I’ve been trying to do a lot of reading lately (trying and succeeding mostly). I’ve had my face buried in Kerouac’s On The Road: The Original Scroll for a little over a week and the only material that’s distracted me has been Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg (which also has a good movie based off of it) and the new TMNT comics by IDW.

I’ve been working through some personal issues lately and, like some others I know, I’m having a hard time with life. On The Road has helped me push through these issues with a high heart. I know it sounds unlikely that a partially autobiographical book written during the 50s relates to the hardships one would go through during the Facebook Generation but it has. Seeing Kerouac make his way through dilemma after dilemma (small or large), across the United States, and into the hearts of millions is inspiring and encouraging. There’s been numerous occasions during my reading where I’ve played with the idea of leaving the stress of everyday normality behind for a life on the road.

Traveling, meeting people, seeing the beauty our nation has to offer, and writing about it? What more could a young man want?

I’ve been very inspired in terms of writing as well, even as far as to want an old school typewriter to add some old school soul to my writing (or just cause I’m a nerd about old school stuff).

But seeing someone travel, work, write, and love life doing it is an admirable thing. I hope one day I can follow in the footsteps of Kerouac, Ginsberg, and crew.

(P.S. Nate Wolf - As I was reading today I came across the mentioning of McAllen, TX. I’ve only heard of McAllen from the Demise guys, but it mostly involved you and the WTG homies. I thought it was cool that the city was mentioned in a popular novel by Jack Kerouac, but as I said I’m a nerd for these things.)

Sorry about all the IVTT posts lately guys, we’re just really excited to get it going. We really appreciate all the likes, reblogs, retweets, etc. your support truly means a lot.

But back to other things..

Music :
     I can’t really remember what albums I’ve discussed lately, besides TDWP’s Dead Throne, so here’s a brief catching up of my music preferences lately.
     I’ve still been listening to a lot of Defeater. I got their EP Lost Ground at Warped Tour from the Bridge 9 tent. It’s really good. The story is different from the full length, and his vocals are a bit different. August Burns Red’s latest effort Leveler is really good. I really enjoy some of the lyrical content they touch on, and even though the album is not as heavy as earlier stuff from them, it does get pretty epic in some parts. Set Your Goals’ Burning At Both Ends is kind of fifty-fifty for me. There are a few really good songs on the album, but most of it seems kind of lackluster. It has it’s strong points, and there’s some good writing lyrically, but overrall there’s something missing. Touche Amore has really impressed me with their full length Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me. The music is solid, I can relate with the lyrics from almost every song, and you can feel the passion in every word. The only thing I don’t like about the album is that it’s only 20min. long! It’s so good but so short.
     And of course there’s also been Balance and Composure, The Devil Wears Prada, Cecil Otter, Aesop Rock, For The Fallen Dreams, Fireworks, and some more. I’m still waiting for Prada’s new album, and also Hundredth’s new one Let Go.

Books :
     So after completing the Star Wars series I just recently got done with I started reading One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. It’s really good so far. I’m about half done with it, and I really enjoy the way it’s written. While we were in Phx I used Katie’s mom’s kindle and read Anthem by Ayn Rand. I read it in high school but at the time I didn’t appreciate it the way I should have. It’s such a good book. The ideas it works through are relevant in almost any point in history, especially right now when people seem to care only about themselves. But now I’m focused OFOTCN, and I found my Joy Division book so I’m back into that too. After I get through with these it’s back to Star Wars, but I also want to read more of the “classic” novels. 
     I believe reading is an integral part of being a writer. So I’m hoping to also get into reading poetry. Anybody have any good suggestions?

Have a good Wednesday, and if you partake in the Hump Day traditions then do it safely! Peace and Love.

Blessings,
Zach

Zachary//Zack//VASH

     I love words, but I love books more because they’re full of them. As I stated in my last post I’ve gone through some interesting books lately. World War Z by Max Brooks, Transformers Exodus by Alex Irvine, and Star Wars Betrayal by Aaron Allston. Well as of today I added The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy to that list.

     I’d heard of this book, seen parts of the movie based on it but never actually read it nor did I know it was based on actual events. I know all the LA, hipster, book club types are probably upset over my lack of knowledge but I’m over it.

     The book was great! The movie was pretty good too, but as usual I liked the book much more. Josh Hartnett is one of my favorite actors, and he did a good job of bringing the main character to life.

     Sorry if the post got kind of misleading, I’m not trying to review the book or anything. Just lettin’ everyone know what material I’ve had my nose in lately. Since I finished that, I’m starting Star Wars Bloodlines by Karen Traviss. It’s the next novel in the Legacy of The Force series, so since finishing Betrayal I’ve been excited to start it.

On a different note..

     The new Linkin Park cd, A Thousand Suns, is amazing. Great album from start to finish so if you’re a die-hard LP fan or just a casual listener lookin’ for some good music go get that.

And lastly, the new Anime in Hip Hop is up on underneaththedesert.com so go check it out! - www.underneaththedesert.com -

Blessings to you and yours,

Zach