I'm not a big fan of Halloween. Never have been. To me, it's just another pointless "holiday", which is now not based on the ancient Celtic Samhain celebration, and similar Pagan celebrations, but is just a commercial holiday now: a chance for companies to get in some cash from customers right before Christmas time. It's also an excuse for people to dress up stupidly and get stupidly drunk, just because "it's Halloween". Don't get me wrong, I have done both at one time, and do not condemn it, I just don't see the real POINT of doing it. I guess it's because it's a public celebration, and people get "in the spirit" of it all. I just get disgusted by the whole thing; I don't see it as a fun day, rather, a commercial, corporate excuse to earn money from gullible people who think it is a worthy holiday.
I also dislike the fact that many kids think it is a good time of the year to throw fireworks and cause general havoc. In my area, eggs have been thrown at houses, and other stuff, and it's not even the official beginning of the holiday, as it "scares" people, and Halloween is a "scary" holiday, because the fireworks scares the witches in the sky...come on, it's the 21st century. Wise up, people.
In Iain related news, I am officially moving to the States on the 14th December, for good. This decision came after I didn't get the job here at home, so I've just decided to give up altogether and just move to the States, where I will hopefully find a job and just be happier too.
Iain
Friday, 31 October 2008
Monday, 27 October 2008
An open letter to...(edition 3)
AN OPEN LETTER TO...
Edition 3
by Iain Watt
Edition 3
by Iain Watt
DREAM THEATER
When I discovered Dream Theater back in 2003, it was nothing like I had ever heard before. The first album by them that I ever heard in it's entirety (I Limewired/obtained songs from friends before that) was 1999's Scenes From a Memory, arguably one of their greatest works, if not their greatest (my personal favourite is 1992' Images and Words). Anyway, the music was exactly what I always looked for - technical music with heavyness, and decent vocal melodies, and good overall production...and most importantly, virtuosity from all players. As I myself was a learning drummer, I needed a drummer who was both accesible yet played difficult parts - and Mike Portnoy was the perfect guy for that, for me, at that time. I was so fascinated by what he did, and at the time, I thought it was impossible for me to play - now I can play a lot of DT's catalogue on drums - he was just that accessible for me, that I was WILLING to learn from him. Before DT, I didn't have a lot of "technical" drummers as an influence, I was listening to mostly groove and heavy metal drummers.
From there on, I discovered other bands who were similar to DT, or who inspired DT or were inspired by them. And, the chain continued on, and still does. Anyway, this open letter is not about that. This is about how Dream Theater have went from being an inspiring band for musicians, writing original music with a passion, and doing something different in each album, to being an uninspired, rip-off other bands band, with obviously no desire to do something great anymore. And it's very sad to see that happen to a band I have stuck by and been almost obsessed with for so many years (5 this year).
I remember Mike Portnoy saying in an interview that they feel like they've done everything now, and so now are just making music for the money, and for new fans, basically implying that they're done trying hard, and trying anything new. And, a few years ago, Portnoy said that he never wants to write music that is the same to other albums, and just keep going on the trend of "if it works, keep doing it". Sure, they could have written songs similar to their only commercial hit "Pull Me Under", and they didn't, but that was back in 1992...if they did a "Pull Me Under" in 2007, I can guaran-damn-tee you that they would have been doing their next album similar to that song, just because they are so uninspired.
If you listen to 2007's Systematic Chaos; the first track "In The Presence of Enemies (Part One)" sparks a lease of life, it just immediately opens up and makes you think that this album could have potential to be good - it's the strongest song off the whole album, and has definitely hints of the old DT there, only with a more modern metal sound, and raspier, slightly more matured voice from vocalist James Labrie. The rest of the album is pretty much a train-wreck - from it's obvious rock radio/MTV/Scuzz songs ("Forsaken", "Constant Motion", "The Dark Eternal Night"), to their already ridiculous attempts at political songs ("Prophets of War"), a rip-off of an Opeth/Porcupine Tree style ballad ("Repentance"), and another song that has potential but just ends up as pure music wank ("The Ministry of Lost Souls"), it is just not the DT that I grew to know and love.
And, it's not even just this album - since Scenes From a Memory, they have been on auto-pilot really - whilst the other albums have DEFINITELY had amazing moments, to me, the music has just been uninspired and not original at all really - the best song they have written, in my opinion, since 1999 is probably their 25 minute epic "Octavarium", which is beautiful at times, melodic, heavy at times, and just a well written and structured song. There are close contenders though, but I think it's their best overall song since 1999. And, interestingly, since SFAM, Mike Portnoy and guitarist John Petrucci have been the producers of the albums, that way, not allowing outside influence to give them suggestions. And, that's something they definitely need. With a new album being recorded, here are my...
