DIZTURBIA.COM | EPISODE 03 / CODE:BLK | "PORN ADDICTION" | 06/26/14

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DIZTURBIA.COM | RECORD INDUCTION | ISSUES "ISSUES" (2014) | 06/20/14



I. OPENING THOUGHTS

So here's how it goes, each and every month, I will be inducting 2 records,

as in 2 actual music RECORDS (meaning, 12" VINYL records, not CD's)

into my newly-started up, personal (DVSNGH) RECORD COLLECTION.

Despite, at the time of this writing, not owning a actual RECORD PLAYER.

(which I sure as fuck do intend on getting, at a later date, but anyways...).

One amongst the many ideas I had with the launching of ISSUEZZ.COM.

And what better of a FIRST RECORD to induct to my collection, than yeah,

the band (and record) for whom I chose to title myself/site after: ISSUES!

Dubbed by some "the future of metalcore" (a fusion genre of extreme metal

and hardcore punk), hated by many however, god fuckin bless ISSUES!

II. THOUGHTS ON ISSUES

Issues, so had their band name NOT been "Issues", idunno what to tell you,

maybe, I might not a been so much drawn to this band, indeed a possibility.

Yeah, I'm one of those suckas, who often gets sucked in by clever marketing

(on part of band or their record label) sometimes overshadowing 'the music'

side of things, as sad as it to say, a (psychology) trick used by 'boy bands'.

And depending who you talk to, regarding Issues (the band), some already

casted them off as a 'boy band' (who just happen to write their own songs).

But contrary to what some people say of the band, I really enjoy them, and

what they bring to the table, and to their credit, trying to create a "blend"

(of R&B and Heavy Metal) that they can say (later on) "We invented that!".

III. TRACKLISTING

1. "Sad Ghost" (4:31)
2. "Mad at Myself" (3:50)
3. "Life of a Nine" (3:14)
4. "The Langdon House" (3:57)
5. "Late" (3:33)
6. "Old Dena" (by Scout) (1:35)
7. "Stingray Affliction" (3:38)
8. "Never Lose Your Flames" (3:41)
9. "Personality Cult" (3:53)
10. "Tears on the Runaway, Pt. 2" (feat. Nylo) (3:57)
11. "The Settlement"  (2:32)
12. "Disappear (Remember When)" (5:23)

IV. TRACK REFERENCE

5. "Late" (3:33) ★★★★★
7. "Stingray Affliction" (3:38) ★★★★★
9. "Personality Cult" (3:53) ★★★★
3. "Life of a Nine" (3:14) ★★★★
8. "Never Lose Your Flames" (3:41) ★★★
6. "Old Dena" (by Scout) (1:35) ★★★
2. "Mad at Myself" (3:50) ★★★
1. "Sad Ghost" (4:31) ★★★
4. "The Langdon House" (3:57) ★★
12. "Disappear (Remember When)" (5:23) ★★
10. "Tears on the Runaway, Pt. 2" (feat. Nylo) (3:57) ★
11. "The Settlement"  (2:32) ★

V. FAVORITE TRACK

My favorite track off "Issues" is track #5 "Late", despite at the time of

this writing (06/20/14), it not being a real "hit" or a "single" off the album,

but it has been 'the' song to get the most plays (by me) than any other.

Having had set HIGH EXPECTATIONS on this band and record, before

its release, based off their impressive debut EP ("Black Diamonds", 2013)

I was expecting this record to be BANGIN from the very start, but however,

tracks 1-4 just weren't hitting the mark for me (good, but not all that great).

And in comes track 5 ("Late"), and from the very first seconds of the song,

has me hooked, and from thereon, the album just kicks into HIGH GEAR

(before totally collapsing at track 10, no offense, "Tears On The..." sucks). 

VI. OTHER STANDOUT TRACKS

So the big 'hit' to come from this record is track #7 "Stringray Affliction",

the album's first released 'single', showcasing the band's attempt of mixing

metalcore and R&B (the first band on a major-label to attempt such deed).

The result is quite amazing, on 'some parts' of the record, this being one.

On track #8 "Never Lose Your Flames" (their 'second single') though,

they go about it a different way, except, this approach not so much as good,

and me personally, I got the impression of a band, trying too hard to say,

"look at us! we want to appeal to both metalheads, and DRAKE fans!").

