For today's interview, we have my friend over at http://nevermindthearias.blogspot.com.au/ who's kindly decided to answer a few questions for me.
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
Basically, I’m a music student who lives and breathes music of every sort. It’s my life, it’s my passion and if you get me started on the subject I WILL talk you into the ground with abounding enthusiasm. I even like theory. *coughnerdymuchcough*
Haha. Don't worry, it's not just you. :P
I do enjoy writing words as well as notes though, so when I’m not buried in music I’m usually writing with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek :P
Good to hear.
So how did you get into this music reviewing thing?
Ahhh, excuse me whilst I get a little nostalgic: I still remember my first album review like it was yesterday! It was in Year 10 and I chose to critique U2’s “U2: 18 Singles”. It came back with most of my wording crossed out and deserved the pretty woeful mark it achieved.
Then, when I first started uni, I realised how little I had ventured outside of my music comfort zone (read: The Beatles, U2 and ABBA). Tired of nodding and smiling in ignorance while people talked of musicians from The Velvet Underground through to Gotye, I decided I needed to self-educate myself in the area of popular music. For a laugh, I thought it might be an idea to improve my handling of my least favourite form of writing: reviews. A whacking great dose of Christmas-holiday boredom sent me clunking through my opening post and, 14 months later, reviewing is one of my favourite ways to string words together!
Hmmm. Maybe I should try doing that with essays, then.... XD
Worst and best album so far?
Oooh, that’s tricky…I’ve discovered so many great and awful bands/musicians through my reviews that it’s so hard to pick one of each! I’d have to say the Jersey Boys soundtrack has been my best find though (and currently the only recipient of 5/5 stars!), as, not only are the Broadway arrangements fantastic, it introduced me to the epicness of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. :D Villagers’ "Becoming A Jackal", Tom Waits’ "Raindogs" and Mumford and Sons’ "Sigh No More" are also among my favourites.
Worst??? I think I’m going to give that to Michael Buble’s "Christmas". I’m sorry, but it was just too pathetic. Mind you, my Lady Gaga and Adele experiences were a bit hard on the ears…and a review of Joanna Newsom’s "Ys" is yet to come! :S
Think we can agree there. I've also heard that Christmas album, and...yeah.
Uni's back this week. Thoughts?
I hope I still have time to review albums at least once or twice a month!!!
I have a written schedule of 2-3 albums for each month of this year which I really want to stick to instead of being so sporadic with my posts…but be patient dear readers, uni is a demanding boss :P
If you can manage to keep to that schedule, I will be suitably impressed.
Any ideas on what after uni?
Yes! Music journalism is all fine and dandy (and I wouldn’t say no to any opportunities in that area!) but I’m also passionate about music education, so that’s my career plan :D
Well, you have more plans than I do. Good stuff :)
Being the incredible pianist you are, you obviously practiced each day for five hours since you were six. Yes?
Awww shucks, you’re too kind!! I hate to disillusion you (and myself…hehe), but the answer to that is no :P I’ve been playing since I was six, yes, but five hours practice a day just doesn’t happen – it’s usually about two (and then perhaps another hour on my guitar). Hence why I have time to sit around reviewing music, instead of touring internationally…
Firstly: Hang on, you actually started when you were six? OK then.... Secondly: you manage two/three hours a day? Good job, I can barely ever manage one... :P
And finally, why the name (of the blog)?
I usually intensely dislike the vast majority of contemporary popular music – ie. the hits that make it onto the Australian Recording Industry Awards (ARIA) charts here in Oz…so I replaced the “Bollocks” in The Sex Pistols’ iconic album title with “ARIAs” and named my blog as a constant reminder that I prefer retro quality over contemporary hype. That’s not to say that I don’t groove to “Pumped Up Kicks” occasionally…
Haha. Good stuff.
Monday 27 February 2012
Saturday 25 February 2012
Song Saturday #4: In The Quiet
This was written five minutes ago, sitting at my computer, on a dark, cool, quiet night. It seemed appropriate. Chords should be up fairly soon. Probably next time I can get to the guitar without waking my little sister.
In The Quiet
V1:
Sound escaping
Heat is fading
Light is leaving
Here
Chorus: (x2)
Come join me
In the quiet
Come join me
Here
V2:
Noise is failing
Warmth is bailing
Light is paling
Here
Chorus
Instrumental
Chorus x2
In The Quiet
V1:
Sound escaping
Heat is fading
Light is leaving
Here
Chorus: (x2)
Come join me
In the quiet
Come join me
Here
V2:
Noise is failing
Warmth is bailing
Light is paling
Here
Chorus
Instrumental
Chorus x2
Thursday 23 February 2012
Mass Effect 3 [Demo]
I'm a bit of a fan of the Mass Effect series. It's got some solid action happening, with good shooting and stuff; but it's also got a great RPG line, divergent storyline and everything. And so far, I've liked all of it, and it's been really good. So, of course, I've really been looking forward to Mass Effect 3, already pre-ordered the deluxe edition....yeah. So just a bit of bias here.
The demo came out a few days back. And, for the first time, multiplayer! In Mass Effect! And it's....good. I'm quite impressed with it, really. It's quite enjoyable, and I'm really liking it. Not getting bored with it at all as yet, though it'll probably happen eventually. But good so far. And it's the sort of one that you don't need to be able to communicate with the other people for, so it's not super annoying when you don't have VOIP working. But it's still definitely fairly challenging, with three different difficulties and two maps you can work with.
As well as that, you have the single player. It doesn't show you a lot, of course, but what it does show I'm liking. They've improved the powers and upgrading system a bit, changed how you move with cover, and the weapon customisation has been improved as well. And the story is looking good as well.
There is one thing I'm annoyed by, however.
Ashley Williams.
She's the "love interest" of the human variety in Mass Effect (1) if you're male Shepard. If she stays alive, you see her again in Mass Effect 2. In Mass Effect 3...it looks like she's had a complete makeover. Way too much lipstick, plus hair colouring, plus a girly suit. Ashley was not like that in either of the previous ones. And, for me at least, that's a bit of a disappointment. But then, I always find it annoying when characters are redesigned in-between versions of a game. But it just seems like they've...changed her. Which just feels wrong.
Apart from that, however, a muchly enjoyable game. Looking forward to the full version.
