Me, Stan Lee & Diversity

It’s 3am, an autumn wind is furiously whipping the abandoned avenue beneath my apartment window, and I can’t stop thinking about Stan Lee. Mind you it's not something I tend to be thinking about at this hour, but I’m currently reminded of an aspect of myself I don’t really intellectualize much. Growing up a sensitive nerd who liked to draw, I naturally gravitated towards the world of comic books. I loved reading about villainous plots and the social dynamics imparted upon the exceptionally different. Being that my childhood was during the last years of the 20^th Century, I’d often find myself lost in the pages of Marvel, Image Comics or Wizard Magazine. And within the endless realms of those media outlets, there was no franchise more important to me than the X-men.

Like a lot of kids in the 90’s, I was obsessed with Charles Xavier and his Children of the Atom. I read the comics, watched that rad cartoon on Fox Kids, collected the trading cards, played with the toys, and role-played with my friends (I was always a psychic, because to me they were strategically the most useful. Yes, I was that kind of kid). I can still hear that badass theme song to the show just by thinking of it. If you’re around my age, you probably can too. It was after all, presented in stereo.

The thing about the X-men, for me and countless other kids, was that it wasn’t just the crazy stories, ideal physiques, superpowers and stuff blowing up that made it so appealing. When I turned on the cartoon or leafed through the comic, I saw characters that didn’t just look like Super-Man, John McClane, Bruce Wayne or Arnold Schwarzenegger. And yeah, sure, there was Cyclops, but no one wanted to be Cyclops. Instead, there was a badass Black Woman with godlike powers, underground intersectional communities, pacifist political figures, a capable Asian teenager who didn’t do karate, and several Indigenous characters. Yes, that’s correct, Indigenous superheroes. I had heroes who looked like me as a kid. Which is huge.

My personal favorite Native superhero growing up was Forge. He was intelligent and Indigenous. So, naturally he’s often depicted with a firearm just to make him more masculine by stereotypical American standards. But, toss that accessory away and you have a genius-level inventor who’s also a spiritual leader and former Weapons Maker for the US government. Wait, scratch that last part. I mean, granted Tony Stark was doing the same thing. But, I digress. Of course, over the decades, these characters weren’t free of their own transgressions and controversies concerning representation, but when you’re a little kid, all that matters is feeling included. Critical Theory wasn’t exactly at the forefront of my young impressionable mind, but again, I digress.

As I got older and my interests in comics began to wane, I instead shifted my attention more towards a social life and trying to understand my budding sexuality. Things like MTV2, writing notes to girls with gel pens, wishing I could also write notes to boys with gel pens, and trying to phone into TRL were at the forefront of my teenage mind. It was around this time that I did however notice something that was happening in the world of comics; LGBT characters. Not caricatures or after-school-special fodder, but fully autonomous heroes and villains with agency. These weren’t your AIDs victims, suicide survivors or drug abusers that sadly made up the “gay profile” of sympathetic characters within the media. These were mainstream characters who identified along the queer spectrum and allowed to be multi-dimensional beings beyond stereotypes.

The most prominent of these occurrences was the marriage between Canadian superhero Northstar and another man in 2012. Which is a big deal considering his comic book history goes all the way back to 1979. Naturally, a lot of fans were upset. The term “SJW” hadn’t been invented yet, but if it had, the internet trolls of that time would’ve been primed for the stoning. As if they actually cared about this character or even remembered who he was. Especially since he’s been out since ’92, and let’s be honest, if it was going to be anyone, it was going to be Northstar. I mean those elfin eyebrows and ears. GURL. And don’t get me started on all the fans of Deadpool who don’t know that he too is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, OR, all the backlash when Iceman came out.

The nerd community has a lot of problematic areas that needs to be sorted out. Unfortunately, thanks to places like Reddit, fans “now’a days” tend to take a bit more ownership of their media, and force narratives created from their own minds onto works created by others, but that’s a whole other topic in of itself.

