Vinyl Me Please (store, exclusives, swaps, etc)

[Rahawk2]

"I caught the brunt of one of his rants" meaning you whined about people wanting to see some commitment or support from VinylMePlease around Black Lives Matter at the time and leant on the "but I have a black wife" defence when people called you out for it. Conflating the protests made with the violence and looting around while simultaneously suggesting it was only white kids doing it like it made any sense.

You were on some "keep politics out of my x" crap and rightfully caught some ire for it.

I mean I can understand why people would want to see their favorite brands make a commitment , so I apologized , but to me it still just comes off a bit phony when corporations do that.

I mean VMP put out their press release and everyone was pleased and then the next month their essential album is a dude that says his dick is like white supramacist. Did they really do any “soul searching “ and come up with that pick. Obviously I didn’t know what the pick would be at the time, but those statements always come across as fake to me like they’ll say whatever they think customers want to hear get your money, Maybe I’m just jaded or cynical, and once again if I apologize to the people who believe them to be genuine.

As far as the white kids from the suburbs coming in to the city just to cause trouble. I watched it live from my deck. I live in a predominantly black neighborhood and it wasn’t my neighbors smashing up the barbershops and grocery stores we frequent . I’m sure it wasn’t only white kids but I watched a white kid toss his skateboard through hair salon to me it looked like protesters were peaceful and looters were a separate group out for trouble . That was just the perspective I saw. I’m sure other areas saw something completely different

As far as having a black wife, I have a whole black family spread all across the country and we argue amongst ourselves and do so a lot . it’s not one hive mind We have engineers, teachers metalheads, hippies marines, I have an uncle that’s a huge Trump fan and everyone gives him hell when we get together. for bar be ques It’s a big wonderful diverse family with wildly different options on issues so guess because we’re all so diverse some of the shit they say I repeat and it gets me in trouble. I honestly try my best not to offend people in here, because for the most part I really like everyone in this forum and I like talking about music.

 

[Rahawk2]

that entering areas of privilege isn’t seen as an option.

That was a fact around me, the National guard was set up at the large mall that is the borderline between Philly and the burbs .

 

[Bluecloud777]

I agree that their John Mayer pick comes across as very insensitive and even disrespectful given his white supremacist comments. The timing is really bad to pick such an artist for their "Essentials" RotM, given the current situation and their words they want to improve things in their business, have more diversity etc.
I assume though that this pick has been in the works for a few months and that they probably haven't been able (or willing?) to change it at short notice.

 

[Rahawk2]

I agree that their John Mayer pick comes across as very insensitive and even disrespectful given his white supremacist comments. The timing is really bad to pick such an artist for their "Essentials" RotM, given the current situation and their words they want to improve things in their business, have more diversity etc.
I assume though that this pick has been in the works for a few months and that they probably haven't been able (or willing?) to change it at short notice.

And my wife is a big John Mayer fan so I asked her what she thought of his comments and she said why the fuck would I care if he gets a boner around me I just like the songs.

 

[Kyuuji]

I mean I can understand why people would want to see their favorite brands make a commitment , so I apologized , but to me it still just comes off a bit phony when corporations do that.

I mean VMP put out their press release and everyone was pleased and then the next month their essential album is a dude that says his dick is like white supramacist. Did they really do any “soul searching “ and come up with that pick. Obviously I didn’t know what the pick would be at the time, but those statements always come across as fake to me like they’ll say whatever they think customers want to hear get your money, Maybe I’m just jaded or cynical, and once again if I apologize to the people who believe them to be genuine.

