Book Review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

                This marks the third Dan Brown book I have read, the previous two being the initial novels in the “Robert Langdon Trilogy”, as it stands now.  These books are: “Angels and Demons” (2000), “The Da Vinci Code” (2003), and now “The Lost Symbol” (2009).

                For those unfamiliar with these bestselling books, or their plot(s), these books focus on the protagonist Robert Langdon, a professor of religious iconology and symbology at Harvard University, who in is called on to interpret ancient symbols to aid in resolving and preventing murders and national crises.  He delves into the secrets of religion and spiritualism discovering the hidden aspects of historic religion.

 Above I put “plot(s)” because after having read the trilogy I find that they all are essentially the same book, with the same elements and modes, the difference is found primarily in the research that Dan Brown focuses, the locations in with the book is places, and the objects in which are interpreted.  I created a list of common elements found in the books.

Characteristic	Angels and Demons	The Da Vinci Code	The Lost Symbol
Murder Investigation	X	X
Catholic Conspiracy	X	X
Science and Religion	X	X	X
Scavenger Hunt	X	X	X
Evil Sadistic Mastermind who wants to play with them giving them hints instead of just being evil	X	X	X
Symbolic Deaths	X	X	X
Misleads into thinking Robert is dead	X		X
Ascetics	X	X	X
Incapacity of Police	X	X	X
Beat the Clock scenario (or more people die)	X	X	X
Brilliant Romantic Interest (which can only be pursued if the system is cracked and the bad guy taken out, but even after this is done they never actually go anywhere)	X	X	X
Crack The Code and Puzzle Scenario	X	X	X
Antagonists to Protagonist Swaps (or vies versa)	X	X	X
Unexpected Twist (relating to family connections)	X	X	X
TELL ME OF MORE SIMULARITIES

                Aside from the fact that I feel like I read the same book three times, how was that book?  I enjoyed it the first time, and a little the second time, less so the third time.  There is a lot of action, fair amounts of suspense and wonder, and a pretty decent twist at the end of each book regarding familial connections. He deals with mystical teachings and generally unknown but accurate facts and tidbits. He then draws exiguous implications and possibilities from these singular and isolated facts drawing tentative possible conclusions.  For me the greatest wonder while I was reading his books was not the accuracy of his research but if in his book Dan Brown would accept the mystical claims of the subjects he was researching and which beliefs he would disregard as fallacious. 

My first objection to the book The Lost Symbol is that the book itself takes place in a space of 12 hours and the book itself is 528 pages.  That is almost 50 pages per hour, I have not tested my theory but I believe that it would be impossible to do what they did in 12 hours, with all the traveling that they had to do.

The plot is decent, but it is common for all the books.  Robert is lured to Washing D.C. where he is manipulated by an unknown man for unknown reasons eventually leading to Robert unveiling Masonic secrets and symbolism.  He explores various Masonic symbols and meaning imbedded in Washington D.C. and in US history,  gets his hands on many rare Masonic devices.  He is called upon to crack a century old code else his long time Masonic friend will die.  This night is a scavenger hunt to the death especially, beat the clock or people start dying. 

 As far as the characters go, I feel no real connection or attachment. Robert Langdon, the main character, is Dan Browns vision of himself, or of who he wishes he was; they share the same birthrate and birthplace.  He is omniscient, he knows just about everything about anything, is never wrong in his theories, and commands respect and honour from everyone as there is none that is his equal intellectually.  He cannot die nor can he be lectured too by other people. 

After three books I find myself tiring of this static character that rarely learns and never grows.   To illustrate my feeling towards him, there was a time in this last book where Robert Langdon appears to die, there seems to be no way he can still be alive.  As I read this I said to myself “Dan, if you actually killed Robert Langdon I would applaud you.”, I said this for two reasons, firstly because it would make me respect him as a writer more showing a little bit realism and meaning, the second because I growing annoyance of Robert Langdon.  The other characters are rather forgettable, with no true character development to be found.  Dan seems to try to attach you to the characters by threatening to kill them, which didn’t work for me, but only offered me false hope.

                The writing style is fairly weak; there are several moments in the book where the characters just stop in the middle of a time pressing chase or when there is great urgency and Robert stops and gives a well rehearsed 10 minute monolog to his audience on what everything means, the history behind it, alternative theories, what that means to him, and what he is going to do because of it. This is all done while a crazy axe murderer is running after them screaming at the top of his lungs (not literally).  But the prevalence of monolog (verbal or mental) and lecturing to Roberts inferiors seems to be Dan’s favourite way, if not the only way that he communicates vital information to his readers.  I often found myself feeling as if I were reading an encyclopaedia, references and all.  I have already talked about the similarity in his books, so I will not discuss it further here though it is a writing weakness of him.