That brings me to my life as a creator. Not only have I loved to draw since a very young age, but I’ve also loved to tell stories. From the time I could hold a pencil and string enough concepts together, I’ve been creating and imagining my own set of characters, dramas, adventures, struggles and triumphs. I too like to talk about social issues and how that affects alternative universes as a vehicle to discuss real world topics. That’s why science-fiction has always fascinated me. What one can put into their work can have immense impacts not only on the reader, but greater society. Mediums like comics have had such a huge influence on artists, filmmakers, musicians, actors, political figures, etc. 

That’s some powerful stuff.

The reason why I write all this and attempt to qualify myself as a comic and Marvel fan is to illustrate just how impactful Lee’s death has been. I often tell myself that TMZ is the worst way to tell everyone you’ve left this existence, but honestly, for the departed, it doesn’t matter. No, they’re free, and worries about who will tell the world of our passing is for the living. But since I heard the news (via TMZ), I’ve been thinking a lot about all the good Lee’s work has done and how much he influenced my life. Was he a perfect person? Probably not. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who is or was. No, he was a storyteller, and storytellers like people. Telling stories about people and their struggles takes empathy and an ability to imbue an audience with that empathy. Since the dawn of Humanity, our storytellers have always been crucial aspects of our species.

I’m grateful we had an ally who made such amazing and prolific works. Someone who helped teach the majority a little bit about what prejudice, discrimination & oppression looks like. All through a  lens young people could understand and learn from. I’m grateful that looking at Stan Lee’s long career in the time since I heard the news has reminded me how much better things have gotten over the decades, and that being on the right side of history is a continuous path. It’s not over, and in some ways,  it may never be over. That’s why we can never become complacent.

Thank you, Stan Lee.

Thank you for Storm, Danielle Moonstar, Northstar, Black Panther, Thunderbird, Karma, Bobby Drake, Jubilee, Miles Morales, Daken, Warpath, Forge, Deadpool, Mystique, Bishop, Luke Cage, Carol Danvers, X-Statix, America Chavez, The Morlocks, Sunfire, Falcon, War Machine, Hulking, Wiccan, Synch, Rogue, Blade, Ironheart, Kamala Khan, Shatterstar, Rictor, Sue Storm, Sunspot, and all the countless other heroes and characters who represent those of us who would otherwise never get a voice or a platform. Thank you for your opinion piece, Stan’s Soapbox, and all the work you did to talk about social injustice to comic fans during the height of the Civil Rights movement. Thank you for providing universes in which to populate with better worlds and more tolerant futures. Above all, thank you for giving this nerd a home to hideaway in and helping forge a path for me to create my own universes.

Until I myself meet that great Excelsior in the sky, I will always be a True Believer.

My 5 Song Playlist (and we're back!)

My 5 Song Playlist

Well it's been quite awhile since I last posted. I have many excuses, but honestly I kind of lost interest. I'm not even sure if anyone really reads this thing. Regardless, here's my 5 Song Playlist. These are tracks that I feel lend well to the passing of Winter into Spring. Although, here in Arizona it's already starting to feel like Summer. These tracks can be found on the Spotify playlist at the bottom of the post & each song title is also a link to a corresponding YouTube video.

Without further ado...

I.

"The Not Real Lake"

Loving, Loving (2016)

Hailing from British Colombia, Loving is the collaboration of Jesse Henderson, David Parry and Lucas Henderson. One can't help but think of greats like The Velvet Underground when listening to this track. With it's awkward ennui and existential lyrics, 'The Not Real Lake' leaves you uncertain of which emotions are conjured by its lo-fi sounds. Definitely a perfect song for musing about the passing of time or enjoying a spring afternoon with friends.

II.

"Bones"

Crumb, Crumb (2016)

Sweet and lackadaisical, 'Bones' by Crumb is simply put a really cute song that manages to amalgamate jazz, psych and indie rock perfectly. Off their self-titled album, the cadre known as Crumb weave together dreamy keys, jazzy guitar riffs and smooth bass lines that almost seems to melt like caramel in the summer sun. Shifting through time measures in a freeform manner that mirrors the daydream spoken about in the lyrics, this song encapsulates feelings of a love written on the back of an old Polaroid. It's basically your typical amorous pining done in an atypical way.

III.