As far as the white kids from the suburbs coming in to the city just to cause trouble. I watched it live from my deck. I live in a predominantly black neighborhood and it wasn’t my neighbors smashing up the barbershops and grocery stores we frequent . I’m sure it wasn’t only white kids but I watched a white kid toss his skateboard through hair salon to me it looked like protesters were peaceful and looters were a separate group out for trouble . That was just the perspective I saw. I’m sure other areas saw something completely different

As far as having a black wife, I have a whole black family spread all across the country and we argue amongst ourselves and do so a lot . it’s not one hive mind We have engineers, teachers metalheads, hippies marines, I have an uncle that’s a huge Trump fan and everyone gives him hell when we get together. for bar be ques It’s a big wonderful diverse family with wildly different options on issues so guess because we’re all so diverse some of the shit they say I repeat and it gets me in trouble. I honestly try my best not to offend people in here, because for the most part I really like everyone in this forum and I like talking about music.

If it wasn't obvious my issue in that post was with diving back in while moaning about "catching the brunt of" a rant when it was actually a pretty reasonable response to some pretty poor posts on your part. Apologising for it doesn't mean much when you come back in acting like the aggrieved party for catching some heat over some pretty poor posts of yours.

To the part on white people. I don't doubt it and never did. The point was more that you were talking down the broader "Black Lives Matter" movement while saying the people you were taking issue with were white kids using things as an excuse to vandalise shops in your area. You were almost entirely focused on the issues in your own area, which you admit were largely white-instigated. Using the actions of white people to try to criticise a movement of tired, frustrated and angry black people that have long-since been oppressed and ignored.

Also, so we are clear, are you Black? You use "we" a lot in that last paragraph and keep putting your black family in front of you when people take issue with your sentiment around this all. Which doesn't come off well while you've put out condescending things like this:

It could really just go without saying that racism and murdering unarmed people is wrong, but maybe they’ll put it in writing for you guys. I just automatically assume most people think that stuff is wrong and don’t need my inbox cluttered with every company’s official response.

You can write numerous paragraphs now but your sentiment was clear as day and far more blunt back then. If you want to move past it, move past it. Don't gaslight people into believing your intent was anywhere else at the time and that you caught heat for no reason. If you want to talk about music, talk about music.

 

[bother]

That was a fact around me, the National guard was set up at the large mall that is the borderline between Philly and the burbs .

What mall was that? Franklin Mills?

 

[NathanRicaud]

If it wasn't obvious my issue in that post was with diving back in while moaning about "catching the brunt of" a rant when it was actually a pretty reasonable response to some pretty poor posts on your part. Apologising for it doesn't mean much when you come back in acting like the aggrieved party for catching some heat over some pretty poor posts of yours.

To the part on white people. I don't doubt it and never did. The point was more that you were talking down the broader "Black Lives Matter" movement while saying the people you were taking issue with were white kids using things as an excuse to vandalise shops in your area. You were almost entirely focused on the issues in your own area, which you admit were largely white-instigated. Using the actions of white people to try to criticise a movement of tired, frustrated and angry black people that have long-since been oppressed and ignored.

Also, so we are clear, are you Black? You use "we" a lot in that last paragraph and keep putting your black family in front of you as a defence for people taking issue with your sentiment around this all. Which doesn't come off well while you've put out condescending things like this:


You can write numerous paragraphs now but your sentiment was clear as day and far more blunt back then. If you want to move past it, move past it. Don't gaslight people into believing your intent was anywhere else at the time and that you caught heat for no reason. If you want to talk about music, talk about music.

You are very well spoken Kyuuji and I really like how you analysed everything in regards to Rahawk2's posts! You have guts, but in a very caring and brave way, just the same way @Teeeee has! In addition, you are so bubbly and friendly! I am so in love with your personality Kyuuji! Makes me really happy that you're part of the N&G family!

 

[Kyuuji]

You are very well spoken Kyuuji and I really like how you analysed everything in regards to Rahawk2's posts! You have guts, but in a very caring and brave way, just the same way @Teeeee has! In addition, you are so bubbly and friendly! I am so in love with your personality Kyuuji! Makes me really happy that you're part of the N&G family!