                Despite anything the books may lack they are a good source to learn about conspiracy theories, random facts, and symbols.  They all have value if you want to wade through the speculations and poor drama. 

                Although not knowing much about Dan Brown I feel that I do through his books, I know his religious, political, and ethical values.  I know how he feels about Mason, Catholics, and various other religious belief systems.  Through reading his book you see into the man’s heart and honestly I am not that impressed. 

For those of you who have not read any of his work I would recommend reading Angels and Demons, I like this book the best of the three and it is a worthwhile book to read.  For those who have read one of his books, I would recommend you not read another as it will only disappoint you.  For those of you who have read two books, you probably don’t need my recommendation, only the knowledge that there is no writing difference in his third book.  For those of you who have read all three, my condolences and empathy.

The Da Vinci Code was so successful and well rated because at that point Dan was an unknown author, so those that read it were generally being exposed to Dan Browns books for the first time, but once you have read one of his books, you will find low motivation to preserver through another, and even less for a third.  When you do start one of his books though it is rather like someone who puts a bag of peanuts in front of you, you may not even like to eat peanuts but you do anyhow for some reason.  At the end of this last book I was relieved to start a new book.

P.S. This book will be made into a movie in 2012, right before the world ends(probably the subject of Dan Browns next book), so I would recommend only wasting 2 hours and watch it then instead of 20 hours reading it now.

Musical Equipment Review : Digitech GNX4 Workstation

Hey Guys! This is my first Musical Equipment review, and probably the only one I will do for the next 2 years. I have decided to review my most used piece of equipment in this post, which is the Digitech GNX4 Workstation. The Digitech GNX4 workstation was is a sequel to the popular GNX3 Workstation (which is surprising the sequel to the GNX2 and GNX1!). The GNX series was designed to cut down on the average musicians equipment clutter and to just simply the musicians setup.

If you have ever watched a live performance you undoubtedly see that the guitarist and bass players have several boxes at their feet that they hit with their feet at times. These boxes, known as stomp boxes, are distortions and effects, which are used to alter the tone to their particular preference. Most professional boxes go for $200 plus each, while middle of the road is generally 75-150. Generally a guitarist will have distortion, delay, compressor, noise gate, tuner, Wah, and Chorus maybe a flanger or phaser for novelty, each of these effects connected to each other between the guitar and the amp. Now thats a lot of equipment to setup move and lug around, so many create a pedalboard as seen above. Some companies have started producing "set" pedalboards which have several effects set up and the ability to create presets, the downside is that you cannot add to variety of effects that the company chose to put in the machine, but you have the convenience of having it all in one secure package costing quite a bit less then buying all the effects separately. all combined electronically in a rugged metal box.

The GNX series does not only cut down on the stomp boxes, but also on the amps! Thats right, it models amps and simulates the sound so that you don't need to lug around your amps to every gig, this is known as Amp Modeling, and although it is frowned upon by some who say that its not "real", it provides a healthy alternative to buying several different amps (which can range from $500 or $5000 each).

The GNX series is a combination of an amp simulators, and pedalboard all combined electronically in a rugged metal box.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE GNX SERIES

GNX1

The original GNX1 come out in 2001 with a retail of $499 U.S. The GNX1 included Amp Models, Cabinets, an effects board, Jamman, Rythemn Trainer, and 24 presets, but the real innovation of this unit was the powerful amp warping feature, which is discribed on the official Digitech GNX1 Page as follows:

"The GNX1™ is much more advanced than the conventional amp modeling processors to date. Thanks to DigiTech’s AudioDNA™ DSP Engine and the software power provided by GeNetX™, the GNX1™ allows the musician to literally create their own amp model, their own speaker cabinet, their own signature sound. The GNX1™ provides several of the most popular amp models and speaker cabinets to choose from and GENETX™ provides the tools and technology to “warp” the characteristics of these components together into your own “Hypermodel”. Imagine having the ability to create a completely unique amp/cabinet combination that only your imagination could envision, until now."

1.Product Page for the GNX1
2.Audio Demo of the GNX1

GNX2

The next generation, the GNX2, was released only 6 months after the original and added more effects, stompbox models, an acoutic guitar simulator, more amp models and cabinets, more presets, and a talker effect, added a microphone jack, all once again for around $500 U.S.