"We Had to End It"

Cuco, Songs4U (2017)

With its blending of Hip-Hop and 50's Pop-rock, 'We Had To End It' drifts off into the metaphorical sunset of life like so many lost loves and broken hearts. Hawthorn, California's Cuco styles himself as a mixture of 70's & 80's Psychedelic music, which I'd say isn't too far off the mark. I can easily imagine someone driving through the streets of LA after a break-up playing this jam and trying to move on. It's as if the pleasantry of the song itself is a sort of consolation for something that can never truly be replaced.

IV.

"Star Fruits Surf Rider"

Cornelius, Fantasma (1997)

After it's 1997 release, Fantasma has gained a massive cult following worldwide. So much so, that it garnered a world tour preceding a twenty year rerelease. A show I was privileged enough to see here in Tucson, AZ. 'Star Fruit Surf Rider' is easily one of my favorite tracks off the album and the accompanying projection show during the live performance was equally amazing. The song's structure alternates between a mellow organ driven melody with soft lyrics to a faster Indie Pop chorus, embodying the fast-slow styling popular at the time in 90's music. Keigo Oyamada's use of genre mixing definitely shows through in this remarkable song.

V.

"Peace of Mind"

Shakti with John McLaughlin, Natural Elements (1977)

World Fusion Music often has a tendency of verging on the cheesy or encumbered. This is not the case of the band Shakti. Fusing John McLaughlin's guitars with L. Shankar's sorrowful violin, 'Peace of Mind' is a subtle yet moving instrumental and a perfect way to end this playlist of mixed genre and deep emotions. This track without words is something that should be felt with the heart and the soul. With that, I leave you to enjoy....

"Mad Max v. Blade Runner: Of Politics, Opinions & Informed Decisions"

     Thanks to the widespread connectivity that communicative technologies afford our world, no other generation has been so supersaturated with opinions than right now. From the color of a dress to what unspeakable things should be done to animal abusers. Everyone has an opinion about everything and thanks to the internet, we are all privy to each and every one of them. Where the sharing of information and opinions can potentially facilitate the progression of our global society therein also lies the dangerous spreading of pathogenic concepts centered around misinformation and sensationalism. One has only to read a comment thread on social media concerning the current run for the presidential nomination to see what I'm talking about. But more on that a little later.

    I recently held a lengthy discussion with a good friend centering around a seemingly benign query. Which world would you rather live in: the world of the film Blade Runner or the world of the Mad Max series? A nerdy question indeed, but, one I already knew the answer to. Obviously, I'd rather live in the Mad Max world. Now, if you're familiar with both franchises you might be thinking why I'd go in this direction. The world of Mad Max is bleak, sparse and severe where the world of Blade Runner is full of sci-fi wonders and intriguing environments. I mean who wouldn't want to live in a fictional universe where you can live "off-world" and be awarded a synthetic human slave for doing so? On face value, yes, this seemed like the proper decision. Yet, on further inspection the reasoning for my decision can be elucidated from information key to both fictional worlds.

        Intrinsically, the worlds of Blade Runner and the Mad Max series are virtually similar. Both are byproducts of nuclear devastation where the human race struggles to survive. That's however where the similarities diverge. In Blade Runner the world is lush with technology and scientific progress. Conversely, the world of Mad Max is minimal yet alive with anarchic, tribal societies. Thematically, both worlds serve the purpose of aiding in representing the message conveyed throughout each narrative. Blade Runner centers around themes of existentialism and identity. Whereas Mad Max on the other hand, revolves around survival and the realities of unfiltered human nature.

        In Blade Runner, we follow alongside Rick Deckard as he tries to hunt down renegade synthetic beings on their quest for prolonged life and identity. The synthetic humans called Replicants are physically & mentally superior to their human masters but are limited by a four year life span. The setting is a futuristic Los Angeles cityscape populated by gargantuan corporate structures, multi-ethnic cultures and morose weather. Humans are coerced into leaving the planet to avoid propagating genetic damage from radioactive remnants of a nuclear war to future generations. By the film's end, we are left with questions as to whether Deckard himself is or isn't a Replicant or if it even matters. Our anti-hero leaves with the story's beauty who herself is a Replicant and their fate is open-ended. If both are doomed to eventually succumb to an expiration date is it really a "happy ending"? Moreover, if our destiny is predisposed is there such thing as free will? All heady ideas that were meant to be so open-ended that the producers forced director Ridley Scott to fabricate a more"traditional happy ending" to placate movie audiences. Clearly, they didn't understand what the film or its source material were trying to say about the world we live in.