Oh you little rascal thank you , I've been meaning to catch up with you from your post in the Essentials thread! You should know how much it made me smile to see. In continuing recent discussion I'll touch on the John Mayer pick as I know you asked if I was going to grab it, having been a fan of his music in the past. My interaction with him was purely between song and ear, so I was clueless to his past issues and only knew of his support for trans people from a friend and fan of his making me aware.

So, music that I find enjoyable and someone that supports issues related to me. Sounds like the makings for a pick, but it won't be this time for me. Those comments of his are a decade old, and he may have apologised to some degree since, but the pain of those comments is still felt and that is apparent to see whether I've looked here or elsewhere. Some Black people have no issue with it, but many still do. With the time we're in of people being asked to be more conscious of their choices and decisions and how they relate to the black community, I feel listening to those protesting is important even if it would be easy to seek out validation from others within it. Black trans women were among those leading the protests against police brutality at Stonewall that led to the burning flame we see lt in Pride now, and it would be wrong for me to focus on the support of one of those minority groups while ignoring pain dealt to another. Closing the door behind you after you've made it through is an unfortunate trait of some people within LGBTQ+ communities and one I have no intention of furthering.

People can bleat "cancel culture" all they wish as well, to note. It's used to predominanetly refer to the act of people choosing not to support, engage with or purchase a product or service from something/someone that has acted in a way that could be seen as an issue by some people, almost always a minority. Informed purchasing decisions based on the actions of people intending to do business with, or sell things to, you is as old as business/production itself. Companies and artists aren't entitled to a purchase. This is all too vanilla and rather boring though so instead the nebulous and concerning "cancel culture" is invoked. Which has been used to refer to anything from people simply discussing something in a forum thread to people not wanting to engage with or support rich and influential people espousing bigoted opinions.

Hope that gives some insight to the decision, because Mayer will be a swap for me this month. I think Rahawk2 is absolutely on point when he raises an eyebrow over VMP selecting him as a choice and I think signalling as much is important. As I did before, I'll be sending a letter in so it's not ambiguous to them what my issue as a consumer of theirs is. I don't think this invalidates every other aspect of their commitment though, such as the donation and internal restructure, but instead gives people a benchmark of their own making from which to critique their action moving forward; both internally and externally. Not just from me, but for everyone including those working there who have been promised better.

 

[Rahawk2]

If it wasn't obvious my issue in that post was with diving back in while moaning about "catching the brunt of" a rant when it was actually a pretty reasonable response to some pretty poor posts on your part. Apologising for it doesn't mean much when you come back in acting like the aggrieved party for catching some heat over some pretty poor posts of yours.

To the part on white people. I don't doubt it and never did. The point was more that you were talking down the broader "Black Lives Matter" movement while saying the people you were taking issue with were white kids using things as an excuse to vandalise shops in your area. You were almost entirely focused on the issues in your own area, which you admit were largely white-instigated. Using the actions of white people to try to criticise a movement of tired, frustrated and angry black people that have long-since been oppressed and ignored.

Also, so we are clear, are you Black? You use "we" a lot in that last paragraph and keep putting your black family in front of you when people take issue with your sentiment around this all. Which doesn't come off well while you've put out condescending things like this:


You can write numerous paragraphs now but your sentiment was clear as day and far more blunt back then. If you want to move past it, move past it. Don't gaslight people into stove believing your intent was anywhere else at the time and that you caught heat for no reason. If you want to talk about music, talk about music.

Yeah that comment was blunt, rude, and dismissive and I apologized but I still kind of feel the same way about companies and their official stances when it comes to politics I feel these big companies really only see us as dollar signs .

For example I worked for a famous chain restaurant that fired a popular waitress that had cancer. The employees were all pretty upset and the GM gathered us outside and pointed to the roof and asked what we saw. We said a roof. He said do you see a cross on it ? No ? We’re not a charity get back to work.

I’ve kept that in the back of mind that these companies only care about your dollars and if I like the product I’ll buy it but as far as their statements It still just seems fake to me but the heat I took makes me rethink my stance that maybe I should at least be open to hearing them out, And definitely not be so dismissive of the folks that care about them just because I’m cynical.