2. Slow down
2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 - Studio albums
2000, 2004, 2006, 2008 - Official live albums
I know that you feel like you need to please your fans with this amount of material, and you feel like you're on all systems go, but guys, take a serious break. Like, 3/4 years break at least. I think the fans would appreciate you taking a break, then coming back and writing an awesome album, because you feel musically and physically refreshed and ready for action - rather than "oh, it's that time again, let's write another album". Metallica, who are obviously a far bigger name than yourselves, have had a longer career than you, and written the same amount of studio albums as your band, just because they have taken time off to recuperate. And, it will get to the point where fans will think it's just becoming overkill.
3. Try and do something new, stop ripping other bands off
Train of Thought (2003) was meant to be a pure metal album, with obvious Metallica and Black Sabbath influence, and that's fine if you guys wanted to write a pure metal album...just to fulfill your needs. But, come on, the past 2 albums have had such an obvious Muse influence, and countless other bands, just because you "like them" at the time. That isn't YOUR own music then if you just take other bands formulas...recreate your formula, be influenced, sure, but don't blatantly rip them off.
4. Demo your songs
Since SFAM, you have not demo-ed songs, and just went into the studio, jammed, written song structures on a big board, and recorded on the spot. Before SFAM, you jammed, wrote song structures, recorded a demo version, listened to it, and made any changes necessary - coming out with probably a better song (with the exception of one song where the demo was better than the recorded outcome). Please go back to this again, please? The fans aren't, and shouldn't, expect you to write albums in a few weeks. Take months, even a year...make sure it is just the best album you can possibly make...one that is inspiring, and INTERESTING.
I know you guys are only getting older, but I think you still have that spark in you, please prove me wrong, and make a better album this time around. Sadly, I don't see that happening.
Iain Watt
When I discovered Dream Theater back in 2003, it was nothing like I had ever heard before. The first album by them that I ever heard in it's entirety (I Limewired/obtained songs from friends before that) was 1999's Scenes From a Memory, arguably one of their greatest works, if not their greatest (my personal favourite is 1992' Images and Words). Anyway, the music was exactly what I always looked for - technical music with heavyness, and decent vocal melodies, and good overall production...and most importantly, virtuosity from all players. As I myself was a learning drummer, I needed a drummer who was both accesible yet played difficult parts - and Mike Portnoy was the perfect guy for that, for me, at that time. I was so fascinated by what he did, and at the time, I thought it was impossible for me to play - now I can play a lot of DT's catalogue on drums - he was just that accessible for me, that I was WILLING to learn from him. Before DT, I didn't have a lot of "technical" drummers as an influence, I was listening to mostly groove and heavy metal drummers.
From there on, I discovered other bands who were similar to DT, or who inspired DT or were inspired by them. And, the chain continued on, and still does. Anyway, this open letter is not about that. This is about how Dream Theater have went from being an inspiring band for musicians, writing original music with a passion, and doing something different in each album, to being an uninspired, rip-off other bands band, with obviously no desire to do something great anymore. And it's very sad to see that happen to a band I have stuck by and been almost obsessed with for so many years (5 this year).
I remember Mike Portnoy saying in an interview that they feel like they've done everything now, and so now are just making music for the money, and for new fans, basically implying that they're done trying hard, and trying anything new. And, a few years ago, Portnoy said that he never wants to write music that is the same to other albums, and just keep going on the trend of "if it works, keep doing it". Sure, they could have written songs similar to their only commercial hit "Pull Me Under", and they didn't, but that was back in 1992...if they did a "Pull Me Under" in 2007, I can guaran-damn-tee you that they would have been doing their next album similar to that song, just because they are so uninspired.
If you listen to 2007's Systematic Chaos; the first track "In The Presence of Enemies (Part One)" sparks a lease of life, it just immediately opens up and makes you think that this album could have potential to be good - it's the strongest song off the whole album, and has definitely hints of the old DT there, only with a more modern metal sound, and raspier, slightly more matured voice from vocalist James Labrie. The rest of the album is pretty much a train-wreck - from it's obvious rock radio/MTV/Scuzz songs ("Forsaken", "Constant Motion", "The Dark Eternal Night"), to their already ridiculous attempts at political songs ("Prophets of War"), a rip-off of an Opeth/Porcupine Tree style ballad ("Repentance"), and another song that has potential but just ends up as pure music wank ("The Ministry of Lost Souls"), it is just not the DT that I grew to know and love.