        In the Mad Max franchise, the narrative is divided into four distinct films. Throughout the series we follow our protagonist Max Rockatansky as he tries to survive in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. He goes from being a police officer, to a wandering loner, to a hero, then to a ghost-like, mythic figure. Each arc in his journey he manages to bring civility and basic morality to those he encounters. Something like a punk rock version of the titular character in the film Shane or Jesus from the Bible. He overcomes the myriad ugliness of humanity and manages to reluctantly do right in the face of endless adversity. Each story is completed with some form of resolve and hint of a better life somewhere down the line. It's in this notion that the world of Mad Max is more attractive in my mind. In Blade Runner the characters create their own truths or perhaps overlook them as a means to avoid reality. Which even in a science fiction story is next to impossible if not highly improbable. In the Mad Max films the characters are always trying to overcome their reality and in various ways find hope. In the first film, Max overcomes the murder of his wife and child to become the warrior we see in later films. In The Road Warrior, it's the idea that a feral child can grow older into a tribal leader. In Beyond Thunderdome, it's the budding society created from children saved by Max. In Fury Road, it's the future of a society freed from the tyranny of a madman. In spite of all the hardships and horrors in Mad Max there is always hope where in Blade Runner there is only a secession to hopelessness and the environment reflects this.

         The reason I bring this story up is that I'm fully aware of the nuances for both Mad Max and Blade Runner. As a writer I also understand them on a technical level. I am aware of why the worlds these stories take place in are the way they are. Blade Runner's city is a metaphor for the inescapable reality of one's nature that's so grand and powerful it reaches into the sky and rains down endless amounts of filthy water. You're trapped by it. It consumes you. In Mad Max, the desert is representative of hopelessness and when hope is found there is also some form of oasis to harbor a better future. The desert is a place long used in storytelling as a place of contemplative inner-space. And, because of this in-depth knowledge I was able to formulate a concise reasoning for my choice beyond superficiality. My friend on the other hand, hadn't seen all the Mad Max movies and the ones he had seen he didn't remember. He also couldn't quite remember what Blade Runner was about either. He just remembered that the city in Blade Runner was "cool looking" and that informed his opinion and thus his decision. He made a superficial choice based on a superficial opinion.

         So, what exactly is an opinion? In essence, it's how we feel about or view something that isn't necessarily based on facts or knowledge. It's where Billy can love anchovies and Susie can curse their very existence. Where opinions can get dicey though is when those opinions facilitate decisions that have meaningful consequences on the lives of individuals or groups of individuals. Very much unlike the Blade Runner-Mad Max discussion. Vaccinations for example are still a hot topic in the cultural mainstream, and in spite of numerous scientific studies saying otherwise, there is a prevailing group who think they are harmful. What's the meaningful consequence? Diseases thought to be eradicated by vaccines reemerge and immune deficient members of society, namely children and the elderly, are placed in severe danger of contracting pathogens unnecessarily. Major consequences spawned from ill-informed opinions.

        Which brings us back to the 2016 presidential nomination and social media. Throughout many of the aforementioned comment threads I've read, there has been innumerable amounts of conjecture with little or no factual basis. Details like the specifics of a candidate's platform or their voting history are overlooked for soundbites, memes and oversimplifications. Most people generally have no idea what the realities of their candidates are outside of what they've seen on television or told by the media. It's all superficial thinking barely skimming the surface of an important aspect of American life. That being that the selection of a presidential leader in the United States is what democracy is all about. By not informing oneself of these facts and thus not having a clear picture of their candidates one belittles something that makes this country so great.

        Now, I've used a silly anecdote to illustrate something that I take very seriously. It is important to imbue our thinking with opinions that have some semblance of knowledge or facts. Or, as Speculative Fiction writer Harlan Ellison so eloquently put it, "You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant." Knowledge is power. Conclusively, our opinions should be like a skin we can shed once more information becomes available or is sought out. We can transform ourselves internally to create a better world. Because if we don't allow our opinions to change, then we run the risk of becoming stagnant or never progressing. Consequently, If our opinions are ill-informed then we make ill-informed decisions which have the potential for becoming long term negative outcomes. Our species, like countless others will then become like tears in the rain.

