Music Review

For my music review, I picked an album/artist/genre of music that is relatively new to me. Created in the late 1990’s, dubstep became a genre that has become popular over the years. Dubstep is an electric dance genre that is based on the 2-garage sound. Dubstep uses a combination of drums, bass drops, rewinds, and MCs to make sounds that are used in various songs, rhythms, and instrumentals. There are many artists that create their own dubstep beats/sounds, but one that is well known is Skrillrex.

Skrillrex, or Sonny John Moore began his career in an American band, but later released dubstep tracks/albums. He became famous for his works recently and was nominated for 5 Grammy Awards in 2011. His most famous album is called Scary Monsters and Nice Spirites.

So for my review, I chose to review the album Scary Monsters and Nice Spirites by Skrillrex.

When I hear “dubstep”, I immediately think of Skrillrex. Before listening to some songs on this album, I was not a big fan of dubstep, however after listening to this album, I am hooked. The music makes you want to dance and pumps you up every time you listen to it. This album is perfect for warming up before a sport’s game. Each song on the album is unique in it’s own way and although has some lyrics, are mostly instrumentals. Each song also has a story/meaning behind it, (however I find some very pointless). Although some people do not like this genre of music, the Grammy that this album received for best dance/electronica album of 2011 does it justice.

Some songs on the album:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSeNSzJ2-Jw&ob=av2e Scary Monsters and Nice Spirites

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F21aifX0lZY&feature=relmfu Kill Everybody

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw-YjVp_ibQ Scatta

Winter Poem

The predicted snow finally came and

seemed to fall endlessly from the sky.

Into the night it continued to fall as I

fell asleep to blowing winds.

When morning came, I was in awe.

The world was completely still and white.

For the first time, I am not awaken by

the sound of cars driving by.

The world is quiet, even though I see

Neighbors, knee-high in snow shoveling.

The neighborhood was blanketed in

a never-ending stretch of white carpet.

The feeling of being overwhelmed,

is soon subsided by excitement.

Neighbors are helping one another.

Shoveling until you feel weak.

I watch from the window,

as my younger brother plays in the snow.

I am overcome with a feeling of

being extremely grateful.

Grateful for being in a warm house.

Grateful for getting to enjoy the snow.

I put on my snow pants and rush out

to enjoy this moment.

A moment that I will not forget.

Where Did You Go JD?

J.D. Salinger was an American author that was born in New York. He began to write at a young age and continued to write throughout parts of his life. He wrote many short stories and books, but the one book he is probably most famous for is The Catcher in the Rye. The Catcher in the Rye was a best selling book that not only won him many awards and sold over 65 million copies worldwide, but it was also one reason why J.D. Salinger went into hiding for a large period of his life.

            J.D. Salinger’s attitude is very similar to the main character in The Catcher in the Rye. Both J.D. and Holden have this sort of isolation from the world that they live in. Both characters also demonstrate their hatred for the “movies” and media. One reason why J.D. moved to his confinement was because of his hatred for attention. He turned down many pictures and interviews as well, because he didn't want anyone invading his privacy. Another reason was simply the fact that he didn't want anyone to gain off of his works. He didn't want anyone profiting off of his stories and refused to publish anymore. But the main reason why he left and stopped publishing was because of the criticism on his book. Although many thought of the book as one of the best, others saw it differently. Critics argue that the book shows the mental breakdowns of a teenager as he goes through his life. The psychological battles that he faces, the depression and loneliness, and the excessive spending are all reasons why some thought negatively towards the book. The book was also banned from some schools and libraries.

            Even though J.D. Salinger stopped publishing and went into hiding, I respect him. His own beliefs caused him to not get too caught in publicity. He took the negative comments on his book to heart, and in return left the world without publishing anymore. He wanted his own privacy. I believe that The Catcher in the Rye is a very interesting book that is well written.

          "I refuse to publish, There's a marvelous peace in not publishing, There's stillness. When you publish, the world thinks you owe something. If you don't publish, they don't know what you're doing. You can keep it for yourself."

                                                         -J.D. Salinger

Holden Caulfield: Protector of the "real" people

Up to chapter 16 in the book, we learn a lot about the main character and narrator Holden Caulfield. Holden is a 16-year-old student who has been kicked out of Pencey Prep for his failing grades. This isn’t the first time that he has been kicked out of school. Although he comes from a wealthy background, Holden is not considered popular in his school or in society.

As Holden describes his thoughts about people and the situations he is in and has been in, we learn more about his character. We learn that Holden has certain respect for people based on their classification to him and judges people based on their appearance and personality. He seems to be constantly be bringing up his idea of being “phony”. Throughout the book we see the quality of Holden protecting people who aren’t phony and judging people who are. It also brings up the question whether Holden could be phony. Holden is modest about himself, sarcastic in certain situations, and judgmental about people he knows or sees. He has his own way for looking at people. Although Holden does seem to have a good heart because he feels sorry for people that are not as privileged as him.

Throughout the book we also learn that Holden continues to lie but isn’t great at doing it. We find out that Holden is very lonely without others there for him and that he does have certain yearnings. Holden is also independent and chooses to do things that he wants to do. Holden tries to get others to believe he is tough, but in reality he isn’t. We learn that Holden has principles but in some situations breaks them. After reading the last few chapters, we learn more about Holden’s emotions. He seems to be really depressed all the time because of his loneliness. Holden does have a weak side and “yellowness” that prevents him from doing things. But mainly, Holden doesn’t know the right direction he wants to take in his life. With little people around him that he considers “real”, Holden is not sure of the path he wants to take with his life. Maybe he is the duck in the lagoon.

My Red Hunting Hat

          In The Catcher in the Rye, the main character Holden purchases a red hunting hat for one dollar. For some reason he is extremely attached to the hat and is constantly wearing it. Although we do not know the true significance of the hat yet, we do understand that the hat is worn when hunting deer, so that other hunters do not shoot you by mistake. The hat is a way of standing out. I believe that Holden wears this hat to stand out against the “phonies” in the world. It is Holden’s way of being different and being himself.

          I believe that the idea of the red hunting hat is not something that is really worn. I personally do not have an object like this. I think that the “hunting hat” purpose comes from an individual’s personality or traits. Individual actions truly describe what kind of person they are, and who they really are on the inside. It is also a way to distinguish who is a “phony” and who isn’t. The unique personalities and abilities that certain individuals have make them stand out against others. Although some kind of clothing like a red hunting hat will make you stand out, it is the talents and character inside of you that illustrates who you truly are.