last one for the night/month

"Tirelessly thought begins from new things, returning in a roundabout way to the same object. This continual pausing for breath is the mode most proper to the process of contemplation." Walter Benjamin, The Origin of the German Tragic Drama

"Only he who can view his past as an abortion sprung from compulsion and need can use it to full advantage in every present. For what one has lived is at best comparable to a beautiful statue that has had all its limbs broken off in transit, and now yields nothing but the precious block out of which the image of one's future must be hewn." Walter Benjamin - One Way Street.

some things I found/heard/read/saw recently

- The mediator between the head and hands must be the heart.
- People spoke the same language but could not understand each other.


"Who said that time heals all wounds? It would be better to say that time heals everything except wounds. With time, the hurt of separation loses it's real limits. With time, the desired body has already ceased to exist for the other, then what remains is a disembodied wound." - Samura Koichi

I admit, I'm part slacker, but also, I tend to take on WAY too many self imposed projects, hardly ever finishing any of them. You're more than welcome to give me a little push, or even a full on righteous kick in the ass, I probably need it and even more so, deserve it.

so tonight, I'm going to keep this window open to remind myself to get some things done. maybe like a gentle nudge.

- I started and finished an art piece - http://flickr.com/photos/excabyss/3066767117/ - I dunno what to call them yet, I do know where I'd like to end up, and til then I'll just keep experimenting - roughly once a month or so.

and I stayed up a lot later than I wanted to talking to my sister - we still are talking. and it's been kinda amazing. She rules, so much, THE best sister in the world. I'd fight you over it and you'd lose.

and I also ordered 5 books - 3 Walter Benjamin, Let the Right One In, and The People of Paper.

a few days ago, I posted three videos from the first reunion show DLA played, we didn't get any footage from the other shows. I mentioned I'd try to fix the audio, well I did, and it was really distorted - I hope to get Keith's footage and hope it's a little better and I'll edit something. I really tried to edit Rob's footage, but the audio is really really blown out, and picked up the bass way too much. normally I'd say, there's no such thing, but really, too much. But I really like the footage, well the look of it and so on. And tonight I added Misplaced I think it was from 176. 08/08/03; Ft Wayne @ the Freedom House - which ended up being the last show there, as far as I know/remember. We pulled out an old one for it. I tried to make us play an old one every time we played there - I think I realized how quickly we were approaching an end of an era. - PS I need to talk to damien/craig.
here are the videos - http://www.vimeo.com/user696585/videos

I sold my 8 track today and am planning on buying a different one - sometime soon. I've been trying to work with this one, and I just don't like it, and I can't edit the old stuff, so it's got to go. So hopefully I don't forget everything. I'm working on about 30 songs right now.

one of my new bands is starting tomorrow. we'll see how that goes.

also one of my teachers who is a doctor is really pushing me and a few kids I worked with on starting an organization based on our presentation. it's kind of amazing the degree she believes in us - but there's no way I can do that, right now. I guess we're going to do some things and see how realistic would be.

sorry my posts have been so all over the place, but this is really an accurate picture of my head and life right now. I hope to get more focused and tell some stories and other essays and such.

I ain't missing you at all.

Last night (Saturday, November 22), someone not tied to my past what-so-ever and having no idea of my old nickname, which struck me as semi-out of the blue, called me grandpa. I suppose that it is my fate and it will continue to follow me around. But it really makes me wonder, am I really that old and/or grumpy? I'd like to pretend I earned this nickname through my wisdom, and amazing advice.

Tonight (Sunday, November 23), I went to a show and was spoiled with great company, gifts, free food, free drinks, free admission, and on top of all that, Towers played an amazing set, one of my faves from them.

I don't know where I stand in so many areas of life. right now I'm thinking about a few individuals. With one in particular I have been interacting with a lot and I'm getting really comfortable with having that person around, even if it's just me talking that persons ear off, which leads me to think I'm going to develop stronger feelings, which will lead to disappointment, I already know, but I can see it happening all the same. I'll admit it, it was the same person that called me grandpa on Saturday night. Another person I haven't had any contact with for a long time and that makes me even more bitter than I already was (adding to my grumpy nature, and overall grandpa-ishness). Another individual I had around a lot over summer and I miss a lot more than I expected. There are a few others that I miss a lot. There are two specific people that I am anxious for their arrival.
Can I be any more vague?

I picked up Rob's video footage that he shot of our first reunion show, from the end of August - the audio is not good, the video is great - it made me miss the boys sooooooooo much. we played a lot better than I thought we did. I might be able to fix the audio or something to share it. if nothing else it will add some alternate angles if I ever get Keith's footage.

I'm cold and tired and missing you.

Get Hustle

Get Hustle is this band that is still active from Portland. Here are their first releases - almost 10 years old. I don't think they are in print anymore. GSL had talked about releasing them on a CD but, sadly they closed their doors earlier last year.
Their first 2 releases were not as bordering on the free jazz territory their more recent material seems to flirt with.

Get Hustle first lp and 7"
Satan Be Gone is one of my all time favorite songs. There is something really amazingly sexy that is captured in this song. It feels like a throwback to old jazz around the birth of R&B and such. Also I've Got A Gun and I'm Excited is pretty sweet.

I saw Get Hustle and Joan of Arc at the Volcano Room, in Indianapolis in... it had to have been 2000, I can't remember. Amazing live band. Both of them at that time were awesome. it was an odd pairing, but rad.

Ron Avila was in Antioch Arrow, Holy Molar + some other bands that were ok, at least at the time. I'm not sure about the other members, but you know... it matters.

700 trillion says he will keep the change

Sure it's easy to be critical, but that is such a necessary part of what keeps things progressing.

I came across the following doing some research on a paper I need to finish on Robert Jensen's article "The Greatest Nation on Earth" - which is, in short, a critique of anyone, or any nation to claim that they are the greatest (individual or nation). Jensen claims anyone who states such is “either mentally unstable or he’s an asshole” he goes on to say these claims are "depraved and dangerous."

I would disagree and point to Muhammad Ali. It's subjective, of course. I also feel one of the greatest tragedies to ever occur is the assassination of Malcolm X. It's something I always come back to for inspiration - his level of personal change that he accomplished during his lifetime, is by far a perfect example of our potential for greatness. Anyway, I'm off topic, kinda... change, greatness, and so on...

Robert Jensen is a respected journalism professor at the Univesity of Texas at Austin, an author, and a political activist.

This comes in a later chapter of his book - "Citizens of the Empire: The Struggle to Claim Our Humanity"

"... the Soviet Union was a global military threat to our existence was a political weapon to frighten Americans into endorsing wars to suppress independent development in the Third World and accepting a permanent wartime economy. With the Soviet Union gone, American planners needed a new justification to keep the military machine running. International terrorism and threats from drug traffickers were tested as rationales during the 1980s as the Soviet threat receded. In the 1990s, talk of "humanitarian interventions" also became a justification for a bloated military that was far beyond the level needed for defense. On 9/11, the vague terrorism justification became tangible for everyone. So, even if nonmilitary approaches to terrorism are more viable, the rationale for ever larger defense spending was set."

It IS time for a change.
What's the old cliche about a sinking ship and taking in more water than you can bail out?

art, truth, and death.

"The Truth is always an abyss. Man is condemned not to die, but to live. I'm fighting the most hopeless battle there is."
"Against whom?" I ask.
"Against myself."
- Kafka to a friend

"We have art in order to not die of truth."
- Nietzsche

Carol

Carol was this band from Germany. I don't know too much about them.
They are somehow tied with the whole Bremen scene and the bands Acme, Systral, Minon, Metöke, and Mörser.

as an aside:
I saw Mörser at Columbus fest a few years ago - the one with those total bullshit safe spaces, I think 1999. Whatever. Pretty funny and good sense of humor, and there were a lot of members in the band. 2 guitarists, 2 bass players, 3 singers and a drummer.

here are 5 songs that are out of print and hard to find of, as far as I know, all of their recorded output. I have at one time or another heard they had some unreleased stuff, but rumors run amok.
Carol - 5 Songs

I've got nothing. Come back some other time.

I fixed the files for Fragments For Walter Benjamin. I broke it up into 4 parts. I tried to edit it in sections that made sense, but I didn't want to spend that much time on it. I really encourage my friends to watch this.

Two releases for the label are planned.
First is Morrow's first full length. we're doing a limited run on cd and hope that it gets picked up by another label. then I'll press the vinyl.
Second is a tribute record to Dinosaur Jr's You're Living All Over Me. bands include, Morrow, me (haven't decided on the name), Skything, Algernon Cadwallader, Drowning With Our Anchors + more TBA. we have 5 of the 9 songs accounted for. This will not be out until around my birthday. I haven't decided the medium either.

I don't know about my travel plans to visit everyone. I'm going to Hawaii in February for a few days. In May/June I might be going to Japan with a band, more details will be announced and stuff soon. So next year, it might be everyone coming to see me.

Never go into things with high expectations. I should remember this, but I was so stoked on the movie, Let The Right One In - it didn't disappoint, but I wanted more devastation, more loneliness, more alienation. It's still all of these things, just not what I expected.

I keep forgetting to mention that I named the song the Morrow (from Dead Letter Auction's last 5 songs) after the movie Gattaca (which is one of my favorites) - Michael Nyman who did the amazing soundtrack for that movie, also had a song called the Morrow. This was named after Jerome Morrow (Jude Law's character). I would like to think that the band Jerome's Dream was also related to this movie, even though I only like 1/2 of one of their songs (untitled number 2). Jarod named his band Morrow, after the DLA song. So you can see the tracing of an impact. However insignificant you think you are, might have been, it lasts lifetimes, and goes far beyond your immediate understanding. People you'll never even meet, will be influenced by something someone else was influenced by.