But one song that deserves major *PROPS* is track #9 "Personality Cult",

one of which contains very little R&B elements, 2014 metalcore its finest!

VII. LEAST FAVORITE TRACKS

Every album has their "filler elements", and there's no doubt about it,

on "Issues" there are quite the many 'filler moments', but luckily though,

they are pushed to the end of the record (it being tracks 10 through 13).

Which is quite interesting though, when stumbling upon band interviews

(on Youtube), where they show tremendous *praise* for tracks 10 and 11

("Tears On The Runway, Part 2" and "Disappear/Remember When")

for being so diverse and unique, but yeah, I found them quite unlistenable.

And need I point out track 4 "The Langdon House", and the fact that, yeah,

it's not only a boorriinng track, but it really shouldn't be placed where it is,

as I've found the #4 track slot to be a very key/important part of a record.

VIII. ARTWORK

Aside from admiring a record for "the music", there's also its "imaging",

and I have to say, as far as the "Issues" artwork goes, it's phenomenal!

What might be noticeable here, aside from the scribbly background texture,

is that fact you only see 'one word', it being the band's name, "ISSUES",

which might be explainable since this is their 'self-titled' (and first) record.

Now, considering the word "issues" in itself reflects that of a big *negative*,

and you tie that with the imagery of 'scribbly notes', lol, idunno about you,

but I see 'shades of...', um, a suicidal person, who's, um, got major issues!

or perhaps, I'm completely *misinterpreting* what this record cover means.

And yeah, I in fact own a t-shirt of this same artwork, and wear it proudly.

IX. CLOSING THOUGHTS

I have to admit right here, had the *band name* not in fact been, "ISSUES"

(or at least the album title), hmmm, I may not had bought in to this band

as much as I have, and in turn, making them my first "record induction".

And as much as I dig this particular "fusion" of music (R&B + Metal) that

these guys are hoping to master/accomplish, I'll definitely have to admit it,

there are moments these guys rock! and moments they flat out fuckin' suck!

You read up on ISSUES, yeah, you'll notice ALOT more haters than lovers!

Andso I'm hoping, come the next ISSUES record (I'm guessing in 2016?),

they are able to strongly improve on the foundation they started in 2013,

and yeah, if they do, maybe they will be 'opening act' for Rihanna someday!

X. PICTURES



(FRONT COVER)

(BACK COVER)

(ALTERNATE COVER)

(LYRICS SHEET, CREDITS)

(VINYL, SIDE A)

(VINYL, SIDE B)

(BONUS, CD COPY)

(ALL TOGETHER)

DIZTURBIA.COM | RECORD INDUCTION | ASAP ROCKY "LONG.LIVE.ASAP" (2013) | 06/20/14

I. OPENING THOUGHTS

So I thought it be real fitting to make "LONG.LIVE.ASAP" by ASAP ROCKY

the 2nd induction to my personal record collection, seeing as, I "was" once,

you know (A$AP DAVE!) and this being my first-ever purchased record!

I guess I can say, this was THE very record that planted *the seeds* of the

whole record collection, having had it tucked in my closet, for nearly a year,

seeing as, it wasn't my intention on buying it, I mainly wanted the T-SHIRT

(with the same album cover), but in order to get the t-shirt, you either had to

buy the CD or the record (off ASAPMOBSHOP.COM) to get the damn shirt!

And since RECORDS are WAY COOLER than CDs, so I chose the record,

and indeed, what this is, is "one of" the best hip-hop albums of OUR time.

II. THOUGHTS ON ASAP ROCKY

ASAP Rocky, you mention "the name" to a generic hip-hop/rap audience,

(in North America) and yeah, you'll probably get more 'jeers' than cheers,

in other words, he's not very liked, some having deemed him a phony/fake,

while showing high praise for his hip-hop counterpart, one, Kendrick Lamar,

the two, both having risen at their peak around the same time, 2012/13ish.

Me personally, I have yet to discover what all the *HYPE* is about, with

Mr. Kendrick Lamar, aside from the fact, he's 'seen alot of fucked-up shit'.

