Music Review??

Friday, December 17, 2010 by Chigo

 http://www.tvfanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/the-fray.jpg
Alright guys, so I'm supposed to review some music for ya. While I did spend almost forever debating what exactly to review. I did finally make up my mind.
The Fray.
Let's start with some background:
The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King, they achieved mainstream success with the release of their debut album, How to Save a Life in 2005, which was certified double platinum by the RIAA and platinum in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The Fray achieved national success with their first single, "Over My Head (Cable Car)", which became a top ten hit in the United States. The release of their second single, "How to Save a Life", brought the band worldwide fame. The song charted in the top three of the Billboard Hot 100 and was a top 5 single in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

"The Fray":
The group's second self-titled album, released in 2009, debuted at number-one on the Billboard charts and was certified gold in the United States, Australia and Canada. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2010.The Fray was ranked #84 on Billboard's "Artists of the Decade" list.
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Every song in the album has passion and finds a way to tug at your heart. Isaac Slade's vocals are gripping, and draw the listener into each lyric. Slade has so much emotion clearly exhibited in his songwriting and piano ballads. Ah, he's pretty much the only reason why I love the Fray. 

"The Fray" Album Track Listing
1. “Syndicate” – 3:31
2. “Absolute” – 3:47
3. “You Found Me” – 4:04
4. “Say When” – 5:02
5. “Never Say Never” – 4:16
6. “Where the Story Ends” – 3:57
7. “Enough For Now” – 4:14
8. “Ungodly Hour” – 5:04
9. “We Build Then We Break” – 3:48
10. “Happiness” – 5:22
Standard Edition iTunes Bonus Track
11. “Fair Fight”
Deluxe Edition iTunes Bonus Tracks
11. “Where The Story Ends” (Piano Version)
12. “Absolute” (Acoustic Version)
13. “You Found Me” (Acoustic Version)
14. “Fair Fight”
15. “Uncertainty”
16. “You Found Me” (Video)
17. “You Found Me” (Making the Video)
18. “Making The Album”(Video)
thefray_fullband

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Jay and Nick (Best Friends?)

Saturday, December 11, 2010 by Chigo

Jay and Nick. Nick and Jay. These two have become the most profound characters in the book so far, and their relationship,the center of the story. The two met rather unusually at one of Gatsby's elaborate parties. First, they causally talked. Then, Nick said something about not meeting the host (Gatsby) yet. That must have been awkward since Gatsby was right in front of him. I'm pretty sure this same exact thing has happened to me before. I mean it's not possible to know everyone right? Unless you're like a directory or Yellow Pages or something. Anyway, back to Jay and Nick. Nick and Jay. The two quickly bonded and had much in common. They were apparently in the same division in the military and are now next-door neighbors. What' s better than a friend next door? Nothing right? Well, on the surface Gatsby and Nick may seem like the best of friends. But, what exactly were Jay's motives for the friendship? Well, good question. Later on in Chapter 4, it is reveled by Jordan that Gatsby is using Nick to get close to his cousin, Daisy. Daisy just so happens to live down the lake from Gatsby. Is that creepy or what?
Jay's relationship with Nick could be serious. Jay could possibly want to have a genuine friend for a change. However, using Nick to get to Daisy does not sound like a start to a good friendship. If Jay wants Daisy so badly he should just go get her himself. He should not use the innocent Nick as a pawn. He is human too.
Whether Jay Gatsby is truly just using poor Nick or wants to achieve an authentic friendship, we have to read to find out.

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WINTER POEM! [snowflake battle?]

Friday, December 10, 2010 by Chigo



You, Me, We and The Tree

Reds and Golds, not long ago
And only once a nip of frost.
Now a land dressed in snow
All our autumn innocence lost.

Willow trees, bare and lonesome
Fanning their branches endlessly.
Dreaming grass, a dancer
Sways with admirable flairs.


Cold days, foggy nights,
The flutist always plays his instrument.
Gloomy sky, a sea of turquoise gems,
Unfolds her arms to embrace the snowflakes.


Hollies and mistletoes, afloat,
Weightless in the cold air,
Berries and pine cones,
Scattered on the tarnished ground.


It wore a coat of snow
Upon its many arms.
The twinkling light of night
Reflected back its charms.


And as we felt the cold,
At once, the tree and me
Did lift our frigid wings
As winter set us free.

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The Trick of Writing? [you want tips??...I give you tips]

Thursday, December 9, 2010 by Chigo


Personally, I believe a "good writer" should be able to write decently in any situation. In any situation. That including like sitting on the ground outside, Indian style, in the snow, with only a pencil and paper. I don't exactly understand what I'm writing. So, I will continue this in some other direction. 

I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of two"helpful" tips...for the ones with an ambition to  become a famous writer or [insert writing involved job here]. Here it is:

First, and probably the most important tip...with technology these days, there is no need for editing your words. Honestly, thinking while you write or type just is an overall better way to go. Also, doing so is much more "creative" and for the most part unconscious. The words will seem more descriptive and will easily paint a picture for the reader because it is coming straight from your mind. You know what I mean?

Second, and probably a lot more important than the first...read your words out loud. If you can not read your own writing, then obviously no one else will be able to either. If the sentences don't sound right or seem lengthy, correct it. 

There you are. Some tips to perfect your future writings. Obviously, I'm no bestselling author but, I am a high school student... that's got to count for something right?

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