1.Product Page for the GNX2

GNX3

The thrid generation the GNX3, was released a year later in July 2002. The new version has surprisingly fewer amp models, but more presets, a drum machine to replace the rythemn trainer, and added a very inovative on bord 8 track recorder, which doubles as a Jam Man, which generally sells from $300-400 US. Also added was a memory card slot. The retail price of the GNX3 was once again around $500 US.

1.Product Page for the GNX3

GNX4

The GNX4, released in 2004, took the GNX3's model to the next level, not adding too many huge new innovations but working off the gnx3 model and adding in the detail, adding more Amps, adding Bass Amps and Cabinets, more presets, they made the GNX unit compatible with up to 2Gig compact disc with allows for more recording time and adding 80 more presets bringing the total number of possible on board presets to 240. They adding a USB connection for studio quality sound recording along with XLR outputs. They enhanced the drum machine to sound better, to include several new drum patterns, or to even make your own, and added the ability to choose from 8 drum kits. The GNX4 also adds better pedal assignment and accessibility. Along with the following software:

Pro Tracks PLUS
Lexicon Pantheon Reverb Plug-in
Cakewalk Pyro Express CD burning
BIAN deck 3.5 SE Mac recording
X-Edit Editor-Library

The GNX4 was designed not to replace the GNX3 but to give some useful utilities and compatibility options, for those who are willing to pay for it. The original price of the GNX4 was around $600 US.

1.Video Demo for the GNX4, Just click the video link
2.Product Page for the GNX4
3.Audio Demo for the GNX4

GNX3000

The next line in the GNX series GNX3000, which employees three times the amount of amp models(43), along with and increase to 25 cabinets models, but loses the the 8-track recorder (and the Jamman feature), also loses the CF card slot altogether, adds some more stompboxes, lowers the amount of potential presets from 240 to 195, and they made it more skexy by having it in black! The GNX 3000 was meant to improve the sound of the GNX series and broaden the stock amp models and sound, but was not designed to replace the GNX4, but rather to provide an cheaper alternative, for those who don't want so many bells and whistles or onbord recording. In reality this unit replaces the GNX3 more then GNX4. The price tag on the GNX3000 is a very reasonable $400 US, making it the cheapest at release of the series.

1. Sound Demo for the GNX3000
2.Video Demo, just click the GNX3000 option
3. GNX3000 Product Page

THE SEARCH

I have gone through 3 multi-effects pedals, the first is the discontinued RP-300A and RP-100, but this unit was my first serious amp modeler. I realized that I am probably never going to be a rock star with thousands of dollars to blow, and as such I would have to resort to either very few amps and effects, or get a pedalboard which gives you a broader range of sounds with a cheaper price tag, so I decided to see what was out there.

When I set out to find a new pedal, I first looked at the GNX series because I was pleased with my previous Digitech products. I started reading user reviews at Harmony Central,watching the video demos, reading and participating in the forums, reading the manuals, and listening to what the average user was making on their pedal. I had the opportunity to try out several other multi-effects, and amp modeling units, such as the leading competitor the Pod XT-Live, which has nice sound which is in my opinion comparable with the GNX4(with tweaking).

Now I won't lie to you, I was taken in by the GNX4 partly because I loved all the accessories and I'm a fool for the "All In One" deals. When I go out to buy something of this magnitude, I usually go for high-end merchandise, and the ones that I think I will be using 20 years from now (though I am not even 20 yet), a 'one-time-fix' deal. At the end of this search there were 2 choices that were really in the foremost of my mind, those were, the Digitech GNX4, and the Line 6 POD XT LIVE.

The overall impression I got while comparing these two units was that for out-of-the-box sound, the best choice would probably be the POD XT LIVE, for recording and studio work the GNX4 was the unit. If your interest in using the pedal as an effects board Digitech has put some cool effects that Line 6 just doesn't have in their model but Line 6 does have a LOT of effects, but not as good of quality if you ask me, I'll call this one a tie. If you were interested in tweaking the sound, the GNX4 was a more powerful unit with the Amp Warping ability, providing endless possibilities in sounds. This is what sold me on the GNX4, I was interested in creating my own sound, creating my own Amp and Cabinet, I was very impressed with the online community and the possibilities, and I was very interested in the Jamman and recording. So finally after months of research, I walked away with the Digitech GNX4.

The GNX4

So now having had this unit several months, and have gotten past the novelty phase, what do I have to say about it?

Amp Modeling

Ok lets get down to the hard facts. This pedal was made to Sound like Amps, you can pick the amp you wish, and then select a cabinet, then you can mess around with the Gain, Treble/Middle/Bass Frequency and levels, Sound is very subjective, and on amp models it is even harder to gauge, you start asking questions like "Is it realistic?", and "Is my amp corrupting the sound?". This unit is meant to emulate a particular amp (or a "new" amp) so the sound you hear is a product of 3 things 1-Guitar, 2-Pedal ,3-Amp, so to have a fair test of the pedal we have to uniform number 1 and 3.

