DAVID USHER's Strange Birds

The new album is out and in my hands and playing on my computer. It is solidly and consistently fantastic. I haven't had it long enough to have a favourite - but I think it'll be either "ugly is beautiful" or "so far down". Compared to other albums, the music is more upbeat and energetic, although the lyrics still have a lot of "darkness" to them. I like that there is some variety. It is easy to tell the songs apart - you don't have that sense that you've heard that song before when you get to track 11, yet you could peg it as David Usher easily. I remember the first time I heard Forest Fire on the radio in Thunder Bay - I knew right away that it was Moist - or "David Usher" as it turned out. The lyrics, as always, are brilliant, cutting, angsty and interesting....

I've broke tradition - this being the first time I haven't bought the new album on the day of its release while travelling. I bought Morning Orbit in Nanimo, BC and "if god had curves" on the way to Cape Breton, NS. I think I bought Hallucinations just before heading back to Fredericton, NB. I'm not going any where today (although there is a concert in my future on the weekend). Of course, that is breaking another tradition - I usually mange to miss all of his concerts by being in the wrong province or having his concert canceled in Thunder Bay due to drummer injuries.... :(.

Anywho... I'd better get back to writing about Wheal Jane...and listening to David Usher...

Cheers,

Jennith

Sunday Bloody Sunday

A long time favourite song of mine, U2's Sunday, Bloody Sunday - continues to retain its relevance so many years later. There are people in the world who dedicate so much of their lives to doing good - from volunteer firefighters to candystripers to those people who pick up their lives and move to war torn 3rd world countries to do what they can to help. Conversely, there are people who's greed, stupidity and apathy constantly cause misery and pain. I can understand those who are willing to give up their cosy North American life to make a difference, and certainly I can see circumstances that lead people to a life of being a desparate criminal - but again, out there are true sociopaths - some with power (Hilter, Sadam Hussain) and others simply random psycho's who feel no remorse for raping, killing, stealing or destroying lives, familys or the world. This I cannot begin to understand. This is why I cringe when reading the newpaper - even in the relatively safe world of the GTA - mothers are shot dead when they open the door, children are abused and works of art and history are destroyed for quick cash. Alas for the human race.... hopefully one day we'll find ourselves a better species.

Jennith