Anyway, midterms, up to my neck in work, which I need to get back to.

random thoughts

"To the person who thinks with his head life is a comedy. To those who think with their feelings, or work through their feelings, life is a tragedy."
- Henry Miller

it's Halloween. I don't remember what I did last year, or the year before... I haven't cared since I was a young kid.

The death of mystery. This year, I've been doing a lot of that, murdering mystery. Take for example time travel. It's just not worth it, you can't change anything, but these things change you.

My mind is seriously messy. Near exhaustion / burnt out.

I had so many things I meant to say or do... save it for later, if it comes back to me.

Fragments for Walter Benjamin

Walter Bendix Schönflies Benjamin (July 15, 1892 – September 27, 1940) was a German-Jewish writer that wrote many essays, critiques, memoirs, letters, and short stories. He also translated many works, and was a philosopher that was associated with the Frankfurt School (basically, a perfect human being).

I came across this movie, "One Way Street: Fragments for Walter Benjamin" trying to find out how to buy the documentary "Who Killed Walter Benjamin" - a ridiculously expensive movie - but don't worry, I bought it.

This movie runs 58 minutes and has kinda cheesy scenes, but what's to be expected from 1992?
I will definitely watch it a few times, to get more out of it, I was really excited that the initial viewing was more caught in the moment of being giddy, rather than paying attention. Yes, I am that much of a nerd, that I nerd out, over nerd stuff.

I tried to do some research on the film, and results returned are from all over the place. Movies with the same name, shorter versions, different directors, different languages, different companies and so on. Which is fitting for the subject of the film.

The title is perfect as Walter left behind what many essentially call a perfect masterpiece, had it been completed.

I'm a little more interested in the other documentary "Who Killed Walter Benjamin" but haven't received it yet. I'll probably have a showing at my house when it arrives for me, my new roommates, and a few others.

anyway, I compressed this down into mp4 to share with my Frankfurt School professor I had over the summer. And if you're interested at all in anything Jewish, German, historical, or intellectual, or things that really, truly interest and move me - you can watch it too. Be warned, it will take a good amount of time to download it.

One Way Street: Fragments For Walter Benjamin part 1
One Way Street: Fragments For Walter Benjamin part 2
One Way Street: Fragments For Walter Benjamin part 3
One Way Street: Fragments For Walter Benjamin part 4

- in the event anyone involved with this project has a problem with me sharing it, you need to re-read Walter Benjamin.

can I get a...?

regime change.
I'm pretty stoked on all 3 new roommates.
Just have to survive 2 more months.
A good test on my patience for sure.
Slightly related, I'm in the market for an air purifier.
My OCD is getting worse when it comes to cleanliness.
Lot's of info out there that doesn't really tell me much of anything.

I have a serious problem with buying books. This year I have bought well over 60 books, and spent more than $2000 - and I am not exaggerating. I continue to buy them, even though I don't have time to read them.

Projects continue to pile up!
I am releasing at least one record VERY soon. I will make announcements when it's ok to do so. There are some more releases that are down the road a bit. And a slight possibility of something that would be the most amazing thing ever, well for me.

in context:
what you were and what you are, are two very distinct and very different things.

unrelated:
stop existing as a distraction.

listening:
last.fm/user/DamianHade

reading:
Walter Benjamin and Max Horkheimer until I have read everything they have published. Anything not translated, I will do myself.

watching:
the same movies over and over again (when movies go completely digital, and the TV is hooked up through the internet you'll see - make this website now, get ahead of the game).

living:
all over me

out of context:
I misuse you

related:
no one specific

it's like learning a new language

oh man.
impulsivity at it's finest, I re-launched the website (as previously mentioned). It's fun looking back at all that stuff that was so long ago. I forget about some of the reviews some of the releases received. I also have to relearn all the web programming languages, and apparently there are some new ones out there. I do have a lot of things I need to get up there.

and speaking of languages, I'm struggling with German. Well not really, actually.
It's not that hard, it's just I need to dedicate more time.
I don't really like my professor's overall approach, I like aspects, but, eh... I also really dislike the book Hunter uses, a few members of the German Department wrote it themselves, and frankly, it's not very good. I've been picking up other books here and there, and they are far more helpful. Though typically they are a slightly different dialect, so it doesn't really help me in my class. Maybe I should actually focus on school instead of my other studies, artwork, and other writings.

I have officially stepped down as Marketing Director from my job, and am now just general awesome assistant / marketing coordinator. I really hope this allows me to chill out and have more time for breathing, visiting, reading, writing.

I'm also interviewing people to move in. One room available to replace the bartender that was never here. In January the couple is out, and a friend from Miami moves in.
So that leaves one more room to fill in January. Kinda excited about this.

I keep trying to find my footing in relation to establishing foundations of many things. I am impatient, and want to get there. This is applicable to so many endeavors in my life. I want to get into the heart of the subjects, getting into more theoretical aspects. While this is super frustrating I recognize the importance of foundations. At the same time, often times, these foundations are common sense, therefor making me even more impatient, wanting to skip over a lot of important material.

Google Analytics has been providing some interesting returns on visitors from all over the world. it's kinda crazy how specific it gets. I can tell which of my friends are or are not reading this, and how regularly they check in. it goes back to a previous entry where I touched on the thought I had on the internet as the panopticon.

Help is always on the way.

excursionsintotheabyss.com relaunched!

so I relaunched the site today.
I'm still going to be using this as a blog.
The label things will be back up in their proper order,
everything will be working by the end of the year.

I did upload a folder of 15 songs by post DLA bands I was in; Arrows, Optics, Our Past Projects, and a few solo songs by me. and some other media.

www.excursionsintotheabyss.com.

Maps

one of the many projects I've been working on is a map of all the places I've ever played.
It's related to the list of shows post.

Google map, of all the places I've played.

It's nowhere near even complete, and barely even started actually, so it shouldn't read "all the places I've played" - but maybe I'll finish it, someday.
It does have all the Cataract Falls and Red Heroine shows done. A few each for Drowning With Our Anchors, and Dead Letter Auction.
Where possible, I noted exact address / venue.
Sometimes we played in the same venue multiple times.

With friends like these, who wouldn't need friends?

Somewhat inspired by Craig's post on his blog and listening to Gogogo Airheart's Love My Life, Hate My Friends as well as some of Jeremy's new photos ...

I'm pretty proud of 99% of my friends' accomplishments.
I've surrounded myself with creative and intelligent people, intentionally.
I think, despite our distances, we feed quite well off each other, even to this day.

Most of all, I'm proudest of the ones I have been closest with. Coincidentally or not, at one time or another we were all in some form of band or music project, or at least one step away from doing so, ie I never actually played music with Damien, but he was in Mortadusk with Craig, and Craig was in Arrows/the last incarnation of Dead Letter Auction, we also had a few other bands that didn't take flight. Also all the boys in Philly (Towers, Peter & Craig, Algernon Cadwallader, etc), we haven't worked together directly yet, but Greg Fowler was in a band that had members of Burial Year, and Josh was in Burial Year, as well as in Dead Letter Auction, a few times, and I was in Drowning With Our Anchors.

Jarod has been in a band called Morrow for quite some time.
I have a press release I'm finishing up with the band that I'll post here, once completed. I've had the full length for a few months now, and can't wait for it's release. It's nothing short of genius, beautiful, heartfelt, honest, and amazing. It makes me pretty excited about music in general again, and that's getting harder and harder to do these days. I will probably be pushing it pretty heavily. I've made mention of it a few times. Jarod recently hinted at us working together really soon again. We have started doing some artwork collaborations through the mail.

Josh has a new band, he sent me a song from a practice, and it's amazing. I believe it's called Pills. It's with Steve Middlekauff, whom incidentally was at a Red Heroine show in Ann Arbor (04.06.01; Ann Arbor, MI; the Pirate House). And at that show a friend of Steve's gave us a free drum set, which of course, caused many fights amongst that band (as if we needed any more reasons to fight). Josh asked me to move to San Francisco to play bass for it, and while tempting, I can't leave New York, yet - I'll get to why eventually on here, and it's not solely school related. Drowning with our Anchors is still rocking it, they are touring Europe next year.

I'm anxious and hopeful that Craig (Phillips) will start a new band with Damien during their time in Portland.

I've become rather close with Portraits of Past, which is strange is some ways. There is talk of them touring Japan and Europe in the summer. They are playing Dude Fest '09, and that means I'm actually going back to Indiana for that.

There are a few others that I'm super proud of, and we'll get to them, someday.

I'm in the process of writing some actual stories that look back at the history of some of these projects, (as well as updating/finishing the few already shared) and look forward to sharing them soon.

The medium is the message

The new computer arrived this morning.
I was so excited about it, that it caused me to be 2 hours late for work. Way to go technology. I was under the impression you were supposed to make things run smoother, more efficiently, in turn making me on time.
I am currently organizing my pictures and movie files, music is already done, for now. I have to redo quite a lot of the things I thought were finished for the video project I have been working on and off and on again for the past 5 years. It's partly why I bought this thing. Good memories in the videos and photos. I found a few gems that I had long forgotten about (multiple years forgotten).

I can't help but think of the few Marx essays I've read in connection with the collapse of many economic systems around the world. I only hope for accountability for accountants, CEOs, etc, essentially. Whatever, I'm keeping the system afloat, with all these new technological purchases, yet I actually want to see it fail.

I've been doing research for an essay on love. Recently, I have found some interesting things connecting depression, OCD, and addiction, to love. Which makes absolutely perfect sense to me. Anyone who knows anything about me knows I fall in love fairly easily - though it's been a while, well just a little more than a year and a half, that's not so long, and almosts never count, and neither do objects, nor do previous positions held. Anyway, point being, it's interesting to say the least, but not something that one doesn't inherently know or understand.

