So i sit here now with Paramore's "Future' blaring in the background. Which is kind of fitting for what i want to write today. You see, Since Paramore's "All We Know is Falling" (2005), they have been part of the future that i have created. That's now 8 years i've taken a ride with the now trio from Tennessee. Then there's New Found Glory who remarkably i've followed since the year 2000 - 13 years now!! Throw in Anberlin who since 2005 i've grown really fond of. You get the idea here. I've spent a fair portion of time committing and growing with the same bands. The question is why? And why do we all do things like this??
I like to think that in the most simplest of thoughts the reason we connect to a band is more than just a catchy tune. Sure, that catchy tune may well be what attracts us to a band initially, but what is it that makes us stay with that band. For me anyways i look beyond the music and lyrics. There are many a great song writers in our time. They are to me, on par with authors. The good ones ooze creative talent, often write the words we simple folk think but can never put into words so well. As much as i respect the song writing process, it's the actions, morals and beliefs which stick with me.
One particular band that has my full respect is Anberlin. I first saw them live in 2005. 8 years ago now. 7 albums have passed since 2003's "Blueprints for the Blackmarket". The thing that struck me most that night back in 2005 was the genuinity of the band that night. It was a band that was humbled by what had been given to them and where it had led them. They appreciated even the little aspects of their success. Over the 8 years i feel like i've grown with them. I've watched them grow from young 20's in to the men they are today.
The respect i have though is not just about their music. It's about what they stand for in life. I'm over the catchy pop hooks. They don't lure me in to anyone's music. The artist needs substance. A substance that i can relate to. In the case of Anberlin they admit to being a band with Christian values, like myself - a man of christian values. Further more i believe i have a heart which is open to people. Particularly the vulnerable. In fact Anberlin were one of two bands (the other being Switchfoot) who got my attention on the non-profit "To Write Love On Her Arms", a Florida based organization which works with people who are struggling with some of life's most difficult issues such as depression, thoughts of suicide and self harm. I'm thankful that i know of this non-profit because my eyes have been opened to the fact that our world is far from pretty. It's screwed up and that's okay. This world we live in is far from perfect and the fact that there is a community that exists to lend support to those caught up in it, is beautiful.
Paramore are another band who have led me to another non-profit who i think do amazing work. "Love 146". Love 146 exists to abolish one of this worlds most evil trades, child sex trafficking and exploitation. Myself, i cannot fathom how people can support such evil. I'll never understand it fully perhaps but to see this non profit fighting the way they fight is inspiring. The world can be a better place.It warms my heart that there are people out there who care this much.
To know that two of my favourite bands support such important social dilemma's is a massive thing because like i said earlier, i want more than a catchy tune in my music. I want substance. I want these bands to stand for something far more important than their music. Having beliefs and morals is an issue of the heart. In this case it's about what's just and fair. it's about showing care and love for people other than yourself. Just because your life is swimmingly great doesn't mean the world is in the same place. I truly wish the world could open their eyes. Why did the world mock Invisible Children when they launched their Kony campaign? Why did we need to shoot down Jason Russell in the weeks that followed? Was that what the Kony campaign was meant to achieve? Again, the world thought only of itself and down played the nature of concern about Kony. The world seems to act rather skeptical towards a lot of non profits organization these days. Why can't the world channel the same energy into listening and acting in support of the worlds social justice issues and stigmas.
I guess in conclusion. What i've realized is that much of the music i listen to these days comes down two things. First, a sound that i identify with and enjoy. And secondly it comes back to the artist or band and the things they stand for. In a time where i can ramble on about Robin Thicke and how i have NO resepect for him and his career for his decision to write songs about rape, I choose not to because he doesn't deserve the time. The world has enough people criticizing this douchebag. Instead i'll sit here and promote bands and artists who appeal to my very way of life and thank God for them and their songs and of course their hearts.
www.anberlin.com
www.paramore.net
www.towriteloveonherarms.com
www.love146.org
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Drunken Douches
So this morning I got around to watching Joe Hildebrand's latest offering on ABC2 - "Shitsville Express". After enjoying his first offering - "Dumb, Drunk and Racist", I kind of knew what to expect and Shitsville didn't really disappoint. Joe has the ability to target a confronting issue and do it whilst managing to either not bore, depress or weird out his viewers. There is a comical side to his presentation but it never forgets its true purpose - to provoke a serious issue.