1-So for number 1, to compare you need to be playing the amp and the pedal with the same 2-guitar!
3-As for number 3 you can either plug in the said amp model into YOUR amp, or simply use headphones for the pedal!(make sure the settings are uniform as well, or at least fool around with them to see how close you can get)

Ok so this is done... Does it sound exactly like the real thing? Doubtful, maybe similar, maybe true in some cases, maybe very close in others, but no amp modeler (that I have seen) can duplicate the exact true sound of an amp. But personally I don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars to through around buying amps, and this is a great realistic(enough) alternative. If this was it for amp modeling in the GNX4 then it would be just another pedal, a average unit.

Having said this the power in the GNX4 is that you can "warp" the existing amp models to produce differant models and makes, or to create your own original sounding amp. I think that the GNX series is THE leading pedal for amp modeling, or at least in some regards. Digitech has online sound communities, which is very, very powerful source, you can create and share presets, songs,and amp models. This allows for a collective progression in Amp Modeling, the seeming initiator is a man named mike, who on the community is known as Guitar3456. Guitar3456 studied and analyzed the sound waves and patterns that amps made, and used the GNX4's warping capabilities to more accurately emulate different amps, and improve the existing amp models. He says on the forum

"When users were dismayed early on by the GNX4 basic models and posting their disappointment for firmware revisions (at the Digitech Sound Community), I thought it would be nice to have a huge library (of amp models). The problem was getting the specs to follow the amp which you cannot do with one basic model. So I sampled them (GNX4 amp models) to identify their shortcomings. That's when I decided to sample real amps and compare them using an analyzer. When I pushed further, I found that my GNX4 was awesome compared to other amp modelers (allows you to warp multiple amp models to obtain realistic results). Local guys started coming over for customizing their pedal. So one thing led to another and the Ultimate endeavor came to life. Months and months of work, equipment, rentals..."

He did this on his own for quite a while turning out awesome presets and amp models, he became the heart of the GNX community, until digitech hired him. Now he has been put to work and has with Digitech created 3 "Supermodel Discs" which hold : "

Over 1000 total presets/folders of Amp Models, organized by Mfg/ Amp Type, including patches and custom hypermodels of various settings..best yet, they are easily adjustable. You'll have so much !! There are over 200 model variations and presets just for Marshall

Dozens of Amp manufacturer models and presets. Arranged from A to Z. These include the hypermodels of various settings like Clean, Crunch ( various), Lead (various) and many other of the full feature models as well. Things like Variac, Power Break, Ultra Mode, Modified amp models, Custom amp models, Artist Models, and much more...

Acoustic Guitar and Amp Models of Larrivee, Ovation, Guild, Takamine, Carvin, Peavey and more..

Custom Models of Guitar Amp Cabinets ranging from 8's to 4x12 Stacks. From single series to 1960's ,1960A's ( full stack), Randall, Carvin, Mesa, and more...

Custom Signature Amp Models...Slash, Zakk's Custom 1987 JCM800,

Dozens of Artist preset patches from A to Z. Country, Jazz, Blues, or Rock...in there!! From Classic Page, Hendrix, Trower, Angus, BB, Holdsworth, Methaney, Rockabilly, Chuck Berry, Clapton, Creedence, to hard rockers like Dimebag, Slash, Lifeson, 80's metal and so much more... It get's even better...

Bass Guitar Sims including, Jazz, Precision, Rickenbacker, 5string , and more...

Ultimate Users rewards. This grants you 2 full years of Automatic Updates, new Presets, Amp Models. Users will be subscribed as of purchase date and will automatically receive any future presets, modeling etc via email. How's that for service !!"

Thats not all, currently on the GNX4 community there are 1252 down loadable presets, and
1174 GNX3 presets (compatible with the GNX4), 1095 GNX2 patches, and 803 GNX1 patches, and 450 GNX3000 patches, so all in all on the community alone you can get almost 5000 free presets for your unit.

Effects

Although the POD XT live does have more effects then the GNX4, their quality leaves something to be desired, even in the most basic features such as compressors, and delays. While i am impressed with the variety of effects it boasts, and its effects versatilities I cannot say that I have a great desire to find more effects to employ, I am perfectly happy with the effects given in the GNX4.