The demo came out a few days back. And, for the first time, multiplayer! In Mass Effect! And it's....good. I'm quite impressed with it, really. It's quite enjoyable, and I'm really liking it. Not getting bored with it at all as yet, though it'll probably happen eventually. But good so far. And it's the sort of one that you don't need to be able to communicate with the other people for, so it's not super annoying when you don't have VOIP working. But it's still definitely fairly challenging, with three different difficulties and two maps you can work with.
As well as that, you have the single player. It doesn't show you a lot, of course, but what it does show I'm liking. They've improved the powers and upgrading system a bit, changed how you move with cover, and the weapon customisation has been improved as well. And the story is looking good as well.
There is one thing I'm annoyed by, however.
Ashley Williams.
She's the "love interest" of the human variety in Mass Effect (1) if you're male Shepard. If she stays alive, you see her again in Mass Effect 2. In Mass Effect 3...it looks like she's had a complete makeover. Way too much lipstick, plus hair colouring, plus a girly suit. Ashley was not like that in either of the previous ones. And, for me at least, that's a bit of a disappointment. But then, I always find it annoying when characters are redesigned in-between versions of a game. But it just seems like they've...changed her. Which just feels wrong.
Apart from that, however, a muchly enjoyable game. Looking forward to the full version.
Monday 20 February 2012
Interview #3: Kurt Routley
And we're back again for more interviewing goodness. This time, a friend of mine from Canada, that I met while on the Outreach Mission in Thailand.
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
I am Kurt Routley. I'm a 4th year Mathematics and Computing Science student at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC, Canada.
What's it like, living in Canada? And have you ever been snowed in?
Living in Canada is... normal, I guess? Nothing really to complain about. Other than there's never any GameSpot competitions including Canada (US only) and a Double Stacker from Burger King is like $1-$2 in the US, and $4 up in Canada T_T;; I've never been snowed in. We usually just put snow tires on our vehicles if it gets bad. Otherwise, we can usually walk wherever we need to.
...You actually still have Burger King over there? o_0 I have't seen one of those in ages...
Having been to at least a couple of countries (I already know your favourite, so I won't ask that ;) ), what do you think is the biggest difference between reading and hearing about a place, and actually being there?
Biggest difference between reading/hearing about a place and actually being there depends on the cost of the flight ;) But in all seriousness, being there is so much better because you get to experience everything for yourself, meet new people, and find out about things you may have not known before.
True dat.
Geek/nerd. What's the difference (if there is one), and do you identify yourself as either?
Geeks: Science/technology oriented and actually understand those areas. When they talk about those areas, they actually know what they're talking about, but they don't flaunt it in front of people.
Nerds: Science/technology oriented but don't know what they're talking about, and are generally obnoxious with their "knowledge".
And I like to think I transcend those labels, due to negative connotations of both and because in the end it doesn't really matter :)
Amen to that, brother.
You're coming (or have come to, I can't keep up :P ) to the end of your degree. Is your future looking any clearer, or still decidedly murky?
Just about done my degree, planning on getting a co-op job over the Summer semester (that's May-August over here) and then doing 3 more courses in the Fall semester (September-December). (Aside: Autumn is a much more bodacious word than Fall) [Agreed.] Still not entirely sure what I'm going to end up doing after graduation. Since the 5th grade/grade 5/year 5 I was wanting to get into video game development, so hopefully there's still a chance for that somewhere, be it with big name brands (e.g. EA, THQ, etc) or starting up an indie development group. If I can't get a job after getting my bachelor's degree, I might consider going for a master's degree in some computing science field, since the math grad topics don't really interest me.
Well, you've got more of an idea than I have. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be the C418 to your Notch XD
What was one thing you learnt about Australia while you were here that you never would have guessed?
One thing I learned in Australia: drop bears. Be afraid. Very afraid.
We taught him well. ;)
And, finally, RED team or BLU team?
And red team vs blue team, I was technically on both, wasn't I? But I think I was a spy for the red team, so GO RED TEAM! (Ironically, I was the spy for the BLU team.) I should totally skype into the next battle or something XD
I'm sure we could arrange something ;)
Also, I'm working on an internet radio website. Ideally, I'd like it up by the end of the summer. If it goes up then, be sure to upload your songs :)
Most definitely. :)
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
I am Kurt Routley. I'm a 4th year Mathematics and Computing Science student at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC, Canada.
What's it like, living in Canada? And have you ever been snowed in?
Living in Canada is... normal, I guess? Nothing really to complain about. Other than there's never any GameSpot competitions including Canada (US only) and a Double Stacker from Burger King is like $1-$2 in the US, and $4 up in Canada T_T;; I've never been snowed in. We usually just put snow tires on our vehicles if it gets bad. Otherwise, we can usually walk wherever we need to.
...You actually still have Burger King over there? o_0 I have't seen one of those in ages...
Having been to at least a couple of countries (I already know your favourite, so I won't ask that ;) ), what do you think is the biggest difference between reading and hearing about a place, and actually being there?
Biggest difference between reading/hearing about a place and actually being there depends on the cost of the flight ;) But in all seriousness, being there is so much better because you get to experience everything for yourself, meet new people, and find out about things you may have not known before.
True dat.
Geek/nerd. What's the difference (if there is one), and do you identify yourself as either?
Geeks: Science/technology oriented and actually understand those areas. When they talk about those areas, they actually know what they're talking about, but they don't flaunt it in front of people.
Nerds: Science/technology oriented but don't know what they're talking about, and are generally obnoxious with their "knowledge".
And I like to think I transcend those labels, due to negative connotations of both and because in the end it doesn't really matter :)
Amen to that, brother.
You're coming (or have come to, I can't keep up :P ) to the end of your degree. Is your future looking any clearer, or still decidedly murky?
Just about done my degree, planning on getting a co-op job over the Summer semester (that's May-August over here) and then doing 3 more courses in the Fall semester (September-December). (Aside: Autumn is a much more bodacious word than Fall) [Agreed.] Still not entirely sure what I'm going to end up doing after graduation. Since the 5th grade/grade 5/year 5 I was wanting to get into video game development, so hopefully there's still a chance for that somewhere, be it with big name brands (e.g. EA, THQ, etc) or starting up an indie development group. If I can't get a job after getting my bachelor's degree, I might consider going for a master's degree in some computing science field, since the math grad topics don't really interest me.
Well, you've got more of an idea than I have. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be the C418 to your Notch XD
What was one thing you learnt about Australia while you were here that you never would have guessed?
One thing I learned in Australia: drop bears. Be afraid. Very afraid.
