As for the bros not condoning drugs- how do you explain the star guitar lyrics??

alborada, on 22 May 2010 - 03:32 PM, said:

I'd rather not say anything

alborada, on 22 May 2010 - 06:32 AM, said:

It's up to ones imagination!

inchemwetrust, on 23 May 2010 - 12:09 AM, said:

This might be said in jest, but this is one of my favorite things about their lyrics--the meanings they take on are highly subjective. Depending on how many times one listens to the songs and how long one ponders the lyrics, you can arrive a much more personal (and so great) meaning!

taking drugs - is bad thing! don't do this!

androidgeoff, on 16 May 2010 - 11:24 PM, said:

same thing

what they're looking for, can be found through...

alborada, on 22 May 2010 - 03:32 PM, said:

but then the lyrics to Do It Again and Pills Wont Help You Now seem to be anti


but maybe they're just anti bad quality drugs...

I was going to comment on this early on but then decided not to after whirly's initial post because she spoke volumes. It is important to consider those around you in all of your decisions, and sometimes one may think they have control when they don't. I respect her story and believe many people are hurt by drugs in the long run, either directly or indirectly.

That being said, marijuana has an unusual stigma, particularly in American culture. Tobacco is an addictive drug, yet it is legal. Alcohol is an addictive drug that often leads to violence and or deaths, and yet is a huge part of our sporting and nightlife economy. Caffeine is a highly addictive drug and is openly sold to our children. Marijuana isn't even physically addictive, and yet it can hold higher conviction penalty than some violent crimes. It is sad that I have not seen it's legalization in my youth, and though we are getting closer, I wonder if it will happen in my lifetime.

We all know the benefits, both medically and in leisure. Although it is not physically addictive, I do believe it can become an emotional or mental addiction, and moderation is key. For myself, I have found the correct balance over the years and find it to suit my personality much more than alcohol. Barring prescribed drugs for the occasional medical issue, I've never consumed any "drug' that was not naturally harvested from the Earth. It sounds like a hippie thing to say, but cannabis, 'shrooms, and even beer are items that are part of our surroundings, and I feel no shame in supporting the occasional use of them. I also recycle, refrain from littering and do what I can to teach my kids about the environment; you can't preach one and not do the other.

I think it is garbage when I hear about the "gateway drug" theory. People with addiction issues are going to move on to harder stuff whether they try weed or not. Genetics and personality are responsible for addictions, not a little pot. Based on this theory, lotteries should be outlawed as a gateway for gambling addicts, who may progress to the (ironically LEGAL) act of losing all their cash in a casino. People with addictions need help and restraint and a good support system, but all the prohibition does is make it more dangerous for the responsible users; it does nothing to curb or treat those with more serious issues.

One day my kids are going to ask me about this and I will likely tell them the truth, or at least find a clever Obi Wan Kenobi way of avoiding a lie. Most of my opinions are based on the decision making process of adults, not the impulses or pressures of teenagers. It is a bridge I don't want to cross but will soon have to. I can only do my best now to help them with informed decision making and make sure they always have all of the facts going into a situation. I can already tell which kid is a follower and which thinks for himself, and I will tailor my talks accordingly.

Regarding electronic music, I do believe it and some other genres do lend themselves to, well, a higher state of consciousness. For The Chemical Brothers specifically, why do we need to draw conclusions? They are human and test life just the way we all do. Sure, it is hard to argue the names Dust Brothers/Chemical Brothers don't conjure up some imagery, but they have grown in 15-20 years just the same as all of us have. I have never felt they promoted or denounced the use of drugs in conjunction with their music, although I think it is highly unlikely they typically design every track specifically with a high in mind. These guys are in their late thirties, one with kids. They may not want to change their name, but that doesn't mean they want to continue to be associated with drugs regardless of their personal opinions; they probably want to be respected as artists, and like it or not, said association can be a detractor. The bottom line is this; they are human, they mature, they make decisions that are their personal business and give us the gift of their genius, no questions asked. That is enough for me. If it is not enough for others, then perhaps they should consider all of the "artists" in the music industry that have had issues, gone to rehab, or died as a result of drug use. In 13 years of being a fan, I have never heard of a negative incident combining The Chemical Brothers and drugs.

In response directly to sirbadgelot, whirly is again correct, you're being a little hard on yourself. This album could very well be a highlight of your year, and that should be a good thing. No need to stress over it, although in a sense it is cool that you regard this as an important decision. Do what comes naturally. You can't make the wrong decision; the album will always be there for you to dissect. As we've seen with previous releases by our boys, there are always sounds and patterns to discover in their music, no matter how many times you've heard the track, stoned or not. They're good like that.

For me, I do have a plan. In the past I would run to the record store, rip open the package and throw it in my car audio to blast it on the ride home. Not this time. This time I am taking a proper listen, start to finish, no interruptions. And I will be under the influence. The first weekend of the release I'll have my office dark and quiet. I'll put the kids to bed and tell wifey I'm gonna need an hour or two of headphone time. Then I'll access my tiny stash of the goodie goods and put a smile on my face, feet on the desk, and headphones on my head. I have a date with The Chemical Brothers, and I plan on being relaxed....

It's all relative. Drugs are different for different people. Some people can handle a shit-ton while others can't handle any at all. Some can only handle them during certain parts of their lives and others can get by doing them over and over again through out the years. There is no simple answer or logic behind the question at hand.

I did my share and am very happy I did. They worked for me and introduced me to an open-minded-ness that I would have otherwise not obtained. I cut off the raciest tendencies that were programed into me during my childhood and I understood human kind and music as well...in/on a more dynamic and deeper level. Drugs offered a new and different filter to see and to also hear the world. I believe they made me a better person and regardless, they made me who I am today. ...but at the same time, I have seen friends have the exact same experience at the same time..only it ended up snowballing into something that shut them down...something that closed them in and held them back. As I said..it depends on each person.

With that said, on a musical level, drugs do indeed provide a new element. They do provide a listening perspective that cannot to be obtained within sobriety. I will never forget my first time hearing The Chemical Brothers...hearing Exit Planet Dust...hearing Leave Home:

We had been experimenting with acid for a couple years at that point. A group of teenagers...all linked by a unique(compared to the other teens we knew) love and passion for music. We were into punk rock, hardcore, ska and at that point some of the old school acid bands. We would take a few hits and listen to Hendrix and a lot of Pink Floyd. One night, right after I graduated high school, we all went to a friend's house to party. We took some hits of this crazy acid called "Comic Strip" and the madness began. We listened to the usual play-lists and then my friend put in EPD and Leave Home came on. I was blown away. I had never seen sound-color before. I had never heard bright reds and vivid blues before. I recall telling my best friend "I can see the music...I can see the music." And I could...and I have been able to ever since that moment. We listened to Leave Home at least 20 times that night...I dunno..a shitload. It changed my life forever...it changed my perspective forever. I would like to say that it would have been the same if I had been sober, but I just can't. I don't think it would have.

...and...with that said. I don't do LSD anymore, but new Chemical Brother tracks blow me away. Swoon has been a sober track for me and I love it...deeply. I have shared that love in my schoolwork and in my personal art work as well.


rambling point: to each his own...to each his own during his own specific life phaze and moment. don't be afraid to go deeper and do be stupid enough to drown yourself.



ramble ramble ramble romble romble romble.


ladies and gentlemen, mind bending chemicals. <--I don't think they were talking about 3rd grade science class

this topic is EPIC... should have instructions to LSD and Salvia Divinorum (mmmh)