The GNX4 effects are as follows:

Flanger, Auto Flanger, Tremolo, Phaser, Auto Phaser, Virbrato, Rotary Speakers, YaYa, Auto YaYa, SynthTalk, Wah, Envelope(Auto Wah), Chorus, Pitch Shifting, IPS(Intelligent Pitch Shifting), Whammy, Talker, Detune, Delay, Reverb, Compressor, Noise Gate, Presence, EQ, Pickup Simulator, Distortion, Overdrive.

Most with serveral variations, versions and customizable options. Overall the I have been very pleased with most effects in this box.

Compatibility and Flexibility

Now when it comes to Flexibility, this unit stands in a class all of its own. Unlike a home made pedalboard the GNX4 is electronically based and connects to the internet which can provide updates, patches, and additional software. The USB and various outputs on the rear end makes this unit compatible with almost any system. And w Also its its various inputs you can record jam session (with a guitar, bass and piano) directly onto the computer in real time through a reliable USB port, so not only is this unit a powerful practice and creating tool, it is also a studio tool. This is a very flexible and compatible tool.

Reliability Durability and Customer Support

The only trouble I can think of that I had with this unit, was that once it froze up and wouldn't change presets, I rebooted it and it worked fine after. It seemed to be an internal error and it did no noticeable damage to the unit. The unit itself is surrounded by about 1/8 inch of sheet metal, the only two concerns I would have, would be that if you dropped it that the board in it would break or jumble something, or that the plastic knobs, though I have never heard of them breaking, if you kicked them with a shoe I'm not sure how they would hold out, other than that this thing is a tank. The customer and online resources are great, they answered all my email within 24 hours, the forum is great, the people seem willing to help.

[UPDATE - December 2, 2010] - Having had the GNX4 for around 4 years I have had two issues with it concerning reliability and durability:

1 - For some reason the on-board tuner no longer displays the chromatic notes (a,a#,b,c,c# etc.) when it shows if the tone is flat or sharp. It does still accurately show if the note is flat or sharp but does not display what the note is, so as long as you are close to the note you can tune it properly. There may be something wrong in the settings that I just don't know about. I think that if I were to format the machine that it would have a high likelihood of fixing the problem but I don't want to do that.

2 - Sometimes it seems that the sound dies down a bit, it sounds almost like there is a annoyingly strong compressor or noise gate issue (though it is not), I'm not sure what is wrong but a hard reset of the system usually works, but this would not do for any live work. Keep in mind that my system is getting older and has seen some rough times, maybe some wires are lose due to it being dropped or shipped.  

Overall

Overall I am very pleased with this unit. It is rather expensive but I believe it is worth it. If it was stolen I would probably wait for the GNX5 or whatever they are planning to produce to replace the GNX4. Once again the stock sound of the GNX4 leaves something to be desired, but with tweaking or even better the supermodel series this unit is extraordinary. For those who compose, play alone a lot, or are interested in recording I would recommend this unit. For those who wish to use this purely for jamming or live use I would recommend the GNX3000, or a cheaper option of the Pod XT Live.

[UPDATE - December 2, 2010] - The GNX4 and the GNX series are not discontinued

Resources

Amp Modeling Comparison
Digitech Homepage
GNX1 Homepage
GNX1 Community
GNX2 Homepage
GNX2 Community
GNX3 Homepage
GNX3 Community
GNX3k Homepage
GNX3k Community
GNX4 Homepage
GNX4 Community
GNX Forums
GNX Tutorials
Line 6 Homepage
Line 6 Forum
Pod XT Live Homepage
Vox Homepage

Musical Review : Linkin Park - Minutes To Midnight

After four years of silence, the band Linkin Park has come out with their third studio album called Minutes to Midnight, a reference to the Doomsday Clock which was instigated by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. The clock gauges how close humanity is to "midnight", were midnight is a large catastrophic destruction of humanity. Originally represented the threat of global nuclear war, but has since evolved to include nuclear weapons, climate-changing technologies and "new developments in the life sciences and nanotechnology that could inflict irrevocable harm. This new album has some deep political and social undertones, which manifests itself strongly in such songs as "What I've Done", "Bleed It Out", and "Hands Held High".

Linkin Park has been called by some “unclassifiable”, or an “undefined” genre, while others classify them as a hybrid, most popularly “Rap-Metal”, “Nu Metal”, or “Rapcore”. Usually though Linkin Park is classified under the very general “Alternate Metal” or “Alternative rock” genres. Linkin Park is a medley of several genres and has a very unique sound, and as such these classifications often seem very limited and inapplicable to this band.

Linkin Parks first two Albums "Hybrid Theory" and "Meteora" both hit Multi-Platinum in the United States and also in Canada and several other Countries. Their new album "Minutes To Midnight" had great expectations to fill, with fans worldwide, notably in the United States, , Japan, The United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Australia, all waiting for the unique band to produce another hit record.

