[from our friends at The Syndicate]: California outfit, Lightfighter has released their debut s/t EP for a FREE download. The group which features ex members of A Midsky Surrender and Hello Astronaut deliver what they self deem as “Metal Step” which blends screamo melodies with a multi-layered electronic tempo.

For more info on the band, visit: Facebook.com/LightfighterCA

If you are one of the few and the chosen to live in proximity to a discount movie theater, then you can relate to the simple joy that premiere entertainment at bargain prices brings. The pleasure is multiplied if you have kids, emphasis on the plural form, as an excursion with the family to the movies can add up rather quickly. With gratitude for the reduced rates at our local Cinemark 12 in Springfield, Oregon, my children and I have been able to learn about patience and enjoy viewing several movies on the big screen that we otherwise might have skipped.

In our latest journeys to the theater to indulge our minds in modern art (yes, sarcasm), I have been haunted by the eerie yet inspiring clap-slap beat from the latest Jeep commercial. The tune carries a thundering beat akin to that of Tom Waits “Underground” without the Danny Elfman flavorings which made it such a fitting backdrop for sequences within 2005’s kid friendly Robots.

Through some searching and the conclusive assistance of Marilyn from Road 2 Nowhere, I was pleased to discover that this tune hails from The Man In Black himself. Johnny Cash fires up his signature rasp and simple guitar strums to craft his take on the traditional song “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.” The track is one of the many covers of songs new and old for his post-mortem album, American V: A Hundred Highways.

For whatever reason, this track nor the album is available in an mp3 format. The closest in tonal spirit that I could find was Kevin Lovatt’s rendition from his Johnny Cash tribute album, The Man In Black. While no artist can replicate the full bodied sincerity and hollow drawl of Cash’s signature vocals, Mr. Lovatt communicates the depth and gravely delivery of Cash as close as anyone I’ve heard. I am not particularly fond of the off hand tonging woven into the closing bars of Kevin’s version, but all in all it his is still a beautifully somber piece of music.

In observing the video for Cash’s version, it is interesting to hear the turmoil in Johnny’s voice and see a who’s-who from the entertainment industry dramatize the impression left by this representative of a ragamuffin gospel. While his spiritual legacy is far from complete, the shadow of Cash may be one of the few voices of simplicity that resonates above the grinding of the gears from the fecund machines of glitz and glam. Mr. Cash had to confront what was reported to be his favorite verse from the Bible, “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13) For Johnny’s sake, as well as yours and mine, I am thankful that salvation does not depend on personally accumulated good-enough, but the self-sufficiency stripping truth of “If by the Spirit,” as we are not left to earn or fight for eternity by our own merits.

Interviews with the best of local artists and national acts, hurdcore.com is – “fans supporting local music.” Posts interviews every Sunday with local artists from hip-hop to metal as well as additional content throughout the week. Covering local bands, concerts and venues from Seattle to Portland, Medford to Spokane, Eugene to Idaho and as well as the Midwest and California. Hurdcore.com supports local music ranging from hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, indie and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook. To request album reviews, band bios, content management, interviews or to discuss advertising opportunities email us – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12

Amdist much speculation of late as to the Presidents religion and practice, one of the subjects in the discussion thread that caught my attention were those surrounding the definition and practice of prayer. These discussions haven’t brought out any serious revelatory depth even though the President has been definitive in stating that he is a Christian but doesn’t wear his faith on his sleeve. I happened to catch a few minutes of the Glenn Beck show on FOX radio last Friday where he had found some earlier quotes from Obama related to faith (If the mention of “Glenn Beck” causes you to tune out, I can assure you I am not a Beck-head, though like Stephen King* have a growing admiration for the sincerity he communicates for his convictions, and have only recently even become casually acquainted with his medium). Beck cited a 2004 interview with Cathleen Falsani, when the President was asked if he prayed, Obama responded with some detail by saying, “Yes, I guess I do. It’s not formal, me getting on my knees. I think I have an ongoing conversation with God. I think throughout the day. I’m constantly asking myself questions about what am I doing and why am I doing it.**”

While many “pray”, finding a general consensus definition can be a little like nailing jello to the wall. In the popular culture of cut-and-paste spirituality, we are often tempted to string together fragments of perspectives from various reservoirs. From the aforementioned snippet from the President it almost sounds as though Obama considers his own thoughts or internal self-speak as a form of prayer or as Beck speculates, could Mr. Hope even be understood to hint that he is god? Prayer is surely an activity, we grant it a designation apart from thought and something distinct from conversation as well, yet prayer incorporates elements of reflection and discussion. Some have compared it to calling, emailing or conversing with God, and even Biblically there are several words that are utilized to describe the practice of prayer. Perhaps though, the simplest piece is also the most relevant one, the definition and the practice of prayer depends primarily on whom it is the pray-er is trying to connect to.