My Five Song Playlist

King Krule - Borderline

What's not to love about that opening riff? King Krule (named after a Donkey Kong character) is Archy Marshall hailing from London. With it's amalgamation of R&B, Jazz & Hip-Hop, "Border Line" is a heartbroken, love song growled with melodic determination. Lines like, "The soul is broken down, borderlines // To cause the tide, to enforce the tide", you really get a view into the emotionally state this breakup has caused. 

Memory Tapes - Yes I know

The thing I love about Davye Hawke's music is his ability to build strange and beautiful atmospheres with his vocal and musical arrangements. "Yes I Know" is an ambiguous song, that to me is a lament to loss & regret. The lines, "You hear them far way, you call to stay //

But they're already gone to leading us away" make me imagine that this is about a friend who committed suicide. Who knows. But, that's the great thing about Memory Tapes; the songs are just open-ended enough to project your own narrative onto. 

The Flaming Lips - Be Free, A Way

I got into The Flaming Lips around the time I got into the Pixies and Sonic Youth (sometime in the mid-90's). Where the latter two have generally stuck to their established sounds and perfected them, The Flaming Lips experimented with various musical stylings. Which for me had a hit-and-miss effect that wax and waned my interest over the years. "Be Free, A Way" is such a beautiful & touching song. It's like being submerged in technicolor bliss and one of the best tracks from 2013, once again re-establishing my love of the band. 

Buffalo Springfield - Expecting to Fly

"Expecting to Fly" is my favorite track from Buffalo Springfield. It's the first band Neil Young was in and their formation is the stuff of music legend. If you haven't heard it, it's totally worth looking into. Young has a voice that is so counterintuitive to the norm in music that coupled with his lyrical choices creates an almost alien-like experience. "Expecting to Fly" is such a gorgeous piece and a poetic way to say goodbye to a fleeting love. 

The XX - Angels

Centered around the vocals and guitar work of band member Romy Croft, "Angels" is a minimalistic approach to the love song. Her harmonies are captivating and the reverb-heavy guitar perfectly conveys the seemingly painful longing in the lyrics. This track is their most well known song and easily my favorite off of 'Coexist'. The XX is a superb band and they deserve all the praise given to them.

Monthly Music Rundown

July: a time of summer showers and rising temperatures; all punctuated by great new music. Whether it's Electronica, R&B or straight up Indie Rock; this July saw the release of some great albums. Here's a rundown of my top picks for the month.

Veruca Salt - Ghost Notes
(July 10)

As someone who remembers the 90's fairly well, I recall Veruca Salt's "Seether" and to a lesser degree "Volcano Girls" as being music staples of the decade. Which I'm sure is hard thing for a band to shake. "Ghost Notes" is the band's latest album in nine years and they've managed to retain their sound while still being musically relevant. Much like The Breeder's return from hiatus in 2008, Veruca Salt proves they still have what it takes to produce quality music.

Notable Tracks:

"The Gospel According To Saint Me"

"The Sound Of Leaving"

"Black and Blonde"

"Triage"

Tame Impala - Currents
(July 17)

Encroaching on R&B sensibilities, "Currents" moves more into a dance-oriented direction than previous work.  The album was written, recorded, performed, and produced by primary member Kevin Parker, who meticulously labored over the album since the release of Lonerism in 2012. The title is indicative of the main thematic premise of personal transformation and identity as a man in a modern context. I can't say I loved every track of Lonerism, but I did enjoy the bulk of this album. 

Notable Tracks:

"The Less I Know The Better"

"Yes I'm Changing"

"Let It Happen"

"Eventually"

"New Person, Same Old Mistakes"

Ratatat - Magnifique
(July 17)

Recorded over the process of four years in several locations, Magnifique is New York's Ratatat's latest album in five years. Much hype was built around the album after the release of the single "Cream and Chrome" at Coachella and The Governor's Ball in April. It's safe to say that Magnifique does well not to let Ratatat's fans down. If you've loved their sound from previous albums you'll definitely feel at home with this new addition. 