The album was delayed multiple times, first scheduled for summer 2006, then fall 2006, then early 2007, until finally the US and Canada release date was set for May 15, 2007. With the huge fan base, and unprecedented low new-release price of around $15.00, the album was readily received. The album debuted at number 1 in the United States, and many other countries. In the U.S. the album had the biggest first week sales of 2007 thus far, with 625,000 copies shipped. The album hit platinum in the, Australia, Canada, France, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States of America, along with gold in 15 other countries, and has shipped over 3.3 million worldwide, in under a month.

In this new album Linkin Park made and active effort to change their sound. Lead guitarist Brad Delson said about their new record:

“When we initially starting thinking about making this record, in our mind we wanted to try something new”

Their producer Rick Ruben said to them:

“I want you guys to just forget about what the Linkin Park “Sound” sounds like. And just go and just write music and write whatever you like”

Chester Bennington, lead singer said about the new sound:

“We didn’t want to make a trilogy; we didn’t want to make another album that sounded like what people would expect.”

And that is what they did; they rebuild Linkin Park from the bottom up, changing every aspect of their music. As I was evaluating their pre-release tracks and sound, I came across some very confused, angry and intrigued fans. There was one who actually did not believe it was Linkin Park. Their sound has changed so dramatically that it has become barely recognizable.

Right from the start there are dramatic changed in the sound, the familiar heavy distorted sound have been replaced by slightly overdriven soft rock sound, the vocals are much more conservative in both dynamics and tone than their previous albums, what’s more Chester Benningtons’ trademark screams are not to be found oft in their new sound. One element that has been added to the mix, are the guitar solos that traditionally Linkin Park did not perform. This album is also the first album to feature Mike Shinoda singing, rather than rapping, and in fact actually sings two songs all of his own, “In Between” and “No Roads Left” found on the Minutes to Midnight bonus track.

Another element that was introduces, was the use of profanity which has earned this album an ugly “Parental Advisory” sticker on the bottom right of the album cover, this is mainly from rapper Mike Shinoda and his indiscriminate use of the English language, although Chester does swear in his single “Given Up”, they are producing a “Clean Album” so for those who do not wish to hear profanity have the option. Speaking on profanity, their first swear on a CD was found on hybrid theory bonus track “High Voltage” which swear was very minute. Later on, after Meteora, when Linkin Park teamed up with rapper “Jay-Z” who regularly swears in his many songs, it is a great possibility that this experienced prompted the band to discard its previous taboos. Another plausible explanation is that in the great reformation of Linkin Park, and the “play what you like” attitude, that this required removing this creative hindrance. Regardless of the reason in the first track that Mike Shinoda sings, “Bleed It Out”, he sings “Going out of my _____ mind, dirty mouth, No Excuse”, which gives further insight into the thinking of Shinoda and the band on this matter.

With this new change the previous Genres given to the band are now truly inapplicable. Linkin park has changed closer to a soft rock feel with large hip-hop-pop influences, and a subtle a classic rock undertone.

With Linkin Parks investigation of genres many fans have said that they lost themselves. And truly is seems that they have lost their “old” selves. In a few songs you can hear that it really is Linkin Park, such as “Given Up” which holds pretty much true the old Linkin Park sound, and in “Bleed It Out” which has raspy vocals, heavy rapping, and a distorted guitar. “What I’ve Done” the flagship song for the album also has a great similitude of their old albums, which this song was incidentally the last song they wrote on the album. But for the most park the casual listener could easily pass up this album as mainstream music and would not recognize who wrote it, as I have seen on several occasions.

OVERALL (3.90)

Overall the album turned out very well, although there are songs on it that really suck, there are also songs on there that are really great. This album is getting many negative reviews, but these reviews are not objective, they are judging Linkin Park harshly because of the fact that they changed, and “sold out” to get more money, or to get on the radio, or whatever the case may be. Now this may be true, but the fact is that they are still making good music. If you listen to this album with preconceived notions of what Linkin Park is, you will probably be disappointed. As one put it “Good, but it won't scratch your Linkin Park itch” which is exactly what it is. If you’re looking for another hybrid theory or Meteora, you will be disappointed. Although I was hugely disappointed with this album at first, it grew on me, and to tell you the truth, now that I look on for what it is instead of what it isn’t I can objectively compare it to similar groups. Maybe Linkin Park isn’t as original as it used to be, maybe they sold out a bit, but they sure as heck create the best music in the genre even if I would prefer it were a different genre.