And, it's not even just this album - since Scenes From a Memory, they have been on auto-pilot really - whilst the other albums have DEFINITELY had amazing moments, to me, the music has just been uninspired and not original at all really - the best song they have written, in my opinion, since 1999 is probably their 25 minute epic "Octavarium", which is beautiful at times, melodic, heavy at times, and just a well written and structured song. There are close contenders though, but I think it's their best overall song since 1999. And, interestingly, since SFAM, Mike Portnoy and guitarist John Petrucci have been the producers of the albums, that way, not allowing outside influence to give them suggestions. And, that's something they definitely need. With a new album being recorded, here are my...
SUGGESTIONS FOR DREAM THEATER
- Get an outside producer
2. Slow down
2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 - Studio albums
2000, 2004, 2006, 2008 - Official live albums
I know that you feel like you need to please your fans with this amount of material, and you feel like you're on all systems go, but guys, take a serious break. Like, 3/4 years break at least. I think the fans would appreciate you taking a break, then coming back and writing an awesome album, because you feel musically and physically refreshed and ready for action - rather than "oh, it's that time again, let's write another album". Metallica, who are obviously a far bigger name than yourselves, have had a longer career than you, and written the same amount of studio albums as your band, just because they have taken time off to recuperate. And, it will get to the point where fans will think it's just becoming overkill.
3. Try and do something new, stop ripping other bands off
Train of Thought (2003) was meant to be a pure metal album, with obvious Metallica and Black Sabbath influence, and that's fine if you guys wanted to write a pure metal album...just to fulfill your needs. But, come on, the past 2 albums have had such an obvious Muse influence, and countless other bands, just because you "like them" at the time. That isn't YOUR own music then if you just take other bands formulas...recreate your formula, be influenced, sure, but don't blatantly rip them off.
4. Demo your songs
Since SFAM, you have not demo-ed songs, and just went into the studio, jammed, written song structures on a big board, and recorded on the spot. Before SFAM, you jammed, wrote song structures, recorded a demo version, listened to it, and made any changes necessary - coming out with probably a better song (with the exception of one song where the demo was better than the recorded outcome). Please go back to this again, please? The fans aren't, and shouldn't, expect you to write albums in a few weeks. Take months, even a year...make sure it is just the best album you can possibly make...one that is inspiring, and INTERESTING.
I know you guys are only getting older, but I think you still have that spark in you, please prove me wrong, and make a better album this time around. Sadly, I don't see that happening.
Iain Watt
Sunday, 26 October 2008
"12pm and my dusty telephone rings."
So, the clocks went back this morning...and I got quite confused waking up this morning. My computer said 9:38am, and my wall clock said 10:38am, as did my phone. Now, my parents usually change all the clocks in the house the night before, but they didn't touch mine...and my phone normally updates itself with the right time. But no, my computer was right! It felt weird being up so early despite being out the night before.
That seems to happen quite a lot to me, I would do a rather average amount of drinking then just feel wide awake at 8/9 in the morning. Regarding last night, I had an awesome night out...something I hadn't had in a long time. Caught up with old friends, and drank more than 1/2 pints for the first time in weeks. It also felt more nostalgic for me, seeing as I might be leaving my old friends and everybody else behind in Northern Ireland in literally 6/7 weeks. I mean, I'm happy to start my new life in America, and very excited that it is FINALLY going to happen after mucho complication. I was thinking to myself what I would be doing with myself post-graduation if I didn't have Colette. And, honestly, I couldn't tell...I knew that I probably would not be living at home, but as to WHERE I would be would have been a bigger question. Anyway, no point about thinking about what COULD have happened.
So, what I've been up to recently - nothing much, as always. I had a pretty surreal week there last week, from selling my drum kit (sob sob) to buying Colette's engagement ring. Selling something I loved to buying something for the one I love...weird, huh? I also had my job interview which went OK, not sure if I will get it or not. Guess I will find out this week or next. I also went to town yesterday, met Adrien, walked around, bought an awesome new leather jacket with hood, then got a pint, went to Amy's, drank some more, then went to Auntie Annie's for Hollie's birthday - and I had a really good time! First time I had been on a night out in a long time, but I enjoyed myself a lot.
As for this upcoming week, have nothing planned - Halloween is coming up, and I am tempted to just stay at home, to save money, and also because I don't like Halloween anyway. Plus, my American friend from last semester, Kelly, is in Derry visiting, so I might just have to go up sometime this week. And that's really it! Luckily have no dole signing this week, no more weekly dole signings now! Just fortnightly.