But ASAP Rocky is fuckin' amazing, though I can even admit it myself, he

can be annoying/nauseating, at times, but god bless the 'pretty mothafvcka'.

ASAP Rocky, Kanye & Macklemore: the 3 best things in hip-hop today :)

III. TRACKLISTING

1. "Long Live A$AP" (4:49)
2. "Goldie" (3:12)
3. "PMW (All I Really Need)" (feat. Schoolboy Q) (3:54)
4. "LVL" (3:40)
5. "Hell" (feat. Santigold) (3:51)

6. "Pain" (feat. OverDoz) (3:53)
7. "Fuckin' Problems" (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & More) (3:53)
8. "Wild For The Night" (feat. Skrillex) (3:49)
9. "1Train" (feat. Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$ & More) (6:12)
10. "Fashion Killa" (3:56)
11. "Phoenix" (3:53)
12. "Suddenly" (4:30)
13. "Jodye" (4:20)

14. "Ghetto Symphony" (feat. A$AP Ferg) (3:57)
15. "Angels" (3:48)
16. "I Come Apart" (feat. Florence Welch) (3:37)

IV. TRACK REFERENCE

7. "Fuckin' Problems" (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & More) ★★★★★

8. "Wild For The Night" (feat. Skrillex) ★★★★★

2. "Goldie" ★★★★★

1. "Long Live A$AP" ★★★★★
11. "Phoenix" ★★★★

16. "I Come Apart" (feat. Florence Welch) ★★★★

5. "Hell" (feat. Santigold) ★★★★
3. "PMW (All I Really Need)" (feat. Schoolboy Q) ★★★★
4. "LVL" ★★★
15. "Angels" ★★★

9. "1Train" (feat. Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$ & Yelawolf) ★★★
10. "Fashion Killa" ★★★
12. "Suddenly" ★★

14. "Ghetto Symphony" (feat. Gunplay & A$AP Ferg) ★★
13. "Jodye" ★

6. "Pain" (feat. OverDoz) ★
 

V. FAVORITE TRACK

My favorite track of off ASAP Rocky's "Long.Live.A$AP" is, yes indeed,

track #7 "Fuckin' Problems" (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar),

perhaps the same applies to most (non-ASAP haters) people out there!

Amazing, how at the start of 2013, I had no idea who the motherfuck

ASAP Rocky was, and it was the song "Wild For The Night", with Skrillex,

that got me first introduced to him, and my first actual impressions were,

(which at the time I was a bigger fan of Skrillex), when watching the video,

was "who the hell is this joke hip-hop/rapper guy teaming with Skrillex?!"

So I downloaded "Long.Live.A$AP" soon after, and yeah, came across

track #7 ("Fuckin Problems"), and mannn, did I ever play it TO DEATH! :X

VI. OTHER STANDOUT TRACKS

So I spoke of "Wild For The Night" (track #8) being my first real exposure

to ASAP Rocky, though at the time, being more of an electrohead (EDM)

than a hip-hop head, I was first *turned-off* by this song, and blew it off.

But after downloading "Long.Live.A$AP", and hearing it, on *headphones*,

what can I tell ya, CHANGED EVERYTHING! and I fuckin loved the song.

Another song deserving of praise is the title-track (#1) "Long.Live.A$AP",

another song I first blew off, initially thinking, "what a boring opening track",

(considering, all the many great, catchy tracks that would follow behind it)

but the "dark, gloomy" ULTRA down-tempo bassline really grew over me.

And of course, there's track #2 "Goldie", (though VERY repetitive) still good!

VII. LEAST FAVORITE TRACKS

So yeah, "Long.Live.A$AP" has it's HIGH moments, as well as its lows,

which you can't really fault an artist for providing, you know, 'album filler',

as much as some try to fight it, yeah, there's always going to be moments

on every record, where you just have to click 'next', cause the song sucks!

And on this record, I would have to say, tracks 9-15 (with exception to 11)

are absolute FILLER, but there's also track #6 "Pain", which I gotta say,

had not been for the placement of that one (boring, unappealing) track,

this album woulda had a perfect, continuous flow from beginning to end.

Though track #9 ("1Train") did get alot of *props* for its lyrics and 'flow',

as a non-pure hip-hop enthusiast, I thought it was an all-out snoozefest!