We taught him well. ;)
And, finally, RED team or BLU team?
And red team vs blue team, I was technically on both, wasn't I? But I think I was a spy for the red team, so GO RED TEAM! (Ironically, I was the spy for the BLU team.) I should totally skype into the next battle or something XD
I'm sure we could arrange something ;)
Also, I'm working on an internet radio website. Ideally, I'd like it up by the end of the summer. If it goes up then, be sure to upload your songs :)
Most definitely. :)
Saturday 18 February 2012
Song Saturday #3: Buster
Wrote this one up a couple of minutes ago. Got the idea from randomly hearing something about a crash-test dummy in a song at some point today, my mind immediately jumping to Buster (from Mythbusters, though he's not around so much anymore) and deciding to do a bit of a song on that. So yeah, that's what I've done.
Buster
V1:
Throw me off a building, drop me into the sea
Run me under a train, you can’t hurt me
Blow me up, set me on the trip of no return
If you want to get rid of me, then you’re gonna have to burn me
Chorus:
Cause I was built to be broken, crafted to be crashed
Put together to be pulverised, synthesised to be smashed
It’s what I was made for, the only reason I’m here
Not good for any more, let me make that clear
Well I’m busted
V2:
You can throw at me whatever you like, I’ll come out the other side
I may be a bit bruised, but I’m always alive
I rise up from the ashes, rebuilt again
And you know - I’m not your average man
Chorus x2
Buster
V1:
Throw me off a building, drop me into the sea
Run me under a train, you can’t hurt me
Blow me up, set me on the trip of no return
If you want to get rid of me, then you’re gonna have to burn me
Chorus:
Cause I was built to be broken, crafted to be crashed
Put together to be pulverised, synthesised to be smashed
It’s what I was made for, the only reason I’m here
Not good for any more, let me make that clear
Well I’m busted
V2:
You can throw at me whatever you like, I’ll come out the other side
I may be a bit bruised, but I’m always alive
I rise up from the ashes, rebuilt again
And you know - I’m not your average man
Chorus x2
Thursday 16 February 2012
Ad-Vantage Point
I have to say first off - I love a story. I've probably said it before, but I always love a story. As such, chances are, if a movie's told like a story, I'm probably going to like it. So yes, you could probably say I'm biased.
Vantage Point is one of these types of movies. It tells a story - but, as the title suggests, from half a dozen different perspectives. It's part action, part adventure, but all story. And part of the idea of it is that each time you get a different story, it shows you a little more. It twists it a bit, surprises you a little.
The basic story centres around a forum of international leaders in Spain, focussing on the US (of course :P). But something goes wrong. The president is shot, and there are some explosions, and the whole area turns to chaos. The rest of the movie details the elaboration, reveal and story of how it happened, who did it, etc etc.
One thing I actually think is a nice twist at the end; it ends up being finished because of the littlest thing. The littlest thing.
Certainly worth a look, particularly if you're a story person like me.
~ ~ ~
As an aside, I'm quite sick at the moment. I've been vomiting a bit, and think I have a temperature. Hopefully I get better soon, but any prayer would be much appreciated.
Vantage Point is one of these types of movies. It tells a story - but, as the title suggests, from half a dozen different perspectives. It's part action, part adventure, but all story. And part of the idea of it is that each time you get a different story, it shows you a little more. It twists it a bit, surprises you a little.
The basic story centres around a forum of international leaders in Spain, focussing on the US (of course :P). But something goes wrong. The president is shot, and there are some explosions, and the whole area turns to chaos. The rest of the movie details the elaboration, reveal and story of how it happened, who did it, etc etc.
One thing I actually think is a nice twist at the end; it ends up being finished because of the littlest thing. The littlest thing.
Certainly worth a look, particularly if you're a story person like me.
~ ~ ~
As an aside, I'm quite sick at the moment. I've been vomiting a bit, and think I have a temperature. Hopefully I get better soon, but any prayer would be much appreciated.
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Little encouragements + Annoyed.
I've mentioned a few times before that I'm not entirely happy with where I'm at with...most things. But it's nice to know that I'm on the right track with at least some.
I had a random person say, "You're doing good," to me today. That's the sort of little encouragement that keeps me going the extra mile.
~ ~ ~
On another note, I mentioned a while ago that I got into the televised part of Australia's Got Talent. I still have no idea what day I'm on, and it's just over two weeks away. As well as that, tickets are sold out for every audition except one. It's just....ridiculous. I rang last Monday and they said they'd be getting back to me that week, and I'd be getting heaps of calls about props, background, stuff, stuff, stuff...nothing. Not a peep.
So I'm a bit annoyed. Because I haven't told people about it, because I've wanted to give them a date and time, so they could come and watch. Now, of course, they can't. Unless I manage to get that one spot, which is what I'm hoping. Yeah.
But still, quite annoying.
I had a random person say, "You're doing good," to me today. That's the sort of little encouragement that keeps me going the extra mile.
~ ~ ~
On another note, I mentioned a while ago that I got into the televised part of Australia's Got Talent. I still have no idea what day I'm on, and it's just over two weeks away. As well as that, tickets are sold out for every audition except one. It's just....ridiculous. I rang last Monday and they said they'd be getting back to me that week, and I'd be getting heaps of calls about props, background, stuff, stuff, stuff...nothing. Not a peep.
So I'm a bit annoyed. Because I haven't told people about it, because I've wanted to give them a date and time, so they could come and watch. Now, of course, they can't. Unless I manage to get that one spot, which is what I'm hoping. Yeah.
But still, quite annoying.
Monday 13 February 2012
Advancing forward...
This weekend, there was no Song Saturday, I'm sorry. And there probably won't be an interview today, either. I'm just so organised....
But I've been away this weekend at an 'advance' for CBM (Campus Bible Ministries). The idea is that retreat sounds too negative, so instead it's an advance. Basically it was for the few guys that Rob (the leader) thought would work as part of the student leadership team for CBM this year. Planning the sort of things that CBM would be doing this year.
And it was really good. We got a lot done, and I think this year is going to turn out really well. And maybe I'll have a go at leading a couple of things. Should be good. :)
But I've been away this weekend at an 'advance' for CBM (Campus Bible Ministries). The idea is that retreat sounds too negative, so instead it's an advance. Basically it was for the few guys that Rob (the leader) thought would work as part of the student leadership team for CBM this year. Planning the sort of things that CBM would be doing this year.