Speaking of critical analysis, I also want to work on this long standing thesis I've had on the failings of punk rock. I was listening to some older stuff, a band called Life's Blood (pre-Born Against), in particular, and just was really turned off by the production first and foremost (could you imagine if Minor Threat had such shitty production, no one would have become straight edge). The message I think they were going for lead me to be reminded of other bands from that era, and their talk of revolution, etc. Revolution my ass. The message is the medium, the medium is the message. How something as intense, interesting, intelligent, and critical of a message punk has as a whole, gets construed for laziness and drunkenness, is beyond me. Right, you sure are showing the man, you showed 'em real good. By no means am I not saying have fun, etc. but these things don't equate.

Another scholarship was sent to me today. It's kinda amazing.

Longing for returns.

the good, the bad

well the 8 track arrived this morning.
but get this, it only has one tape speed at 9.5, instead of having both tape speeds, the other being 4.8. I only recorded 2 things at 9.5 in my life. so it's almost worthless. However, a friend said I could borrow his to go through the tapes. He's a jackass, cause he knows I've been wanting to do this for a long time, he could have saved me a bit of change. so we'll see if that works out, if not I'm kinda determined, so I'll probably just buy another one.
I will start demoing new stuff this weekend.

Oh, I got another raise today!

anywho...
Craig, let me know if you're safely settled in Portland.
I have some wicked travel plans for winter break and then a huge announcement for summer.

There are other things, I'll share them later...

yes cheating to fulfill self imposed regulations.

is this really completion?
does it really count?

oh cryptic messages to unlistening ears.
conversations could complete these thoughts.

"so where are you now"

completely isolated, and has absolutely nothing to do with my purchasing of an 8 track, in fact he doesn't even know about my blog, Chris called me tonight to inform me that he is backing up all of his dats etc and found me and Jarod's first recording session from 1997, and he is going to send that to me. This has been lost for a long time. We did release the acoustic version of "Housebroken" on his benefit compilation cd "East Timor" - which raises a lot of issues in it self. maybe I'll get there and point out what should be obvious - but anyway, we recorded 4 or 5 other songs. at least one other one I might be proud of. it's hard to remember that long ago. anyway, once I get it, I may or may not share it with you. 'til then, take care.

quota

Sometimes I think I am surrounded by insects masquerading as men for some diabolical reason ... Henry Miller.

self service

I have (finally) purchased an 8 track cassette recorder. Actually it is the last model that was in production before it all went digital, which is to say, multi-track cassette recorders are no longer being made. It should arrive later this week. I'm finally going to go through a lot of my old tapes; a few of you have seen the box of recorded material I have, and know this will be a task, some of it goes back 15 years. There are some really fun things in that box, some I'm sure I will cringe at and even destroy, I hope to find a few specific things. I'm going to finish the Rebellion's New Idol stuff and get that sent out before the end of the year. And since bringing it up a few weeks ago, I'm anxious to listen to the xcongressofthecrowx tape for the first time since recording it. Also, this will lead to me getting some demos done of some of my newer stuff. I am pretty excited about all of this, hence this post.

Now that my laptop has officially crapped out on me (the logic board is dead), I have a new computer coming later this week. So hopefully I get to some of the video stuff I started work on a few years ago, among other things.

I just got offered a nice scholarship for making the Dean's List. There are a few things I have to figure out, but will pretty much cover all of my expenses and then some.

With that, I leave asking that you continue learning and not just things that have to do with your job(s), or life lessons accidentally learned; please be in pursuit, passionately.

fragmented

... in vain attempts to quantify exaltation, and every escaped occurrence of these utterances fail. Truth does not exist in this realm; go ahead and tell another lie.

taken out of context to paint a picture

It's the inside of a watch functioning perfectly in an incredible chaos.

They are cruel in the way children are cruel. They walk over you to reach for a new toy...

To speak well one must have an appreciative audience.

Somewhere there is a leak in you. Until it is repaired you can never become the great human being which you are.

A little sympathy, that's what's needed. Better to be wrong, better to be unjust, than to turn your back on sympathy.

He is interested in the theory of medicine, not the art of therapy.

all taken from Aller Retour New York, by Henry Miller.

Red HeroiNe

I don't remember much at this point.
well that's not true (I just don't know how much you don't care to know).
it was summer 2000.
Jeremy, Eddie and I had a band called xcongressofthecrowx. (congress of the crow is a sexual position, I'm sure I tried to teach it to you at some point). we were a straightedge band. The three of us were supposed to share vocal duties, but it really came down to me doing it. I wasn't that into it, I mean it was fun, but I wanted to play and not have to worry about yelling and such, considering I decided I didn't want to scream in bands anymore, and I had Dead Letter Auction (well actually at that point I think we were on a break). We recorded and released an eight song demo limited to 20. Well Jeremy did all of this. I actually didn't want it released. But anyway.
So, with fall approaching, John Cheesebrew was added to the fold. John has never been straight edge. So we changed the name to red heroine.
we adopted a few xcongressofthecrowx songs and built on the sound. oddly enough we fit in perfectly with the other bands that were coming out of Indiana at the time (and in many cases are far superior and hold up way better than they do), though we had nothing to do with them, and didn't even really like them as people or even musically. we really did call our music "aftermath rock" (a play on the "mathrock" label (attributed to weird time signatures), as well as an homage to dr dre, as well as aftermath being chaos, etc) and "eddiemetal" (a play on heavy metal as well as an homage to Iron Maiden, as well as our band member). I was doing a noise project at the time called, The Rebellion's New Idol (I'm not going to explain this one, but in part, there's a bit part homage to Star Wars (before it started sucking)), and we really wanted to add elements of that (hence the end of the last track of the Mangus Meets His End cd - the noise throughout the cd was intentionally added by mike dixon - though I do believe he edited parts from our noise movement). I think if we had continued we would have added even more of that aspect. (in fact I have some tapes of me and Eddie making noise pieces) (I really need to get a 4 track to edit/digitize some of these things).

at some point, John McCormick joined the band on 2nd guitar (unfortunately, you can barely hear him on the live track).

honestly we were a really dysfunctional band. we didn't really get along with each other. there were major 2 way cliques amongst us. Some people would say Jeremy was the worst drummer they had ever seen (I tried really hard to shelter him from these comments, and they obviously never saw skullyard (of which, I was the drummer)). we would fight each other on and off stage and all that. totally ridiculous. on the tour, John (mccormick) and I took our own van to avoid the other boys as much as possible. this ensued in insane highway hijinks that make Quentin Tarantino look like an amateur.

but whatever, we had a lot of fun, we played a few shows (you can follow the following link to see them - list of shows). recorded twice with Mike Dixon, once in Bloomington (mangus meets his end). Once in the Psi Ote Barn in Northside park (the 2 unreleased songs). and we had one song we didn't record (but a live version is included in the download, it's from our second to last show, at the YWCA before Kim opened and closed her record shop, Convolution Records).

so here's all 10 songs:
red heroine discography
and here are some photos

yes this post is full of jackassery and it is dedicated to Craig (he was in a band called Mortadusk that ruled Fort Wayne more than any other band EVER [and someone really should do it to him already]), he requested the red heroine stuff today via a facebook message, and I've been meaning to do this for Jeremy for about 3.5 years.

Excavation and Memory

Language has unmistakably made plain that memory is not an instrument for exploring the past, but rather a medium. It is the medium of that which is experienced, just as earth is the medium in which ancient cities lie buried. He who seeks to approach his own buried past must not be afraid to return again and again to the same matter; to scatter it as one scatters earth, to turn it over as one turns over the soil. For the "matter itself" is no more than the strata which yield their long-sought secrets only to the most meticulous investigation. That is to say, they yield those images that, severed from all earlier associations, reside as treasures in the sober rooms of our later insights - like torsos in a collector's gallery. It is undoubtedly useful to plan excavations methodically. Yet no less indispensable is the cautious probing of the spade in the dark loam. And the man who merely makes an inventory of his findings, while failing to establish the exact location of where in today's ground the ancient treasures have been stored up, cheats himself of his richest prize. In this sense, for authentic memories, it is far less important that the investigator report on them than that he mark, quite precisely, the site where he gained possession of them. Epic and rhapsodic in the strictest sense, genuine memory must therefore yield an image of the person who remembers, in the same way a good archaeological report only informs us about the strata from which its findings originate, but also gives an account of the strata which first had to be broken through.
Walter Benjamin - Selected Writings Volume 2:2 1927-1934

a day old(er)

I woke up early. too early.
familiarity.

class is ok. actually, no it's not. this class and one other specifically have some really down right stupid people in attendance. fine, people have their stories and opinions, but please don't speak aloud about things you are clearly wrong about. it's just unacceptable and it's a waste of money.

I agree to meet a familiar face for some errands.
late arrival, as usual.
I expected this.
walk to the East River for a seat. we talk about moms, well not mine.
I am being vague and avoiding, here, as well as then.
Run into another face.
what are you up to.
work and school.
oh what for.
well, teaching.
yeah, that makes perfect and total sense.
I know, that's what everyone tells me. It's something I've always wanted to do.
yeah, it suits you.

part ways with familiar faces.
return.
I attempt to write and do homework.
instead I fall asleep.

Meet a friend and his friend to go to the Dreamhouse, per another friend's suggestion.
We arrive, it's closed. I had my suspicions of this ahead of time. Yet took no action to confirm. (it re-opens on the 20th of September).
What now?
He "Hey let's walk around"
Me "OK"
The three of us end up in Soho. there's a Street Fair.
She's home.
Shadows.
Last year she described this as a scene out of "Blade Runner." to an extent, I see where she was coming from and even agree.
Shook off the dust and moved onward.
Just outside of where she and I had one of our first dates to see an old friend drunkly shout out some songs (oh what a night that was in itself!); current company and I were supposed to play here with our old bands - that didn't work out, we're both too lazy and don't care enough, and this venue didn't get it. All of a sudden someone is shouting her name, repeatedly and loudly. My heart sinks again, but it's not her, just coincidence. Of course. Yet again.
when it rains it pours.