VIII. ARTWORK

The artwork for "Long.Live.A$AP" could best be perceived as ICONIC!

Yeah, I think it's AMAZING, amongst the best-ever hip-hop album covers!

So much, that I highly doubt "the follow up" record would be able to top it!

But then again, if you happened to seen the cover for "Live.Love.A$AP",

(the debut mixtape of ASAP Rocky, released 2 years previous to this),

as awesome as that album cover was too, yeah, it's probably safe to say

(assuming it's the same team behind all the artwork and the marketing),

that the next, forthcoming ASAP Rocky LP image/banner will be kickass.

Oh and yeah, I questioned, if this cover mighta looked better in COLOR,

me not being a big BLACK & WHITE person, but no, it's better like this.

IV. CLOSING THOUGHTS

So say what you have to say about ASAP Rocky & the whole ASAP MOB,

I wouldn't tout him/them as being THE BEST THING today in hip-hop,

especially considering, you got this guy named KENDRICK LAMAR, lol,

and all his mass-praise (despite 2 real overrated, uninteresting albums),

with some going far to say, his contributions/presence on "Long.Live.A$AP"

is what made the album the success it is (from his 2 small appearances).

But really now, had you replaced Kendrick Lamar, with say a Lil' Wayne on

the last verse in "Fuckin Problems", it woulda been equally as BIG of a hit!

This album is a CLASSIC, and may it stand out, in my record collection

(dominated mostly by ROCK/METAL records) as the HIP-HOP flag bearer.

X. PICTURES



(FRONT COVER)

(BACK COVER)

(INLAY)

(CREDITS SHEET, SIDE 1)

(CREDITS SHEET, SIDE 2)

(VINYL 1 & 2)

(VINYL 1, SIDE A)

(VINYL 1, SIDE B)

(VINYL 2, SIDE A)

(VINYL 2, SIDE B)

  

(ALL TOGETHER)

DIZTURBIA.COM | EPISODE 02 / CODE:BLU | "ELLIOT RODGER (R.I.P.)" | 06/02/14

I. REST IN PEACE, ELLIOT RODGER

Now despite what the media, and indeed, most of you people ("Society")
think of the man that was, Elliot Oliver Robertson Rodger (1991-2014),
well, I as one (DVSNGH, Dave Singh) see him in a rather different light.
Though I can't defend the individual 100% for the actions that took place,
upon that cold, dark night of "Friday, May 23rd, 2014 9:30 PST" in the
small community of Isla Vista (Santa Barbara, California), as well as the
thoughts/opinions/facts expressed in his 141 page self-written manifesto,
I can't help but empathize "just a little" (understatement) with the man,
having been in (and still in!) "similar shoes" as the alleged serial killer,
having never "kissed a girl", "had a girl friend", need "the list" go on...


II. LONG STORY... SHORT

So, on the night of "Friday, May 23rd, 2014", a young Mr. Elliot Rodger
(single, 22 year old, former UCSB student, half British/Malaysian male)
went on a pre-meditated killing spree, killing 6 people, before himself,
while injuring 13 others, in what was planned as a "mass murder",
including the taking down of a "sorority house" (which did not happen).
In his arsenal were 3 (legally-owned) guns, hundreds of rounds of ammo,
as well as, his BMW car, also to been used as "weapon" against people.
The motive behind the attack was due to 'pent-up' frustration, stemming
from a life-long suffering of loneliness, rejection, and envy (of other men).
Neither drugs nor alcohol played a significant factor in this tragedy.


III. THE MANIFESTO

Shortly before the attacks, Elliot Rodger had a ready-written "manifesto",
personally sent to those "close to him", as well as, a local news affiliate,
giving a direct insight to his mindset (while also providing "a life story").
It made its way online, to the general public, within hours of the news.
In this (media-dubbed) "manifesto" (or, in other words, "suicide letter"),
Elliot would detail his life, from age 0 and thereon, and his upbringing,
in what was a normal, innocent start to life, before it became 'the shits'.
He pinpointed an incident, at a very young age (11), where he had been
rudely rejected by a young girl, which planted 'the seeds', of what was to
be a massive downward spiral, culminating to the events of 05/23/14.