If one seeks solace to reflect or center oneself, than its not as important whom you are connecting to as where you are – a quiet place. You can talk to yourself or entertain a spirit guide in any form and find some precipice of improvement to conquer within whatever time frame of mental solitude you grant yourself. The practice becomes more important than the result or the medium. Yet, if the Biblical concepts for prayer are understood, then the practice and the medium are directed by the connection. To connect with the historic God is not nor can it be based upon personal merit, for we have none when evaluated against the perfect nature of a holy God. Neither can connection be based upon a color-by-numbers religious prescription as there is no incantation of magically religious words that will summon the heavenly unicorn which ushers all earnest supplicants to the end of the treasure filled prayer rainbow. While there are hundreds of verses that speak on the subject of prayer, there is a moment in the Old Testament (one of many) where God declares, “When you cry out for help, let your collection [of idols] save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But the man who makes me his refuge will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.” (Isaiah 57:13) In case the meaning escapes you, in frankness God calls to account the people who have placed their trust in everything but God and yet blame God and complain that He doesn’t save them, both figuratively and literally. God throws it back at them – let everything else that you have worshipped and trusted in save you. Yet, God continues to be merciful, even when we spit at and squander His blessings, declaring that if we trust in Him He will give to us Himself and His promises.

Again, the primary question in clarifying the definition and practice of prayer is simpler than we often make it – whom are you attempting to connect with? I was pleasantly surprised to discover a fresh wind of precision from the artist turned actor formerly known as Marky-Mark. In a question selected from various fans touching on what he has learned from being a father, Mark Wahlberg notes, “What I do every day is pray for the strength to be a good servant, father and husband. I ask for the ability to raise my kids, to teach and protect them, and to be disciplined and firm and loving and nurturing. It can be a fine line, so I ask God for the strength no to lose my patience with my children***. ” Wahlberg is definitively connecting with a source that empowers him to carry out a purpose that is whole and good. Mark notes his personal inability and need for direction in this specific pursuit and the emphasis is on whom he connects with in his practice of prayer. Without making too much out of small fragments, these selections from Obama and Wahlberg give some perspective as to the nature of prayer by whom they are connecting with.

Obama is accurate in the sentiment that we can carry an on-going discussion with God and Wahlberg exemplifies a relationship of humility before a holy God. Whether one believes in quiet reflection or supernatural connection, the reality is that even the devout fail in any real consistency or depth in either. Christ for His part regularly practiced solitude with God. Finding a solitary place to pray and spending time connecting with God was essential to the life of Christ, His ministry and the accomplishment of His purpose. Where Christ is consistent in this simplicity, He ultimately is the only bridge over which any man can approach or connect to God. “No man comes to the Father except through Me,” is certainly a difficult bridge to cross – recognizing that connecting to God is neither based on personal merit or religious prescription means that we cannot be right enough or do it right enough to make the connection on our own. Christ becomes the means and the medium through which a real and meaningful connection is made with a personal (never trivial) God.

FOOTNOTES:
*See “Rush to Judgement” from Stephen King’s regular periodical in Entertainment Weekly #114 August 6, 2010
**Transcripts from Falsani’s interview which originated from her series of articles in The Sun Times as “The God Factor” – http://blog.beliefnet.com/stevenwaldman/2008/11/obamas-interview-with-cathleen.html
***Interview in People Magazine August 16, 2010

The hurdcore.com format provides a new interview with local and national bands at least once weekly with additional content related to reviews, releases or other music information throughout the week. Local bands throughout the West Coast and Mid West – Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Medford, Moline, Davenport. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook. To request album reviews, band bios, interviews or to discuss advertising opportunities email us – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

“At last the time has come!” he [Jesus] announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News!” Mark 1:15

I know I am out of tune with pop-culture as a whole, so my opinion likely will not register and certainly won’t be the downfall of Katy Perry’s career but her latest chart topper combines much of what tips the scale on my peeve meter in regards to trends in modern music. (Peeve is the correct spelling, not to be confused with peev which as an acronym stands for People Enraged by the Eating of Vegetables) If I were to describe “California Girls” in one word it would be forced. The lyrics, the delivery, the Snoop-Dog cash-it-in cameo, the overt sexuality and even the bee-bop chorus sounds like a dying animal crying out for a mercy shot – “Ooooh oh ooooh”.