Notable Tracks:

"I Will Return" (A cover of a 1971 Springwater song)

"Cream On Chrome"

"Drift"

"Nightclub Amnesia"

Wilco - Star Wars
(July 17)

"Star Wars" was presented as a surprise, free download on Wilco's website as a gift of sorts to their fans. It's for sure a Wilco album, and by that I mean a thoughtful, well-produced continuation of their sound. Each track is in themselves powerful stand alone pieces. They've always been a classic band and Star Wars can easily be described as a classic album.

Notable Tracks:

"Taste the Ceiling"

"More..."

"Random Name Generator"

"EKG"

Iron & Wine & Ben Bridwell - Sing Into My Mouth
(July 17)

A cover album featuring the likes of such acts as Talking Heads (for which the title is derived), John Cale and Sade. Sing Into My Mouth is a bitter-sweet mix of sadness and love. Ben Bridwell of the group Band Of Horses lends his vocals and guitar playing to this rich and emotional album. The best part of any covers album is what the artist brings to the original work and Samuel Beam & Bridwell take these songs into their own music domains. 

Notable Tracks:

"This Must Be the Place"

"Bullet Proof Soul"

"No Way Out of Here"

The Chemical Brothers - Born In Echoes
(July 20)

"Born In Echoes" is The Chemical Bros' first album in five years and features guest artists St. Vincent, Beck & Cate La Bon. The Chemical Brothers are known for continually putting out concise and quality music since their debut album "Exit Planet Dust". You either love their fusion of Dance-Rock-Rap or you don't. If you do, "Born In Echoes" won't disappoint.

Notable Tracks:

"Under Neon Lights"

"Sometimes I Feel So Deserted"

"I'll See You There"

"Go"

Vinyl Williams - Into
(July 24)

Where to start with "Into" by Vinyl Williams aka Los Angeles-based multimedia artist Lionel Williams? The best way to describe it is as a Psychedelic-Shoegaze journey across time and space. Williams draws influences from eclectic sources ranging from Egyptian BioChemistry to Russellian science. Which in turn results in esoteric soundscapes seemingly devoid of reason. It's experimental enough to be original yet grounded in a somewhat traditional music making process to be enjoyable.

Notable Tracks:

"Space Age Utopia"

"Gold Lodge"

"World Soul"

Evvol - Eternalism
(July 24)

"Eternalism" is Berlin-based Dark Wave duo Evvol's first studio album. The album is an ethereal mix of Art Of Sound and The Knife sensibilities. The two have created a sound that is all their own and has been described as playing "on dualities – light and dark, entrapment and escape, immersion and surrender." 

Notable Tracks:

"No Love"

"Four Steps Home"

"I See You (I Am You)"

Gwenno - Y Dydd Olaf
(Reissued: July 24)

Welsh-born singer/musician Gwenno Saunders uses the 1976 sci-fi novel (of the same name) as the basis for her latest album "Y Dydd Olaf". Technically a reissue from 2014; the album is too good not to make it on this list. Her dreamy retro Pop sensibilities transport you into a different time and at times a different universe. It's a fun album to fill spaces or just to space out with. 

Notable Tracks:

"Sisial Y Môr"

"Chwyldro"

"Patriarchaeth"

Field Music - Music For Drifters
(July 24)

The sixth studio release by English Indie-Rock trio Field Music. To me, this album has a mature quality to it that separates it from their previous work. It's subtle and nuanced. The tracks aren't trying too hard to show off and that's what I appreciate the most about Indie music. 

Notable Tracks:

"Batten Down"

"Quayside, Pt. 2"

"Hauling"

"Out of the Harbor"

Lianne La Havas - Blood
(July 31)

The second album release by singer, songwriter and guitarist Lianne La Havas; "Blood" is an immaculately produced album blending her own brand of Funk & Soul. Drawing inspiration from her Jamaican & Greek roots the album delves deep into Lianne's own blood. Her heritage & identity are all subjects methodically approached with thoughtful fervor. Definitely a personal album & one not to be missed.