The three of us walked the Williamsburg Bridge. I did this one other time, and it had everything to do with her; I had to walk the tension off after spending the day with her shopping, seeing a movie, touching, and flirting. Here and then each step lifting and adding unbearable weight. each step bringing me closer to and farther from.

I notice and remember these things and instantly regret I do.
at the same time, no I don't.

a few days ago, a friend and I were conversing about her friends heartache and that she was making baked goods to cheer him up. I use this opportunity to say I want baked goods as well. She tells me I'm obsessed, and I let out a laugh and too much information. yes perhaps. She meant that I always want free stuff and to be taken care of.
(m)ending.
I continue to wear it on my sleeves, at the very least, I still have one to wear.

A gust

I've fallen a bit behind on things, considering, I'm sure you'll forgive me.
With the passing of whatever holiday that just did so, I declare that Summer is officially over. And what a way to end it!

It's hard to express just how much the last week of August meant to me. (the entire month actually - starting off in San Francisco visiting friends AND seeing Portraits of Past, then Liann and Sara being here, then the boys arriving - though I could have done without the news from home).

I finished another class with a B. I guess that's fine because I missed so many classes I should have failed, but I'm me. I hated the class and thought it was a huge waste of time, I felt that way about 2/3 of my summer classes; I took Health, Speech, and the Frankfurt School. Guess which one I adored?

I guess I should start with the fact that I love the members of Dead Letter Auction with all of my heart and soul. They are my best friends and I can say without hesitation that I love them unconditionally and would do whatever I could for them. So to get to play a few shows with them again was amazing, and even very much needed. I'm a little bummed John Cheesebrew couldn't make it, it would have been awesome to be able to play with both drummers at the same time; I always wanted that to happen.

Portraits of Past were a band that meant a lot to me. I listened to this record at least once a day for at least five years straight, and still revisit it quite regularly. It captures so much of how I felt musically, atmospherically, and especially lyrically. If I were younger I probably would quote certain passages here, but being older I realize one that's silly, two I don't think I can limit myself to a passage, and three I like lists. So for them to reunite, was kind of amazing. I am quite positive that I am the only person that caught all 5 reunion shows. I sat on stage for all five, like a dork, not out of entitlement, or selfishness, but out of a sense of needing to. A lot of people asked if Jonah and I are brothers, his actual brother looks nothing like him.

In the few days leading up to the shows, a local New Yorker posted a picture of a roommate of xxxx. Weird to say the least. He and I had a few messages back and forth, but left it at, I am not interested in hearing about her this way, or in this light. I like my memories of us, and I'm going to keep them. nine months ago, nine months prior to that and I never even knew of such things. A shadow of a former self.

Jarod and John arrived much earlier than Chris. We hung out, went to some parties, caused some trouble. I touched Nora Jones' hand and arm. The boys and I told stories, laughed, and I nearly cried almost every night (it's me, of course this happened).
When Chris arrived we went straight to practice, it was awkward for some reason, not because of Chris, but because it was so late and we were all somewhat exhausted already.

The shows themselves were a lot of fun. I am convinced that every other show we ever played was good, then bad, then awesome. ie we played Wednesday it was good. Thursday was awful, Friday was awesome - I couldn't have asked for a better show, aside from some friends and other certain people being there. You know who you are. I do. There were a few "indie rock celebrities" at our shows, but they didn't do anything for me. they don't move me like you do. After the show on Friday, a younger man approached me and said "I've been waiting years to see you guys play, thank you so much" I didn't know what to say, a part of me thought maybe he thought I was Jonah, but knew that wasn't true as they hadn't played yet, and we don't really look that much alike, I just don't always believe these things (but we all know how I hold on to them) "Man, you totally just blew my mind, THANK YOU." It was already all worth it on so many levels, but this is awesome.
It was well documented in pictures, however video was only taken at the first show; with 2 cameras. I lost my voice the first night. so the second two shows were interesting, so maybe it's good that they were not filmed.
I dunno, it made me miss being in a band, and I guess I'm going to try harder to get one going again. Then again, when you've had what you wanted, why go chasing for something else? I have plans, but I need to realize life is short and I can't possibly accomplish all of these things.

I crashed hard after everyone left. All of a sudden, I wake up and there's no one to cook for, no one to entertain, no one to distract me. I've been off medication for about 2 months now. These first few days have been hard at moments, but I think I'm in a much better place. Sure I still have OCD tendencies that focus on aspects that I don't understand. I wish I was the type that was more concerned with being more organized, because my apartment and room are a mess from being awesome, but no, I'm cursed with obsessing over memories etc. Someday I'll admit to these things thoroughly, 'til then we're both left with just a thought.

and back to school.
after German class I went back to work. Lou Reed, John Zorn, and Mike Patton played a show. weird. Mike is a friend of friends, but I didn't want to be bothered with him. both Macaulay and Kieran Culkin were drinking in the office with me and other coworkers, I think my mom would be impressed.

I'm skipping class to write this, one because I don't know where today's class meets, two I had to do laundry, three I need some time off to process everything, four yes that is what this is. five, I still like lists. I imagine I will revisit this and edit it. speaking of I have to add some shows to the list of shows I have played.

containment

I'm at work. but I'm just too excited.
Jarod and John are practicing in Indiana.
They arrive tomorrow.
I'm so excited to be playing music with my favorite people in the world.
Chris and I played in a short lived band earlier this year.
What's even better is we're playing with some of my favorite bands.

upcoming shows.

Wednesday, August 27 @ Brooklyn Cat House
7pm $7
...Who Calls So Loud
Dead Letter Auction
Algernon Cadwallader
Towers
the Blue Letter

Thursday, August 28, 2008
Brooklyn, NY @ the Charleston
...Who Calls So Loud
Dead Letter Auction
the Blue Letter
+ special guest!!![um yes it is Portraits of Past]

9pm $7

Friday, August 29th @ Death By Audio
9pm $8
Portraits of Past
Ampere
Dead Letter Auction
Tropic of Nelson

Saturday, August 30 @ the Cake Shop
6pm $8
Portraits of Past
Ampere
Off Minor

return return return

I am back, I have way too much to catch up on.
The friends, the food, the shows were all amazing, and everything was well worth it.
Sometimes this place is too big.
Thank you for everything.

patterns hold me as a prisoner

my sleeves are too tight and I need new tricks.

Printed Portraits of Past posters

San Francisco

So I'm a total idiot and missed my plane to SF yesterday, due to some asinine assumptions - had to get a different flight, luckily for free, but that required me to spend the night in the Houston airport. oh boredom. I finished a book, at least.
Lack of sleep and all that, but I've arrived, it's kinda chilly. I kinda like it.
It snuck up on me yesterday en route, and I'm glad I'll be distracted the rest of the month.

upcoming shows!

Dead Letter Auction is playing 2 shows in NYC:

Wednesday, August 27
the Brooklyn Cat House
7pm $7
Who Calls So Loud?
Dead Letter Auction
Algernon Cadwallader
Towers
the Blue Letter



Friday, August 29
Death By Audio
9pm $8
Portraits of Past
Ampere
Dead Letter Auction
Tropic of Nelson

<-- yes this is the Portraits of Past poster.
I will post an actual photo of the printed versions when I get them back, next week.
The T-shirts will be posted shortly.

Dead Lettter Auction - Press (old)

since the website expired a few years ago, a lot of this stuff is not available anymore. Since we're playing a few shows (possibly three now), and some more upcoming press events, I thought I'd get this up. I'm pretty sure I'm relaunching the website soon.

Press:
whatzup article - 6/29/00

from geekass.com:
....Dead Letter Auction was next, and they made the show. Their sound was great, they played really really well, and are one of the better bands I've seen locally in some time. It's too bad that the turnout for the show was so small. I bet they had less than 30 kids total show up including bands. That's got to be a bummer for bands who are touring. And when 60% of the audience hugs the walls it must just suck. And yes, I am a hypocrite as I do the same thing most of the time. But when a band is ON and sounds good and you enjoy their stuff you have to support them and get up front. At any rate if you weren't there you missed a great band from Indiana who'll probably NEVER play in the area again. Good job you lazy fuckers. Way to support the scene.

pitchforkmedia.com review also deserves to be listed here

Song Meanings. ---> ?
we got a vote for best album?


Romancing the Actors 7"

MRR # 208 (le shok graces the cover)
three songs of early to mid 90's influences emocore not unlike CURRENT of CHINO HORDE. the guitars are a bit fuzzy and they seem to suffer from the poor recording. the songs sound like they should be much louder and heavier than the record lets out. other than that, it seems to work well. Forced vocals over driving guitar and drums that are catchy as well.
- this record made a top ten list, in this issue too.

