Placebo-The Bitter End

"Everywhere I turn people seem to be ceaselessly at odds- tearing each other down and devaluing the ideas, efforts, and lifestyles of others. Regardless of whether its music, art, style, ideas, beliefs, or lifestyle choices, it appears that there's no shortage of people read to give a cutting remark towards someone who differs from them or stands out from the crowd. This criticism is something that so many of us take part in and also fall victim to and whether its words spoken, or written on a page or a screen, there's little question of the hurt that can be caused and I have to ask- What is gained by it? Is it a feeling of superiority for knowing more or having the "right" ideas about something? Is it a feeling of validity for having "better" taste or being "real"? Or is it something more? The times we live are marked with social, political and economic turmoil and perhaps we've become so filled with fear that we've learned to tear others down just so we can build up our own self image. Maybe the degradation of others has become just another means of protecting ourselves from a world that seems so hostile. Are we really that vulnerable? Do we really want to live that way?

So how can we escape this trap of criticism where its always us versus them, and me against you? Praise- offering genuine appreciation and encouragement to others simply for the people that they are and the efforts that they make. This goes beyond just casting off the urge to tear others down- it means honoring the people we meet, celebrating the differances that help define us as individuals while striving to find the things which bind us together, and most importantly taking the time each day to let others know the things that you value in them. Its not an easy thing to do- in fact opening ourselves up to people in this manner may be truly against the grain. But, if we atleast attempt to bring the praise of others into our daily lives just think of the difference it could make! I know all of this sounds too hopeful but in a world that seems so cynical don't you think it's time we try to offer some
support and encouragement to each other? I believe that the power to offer people that kind of comfort lies within the hands of each of us, and I feel that only when we learn to praise others can we start to find any real peace within ourselves and in the world around us. Our world needs praise."
-Aram Arslanian

The man who wrote this, Aram, just happens to be in 3 of the most inspirational bands of this generation of hardcore (to me atleast). The First Step, Champion and Betrayed. All of these bands have played a very pivatal role in my introduction to hardcore as a kid, and have helped me make many positive decisions to get me where I am today.
I picked up a record from the band Right Idea called Our World not too long ago, which is on React Records (also owned by Aram) and lately I have been feeling down and not so positive on the things I have to look forward to in my life, And I havent been too sure why. Anyways, listening to this record today and reading that qoute have really helped me get my mind on the right track. Thanks Aram, Thanks Right Idea.

Take a second to check out Betrayed, Champion or The First Step.
Promise you wont be disappointed.

Heres a download of Right Idea-Our World
if you like it, be sure and support them, by going to a show, or buying the record!

Track List

1 Alert!
2 That's Not You
3 Clear Your Head
4 Clean Break
5 Our World
6 You Sink
7 Searching For Meaning
8 On Edge

DOWNLOAD!


Thanks for checking in, until next time.

-Nathan