That seems to happen quite a lot to me, I would do a rather average amount of drinking then just feel wide awake at 8/9 in the morning. Regarding last night, I had an awesome night out...something I hadn't had in a long time. Caught up with old friends, and drank more than 1/2 pints for the first time in weeks. It also felt more nostalgic for me, seeing as I might be leaving my old friends and everybody else behind in Northern Ireland in literally 6/7 weeks. I mean, I'm happy to start my new life in America, and very excited that it is FINALLY going to happen after mucho complication. I was thinking to myself what I would be doing with myself post-graduation if I didn't have Colette. And, honestly, I couldn't tell...I knew that I probably would not be living at home, but as to WHERE I would be would have been a bigger question. Anyway, no point about thinking about what COULD have happened.
So, what I've been up to recently - nothing much, as always. I had a pretty surreal week there last week, from selling my drum kit (sob sob) to buying Colette's engagement ring. Selling something I loved to buying something for the one I love...weird, huh? I also had my job interview which went OK, not sure if I will get it or not. Guess I will find out this week or next. I also went to town yesterday, met Adrien, walked around, bought an awesome new leather jacket with hood, then got a pint, went to Amy's, drank some more, then went to Auntie Annie's for Hollie's birthday - and I had a really good time! First time I had been on a night out in a long time, but I enjoyed myself a lot.
As for this upcoming week, have nothing planned - Halloween is coming up, and I am tempted to just stay at home, to save money, and also because I don't like Halloween anyway. Plus, my American friend from last semester, Kelly, is in Derry visiting, so I might just have to go up sometime this week. And that's really it! Luckily have no dole signing this week, no more weekly dole signings now! Just fortnightly.
Thursday, 16 October 2008
"Giving a license to terrorists to kill people"
The above was said by the British Travel secretary Geoff Hoon, regarding today's news that mobile phone and email conversation records are to be MONITORED by the government, saying it in the context that if this was not enabled, then the above would happen.
Let me put it in this simple context. "Terrorism" is a buzz word in the media, it invokes fear into the general population, and the fear of a terrorist strike keeps one who is uninformed on edge - people therefore are willingly allowed to give up their freedoms just so that "terrorism" does not affect their life. The only terrorists in this world are those who are in power, enslaving the world, spying on us, and gradually bringing what was once "freedom" in the Western world to a gradual demise, just so those "damn terrorists" don't get to us.
BUT, IAIN, WAIT! THEY'RE ONLY KEEPING A RECORD OF THE TIME AND DATE AND SUBJECT HEADING IN EMAILS? SURE, THAT'S NOT TOO BAD, IS IT? IF IT KEEPS THOSE MEDDLING TERRORISTS AWAY FROM ME, THEN FINE!
That's what they tell us, if you believe every word the British Brainwashing Corporation tell you. Oh, sorry...Broadcasting. For a start, it is absolutely none of their business what we send to people in our private life, and when. Also, where is the line drawn in emails between a potential terrorist conversation from a normal conversation? In that case, in suspicious titles, they WOULD have to read them. Basically, we are now going to be a nation of phone-tapped conversations, monitored emails just like if I was in a job.
The government are beginning to enslave us, take away what little freedoms we had, and if people can't see that, then quite frankly that is disgusting. "But, as long as the X Factor is still running, I don't care!"
I eagerly await the government's next move, and the populations reaction. This shit needs to STOP NOW.
Iain
Let me put it in this simple context. "Terrorism" is a buzz word in the media, it invokes fear into the general population, and the fear of a terrorist strike keeps one who is uninformed on edge - people therefore are willingly allowed to give up their freedoms just so that "terrorism" does not affect their life. The only terrorists in this world are those who are in power, enslaving the world, spying on us, and gradually bringing what was once "freedom" in the Western world to a gradual demise, just so those "damn terrorists" don't get to us.
BUT, IAIN, WAIT! THEY'RE ONLY KEEPING A RECORD OF THE TIME AND DATE AND SUBJECT HEADING IN EMAILS? SURE, THAT'S NOT TOO BAD, IS IT? IF IT KEEPS THOSE MEDDLING TERRORISTS AWAY FROM ME, THEN FINE!
That's what they tell us, if you believe every word the British Brainwashing Corporation tell you. Oh, sorry...Broadcasting. For a start, it is absolutely none of their business what we send to people in our private life, and when. Also, where is the line drawn in emails between a potential terrorist conversation from a normal conversation? In that case, in suspicious titles, they WOULD have to read them. Basically, we are now going to be a nation of phone-tapped conversations, monitored emails just like if I was in a job.