MRR # 243 (August 2003)
Dead Letter Auction plays mid paced Ebullition-style melodic hardcore. Minor chords and tortured vocals. Maybe Yaphett Kotto meets Current with less power. The songs just kind of drag on and don't do much for me. A solid effort, no doubt. Will Risk

heartattack # 27
melodic sounding emo (screamo?)hardcore with good, personal lyrics. i like this a lot.

action|attack|helicopter
This is good stuff. Before I saw this band, I had high expectations. I wasn't disappointed. They were amazing. Dead Letter Auction reminds me a lot of Four Hundred Years. They pull off the sing-scream high emotion vocals quite well. The three songs on this are very creative, and I especially enjoy the harmonica intro to"recurrent." Also, this is printed on neat red vinyl, really cool packaging. This is my favorite recording so far. They also have a CDEP.

no karma
Hailing from the surprisingly cool little city of Fort Wayne Indiana, Dead Letter Auction play a rhythmically explosive type of emotional hardcore. Dual vocals (usually one screamed and the other shouted) and passionate lyrics push this a notch above the other young bands in the genre.
(from no karma)

collective zine (UK)
Not sure if these guys are still going, but I hope so, as this 7" shows a lot of potential, even if it isn't unfeasibly amazing in it's own right. "Throw The Towel In" is the first song, and it's loaded with strained vocals, screamed backups and rumbling guitars that never get overly melodic, nor thumpingly hardcore. Just somewhere in between. Musically they seriously give off a vibe of stuff like Portraits of Past. That sort of moody, depressed sounding emo. It's a touch repetetive on this track, but it's headed in the right direction for me. There are two more tracks on the flipside of this red slice o' vinyl, "Recurrent" gets a touch more melodic, but still has those ever so sad sounding vocals. Poor chap, he sounds very distressed indeed. Finally we have "Of Crowds And Curtains, For Example", which is much more chaotic and heavy, with screamier vocals too. A definite Shotmaker thing going on, though it lacks that bands groove (about the only thing they need to be a bona fide excellent emo band). They have a rockin' 3 track CDR out too. limited to 200 copies and it has slightly better production, a little more direction and sounds like Amber Inn crossed with Constatine Sankathi. Good luck finding it though, heh. Overall this is good emo stuff that anyone into the style will definitely appreciate and want to hear. Why there is a freaky 3 second emo-violence "hidden track" on side A though, I'll never know… Andy Malcolm


Vertigo CD


action|attack|helicopter - November 2002
From Fort Wayne, Indiana, comes what is probably the best truly independent, unsigned act in the state. Yeah, we've got Mellencamp, Songs: Ohia, Suicide Note and more, but Dead Letter Auction are truly indie artists, releasing much of their material on their very own [excursions into the abyss] label. This four piece has toured the U.S. four times and had more than ten lineups. The seven songs they recorded for this EP were done at Echo Park studios (Mellencamp does a lot of his work there) in Southern Indiana. With a firm root amongst three vocalists (although Damien does the predominant work) and brooding, personal lyrics, Dead Letter Auction's plan of attack has them utilizing roots in hardcore and *true* emo (don't even think of Dashboard Confessional). Damien's vocals may come across as awkward upon the first listen, but with such deliberately honest contributions from the lyrical department, they shouldn't be done in any other style. The best description is to say they are forcefully sung/spoken. Dead Letter Auction has diversified their style since their founding four years ago. They're much more comfortable in using melodies and dynamics and while they used to be much harder, now the band has learned how to best utilize the hardcore screams and harsh guitar tones at just the right moment in order to best amplify their emotional intent. Much of their current material is reminiscent of Ebullition and Gravity Records releases, with perhaps some 400 Years thrown in for good measure. Listening to **Vertigo**, I found what is no doubt one of the most exciting and original bands (especially live) not only from Indiana, but in the U.S. Kurt Morris
Action Man Magazine – January 2003
I can't help but wonder if Dead Letter Auction have listened to the Van Pelt, whose album Sultans of Sentiment would be considered one of the best emo records ever, had pop bands like Jimmy Eat World and the Get Up Kids not been lumped into the genre. See, the Van Pelt were on the artier side of Emosville: minimal guitar clangs gave way to spoken prose, often becoming bursts and shouts but never leaning toward pop music. Dead Letter Auction have been compared to screamo bands like Portraits of Past, and they've been called hardcore a number of times as well. Either Vertigo marks a big departure for the band, or most zine writers just haven't heard the Van Pelt.
Of course, it's entirely possible that Dead Letter Auction combined elements of hardcore, spoken/sung lyrics and textured minimalism and arrived by chance at a place which other bands had already visited. Everything on Vertigo is sincere, but not forced; intelligent, but not too cerebral. Keyboards bubble around the surface in places, recalling Joy Division without breaking the mood set by the album's heavier moments. The lyrics teeter between abstract and political, which is a hell of a lot better than singing about April memories holding hands or some shit.
All in all, you'll like Dead Letter Auction if you like the Van Pelt. If you've never heard of either, you should still give Vertigo a spin if you're hungry for some moody post-hardcore. Paul J. Lombardi

Calamity project - December 2002
indiana's dead letter auction unleashes this 7 song EP on excusions into the abyss. i've heard this band be called screamo, but they're more or less somber, straight up indie. the songs on this EP are a collection of dark indie/pop songs that are laden with melodies and catchy rhythms and hooks.
the one thing i like about this band the most is that their sound reminds me of saetia's mellow parts, and has build ups like portaits of past. i guess you can call this stuff screamo in a sense, but it's more of an indie/emo/pop sound in my opinion. the songs on the record tend to pull emotions out of you, and move you. dark, brooding melodies and rhythms keep you hooked from start to finish.
definitely a must have for anyone who's a fan of dark indie/pop/emo, or a fan of screamo's more mellow parts. an excellent listen, and worth checking out.

Collective Zine - April 2003
I remember getting a 7" a while back by these guys and it was a pretty cool screamy emo type thing. Well, obviously they have gotten bored of screaming a lot, like Engine Down and 12 Hour Turn and all those other dudes who started making indie rock once their voices got too fucked up or something. Well, Dead Letter Auction may have stopped yelling but they still make some pretty interesting music. It is melodic and has a fairly spacey flavour to the guitars, which works quite nicely. This really does make me think of that kind of more recent Lovitt Records sound (if there is such a thing) and over the 7 tracks here, Dead Letter Auction have done a decent job. They mix up the instrumentation and it sounds as though there may be some strings on here at times although it is difficult to tell. Adds to the atmosphere mind you. The vocals go from sung to this strange kind of monotone sing-shout, that is a terrible description I know but you'll have to put up with it. Overall this is a solid effort that I can enjoy but I doubt I would come back to it too often. If you like things like the newer Engine Down or Bats and Mice you might want to check this out. - andy malcolm

Stickfigure - May 2002
Dead Letter Auction “Vertigo” cd (excursions into the abyss) - Indiana’s dead letter auction have been listening to a lot of radiohead over the past year. While there are definite traces of their mid 90’s screamy hardcore sound from their earlier releases, dead letter auction have successfully melded those influences with radioheadesque pop hooks and pop melodies, complete with a dual vocals that play off each other very well.

Invisibleyouth.com - December 2002
This is a nice indie rock band that kicks out some well-written jams. With jams that sound somewhat similar to Modest Mouse and Portrait at times, DLA pulls off some very welcomed dynamics and a mix of vocals between singing and very occasional screamed vocals.

Pucknation - March 2002
Score: 7 (of ten)
i heard this band compared to Portraits of Past. Although that comparision isn't completely inaccurate, Portraits of Past had this insane energy that would just boil over into complete rage, and while Dead Letter Auction never really acheives that. They do sound like Portraits of Past in their build-ups, they just never take them as far as they could. However, they are still a good band, and totally stand on their own. i would definitely suggest this band to anyone that has liked the emo records that Ebullition has put out over the years. Shaun Ketterman

Popshot - September 2002
There seems to be a lot of fuss over the freshest New York band. The dopest too. Dead Letter Auction are probably not aware of this. They play mid-tempo screamo with political and personal lyrics, sloppy rhythms, and High School sweetheart guitar work. Perfect for days when you woke up late and walked into the living room to find a note from your boyfriend telling you that he and your best friend are moving to Saigon to head up Wal-Mart's new sweatshop. Tyler McDaniel

X-Mist: - January 2003
7 songs in 25 minutes by this band from Indiana, playing somewhat alternative indie-rock with an emotive inner tension... so this band can be filed somewhere in between bands like SAETIA or PORTRAITS OF PAST, and MODEST MOUSE or RADIOHEAD on the other side! really well-done!

Heartattack #35 - August 2002
Dead Letter Auction play mid tempo rock with spoken/shouted vocals that are too loud, of course. The music is competently played and well recorded. They slow down and speed up here and there. The lyrics are personal and introspective. Steve Snyder

Razorcake #12 - February 2003
I had almost forgotten that shoegazing could sound like this, probably because I sold every last noise-pop record I ever owned that was this horrible to a record store which pandered shamelessly to Anglophilic Britpop fans who wore their bangs in their eyes, boys and girls alike. This is rock for the no self-esttem set, music for people who long for records that were released 12 years ago but still want to pretend to keep up with the times. While I'm sure the band would call this emo (and they'd be right if they were referring to self-indulgent shit in musical form), it has still been a long time since I've heard a record which is singularly this awful, regardless of the genre. On the bright side, I've always wanted an orange coaster. Puckett

here's a review that's in german!
this is google's transalation: (which is confusing , if not humorous)
Evaluation:
At a time these days, those dark and full with precipitation are reach me these CD of DEAD TYPE CHARACTER AUCTION. As fitting, I thought as I the CD for the first time through-heard myself...
From away Wayne/Indiana come DEAD TYPE CHARACTER AUCTION, which already formed itself 1998 to volume. As the first publication they brought a D.I.Y. demo CD out, rockten with approx. 125 Shows and four routes the United States. A 7"-ep "Romancing the Actors" followed after Excursions Into The Abyss. Now thus the third plate of the four Americans!
DLA go in music with clear, minimalistic guitars a tacken toward THE CURE. Key board effects, very melancholische & melodioese guitar work (m. Choruseffekt) refer to it. Straight with the second Song "From A Forest ton of The Sea"...
In addition, the songs could be compared by structures and sounds with those by Van Pelt, Sonic Youth, Radiohead, Les Savy Fav. Sometimes the inclined working singing will be responsible for the latter, which is nearly always mehrstimmig by the way. Generally one speaks probably here rather of the alternative Indie skirt, mixed with Wave.
The melodies work sometimes very slowly-acting (necessarily not meant negative) & very melancholisch. That does not mean however that DEAD TYPE CHARACTER AUCTION can come out not also from itself, because with/two Songs can be them also in parts times a little screamy... Nevertheless: I would have wished myself nevertheless somehow with the Durchhoeren more alternation wealth. The sound was almost perfectly taken up and merged brilliant and. As said, I had my problems with these CD because of the relative monotonousness. After I belonged it to me now however three to five times, I can say: "the album has which!"