 

[Rahawk2]

What mall was that? Franklin Mills?

Neshaminy

 

[Kyuuji]

Yeah that comment was blunt, rude, and dismissive and I apologized but I still kind of feel the same way about companies and their official stances when it comes to politics I feel these big companies really only see us as dollar signs .

For example I worked for a famous chain restaurant that fired a popular waitress that had cancer. The employees were all pretty upset and the GM gathered us outside and pointed to the roof and asked what we saw. We said a roof. He said do you see a cross on it ? No ? We’re not a charity get back to work.

I’ve kept that in the back of mind that these companies only care about your dollars and if I like the product I’ll buy it but as far as their statements It still just seems fake to me but the heat I took makes me rethink my stance that maybe I should at least be open to hearing them out, And definitely not be so dismissive of the folks that care about them just because I’m cynical.

You certainly won't find any disagreement with me around the notion of large corporations having money in their heart over humanity. Did touch on it briefly at the end of my last post, written while you were writing this I imagine!

Hope that gives some insight to the decision, because Mayer will be a swap for me this month. I think Rahawk2 is absolutely on point when he raises an eyebrow over VMP selecting him as a choice and I think signalling as much is important. As I did before, I'll be sending a letter in so it's not ambiguous to them what my issue as a consumer of theirs is. I don't think this invalidates every other aspect of their commitment though, such as the donation and internal restructure, but instead gives people a benchmark of their own making from which to critique their action moving forward; both internally and externally. Not just from me, but for everyone including those working there who have been promised better.

I think the key point for me is that you don't need to trust that a company will do better in putting pressure on them to do better. They should always have that pressure from consumers, especially around issues of minority concerns that relate to their work or product. Pushing them into a commitment gives something in stone to set against them and cite in the future, where there was nothing before. This might seem small, but progress is often made in increments and this serves to further highlight and contrast any future inaction. Even if it's a minority percentage that stick to them, that is still progress in each iteration.

One other aspect that's more subtle and a little more nuanced is that vocal support is useful in further pushing the bigots, racists and the like further into the shadows. It makes them more aware that their view isn't one deemed appropriate in 2020 and one that isn't tolerated when vocalised in society. We can see this in the backlash from them when brands do speak out in favour of minorities. People are angry because they are forced to confront the fact that their views are increasingly less acceptable in society, and they cannot continue to put out bigoted things as openly as they once did.

Do I really believe Body Shop cares more about trans people than profit? Not at all. I'm still happy when they put out support for them in front of their fans and customers though, because it helps make that message of trans acceptance more mainstream when everyday companies are repeating it. I might not put stock in brands, but many others do and it's them that that message is really being delivered to. I would rather them have one of support than silence.

Hope that makes some sense!

 

[bother]

Neshaminy

Oh shit that was my mall growning up. Sorry to derail.

 

[NathanRicaud]

Oh you little rascal thank you , I've been meaning to catch up with you from your post in the Essentials thread! You should know how much it made me smile to see. In continuing recent discussion I'll touch on the John Mayer pick as I know you asked if I was going to grab it, having been a fan of his music in the past. My interaction with him was purely between song and ear, so I was clueless to his past issues and only knew of his support for trans people from a friend and fan of his making me aware.

So, music that I find enjoyable and someone that supports issues related to me. Sounds like the makings for a pick, but it won't be this time for me. Those comments of his are a decade old, and he may have apologised to some degree since, but the pain of those comments is still felt and that is apparent to see whether I've looked here or elsewhere. Some Black people have no issue with it, but many still do. With the time we're in of people being asked to be more conscious of their choices and decisions and how they relate to the black community, I feel listening to those protesting is important even if it would be easy to seek out validation from others within it. Black trans women were among those leading the protests against police brutality at Stonewall that led to the burning flame we see lt in Pride now, and it would be wrong for me to focus on the support of one of those minority groups while ignoring pain dealt to another. Closing the door behind you after you've made it through is an unfortunate trait of some people within LGBTQ+ communities and one I have no intention of furthering.