-BREAKDOWN-

WAKE (3.25)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

--Lyrics----------Composition---------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

-(N/A)-------- ----------- ------------- -------------

Lyrics: No Lyrics

Composition: This introduction instrumental starts with swelling and chimes, and progresses to include drum, bass, and guitar, vamping chords. This then fades out into the next songs intro . It’s a nice intro, but not anything that you will remember.

Innovation: Nothing shocking here, and pretty much basic for Linkin Park.

Relevance: The song evokes some urges and makes you feel something, which is what a song should do, overall good.

Musicianship: Nothing that the musicians do, surprise you or makes you looks, very basic.

GIVEN UP (3.7)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

Lyrics------------Composition---------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

-----------------------------------------------------

Lyrics: Very basic lyrics, about being trapped inside yourself, about hating yourself, looking to break loose of the monotony and looking for help, one song like a million others. It’s also noteworthy that this is their first song they swear in, and the first every Chester swears as a member of Linkin Park.

Composition: Starts out with a nice fresh beat, and the some nice rythematic belted chords that gets your head jumping. Then gets into some very “real” chords that brings you to a new level. Vocals use good melodies and interesting chorus line. Though later on the song seems to take a detour to some very metal roots which is very well inserted though did not exactly fit.

Innovation: Some very different rhythmic patterns, and points for blending genres and the metal detour, original.

Relevance: Despite the somewhat dull lyrics the feeling gets across, and you can feel the emotion.

Musicianship: All in all it’s a fairly simple song, but not too simple. The only things that may turn heads are the vocals, and the uncharacteristic beat for the genre.

LEAVE OUT ALL THE REST (4.3)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

--Lyrics----------Composition---------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: Very interesting lyrics, a change from the average songs. An optimistic song with pessimist undertones makes you think and feel, which good lyrics always do.

Composition: Starts out similarly to Wake, but better, has some very nice vocals and the chorus has some harmonies that require the listener to feel something. Overal a very good sounding and feeling song.

Innovation: Not overly original save the lyrics which are very nice. The overall sound is not mainstream but it is not too shocking either. The lack of depth is made up by the quality of harmonies and lyrics.

Relevance: Defiantly makes you feel sober, has a serious feel to it, which makes one think of a variety of topics. Death, posterity, legacy, purpose, and several “big” questions.

Musicianship: The use of synthesizers and electronic instruments gives composers a very unique style of song to look at. Also they include stringed instruments, along with the classic rock and roll instruments and some very liberal percussion instruments.

BLEED IT OUT (3.7)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

--Lyrics-----------Composition--------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: The meaning of these lyrics are in dispute by many, some say that he is talking about the making of the songs. While others take a more literal interpretation of the song talking about the war, although they still do not agree on all the lyrics. Whatever it actually means, it is lost in the song but the fact that I can mean different things to different people is a good lyrical skill, though lack of clarity is not. Slightly below average lyrical content.

Composition: Very basic composition thought the Rap-Rock feel does add depth. The clapping and screaming also add new dimensions though not necessarily positives. All in all the song is slightly above average feel, something you may get stuck in your head.

Innovation: Once again the Rap-Metal-Rock blended feel is somewhat innovative and the sound itself is rather unique and new.

Relevance: The chorus makes you feel like rocking out, but the feeling will likely not be memorable and easily forgotten. Nothing someone is going to obsess over, or change their life over as many of their previous songs have done.

Musicianship: Average, but the addition of clapping which is not found in rock or metal if a very innovative and liberal move on Linkin Parks part.

SHADOW OF THE DAY (3.6)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

--Lyrics----------Composition---------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: Very simple Lyrics, About lack of motivations and departing from old ways/friends/lovers, very short lyrical content but decent input.

Composition: Decent musical structure, once again swelling music, chimes, and soft vocals. The vocal range and dynamics are fairly impressive and the overall feel of the song is very nice. Good melodies and something you can easily get stuck in your head.

Innovation: Not very original, but not un-original, just a very standard song, although the electronic element adds a bit to the song.

Relevance: Not a very meaningful song to most, but it does make you feel lingeringly happy.

Musicianship: Nothing special done in this song, nothing overly outstanding in a musical perspective, but not too dull.

WHAT I’VE DONE (4.1)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

Lyrics----------Composition-----------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: Simple lyrics, but very thoughtful and impressive, taking and insight into not only themselves but society and culture. As their flagship song it really does have a greater depth and meaning then most songs.

Composition: The song just feels important. Its full of regret and somberness, a firm solid song that tells its listeners that it’s time to change. It brings the listener into the fight, into the raw energy of the song and directs them to the cause. Also has very nice harmonies and musical aspects, simplistic but complex.

