Crushing Krisis

Comic Books, Drag Race, & Life in New Zealand

linkylove

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So far four very excellent persons have come through with donations on my behalf for Blogathon. I realize that my plea for my charity may have come off as somewhat heavy-handed or offensive depending on your political viewpoint, and i apologize for that. At the time i was just trying to write what i felt in the plainest fashion possible – i suppose i feel very strongly. Anyway, much thanx to all of my sponsors so far and all of them yet to come – rest assured that i spent about a fourth of the weekend working on my 25-song setlist for this Saturday!

As poor as i am, this morning i still took the time to browse through the participant list list to single out a couple of deserving blogs with excellent charities, and so far the two i have chosen are Cakes and Ale (blogging for Autism Society Ontario (and her son)) & Temporary Insanity (blogging for Engineers Without Borders. The latter blog caught my eye because they read both Rabi and Martha, and are already sponsored by Mollie – about whom i wrote both the opening and closing song last year and am also sponsoring (she’s blogging for the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program).

Finally, if you are inclined to donate on my behalf but are reluctant to sponsor my chosen charity, i would urge you to instead donate to my charity from last year – MANNA. The Blogathon sponsor page doesn’t support donation to separate charities for a single blog, but if you would prefer to give to Manna just drop me a line.

https://crushingkrisis.com/2002/07/85270998/

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In other news: Alison compares bug spray to whiskey, as she discovers that one of her resident kitchen vermin has a higher tolerance than she does. I am mulling over which charity i’ll be singing for. Rabi saves a life and lives in a cave, but she seems to have forsaken permalinks (or not). We’re one step closer to living in an episode of X-Files. Just when i thought she was about to slip, she reaffirms my faith. I talked to another Philly blogger. Meg is either a Virgo or operates on the same set of brain waves as i do. Brendan won’t be back for over a year. And, um, i started writing a new song for the first time in a while.

https://crushingkrisis.com/2002/07/85252784/

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Three links that you’ve seen before.

  • 1. Registry Error is the continuation of Illegal Op, an absolutely fantastic e/n page circa 2000 that helped get me into the art of blogging. Headed up by Tony (formerly of Ahx), i am utterly thrilled to be hosting this page.
  • 2. To-cool-for-me indy music blog Buzzgrinder actually linked me back after i mentioned them on Saturday, calling me “a nearly twenty rock star aspiring Drexel student” and “a good blog.” Rock on.
  • 3. Amy attempts to be kidnapped and dismembered, but gets cool free prizes instead. Yo, next time bring me with you!

    https://crushingkrisis.com/2002/06/85177124/

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    I am trying to land a position writing music reviews for the Philadelphia Independent – a new $.50 paper that has only released two issues so far. Their main page essays come off more like revised and extended blog entries, but their music section is brief and to the point. My challenge (from the editor)? Review two new records that aren’t my typical fare in a constrictive 100 words or less. My (personal) editors? Only the best: Martha, Andy, Jill, Maggie, and Liz. The results?

    Wilco – Yankee Foxtrot Hotel

    Grade: A+

    Wilco is ambiguously labeled as an Alt-Country band, but more than anything else their newest release is a Rock record. Nearly every song is loaded with eclectic multi-instrumental riffing and studio buzz, but never enough to obscure the tunes at their root. The disc’s relatively vague lyrics are surprisingly introspective despite giving the sense of magnetic poetry assemblage. The album seamlessly combines sound collage techniques with catchy pop songs – sometimes within a single track. Borrowing as much from rock classics as from country standards, Wilco’s tunefully intricate acoustic sensibility is ultimately impressive and effective.

    Standout Tracks: I’m The Man Who Loves You, I am Trying To Break Your Heart

    Lauryn Hill – Unplugged 2.0

    Grade: B

    Unplugged is an unusual record, featuring 13 new songs performed solo rather than a glossy hit parade. The stripped down medium allows for an undiluted delivery of this hip-hop dissertation, complete with both rambling and eloquent spoken interludes. Lauryn plays uncomplicated acoustic guitar, but her MC abilities prove to be difficult to perform while strumming along. Though her playing occasionally suffers, her superb vocals are still silky and soulful. A few cuts are too long or simply lack a hook, but the strongest songs stand stronger alone than they would on a produced studio album. Overall Hill has scored one for her talent and musicianship – if not for her ability to produce hip grooves.

    Standout tracks: Just Like Water, I Find It Hard To Say

    There’s also an erstwhile Sheryl Crow review on my hard drive that i practically had rewritten for me by my first three review reviewers, but that had no bearing on whether i get the job or not. So, seeing as my typical reviews are more in the realm of 1,000 to 3,500 words, i’m tempted to ask you how i did. However, as much as i’d love to see your comments, i cringe at the thought of editing either of these any more – especially considering the fact that they are definitely not the ready-for-print versions should i get chosen to review for the next issue.

    Argh, they’re still cutting down trees.

    https://crushingkrisis.com/2002/06/85167070/