People can bleat "cancel culture" all they wish as well, to note. It's used to predominanetly refer to the act of people choosing not to support, engage with or purchase a product or service from something/someone that has acted in a way that could be seen as an issue by some people, almost always a minority. Informed purchasing decisions based on the actions of people intending to do business with, or sell things to, you is as old as business/production itself. Companies and artists aren't entitled to a purchase. This is all too vanilla and rather boring though so instead the nebulous and concerning "cancel culture" is invoked. Which has been used to refer to anything from people simply discussing something in a forum thread to people not wanting to engage with or support rich and influential people espousing bigoted opinions.

Hope that gives some insight to the decision, because Mayer will be a swap for me this month. I think Rahawk2 is absolutely on point when he raises an eyebrow over VMP selecting him as a choice and I think signalling as much is important. As I did before, I'll be sending a letter in so it's not ambiguous to them what my issue as a consumer of theirs is. I don't think this invalidates every other aspect of their commitment though, such as the donation and internal restructure, but instead gives people a benchmark of their own making from which to critique their action moving forward; both internally and externally. Not just from me, but for everyone including those working there who have been promised better.

WOW, again, so well written and on top, I am inspired by your thought processes! I am very happy that you won't be picking up John Mayer, especially after explaining why! I'm thinking of maybe swapping him too now actually! You are extremely selfless and open-minded to take into consideration everything John Mayer has done, including being supportive of the trans community.

Yeah, I have really enjoyed hearing some of the protestors speak up and voice their feelings. Some of them have been really inspiring to listen to and their message and use of words and how they express themselves have been excellent!

Thanks for also explaining what "cancel culture" is too! You explained that so professionally and in a way that was so easy for me to grasp. I'm also baffled with VMP selecting him, especially after the domestic abuse he previously committed. VMP have made it clear they won't press particular artists like NaS for similar reasons. So I don't get why they have given John Mayer the pass! Even though I would never do it, VMP making John Mayer a ROTM makes me want to email them, asking to try and get the rights to press NaS' It Was Written or Illmatic haha!

When you said you were sending a letter to VMP, I was so happy because I love your mentality, professionalism and just how well spoken you are! I was like "yes, so glad Kyuuji is going to send through a letter about all of this to VMP! She is informative, logical and is so wise with her words. I have a feeling her letter will make a strong impression on the staff members reading it"!

Previously, I did send through a email, saying how proud of VMP I was, after they donated USD$25,000 and with their overall response to the Black Lives Matter movement! I praised them and they actually thanked me for reaching out to them and felt great about my email! So, I'm sure they'll definitely think well about your email, even If they are expecting someone to eventually speak up on John Mayer being a VMP exclusive!

Anyways, take care, have a great nap or sleep, and I'll see you in the forum very soon for the exciting Swaptions tomorrow morning! 🗝 Sweet dreams

 

[Rahawk2]

One other aspect that's more subtle and a little more nuanced is that vocal support is useful in further pushing the bigots, racists and the like further into the shadows

I really like most of what you said in this post but while I agree with the above statement . it tends to concern me I prefer racists and bigots out in the open so we know what we’re dealing with and can possibly help change their opinion and not back them in to the shadows where they may stew and lash out .

Growing up my dad hated gay people for no reason other then he was told by his church and family it was a sin and was unacceptable. After meeting a few He has since grown to at least be more tolerant. He was born totally blind so he’s really has issues with race. he’s growing and learning though slowly and I think most people can change for the better if given a chance

 

[Rahawk2]

Oh shit that was my mall growning up. Sorry to derail.

I go to that mall (well went before corona) for the movie theater . The entire mall is huge beautiful, clean and almost always entirely empty. it’s freaky how empty it is I go to the Dolby Cinema there and watch movies all by myself like I own the place.

