"The Elephant Vanishes" by Haruki Murakami

Coming soon is a paper I wrote for Murakami's "The Elephant Vanishes." I would have posted it, but the version on this PC is the wrong one. later!

gold parachute social commentary joke

enjoy

Music Review for T.Q.D.

Music Review of T.Q.D.’s “Clench, Grit, Breathe”
By Brett


Proving that hip hop and rap doesn’t have to be ear busting loud, T.Q.D.’s (short for The Quiet Dude) new album “Clench, Grit, Breathe” is full of subtle sounds and smooth rhymes. But don’t listen to it without a decent sound system or you might miss some of the catchier beats and background melodies.

When I first listened to this disk, it was on my cheap PC speakers, and I didn’t really hear much beyond some of the higher melodies and the lyrics. This album didn’t come alive until I played it in the car or with my headphones. There the restrained beats and finer elements came to life. Many of the tracks have a much deeper sound and in some cases revealed an emotional edge that wasn’t there before. Once the finer points present themselves, the album becomes a pleasant surprise.

Without judging T.Q.D. by his previous albums, his vocals on “Clench, Grit, Breathe” are solid and consistent. For much of the album his vocals are fairly smooth and laid back, which complements the music. His voice also has intensity on a few songs when it needs to. T.Q.D. has a good voice that rhymes with authority and offers no apologies. It is what it is, and it fits the music more often than not.

Looking at some of the tracks more closely, “Baby Boy” and “Fall Asleep” offer up smooth vocals while “Fall Asleep” has a lonely melody that is quite catchy. “Contradiction” later in the album has a similar feeling while staying fresh. Continuing with the more emotional tracks, “Second Fiddle” carries on the emotional tone with lyrics rather than music, being about a misfit son surviving while the favored son has passed on. It evokes the tragic feelings of Anthony Hamilton’s “Georgie Parker” while doing something new.

Bringing on the intensity, “Hide & Seek” has a tough beat with haunting background vocals, while bringing out a touch of Dr. Octagon in the last part of the of the song. Followed by the song “Speed Bump” probably the rawest track. The vocals have plenty of pain and anger while the music is reminiscent of Ennio Morricone at times. “Pity” also has strong vocals with another excellent melody. By far though, “Saunter” is the most memorable track. The mournful cry of the cello provides a great contrast with the vocals and adds to the gravity of the song.

“Clench, Grit, Breathe” brings out some strong emotions for those who listen deep. A decent sound system is a must for this album, or you’ll miss the good parts of this album. T.Q.D.’s style is unique and befits the moniker of “The Quiet Dude.” Quiet dudes may be hard to hear at times, but when you hear what they have to say it’s usually worth listening to.

http://www.myspace.com/tqdraps

5-7-09

Hello, I've been gone awhile toiling under the lashes of this thing called school. Not much time for reading, but I have been writing some music reviews for Rift Magazine. Check'em out. more book reviews eventually.


http://www.riftmagazine.com/?s=brett+reese

Update 3/1/09

So, it's been a little while since my last post. OK a long while. Well, I haven't been totally sloughing off it's been a rough go at school, very busy. In addition to the avalanche of school related things, i have also been reviewing CD's for Rift Magazine. here are the links if you are intereseted. Don't mind the fact that my pen name is different.

There will be a third one soon, and not long after that possibly a 4th and a 5th depending upon what the editor says.


http://www.riftmagazine.com/?p=474

http://www.riftmagazine.com/?p=470

Update 10/27/08

Hello everyone, I have finally finished the foloowing novels, and will be writing up reviews like crazy as soon as I can.

Blades of Mars
Barbarians of Mars
Tithe (YA novel)
Extremly Loud and Incredibly Close (class assigned, one of the reasons I am busy)
Record of Lodoss War Graphic Novel (pt 2 & 3)

Updates

Hi everyone, things are quite busy at the moment, so future updates may be a little while coming. I have alot of reading for school to do this week, as well as some proposals. Proposals are not my favorite thing to write, but you do what you got to do.

Any ways, just letting everyone know that I am still active and will be posting when I can. Upcoming titles will be:

Blades of Mars

Barbarians of Mars

Tithe (YA novel)

Extremly Loud and Incredibly Close (class assigned, one of the reasons I am busy)

Record of Lodoss War Graphic Novel (pt 2 & 3)

Star Wars: Force Unleashed Graphic Novel

Blankets (Graphic Novel)

and many more as time permits.

Again, sorry for the lack of updates, but sadly work before play. Unless you can make your play your work, in which case it is no longer play.