FAKE HISTORY 2010

After years of seeming like the band that “says something”. After writing blogs with such verbiage. After playing music “for ourselves” for so long. Where does that leave you? What is left to say? Or write? Or perform?
A lot of time has been spent discussing the nature of music and various scenes (Typically, I would have quoted that word, but I’ve already used too many quotation marks. Forgive me). A lot of time has been spent telling you about what we had in store, and what we promised to do as a band. But today I’m not going to discuss any of the aforementioned bullshit. Today, we’re going to talk about the other half of letlive. Today we’re going to talk about you. You are the sole reason letlive has been able to be “that” band. Say “those” things. You are the reason letlive has played “those” shows for these past years. That is placed as a priority, on the “things we need you to understand” list. Leaps and bounds before any of the politics ideologies, essence or sentiments, of this band. We need you to understand that this is something that cannot and will not be done without you. Many bands will claim the ode to the esoteric and never credit the hundreds of thousands that comprise that legion of fanship. Fuck all that. We will swallow pride on a blog to say, ‘thank you’ to the people that allow us to continue as the band we set to be years ago. We will say ‘thank you’ and still be way more mysterious than your last favorite band that wore make up, dark clothes, and relied on depressing subject matter. And regarding the esoteric realm…we’re totally out of the box because I just slipped in a word that isn’t even in the dictionary…yet. (see: fanship)
Before this turns into another message of excess, I will jump to the point. We trust and believe in our fans and friends. And with that being said we are doing something we have never done before and we’re asking for help. More so, we’re sparking the union between you and letlive. If this is to become anything, it’s going to need support on all ends. We trust and belive in our friends. We’re not going to tell you to PUT LETLIVE ON YOUR MYSPACE/FACEBOOK/TWITTER PAGE everyday, from this day forth until months after the album is released. Nor would we tell you to PUT [FAKE HISTORY] OR [ll.] OR [THELETLIVECREW] OR [FAKE HISTORY 2/23] NEXT TO YOUR USERNAME OR ANYWHERE ON YOUR PAGE OR OTHERS. We aren’t going to perpetually stress that we have STARTED THELETLIVECREW COMMUNITY AND YOU SHOULD ALL INQUIRE. Nah, we aint gonna do all that. We’re just going to ask you to support us. Support us however you see fit. We’re just going to ask you to support us in confidence that you will also benefit. This entry has already reached its capacity so I’ll leave explanation for a later date to unfold itself naturally. But we want to make it clear that we believe in you. Just like we so arrogantly believe in ourselves. We know that we can entrust these methods in you. We know this because you’ve already proven wise by holding us down in the first place. Like I said, we would never tell you what to do. If anything we would only suggest things to consider. Thank you. Thank you a thousand times over. And thank you in advance for promoting our band heavily on your choice social networking/blogging/forum/
..really cool bands to listen to/ site. We know you’ll make the right decision.

with more love than any other band that has closed an entry with the word “love”,
ll.

The opulence of royal courting.

Update:

letlive.

Sometimes when you want something bad enough, it seems like it’s impossible to obtain.
But you get it.
We’ve wanted this since the beginning of humankind and its values – since Ba‘al Zebûb was cast down to his impetuous, fiery kingdom. (Oh, by the way, that never happened.)
So, what is this?
This is the accumulation of years of hard work – a lot of what you kids call D.I.Y. ethics.
Personally, I think the term itself is overly exhausted.
Hard work – good work ethic.
If you are incessant enough, things occasionally work out.
It is damn beautiful.
The representation of a little hard work is here.
You can have a piece of, and experience a little of what we have gone through.
The outcome – the eternally gratifying aftereffect.
Well, at least a fragment of it.
The other ten or so examples will take a couple of months time.
This all means a lot to us, and we hope it will affect you one way, or another – good or bad.
Affects are what we aim for.

Food for thought:
Fake history.
Click on the links I’ve provided, and please study. Fear tactics are very profitable.