 

[Kyuuji]

I really like most of what you said in this post but while I agree with the above statement . it tends to concern me I prefer racists and bigots out in the open so we know what we’re dealing with and can possibly help change their opinion and not back them in to the shadows where they may stew and lash out .

Growing up my dad hated gay people for no reason other then he was told by his church and family it was a sin and was unacceptable. After meeting a few He has since grown to at least be more tolerant. He was born totally blind so he’s really has issues with race. he’s growing and learning though slowly and I think most people can change for the better if given a chance

This will sound harsh but bear with me; I tend to find this position mainly held and put out by people who aren't directly affected by the bigots in question. Often, though far from exclusively, straight cis white men. Fundamentally it isn't the responsibility of minorities to educate and lend tolerance toward people who are heavily prejudiced and bigoted toward them. Which I know isn't what you mean to suggest when you say it, but it is the resulting burden that is put upon them when it is given as a 'correct path'.

It's important to recognise we are talking about companies coming out in support of minorities. There is no valid concern around what bigots may do as a result to take into account. If someone reads a brand saying "trans rights are human rights", gets angered by it and then regresses into whatever black-pilled shithole they frequent to fester that is on them. These are not people who are worth entering discussions with, especially when the energy involved in educating bigots is massively one-sided.

It is genuinely unfeasable to be able to take the approach of meeting all bigots with open arms as a result. It's also dangerous, on a fundamental level. Allowing and being tolerant of people being vocally prejudice, racist, bigoted etc. is in no small part why we have also seen the right wing emboldened in recent times. It's what gives credence to having nazis walk the streets shouting and espousing hate. It's what leads to situations like Charlottesville.

I did say it was a nuanced point though, and I meant that. Does the above mean that anyone with a bigoted view should be shunned and redirected to the worst parts of society? No. Not everyone is the type of person to so heavily reject simple messages of support, and it is those frequent messages of support that work away at people to make them question if their firmly held believes are accurate. These people frequently seek to engage minorities with tact in order to educate themselves. As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time and effort educating people around trans rights and issues, I am not averse to it and I know it's an important part of bringing a wider clarity. However is it dependent on working with people willing to show that tact and grace, and the onus is on them to find that.

There are instances of trans people reaching out and succeeding with vehement bigots, of course. There are also numerous instances of them having been abused, beaten and murdered by them in trying to do so too. Which is why I am not fond of the 'open arms for all' sentiment being put out by people that aren't necessarily being tasked with it directly, or frequently put in situations where that would be enacted. We should hope to educate people willing to learn and reflect on their own prejudice, but those who rebuke even the most vanilla efforts from companies to support minorities are rarely among them.

Distinct from this is you and your father, and I'm glad to hear you make efforts to correct them. People confronting the prejudice of members within their family is something that should be promoted where possible, as if we can't aim to correct those closest to us then who can. This is where the grievance with people who support minorities but stay silent during Thanksgiving dinners comes from. Note that even this is nuanced though, as I can speak to trans people who have been beaten within their own home for seeking to do so.

Some food for thought, and hope it wasn't too abrasive as I know too often the sentiment is repeated without an understanding for the deeper meaning of what it entails or asks.

--

@NathanRicaud gonna respond in a bit as you're snoozing and I really need to get on a bit

 

[Rahawk2]

This will sound harsh but bear with me; I tend to find this position mainly held and put out by people who aren't directly affected by the bigots in question. Often, though far from exclusively, straight cis white men. Fundamentally it isn't the responsibility of minorities to educate and lend tolerance toward people who are heavily prejudiced and bigoted toward them. Which I know isn't what you mean to suggest when you say it, but it is the resulting burden that is put upon them when it is given as a 'correct path'.

