim to take it a step further in April, but we hero’s death, who resurrects the spirit or passes the need your help. In order to create and distribute 5,000 news- torch. It may even be the audience who is now aware print issues, we need advertising. Restaurants, bars, music of the message – it may be you. The journey of the stores, music venues, video stores, coffee shops, record hero is special because it relates to everyone. This is labels, radio stations, anybody. We want to create a something Joseph Campbell talked about endlessly in community that is aware and well-informed about the culture this writings – how myth and the structure within can that is not only here in the Triangle area, but also the be applied not only to stories in books or movies, but to musicians that may stop, and could stop, here while on their everyone’s real life. We follow these heroes - we look way from Atlanta to D.C. or vice versa. Right now, it doesn’t up to them - personify, mimic, and quote them. We happen as much as it should, and even if quality artists DO supposedly watch films to escape from our own lives, stop in the Triangle, they don’t get the attention they but what we really do is watch to relate, to aspire, to deserve, which is in direct relation to the lack of awareness, find on the screen what we all potentially have inside which is caused by the lack of coverage by our media outlets. our own selves – if only we had the courage to be a The Crutch now contains the most rock coverage in the Triangle hero. This mythic structure, mapped out by Jung, and we will continue to bring it to you at a higher level each Campbell, and Vogler, among others, shows us what to month as long as we have the means to do so. As I said, this look for in movies. With it, we are able to see how a means we need advertising, so that we can reach more people film succeeds or fails and identify aspects that may with the information that is desperately needed in the Trian- open up some insightful perspective into the mind of gle. There is great potential between these three cities and the hero and filmmaker. It allows us to understand the The Crutch is willing to stand up to take on the challenge - message more clearly and absorb it more easily. This we ask that you stand with us. If you feel that you can help is not only how to watch a movie, but how to view any in any way, please contact The Crutch via email. You can also story – and as the works of these writers and philoso- go to The Crutch website at www.february4productions.com/ phers explain, this can even be beneficial if applied to crutch.html to get more information. Thank you to all who your own life, as if you were a hero on your own have been reading, talking, giving feedback, and helping. journey. It’s certainly something to think about and explore on your own. *** EMAIL: [email protected]