In "Shitsville Express" Ep.1 we learn about one of society's ugly ducklings......alcohol related violence. This itself is a topic that I loathe. You see, I believe society has a massive drinking problem. Society is essentially an alcoholic with a binge drinking problem. Trouble is people want to talk, but there doesn't seem to be enough people doing something about it. We seem to suggest the problem, offer alternatives and then get shot down by someone who says "oh no, that won't work!".
Shitsville offered examples ranging from a group of girls getting liquored up before going out because it was cheaper that way, to the cleary too young teenage boys roaming around city streets drunk and talking gibberish. There was also the sobering reality of witnessing the effects of what alcoholic violence can bring to a victim.
The reality is that this is a MASSIVE society issue, and it's one that's not getting better. In fact where crime rates are going down, drunken crime rates are soaring in the other direction. Why is that we hound our sportstars like Josh Dugan or David Warner and gloat about how it's not acceptable for them to be out drinking and carrying on when what they are doing is no different to what happens in every Australian town in every Australian state, EVERY weekend???
I often wonder about society's slipping moral standards. These days it's even more acceptable to basically do whatever we want. It's all about rights, so they say. Heck, even criminals have their rights. When it comes to alcohol related crime though I think these rights should diminish. Rights are for the genuine, the doo gooders or the ones who are led astray. They're there to protect us. In the case of alcohol related violence though i'm sick of hearing excuses being made when alcohol is involved.
We've probably all had too much to drink at one point or another in our lives, but you know what? You do generally know when to stop. Or you should know. There usually comes a moment when you know you've reached that point and you have to make the sensible decision. This is where your rights either stay with you, when you decide to stop, or your rights leave you, when you decide to become inebriated and lose control over your behaviour. In my opinion the onus needs to go back on to the individual offending. I don't really think it's acceptable to come out say that "Oh it was the drugs or the alcohol that clouded my judgement". Or that "I'm an alcoholic, have mercy on me please, it's tough!" Remember, it was your choice!
At the end of the day, a young guy who goes out on the piss on a Saturday night is responsible for his own actions. He got himself there in one piece, he can get himself home in one piece - IF he makes the right choices. If that same guy is going to get drunk, he needs to know that he is the one in control of his emotions. If you over step the mark, you've overstepped the mark. End of story. Don't blame anything or anyone but yourself. It was your choice.
If violence is not acceptable when sober, then why should alcohol ever be an excuse. In my opinion it just makes a person look even dumber. Our judicial system needs to come down harder on the fools who do this. Years of slapping them on the wrists has led to what?? Oh that's right - drunken crime is soaring through the roof.
In "Shitsville Express" Ep.1 we learn about one of society's ugly ducklings......alcohol related violence. This itself is a topic that I loathe. You see, I believe society has a massive drinking problem. Society is essentially an alcoholic with a binge drinking problem. Trouble is people want to talk, but there doesn't seem to be enough people doing something about it. We seem to suggest the problem, offer alternatives and then get shot down by someone who says "oh no, that won't work!".
Shitsville offered examples ranging from a group of girls getting liquored up before going out because it was cheaper that way, to the cleary too young teenage boys roaming around city streets drunk and talking gibberish. There was also the sobering reality of witnessing the effects of what alcoholic violence can bring to a victim.