It's important to recognise we are talking about companies coming out in support of minorities. There is no valid concern around what bigots may do as a result to take into account. If someone reads a brand saying "trans rights are human rights", gets angered by it and then regresses into whatever black-pilled shithole they frequent to fester that is on them. These are not people who are worth entering discussions with, especially when the energy involved in educating bigots is massively one-sided.

It is genuinely unfeasable to be able to take the approach of meeting all bigots with open arms as a result. It's also dangerous, on a fundamental level. Allowing and being tolerant of people being vocally prejudice, racist, bigoted etc. is in no small part why we have also seen the right wing emboldened in recent times. It's what gives credence to having nazis walk the streets shouting and espousing hate. It's what leads to situations like Charlottesville.

I did say it was a nuanced point though, and I meant that. Does the above mean that anyone with a bigoted view should be shunned and redirected to the worst parts of society? No. Not everyone is the type of person to so heavily reject simple messages of support, and it is those frequent messages of support that work away at people to make them question if their firmly held believes are accurate. These people frequently seek to engage minorities with tact in order to educate themselves. As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time and effort educating people around trans rights and issues, I am not averse to it and I know it's an important part of bringing a wider clarity. However is it dependent on working with people willing to show that tact and grace, and the onus is on them to find that.

There are instances of trans people reaching out and succeeding with vehement bigots, of course. There are also numerous instances of them having been abused, beaten and murdered by them in trying to do so too. Which is why I am not fond of the 'open arms for all' sentiment being put out by people that aren't necessarily being tasked with it directly, or frequently put in situations where that would be enacted. We should hope to educate people willing to learn and reflect on their own prejudice, but those who rebuke efforts from companies to support minorities are rarely among them.

Distinct from this is you and your father, and I'm glad to hear you make efforts to correct them. People confronting the prejudice of members within their family is something that should be promoted where possible, as if we can't aim to correct those closest to us then who can. This is where the grievance with people who support minorities but stay silent during Thanksgiving dinners comes from. Note that even this is nuanced though, as I can speak to trans people who have been beaten within their own home for seeking to do so.

Some food for thought, and hope it wasn't too abrasive as I know too often the sentiment is repeated without an understanding for the deeper meaning of what it entails or asks.

--

@NathanRicaud gonna respond in a bit as you're snoozing and I really need to get on a bit

No not abrasive at all. I get most of what you’re saying .it’s a lot to take in.

It sounds corny but I went to a Christian school until high school and religion gets a bad rap, but it really wasn’t one of the fire and brimstone schools or strict and hatful/abusive
it was the kind of hokey love thy neighbor and treat others as you would like to be treated schools. Whether you believe in religion or not most of those simple principles would go a long way these days .

 

[Kyuuji]

On the title of the thread and recent releases though, and to perhaps a lighter point, I ordered these when they dropped:

I'm still waiting for the other James Booker to arrive but I'm excited to be able to add another to the collection. I hadn't come across Jonathan Richman before seeing this so I checked out the album and really enjoyed it. I'm sure I'll butcher genres and terminology here but it seemed very casual indie rock and nailed it. Just honest and chill. Only popped on a track to see if it was my thing and ended up clearing the whole thing.

Currently listening to the Donny Benet, which I like but am unsure if I need having got the above and a few of the expensive (US) re-issues of some iam8bit and Mondo releases I've wanted and know I'd love. Something about that album cover though, just keeps drawing me in..

Animal magnetism through a digital screen..

No not abrasive at all. I get most of what you’re saying .it’s a lot to take in.

It sounds corny but I went to a Christian school until high school and religion gets a bad rap, but it really wasn’t one of the fire and brimstone schools or strict and hatful/abusive
it was the kind of hokey love thy neighbor and treat others as you would like to be treated schools. Whether you believe in religion or not most of those simple principles would go a long way these days .