Innovation: Not overly original in the composition or the vocals but the feelings evoked defiantly have a very innovative feel to them, regardless of what this is attributed to.

Relevance: Very relevant and political, a necessary song for the day.

Musicianship: Some good examples here, the notable use of the turntable, the heavy political topics, and the cry for action.

HANDS HELD HIGH (4.6)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

--Lyrics----------Composition---------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: The lyrics on this song are good, the first verse is decent and gets progressively better, but the second verse is truly above ordinary, and successfully communicates the meaning to you.

Composition: A very well put together song, very simple but it is what the songs calls for, very nice harmonies and drum line.

Innovation: Very well done, controversial in lyrics, fresh in a musical light introducing several different aspects into the song, some very original ideas.

Relevance: This song strikes close to the heart, I have talked to people who have cried when they first heard it, it’s defiantly a song that says something and I feel the power every time I hear it. One of the more meaningful and well put songs of our day.

Musicianship: Good on Linkin Park to work a soft rap song, with singing and musical elements, defiantly a point on interest for artists, though nothing that hasn’t been seen before.

NO MORE SORROW (4.2)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

--Lyrics----------Composition---------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: I was impressed by the lyrics of this song, very good, meaningful and mature.

Composition: A powerful feeling song, very metal roots, a nice suiting scratchy voice, and an obvious anger. The harmony of pre-chorus is brilliant and the chorus itself fits great. The very metal interlude is a bit over the top though.

Innovation: Moderately innovative, not something you would confuse for another song.

Relevance: Very relevant and meaningful. Another anti-bush, anti-Iraq song, but some good points made in it.

Musicianship: Nothings really shocking in their musical content, nothing that an artist would really pay attention to.

VALENTINES DAY (4.1)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

--Lyrics--------Composition-----------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: Good lyrics in this song, very repetitive at the end, but that is an effect used by Linkin Park, this sound is about lost love, and the lyrics seem very sincere, and contemplative.

Composition: The sound of the song Is very different then not only mainstream but also from their previous songs, with some unique aspects. It may seem simplistic at first, but a deeper listen reveals an array of instruments all playing beautiful harmonies,

Innovation: A very unique setup for a song, and overall it employs a very interesting set of instruments, and has a unique feel.

Relevance: Very relevant to many who have experience such things, I would almost dare to say all.

Musicianship: With a new musical template like this one there are eyes sure to look further then the standard song formula that every band and their dogs use.

IN BETWEEN (3.4)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

-Lyrics-----------Composition---------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: The lyrics are somewhat weak, all about the overly sung about lost trust, and looking for redemption. It’s not new for mike or Chester to sing about and I’m sure we can expect more to come. Side note is that this is Mikes first time actually singing in a song alone.

Composition: Very simplistic and almost sickening in its repetitiveness and predictable nature. Not unbearable but not something that I would listen to twice in a row.

Innovation: It defiantly sounds different, so point there.

Relevance: To me he doesn’t sound sincere and I don’t believe him.

Musicianship: I don’t think that many people will look to “In Between” and musically revolutionary.

IN PIECES (4.3)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

--Lyrics---------Composition----------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: Interesting lyrics, open to many personal applications, but centralizes on a person who doesn’t tell the truth, one who toys with emotions, Very deep lyrics and meaningful.

Composition: Good musical composition, similar to their other songs, but has some gems in their music. The verses have a certain romance but the chorus is where this song shines, the powerful raspy chorus and emphasis on the key words.

Innovation: A very good song with a unique feel even from the rest of the CD. It has Great use of syncopation and vocal harmonies.

Relevance: A very relevant song for many, who hasn’t had deceits tear something apart. A very moving song.

Musicianship: Its interesting use of music and details make this and interesting study for fellow artists.

THE LITTLE THINGS GIVE YOU AWAY (3.8)

(Song) (Music Video) (Lyrics)

-Lyrics-----------Composition---------Innovation-----------Relevance----------Musicianship

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Lyrics: This song has some political and social lyrics, and although the lyrics are at some points are narrow and seems shallow overall they are good.

Composition: Keeping with the album the music is very simple with large detail taken into the every note, good harmonies and melodies, witch a rare guitar solo, and some different rhythmic beats.

Innovation: Defiantly different then mainstream, but doesn’t stand out next to some of the other songs in the album.

Relevance: Very relevant as the political topics are now a days, but not as clear-cut as some of the other songs.

Musicianship: In this song Linkin park does push a few limits on modern music and use some techniques usually not employed, but pulls it off.