-R. Johnson
theletlivecrew

Recording in Charlotte, North Carolina

We arrived in Charlotte, NC on Aug. 19th with the intention to stay for a month and record a new album with the insatiable and incorrigible Kit Walters (check out his rad band Scapegoat).  From the distance of the west coast it’s easy to imagine the “south” as hyper-conservative bible belt xenophobes but the fact of the matter is that southern hospitality is alive and well.  Everyone has been so nice and hospitable it’s almost a shame we don’t see more sincere friendliness like this at home…minus the confederate flag patch we saw at the airport, still a little conflicted about that one.  The drums are done and guitars are damn close and it’s sounding really fucking good.  Seriously, brace yourself.  Here’s a little taste of the exploits so far and check back for some updates along the way.

Alright passengers, we’re beginning our decent into Charlotte, North Carolina. If you look to the left you’ll notice tourists being gobbled up by enormous alligators.

Guarding the outlet next to Budget for three hours.

Kit Walters on the one’s and two’s. lovelovelovelovelove

We’re recording with lasers this time around.

Unfortunately, Jason’s best friend had to hear him being torn limb from limb by the native North Carolinian spotted puma.

Sometimes Jason wins, sometimes rock wins.  Busted lip and bump on the forehead post-Charlotte house show.

Yummy organic bistro type cafe. Notice the L hands, no they are not gangster signals.

Anthony and Kit collaborating on the final touches.

Homegirl was loving life.

flashing lights and bells and whistles and knobs and rawk

Lookin pretty good kinda, we have great personalities I swear.

Appreciation unappreciated.

It seems like we’re finally on the subject of music.
Seems a bit silly we were not speaking of it sooner, but, I suppose we got a bit carried away otherwise.
How about this: Some music I enjoy, personally. Check it out.
Let’s do this by album – I know, it’s a lot to listen to, but, one day, you’ll have to learn to have patience with music – why not start now?

Jackie Mclean – New Soil
Genre: Jazz.
If you’re new to jazz, he is definitely where you need to start. Amazing intensity. Very interesting harmonic progressions. One of the few within his era to explore free jazz. Jazz is typically quoted and flaunted by a select few (possibly more), when trying to explain broad musical taste, as if it instantly puts you on the map as a relevant musician, or at least relevance within your insight regarding music – but, when you hear this record, you will actually understand and appreciate jazz. Possibly open a few doors and create a humble appreciation. Hopefully it will interest you otherwise within the genre.
Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Genre: Acoustic Rock/Indie.
I was recomended these guys by one of my close friends. This is their newest cd. Great, innovative vocal harmonies and intelligent songwriting. I know, I know. You refuse to be one of those indie kids – sporting the fedora the explorer look. Some things you have to suck up and look passed the people associated to appreciate. Once again: patience.
Neil Young – Live at Massey Hall 1971
Genre: Neil young. Enough said.
Now if you haven’t listened to Mr. Young by now, you have a slight problem – nicely put. If you hate him, this will change your mind. Very personal, intimate, natural, live recording. I don’t care how god damn tough you are, if this cd doesn’t make you tear up, simply based on its pure beauty, you’re worthless – or something along those lines.
Benny Goodman – Sing, Sing, Sing
Genre: Swing.
Introduction to swing. I know, your grandma and grandpa listen to this shit, and you hate it when they do to this day. But, take a step back – listen to the genius of the band and the complexity of rhythm. Everything working harmoniously, on seperate patterns. I’m 99% certain you’re used to hearing the endless pounding of the new “club remix”, with a kick beat on the first and third of every four count, and you think it makes you want to dance, but, tell me you don’t feel like picking up some swing lessons, then pull them off with a girl out on the dance floor after listening to this. Your grandparents knew what was up, now it’s your turn.
The Zombies – Odessey and Oracle
Genre: 60’s Brit Pop.
Easily one of my favorite cd’s of all time. You’ll most probably recognize “Time of the Season”, as it was their most popular. Great vocal harmonies, as well as very easily recognized after only one listen. It sticks, and won’t leave. This cd was recorded AFTER they broke up – imagine the tensity in the studio, and the diametric result of genius and beauty.
Botch – We Are the Romans
Genre: “Mathcore”
I’m sure this is pretty much standard as of recent – considering every kid tries to find the most popular, obscured band to solidify their credibility whilst speaking of music – more specifically within the hardcore/metal realm. But, the great thing about this band, to me, personally, is the raw nature of their recording and song structure. If you’re going into the studio as a hardcore/metal band, and you need some pointers as to how to approach your recording, I’d check them out. Even if it’s just to see what differences you can understand, and somewhat implement. Otherwise, they are intense, they are chaotic, and they are real. If you’re going to filter out the bullshit within the related scene, this is one of the saviors.