Cancer of Time

Punk Planet [#59 - Jan/Feb2004]
i love this record. Dead Letter Auction play quiet/loud indie rock with a harder edge. This little demon is filled with changes and beautifully dissonant guitar lines. The songs have lots of melody and instrumentation, so there's never a dull moment. The guitars are simply amazing and, at times remind me of Engine Down or Shotmaker. i don't think there's a bad song on this whole CD. There are quiet moments, but the urgency and energy never let up. The vocals are done in the shouted/sung way that fits so well with this style of music. Great band. Krystle Miller

Calamity Project [11/17/03]
i loved this band's previous EP "vertigo", and upon receiving this cd i was excited to check it out. these guys got even better! this being their first full length, their sound has evolved a bit more. they took the sound of the "vertigo" cd and expanded on it, and created a melodic, moving record. like vertigo, this record enthralls you, pulling emotions out of you. their songwriting is up there with the best of the indie and emo (mid 90's emo, for those of you who can't distinguish what i mean by emo). the band has a great ability to use melody and passion to their advantage, and this is very apparent on this record. it's got a very fugazi/early dischord kind of feel to it in many respects, and also kind of reminds me of elements of need, and at times i get that policy of three sort of feel. really awesome. their jammed out, melodic parts are ones to be admired, as well as their more intense parts. all in all, this is an amazing full length, and a great follow up from "vertigo". don't make the mistake of passing this up, it's one of those gems that you just can't miss out on.

Hartboiled [8/06/03]
I was really doubting that there would ever come something new concerning music ever again, but Dead Letter Auction showed me that there was no reason to doubt! The bass could be the Fugazi bass, the drums are very pounding and tricky and the guitars play beautiful melodies which always rise to infectious parts. Dead Letter Auction manage it to build up such a great tension and for me they are one of the best indie-rock bands around. The vocals remind me of Robert Smith of The Cure sometimes, but it is often more energetic. Some parts of "Give Chance" even remind me of the calm Isis parts, and I know how strange that must sound to you, but it is really cool. The CD is very appealing, it has beautiful black and white pictures, beautiful fonts, beautiful lyrics and beautiful everything! I am really looking forward to the upcoming releases by Dead Letter Auction and you guys should really listen to this one, it is just plain great music. Marcia

Exoduster.com [8/01/03]
Since 1998, Dead Letter Auction (from recently flooded Fort Wayne, IN) have been playing and working as many young bands on sort do. Yet, over some fall outs and ins, the core of DLA has stuck together through a variety of EPs, 7"s and tours to finally knock out their first full-length with Cancer of Time. Starting off on "Foreshadow" like Jazz June's cousin, DLA begin their quickly defining sound of swirling guitars, mid-tempo drums and whiny distant vocals of the indie breed and reminiscent of the cadences of ATDI. The most characteristic aspect of their sound is no doubt the vocals and the guitars. Specifically, the guitars are sans distortion throughout most of the record's twelve tracks and only come in sparingly otherwise. As you might expect this adds to the indie feel of the record and unfortunately a somewhat tin-like sounding recording. However, I think this does not necessarily detract from the sound that DLA is attempting to tackle. That this is case is probably more
impressive since they did the recording and had the mix done in 20 hours in Chicago. Cancer of Time is one of those albums where it is hard to pick out a song or two because the twelve fit well together as one. One drawback to that is it is hard to differentiate between songs so if you played them on shuffle it would be hard to know what's what. DLA have come out with a solid first full-length on Cancer of Time and if they are able to stick around long enough, they should come out on top after getting their just exposure. Brian Fogarty aka, The Professor

Light Up The Sky: [7/10/03]
Rating: 7 out of 10
Dead Letter Auction are a four-piece rock group from the boondocks of Fort Wayne, Indiana who have tactfully taken on a sound that mixes 90's innovative indie-rock with 80's style vocal work. On this, their first full length release, the group have devoted themselves to seeing that they live out the fantasy cross-breeding of The Cure and At The Drive-In that they've been aiming for. It's a plan that toes the lines of complete disaster, however the band pull it off dazzlingly well.
On opening tracks like "Foreshadow" and "Never To End", the band charge through their songs with heavy doses of Dischord-esque tempos and Omar Rodriguez-patent guitar-note construction. During this process, vocalists Damian Hade and Jarod Isenbarger try tirelessly to adapt the larynx of a young Robert Smith. It's a combination that seems like a bad pairing, but at times it really works. This is evident on the slower numbers like "Excise" when the music drags down to a Manchester post-punk pace and drenches the listener in London fog.
The highlight on the disc is the albums title track and the disc's closer, "Cancer of Time". It starts off with haunting guitars and chiming pianos that pick up at a medium pace at about a minute and ten seconds in. From there, the drums blow open to encompass a heavy hitting bass line while the vocals trade pleas with the octave chords on the six-string. It repeats the same pattern and concludes with another minutes worth of dreary mood music to finish off the the disjointed lyrics - which sound like a cut and paste journal entry.
Overall the release is solid, but at times the songs drag on a minute too long or the vocals sound a little too monotonous. It's the excess fat that needs to be trimmed, and surely maturity with time will do so. Until then, give this album a listen because it's a well-documented beginning of a band that is just starting to get things going. MA

STNT: [11/24/03]
« C’est le nouvel album de Robert Smith ? » dixit un Curiste de passage (véridique !)…Non juste le premier long effort de Dead Letter Auction qui avait mis la puce à l’oreille dernièrement avec un précédent Ep très prometteur. Si la blague est facile concernant le mimétisme touchant entre la voix du guitariste chanteur de Dead Letter Auction et le leader de The Cure, il n’en reste pas moins que ce « cancer of time » est le pont idéal entre le rock new wave des anglais et le post hardcore de Fugazi, première époque. Et si ce raccourcis vous semble simpliste vous pouvez rajouter à la liste les noms de North of America, the Regulator Watts, the Plan…pour ne citer qu’eux ! Mais au-delà de ces rapprochements toujours trop rapides, Dead Letter Auction développe à travers ces douze chansons une atmosphère tendue, mélancolique presque dépressive…tout en passant par des poussées de rage compréhensible. Et même si le disque s’essouffle un tout petit peu sur la fin, Dead Letter Auction arrive à tenir en haleine à l’aide d’une tension et d’une énergie palpable tout le long de cet album très réussi. A ne pas louper !

greg (24/11/03)

rough translation:
"It is the new album of Robert Smith? "dixit Curiste of passage (veracious!)... Not just first long effort of Dead Letter Auction which had put the chip at the ear lately with very promising a Ep precedent. If the joke is easy concerning the imitation touching between the voice of the guitarist singer of Dead Letter Auction and the leader of The Cure, it does not remain about it less than this "cancer of time" is the ideal bridge between the rock'n'roll new wave of English and the post hardcore of Fugazi, first time. And if this short cuts seems to you simplistic you can add with the list the names of North of America, the Regulator Watts, the Plane... to quote only them! But beyond these bringings together always too fast, Dead Letter Auction develops through these twelve songs a tended atmosphere, melancholic person almost depressive... while passing by pushes of comprehensible rage. And even if the disc blows very small little on the end, Dead Letter Auction manages to hold in breath using a tension and of a palpable energy all along this very successful album. With not louper!

AMG REVIEW: [8/04/03]
Although the Indiana four-piece Dead Letter Auction have numerous releases under their belt since forming in 1998, Cancer of Time is their first full-length. Having endured many lineup changes, their original is back together on this recording. One of the things that first comes to attention is that the vocal tone is redundant for most of the album, with a pleading, painful sound emitted from the vocalist's throat. It helps at some moments and at others it seems to distract from the music. Musically, the band seems to be a bipolar personality, with the occasional fast part and then the distorted, ambient portion, followed by the typical emo-hardcore posings. Compared to past releases, the feel is certainly much darker, making for a more mature and dramatic listening. All told, Cancer of Time is welded together to make for a solid release, potentially one of the best of the band's career. — Kurt Morris

Delusions of Adequacy: [9/08/03]
Dead Letter Auction is a group that attempt to transplant the post-hardcore vibe of DC circa 1991 to Chicago, circa now. Cancer of Time begins with the Fugazi- (ahem) inspired “Foreshadow.” It’s got the biting angular guitar lines and even comes complete with some Guy Piciotto-esque back up screams. Most of the album continues along similar fashion of a band trying to sound like they belong on Dischord Records.
The band plays with passion and intensity, but its influences are worn a little too proudly on sleeves. They’ve incorporated the dissonance, distortion, and minor chords that bands from the nation’s capitol all but have a trademark on. There are traces of influence from a slew of post-hardcore groups be they: Juno, the Exploder, Shiner, At the Drive-In etc.
At times, when the music is most melodic, the vocalist manages to sound quite similar to the oft-anguished Robert Smith of the Cure. When this happens, the result is a pleasing mixture of melody and aggression. However, mostly the vocals are delivered in a monotonous scream to go along with the abrasive rhythms.
The album closer is the title track. On it, Dead Letter Auction finally pull off what was missed on the other 11 songs. They manage to create an original song that blends angular post-hardcore guitar with an underlying sense of melody, and layer it with violins, creating a sound that best compliments the vocals. The result is an emotionally resonant closer. If Dead Letter Auction is able to repeat this success in future efforts, it may be on to something. In the meantime, this is a band struggling to create music that is something more than mediocre. - Dan