The government are beginning to enslave us, take away what little freedoms we had, and if people can't see that, then quite frankly that is disgusting. "But, as long as the X Factor is still running, I don't care!"
I eagerly await the government's next move, and the populations reaction. This shit needs to STOP NOW.
Iain
Monday, 13 October 2008
"Time flies when you're having fun".
I honestly have no idea who said that, but despite not exactly having any form of the word "fun" in the past few months, time has flown by so quickly since I left uni in June. Sure, I've been on 2 holidays, which lasted for a few days each, and I had my birthday party, and did a few gigs; and attended some unsuccessful interviews, and that really is all I've done since leaving.
More and more, I've been beginning to feel that Belfast is now just a waiting room, because I'm still waiting on moving to North Carolina. And, I think it's looking more likely that I will move in December, rather than in May - which is obviously great news for me. But, there is still a lot of confusion and paperwork that needs to be sorted before I can do that, legally of course. I'm really not willing to risk anything at this point, so that I can safely get a permanent residence once I'm married to Colette - rather than having to fight for one and risk getting deported. Hopefully I'll sort that all out this week.
With regards to what I've been up to the past few weeks since last updating, well, not much. I've been in the house mostly, due to the fact that I'm really not wanting to spend any money at all, so I can save some money for when I go to the US. So, I'm usually by the computer, just reading things and researching about moving to the US. It's all I can do really, especially if there's no point in me looking for jobs anymore now.
And looking ahead, I have a job interview on Wednesday, which I have a good chance of getting simply because it's the same place where my dad works. So, that's leading to another dillemma - on whether I should apply for a 6 month visa to America, with possibly not getting the chance to work, or just simply work at home, earn money, and wait a few more months. But, at this stage, I really feel like I can't wait any longer.
Life is complicated.
Iain
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
An open letter to... (edition 2)
AN OPEN LETTER TO...
Edition 2
by Iain Watt
GOOGLE EARTH
I've been a big fan of anything Google brings out; I feel that they are slowly becoming the most innovative company in the world. They have provided us so-far with an excellent internet browser (Google Chrome), a desktop utility which can be customized for the user's needs, a spacious and fast and reliable email service, and very soon a mobile phone operating system. And, I remember when Google Earth came out, there was a big hype surrounding it; everyone and anyone in the world could view anywhere in the world, from landmarks to everyday areas. It has many benefits, sure...especially for those who are wanting to move house and see the surrounding area that they are moving into.
This year, Google Earth (and Google Maps) have brought out a new feature called 'Street View', where, rather than just viewing a birds-eye picture of an area which was taken by satellites...you are now literally able to take a virtual walk along any street, almost. And, I thought it was a REALLY cool feature, I could see where my girlfriend lives for example. And I was able to walk along her street and see her neighbouring houses. I didn't use it very often, as I didn't really see why I would NEED to see a person's street, and I would have purpose for that information. The only purpose I may need for 'Street View' is if I was to view a house/apartment when I move to Raleigh, NC. And, honestly, I don't see what anyone needs this information for, apart from that aforementioned idea - but, they can get pictures I'm sure from their estate agent.
I didn't pay much attention to 'Street View', until I seen one of Google's cars with the big cameras mounted on it's roof drive past me. That's when it hit me. They're getting this far now, and taking pictures of what one could describe as a "rural" part of Belfast. And, they've been driving around everywhere it seems. Google has all this information at their fingertips, and even though it's pictures, I'm worried about the future. Please note, that this open letter is not a post-1984 response, or paranoia. This is a very real, and possible situation.
The future, I feel, is that Google Earth will soon have live 24/7 surveillance of EVERYWHERE in the world - anyone could just simply type in your street or city, and a satellite would transmit to you the going's on around there. Obviously, this would take a lot of money and general public support, something that Google is not lacking in already. Looking away from the future, and back to now, just realise that ANYONE can view your street and see your area. For now, it's not live pictures, but what if it was? Google Earth seem to be invading people's privacy, and going into areas where they are not welcome.
We've went from atlases, outlining countries and their borders, to people being able to publicly view exactly where you live. Does that not bother you a little? I'm more worried about the future for now though - imagine seeing a camera or satellite getting right into your face, zooming in on you because someone from anywhere in the world wants to see it. Scary, isn't it? I think Google Earth need to stop with Street View, and particularly cease any future initiatives regarding live feeds...these feeds could be viewed by the wrong people, and lead to serious crime and spying.
Iain Watt
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