Here are a list of givens, without explanations – certainly because they dont need one:
Radiohead – Amnesiac/Kid A/Hail to the Thief/In Rainbows/ANY live recording you can find online.
The Smiths – Meat is Murder.
Poison the Well – Versions.
Rage Against the Machine – Evil Empire.
Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A Changin’.
Converge – No heroes.
Joy Division – Closer
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

That is more than enough to last you for a week or two.

Update:
We are going to be in North Carolina, recording our new record, August 19th – September 16th.
Excited? We are, even if you are not.

Food for thought:
Solemnity in silence. Beauty in undisturbed silence. Don’t disrupt it. Appreciate and enjoy it. You might need some after an overload of music – or life. Those are the best moments you will ever enjoy.

-R. Johnson
theletlivecrew

And all because we stopped supporting local bands…

It’s gone far beyond any choice adjective, dialect, or slander. I’ve been keeping up with the moves of many in this scene, and I cannot begin to garner enough phrasing to describe to you how I feel. Hopefully if i give you the words fake, fuck (in all its variations: -ing, -er, etc), suck, dick and straight bitch ass niggas who keep it as real as Toon Town, you can go ahead and comprise a few statements directed towards this industry in like a wheel of fortune type manner. Fill in the phrase. I’ve done quite the share of mental documentation, only to find I’ve lumped all of these “bands” and “artists” into the same category I placed the 156th time I threw up on stage. A tab I labeled due to its disgusting recurrence and undeserved nature. This garbage heap of “who the fuck cares?” memories has become the apt position for most of your new favorite bands in Jason Aalon Alexander Butler’s cerebral archives.
For all of us to sit around and act as if this isn’t happening is just as bad, if not worse than being an actual shareholder in this hellacious stage. But who’s to blame? They solicit, we buy in. They pander, we get fucked (and get off). Who’s to blame? You’re to blame. Fuck ya, you are. You’re accepting responsibility because you’ve read this far and haven’t taken off that stupid fuckin’ dayglow shirt with some weird distorted mystical creature making a funny face while vomiting up the bands name at the bottom or middle of the shirt (remember when it was cool to put the name of the band down the side of the shirt?). You’re responsible because you’ve read this far and didn’t send your EX-favorite band a nasty myspace message displaying a months load of laundry listed reasons as to why you are relinquishing your title as their “*nUmB3r 1 F@N~~!!**”. I mention myspace message because I mean, how else would you get in contact with these musical deities? Myspace is obviously the only way you can even come close to these men and women (yes you unnaturally colored haired vixens play a staunch role in this too) who live at home with their parents and still find a way to act as though they live a life comparable to aerosmith when you ask them for a picture, and they turn their heads down and walk into their 12 passenger van. That takes moxie. That’s rock stardom (see: SARCASM). Don’t trip, I am also very self aware. I’m definitely to blame because I’m sitting here writing this lengthy temper tantrum instead of heeding the words of one of my most adored revolutionaries, Mr. Malcolm Little aka Malcolm X, and ending this shit as soon as possible “by any means necessary” (YOUTUBE.COM SEARCH-MALCOLM X BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY). Don’t worry Brokencyde, I aint gonna grab pops’ AK and blast you at the upcoming L.A. warped tour date. I’m just gonna steal your fans from you and dress them in much more fashion forward letlive merchandise (see: WWW.MERCHNOW.COM SEARCH-LETLIVE).

we’re all to blame.

And in assuming such a circumstance, it sheds light on what we all must do if we want to turn our radios on and hear real music again. Stop listening to/propagating/cheering for/swooning over/booking/acknowledging/buying merch from/GIVING CHANCES TO these horrible excuses for bands. I’ve said it before, being a hater can only be warranted to a certain extent. Since I do subscribe to the motto “to each his/her own” I could seem contradictory, but at this point, I don’t give a fuck. Let me put it this way- kids, over 65% percent of the shit you listen to and shovel mom and dad’s money into is straight garbage, the other 34.8% is contrived, and that last 0.2%…that’s letlive. That shit is real.

From here on out I will express my distastes, just as I will my esteem for this and that. Keep up with the blog, for I will try and commit to a weekly posting of text and/or video.

Sorry about the rant earlier.