And it was really good. We got a lot done, and I think this year is going to turn out really well. And maybe I'll have a go at leading a couple of things. Should be good. :)
Thursday 9 February 2012
The End at the Beginning
If I say the name Split Enz, you probably think about the song Six Months In A Leaky Boat, and a bunch of New Zealanders in a band. So if you then got their album entitled The Beginning of the Enz and had a listen, you might get a bit confused. And not without reason.
The album features some more folk music sort of sounds, including instruments like flute and violin, and a particularly folk-sounding vocal to go with it. Which isn't exactly what you'd expect if you're used to Six Months In A Leaky Boat. It can certainly take a few listens to get used to it, and you may not recognise it as the Split Enz that you know. But after you've played it through a few time...it does grow on you a little. It's certainly different, but I don't think it's straight for the scrap pile with this one. Maybe a bit of hesitation with it, but I think it's a decent album.
Certainly nothing I'd call exceptional, maybe not worth buying (though we got it for $5 at some second-hand shop or something like that), but not too bad.
Tuesday 7 February 2012
Answers
I did say I'd put up any answers to those questions I asked as part of that survey thing that I got via FB if I didn't get a response for my interview, but I did. So I'm putting them up now instead.
To refresh your memory:
1. Colours; eye, hair, favourite, disgusting.
2. People - are they hopeless, or hopeful? (And why would be nice.)
3. Are there any coincidences, really?
4. Apples - better red, green, yellow, baked, stewed, juice, sauce, candied?
5. Is anything set in stone? (That is, figuratively speaking.)
6. Does infinity exist in reality?
7. Rain - hate it, love it, dance in it, sing in it, laugh at it, roll around in it, or avoid it at all costs?
8. Is there a point to life - and if there isn't, why is there life?
9. Is morality make-believe?
10. Day - Mon, Tues, Wednes, Thurs, Fri, Satur, Sun?
11. What is world peace?
Answers I got:
"world peace is when all the nuclear bombs have gone off and we are all ash :)"
"Eyes: blue
Hair; not enough
People: predominantly dumb as a box of hammers
Apples: green and crispy
Rain: love it, even as a truck driver, love driving thru really big puddles "
People: I think there are enough good, intelligent people to get shit done if we could all just get off our arses long enough.
Coincidences?: No. There's only causality.
Apples: I'm just not a fan in general, as odd as that may sound.
Anything Set in Stone?: Yes, probably, whether or not we've correctly identified anything that is is another question. Although I'm pretty confident that if a human doesn't breathe for long enough they will die.
Does infinity exist in reality?: Too soon to say. Probably not. The universe probably stops expanding at some point, and probably has a finite "resolution" (a smallest size anything - including a gap - can be) although that's all highly theoretical. Time might have always been and may always be. But yeah, I guess we don't really know.
Rain: I like it.
Point to Life: I've been feeling pretty nihilistic lately, so I'm going with "Feed, Mate, Die". Catch me on a good day and and I might have a different answer though. There is no reason life itself exists - it's a complex collection of chemicals and the processes they undergo, and something that just so happens to occur in nature, if the conditions are right.
Day: Friday.
World Peace: Boring but thankfully improbable."
To refresh your memory:
1. Colours; eye, hair, favourite, disgusting.
2. People - are they hopeless, or hopeful? (And why would be nice.)
3. Are there any coincidences, really?
4. Apples - better red, green, yellow, baked, stewed, juice, sauce, candied?
5. Is anything set in stone? (That is, figuratively speaking.)
6. Does infinity exist in reality?
7. Rain - hate it, love it, dance in it, sing in it, laugh at it, roll around in it, or avoid it at all costs?
8. Is there a point to life - and if there isn't, why is there life?
9. Is morality make-believe?
10. Day - Mon, Tues, Wednes, Thurs, Fri, Satur, Sun?
11. What is world peace?
Answers I got:
"world peace is when all the nuclear bombs have gone off and we are all ash :)"
"Eyes: blue
Hair; not enough
People: predominantly dumb as a box of hammers
Apples: green and crispy
Rain: love it, even as a truck driver, love driving thru really big puddles "
"Colours: I sure wish games used more vibrant ones.
People: I think there are enough good, intelligent people to get shit done if we could all just get off our arses long enough.
Coincidences?: No. There's only causality.
Apples: I'm just not a fan in general, as odd as that may sound.
Anything Set in Stone?: Yes, probably, whether or not we've correctly identified anything that is is another question. Although I'm pretty confident that if a human doesn't breathe for long enough they will die.
Does infinity exist in reality?: Too soon to say. Probably not. The universe probably stops expanding at some point, and probably has a finite "resolution" (a smallest size anything - including a gap - can be) although that's all highly theoretical. Time might have always been and may always be. But yeah, I guess we don't really know.
Rain: I like it.
Point to Life: I've been feeling pretty nihilistic lately, so I'm going with "Feed, Mate, Die". Catch me on a good day and and I might have a different answer though. There is no reason life itself exists - it's a complex collection of chemicals and the processes they undergo, and something that just so happens to occur in nature, if the conditions are right.
Day: Friday.
World Peace: Boring but thankfully improbable."
Bit of variety there.
Monday 6 February 2012
Interview #2: Dat Kool Guy.
Thankfully, the guy I got in touch with did get in contact with me. So yeah, coolness.
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
I'm happy with the wider internet not knowing who I am; it's safer that way. What I do professionally is Web Development, specifically as a Front End Developer. With my spare time I play bass, and am learning Kung Fu.
What's it like living in a house with two - well, three - guys?
It's messier than living with females.
You seem to like being healthy person. What are the benefits of that - apart from just being healthy, that is?
Feeling better, more confident, being able to enjoy a wider range of activities.
What's it like, with your job? Do you enjoy it?
The web is a fast paced industry; new standards and technologies are constantly emerging, and you always have to be ready to learn something new. It's fun and challenging in that regard.
Do you think that 5 years ago you would have guessed anything about where you are now?
No.
That's deep.
And, lastly, why the fire/pyro tendencies?
It's fire. Primal, powerful, destructive, and when harnessed capable of being used in creation.
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
I'm happy with the wider internet not knowing who I am; it's safer that way. What I do professionally is Web Development, specifically as a Front End Developer. With my spare time I play bass, and am learning Kung Fu.
What's it like living in a house with two - well, three - guys?
It's messier than living with females.
You seem to like being healthy person. What are the benefits of that - apart from just being healthy, that is?