The reality is that this is a MASSIVE society issue, and it's one that's not getting better. In fact where crime rates are going down, drunken crime rates are soaring in the other direction. Why is that we hound our sportstars like Josh Dugan or David Warner and gloat about how it's not acceptable for them to be out drinking and carrying on when what they are doing is no different to what happens in every Australian town in every Australian state, EVERY weekend???
I often wonder about society's slipping moral standards. These days it's even more acceptable to basically do whatever we want. It's all about rights, so they say. Heck, even criminals have their rights. When it comes to alcohol related crime though I think these rights should diminish. Rights are for the genuine, the doo gooders or the ones who are led astray. They're there to protect us. In the case of alcohol related violence though i'm sick of hearing excuses being made when alcohol is involved.
We've probably all had too much to drink at one point or another in our lives, but you know what? You do generally know when to stop. Or you should know. There usually comes a moment when you know you've reached that point and you have to make the sensible decision. This is where your rights either stay with you, when you decide to stop, or your rights leave you, when you decide to become inebriated and lose control over your behaviour. In my opinion the onus needs to go back on to the individual offending. I don't really think it's acceptable to come out say that "Oh it was the drugs or the alcohol that clouded my judgement". Or that "I'm an alcoholic, have mercy on me please, it's tough!" Remember, it was your choice!
At the end of the day, a young guy who goes out on the piss on a Saturday night is responsible for his own actions. He got himself there in one piece, he can get himself home in one piece - IF he makes the right choices. If that same guy is going to get drunk, he needs to know that he is the one in control of his emotions. If you over step the mark, you've overstepped the mark. End of story. Don't blame anything or anyone but yourself. It was your choice.
If violence is not acceptable when sober, then why should alcohol ever be an excuse. In my opinion it just makes a person look even dumber. Our judicial system needs to come down harder on the fools who do this. Years of slapping them on the wrists has led to what?? Oh that's right - drunken crime is soaring through the roof.
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
The curious case of Benji Marshall
A lot of people have had their say on Benji Marshall in 2013. Assessments such as "he's an overrated hack!" and the now infamous "Benchy Marshall" have all been verbalised by opposing fans and even some of Wests Tigers own supporters. The truth though is that Marshall HAS struggled. Some have called him overweight. Others have said he looks disinterested.
I don't really believe either is an issue for his disappointing form. Put simply Benji has simply reached that time in his career where an experienced player hits a little bit of a brick wall. It's come time for him to reassess his game. Phil Gould stated something similar in a column written a few months back. Benji has always been the footballer who possesses a carefree style of play. A style of play which is about his strength - running the football. He's never been the organiser so many have wished he'd become. He's shown the ability to do so, however it's not a strength of his. He's less about structure and more about flair and the spontaneous.
Wests Tigers in recent weeks have found themselves with a dilemma. See under the agreement of Benji's current contract is a clause in which when the salary cap rises Benji is able to seek an upgrade to his current deal. It seems a given that this will be agreed. However Benji is also looking for a contract extension. This is something Wests Tigers earlier this season were happy to do. The problem is Benji's form has been well down. He's been pillaged by the media and even pockets of his own supporters. In fact, Tigers coach Mick Potter relegated his star to the bench versus South Sydney just to try and get a reaction out of him. It certainly worked in one sense.
That was round 10. Now as we enter round 16 Benji's form is still a hot topic. Recent weeks have hinted ever so slightly that Benji is improving. First he admitted his form was an issue. No denial - that's the first step in admitting any problem. Next came the all too familiar continual struggles, despite the previous admission. The end result was simply that he was trying too hard. From here Potter and Benji knew he had to return to the basics and the things that made him what he is today. Running the football. However a rare injury - Turf toe, has held him back even longer.
Despite all these issues in recent months, I sensed a change for the better In the build up to last weekend's clash with the Raiders. Benji got talking about his form once more and his contract issues. Rightly so, he put them to bed and said "let's just concentrate on my football". Sure, that's a clichéd thing to say but if you listened further. You would also have heard the passion and desire to remain at Wests Tigers. His words were humble. On field on Saturday night versus the Raiders I thought Benji played his most effective game of the season. He tore no one to shreds but his leadership, decision making and play making ability were on song that night. Had he finally found the path forward once more???