indieworkshop.com [8/05/03]
Honestly…I wanted to dislike this band after the 5th listen. I’m not kidding and I’ll openly admit that I have a bitchy ear. If I’m not into it by the second listen; it’s in the heap collecting in my closet. The other day I was tossing this record towards that pile when the front door buzzed and I set “Cancer of Time” on my desk next to my duct tape and Aquafina (yes…a water snob as well). DLA did not walk the plank that day by god, so they’ve remained only to be sacrificed on the critic’s altar.
I’m not going to “front” that this is the best thing since locking headstocks or the inception of “laptop” as a valid and playable instrument. What this is is the follow up to “Vertigo”. They’ve tossed together a mix-mash of hardcore, spoken/sung lyrics and textured minimalism to create a sound that at times other writers have likened to Robert and crew of the Cure. Blind me in one eye and pour salt in the other and I can, at times, see this is true. What I do know is that this is a band that’s had ten line up changes since 1998 and like to put that as pertinent point on their one-sheet. I applaud the effort, I really do. Again, I’m bitchy.
DLA do have their moments. The opening on “cut” number 12 is melodically serene. The drums drive, the guitars jingle jangle and a moving keyboard line jumps around a bit. Then all hell breaks loose once again much like the rest of the record. After a while it gets harder to tell each tune apart. Dead Letter does sound like they’d be a good, groovy live show. I believe they feel the same way and I quote the one-sheet, “ The high energy (no hyphen needed) and inescapable grooves are accomplished through pounding bass and drums.” Yes, this is true, what is not is any kind of parallel with The Cure.
I’d say this is good for a few songs then you’ll need to change it up and come back to it again. Musically, it’s an attention grabber, and sometimes the yell/scream/sing/shout/ spoken word action gets a little tiresome, especially if you stay in the same two- tone range the entire time. I’d say spice things up with some ass busting screams and a little start stop, or maybe don’t liken yourself to Radiohead in your one-sheet (hmmm, I used a hyphen). To the general public take these words as a grain of salt. Go see for yourself; they’re on tour soon. To find dates, pop Dead Letter Auction in on Google and ride the curl.
You see I’m a fan of a record I can spin for a couple hours. You know, front to back, side to side and all that shit. And this just isn’t one of them. That’s the anthem, get your damn hands up! - Todd

Bornbackwards.com [12/30/03]
Dead Letter Auction is a pretty good band from Fort Wayne, Indiana. They have nice, angular guitar parts and a nice wall-of-noise-always-distorted Trail of Dead quality. I might think they were a great band, but I can’t get past their singer. His voice annoys me. Very Badly. And I like Jawbreaker with Blake Schwarzenbach’s perpetual smoker’s voice, and Bright Eyes with Conor Oberst’s voice shaking every time he hits too low a note. At his best, Dead Letter Auction's singer reminds me of Guy Picciotto of Fugazi. At his worst, he seems to spout words without regard to time or melody, which makes me just want to turn the CD off. The lyrics are totally indecipherable because of his sloppy singing. Voice doubling doesn’t seem to help either, because some people just aren’t meant to sing.
The first track, “Foreshadow”, is the best. The guitar parts remind me of Cursive’s Domestica and the drums beat out an interesting post-punk rhythm. It seamlessly fades into the second song and the vocals begin to grate on my nerves. But wow, the music is good. Most of the subsequent tracks really fall into a formula of quiet start, loud middle, quiet end. And as a result, the songs tend to blur together. All except for the last track, my second favorite on the record. It starts off with undistorted guitar, and a keyboard set on the violin setting. It sounds pretty awesome. Even when the vocals start in, I don’t mind that much. The guitar work reminds me of The Get up Kids guitar parts from Woodson and Four Minute Mile. Anything that recalls their early stuff is listenable in my book. Their lyrics are pretty well written poetic stuff. In “Foreshadow” they quote The Aenid, and the second song is just one long quote from Black Spring by Henry Miller (the author of Tropic of Cancer).
I bet these guys would be a great live performance, kinda like how Thursday’s live performace comes across better than any of their records can. Check this out if you think you can handle the vocals. - Austin

PA Hardcore:
some decent indie rock type stuff. it suprisingly kept my interest to the 9th song before i took it out to put in guns and roses. it reminds me of alot of those weirdo bands revelation was putting out after the figured hardcore wasnt cool anymore. the musics really solid but the vocals get super obnoxious after awhile. sometimes it reminds me of prema and sometimes garrison. not great but if indie rock is your steez id recommend it. good layout. Wawa Strike

X-mist:
NEW - 1st full album (12 songs) by this indie-rock/emocore band from Indiana, often described as "the CURE meets FUGAZI", but definitely also comparable to bands like 400 YEARS, or at times even like SHOTMAKER with a clearer sound.

Insound:
dead letter auction's debut full length cd is twelve tracks of music that delivers enough melody and dynamic changes which makes it more interesting the vast majority of indie rock albums released this year. The guitar sound ranges from loud and distorted to quiet subtle dissonances. The high-energy and inescapable grooves are accomplished through pounding bass and drums. Dead letter auction will appeal to fans of juno, trail of the dead, sonic youth, dinosaur jr, radiohead, at the drive in and more.

Announcements

Dead Letter Auction will be playing at least two shows in NYC at the end of August.
The lineup will be Damian, Jarod, Chris, and John McCormick; John Cheesebrew couldn't make it due to familial and work obligations.
We are all SUPER excited about doing this, and to be able to spend some time together again. There are a lot of maybes flying around, so more details will be announced very shortly.

In light of this I'm going through our left over merch, we will have a super cheap package deal on everything. ie both cds (Cancer of Time + Vertigo) + T-shirts for $5 in person, $7ppd. I just have to do inventory. Which will be done this week.

in related news:
I have the Portraits of Past t-shirts and posters designed and approved, just waiting on final show information to finish up the posters. Once printing begins I will release the images. I am going to San Francisco July 30 - August 5 for the Portraits of Past shows on August 1st and 2nd.

A new round of summer classes, well just one actually. I got another A in my previous class, so I'm still doing pretty awesome. This new class sounds a lot more intense, so I'll actually have to do my work, etc.
And I did get the German program thing all figured out, so I begin that next month as well. 2 semesters to go.

but wait there's more...

death

While not a new thought (or even theory), apparently Theory has died (again) as well:
http://foucaultblog.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/here-comes-data-the-end-of-theory/
can math really determine every move? I've posed this question before "these steps my math calculated."
Are we truly prepared to not be concerned with causalities, the reasons why, can simple (or even complex) data really satisfy our curiosities and questions?

Also while reading that article this morning, I actually started a family tree on Ancestry.com
should be fun - was this mathematically determined?

If Theory is dead, is mystery dead? Is chance dead? Is anything truly alive anymore? [outside of those questions]


I took notice of how much of an impact we made on each other. I take comfort in this, while it fills me with an equal sense of bitter loss. "Turning footprints... but we kept quiet" Again, I want originality, some blood, some suffering, I want to see a true expression that I can not only appreciate, understand, and relate to, but one that completely leaves no question that it is all that person's voice, drive, experience, heart and soul. I want to sense the vulnerability everyone tries to hide. One can't recreate my/our pictures/experiences as hard as one may try. not that that was the said "friend"'s true intentions, but it was noted, compared, and made me laugh AT the coincidence. ... every single second...

All Aboard

now if we could only figure out how to set sail.

...

but even rats are smart enough to leave a sinking ship.

gravestones for the masses

For those that haven't caught up with Nietzsche's proclamation that God is dead will have a hard time understanding that art and love have died a long time ago as well. Nietzsche said it would take 100 years for people to understand the death of God...

how dogs mark their territory (in a digital age)

piss and shit.
your social networking site is covered.

slight update

June has been an interesting month.
Busy, yet the clock is only right two times a day.
Another realization, I absolutely LOVE taking care of people. I had 15 people at my house recently and I made them dinner and breakfast the following morning, this filled me with the greatest joy, a feeling of completion that I haven't felt in quite some time. The following weekend I had a few less of the same group of people, but felt equally satisfied to make sure everyone was taken care of.
Philly is filled with GREAT people. Thank Dan the train ride is free, now if I can only find the time to get there.
I am getting closer to finishing up some of the projects I posted previously, yet more gets piled on. I am becoming more and more against all forms of digital work, especially design, and refuse to use these programs that so many have been using as a crutch. It all looks exactly the same. I don't need anymore advertisements bombarding an overstimulated mind. Not to say there isn't good work out there done in that medium, but I want some heart and soul, some personality, some direct contact, impurities, - it's the same argument (slightly amended to be applicable) one can hear amongst the old kids about the new generation of music (especially electronic music and digital recording) every couple of years, and I am completely aware of this.
I don't know why this surprises me, but I made the Dean's List at school, however, I was not notified; I found it in very small print in a comment box on a school profile page, I also think this may have given me a small scholarship, but can't be sure. Between my grants, and this possible scholarship, I have to pay less than $300 out of $2000 for next semester, and every time I check it is a little less. I was accepted into a German program, but somehow it doesn't count towards my degree. I look to resolve this as early as tomorrow.
Also, I've started a new job, which I actually am really into, even if it requires way too much of my time, at least what I've grown used to giving. Everyone I work with is funny, caring, and just as fucked up as I am, in some respect or another.
there's more, to be sure...

Seizures

Some things I am working on, that are in progress - if I put these up here, maybe I'll actually finish them / follow through.

