A little message board posting I did to review a record I recently bought.  Day "Land of a 1000 Chances". 
http://pl70.net/landof1000chances/


"Haven't sat through an entire two sides of an LP for a long time, and this was certainly well worth my time.

As James says though, the record deserves a lil mo in terms of a review. I know I certainly can't do it justice compared to the amount of craftsmanship and integrity that has obviously gone into it.....But I will say this, I'm really glad I bought it. From the leather-bound customized packaging to the man himself (he was a class dude the one time I briefly introduced myself to him when I saw him at an LA event, maybe Funkysole or Sound Sessions), to the perfect blend of bangin' rhythms and melancholy grooves to one dude expressing his gratitude to another (Thes) for helping him out. Everything makes perfect sense.

I mean the art itself will stand on its own, and like Day says in the liner notes, it's not a club record or a perfect record for that matter, but damn is it an interesting record and HEAVY one. Really sheds light on one man's honest pursuit of a craft and his lifestyle. I can't imagine the hours that went into this record.....I'll definitely be going back to it to uncover the layers that it has. And for me personally, I don't think it's come at a better time for me, as I try to sort out all the seemingly fucked up things in my life right now.

Peace Day. This is quite a feat........"    

The River.....

Daytime High around 75F.  Many insect hatches and rises throughout the day.  2 miles in around the big tree and benches around the bend.  Big, deep, shadowy pool caught four 6" in this area.  All are small here at the West Fork of San Gabriel River, but all are wild, as opposed to hatchery-raised fish.

An obligatory reading.......

I read the Grapes of Wrath for the first time, and I got to say it's easy to read because of it's nonchalant plodding narrative.  Not to mention, for an infrequent reader such as myself (it took me nearly 4 months to finish the 619 pages), it's easy to pick up where you left off even after a few days of not reading. 

Heavy on symbolism like any John Steinbeck novel, it takes the reader from extreme dust and parched land to heavy torrents in the end as it describes the Joads' journey from Oklahoma to California in search of fertile land.  It's based on the reality of the "Dust Bowl" migration of farmers during the 30s.

If you like action, this is not the book for you.  But if you want a grueling, yet surprisingly calming read that demonstrates basic human needs, compassion, ultimate sacrifice, and unrelenting determination then you should give it a try.

I'll leave you with this warning though.  It is a loong and grueling book but like any long journey, there will be much to reflect on in the end. 

Back to our regularly scheduled program....

Here's some stuff I've been listening to lately.  Definitely not end-to-end killers, but I'm starting to appreciate
the craftsmanship going into the music....

Do what feels good, but is that all to it?!

 Every time I turn on my TV, start browsing the internet for hours at a time, blast EDM in my car, I get the sense that I am missing something.  I know I'm not alone.

The way I see it, music or food, you have too much spice, you're less inclined to let your palette enjoy the more subtle tastes.......

Enter EDM....

Just about a decade ago, I was into Mars and Mystre and Alice Deejay and all that trance stuff for a second because my roommate was heavy into it.  Just like I was into Skrillex and Zedd and _____ light show spectacle rave artist.

I enjoy that stuff still, and I've had my fair share of fun times, but there's less SOUL to the music and more instant dopamine-infused orgasmic quality to it.

So keep your gawdamn hands off your Smartphones people, pick up a book (an actual book, not a tablet), and maybe listen to some Wu-tang Clan or James Brown or Beck or something.  Give it a shot.  Digital is instant gratification.  But ANALOG is just as dope.

Here's a sample of more "sustainable music" if you will.......

Closest weekly would be Funky Sole @ the Echo in Silverlake. 

http://www.rbmaradio.com/shows/dj-day-live-at-the-do-over

Another example of when times were more simple....

happy fuckin' Friday yall.

-Yuichi

大きい悲しみがあれば、大きい喜びを見つければいい。

For every big loss or sadness, there is always a big happiness waiting for you.

Laker Woes and Clipper Hurrays

A few observations I made during the 1/5/13 meeting between the Lakers and Clippers.

1) Like the Black Mamba said recently in an interview, Lakers are "old and slow as hell".  This was apparent at virtually all positions against the Clippers.  Not only are they old, but they are healing from injuries as well.  Slow and hurt will not win you many ball games.

2) Pau is the slowest big in the L right now.  

3) Clippers D is for real.  CP3 is an underrated defender.  Matt Barnes is a hound on the perimeter.  and Blake Griffin is a tough defender when he sets his mind on it.

4) CP3 is top 3 finisher in the game now.  As cold as the Rockies...

5) D'Antoni's offense works on spacing, ball movement, and player movement.  Lakers struggle particularly with the third because of #1.

6) Transition defense killed the Lakers.  Go back to #1.  Most teams will give LAL problems with this, including teams like OKC, Miami, and probably even Golden State.