#9 Slipknot My Favourite Albums to Date By: Ian Albrecht

Artist: Slipknot

Album:  Iowa

Genre: Death Metal

Lyrics: 80/100, Vocals 93/100, instrumental 96/100

This happens to be the heaviest album on my list/ It’s not the heaviest album I have ever heard. However, my CDs don’t get a whole lot heavier than this one. At least not the albums I like.

Everything about this album is heavy. The lyrics are dark and disturbing. The instrumentals are distorted and violent-sounding. To top it off, Corey Taylor’s vocals full-out reside in my nightmares. This album was clearly made when they were all at angry/hateful points in their lives. This album embraces everything they’re feeling, including their hometown, Iowa.

The starting track, like their debut, is called “515” and it is creepy, eerie…  a soundtrack that immediately puts you on edge. All you can hear is Corey screaming something awful, (turns out to be “death” which is fitting, considering he sounds as though he’s being slowly murdered.)

The following track is “People = Shit” – a song that adequately fits the title. The band sings about why they hate the human condition. The song which comes after this tune is “Disasterpiece” which is the heaviest song and on the album (and also my favourite Slipknot song) bar none. The opening of this song is the coolest – Corey yelling at the top of his lungs. “Hold on to something!!!.” Then song then slides into a huge instrumental breakdown with some of the best riffing I have ever heard. This is pure Death Metal bliss, at its finest. This is what one needs to turn on when one is angry with the world. The opening lyrics sum up the entire emotional mood of this album, so if you are looking for pretty melodies and you don’t like the lyrics you’ve read thus far… well, I suggest you never listen to this album. For example, if you were to read on you'd come across, “I wanna slit your throat and fuck the wound. I wanna push my face in and feel the swoon. I wanna dig inside, find a little bit of me, cause the lines get crossed when you don’t come clean.”

Another song on the album worth discussing is, “I am Hated”. Believe it or not, this song is fun to listen to. Corey’s vocals are once again very raspy and he spits out his lines so fast, it almost comes across as rapping. I love every second.

My biggest album complaint would be that the song “Iowa” is 15:04 minutes long! Other than that, it’s a classic and would probably be in my top 5 or 6. That long, boring, and tedious “Iowa” song affected an otherwise superb and well-put-together Death Metal album.

Other than that, I consider this an above-average Death Metal album. The lyrics throughout the album are good, but nothing special. What makes the lyrics appear outstanding is the application of Corey's raw, emotional, hate-filled pipes. And the vocals aren’t even the attention-grabber. By far, the instrumentals are what put the album into my top ten. I would classify the album’s music as ‘organized chaos’. Joey’s drumming is exceptional, especially on the songs “Disasterpiece”, “People=Shit”, and “Left Behind”.

A fun fact I recently learned about the album is that it peaked at #1 in Canada. (No surprise, really, as Canadians have always had good taste.) If you are a music lover who is into ‘heavier’ music, I highly suggest you purchase the CD, “Iowa” by Slipknot. It truly kicks ass.

Songs to check out: Disasterpeice, I Am Hated, My Plague, The Heretic Album

#10 Madeline by Tickle Me Pink. My Favourite Albums To Date Thus Far ...: by Ian Albrecht

My Favourite Albums To Date: By Ian Albrecht

#10 Madeline

Artist- Tickle Me Pink

Album- Madeline

Genre- Alternative Rock

Lyrics 90/100, Vocals 90/100, Instrumental 85/100

Tickle Me Pink is a relatively unknown band who released their third album, Madeline, on July 1st, 2008. The publicity of the album’s release was overshadowed by the overdose death of bassist/ guitarist Johnny Schou, aged 22, on the same day. The band temporarily broke up and lead singer Sean Kennedy formed the band, Talisker Skye. Tickle Me Pink still performed gigs until their final one, March 5, 2011. The following day, Sean released a message reading, “Farewell all. We love you and will never forget you.”