The answer to that remains to be seen but for the first time all season his form appears on an upwards trajectory. It was a small step in a journey that still needs to travel a fair way before we say Benji is back to his best. This performance though is a massive shot of confidence for Benji. As we think back to earlier about Benji hitting a brick wall and trying to rediscover himself as he plays out the final years of his career, there's now genuine hope that he's found it. I listened to him yesterday talk about how he's excited about the young crop of players coming through and how in particular he can be a real mentor in the development of young halves Curtis Sironen, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses. Was this Benji finally finding his new identity as a player? That question remains unanswered.
The timing of an improved performance v the Raiders, coupled with these comments about mentoring younger player leads me to believe Benji is all the more closer to regaining his mojo and i'm looking forward to seeing how he fares over the home stretch of this season. One wonders now whether 2014 is about to look a whole lot better than 2013.
I don't really believe either is an issue for his disappointing form. Put simply Benji has simply reached that time in his career where an experienced player hits a little bit of a brick wall. It's come time for him to reassess his game. Phil Gould stated something similar in a column written a few months back. Benji has always been the footballer who possesses a carefree style of play. A style of play which is about his strength - running the football. He's never been the organiser so many have wished he'd become. He's shown the ability to do so, however it's not a strength of his. He's less about structure and more about flair and the spontaneous.
Wests Tigers in recent weeks have found themselves with a dilemma. See under the agreement of Benji's current contract is a clause in which when the salary cap rises Benji is able to seek an upgrade to his current deal. It seems a given that this will be agreed. However Benji is also looking for a contract extension. This is something Wests Tigers earlier this season were happy to do. The problem is Benji's form has been well down. He's been pillaged by the media and even pockets of his own supporters. In fact, Tigers coach Mick Potter relegated his star to the bench versus South Sydney just to try and get a reaction out of him. It certainly worked in one sense.
That was round 10. Now as we enter round 16 Benji's form is still a hot topic. Recent weeks have hinted ever so slightly that Benji is improving. First he admitted his form was an issue. No denial - that's the first step in admitting any problem. Next came the all too familiar continual struggles, despite the previous admission. The end result was simply that he was trying too hard. From here Potter and Benji knew he had to return to the basics and the things that made him what he is today. Running the football. However a rare injury - Turf toe, has held him back even longer.
Despite all these issues in recent months, I sensed a change for the better In the build up to last weekend's clash with the Raiders. Benji got talking about his form once more and his contract issues. Rightly so, he put them to bed and said "let's just concentrate on my football". Sure, that's a clichéd thing to say but if you listened further. You would also have heard the passion and desire to remain at Wests Tigers. His words were humble. On field on Saturday night versus the Raiders I thought Benji played his most effective game of the season. He tore no one to shreds but his leadership, decision making and play making ability were on song that night. Had he finally found the path forward once more???
The answer to that remains to be seen but for the first time all season his form appears on an upwards trajectory. It was a small step in a journey that still needs to travel a fair way before we say Benji is back to his best. This performance though is a massive shot of confidence for Benji. As we think back to earlier about Benji hitting a brick wall and trying to rediscover himself as he plays out the final years of his career, there's now genuine hope that he's found it. I listened to him yesterday talk about how he's excited about the young crop of players coming through and how in particular he can be a real mentor in the development of young halves Curtis Sironen, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses. Was this Benji finally finding his new identity as a player? That question remains unanswered.
The timing of an improved performance v the Raiders, coupled with these comments about mentoring younger player leads me to believe Benji is all the more closer to regaining his mojo and i'm looking forward to seeing how he fares over the home stretch of this season. One wonders now whether 2014 is about to look a whole lot better than 2013.
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