Notable Tracks:

"Green & Gold"

"Wonderful"

"What You Don't Do"

"Unstoppable"

Honorary Mention:

De Lux - Generation (June 23)

Returning with a darker sound, De Lux's "Generation" is Post-Punk / Art Rock gold. The album was greatly influenced by the music of ESG, Can & the uninhibited lyrics of Karen Finley and it definitely shows. To me, this album reminds me a lot of Marque Moon & Talking Heads. Two of my favorite bands.

Notable Tracks:

"When Your Life Feels Like A Loss"

"Oh Man The Future"

"LA Threshold"

First Impressions: Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp

First off, I'm a big fan of the original Wet Hot American Summer. I was introduced to it by friends in high school and I still feel like it has a lot of originality to its humor. It played like an updated, more self-aware Meatballs. Where Meatballs derived humor from the camping experience, WHAS utilized a similar concept as a vehicle to also poke fun at tropes from movies & TV shows of the 70's & 80's; while also injecting scenes of absurdist comedy. 

When I heard they were bringing the original cast back to produce more content from the original concept I got excited. I was skeptical when I heard it was going to be prequel, but I decided to wait until I saw it to judge. I haven't even finished the first episode and I'm already noticing problems.

The idea to make it a prequel doesn't really work. The actors are noticeably aged and the original joke of older actors playing younger parts is even more of a stretch this time around. I guess that's the joke, but it's mostly just distracting. Some of the actors are drastically different from the first WHAS (and that's being polite about it).

I feel like there's a missed opportunity to continue on the story in say the mid-to-late 90's as the original film alluded to at its conclusion. It would've opened up the humor to new jokes and characters, but what we get seems like a cashing in on an established, beloved movie without doing anything new or original. Which again, could be a joke in itself but I highly doubt it's THAT self-aware. Mostly because it doesn't play that way. 

Hopefully, as I watch more episodes my initial opinion will change. As these things often do. I will remain optimistic and open-minded.

Morning World & The Polarizing Effects of Change

My first impression of the "Morning World" single by Teen Daze is that it's definitely a more "traditional" Indie Pop track. If there is such a thing. Teen Daze or Jamison (that's it, no last name given), has been praised for his atmospheric, electronic soundscapes and I think it's a great direction he's decided to move into. 

So often artists get pigeon holed into genres that could be seen as fads. For instance, Washed Out aka Ernest Greene is widely considered to be one of the progenitors of the Chill Wave genre. A scene that has been criticized for being a momentary blip in musical genre. Greene originally worked mostly with sample-based arrangements which he eventually found to be limiting when played live. He then went on to transform that frustration into the album Paracosm, which was recorded and performed in a more traditional fashion with noted success from fans & critics.

There's this elitist attitude against artists who use laptops and software to produce and perform their work and I feel like there's a type of legitimacy that people find in more analog or established means of creation. I think that's perhaps a component in the reasoning Jamison took in recording this album. Which has been stated to be recorded at the "all-analog" Tiny Telephone Studio in San Francisco. Teen Daze has been seen in the past utilizing a laptop & MIDI controllers (namely the Akai APC40) to perform his music.

Conversely, this type of transition isn't always welcomed by fans who have enjoyed the accustomed sound of their favorite bands. Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories' or 'RAM' immediately comes to mind. Known for being a flagship act for the French House or French Touch genre, Daft Punk's previous albums used predominantly electronic & digital equipment to sample and mix their music. RAM on the other hand, was an homage to music production of the 60's & 70's. Even going so far as to use Nile Rodgers of Chic fame, who also produced numerous albums notably of the 70's & 80's eras on three of the albums tracks. The album was instantly polarizing to fans. Some really liked it, while others filled YouTube comment sections with their extreme distain for it.


Only time will tell if fans of Teen Daze will gravitate towards the album with open arms or openly express their dissatisfaction with the work. My guess is it'll be a bit of both. For what it's worth, the music of "Morning World" is of a high quality and in my opinion still in line with Jamison's previous work.

"Morning World" will be released by Paper Bag Records on August 14th. 


You can watch a trailer for the album here and listen to the titular track here. 


You can also pre-order the album here.