Madeline tackles a lot of touchy, subject matter. It covers basic topics such as: drug use, suicide, loss, and brutal breakups, as well as not so basic topics such as major issues of today's world, and morality. The opening track of this album, "Typical" is a simple kick-ass tune. It’s fun, fast, very rock style and has the lead singer telling off a girl. It sets a good mood for the whole album. The song, "Madeline" is easily the most emotional of the album. It’s about a girl the band was friends with and of her struggles with depression as well as suicidal tendencies. The song has a very guilty tone to it. With such lines such as, "Oh, I never said goodbye. I wish I would of tried. I couldn't hear her cries as she filled her veins with lies, until she saw the light." The raw emotion in Sean Kennedy's voice almost brings tears to my eyes, especially when he sings (my favourite line of all) "If I could turn back time, I'd find a way to remind you that somehow you could try to give in and fight the good fight. Oh, you didn't have to die, you filled your veins with lies, my precious Madeline."  

The singer, Sean, stated “It is somewhat ironic that many of our songs deal with death and a higher purpose. We want to let the world know how short life is…”

The rest of the album continues to be solid, with songs of many feelings. The next worthy stop on this album has to be the song, "The Answer". Now even though "Madeline" has my favourite line, “The Answer” is my favourite song. It contains a great beginning, all soft, but then quickly cut off by Sean's questioning of a girl's reason for loving him. Another great lyric from this song, "The answer deep inside me, is ripping me apart, the truth of who you are. The answer deep inside me, is eating at my heart, I don't know who you are!" Oh yeah, chills from that line. Sean's voice perfectly reflects the subject matter and the only thing I can do, when listening, is question Sean as to who it was who hurt him? 

The last song worth talking about (despite most of the album being worthy) would be, "Beside The Others". This song has Sean questioning how he could ever be loved, because of his many weaknesses and flaws. This song is his way of releasing this girl, helping her move on by saying leave me, because I'm only gonna drag you down. However, simultaneously, he's being selfish because he won’t let her go. It is a true battle within his head and his morality. The best line in this song is, "If I could tell you one thing, I think that you should know. I'm not afraid to love you, just of letting go." The lyrics throughout the album are top notch. It affects the listener but is not over the top with metaphors and symbolism. The vocals, as aforesaid, are perfectly matched with the lyrics. Sadly, although the instrumental is good enough to crack my Top 10, they are not different, or outstanding in any way.

Songs To Check Out: Madeline, The Answer, Beside The Others, Tomorrow's Ending, I Can't Breathe

Time to Re-Learn the Community Approach to Raising Children. By: C. Albrecht

Brianna Lopez

After immediately reading this article, I couldn’t trust myself to speak, move, or even write. My mind was racing, perseverating on what Brianna went through, and contemplating acts of revenge.

Seriously, how could the cruelty and torture - of an infant - exist so casually; tolerated by those who call themselves “family?"

Sadly, it came to me –  the general, apathetic response from bystanders, as well as the violent parenting involved, will not stop. Perhaps it is "nature versus nature", or a bit of both, but clearly this extended family is missing the basic rudimentary building blocks of parenting - e.g. loving your children. 

It became obvious that the family had endured abusive behaviour for so long that the unchecked abuse was considered the norm. Therefore, the behavioural circle remains unbroken.

The problem within this multi-generational family was that there had never been one strong person; someone to stand up and say, “Stop that! This is wrong!” The Lopez family was so clueless, they didn’t think twice about abusing their newborn child, nor were they worried about outsiders seeing the baby covered with bruises and bite marks. They saw nothing wrong with Brianna's upbringing.

What to do? Society (meaning ALL of us) has to go back to the Block-Watch mentality. Instead of apathetic observances, we will return to the neighborhood safe houses, and the emergency phone tree when there’s a concern. We have to become proactive about providing safety nets to those children, spouses etc. who are unable to recognize and/or do it for themselves. Instead of doubting our initial gut response and reaction to someone's parenting ability, we should immediately act on what we instinctively feel is wrong. We should also challenge the parents and their skills. If it turns out to be a false alarm, the parents should be grateful that we are alert enough to bring the issue to their attention. Giving birth does not mean we are automatically good parents - all parents can benefit from constant learning, listening to advice, and progressing accordinaly.

We need to revert back to those safety-in-numbers days, and we especially need to remember that it takes a village to raise a child. Starting today, WE are that village. Be alert!