Portraits of Past NYC shows, posters, fliers.
prints.
Brief History on The Frankfurt School.
update "Take Care" - I had specific points that I haven't made yet, but I keep forgetting to add them.
Map
Essay on Love, Eros, etc.
Morrow bio & one-sheet
specific photographs.
continue genealogy study - I found out that I also have French ancestry, which you can imagine I was a little surprised, and made the last of my French jokes, and even began studying the language a bit.
(etc)
*
funny thing I've noticed, is when I HAVE to be somewhere, that moment when it's passed time for me to leave is when I'm most inspired to create something new. Sometimes I give in, just for a second, to see what comes out. Generally it's something I'm way excited about and want to follow this path to see where it takes me, and this makes me late, or not go to where I was supposed to be. It's something I need to keep an eye on. Is it coincidence, am I just drawing these parallels?
*
The VSS has reissued Nervous Circuits on CD, and I hope it finds a new audience. It comes with a DVD and a limited edition bonus CD. The album was way ahead of it's time, and wished I had discovered them just a few months earlier so I could have caught them on their tour. Nothing too noticeable in the re-mastering. The packaging and layout is a bit more expansive, with more photos, and a brief history of the band/album. The DVD is actually decent considering the footage is over 10 years old and from multiple generation vhs tapes. Also included on the DVD are some fliers and more photographs. The limited bonus CD includes their amazing cover of Echo and the Bunnymen's No Hands that was originally released on the double split 7" with Rye Coalition (though the remix of In Miniature is not included) as well as some other previously unreleased songs, and a live radio show they played at Santa Cruz.
The live sets, on the DVD and CD, include songs they didn't get around to recording, so even if you have all their records on vinyl, it's worth picking up. And of course, the family tree of this band is impressive: Angel Hair, Pleasure Forever, Year Future, Red Sparrows (etc).
*
in response to questions about time, via Baudelaire:
"Souviens-toi que le Temps est us joueur avide
Qui gagne sans tricher å tout coup! c'est la loi!"
*

don't stop. ever.
there's too much ground to cover
and too much to see
no time to take it in, except as it passes you by
in the distance, there's a clearing; you'll know when you've arrived.

*

some Kafka fragments:

a "running start for suicide"
"you have to earn your grave"
"Anyone who cannot cope with life while he is alive needs one hand to ward off a little his despair over his fate... but with his other hand he can jot down what he sees among the ruins, for he sees different and more things than the others; after all, he is dead in his own lifetime and the real survivor."
Despair has become "an enemy of life AND writing; writing was here only a moratorium, as it is for someone who writes his last will and testament just before he hangs himself."
"from a certain point onward, there is no turning back.
that is the point that must be reached"

*
http://www.whokilledwalterbenjamin.com

for her

Monday, May 19, 2008 3:15pm

Each step a life of language lived - words to fill pages, forcing myself to stop and take note, for I will forget.

A good day.

This is my life - a moment to kill - so I end up at Coney Island, accompanied by a wind that is either trying to fill my being with dust and sand, or an attempt to expurgate a freight train of aches and disappointment. I walk with my eyes and mouth closed, unfortunately my mind is open, like floodgates and the crashing waves - I allow peeks so that I may trace my steps - and her.

A few days ago, I had asked myself, for what is it I am after? That moment when one says 'I love you' for the first time and genuinely means it - that tension taut followed by it's release and requited response, a genuine sigh, relief - the truest sense of home. or when a song comes on and it encompasses exactly your emotional state in regards to a specific situation. - If anyone, it should be her to receive my mistakes. And I let another escape, aloud, unanswered.

I pass a man with white beard and hair that perfectly and quite impressively, match his all same shade of white attire. Through the fog of squinted eyes and dust blown fury, he's a spitting image of a cliched god. He's smiling, taking note of my taking notice. The sun further bleaches him out, nearly erasing him. I return my glance from the sea, he's gone. A welcomed distraction disappeared.

The sky is filled with huge luminous clouds - threatening, possibly promising a storm - yet the sun is blinding. A sight to take in. Salt for the wounds, sand for the eyes, ash on the tongue, dust on the day... Impatiently, the wind is trying to knock it all down. Erosion will not work fast enough.

I walk to the end of the pier. No diving or jumping. I will never be good at taking orders or following directions. I have made peace so many times here, this very spot - left with so many pieces amongst the bloodstained boardwalk, bullet holes, and broken beer bottles.

I have been accused of many things, and I'm quite certain this part isn't over - I have been guilty of most of them, but I am ALIVE and I am learning - living, letting go.

Kids trying to create chaos, helping the wind commit it's ruin - I see myself in them...
It's my last day of school, and I want to join them, set fire to the discarded.

I wonder if this is (living) dying.

revisiting (a memory of) an old friend

"Who would not hate you, you great binder, entwiner, temptress, seeker, and finder? Who would not love you, you innocent, impatient, wind-swift, child-eyed sinner?"
Friedrich Nietzsche - "The Other Dancing Song - Thus Spoke Zarathustra."

Music

After years of not being stoked on new music, I'm relieved to be into something that is new. I'm prematurely stating that music is finally getting good again.

Algernon Cadwallader, it's hard not to mention the obvious Kinsella family influence (Cap N Jazz, Joan of Arc, Owen, Owls, American Football, etc), but these dudes fucking rule at it and OWN it, and in my opinion do it WAY better and without the bullshit pretentiousness.

Morrow, so what if my best friend is the driving force behind this band? It's fucking good. I'm hearing Neil Young, Black Heart Procession, Pleasure Forever, Bruce Springsteen, and unmistakable midwest honesty. I'm excited for their full length to be finished.

Who Calls So Loud, everyone knows I love Matt Bajda and will always support anything any member of Portraits of Past will do (at least in theory). Very tight for such a young band, epic with interesting dynamics, one could argue they are picking up where Funeral Diner left off. The record layout is great and really beautiful, a double 10" that includes a cd.

and let's not forget about the Portraits of Past reunion shows August 1st and 2nd in San Francisco and August 29th and 30th in NYC. I will be posting more info on these in a few months.

I bought a new Music Man amp - 2x12 65, last night and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival (Tuesday 5/13).
Optics will start practice back up very soon.

4/29/08

-
Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 4:42pm.

Again, back to the loneliness of the crowds - kinda - but also - who is the intended audience? The collectivity of said audience, yet, the individuals within the crowds. How would each specific intended individual receive the message, how much thought would they put in to it; would that person consider the weight behind the intended message. Would the realization and distinctions be made between the difference of the intended and the actualized.


-
not exactly the first time I explored these thoughts. Nonetheless it's troubling me again, and will continue to do so for sometime. Partly, because there's always a specific individual, or group of individuals I have wanted acknowledgment from in many of the things I've put out in whatever various mediums: song, words, visual art, letters, or even gestures, etc.
Oh the weight behind even this question.
AND not even just that, but the lengths some people go through to be self indulgent is rather ridiculous. I recently read an essay on how the internet is very much like the panopticon (look it up), and a lot of us are falling into that trap. I don't completely agree, but it does raise interesting points. Afterall it was recently published that certain agencies use Facebook to monitor people.

-
I've decided not to send out an email concerning my birthday parties and spring break events, partly because I have a lot of work to catch up on. but I wanted to say thank you to everyone involved, that showed up, that went out of their way, spent any money in any shape or form, made any sort of sacrifice, said hi, etc.
I do have to say that Algernon Cadwallader is amazing.

that's me in the red all blurry like.

The French Letter

Eventually, after their demise, Juno solidified themselves as one of my top ten essential bands of all time. Arlie's writing is a huge influence on me, and listening to some of their songs now, I realize that quite a few things I said were inspired by the way he stated them. I've always been curious about the line "Bulgakov to Woland's crowd" in the song the French Letter. It's one of my favorite songs, I've probably intentionally listened to it more than any other song (my new computers itunes count is already in the double digits for both versions after a few days). So I felt a little dumb for not having any idea what Arlie Carstens was referencing, especially after so long; A Future Lived in Past Tense came out in 2001.
It turns out it's in reference to a famous Russian Novel, "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov. Woland is a character in the book, a manifestation of Satan.

I haven't read the book myself, yet - but it is now on my list. From what I gather it is a classic tale of good and evil, the ironies of the relationship between social power and Art. It's a controversial novel, with a very interesting history, even being banned as Satanic propaganda. You can read more about it here -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Master_and_Margarita


Also the line "When you were young listening to 'the lung'..." makes me wonder if that is a reference to the song by Dinosaur Jr. - I'd like to believe so.

Most of my friends love this band and song, so I wanted to share this with them.

here's an absolutely amazing live version that is required listening.
The French Letter - Live at Graceland February 1, 2003 --> right click (or control click for mac) and save target as, etc.

Who was it you said you were? and what was it you were sent here for? To drive him out so no one knows the true sentiment of your analysis now. Slave to the assassin? Bulgakov to Woland's crowd. Your ruse of sublime benevolence tapped out. A future lived in past tense right now. Who was it you said you were? and what was it you were sent here for? Bad cop wants to stir it up at the scene of the accident. Good cop wants to kiss and make up. Ever suppressing the evidence, court of opinion whispers, "there's no point left." Who was it you said you were? and what was it you were sent here for? "Only your insincerity thanks him for waiting" Stop off for a pack of smokes & a length of rope at the nearest Safeway. Hero slapped across your face. So badly in need of belief to distract from this emptiness you mistake for feeling. Who was it you said you were? Mistaking might for miracles. And what was it you were sent here for? Mistaking might for miracles? This is not going to hit you from behind, but right between the eyes. Watch the whole blinding light from the comfort of your car. A future erased by the things you never were. Who was it you said you were? Mistaking might for miracles? And what was it you were sent here for? Mistaking might for miracles? Born into oblivion, swept up and back out again "You'll leave behind all we ever did." "The only things forgotten will be the things you knew to hide" Mistaking might for miracles. Focusing on the spectacle, the purpose in the animal. Who was it you said you were. Mistaking might for miracles. What was it you were sent here for? Mistaking might for miracles. Find a sequence of numbers, all's revealed in the codes. While you sleep keep your ear on the dulcet tones. Hell no, you're not wrong if you think you're alone. Hell no, you wonder why they torch your car and smash your windows? Who was it you said you were? and what was it you were sent here for? Mistaking might for miracles. When you were young listening to "the lung" and acting like a kid. Who knew you'd always stay so thick. Faking is not enough. Wasting is not enough for this "You're not who you say you are you have no idea what you were sent here for."