Brendan Canning from Canadian band Broken Social Scene tells us exclusively about an album that changed his life: ‘To this day few will dispute the impact that Slayer’s Reign in Blood made upon its release in 1986 and in the years to follow. As a teenager I loved heavy metal and all its sub-genres – speed metal, death metal, and thrash metal. The only problem for me was that the production of most metal records fell short, including Slayer’s previous effort, Hell Awaits. But when Reign in Blood was released on Rick Rubin’s Def Jam label, which at the time was known for acts like the Beastie Boys and LL Cool J, Rick Rubin and his discovery started a revolution. From beginning to end, less than twenty-nine minutes in total, the most ferocious music had been captured in such a way that there was no denying this record was the shit. In one fell swoop Dave Lombardo as a drummer could not be touched, Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman’s guitar work was like no one else’s – absolutely deadly – and Tom Araya’s vocals were delivered with such intensity and conviction there was no denying this band had created a masterpiece. What more can be said? I’m certainly not the only one who holds Slayer’s Reign in Blood in such high regard. For those who never joined our cult, you will never know what you missed out on’. [live photo by Evan Sung]
Also by ZOLTON
Maths explains the origin of superhero characters
I love the colours and simple reasoning in this clever series by Scottish illustrator Matt Cowen, which uses basic maths equations to explain how certain pop culture icons came to be. Read more
Star Wars Uncut: a fully crowdsourced version of Episode IV
The project of creative technologist, Casey Pugh, this full length version of the George Lucas masterpiece was created from multiple 15 second segments recreated from the original movie and submitted by thousands of Star Wars fans, which were then spliced together by editor Aaron Valdez to form the final product. Genius, as both a commentary on contemporary pop culture trends (there are references to LEGO, stop motion, memes and the like) and on the power of tapping your audience for quality material.
Filmmaker creates LEGO stop motion to propose to girlfriend
Now, this is one for the ages: back in 2010, Atlanta film-maker Walter Thompson created a jaw-dropping LEGO stop motion to propose to Nealey Dozier, his girlfriend of four years. The video took 22 hours of shooting and some 2,600 pictures to splice together, a small sacrifice to pay for years of happiness together. Right? Right! Oh, and she said yes. Bonus.
YOU'RE SAYING (3)
Zac said | 28 October, 2006
I was a big Slayer fan too. How was the shock of listening to lyrics such as ‘Necrophobic’ as a 16 year old? I had started on Iron Maiden (‘Run to the hills’ played endlessly on my walkman and got me into metal), then Metallica, Slayer, Sepultura and even Bathery before coming back down to less angst ridden music.
Zolton said | 29 October, 2006
hmmm. i never really got into slayer as a teenager. though my ears are still ringing from the battering they copped from your metal collection bro.
HAVE YOUR SAY
The natural lines and beautiful imperfections of Maria Kristofersson’s contemporary ceramics really speak to me. Patinas, minimal patterns, and textures add a delicate complexity to the simple colors and shapes of her work. These are true heirloom pieces. Read more
On-the-go Rave. I bought this thing last fall from a dude in Brooklyn, and our new album relies on its bass. Many of the melodies are better understood once run through the Prophet. I’m pretty happy with it, but I’ve got my eyes on a Jupiter 6 now. There’s always something missing.
Oh man, what I wouldn’t give to be able to sing like Neil Finn. His voice rasps with all the sincerity and integrity of a thousand heartfelt melodies. Heck, I’d probably trade my prized collection of Archie comics for just the chorus on this song. Driving Me Mad? You betcha(dupa). This man is a treasure. Bow low indeed.
Pop artist Ron English, an occasional contributor to Lost At E Minor, sent through some photos from his latest pop-up show, which featured a brilliantly eclectic blend of his social critique artwork. Read more
When Arcade Fire won Album of the Year, a certain percentage of the population had their mindhole explode. This Tumblr page documents the feeling when Eminem and Lady Gaga miss out to some Canuck nobodies.
The nice thing about black metal is that it’s so hard for it to be co-opted. Between its often extreme ideologies and its inherently abrasive sound, it’s hard to imagine anyone trying to sell you a pair of sneakers with it. Even as some bands like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth have wormed their way into the mainstream, the vast majority of black metal fans and bands out there are happy to stay in the filthy pits of the underground. Read more
Made from 100 percent organic cotton and eco-friendly, this super soft tee celebrates a sinister world of kaleidoscopic colours and ripples of psychedelia, of serenading Queens, of dancing flamingos, of unimaginable euphoria. It’s all the work of Sydney label, Das Monk and it’s available through the Lost At E Minor online store for just US$40. Now, there’s one hell of a Christmas present, even if we do say so ourselves!
WE'RE POSTING / SOME OF THE BEST
How ’bout this Jose Manuel Hortelano-Pi guy, huh? Quite the illustrator, yessiree Bob. From Spain, too. Spain is great! Read more
A little infectious lollipop rock anyone? Feel free to embarrass yourself singing along at the stoplight. If the other drivers give you that look, roll down the windows and spread the love.
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It’s refreshing to see artists like Joe Kievitt who are contented to explore the beauty in simple forms and asymmetrical patterns. Read more
Cookie Boy’s creative cookie designs
I don’t eat cookies, so good thing Cookie Boy’s cookies are little pieces of art too pretty and cute to eat. Read more
Never ever, ever, ever, ever park here
Some friendly advice for the neighbours, who simply don’t get it, or street art? You decide which one it is.
We’re pleased to announce that, as of today, there is free shipping on all items and for all orders in the Lost At E Minor store — our stash of favoured goodies that you can buy for yourself, your friends, or your frenemies (hey, hey, why not?) We’ve got heaps of cool tees, jewellery, watches and other fun items, so knock yourself out. Not literally, of course. [browse the Lost At E Minor online store]
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Andy said | 28 October, 2006
Much respect to Broken Social Scene – Reign In Blood is a revolutionary album, with Angel of Death (track 1) being one of the most recognised metal tracks in history… As a teenager I loved all metal genres too – and still do today! It’s my genre of choice
Andy