Warning: This article includes detailed descriptions of Brianna’s abuse as well as pictures, as posted by “letsfindthem”. Do not open if such reading disturbs you.

Farewell Terrence Stephen Lowe (November 21, 1957 to January 24, 2011) BY Lezah Williamson and C Albrecht

Sometimes people come into your life in a way that is so mild and so inconspicuous that you don't realize what an impact they have made until they are gone. Terry Lowe was one of those people. I first heard of Terry from my friend Christine back when the two of us were in university. She was telling me about her previous life, a life that involved a rogue of an ex-husband, a life lived on the edge to a dangerous degree. But there was a guy, a roommate, she called Ratt - he was the touchstone that helped her to keep her life centred; he prevented things from spinning wildly out of control as she packed up a newborn baby and left the debauchery of her life in the big city to make a new life for herself and her infant son.

Fast forward twenty years, and Christine and I had re-connected through our mutual love of music. We decided to take that passion and throw it into an endeavour where we would write reviews, and interview musicians, of the shows we were seeing. But how to make this dream a reality? Once again, Touchstone Terry rose up to meet the challenge. He had stayed in Christine’s life the whole time; her personal cheerleader, pronouncing that she could do anything she put her mind to. He loved the idea of Swanktrendz, so he created an inventive program that would run our website, and did it for the steep price of a dinner out at a restaurant of his choice. Soon we had contributors from around the world adding to our cultural ezine.

That was one of the two times I met Terry. It's hard to know someone if you've spent less than two hours total in their company. But if I were to choose one adjective to describe him, that word would be 'comfortable'. Terry was a homey, comfortable person to be around; there was no pretense about him. He was a man who had three loves in his life: writing, art, literature, computers, and bikes. He flew the flag of all proudly, and was able, after I met him, to secure a job that combined biking and writing, acting as Editor for a local bike enthusiast’s magazine, Momentum. I heard that this was a shining moment in his life, but unfortunately, it was to be short-lived. Terry Lowe succumbed to a bout of pneumonia unexpectedly over winter.

He was a healthy-living guy who exercised regularly, avoided drugs, but enjoyed the odd beer. His death was a shock to all who knew him. The saddest thing for those left behind was that he died alone. Terry, the man who was always there for others in his own quiet, unobtrusive way, didn't have anyone there for him in his time of need. And for that, I am truly sorry. He deserved better. Terry, we miss you.










Thanks to Lezah who wrote most of the above. I had quit writing as I needed closure for my best friend before I could continue. Terry was my confidenté, my voice of reason and when I didn’t hear from him, I worried. However, I knew he often went home for Christmas. By the end of February my emails were being returned, his phone was cut off, and I knew intuitively I had lost a friend who truly understood me. He had bought me swanktrendz prior to his death and told me to get out there and write! I shall try, Terry, so long as you guide my hand.

Does Size Matter...? Christine Albrecht

At 1:30 a.m., Boxing Day/ 27^th, I was aimlessly surfing television channels , when I happened upon a ‘men’s channel with an in-the-moment “infomercial” - clearly targeted to men - pushing a product. I was immediately drawn to the infomercial by its constant declaration that, “Size DOES Matter!”  I was probably drawn in for reasons different than the average male viewer, but boy did it ever get my attention. 

A variety of young (22-34), beautiful women were sharing their ‘true/ confessional’ experiences. I tried to imagine I was one of the poor saps listening to these ladies’ ‘secrets’; a man who is entirely normal/ physically adequate, etc., watching this infomercial, and subsequently questioning whether his nether region is big enough and is his present girlfriend/wife truly satisfied with his member’s size in bed. 

As each of these young women giggled their way through their intimate testimonial of disappointment, it became painfully obvious (and in some cases, blatantly vocalized) that a man’s penis size will be the deal breaker for these women in a relationship. “What crap is this?” I questioned. Now men, before you get out that credit card, and start bookmarking the extramax.com site, please hear this lone female out. 

First of all, I am not in the 22 – 34 age range, although I consider myself quite lovely, and given the infomercial’s preference for blondes – I fit right in. That’s where the similarities end. I will be the first to admit that my girlfriends and I have discussed intimate details such as the infomercial’s topic but not once has ‘size’ ever been a relationship’s deal breaker. Humor, compassion, attractiveness, career, intellect, even the shallow ‘has to be taller than me’ has been bandied about, but never penis size. 