Feeling better, more confident, being able to enjoy a wider range of activities.
What's it like, with your job? Do you enjoy it?
The web is a fast paced industry; new standards and technologies are constantly emerging, and you always have to be ready to learn something new. It's fun and challenging in that regard.
Do you think that 5 years ago you would have guessed anything about where you are now?
No.
That's deep.
And, lastly, why the fire/pyro tendencies?
It's fire. Primal, powerful, destructive, and when harnessed capable of being used in creation.
Sunday 5 February 2012
Surveyifising.
Well. Mozart's gone and done something annoying. He's tagged me in one of these chain things: http://pocketspiralnotepad.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/survey.html
Now, usually, that wouldn't be a problem. But he's actually put some good questions up. Which I want to answer. And I hate leaving things half done. However, four-fifths will do for this one - skipping step five. Yeah. Rebel. :P
Haha. Back in kindergarten; it was clean-up day. We were all wearing gloves, and I was pulling the glove over my fingers, one by one. As soon as I did the middle one...."Miss! Miss! He pulled the rude finger on me!" I didn't even know what the rude finger was, let alone that you could pull it. :P
Did you get punished for it?
I got the teacher talking to me in front of the class. "Would your Mum want you doing that at home?" Well, she never told me about it...I got sent to the naughty corner, I believe.
What occupation are you employed in/what career are you thinking about taking up?
Currently, I work as a kitchen hand at Luigi's restaurant in Narellan. That means washing, drying, putting away - well, dishes, pans, pots, containers, you name it. Not glasses, though, that's the bar's job. Plus bins, recycling, cleaning when it's not too busy, and desserts when it is. What I might do in the future? No clue. Too many castles in the sky, with me. I've got a million in one, and I've never been a good stairmaker.
Is there a point to space exploration?
Heck yes. Firstly, we get to see cool stuff like other planets, and black holes, and stars - and it helps us from getting too big a head. Case in point: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale_Blue_Dot
What is your religious belief, or lack of, and why have you chosen it?
Religious, no. Belief - I prefer the word trust. However, to answer your question: http://modnarama.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/not-so-quick-word.html Not planning to repeat all that here. In a nutshell; God is love. He's done the world for us. And He's real. The first two answer the first question, the third the second question.
What number child are you, and how has the experience been for you?
I'm the first out of four. It means I have to give all the hand-me-downs. I don't particularly like seeing my brother wearing my clothes just casually. Clothes that I happened to like. :P Apart from that - well, it means that a certain amount is expected of me. To some extent, I reckon my sister has lived up to that expectation better than I have; but I've been a bit of a late bloomer. Though that's no excuse.
Do you have, or have you had, a nickname? If so, what, and why?
Oh, my goodness. So, many, nicknames...I could probably sort them by category. The ones that make sense without explanation: Bren, B-Ray, B-Dog (those two both somewhat tongue-in-cheek, made up by a couple of people), Brenno, Brendobags (only ever one guy), Brendy. The ones that need some explanation: Dexter (after Dexter's laboratory), Dex (similarly), Gold-digger (err.....yeah), Shadow (on a history trip to Melbourne, had to be one teacher's shadow because I'd always be going off on my own), Stingray (actually my own - partly because I like the animal, partly because it has Ray, my last name starts with Ray - yeah), Piano Man (when I was always playing the piano, particularly that song, at one camp), Balloon Boy (after a song I did - the Balloon song - one time that got quite a good reaction). And the ones that make very little sense: Bleeker (because someone on the Thailand Outreach trip thought that I loked like this guy: http://www.urbanmoms.ca/losing_it/Juno_Paulie_Bleeker_costume.jpeg I don't see it), and Fogel (because someone else on Thailand Outreach trip thought I was more like them; don't know the reference, from a game or TV show or something [EDIT: Apparently, it's from here, and I failed at spelling: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbad_%28film%29).
And I know I've missed a couple. Yeah. :P
Do you have a phobia, and what is it?
Drowning is a big one. Nearly drowned once, did not like. And being tortured, because I don't deal with pain well. Not a particularly likely scenario, but yeah. As I've mentioned before, my mind's good at making up these.
Day or night kind of person?
Hmmmm. I'm a morning person; day, I think. I like nature, being able to see all of that, hear all of that - you can hear some parts at night as well, but it's not the same.
Do you speak more than one language?
Well, that's them done. Now, I'm not doing point 5, tagging other people; but I still think I'll write eleven questions. I'll just put them on FB instead. If I get any answers, they might turn out to be my interview for Monday, unless I get a response.
Now, usually, that wouldn't be a problem. But he's actually put some good questions up. Which I want to answer. And I hate leaving things half done. However, four-fifths will do for this one - skipping step five. Yeah. Rebel. :P
1. The Rules:
- Post these rules;
- Post 11 random things about yourself;
- Answer the questions that tagger set for you in their post;
- Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer; and
Go to their blog and tell them they've been tagged.
- I'm short-sighted. That means that things that are far away become blurred. With me, "far away" is about the length of my arm. Yeah. :P Gonna be eatin' dem carrots.
- When I was in high school, up to about year 9 or 10, I was third or fourth shortest out of the guys. And the shortest....wasn't getting taller any time soon. Now, I'm the tallest in my immediate family, and on the Sydney side of my family, the only person taller than me is my cousin. He's got a couple of centimetres on me. Personally, I preferred being short. It's a pain in the cinema though.
- Half (by parent, that is, not by numbers) of my family is on the other side of Australia. We go over to visit about every second Christmas. Oh, and my uncle over there is one of the big guys in a major mining business. So it's a bit weird going from our little place to their massive one...
- I actually named my brother - my parents asked me and my sister if we had any names that we could think of; and I'd read somewhere recently that the name Joshua was actually the equivalent of the name Jesus. (Jesus - Yesus - Yeshua - Joshua, something like that.) So I suggested that name. It's his middle name. We are eerily similar in some ways.
- I'm both lazy and forgetful. Fun mix. Trying to get over it. Hard.
- I love a story. Always. Any story, if I'm reading it, watching it, anything, I have to finish it. It's a me thing. I get hooked in on them really easily. Doesn't matter how cliched it might be, I'll still love it.
- I'm a blue belt in Tae-Kwon-Do, and I've done both Karate and Kung-Fu - but in a fight, I'd probably run rather than defend myself. If there was someone else there, though, that's a different story.
