Categories
Records

Nerftoss Gets Crushed

Baltimore electronic artist Nerftoss, aka John Jones from Dope Body, drops a mixtape of left field house music on the inimitable NNA Tapes. Crushed is a stream of consciousness amalgamation with live acoustic percussion, drum machines, synths and samples. Jones pays homage to the essence of House Music while expanding upon the usual “four on the floor” kick drum with splashy […]

Categories
War & Peace

Homs, The Syrian Revolution, and the Icon

Abdel Basset Sarout breaks from silence to tell his side of the Syrian Civil War. Something that bothers me deeply about the western world is our relationship with Syrians. We have a real lack of awareness for the actual conflict happening there. Even now, all people are aware of the Syrian refugees whereas few understand the […]

Categories
Music

The Staying Power of Peter Brötzmann

One of Europe’s best known free jazz players mesmerizes old fans in Portland. Peter Brötzmann’s Quartet took the stage at Mississippi Studios last Thursday night in silence, setting a powerful tone of what was to come, which I will say now, was something musically fierce. With no commentary or following encore, the band set off, led […]

Categories
America Opinion

Democracy Compromised

How voters can weaken democratic values. Ballots were turned in on Tuesday for Oregon’s primary election. Portland Mayor, Oregon Governor, and United States President were all polled. Bernie Sanders won Oregon, all but Gilliam County, against Hillary Clinton. A simultaneous vote in Kentucky was split, remaining too close to call. Sanders regardless should gain more delegates […]

Categories
Opinion Political Economy

I Could Have Housed Someone, but I Didn’t.

The Joyce Hotel closure represents all that is wrong with urban housing. The other night, I was at my favorite Egyptian food cart on SW 9th Ave, just a few blocks from Joyce Hotel. This five dollar meal has become an affordable option for me, but as recently as the beginning of this year, it […]