For any of you men thinking that you still want to invest in this, then I have to ask what you are looking for? Clearly it’s for a one night stand because if you are already in a relationship, she already has an idea of your ‘size’. If you are that concerned with your size, dazzle your gal with other tricks of the trade, but for God’s sake , do not, for one minute, think that size will count, or that this product will change anything in that area. 

And if, for some reason, you end up with a woman who is highly critical in this area, I have to sit back and laugh. Those darling women in the infomercial are going to be wishing that size WAS their only problem, as the shallow men they will attract will be heading for the hills as soon as these women’s breasts and asses sag, the cellulite dimples, the hair becomes less lush, and the botox more obvious. And of course, after a child or two, they may have to think of their own nether region surgical procedure. 

Men you are perfect the way you are. If you need to lose weight, fine, but do it for yourself. Hair thinning? Great because bald is in. Not feeling as energetic as you once did? Good, neither are we.
I am going on 20 years married to a man who tells me I am beautiful through the highs and lows. And he makes me laugh and think. Combine laughter, with compliments and love, and you will have a love life that will rival others. I love every inch of that man’s physique and I do not anticipate a change anytime soon. 

Put your wallet away; concentrate on your good attributes: physical and personality-wise. If you are in a relationship, look at her good attributes as well.  If you aren’t in a relationship, go out and make what you do possess, shine, because there are women, much like myself, who will think you are wonderful, just the way you are. (And save a little sympathy for those gals on that infomercial, as we all know they are in for some eye-opening truths about love and sex.) 

As they always say, it’s not what you’ve got, it’s how you use it, that counts.  

Faces of Suicide

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kjY5yeotAo&context=C4c9cde4ADvjVQa1PpcFNnOY0QRYNUhp22UDdFXrr81rR8KU2r6G8%3D

Check out this video on suicide by Shane Christensen.

Alpha Male By Lannon McGregor

Alpha male has broken his cage,


Gnaws on bones and rusty blades.

Hard as fuck!" his snarls say, 


His breath is warm, rotten decay.

Fangs are yellow, with rabid foam, 


Arms are inked up, flexing tone,

Chest is pumped up, breathing slowly,

Dressed-up peacock - head to toe. 



Lives in flashy, cool success, 


Skanks swarm to his quick caress,

While his pack scavenges on those he’s left, 


And howl - these horny, lonely pests. 



Those who fly outside his flock,

Watch in silence, hushed they scoff, 


"It's not so great" they whisper soft,

But who wouldn’t love to be on top?

Marina and the Diamonds tour with Coldplay

Marina and the Diamonds have found themselves a plum position – touring with Coldplay during Coldplay’s summer world tour. Elektra’s latest recording talent will also be touring parts of North America as a headliner during this tour. Marina and the Diamonds’ tour schedule will coincide with the release of her second album, Electra Heart (July 17^th, 2012). For ticket and current information, go to her site. .

Fortunately for Canadians, Marina and the Diamonds' North American tour includes two nights in Toronto (July 23rd, 24th); two evenings in Montreal (July 26th, 27th), and a performance at our ever-popular Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver (July 15th). Hmm, Air Canada Centre, Bell Centre, or … The Commodore? I have a feeling Marina’s Vancouver tickets will quickly sell out.

Although Electra Heart has not yet been released, the single ‘Primadonna’, is currently available on itunes. The song is doing exceptionally well in the UK, and there has been a lot of anticipation regarding Marina’s latest venture due to her musical collaborations with Dr Luke, Rick Nowels, Liam Howe, Greg Kurstin and Diplo

Marina and the Diamonds should be familiar to the public due to the wide coverage of her 2009 debut album, ‘The Family Jewels’. She was also a winner at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards. There has also been discussion about her single, ‘Radioactive’ and its youtube clip, seen here.

Here’s a BBC bio I found online.

Suicide is Painless... or is it

For all of those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, or who have tried to understand the effects of suicide, check out this video. I am a bit biased to the videographer, but nonetheless, it carries a powerful message. Click on the title, "Suicide is Painless" to view the video.