- My motor skills suck. Apparently, when I was a kid, I could barely catch a ball, and my Mum had to teach me how to skip. Slowly. Oh, and whistling I didn't get for ages either. Or clicking. Especially that.
- Apparently, I was quite the projectile vomiter when I was young. Could vomit the length of a table. Charming piece of information for you.
- I'm not a fan of phones. Really not. I got a new phone a couple of months ago; my total calls received equals nine. Yeah. Not a texting addict.
- I often have a drink late at night, at about this kind of time. I believe this one calls for an LLB. Back momentarily. And yes, I do realise that this is not real-time and you won't perceive any gap.
What was the worst thing you got caught doing at school?
Haha. Back in kindergarten; it was clean-up day. We were all wearing gloves, and I was pulling the glove over my fingers, one by one. As soon as I did the middle one...."Miss! Miss! He pulled the rude finger on me!" I didn't even know what the rude finger was, let alone that you could pull it. :P
Did you get punished for it?
I got the teacher talking to me in front of the class. "Would your Mum want you doing that at home?" Well, she never told me about it...I got sent to the naughty corner, I believe.
What occupation are you employed in/what career are you thinking about taking up?
Currently, I work as a kitchen hand at Luigi's restaurant in Narellan. That means washing, drying, putting away - well, dishes, pans, pots, containers, you name it. Not glasses, though, that's the bar's job. Plus bins, recycling, cleaning when it's not too busy, and desserts when it is. What I might do in the future? No clue. Too many castles in the sky, with me. I've got a million in one, and I've never been a good stairmaker.
Is there a point to space exploration?
Heck yes. Firstly, we get to see cool stuff like other planets, and black holes, and stars - and it helps us from getting too big a head. Case in point: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale_Blue_Dot
What is your religious belief, or lack of, and why have you chosen it?
Religious, no. Belief - I prefer the word trust. However, to answer your question: http://modnarama.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/not-so-quick-word.html Not planning to repeat all that here. In a nutshell; God is love. He's done the world for us. And He's real. The first two answer the first question, the third the second question.
What number child are you, and how has the experience been for you?
I'm the first out of four. It means I have to give all the hand-me-downs. I don't particularly like seeing my brother wearing my clothes just casually. Clothes that I happened to like. :P Apart from that - well, it means that a certain amount is expected of me. To some extent, I reckon my sister has lived up to that expectation better than I have; but I've been a bit of a late bloomer. Though that's no excuse.
Do you have, or have you had, a nickname? If so, what, and why?
Oh, my goodness. So, many, nicknames...I could probably sort them by category. The ones that make sense without explanation: Bren, B-Ray, B-Dog (those two both somewhat tongue-in-cheek, made up by a couple of people), Brenno, Brendobags (only ever one guy), Brendy. The ones that need some explanation: Dexter (after Dexter's laboratory), Dex (similarly), Gold-digger (err.....yeah), Shadow (on a history trip to Melbourne, had to be one teacher's shadow because I'd always be going off on my own), Stingray (actually my own - partly because I like the animal, partly because it has Ray, my last name starts with Ray - yeah), Piano Man (when I was always playing the piano, particularly that song, at one camp), Balloon Boy (after a song I did - the Balloon song - one time that got quite a good reaction). And the ones that make very little sense: Bleeker (because someone on the Thailand Outreach trip thought that I loked like this guy: http://www.urbanmoms.ca/losing_it/Juno_Paulie_Bleeker_costume.jpeg I don't see it), and Fogel (because someone else on Thailand Outreach trip thought I was more like them; don't know the reference, from a game or TV show or something [EDIT: Apparently, it's from here, and I failed at spelling: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbad_%28film%29).
And I know I've missed a couple. Yeah. :P
Do you have a phobia, and what is it?
Drowning is a big one. Nearly drowned once, did not like. And being tortured, because I don't deal with pain well. Not a particularly likely scenario, but yeah. As I've mentioned before, my mind's good at making up these.
Day or night kind of person?
Hmmmm. I'm a morning person; day, I think. I like nature, being able to see all of that, hear all of that - you can hear some parts at night as well, but it's not the same.
Do you speak more than one language?
I can do a few words of Thai, French, Indonesian, Italian, German, Spanish, and Latin.
Are you artistic at all? (Music, film, drawing, photos, etc).
Music, yes; believed that's been mentioned a few times here before. Film, no. Drawing, I'd love to, but no. Photos, I should but I don't. And when I do I never look at them. I can add a couple, though - writing; that is, pretty much any writing. Stories, poems, speeches; I've obviously done essays and reports for school/uni.
Well, that's them done. Now, I'm not doing point 5, tagging other people; but I still think I'll write eleven questions. I'll just put them on FB instead. If I get any answers, they might turn out to be my interview for Monday, unless I get a response.
- Colours; eye, hair, favourite, disgusting.
- People - are they hopeless, or hopeful? (And why would be nice.)
- Are there any coincidences, really?
- Apples - better red, green, yellow, baked, stewed, juice, sauce, candied?
- Is anything set in stone? (That is, figuratively speaking.)
- Does infinity exist in reality?
- Rain - hate it, love it, dance in it, sing in it, laugh at it, roll around in it, or avoid it at all costs?
- Is there a point to life - and if there isn't, why is there life?
- Is morality make-believe?
- Day - Mon, Tues, Wednes, Thurs, Fri, Satur, Sun?
- What is world peace?
That's me for tonight. Literally, because it's tomorrow. There you go. Hope that was enlightening for you.
Saturday 4 February 2012
4 Chords - 100 Songs list
Had to post it here, because Youtube says my description was too long otherwise, which is annoying.