IV. THE VIDEO

Recorded the day before the event, Elliot made a youtube video, named
"The Day Of Retribution", in which he expresses his final woes about life,
as well as, explaining (confidently) how he plans to carry out his attacks.
'Recorded' the day before, but not to be 'released', until the very moment
(of the attacks), had it been seen earlier, he woulda been reprimanded.
In the video, he implies how he plans to take 'many victims' with him,
including that of an entire 'sorority house' of young 'hot, blonde' women,
before taking it to the streets, and thus, ending it all in a "blaze of glory".
He failed at both tasks, however, having not entered the sorority house,
and only injuring (not killing) all those in his attempted 'blaze of glory'.


V. OTHER VIDEOS

Besides the 'infamous' video gone viral, there were other videos, as seen
in the 'ElliotRodger' Youtube channel, in the months leading to, self-shot,
with him expressing all his woes, some having very 'direct' titles, such as
"Why do girls hate me so much?" & "Being lonely on Spring Break sucks"
and others, trying to be positive, showcasing the many privileges he had.
There were also other videos, in which he expressed his woes, however,
with so much 'passion', perhaps 'too much passion', it sent alarms ringing
amongst some family members, causing him to permanently remove them.
Besides using Youtube as means of self-expression, as well as, venting,
his key intent may have been to 'attract' girls through his 'vlog' outputs.


VI. PARTY INCIDENT

So as noted in the manifesto, Elliot had recalled an incident, at a party,
in the summer of 2013, in which he felt "ignored and rejected" by girls,
causing him to step out, where he soon climbed atop a balcony ledge to
observe the view, and think, where soon a group of partygoers followed.
Thinking, this group of (mostly) girls had come up to 'socialize' with him,
only to see, they just kept to their own circle, basicly just 'snubbing him',
Elliot took it offensively, reacting violently, trying push them off the ledge,
only for a male friend to step in, and push him off, breaking his ankle.
It was this incident would be the 'main catalyst' to what would spark the
141-page manifesto and now infamous '2014 Isla Vista killings' incident.


VIII. MEDIA PERCEPTION

The Elliot Rodger killing spree made significant headlines worldwide,
capturing 'the top story' on all news outlets, and indeed, becoming a
sensation fad amongst youths, adolescents & those on campus grounds
(much in the same veins as "Columbine", "Virginia Tech", andsoforth).
In the aftermath, as is the case with all other mass-shooting incidents,
the (American) media has held up the "gun control (banning of...)" banner,
in (continual) attempts to lead to the mass in thinking "guns are to blame",
rather than "the individual" (a theory the masses continue to NOT BUY).
As a person, Elliot was casted as: the privileged loner son of an aspiring
Hollywood director, with a hatred towards all women and colored men.


IX. PUBLIC PERCEPTION

Elliot Rodger was deemed upon very negatively, both after, as well as,
before his death, having NOT ONE PERSON come forth in his defense
(or least one person to say "he WAS a good person" ...at a certain time).
Most people who knew him, or interacted with him (recently), were from
online forums, most of whom 'looked down upon' or 'made fun of' him.
He HAD one close 'male friend', to whom he confided in, only to later,
be BETRAYED by him (ending their 'friendship' with no hint nor reason).
He was outcasted by his family, led by an aunt, who was very negative
and outspoken against him as a youth (deeming him a "disturbed child").
And of course, society, having called him every (bad) name in the book!


X. MY PERCEPTION

Elliot Rodger, Rest In Peace, and may GOD rest his (tortured) soul! Sorry to "root for The Bad Guy", but my perception of Elliot Rodger was
(based on watching all his videos, tho, only reading part of his manifesto)
he was a good guy, who unfortunately snapped, and killed some people!
(and may GOD rest the souls of the poor victims who died in the maylay).
Though, I may not share most his beliefs, nor the same taste in women
(white girls don't quite woo me, prefer "fine Indian dining" instead, myself),
I really feel for Elliot Rodger, and the torture his soul had to go through,
for GOD, to deny him of what he wanted most in life, A GIRL FRIEND and
YOU -GOD- WOULDN'T LET HIM, so what'd he do, he said FUCK YOU!