No I’m not.
xo

Food for thought:
so⋅lic⋅it [suh-lis-it]
–verb
1. to seek for (something) by entreaty, earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc.: He solicited aid from the minister.
2. to entreat or petition (someone or some agency): to solicit the committee for funds.
3. to seek to influence or incite to action, esp. unlawful or wrong action.
4. to offer to have sex with in exchange for money.

pan⋅der  [pan-der]
–noun Also, pan⋅der⋅er.
1. a person who furnishes clients for a prostitute or supplies persons for illicit sexual intercourse; procurer; pimp.
2. a person who caters to or profits from the weaknesses or vices of others.
3. a go-between in amorous intrigues.

Take a moment to compare the two

The 1st display of dudes dressing up like people of a dick sucking village was intentional because those dudes did suck dick and were proud of it. The 2nd, displays young men dressed like complete scene abiding fuck heads who may or may not suck dick (I will give them that grace since I cannot prove it yet), whose songs sound like they wrote them as they performed fellatio whilst sodomizing one another.
I’d much rather listen to the proud dick suckers who at least made one song I can shamelessly say I enjoy, than the ambiguous genre sampling dick suckers who have completely fucked various scenes and destroyed all progress made by white rappers in the past 25 years. Fuckin punks, frontin on the hustle.

-jason aalon

What ever happened to “personal” anyway?

Update:

How to Polish

Cross a few wires, tape a few cracks and you’re golden.

Food for thought:

We have cameras everywhere. Our computers have eyes. The streets are watching. Outerspace has a magnifying glass. Our television sets are observing. We are fighting crime within our homes and digitally documenting history. Hm…

-R. Johnson
theletlivecrew

And this is thanks to you conformist swine.

We would like to thank everyone who came out last night to the letlive “going away party”.
If you weren’t there, that’s probably because we don’t know you.
Next time, know us.
We’re definitely open to the idea.

-R. Johnson
theletlivecrew

Yeah, something like that.

Updates:

We’ve determined we are in the studio.
We’re doing some pre-production-esque recordings and understanding the footing we have created.
We’re pleased.
Very pleased.
Visual accompaniment, including jason reading – I know, what a surprise - US magazine.

Food for thought:

-R. Johnson
theletlivecrew

Recycled carbon – you’ve always existed.

Update:

Label propositions have been fulfilled – we will announce the entire story at a later time. A lot of work to be done.

We will be heading out on another tour in August to arrive on the east coast and record – if you’d like to book us, just let us know. The tour goes two ways, and preferably the southern half of the U.S. en route to record.

New t-shirts will be posted shortly on our Merchnow account.

 

Food for Thought:

Let’s switch gears for a second and put this economy into perspective. People are referring to the depression in the twenties, explaining we are hitting just about the same low – percentage-wise. But, what people are not taking into account is modern society. In the twenties the amount of media that was produced and available for consumers was so sparse there was hardly any room to pull out of the hole they created – whereas, in this modern society, we have so many modes of communication and opportunities for advertisement, as far as sales and discounts are concerned, that the improving economy will come much quicker than they expect. Every company is in your face, choking you with their products and propositions that, purely based on general mass of the entire planet, it is statistically impossible for us to have a long recovery. Don’t be scared. You may lose your job – tough it out and you’ll be back on your feet soon enough.

-R. Johnson
theletlivecrew

We hope you choke.

Updates:
Our record is now confirmed to be recorded in North Carolina.
This will all begin in August after this next tour.
We will have around thirteen to fifteen tracks going into the studio – hopefully coming out with about eleven or so on the cd.
Other big news will be reported later – label news included.

Food for Thought:
If the spiritual realm was completely disproven, on all accounts religious and otherwise, superstition would be nullified. Your ideas of things that are “meant to happen” or “happened for a reason” would be void. Everything that you do would be a result of your personal completion of aspirations and goals – or the lack thereof. Your life would be your own, and your achievements would be the result of your hard work. You, personally, are to praise for success in your life – as well as being the one to scorn for failures. Wouldn’t you agree that the full control of your own existence and progress is an eternally fulfilling idea?
(This is not to say that both control over your life actions and superstitious beliefs can not coexist to at least some extent, subjectively or objectively, but rather hypothetically presenting a situation.)

-R. Johnson
theletlivecrew