This is the full song list:
1. The Fragrance Of Ithilien (in Return Of The King) by Howard Shore,
2. You're Beautiful by James Blunt,
3. Forever Young by Alphaville,
4. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz,
5. Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver,
6. Give It All by Rise Against,
7. Superman (It's Not Easy) by Five For Fighting
8. Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx,
9. No-one by Alicia Keys,
10. High by Lighthouse Family,
11. By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North,
12. Dream Catch Me by Newton Faulkner,
13. The Eastern Sky by Adventure Land
14. Beautiful Ending by BarlowGirl,
15. Hope Vol. 2 by Apocalyptica/Sayer
16. City On Our Knees by TobyMac,
17. Bright Side Of The Rainbow by Forever Road,
18. Legacy by Nichole Nordeman,
19. Love Story by Taylor Swift,
20. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey,
21. Wanna Be Loved by dcTalk,
22. 20 Good Reasons by Thirsty Merc,
23. Pathways by Enoch,
24. Amazing by Alex Lloyd,
25. Wherever You Will Go by the Calling,
26. Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Elton John,
27. She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5,
28. Pictures Of You by the Last Goodnight,
29. Cigarettes Will Kill You by Ben Lee,
30. With Or Without You by U2,
31. Happy Ending by Mika,
32. Where Is The Love by Black Eyed Peas,
33. The Show by Lenka,
34. Lady Luck by Latchkey Kid,
35. I Still Call Australia Home by Peter Allen,
36. You Raise Me Up by Løvland/Graham,
37. 21 Guns by Green Day,
38. 9 Crimes by Damien Rice,
39. Tonight I Wanna Cry by Keith Urban,
40. Fire by Krystal Meyers,
41. Give It All Away by Aaron Shust,
42. Magic by Kaytee Faulkner,
43. Canvas Bags by Tim Minchin,
44. Misery by Good Charlotte,
45. Dead Man (Carry Me) by Jars of Clay,
46. Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil,
47. Ishmael by Helen Mottee,
48. Fall At Your Feet by Crowded House,
49. Not Pretty Enough by Kasey Chambers,
50. Let It Be by The Beatles,
51. Under The Bridge by Red Hot Chilli Peppers,
52. The Horses by Jones/Becker,
53. Down Under by Men at Work,
54. Waltzing Matilda by Banjo Patterson,
55. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams by Green Day,
56. Breakeven (Falling To Pieces) by The Script,
57. The Lost Get Found by Britt Nichole,
58. Breakin’ Down by Latchkey Kid,
59. Wait And See by Brandon Heath,
60. Grenade by Bruno Mars,
61. We by Joy Williams,
62. Dive by Steven Curtis Chapman,
63. Almost Anything by Latchkey Kid,
64. Holiday by Green Day,
65. Complicated by Avril Lavigne,
66. When You Love Someone by Bethany Dillon,
67. The Meaning Of Life by Hawk Nelson,
68. Blood To Bleed by Rise Against,
69. Always by Blink 182,
70. We Live by Superchick,
71. Urban Hermit by Brendan Raymond,
72. Taylor by Jack Johnson,
73. Take on me by A-ha,
74. When I come around by Green Day,
75. Save tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry,
76. Africa by Toto,
77. Self Esteem by the Offspring,
78. Apologize by OneRepublic,
79. U + Ur Hand by P!nk,
80. It’s Time To Go For Growth by the Axis Of Awesome,
81. Does Anybody Hear Her by Casting Crowns,
82. Birdplane by the Axis of Awesome,
83. Drowned by Tim Minchin,
84. Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne,
85. Stranded by Latchkey Kid,
86. Waiting On The World To Change by John Mayer,
87. We Are The Champions by Queen,
88. Happy by Ayeisha Woods,
89. May It Be by Howard Shore,
90. You Found Me by The Fray,
91. Light Up The Sky by The Afters
92. Breathe Into Me by RED,
93. Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath,
94. Angel In The Alleyway by Latchkey Kid,
95. The Scientist by Coldplay,
96. Reflections by Jay Seeney,
97. Collide by Howie Day,
98. Poker Face by Lady Gaga,
99. Kids by MGMT,
100. Scar by Missy Higgins
(93.) Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath (reprise)
This is the full song list:
1. The Fragrance Of Ithilien (in Return Of The King) by Howard Shore,
2. You're Beautiful by James Blunt,
3. Forever Young by Alphaville,
4. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz,
5. Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver,
6. Give It All by Rise Against,
7. Superman (It's Not Easy) by Five For Fighting
8. Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx,
9. No-one by Alicia Keys,
10. High by Lighthouse Family,
11. By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North,
12. Dream Catch Me by Newton Faulkner,
13. The Eastern Sky by Adventure Land
14. Beautiful Ending by BarlowGirl,
15. Hope Vol. 2 by Apocalyptica/Sayer
16. City On Our Knees by TobyMac,
17. Bright Side Of The Rainbow by Forever Road,
18. Legacy by Nichole Nordeman,
19. Love Story by Taylor Swift,
20. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey,
21. Wanna Be Loved by dcTalk,
22. 20 Good Reasons by Thirsty Merc,
23. Pathways by Enoch,
24. Amazing by Alex Lloyd,
25. Wherever You Will Go by the Calling,
26. Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Elton John,
27. She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5,
28. Pictures Of You by the Last Goodnight,
29. Cigarettes Will Kill You by Ben Lee,
30. With Or Without You by U2,
31. Happy Ending by Mika,
32. Where Is The Love by Black Eyed Peas,
33. The Show by Lenka,
34. Lady Luck by Latchkey Kid,
35. I Still Call Australia Home by Peter Allen,
36. You Raise Me Up by Løvland/Graham,
37. 21 Guns by Green Day,
38. 9 Crimes by Damien Rice,
39. Tonight I Wanna Cry by Keith Urban,
40. Fire by Krystal Meyers,
41. Give It All Away by Aaron Shust,
42. Magic by Kaytee Faulkner,
43. Canvas Bags by Tim Minchin,
44. Misery by Good Charlotte,
45. Dead Man (Carry Me) by Jars of Clay,
46. Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil,
47. Ishmael by Helen Mottee,
48. Fall At Your Feet by Crowded House,
49. Not Pretty Enough by Kasey Chambers,
50. Let It Be by The Beatles,
51. Under The Bridge by Red Hot Chilli Peppers,
52. The Horses by Jones/Becker,
53. Down Under by Men at Work,
54. Waltzing Matilda by Banjo Patterson,
55. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams by Green Day,
56. Breakeven (Falling To Pieces) by The Script,
57. The Lost Get Found by Britt Nichole,
58. Breakin’ Down by Latchkey Kid,
59. Wait And See by Brandon Heath,
60. Grenade by Bruno Mars,
61. We by Joy Williams,
62. Dive by Steven Curtis Chapman,
63. Almost Anything by Latchkey Kid,
64. Holiday by Green Day,
65. Complicated by Avril Lavigne,
66. When You Love Someone by Bethany Dillon,
67. The Meaning Of Life by Hawk Nelson,
68. Blood To Bleed by Rise Against,
69. Always by Blink 182,
70. We Live by Superchick,
71. Urban Hermit by Brendan Raymond,
72. Taylor by Jack Johnson,
73. Take on me by A-ha,
74. When I come around by Green Day,
75. Save tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry,
76. Africa by Toto,
77. Self Esteem by the Offspring,
78. Apologize by OneRepublic,
79. U + Ur Hand by P!nk,
80. It’s Time To Go For Growth by the Axis Of Awesome,
81. Does Anybody Hear Her by Casting Crowns,
82. Birdplane by the Axis of Awesome,
83. Drowned by Tim Minchin,
84. Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne,
85. Stranded by Latchkey Kid,
86. Waiting On The World To Change by John Mayer,
87. We Are The Champions by Queen,
88. Happy by Ayeisha Woods,
89. May It Be by Howard Shore,
90. You Found Me by The Fray,
91. Light Up The Sky by The Afters
92. Breathe Into Me by RED,
93. Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath,
94. Angel In The Alleyway by Latchkey Kid,
95. The Scientist by Coldplay,
96. Reflections by Jay Seeney,
97. Collide by Howie Day,
98. Poker Face by Lady Gaga,
99. Kids by MGMT,
100. Scar by Missy Higgins
(93.) Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath (reprise)
Song Saturday #2: The Unspoken Name
This one was inspired by the movie Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, which I reviewed in my last post. So it's got a few references from there, and it's again written on the guitar. Doing a bit of that now. But yeah, chords this time. Cool.
The Unspoken Name
Intro/Outro/Verse: / Bm / G / D //[ Bm / G / D / A / ] x2 Bm / G / A /
Chorus/Instro: / G / D / A / Bm / G / D / A // G / D / A / Bm // A///
V1:
Wild as the west wind
Swift as the start from where it all begins
Free as a flying eagle in the sky
Relentless as rain
V2:
I will be here in the night
I will be here, in the scare and the fright
I will be here, even when I depart
You can see me in the stars
Chorus:
I'm a spirit, that can not be broken
I am the name that remains unspoken
And whatever trials or pain I go through
I will be here
V2 + Chorus
Instro
Chorus
The Unspoken Name
Intro/Outro/Verse: / Bm / G / D //[ Bm / G / D / A / ] x2 Bm / G / A /
Chorus/Instro: / G / D / A / Bm / G / D / A // G / D / A / Bm // A///
V1:
Wild as the west wind
Swift as the start from where it all begins
Free as a flying eagle in the sky
Relentless as rain
V2:
I will be here in the night
I will be here, in the scare and the fright
I will be here, even when I depart
You can see me in the stars
Chorus:
I'm a spirit, that can not be broken
I am the name that remains unspoken
And whatever trials or pain I go through
I will be here
V2 + Chorus
Instro
Chorus
Thursday 2 February 2012
A tale that could not be broken...
Today, I watched a movie that I haven't seen in a long, long time. One of those old videos you've got lurking around your house, that you think, "one rainy day I'll sit down, get nice and warm, and watch a few of these old greats..." This is one of those ones. It's called Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
It's a kid's animated movie, and one of those few animated movies about animals that don't either make them human-like or make them talk (though there are some stand-outs in the latter category), though the main character is narrated. But even that is fairly sparse, and it relies a lot on being able to tell the story through what is happening, the music and the emotion, much more than dialogue, which is minimal. And it does it exceptionally.
Spirit is the story of a leader of a group of wild horses (funnily enough, from the Cimarron), back just before it became the USA. One night he spots a strange light and goes to investigate, and discovers humans, whom he hasn't seen before. They manage to capture him (but not without a decent chase scene) and take him to a US army camp, where they try (and fail) to break him. He escapes with the help of a native American who was also captive there, who takes him back to his camp, where he meets Rain - one of their horses. The Indian attempts to ride him (with no success), but Rain shows Spirit the Indian camp, and her way of life. He is, of course, extremely attracted to her. And, in the close-ups on her eyes, she seems to be wearing make-up. Bit strange, but anyway. The Indian realises he will never ride the horse and sets him free. But before he can get very far, the camp is attacked. Rain is shot, and in trying to save her, both Spirit and her go over a waterfall. Spirit is then captured again and used to help pull a train up a mountain, after tunnelling is unsuccessful. When he realises that this will bring them to his homeland, he breaks free, and causes some pretty serious damage to the train. Or, rather, lets gravity cause some damage to it. The Indian finds him again, and together they try to gain their freedom.
Despite its lack of dialogue, the film still gallops its way through ideas of freedom, home, control, friendship, love (of course), and teamwork. The music also complements the film spectacularly, creating some amazing moments. This is one of those epics, those stories that you'll never forget, and that you'll say, "What, you never watched Spirit?" to other people.
Watch it. Really. It's...yeah. Good.
It's a kid's animated movie, and one of those few animated movies about animals that don't either make them human-like or make them talk (though there are some stand-outs in the latter category), though the main character is narrated. But even that is fairly sparse, and it relies a lot on being able to tell the story through what is happening, the music and the emotion, much more than dialogue, which is minimal. And it does it exceptionally.
Spirit is the story of a leader of a group of wild horses (funnily enough, from the Cimarron), back just before it became the USA. One night he spots a strange light and goes to investigate, and discovers humans, whom he hasn't seen before. They manage to capture him (but not without a decent chase scene) and take him to a US army camp, where they try (and fail) to break him. He escapes with the help of a native American who was also captive there, who takes him back to his camp, where he meets Rain - one of their horses. The Indian attempts to ride him (with no success), but Rain shows Spirit the Indian camp, and her way of life. He is, of course, extremely attracted to her. And, in the close-ups on her eyes, she seems to be wearing make-up. Bit strange, but anyway. The Indian realises he will never ride the horse and sets him free. But before he can get very far, the camp is attacked. Rain is shot, and in trying to save her, both Spirit and her go over a waterfall. Spirit is then captured again and used to help pull a train up a mountain, after tunnelling is unsuccessful. When he realises that this will bring them to his homeland, he breaks free, and causes some pretty serious damage to the train. Or, rather, lets gravity cause some damage to it. The Indian finds him again, and together they try to gain their freedom.
Despite its lack of dialogue, the film still gallops its way through ideas of freedom, home, control, friendship, love (of course), and teamwork. The music also complements the film spectacularly, creating some amazing moments. This is one of those epics, those stories that you'll never forget, and that you'll say, "What, you never watched Spirit?" to other people.
Watch it. Really. It's...yeah. Good.
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