I used to be an obnoxious teen atheist with a vehement, adolescent and arrogant dislike of religion, so it's fair to say I'm familiar with self reflection and challenging one's own biases or prejudice. Part of why I do spend time extending it to others who are willing to do so, around issues I'm intimate with. I think you're right too; a lot of the non-fundamentalist tenets of various faiths are good rods with which to grow. There's still much to criticize around organised religion but learning to separate that from the many people who are religious and practice their belief in a way that isn't harmful is important. Some of the people who have stood the strongest by me in hard times have been people of faith, both people I knew and ones I didn't.

 

[Rahawk2]

On the title of the thread and recent releases though, and to perhaps a lighter point, I ordered these when they dropped:

I'm still waiting for the other James Booker to arrive but I'm excited to be able to add another to the collection. I hadn't come across Jonathan Richman before seeing this so I checked out the album and really enjoyed it. I'm sure I'll butcher genres and terminology here but it seemed very casual indie rock and nailed it. Just honest and chill. Only popped on a track to see if it was my thing and ended up clearing the whole thing.

Currently listening to the Donny Benet, which I like but am unsure if I need having got the above and a few of the expensive (US) re-issues of some iam8bit and Mondo releases I've wanted and know I'd love. Something about that album cover though, just keeps drawing me in..

Animal magnetism through a digital screen..


I used to be an obnoxious teen atheist with a vehement, adolescent and arrogant dislike of religion, so it's fair to say I'm familiar with self reflection and challenging one's own biases or prejudice. Part of why I do spend time extending it to others who are willing to do so, around issues I'm intimate with. I think you're right too; a lot of the non-fundamentalist tenets of various faiths are good rods with which to grow. There's still much to criticize around organised religion but learning to separate that from the many people who are religious and practice their belief in a way that isn't harmful is important. Some of the people who have stood the strongest by me in hard times have been people of faith, both people I knew and ones I didn't.

I may get that Booker, I liked it a lot when I listened but I have some credit at Amazon so I might just get the black. Although I did I was going on a Vinyl diet I may have to show restraint and skip

 

[NathanRicaud]

On the title of the thread and recent releases though, and to perhaps a lighter point, I ordered these when they dropped:

I'm still waiting for the other James Booker to arrive but I'm excited to be able to add another to the collection. I hadn't come across Jonathan Richman before seeing this so I checked out the album and really enjoyed it. I'm sure I'll butcher genres and terminology here but it seemed very casual indie rock and nailed it. Just honest and chill. Only popped on a track to see if it was my thing and ended up clearing the whole thing.

Currently listening to the Donny Benet, which I like but am unsure if I need having got the above and a few of the expensive (US) re-issues of some iam8bit and Mondo releases I've wanted and know I'd love. Something about that album cover though, just keeps drawing me in..

Animal magnetism through a digital screen..


I used to be an obnoxious teen atheist with a vehement, adolescent and arrogant dislike of religion, so it's fair to say I'm familiar with self reflection and challenging one's own biases or prejudice. Part of why I do spend time extending it to others who are willing to do so, around issues I'm intimate with. I think you're right too; a lot of the non-fundamentalist tenets of various faiths are good rods with which to grow. There's still much to criticize around organised religion but learning to separate that from the many people who are religious and practice their belief in a way that isn't harmful is important. Some of the people who have stood the strongest by me in hard times have been people of faith, both people I knew and ones I didn't.

Get that Donny Benet Kyuuji, trust me! It's so retro, nostalgic and chill, yet has that expensive, glamorous, intoxicating, luscious sound! I can't wait to have this record spinning whilst I put on a nice outfit to go clubbing or out to dinner at a funky place with my friends or sister and look at myself in the mirror to make sure I look good! And mmmmmmm, once I spray that luxurious smelling perfume on myself, it'll be lit! And I'll also be standing in front of the speakers and dancing while messaging my friends about what's happening for the night! This is great summer record too! And OMG, I just got all these pairs of dumbbells recently delivered to me and I can actually kinda imagine myself doing shoulder presses, bent over rows, dumbbell flies etc with this record spinning in my room! 🏝