Does anyone still wear daisy dukes? Even sweaty roofers got the memo by ‘92 and last I checked fellow pop diva Jessica Simpson is all but M.I.A. after her bout with the fashion item’s cinematic namesake. I enjoy fun and nonsensical tunes as much as anyone but my introduction to the “Girls” came as a musical tidal wave that spun me through the deep end of desolation with its obnoxious vanilla-pop.

In contrast I think there have been a handful of recent songs of note that have craftily combined entertainment with constructive elements in their content. B.O.B. even worked a cameo from the soon archived Nintendo 64, with their jam “Nothin On You” which extols, “Beautiful girls all over the world I could be chasing but my time would be wasted. They got nothin’ on you babe.” In a note of introspection one verse references having spent life chasing skirts, “This is how I lost more than I had ever won and honestly I ended up with none.” Without glossing over all its pimples and personally inserting a monogamous pretext, B.O.B. scratches at the contrast between the emptiness of living for your own pleasure and finding satisfaction in the depth of commitment.

Perhaps a flip side of the coin carries over in Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” which has enjoyed a resurgence in our house thanks in part to The Chipmunks Squeakquel. I enjoy hearing my daughters sing and dance to the simple lyric of, “If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it.” Not that Beyonce is a poster child for virtue or that I want my 7 and 1 year old daughter to run out and get married anytime soon, but I hope that they have the moral grounding to expect a certain ethic in their future relationships. I pray that I won’t have to explain to my daughters that if your boyfriend hasn’t proposed after two years or if you are in your third year of serial engagement, you may need to look elsewhere if you expect a sincere commitment. Not to harp on a Dr. Lauraism, but if you are in the position of giving it up for free sans-covenant, you will not find a dude who respects you until you respect yourself enough to demand better.

While Califonia girls may be unforgettable I believe the quality and potential impact from songs with a more positive embrace will long outlast the easily forgettable blah-blah-blah of the repetitive bareness which spring up like weeds upon the pop landscape. I don’t expect entertainers to articulate or fan a moral flame, but those instances in which they do are quite refreshing. Say what you will but I enjoy when music dares to explore its potential rather than cycling through rehashes of the same script.

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

What does it take to get a few shakes from the talent tree?! How pitiful is it that those who grind and grind to eek out something that barely tips the scale at mediocre only to discover your best efforts are trounced by those touched by the hand of the “rock-gods.” When Tim Lambesis can pilot the uber-popular metalcore band As I Lay Dying as his main gig and in his spare time fart out a humorous and totally brutal metal four piece rock-tet of Tim, Tim, Tim and Ahhhnold known to the world as Austrian Death Machine, you may doubt your abilities and be tempted to turn in your sticks for good. I want to encourage you, my young rock Padawans, to consider another way.

“I Need Your Clothes, Your Boots, and Your Motorcycle”

Austrian Death Machine (DOUBLE BRUTAL out noooow!) | MySpace Music Videos

Let pain or even despair fuel you. Of course reality is that those who have mastered their skills do not arrive upon their perch by accident, top tier talent the likes of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods are relentless in their pursuit of greatness. Perhaps they’ve been given a special touch but more so than any mystical talent, like a sword in the stone released, the rise comes with an ability to take frustrations and pound them into submission. While it would be easy to throw the white flag up, when stacking your piddly accomplishments to men turned monsters like Mr. Lambesis, rather than wait for you rock fairy to arrive and sprinkle you with her dust let your revelry in the triumphs of others spur you to the pursuit of excellence.

Grab your frustration and failures by the throat and continue to wrestle your dreams to victory. When you are faced with a battle that you feel unprepared for, sometimes you have to fight with what you’ve got. Addressing a nation basically of farmers, the prophet Joel instructs, “Hammer your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Train even your weaklings to be warriors.” (SIDENOTE: if you’ve ever wanted to know more about the book of Joel from the Bible, HERE’s a quick yet thorough intro) Everyone starts somewhere, so beat those plowshares into swords – what’s more brutal than that!

Aside from his more noted Hollywood personas, Arnold’s own story does bear some weight of what dedication can create. In serious note, let Mr. Schwarzenegger encourage you in this,

“For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.”

Well said sir. Well said. [-Have you HURD?!]

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, indie, organic, progressive, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook